Disclaimer: Same as before.

Epilogue…

"Ryu?" She was holding her emotions in, wanting to be sure that that was him. Sure enough, the figure had gotten close enough to be recognized.

"Chun-Li."

"Ryu. It is you! You're alive!" Chun-Li instantly ran out and embraced Ryu, who hugged her back in return. She held on to him tightly before backing her head away. "I knew you were alive. But how? What happened between you and Gill?

"Well, it was a long fight. I never fought so hard in my life..."

Flashback...

HADOKENNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SHHHRRRRRRAAAACCCKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The tremendous power of the two attacks created a blinding light. Nevertheless, Ryu kept going. "I will survive. I will survive! For her, I WILL SURVIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The energy increased and a gigantic explosion resulted. After what felt like time frozen, the light faded away. Ryu remained where he was, almost completely strained of energy. The blue-white aura around him was gone as well as the glowing blue eyes and the TEN symbol on his forehead. Before him, was Gill. His body was no longer glowing red and blue as before revealing his true dark skin. His eyes however remained green. Ryu moved to him and Gill turned to him.

"It didn't have to be this way."

Gill nodded, "No. This was the...only way. My journey has finally reached its end."

"Your journey?"

"Yes." Gill stared into the sky, "I was like you once. Generations ago, I walked the same path as you have. I journeyed for ages, seeking an answer. For ages, I thought that the way was to help humanity. But my plan turned into ambition and thus my dream became...different."

"It is not wrong to try to help others. You just needed another chance."

"Heh, you are a warrior. A heart as strong as your strength. I watched your fight against the demon. You were near death, but you pulled through. It was for that woman, was it not?"

"Yes, it was."

"Thank you. Now I...truly......understand...the answer. You must...go. The island...won't last..."

"No. I must get you to safety."

"Even now...you would...seek to help...me? You truly...are the one. Let the remaining fighters...learn what you know now. And thank...you...for showing me."

Gill raised his arm and sent out a small pulse of energy that knocked Ryu away.

"Live, Ryu.......Live......warrior......ughhhhh."

Present...

"Chun-Li. I learned so many things over the past few days. But most of all is how much I care about you."

"Oh, Ryu."

"I been wanting to say this for a long while. I love you, Chun-Li."

"........"

"What is it?"

Chun-Li looked down, while still holding on to Ryu. "It's just that...All this time, and all I can think of right now is that I forgot to give you your present."

"My present?"

At your birthday. I wanted to give you something special. I know it was a week ago, but I still have it with me."

Oh, you didn't have to..."

Yes. I do. Now more than ever."

Slowly, Chun-Li brushed away the few bangs in front of Ryu's face. Then she slowly moved toward him and lightly touched her lips to his. It was a while before she moved away.

"I love you too, Ryu."

On hearing those words, Ryu smiled softly and returned the kiss. They embraced for what seemed like eternity. But unbeknownst to them, they were being watched.

"It's about time."

"Ryu? It's him! He's alive!" Sakura began to run out, but Ken held her arm.

"Wait, Sakura. Give them a few more minutes."

"What are you...?" She then looked back and realized the situation. "Oh, what was I thinking?"

"Heh, you weren't."

"Hey!"

Years later…..

"Again."

"Ha!"

Again."

"Aw, come on Sakura. Can't we take a break?"

"Hmm. Well it has been two and a half hours. Okay, five minutes Mikoto."

"Arigato, Sakura." An older Mikoto left the dojo and sat down on the grass outside to rest.

"Hey, Sakura. How's it going?" From the other end of the dojo came Sean and Elena. Sean was holding a load of boxes.

"Sean, Elena, hiya!"

Elena smiled, "We were just stopping by. Eliza and Ken took us shopping. It was a blast."

Sakura then looked over to Sean, "That would explain all the boxes Sean is holding."

"Yeah, but it's alright. He can handle it, right?"

Sean struggled, "Sure thing, Elly. No...ughh, problem."

"Isn't he a great boyfriend? Speaking of which, how are things going between you and Kairi?"

Sakura smiled, "Well, I'm supposed to meet him for dinner tonight. He went out to spar with Ryu."

"Looks like you spoke too soon. Here he comes now."

Kairi walked in from the back of the dojo. His pants were full of grass stains and dirt. "Kairi, what happened?"

Kairi grumbled, "I don't think I'm going to spar with Ryu anymore. After awhile, he gets serious."

Sakura came up to him and massaged his face, "Aw. Well that what you get when you face the master." She lowered her voice and spoke softly, "Does it hurt?"

"A little." he said softly, his face getting red. Sakura smiled more at the effect.

Chun-Li walked in, "Well it looks like everyone is here. Hello guys."

"Hi, Chun-Li."

"Do you know where Ryu went?"

Kairi pointed to the back, "Yeah, he's over the hill by the waterfall."

Chun-Li put her hands on her hips, "Of course. Where else would he go and take him?"

Waterfall.

"Huh?"

A leaf fell from the tree. Ryu reacted to grab it, but missed it.

"Ha, I'm not even close. I can't even predict where the leaf will fall. As long as there is breath in me, I will continue to fight."

"Aggahh."

Ryu turned and walked over to the little sound that came from a little basket on the floor. In it was a little baby boy.

"Yes, little Shinji, you can help me when you grow up a little."

"So there you two are." Chun-Li came out of the shrubbery and into the clearing.

"Sorry to worry you."

"No, it's no worry. I just panic sometimes when he's away. Mother's prerogative."

"Well don't worry too much. I'll always be here to protect him. Father's prerogative"

"Of course. Well, come on. Dinner is ready."

"Alright. Doesn't that sound good, Shinji?"

"Gurgglleahhh!" Ryu picked up the child and latched the bundle on his back.

Chun-Li teased, "If he does become like you when he grows up, I won't be able to make enough food anymore."

"Heh, let's go. Oh, I forgot to tell you something."

"What?"

Ryu suddenly held her and kissed her firmly. "I love you."

"I love you too." she smiled

"Ahhahh."

Chun Li laughed and tickled the child with her finger. "Yeah, we love you too, Shinji."

"Come on."

The couple joined hands and walked away, to resume their life together. As they did, Ryu thought to himself, I will always be a warrior and as one, I will fight to protect the ones I care about. It is the way a warrior, a person should live by. He looked at his son. And I will make sure to teach you that, Shinji, my son.

: I hope you've enjoyed this fanfic. It took awhile to make, but I think it's worth it. I wonder what I'll make next time. A DBZ/ SF crossover? Or maybe a Tekkaman/Gundam Wing crossover. Oops, I've said too much. Well, until next time. Sayonara. (Picks up duffel bag and walks into the moonlight.)