Disclaimer: I don't know why I keep writing these. You already know it.

Chap. 18

So you are the challenger? I'm surprised a child like you made it this far.

............

No words? I understand that. You are eager to fight the King of street fighters, so I won't hold you back from what you want. What is your name?

Ryu.

So let's begin, Ryu.

_______________

"Gill."

Before Ryu standing in the place where Akuma once had been was Gill. He looked the same as before with one exception. Six energy wings were fully extended out of his back, giving him his cherubic appearance. Gill gazed at the warrior before him.

"You have done well, Ryu."

"What do you mean?"

"You have defeated the demon and allowed me to erase his existence. He was the last of the dark elements."

"Dark elements?"

"Yes. I can not create paradise if evil exists within in."

Gill raised his arm. "Many dark elements have come and nearly threatened my plan. Bison, Garuda, as well as many others. But none more dangerous than Akuma. While the others were defeated, Akuma still remained. I was going to fight him myself and destroy him, but I did not know what his full potential was. So I had to find out."

Ryu's eyes widened, "That was the reason for the tournament. To get him there and find out, isn't it?"

Gill nodded, "That is one reason. But the true purpose was to finally gather the fighters on the road of light, toward paradise. When they were all united, I will cleanse the Earth of all and only the strong ones, the warriors would remain to begin anew."

"What?! You can't do that. You do not have the right!"

"You dare say such words? Humanity is dying. I have existed for generations and have learned that humans are weak. However, some had the potential to rise above that weakness and can ascend above normal humans. Today, these exist as the world warriors and street fighters. For that time, I realized that if only they lived, then humankind had a chance to become something greater. But not if they are being held back by the weak. Thus I decided to wipe clean the earth and let the strong live to ascension. As the god of fighters, I and only I have the right to do such."

"No. No human being, no matter how powerful has that right. You say that the weak hold us back. Who are we to say who is weak? Granted, we may be different and stronger than most people, but that doesn't change anything. The weak, as you call them are what makes warriors fight. Protecting people that can't defend themselves or the ones you love is the sole purpose of fighting. It is the way of the warrior." He glanced at Chun-Li. "The way I have recently rediscovered myself."

"Is that so? Well then, show me. Show me this purpose of fighting that rises above survival."

Ryu turned to Chun-Li and Sakura, "Listen you two. You must leave here at once."

Sakura shook her head, "No, we can't leave you here alone."

"But you must. I need to fight him without worrying about what might happen to you two."

But we can handle it. Right, Chun-Li.

Chun-Li was in thought. He said to protect the ones he loves. He's doing that right now.

"Chun-Li?"

"No Sakura, Ryu is right. We should go."

Sakura stood with her mouth open, but then sighed, "Alright. But you better not die on us."

Chn-Li agreed, "Please, make it through this."

Ryu's eyes met hers. But this time, it wasn't the uncomfortable moments they have had before. Now it was full of meaning and of hope, and something else that Chun-Li only glanced at.

Love

"I will."

Taking Sakura by the arm, Chun-Li turned and began to walk away. When they disappeared from sight, Ryu turned to Gill. "I'm ready now."

 Gill raised his hand and his wings spread open.

"Then let judgment be pronounced."