Chapter 9
The Match
*Two days later. The day of the contest. Sunday. 2pm. *Exterior The Dojo of Rindo-Kan. Tosa region Japan*
The day of the match has arrived and word of the fight has spread far and wide across the globe. Chun Li had the right to decide the location of the match after wining the last event. She was going to pick the shopping district in Taiping Road but it's always so busy there so it would be hard for people to get a good view of the match. Plus it's kind of noisy there. This place is better Chun Li thought to herself.
The match is about to begin. Several aluminum bleachers have been set up for the crowd to sit in. Everyone from the paintball match is in attendance. Plus Makato, a dozen of Makato's teenage students, Half a dozen reporters from God knows where, Juri Han, Sagat, Zangief, Rainbow Mika, F.A.N.G, Vega, and Dhalism. Everyone is wearing their usual attire.
Ryu and Chun Li are standing by the bleachers Sakura gets up and whispers in Ryu's ear. Ryu is wearing a black kasaya (robe) while Chun Li is wearing her blue qipao. "Shouldn't we worried about some of the people who have shown up to watch this fight. Like for example the second in command of Shadaloo, one of the leader of Shadaloo's body guards and not to mention the friggin leader of S.I.N!" Sakura Shuddered.
"They're just here to watch the fight. They'll probably be very interested in the result. I don't think they would try anything funny especially with this many people around. Bison is probably not to far war either with his henchmen around. Chun Li and myself are more than capable of handling any situations arising right Chun?" Ryu granted. "You'e right but you should definitely not let your guard down. All of these people are highly dangerous and can't be underestimated" Chun Li evaluated.
The "questionable people" have formed their own little group about 60 yards away to the south out on a grassy field. Vega is trying to get cozy with Juri while she is giving him a death stare. F.A.N.G. is rolling his eyes at Vega.
F.A.N.G is making odd facial expressions. He starts singing "walk like an Egyptian" while doing the dance and pose. He's also looking at Juri and pointing a bottle of poison in his pocket. Soon F.A.N.G suddenly disappears from view and hides by a nearby tree about 40 yards away to the east. He then takes out some binoculars that were in his coat to watch the ensuing fight.
Meanwhile Juri tricks Vega into getting some flowers for her (she struggles not to throw up in her mouth while saying this) and then disappears herself and hides 40 away due west by a nearby large bush. Vega sighs and sits by himself in the grass watching the match. "Whatever. She lacks elegance or was it subtlety. I don't know. I'll worry about her later. This show is finally going to get underway". Vega proclaimed as he picked up his own pair of binoculars which we were in the grass on the ground next to him. After cleaning the binoculars with a small cloth in his pocket Vega peers into them and focuses on Chun Li and Ryu.
*Camera cuts to Chun Li and Ryu who are standing about 20 yards away from each other*
"Are you ready for this?" Chun Li challenged with a confident grin. "Bring…it on" Ryu replied with a cocky smile.
*Camera pans to Makato who is standing just outside of her Dojo entrance*
"San, Ni, Ichi….Hajimeru!" Makato shouted as Chun Li and Ryu begin their final battle to decide the challenge series.
*Camera cuts back to Chun Li and Ryu*
After five seconds of standing still in guarded poses they run towards each other. The reporters take pictures of this scene fight with their cameras and phones*
The fight starts slow Chun Li gets a Tenshin Shushu and Rankyaku to Ryu's Somersault throw and Mind's eye.
*Camera moves to Juri*
"Come on guys you're boring me". Juri Han whined to herself. "You guys better turn up the heat. Everybody came here to see a good fight". Makato assessed with a slight frown as her students looked at her and the crowd clapped mildly in agreement.
*Camera cuts back to Ryu and Chun Li*
"We better give the people what they want or they'll get restless". Chun Li illuminated. Ryu nodded affirmatively. "Right" Ryu returned. Chun Li took the initiative with Ensenbu (after dogging Ryu's Axe kick) Tenkukyaku and finally a Spinning Bird Kick. (Some cameras go off during her kick) While Chun Li is spinning toward Ryu he inadvertently catches a quick glimpse of Chun Li's undies. As a result he freezes for a moment then blushes bit. Due to this he is late in his attempt to doge her kick and is hit in the head once and in the chest twice.
"Come on Ryu! What was that? You're better than this. You should have been to able to block that at least partially. You blushed too?….Did you see my underwear? Ryu are you turned on right now? It that what this is? You're letting me kick your ass. Oh my God. You're some type of masochist. Wow this is ridiculous. I don't how I feel about this. I love you but that's not my style". Chun Li gasped. Ryu then turns a bit red. "Hey wait a minute you have me all wrong. I'm not into that stuff either" Ryu dismissed (although Ryu is slightly turned on by seeing Chun Li's underwear he tries to stifle his gun)
"This isn't the time for this". he whispers to himself. "Did you say something? What's the problem then?" Chun Li challenges slightly and nervously. She's interested in hearing Ryu's clarification. "It's just this is kind of hard for me right now. We haven't fought each other in a street fight in so long. A lot has happened since then and we've both gone through so much. We've both changed so much for the better. You've gotten so stronger and right now I'm fighting the strongest and most beautiful woman in the world…. *Ruy pauses for five seconds* To tell you the truth the whole thing is a little overwhelming for me".
Chun Li turns beet red. and takes a deep breath. After five seconds she responds "I know what you're trying to say. I love you too Ryu but this isn't the time or the place for this conversation right now. I will say though I feel the same way you do. I can't wait to finish this fight and see where our journey takes us from here. However that's the future. This fight right now is the present. Now put your game face on Ryu we're having a street fight here. Give me 100 percent and fight me. This is the last match in the contest. Make it a good one. No regrets no matter what happens. May the best fighter win" Chun Li declared.
Ryu ponder over her words for a few moments. "Right. Time to kick it up a notch and get this show on the road". Ryu decreed. "You two love birds can get a room latter. Now hurry up and fight!" Dan berated as Sakura gave him an irritated look which he didn't notice as he was looking at Chun Li and Ryu "We are. Shut up Dan". Ryu and Chun Li spat back in unison as Dan rolled his eyes and huffed to himself. For once the clown is right though Sagat thought to himself. "Let's go!" Sagat exclaimed as Ryu and Chun Li bowed and resumed their fight.
Soon Ryu found another gear and took the edge with Hashogeki, (while blocking Chun Li's Kiosho) Collarbone breaker, Solar Plexus Strike, Hadoken and Shoryuken. Chun Li countered with Hakkei, Souseikyaku, Rankyaku (but Ryu evades it) and Kikosho but Ryu was able to partially block about half of her attack. They continued to trade back unique attacks and specials for a while but it seemed like Ryu was blocking or evading most of Chun Li's attacks. After about 7 minutes (the timer is on infinite for this match) Ryu has about 60 percent percent of his health or energy remaining to Chun Li's 30. Sensing that her back is proverbially up against the wall Chun Li does a literal jump off a nearby tree evading Ryu's three Hadoken onslaught. Chun Li then gets Ryu with a Kikosho, Koshuto after getting in close, Spinning bird kick and finally a really impressive Hoyokusen to get Ryu down to just 33 percent.
"What did you think of that? Pretty good huh? Chun Li bubbled with a small sigh. "Impressive but you haven't won this yet". Ryu interposed. Ryu uses a somersault throw which she evades. "Is that all you got?" Chun Li cackled. Ryu then unleashed Jordan Sanrengeki, Thrust Strike, Mind's eye (Chun Li evades this) Tatsumaki Senpukyaku, Isshin and an insane Shinku Hadoken which Chun Li miraculously blocks most of Ryu is at 33 percent to Chun Li's 5 percent. Chun Li is severely slowed and feels shooting pains in her chest and legs but she manages to compose herself enough to try to battle back.
She connects with a Hazansyu, after narrowly avoiding a Shoryuken. Chun Li follows it up with a Kikosho, (Ryu evades this) Yosokyaku, Kikoken and finally a Hoyokusen which Ryu only partially blocks bringing Ryu down to about 20 percent.
After all these attacks though Chun Li appears noticeable out of breath. However Ryu knows this an act as Chun Li has first class stamina snd there's no way she's just going to collapse unless I knock her down. Ryu pretends to play along gives a feigned half hearted Shoryuken but be misses exactly where he wants to. Chun Li takes an evasive maneuver and goes 20 yards west as expected as Chun Li is taking her bee line Ryu uses another Mind's eye which he narrowly misses. She then goes for Kikosho but Ryu blocks it. After she takes a breath from delivering the attack Ryu takes her out with a direct hit to the chest from a Shinku Hadoken.
*All the reports cameras and phones go off capturing Ryu's finishing blow*
"Aaah nooo!" Chun Li groaned as she fell to the ground. "Ugh. I almost had you". Chun Li cringed as she clutched her chest. Within a few moments she lost consciousness. The crowd stood silent for moment and then thunderous applause rained down. "What a match. That was an incredible" Rainbow Mika quipped. "What strength. What power". Zangief praised.
The reporters rush over to Ryu to get his thoughts on the match. Some take out microphones and while others take out notepads or cell phones to get a statement from Ryu. "What are you thoughts on the match?" a middle aged man of medium height and build asked. "It was a great match we both fought really hard. Chun Li is an amazing first class fighter. I love her to death. I know she know she's ok I just can't really focus till she gets up and I know for sure. I really want to cherish every moment I have with her because well you never really know what life can throw at you. Every day is a gift and you never really know what's waiting for you around the next corner". Ryu remarked.
"Who are you going to fight next. Where do you go from here?" a young female reporter asked. "I really want to enjoy the present and all of my friends and loved ones. I'm sorry but I'm not commenting any further pretty soon Chun Li will be back up and want to be with her". Ryu declared as he started to walk away towards the dojo entrance. The reports pleaded with Ryu to answer more questions but he refused and walked inside the dojo and closed the door. After knocking on the door for a few minutes begging for Ryu to come out and getting no response the reports finally gave up and left.
*Camera cuts to Juri Han by the bush*
Juri Han licks her lips. "You fought well China doll but not quite well enough. She looks she's in good shape though". Juri cackled to herself with a devilish smile.
*Camera passes to Vega in the field by himself*
I thought Ryu would win but I didn't think it would be that close. Chun Li has gotten noticeable stronger since leaving Interpol". Vega granted.
*Camera Cuts to F.A.N.G*
This is indeed very interesting. Hey who am I talking to.. I'm all by myself. Well everyone is doing it. Monkey see monkey do. Monkey see monkey do. Ha. They are both highly skilled fighters. Definitely have to give them that. I have to put that into consideration. I know that. But I didn't know they were indeed this good". F.A.N.G. alluded to himself.
*Camera moves back to Ryu and Chun Li*
After about 10 or so minutes Ryu comes out of the dojo and is waiting with the group by the bleachers. Chun Li begins to stir her and begins to slowly blink her eyes. Some of the crowd has dispersed however Makato, her students and the gang from paintball and Sagat still remain and are sitting on the ground about 20 yards away.
"She's waking up. I didn't think she would be up this soon". Sean granted. "She'll be ok right?" Ryu queried the group. The group nodded their heads vigorously in concord. "As you know she's the strongest woman in the world. Highly skilled and very tough". Blanka concluded. "Go to her Ryu. Let her face be the first persons she sees". Dhalism boasted. "Unless she gets a glimpse of Sagat's ugly mug". Dan grumbled to himself. "What was that?" Sagat asked not hearing all of what Dan said. "I said I hope she sees Ryu first and not some ugly bug". Dan divulged. "Oh was that it". Sagat figured while musing over Dan's statement.
*Camera goes to Ryu walking over to Chun Li*
Ryu is holding the weakened Chun Li in his arms. "Well I got my wish you gave me everything you had. I'm glad…although I wish I didn't hurt this much". Chun Li yelped. "Sorry. You told me to give you 100 percent. I wasn't going to go easy on the strongest woman in the world. I knew if anyone could take it you could. You could go into the next battle undeterred. You never back down from anything. I've know for a long time that I needed a strong woman by my side. I'm so happy there's none stronger, kinder and more understanding than you are. I'm so lucky to have someone like you as my girlfriend let alone in my life". Ryu sniffled while he is holding back tears.
Chun Li begins getting very teary eyed herself and is fighting away many tears. "Ryu you're always so emotional you turn this contest into…into despite loosing one of the best days of my life. I can't remember the last time we had this much fun. We've been going out for about a year now and since we've become serious with each other every day we've had together has been an adventure and I don't want it to stop". Chun Li wept. "Why does it have to stop? You said yourself the fight was the present and you couldn't wait to see where the journey takes us. Will the fight is over. The future is now and that journey is just beginning. We're going to spend the rest of our lives together". Ryu runs under a nearby bench where there is a small duffel bag. He unzips the bags and takes a small case out of it and then zips the bag shut again. "Oh my God Ryu don't tell me that's what I think it is?" Chun Li gasped. "I couldn't think of better moment than out here with you after an amazing fight in front of all of our friends…and Dan. I'm kidding. I mean all of our friends. Ryu chuckles as Dan rolls his eyes. Ryu continues There's not a better moment than this to ask you to be my wife and my companion for the rest of my life. There's no one I'd rather have by my side. There is is truly no one stronger than you. You're simply the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life". Ryu proclaimed while moping away several tears.
*Camera pans to Dan*
"Eeew gross. I think of going to barf from all of this mushy crap" Dan jibed. "Shut up Dan" everyone but Chun Li and Ryu snapped back. Ryu runs up to Chun Li and opens the case revealing a pretty expensive looking diamond ring from Kay. He then gets down on one knee. "Of course it's a yes. I've know for a long time as well. I've know that the only person for me was you". Chun Li professed as Ryu puts the ring on Chun Li's right ring finger then closes the case and puts it in his robe. Then Chun Li and Ryu share a deep passionate embrace and kiss.
"Awwww" most of the crowd exclaimed in response (save for Dan, Sagat and maybe a few others. "I'm really happy for you guys. Congrats. I wish you a lot of luck but I'm late for a karate class now" Makato confided as her and her students went inside the dojo. Ryu and Chun Li nodded happily still hugging as everyone proceeds to congratulate them. "Congratulations! That was a great match you guys have to do this again some time. Maybe after the wedding and honeymoon". Cammy marveled. "Chun your ring is so beautiful" Lei Fen beamed with a big smile as she ran up to hug Chun Li and then shook Ryu's hand. "I'm so happy for you both. You guys make such a great couple". Li Fen soothed.
"Well I have to admit you guys are pretty good fighters. I mean you're not as good as me. But hey who is? There is only one Dan Hibiki (Thank God for that Ryu mumbled quietly to himself) Anyway you guys will be great together. Um together there's nothing the two of you can't do. When you put your heads together…I'm uh…I'm uh really happy for you guys". Dan remarked with a small smile. Chun Li and Ryu couldn't help but blush mildly. "Thanks Dan" Chun Li and Ryu replied in unison as everyone cheered. Later after Makato's class they all went out for dinner to a Chinese restaurant to celebrate Ryu and Chun Li's engagement. They decided to split the food bill.
The End
Note: In the future I'm planing on doing a follow up story or at least an epilogue that takes place after the contest.
Stay tuned