Last Time: Guile and Chun Li had the unfortunate task of telling Li Shoran who Bison was and what he had in store for Sakura. Sure enough, in the Shadaloo jet, Bison was having Sakura brainwashed. Meanwhile, Madison and Kero stumbled out of the Shadaloo jet and began their search for a nearby town to find out where they were. Li went to see Meilin in the hospital while Guile and Chun Li went to a nightclub to look for the one person who could help them. Unfortunately, Guile's temper only found them…Zangief.


Plucking a Cherry Blossom: Part 7


Scene: A Downtown Nightclub

Perspective: Chun Li

Chun Li groaned as Zangief grabbed Guile by the throat and tossed him into a table. Guile struggled to get up and Chun Li saw that the angry Russian clearly wasn't finished.

"You idiot!" Chun Li shouted to Guile. "You just HAD to open your big mouth, didn't you?!"

"Hey, he pushed ME!" Guile shot back. He motioned to Zangief to bring it on. "Come on, is that all you got?"

Guile had something in mind, but Chun Li knew about Zangief. He was a renowned fighter and wrestler back in Russia and made his reputation wrestling grizzly bears…and winning. So she wasn't surprised that when Guile smashed a bottle over Zangief's head, the big Russian didn't even budge.

Zangief rubbed his head. "What for you have to smash bottle over my head, comrade? I am insulted. Now I must break you into tiny pieces, da?"

Guile couldn't take a hint. He tried to punch Zangief in the stomach, but it only got his attention. Zangief grabbed Guile and body slammed him through a table. He then picked Guile up and held him upside-down. Chun Li didn't like what was coming. Zangief leaped into the air and unleashed his spinning pile driver. Guile's head hit the ground with a sickening thud and Chun Li had seen enough. She grabbed a wooden chair and cracked it over Zangief's back. That didn't do too much good, either.

Zangief turned around. "You smash chair over my back? Is there not better way for you to stand up for boyfriend?"

Chun Li almost retched. "He is NOT my boyfriend! I'm standing up for my partner! Now back off before you get hurt!"

She was courageous, but Chun Li knew this was ultimately futile. Zangief just shrugged every blow off and began to approach Chun Li. Knowing there was no turning back now, Chun Li tried one of her lightning fast kicks. Unfortunately, Zangief caught Chun Li's leg and lifted her up in the air.

Chun Li still tried to look like she was in control, despite being held upside-down. "I'm warning you! Put me down! Or else you're just going to get hurt!"

Zangief was ready to toss Chun Li like a rag doll, but someone came to her rescue.

"Put her down!"

Chun Li looked over to see someone in a white fighting robe and a red headband carrying a duffel bag had come to her aid…seemingly. It was him. The one they were looking for. It was Ryu.

"This does not concern you," Zangief growled.

"This isn't necessary," Ryu said. "You've done enough, now put her down."

"Mind your own business!" Zangief roared.

"Very well then," Ryu said calmly. He walked over and kicked Zangief in his hard stomach, making him drop Chun Li…on her head. Chun Li rubbed her head painfully and watched as Ryu stood face-to-face with the very steamed Russian.

"You've just sealed your fate, comrade," Zangief said menacingly.

Ryu wasn't shaken. He had accepted challenges the world over, he wasn't afraid of a Russian wrestler. So Ryu began by throwing a hard jab across Zangief's face. The punch hit hard, but Zangief shrugged it off and grabbed Ryu. He tried to suplex him, but Ryu shook himself off the Russian's grip and jumped onto his feet. Ryu rushed over and kicked Zangief in the chest, sending him a few steps back. He wasn't shaken, though, so Ryu continued his assault. He jumped up and kicked Zangief in the face and then gave him a roundhouse kick in the gut. He tried to punch the Russian repeatedly in the face, but Zangief got a second wind and grabbed Ryu. He set up for a spinning pile driver, but Ryu delivered a headbutt that sent Zangief back. Then Ryu stepped back and he braced himself to finish it.

"Hadoken!"

Ryu threw a huge fireball that sent Zangief flying into the nightclub's wall, finally putting the big Russian down for the count. Chun Li was amazed at the awesome display and immediately knew that, without a doubt, this was the man they were looking for.

"Is that him?" Guile asked.

Chun Li nodded. "That's our man."

Seeing the fight finished, Ryu picked up his duffel bag and began to casually make his way out. But Chun Li grabbed him by the shoulder and stopped him.

"Look…thanks," Chun Li began. "I…could've had him, but it's a good thing you showed up when you did."

"Don't mention it," Ryu said calmly. He tried to walk out, but Chun Li stopped him again.

"You…you're Ryu, aren't you?"

Ryu nodded.

"I'm Chun Li, I'm an agent for Interpol. This is Colonel William Guile, Special Forces. Ryu, we need your help."

"I'm not interested," Ryu shrugged. "I'm not interested in working for the government."

"Like we need you, anyway," Guile muttered under his breath. Chun Li gave him a kick in the shin. "OW!"

"It's not that," Chun Li told Ryu. "We've encountered a very powerful enemy whom we thought had perished. I believe you may have thought the same thing. His name is Bison."

That got his attention. "Bison? He's alive?"

"I'm afraid so," Guile answered. "He's been in Hong Kong and he's kidnapped a girl with some magic cards. We know that Bison's a force as it is, but if he harnesses the power of these cards, then he may be unstoppable."

"That's why we need your help," Chun Li added. "You're the only one who's been able to defeat Bison. At the point we find Bison, we're going to need you to help us take him down once and for all. As much as the colonel here won't admit it, with Bison, his henchmen, and these magical cards, we're outmatched. Will you help us?"

Ryu seemed reluctant. "I'm not sure. From what you say, I'm not sure what I'll be getting into. I don't know what I'm going up against."

"What's the matter?" Guile asked bitingly. "I thought you traveled the world looking for challenges. Does it get any more challenging than this?"

That seemed to have struck something in the warrior. The bold accusation that he was backing down from a challenge was enough to convince him. But he still seemed reluctant and Chun Li almost couldn't blame him. There was no telling what they would be facing.

Guile wasn't giving up, though. "If you're not doing it for the challenge, then do it to save the girl. Do it to save the world."

Ryu still didn't say anything. He was pondering everything. The challenge. The girl in distress. The fate of the world. The consequences of leaving Bison loose. Finally he spoke up.

"It is said that all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. I cannot stand by and allow evil to triumph. I will help you."

Chun Li smiled and shook Ryu's hand. Then she looked at Guile. "I guess that's it. We're all set."

"Except for one minor detail," Guile pointed out. "We don't know where Bison is!"

"We will find Bison in time," Ryu said. "In the meantime…I need to learn more of my opponent. What are these cards you speak of."

"Don't ask me," Guile muttered. "I'm still trying to figure that out myself."

"We'll…take you to someone who can tell you," Chun Li said. "His name is Li Shoran."

Scene: The Fields of ???

Perspective: Madison Taylor

Madison felt so tired. She had been walking for the whole night until the crack of dawn. She almost collapsed and desperately ached for a chance to rest her weary feet. So she finally gave in fell to the ground. That's when Kero flew out of Madison's pocket.

"Madison, get up! I see something!"

Madison slowly got up and looked out into the distance. It was a street. And not far from that street was a town. It was a town. Madison finally made it. She made it into town. She got an adrenaline rush and ran towards the town, without stopping, as Kero tried to catch up to her and fly into her pocket.

Finally, Madison made it to a small shop. The fruits of her labor had paid off. Madison rushed into the empty shop and looked for anyone. There was only a clerk, so Madison walked over to the clerk.

"Excuse me," Madison said timidly. "But I'm lost. Can you tell me where I am?"

The clerk scowled. "You don't know where you are? You're in Bangkok. How could anyone not notice they're in Bangkok?"

Madison gasped…then nodded. "T-Thank you."

She walked out and looked out into what had to be Bangkok, which she knew was all the way in Thailand. She couldn't believe she had gone so far. But now that she knew where she was, she knew just what to do. She pulled out her cell phone and began to make that long distance phone call to the Li family home back in Hong Kong. The phone rang…but to Madison's dismay, there was no answer.

"They're not there," Madison said grimly.

"We'll call them later," Kero said. "We have to go back. I'm worried about Sakura."

"I am, too," Madison admitted. Then she looked out into the field and made a horrible realization. "Kero! I lost the trail! Where did we come in from? Oh…I can't believe it! I had to do one simple thing and I blew it!"

Kero stuck his head out. "Don't beat yourself up, Madison. I think there might be a way."

"What is it?" Madison asked.

"I can still feel the Clow Cards that Sakura's holding," Kero explained. "We just have to follow my sense." Kero closed his eyes for about half a minute. Then he opened them and pointed out into the field. "That way!"

Madison started running and following the directions given to her. If the guardian beast's sense was accurate, then Madison would find the jet and she would find Sakura. But she couldn't do anything. All she could do was wait until somebody got to the Li family home…and then Madison could call for help.

Scene: The Field Outside the Shadaloo Jet (12 Hours Later)

Perspective: Sagat

The brainwashing was finished. From the agonizing screams that came from the girl, it was evident that Bison still had it. And now it was time for a demonstration. They all stood outside the jet and Sagat waited to see if all this was worth the trouble.

Bison stood next to his new follower, Sakura Avalon. Sagat couldn't wait to see this.

"All right, Sakura," Bison said gently. "It's time for the demonstration to begin. Now…why don't you take out that key of yours?"

Sakura nodded. "Yes, Lord Bison." She reached in for a small key. "Key of Clow. Power of magic. Power of light. Surrender the wand. The force, ignite. Release!"

A circle of symbols appeared at Sakura's feet and her key turned into a large wand which she skillfully took in her hand. Sagat wasn't impressed. It might have been a mere parlor trick.

"You still doubt her, don't you, Sagat?" Bison suddenly asked.

"I haven't seen anything to show me that this was worth the trouble, Bison," Sagat said bluntly. "I haven't seen anything that says this…girl is the key to reviving Shadaloo."

"Then let me show you more," Bison grinned. He looked at Sakura. "Sakura, use Fiery."

Sakura pulled out one of her cards. "Fiery Card! Release and dispel!"

A huge flame shot out from the card and came straight at Sagat. He quickly ducked the flame and turned around to see that it had ignited a tree. Sagat was in shock. He never expected such a small card to hold such power.

"Amazing!" Balrog marveled.

"It's unbelievable," Vega added.

"There's more," Bison smirked. He turned to Sakura again. "Sakura, put out that fire. Use Water."

"Yes, Lord Bison," Sakura nodded. She reached in for another card. "Water Card! Release!"

That card released a blue spirit that splashed onto the tree and put out the fire. Sagat looked on wide-eyed. He was seeing it, but he still wasn't believing it.

"Impressive," he finally said.

"Oh, there's much more," Bison said proudly. He looked at Sakura again. "Sakura, I think it's time for these demonstrations to…intensify just a little. Use Wood." He winked.

Sakura smirked evilly and took out another card. "Wood Card! Release and dispel!"

Sagat looked on as another spirit went into the ground. At first, nothing happened. But then the ground underneath him began to rumble. Several branches formed under Sagat and they began to rise from the ground underneath him. Branches rose up into the sky, taking Sagat with them. Bison was on the ground cackling.

"Bison! Get me down from here!" Sagat called out.

Bison grinned towards Sakura. "You heard the man. Use Float."

"Float Card! Release!"

Sagat felt a force overtake him. He suddenly found himself floating over the air. But then, Sakura recalled the Float Card and Sagat was still in the air. So he fell to the ground and hit with a thud.

Bison stood over Sagat. "Convinced?"

Sagat got up and suddenly realized just how powerful these cards really were. "With these cards…and their mistress at your control…you can…no…you WILL take over the world. There is no doubting it. No one can stand up to that kind of power."

"And that's just a small fraction of the power the Clow Cards contain," Bison responded. He looked at Sakura again. "Sakura, use Time."

Sakura didn't move. She just…started sweating. Sagat didn't know what to make of that.

"Sakura!" Bison growled. "I said use Time!"

Sakura stuttered. "I-I-I don't have Time, Lord Bison."

"WHAT?!" Bison demanded. "What do you mean you don't have Time?! You're the Clow mistress! You're supposed to have ALL the Clow Cards!"

"I'm sorry," Sakura said softly. "But I couldn't capture all the Clow Cards on my own. Someone else has the other ones."

Sagat was confused. "Someone else? But I thought SHE was the only one. Who else could have the other Clow Cards?"

The answer hit Bison first. "Li Shoran. Her…boyfriend. The direct descendant of Clow Reed. HE must have the other ones! We're going to have to go back for him, too!"

Sagat didn't like the sound of that. "But the Interpol agent's there! And so is the Special Forces agent! And I don't think the Li clan will be unprepared again."

"You make a valid point," Bison sneered. "There must be some way to get the rest of the Clow Cards."

Just then, a sound came from behind one of the bushes.

"AH-CHOO!!"

The sneeze wasn't very loud, but it was still a sneeze. Someone was snooping around here. The assassin, Katrina, moved towards the bush at lightning speed and pulled someone out. It was a long, dark- haired girl, about the same age as Sakura.

Vega seemed to recognize her. "It's you. You're the one I saw back in Hong Kong."

Bison approached this girl. "Who are you?"

The girl dodged the question. "What have you done to Sakura?!"

Bison grinned. "Sakura, come here a second."

Sakura walked over to this girl. The girl was trembling and was worried for her friend. "Sakura! What has he done to you?"

"Do you know this girl, Sakura?" Bison asked.

Sakura shook her head. "I've never seen her before, Lord Bison."

The girl gasped. "Sakura! You have seen me before! It's me, Madison! I'm your best friend! Sakura…"

"It'll do you no good," Bison said. "She doesn't know who you are."

The girl, Madison, was in tears. "What did you do to her?"

"That's none of your business…Madison," Bison sneered.

"Shall I dispose of her, Lord Bison?" Sakura asked.

"That won't be necessary, Sakura," Bison said. "I think she may prove very useful. Especially since she has…this."

Bison reached into the Madison's pocket and pulled out a cellular phone. Sagat realized what this meant. Bison was ready for another ruse.

"Dial the Li family home," Bison ordered.

Madison refused. That's when Bison started to get angry.

"Sakura! She's being insolent. Show her what we do to those who are insolent."

Sakura pulled out another card. "Sword Card! Release and dispel!"

Sagat looked on as Sakura's wand transformed into a sharp, deadly sword. Sakura walked over and held it at Madison's throat.

"I suggest you change your mind," Bison growled. "She won't hesitate to do anything I say."

Madison finally gave in. "Ok…I'll call."

Bison grinned. "Good. Sakura, recall Sword." He handed Madison phone. "Now DIAL!"

Madison, still mortified at seeing the effects of Bison's brainwashing, began to dial the phone. Sagat was almost sorry he doubted Bison's tactical genius. Everything was moving along perfectly, and it wouldn't be long before Bison held all the Clow Cards. And when that happened…world domination wouldn't be far behind.


Next Time: Madison is forced to dial that number. So what happens when Bison makes a phone call to the Li family home? Find out next time!


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