Disclaimer- I do not own Street Fighter. But then you knew that already.

Chap. 5

"Ah ha! Here you are... don't move!"
 
"What do you want?"
 
"I've always wanted to challenge you!"
 
"Are you worthy? Show me your moves.
 
"Alright, but I'm not going to hold back."
 
"That's good to know…what was your name?"
 
"Sakura. Sakura Kusagano."
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It was mid-afternoon and the group was still in the mall. As predicted, the women were in the lead chatting while the men were in the back holding loads of packages.

Ken nearly slipped, "Whoa. Come on ladies. Can't we get a break?"

Both women turned, "You sure know how to spoil a ladies fun, Ken." Eliza spat out, but then she asked Ryu, "You've been awfully quiet. Do you want to rest?"

Ryu struggled, "That…would be wise."

"Okay."

Ken frowned, "Wait a minute. You listen to him and not me?"

Eliza faced him, "Of course. Ryu's the honest type. If he says you need a rest, then you need a rest. I still don't trust you after your last charade. "

Ken groaned, "Aw, come on! I said I was sorry a million times. What more do you want?"

"Hmm. How about another million times?"

Chun-Li interrupted, "Let's head to the food court. We can rest there. Whew, I never though shopping could be so tiring."

Eliza smiled, "Yep, it's a dirty job, but someone has to do it."

As they walked, Ryu remembered what Eliza said about him being quiet. This was normal for him, except this time he was quiet because he was constantly watching Chun-Li. The girl was always smiling and laughing and it made Ryu glad to be there. Even if he had to carry loads of boxes for it.

__

In the food court, everyone sat down to eat their lunch. Especially Ryu, who was wolfing down the food while everyone else watched.

Ken hid a smile, "You know you're going to choke one of these days if you keep eating like that."

Ryu swallowed, "Don't worry. I'll be fine." Ryu took another helping of food to his mouth and chewed away."

Ken held his hand out, "Ladies and gentlemen. My friend, the world's best eating machine."

Chun-Li giggled at the sight of him. It was funny seeing him this way. She was used to his quiet, serene personality. But all of that seemed to melt away when it came to food. And cute too.

"Hello, guys."

Coming toward them was Sakura, Karin, Elena and E. Honda. The girls were all carrying purses of some color as they walked toward the group. Karin had aged a bit as well, nearly the size of Sakura. Elena was the youngest of the group, but she stood at the same height. Edmond hadn't changed much, aside from the different clothes. He was carrying a couple of packages.

Chun-Li waved, "Hey guys. Come sit with us."

As everyone took a seat, Ken chimed in, "So they got you roped in too, Ed?"

E. Honda sighed, "Yeah. I don't know how though. I was just walking around, minding my own business when I ran into these three. They said they needed someone to help them shop and they… 'convinced' me to come along. Who would have though girls wore so much stuff?"

Elena chimed in, "Don't complain. You lost fair and square."

Chun-Li perked up, "Lost?"

E. Honda sighed again, "They challenged me to a fight. I slipped and they beat me."

Karin pointed at him, "Hey! First off, there was no 'they', it was me. And second, you didn't slip. You tried to sweep and I avoided it. So stop being a sore loser!"

E. Honda frowned, but sat down, "Anyway, I was heading to a little fight in the area, and…"

This caught Ryu's attention. He stopped eating and asked, "A fight?"

Sakura looked at him, "Uh, oh. You've said the key word."

E. Honda continued, "Yeah, a small competition is being held and I decided that since I had nothing better to do, I'd grace everyone with my presence."

Ken smiled, "I sure they'll notice."

Ryu inquired, "When does it begin?"

Edmond smiled, "In about an hour? Thinking about joining up?"

Ryu thought for awhile, "Yes. It has been awhile since I've been able to test my skills."

Edmond smiled again, "Alright. Then that means there will be someone there to give me a decent fight."

Elena looked at her watch, "Oh, Well I have to be going. I'm supposed to be meeting some of my friends soon."

Karin stretched, "Yeah, I'd better go too. Come on, Ed. All you have to do is carry them to my limo and you're free."

E. Honda jerked up, "Really? Well then, let's get going. See you at the fight, Ryu."

Ryu waved, "See ya."

The three of them walked away, leaving Sakura with the others.

Eliza stood up, "Well, I think that's enough for today. So we can head back as well."

 Ken got up, "Alright. Let's get a move on it then."

As the group arose, Chun-Li couldn't help noticing that Sakura always seemed to be around when she and Ryu were together. Was there something going on? No, I'm imagining things. She then saw Sakura hold on to Ryu arm as he lifted the packages. Or am I?

__________

Okay, that the end of this chapter, but before I cut off, I believe that I should inform everyone that there is going to be a Ryu/Akuma battle in this. I'm sorry, but that's just how it is. Just as Ryu and Chun-Li are destined to be together, Akuma and Ryu are destined to have a final battle. But I have something a little extra, so don't leave just yet. You might be surprised. So until the next fanfic.

Sayonara, for now.