Disclaimer: Same as before

Chap. 17

Ryu. One day, you will be on your own. When that time comes, always remember what I have taught you.

Yes, master.

And above all else, always remember the fight and what each battle teaches you, for you will grow strong by it. Eventually, you will discover the answer to the question.

What question, master?

What do you see beyond your fist?

_________________

Akuma looked down at the event that took place with amazed awe. Standing before Chun-Li was Ryu. But he was different. He had a massive aura of energy around him and winds encircled him. His eyes were closed and Akuma landed on the ground.

"So...once again, you survived the Shun Goku Satsu."

"........."

"Do you think you can still fight me and win, Ryu?"

"........"

"Answer me, boy!"

Ryu said nothing. He just remained motionless. Akuma charged at him and let out a fierce punch. But in the last second, Ryu caught the fist inches away from his face. Akuma struggled to get out, but Ryu's grip was tight.

"Do you know fear, demon?"

Akuma stopped struggling and looked up at Ryu's face and what he saw put him in shock. Ryu's eyes were open and they now glowed in an intense blue. Also, his headband had a kanji on it. A blue kanji which was TEN was on his forehead. Ryu looked at him with a cold expression.

"You will."

In a blur, Ryu's fist hit Akuma's gut. Akuma gasped and reeled back. Never in his life had he been hit so hard. Nevertheless, Akuma remained calm.

"I see. So you have finally awakened. Shin Ryu."

S. Ryu said nothing as Akuma continued, "Now my skills will be tested to the full."

Akuma suddenly blared with red energy and fired a Shakunetsu Hadoken to which Ryu parried. Ryu then arched his arm back and energy began to fill it. Chun-Li moved away from him as he did so.

"Hadoken!"

A fireball flew out and Akuma prepared to jump over it. However, Ryu wasn't finished.

"Ha!"

A second projectile came out of the other hand and it hit Akuma down. Incredible. Not only can he use the Hadoken with one arm, but he can use two of them. Akuma got up and evaluated Ryu. He's gotten a mastery over a few of his techniques. Let's see how far it goes.

Akuma jumped into the air and Ryu followed. The titans clashed in the air and hit the ground. Charging at each other with untamed fury, the warriors battled fiercely, creating shockwaves with every blow. But this time, it was Ryu who was dominating the fight, employing his new skills to batter Akuma. Akuma's rage grew. I am at my peak. How can he be causing me so much trouble? The thought distracted him and Ryu slammed his knee into Akuma's solar plexus. Akuma looked at the white warrior and saw a way to beat him. Ryu let out a roundhouse kick and Akuma vanished. Ryu looked up as he saw Akuma falling down like a comet, his arm ready to strike down. Ryu stood there for a brief moment and then stepped back, allowing Akuma to shatter the floor. Akuma was pissed. But that didn't make a difference when Ryu's fist blazed with awesome energy.

"Denjin Shoryuken!!!"

Ryu swooped forward, in Shoryu-Reppa-like fashion with his fist charged with energy. Akuma managed to put a block up, but the power and force of the attack ripped right through it. Akuma was completely overwhelmed by the attack as it carried through him. Akuma fell down with a sickening thud and all he could think of was that never in his life has he been so completely overwhelmed by anything. His glowing white hair diminished and the red hair returned, only it was dull now. Akuma was beaten and he knew it. He couldn't even pick himself up now. Ryu walked over to him and lifted him up.

"Finish...it."

Ryu kept a neutral gaze and Chun-Li almost thought that he would. But Ryu simply let Akuma fall back to the ground.

"You have been defeated. No more is necessary."

Ryu then turned and walked away from Akuma. Akuma heard every word and he didn't like it one bit. No. I am the master of the dark arts. I have the full power of the forbidden techniques. I am the master of the fist. How could he have defeated me? No, I won't accept that! I won't accept his mercy!

Akuma arose in a purple aura and he raised his arm in the air. Power began to fill it and the whole island seemed to shake. Ryu turned back around, unafraid.

"I can't allow you to defeat me. I will destroy everything to do so!" The shaking increased.

"Kongou Kouretsu..."

Akuma's open palm became a fist and he prepared to smash the floor. But all of a sudden, a white light shone upon Akuma and he screamed. The light intensified and Akuma's body began to disintegrate. Akuma began to disappear piece by piece as Ryu and the others watched. Eventually, Akuma had faded away to nothing. The demon master of the fist was no more. All that was left behind were the beads that used to be around his neck and they were burnt severely. Ryu then looked up and the light came out of the clouds. A figure descended, also bathed in the light. The light disappeared and Ryu found himself facing a familiar person.

Gill.