Well, here is the next chapter. I personally think it's crappy, but
I waited too long to finish it. For those who read the previous chapter
before I updated it, I have discovered the names of the characters whom I
named Pidge and Maxus. Pidge's name is George Giznu, and the character I
named Maxus is Matthew McCoy, but they still have no stories (nor do any of
the Delta Red members).
Beautiful Stranger (part 4)
Electricity ran through the figures body as it hit the ground. The wholes in its chest made the floor visible. Vega took off his mask and shook his head at the weak opponent. "Robots hardly make up for real humans."
Bison floated down into the cage. "But Blade was my best robot, and he couldn't even touch you."
Vega continued. "The robot was predictable and had too few of moves. Not your scientists best effort." Vega then walked off, pressing a small button in his hand to raise the cage. He was now the third in command in Shadaloo, behind only Bison and the ugly Sagat. This enraged Vega, who couldn't see the beast Sagat as Bison's second in command. This was the response Bison wanted. He wanted Vega to prove himself to Bison.
Bison walked beside Vega. "I assume the preparations are complete?"
Vega continued to walk. "Yes, the girl has betrayed the plan perfectly. They have no idea that we know they are coming."
Bison laughed. "The poor wench doesn't even know that the beacon is inside of her. She betrays every piece of information she receives."
Vega continued. "Yes, even in betrayal Cammy is useful."
Bison smirked. "She isn't the only one who is useful after betrayal."
Sagat, who came to report to Bison, stopped Vega. "The prisoner is secured, and we are fully prepared for our defense tomorrow."
Bison nodded. "Very good Sagat. Inform Balrog that training has ceased for the day. Tomorrow we crush the infidels who stand in our way."
Vega smirked. "The ugly shall die. I will kill them with my own hands."
Sagat continued. "As long as I get my revenge on Ryu."
The trio stood, ready for what Interpol was about to bring. They were ready for their futures to be sealed.
Commence the attack
The helicopters landed on a smooth patch of grass about one hundred miles from Shadaloo. That was as far as they could get. The boats that were left there the previous week awaited them. Cammy got on a boat with the rest of Delta Red, except for Ginzu, who rode in the lead boat with Guile and Chun-Li to help take out the computers. It was an uneventful boat ride and no one talked. Every one was anxious about the attack, but the trip by boat was very fast, for the first gunshots were heard about forty-five minutes later. These shots flew past the boats and struck the water beside them. A voice sounded over the radio. "Looks like they knew we were coming. Keep your guard up." It was Chun-Li's voice. Wolfman readied his gun and Lawanda unsheathed her sword. They still had around fifteen minutes of travel left, but they already knew of the fight that was about to commence. Cammy was pacing nervously back and forth, at times looking at the driver with impatience. Suddenly, he began to speed up. The bullets were raining down on them from automated turrets, which lined the river. Ginzu hustled to get a satellite connection with them, but the boats were moving too fast. The hulls of the boats were dented with bullets. In one final measure, Ginzu tapped into the boat itself. The radar dish could be seen moving up top, and the turrets stopped shooting, for lack of a target on their radar. The stealth had worked great and they only had to worry about the manpower of the base for the moment.
"Get ready, we are about to hit ground." The driver yelled and they got ready. The boat was one of the last to hit the shores and it flew for several feet in the air until it hit the ground. Gunfire was everywhere around them and shots from their own soldiers could be heard. Colonel Wolfman opened the hatch and bullets shot off the metal cover. He fired back at the soldiers at the stronghold entrance. Lawanda and Cammy cautiously but quickly left the boat; Cammy fired back as Lawanda waited for the wave that would get close. Maxus accompanied Wolfman in firing at the soldiers. A door opened and a large wave of soldiers advanced on the group. Cammy couldn't see the others, but saw the door begin to shut. As Lawanda slashed a soldier, Cammy rushed toward the door. She spun and made it under the door just before it close. There were several soldiers under the gate, breathing heavily. Chun-Li, Guile, Ryu, Ken, and Edmund Honda were among them. Her Delta Red Comrades were still outside.
The Gates of Trial
Guile motioned for them to move forward and they slowly made their way down the long hallway. Guile and Honda were leading the group. The group moved cautiously. There were two foot soldiers just directly behind Guile and Honda, but the rest of the group lagged behind them. They stopped when a metal wall cut off their path. They were sealed in the hallway. "Is this a trap?" Honda asked looking around. Guile shoved the wall and found that it moved easily. Honda and the two soldiers joined him. They pushed it just far enough for a laser to shoot up behind them. That triggered five more lasers, all parallel to the first. The four men were trapped on one side. The wall slid away into the ground and what appeared to be an arena stood before them. The soldiers ran to the middle, but no one, save a large hologram wall, was there. Guile and Honda slowly walked to the middle. The group behind them was careful not to touch the lasers. Cammy and Chun-Li were huddled with the rest of the soldiers, a group of about five. Ryu and Ken stood back to back, prepared for the worst. Bison looked down on them secretly, laughing at them. He pressed a button and two more holograms appeared in the arena. The middle one contained Bison's face, but it wasn't moving.
Guile had to restrain from launching a sonic boom at it. "Where's Charlie?" He demanded to know. Bison laughed at this request. He pressed another button and a similar metal wall shot between the groups behind the laser. Ryu and Ken tried to push this one, but it wouldn't move. Cammy and Chun-Li were trapped against the laser. The floor beneath them started to move, then disappeared completely. Cammy, Chun-Li, and the soldiers all fell toward what lay below. They landed in a similar arena, but this one was covered by a cage.
A demonic laughing could be heard in the back, causing Cammy to shudder. "Vega" She said to herself, shying away from the cage that separated them from the arena.
Ryu and Ken had dealt with a similar situation, but their floor started to rise. They ended up in an even larger arena. But this one had no special marks save the holograms which appeared on all three floors. They had no soldiers to assist them, but they knew well the foe they were to face.
The Golden Gloves
Guile and Honda saw their foe first. The first trial was about to begin. The two soldiers stepped forward, readying their guns. The figure walked out slowly. His blue trunks and boxing gloves gave him away. "Balrog" Guile said to himself. Balrog smirked as he walked forward. His steps slowly and steadily advanced. One step triggered the firing of the soldier's guns. But Balrog was not to be seen. He slammed his fist into the first soldier chest, breaking his ribs. The second punch hit the other soldier in the neck, killing him instantly. The first soldier was kicked pushed aside and was left writhing on the wall. Balrog stood in the light, facing Guile and Honda. He looked up and smirked. Guile slowly raised his head. A large chain was being lowered, and a figure was wrapped in it. He knew who it was. There was a standoff in the middle of the ring. All the others were watching it on the holograms above their arenas. Bison wanted to prove the dominance of his soldiers, and he wanted everyone to see it. The stalemate was broken with Balrog lunging toward Guile. Guile flipped over him, and Balrog was met with Honda's open palm, which slammed into his jaw. Balrog stepped back. There was now a man on either side of him, waiting for the right moment. Honda flung himself toward Balrog and Guile shot a sonic boom from behind him. Balrog jumped over Honda, which sent the sumo into Guile's attack. Honda fell to the ground and tried to shake it off. But was met with a lunging punch to the back of the head. Knocking him unconscious.
"One down, one to go." Guile took a step back, readying himself against the deadly punches of Balrog. Balrog began to walk toward Guile. Guile dropped to a knee, waiting for a moment.
Balrog lunged at Guile, swinging his arm downwards. "Got ya." Guile said to himself. He threw his leg up in the air, catching Balrog on the chin. Balrog fell back to the ground. He got up with blood draining from his mouth and a sneer across his face. He stood up and clapped his hands together. Guile heard the sound of a gun caulking behind him. That sound was followed by several others.
Several soldiers surrounded Guile. "You lose." Balrog said to his opponent. He pressed a button on his waist, which sent the chain-bound Charlie pummeling to the ground. Balrog loosened the chains and Charlie started to regain consciousness. Balrog grinned and started to walk toward Guile, whom now had his hands tied behind his back. Balrog swung his hardest at Guile, who jolted and almost fell to the ground. He then pointed to Charlie. "Kill him" were the only words that came out of his mouth. A look of despair spread across Guile's face and a three of the soldiers raised their rifles at Charlie, who was now staggering to his feet. The first shot pierced behind Charlie's knee, sending the screaming man down to one knee. The second shot hit his upper shoulder. Charlie grabbed it in pain. The third soldier raised his rifle and hit Charlie just below his waist. Balrog grinned. "Stop playing with him and kill him. Damn it, robots wouldn't have screwed around this much." One more soldier lifted his gun, a smile spread across his face. The bullet ripped straight through Charlie's chest, and the man hit the ground, bullet through his lung.
Guile shook in anger. He stood helplessly as his friend was shot. Bits of energy could be seen from his hands, if any of the soldiers had looked. The moment came. Guile screamed out. "You will not win." The handcuffs that bound him snapped, and slammed his arms together as fast as he could. The soldiers were engulfed in a huge spiral of energy, imitating a sonic boom attack. Their ribs snapped and they all jolted. Guile had surrounded himself with a huge sonic boom attack, constantly spinning and striking. Sweat poured down Guile's face. Charlie was dead; the last shot killed him instantly. Only Balrog stood. "I still have some left for you." Balrog stepped back, his shaking hands rose up. Guile didn't lose a step. His hand slammed into Balrog's face and his foot into his knee. "Fight me, coward." Guile yelled out as he continued to pummel Balrog, who had yet to swing. Balrog tripped over Honda, who was regaining consciousness. Guile would have killed Balrog, but a large hand held back his final punch.
"You beat him. You are better than he is." Honda's voice snapped Guile out of his insanity. He looked down at the huddled mass of Balrog. A swift foot slammed into his stomach, sending the boxer down onto his stomach. Guile bound Balrog's hands with the chain that had bound Charlie. "I'll take him to the boat. We should be able to get by with all the commotion."
Guile glanced toward Charlie's body. "Take him also, I have to deal with Bison personally. And he deserves a proper burial."
Honda put the body on his back and pushed Balrog out of the arena. He managed to transport them both easily, as the attacking crew intelligently moved the fighting to another side of the island to try to prevent further damage to the boats. Honda left the island as soon as possible.
A sneer was on Bison's face. The first trial had been passed. "Balrog was weak. I know that Vega will provide more of a challenge. And he won't need any soldiers to win. This next round will be entertaining." The game continued for Bison. As the others watched Guile win on the holograms, they did not know who would be the next to fight.
The Reunion
They all saw the fight which that just finished on the big holograms on the walls of the arena. Chun-Li watched with mixed reactions. Charlie was dead, but Guile won. She wondered why Bison was making them fight one by one. Her and Cammy were in the back of a narrow hallway. There were six soldiers in front of them. They could all see the projection and knew the fight was over. The cage that separated them from the arena opened. The soldiers pushed their way through, but Cammy and Chun-Li couldn't make it into the arena. The cage door shut right in front of them. Bison isolated them and the soldiers. Cammy and Chun-Li pressed up against the fence. They couldn't break through, and they heard a sinister laugh in the arena. Blazes of gunfire shot broke the stale air inside the complex. Of course, none hit the target. Vega touched ground behind the soldier who was farthest back. He had not lost any of his speed. He slashed deep into the soldier's back, spinning the soldier. His blood drained onto the floor. The other soldiers turned and began firing on the spot where the first soldier fell. Vega landed gracefully on his hands just behind the lead soldiers. His claw pierced the soldier in the neck. The others saw too late and began firing, filling up the soldier with bullets. Vega's feet planted firmly on the fallen soldier's shoulders. He sprung toward another shaking soldier. A slash spun him to the ground, blood draining from his wound. Vega rolled and landed on his knee, stabbing another guy through the rib cage. He stood to his feet and looked at the final soldier. The soldier pulled the trigger on his gun. Nothing shot out. Vega slowly walked forward, chuckling as the soldier ran back. A few moments later, he lunged forward. The soldier lay dead on the ground, a huge slash mark extending from his stomach to his neck. Vega took off his mask and licked the blood off of his claw. The chain door opened slowly, but Cammy and Chun-Li hesitated to step in the arena with all the dead.
"Bloody hell." Cammy said at the sight in front of her. The soldier's bodies littered the arena. Vega finished cleaning the blood off of his claw with his tongue. His bare face turned to the two girls. Chun- Li was outraged at the loss of her men. Cammy was a bit nervous being in the same room as Vega.
Vega chuckled and ran his tongue across his teeth. "Hello Cammy, it's been a while." His Spanish accent was thick in his voice.
Chun-Li turned to Cammy, then to Vega, then back to Cammy. "You two know each other?"
Cammy responded with a frown on her face. "We hate each other. It was Vega who brought me to Shadaloo. It was Vega who killed my parents."
Vega interrupted her, the smile still on his face. "And it was Vega who rescued you from the Shadaloo wreckage two years ago. It was Vega who saved your life. It was Vega who helped you for that year."
Cammy responded furiously. "And it was Vega that made it necessary for me to be saved. It was Vega that got my memory erased. It was Vega that ruined my life."
Vega chuckled. "Call it what you will." He looked down at the ground. "Just remember that these soldiers lost their lives, so I could have you. Balrog was weak. Wouldn't even fight his battles. I will take pleasure in this fight. I have been looking forward to it for a year now."
Cammy couldn't respond. He had been waiting for her. He had chosen her. Had the others been chosen also? And what about Chun-Li? Did Vega also choose her? She stared at his face. The same face that had helped her in Barcelona two years ago. Just a short while ago she depended on that face. Then she recovered the dark truth about him. She could not see him now the way she did before. Her Vega was dead, only this monstrous murderer remained. She stepped back into her Special Forces fighting stance. She would not talk any more. Vega straightened up and donned his mask.
This is my last chance to protect you. If you defeat me, you will face worse pain then you ever felt before. Vega thought to himself. He didn't want to fight Cammy, but it was the only way he could keep her from the truth that Bison held. He had only one option.
The Deadly Rose
Vega lunged at the girls. They jumped to the side on either side of him. Vega stood there, waiting for a response. Chun-Li lunged at Vega, moving her foot very rapidly up and down. Cammy spun down at Vega's feet. Vega flipped over Cammy. Chun-Li launched a fireball at Vega, who jumped up to dodge it. Vega slid on the ground at Cammy, who dodged it. Vega quickly got to his feet and swung his foot around, knocking Chun-Li in the skull. His foot landed on the wall and he propelled himself at Cammy, his claw aimed at her face. But Cammy felt the blow of Vega's fist instead. Vega had switched hands just before he hit her. His feet hit the ground, but immediately lifted to the air. His feet landed easily on the side of the cage and he stared at Cammy, who was getting back to her feet. She stared up just in time to see Vega in front of her. He spun around her and clasped her around her waist. The first suplex came seconds later. Cammy felt three before she was in a daze. Vega stood up over the downed doll. Chun-Li was standing with a trickle of blood trailing down her face. Vega lunged at her and easily dodged the punch she intended for him. His punch landed another blow to her skull and she fell to the ground. Cammy was already stumbling to her feet. Vega looked to the top of the cage. He leapt with exceptional agility to the cage. He looked down at Chun-Li, and readied to jump. Cammy remembered what happened to the last person she saw Vega do this to. The vision of blood and death raced through her mind. Vega leapt from the wall. Falling down toward the dazed woman. He did not expect Cammy to be to her feet. Cammy ran to Chun-Li, but knew she wouldn't make it in time. Cammy was in a blind rage. She didn't even hear the words "Spin Drive Smasher" come out of her mouth. She caught Vega in mid-air and his back slammed against the cage after the first strike. She pummeled his relentlessly. On one strike, his claw shattered on the cage wall, and on another, his mask fell. Cammy landed on the ground after the attack and Vega fell to his knees. Chun-Li was slowly getting up.
"I knew this would be a good fight." Vega said with a trickle of blood draining down his mouth. "I should have known I couldn't protect you from the truth for any longer. You must find it for yourself."
Cammy turned to the fallen matador. "What do you mean "the truth?"
Vega chuckled. "Kill Bison and you will learn."
Cammy grew bright red. "Answer me, what is it that I don't know?"
Vega responded in a similar way. "I joined to try to help you; I cannot do it any longer. We knew of your arrival due to a recorder transmitted within you, but I advised Bison against the use of robots. That may have helped save your life. It was Bison who sent me to you. I was only here to train the dolls. But you were different; you could survive without Bison, like none of the others could. You are special."
She continued the interrogation. "What do you mean? Survive without Bison? What does all this mean? Answer me Vega."
Vega coughed and another trickle of blood followed. "I can tell you no more. You must get the rest from Bison. Go, go and kill him. I am lost."
Cammy knelt down and shook him, trying to get an answer. Tears flowed down her cheek. His breathing slowed and his eyes stared straight ahead.
Chun-Li hypothesized. "The attack must have blown a lung. He cannot survive."
Vega coughed, then spoke. "Farewell, my beautiful soldier."
With that he leaned his head back and lowered his breathing. Cammy got up and wiped the tears from her face. She could kill a hundred faceless soldiers, but she didn't want to hurt one. She turned to Chun-Li. "Let's go kill Bison." Chun-Li nodded and they left the arena. The cage slammed behind them, and the elevator was already lowered. The shimmied down to the main floor, where Guile was still waiting in the arena. The door was dented from his repeated blows, but he could not open it. Another hologram disappeared from the wall. Only Ryu and Ken could be seen.
Bison was irate at the defeat of Vega. There were three soldiers ready to challenge him. If Sagat lost, there would be two more. But Bison knew he could defeat them all. He let Ryu and Ken into the arena, and awaited their trial.
Past Demon
Ryu and Ken could see every fight till then. They glanced at each other and Ryu pulled his gloves. They were in a narrow hallway just like Cammy and Chun-Li were. It was sealed off at one end, leading them to a large cage where a wall separated them and what they assumed was the arena. The wall opened slowly, leading them into a plain looking arena. There was no cage like there had been in the last one. They hit fists and walked in. The door slammed behind them and an eerily familiar laughter filled the cage.
"It's him." Ken said as he stepped forward.
"Sagat" Ryu continued as they reached the middle of the arena.
There was no jumping around the arena like Vega had done. Sagat came in very plainly, just the same as he was when he was first seen, but now with the scar he possessed on his chest because of Ryu. "So, we meet again." Sagat said with a sneer across his face. "Now I get my revenge."
Sagat didn't wait for a response. He immediately launched a Tiger blast at Ryu, who sidestepped it. Sagat thrust his knee up towards Ryu, completely ignoring Ken. Ken lunged at Sagat, who turn and struck Ken in the chest. Ken flew back into the wall of the arena. Sagat was much stronger now than he had been. He swung his fist up at Ryu, who jumped back to avoid it. Sagat launched a Tiger blast at the same time Ryu launched a fireball. Both attacks dissipated in air. Sagat charged at Ryu and managed to land a punch on his chin. Ryu fell to the ground, but a fiery blaze struck Sagat from behind. Ken stood there, breathing heavily after the attack. Sagat slowly got up, an enraged look crossed his face. Ken tried to launch a fireball, but Sagat leapt over it. Sagat's swift punches were too much for Ken as he soon hit the ground. Blood dripped from his mouth and Sagat readied a Tiger Blast to finish him off. Ryu's yell stopped him. "Sagat!" he yelled with fury which was not normal for him. Sagat smiled at the fact that he could finally get his revenge on Ryu. But the smile dissipated when he turned.
Ryu's eyes were blood red and a strange aura resonated from his body. The ground cracked with each step Ryu took forward. Sagat fired a Tiger shot at him, but it passed through Ryu as he slid forward. Ken's eyes slowly opened to see what his friend had become. A saddened expression spread across his face. He had seen this look before in Ryu's eyes, when Ryu fought the demon, Akuma. This was not the foe Sagat longed to challenge. Sagat desperately launched a Tiger blast at Ryu, who stepped back and screamed as he came in. Sagat only felt one blow. A hard shot to the neck sent him to his knees. Ryu shook violently as he watch, but he knew Sagat would not get up. He turned his back and began to walk off, but the battered Ken stood first.
He's out of control, I cannot let him get any further. Ken thought and he pushed his hands together. The fireball was the best Ken thought he could do, but it did nothing more the dissipate on the back of Ryu. Ryu turned his head slowly, his read eyes gleaming as he glared at Ken.
"You want to test my strength Ken?" Ryu stepped toward Ken. Ryu jumped toward Ken, and Ken readied to attack.
Into the depths of the demon
There were three who watched this scene, a look of horror spread across their faces. But they could not see the battle, for the hologram went out, and slowly the door opened. A sinister laughter filled the air, and Cammy, Guile, Chun-Li gazed into the abyss.
I have Charlie dying in this time period, although Capcom announced that Charlie did infact die in Street Fighter Alpha 3.
Beautiful Stranger (part 4)
Electricity ran through the figures body as it hit the ground. The wholes in its chest made the floor visible. Vega took off his mask and shook his head at the weak opponent. "Robots hardly make up for real humans."
Bison floated down into the cage. "But Blade was my best robot, and he couldn't even touch you."
Vega continued. "The robot was predictable and had too few of moves. Not your scientists best effort." Vega then walked off, pressing a small button in his hand to raise the cage. He was now the third in command in Shadaloo, behind only Bison and the ugly Sagat. This enraged Vega, who couldn't see the beast Sagat as Bison's second in command. This was the response Bison wanted. He wanted Vega to prove himself to Bison.
Bison walked beside Vega. "I assume the preparations are complete?"
Vega continued to walk. "Yes, the girl has betrayed the plan perfectly. They have no idea that we know they are coming."
Bison laughed. "The poor wench doesn't even know that the beacon is inside of her. She betrays every piece of information she receives."
Vega continued. "Yes, even in betrayal Cammy is useful."
Bison smirked. "She isn't the only one who is useful after betrayal."
Sagat, who came to report to Bison, stopped Vega. "The prisoner is secured, and we are fully prepared for our defense tomorrow."
Bison nodded. "Very good Sagat. Inform Balrog that training has ceased for the day. Tomorrow we crush the infidels who stand in our way."
Vega smirked. "The ugly shall die. I will kill them with my own hands."
Sagat continued. "As long as I get my revenge on Ryu."
The trio stood, ready for what Interpol was about to bring. They were ready for their futures to be sealed.
Commence the attack
The helicopters landed on a smooth patch of grass about one hundred miles from Shadaloo. That was as far as they could get. The boats that were left there the previous week awaited them. Cammy got on a boat with the rest of Delta Red, except for Ginzu, who rode in the lead boat with Guile and Chun-Li to help take out the computers. It was an uneventful boat ride and no one talked. Every one was anxious about the attack, but the trip by boat was very fast, for the first gunshots were heard about forty-five minutes later. These shots flew past the boats and struck the water beside them. A voice sounded over the radio. "Looks like they knew we were coming. Keep your guard up." It was Chun-Li's voice. Wolfman readied his gun and Lawanda unsheathed her sword. They still had around fifteen minutes of travel left, but they already knew of the fight that was about to commence. Cammy was pacing nervously back and forth, at times looking at the driver with impatience. Suddenly, he began to speed up. The bullets were raining down on them from automated turrets, which lined the river. Ginzu hustled to get a satellite connection with them, but the boats were moving too fast. The hulls of the boats were dented with bullets. In one final measure, Ginzu tapped into the boat itself. The radar dish could be seen moving up top, and the turrets stopped shooting, for lack of a target on their radar. The stealth had worked great and they only had to worry about the manpower of the base for the moment.
"Get ready, we are about to hit ground." The driver yelled and they got ready. The boat was one of the last to hit the shores and it flew for several feet in the air until it hit the ground. Gunfire was everywhere around them and shots from their own soldiers could be heard. Colonel Wolfman opened the hatch and bullets shot off the metal cover. He fired back at the soldiers at the stronghold entrance. Lawanda and Cammy cautiously but quickly left the boat; Cammy fired back as Lawanda waited for the wave that would get close. Maxus accompanied Wolfman in firing at the soldiers. A door opened and a large wave of soldiers advanced on the group. Cammy couldn't see the others, but saw the door begin to shut. As Lawanda slashed a soldier, Cammy rushed toward the door. She spun and made it under the door just before it close. There were several soldiers under the gate, breathing heavily. Chun-Li, Guile, Ryu, Ken, and Edmund Honda were among them. Her Delta Red Comrades were still outside.
The Gates of Trial
Guile motioned for them to move forward and they slowly made their way down the long hallway. Guile and Honda were leading the group. The group moved cautiously. There were two foot soldiers just directly behind Guile and Honda, but the rest of the group lagged behind them. They stopped when a metal wall cut off their path. They were sealed in the hallway. "Is this a trap?" Honda asked looking around. Guile shoved the wall and found that it moved easily. Honda and the two soldiers joined him. They pushed it just far enough for a laser to shoot up behind them. That triggered five more lasers, all parallel to the first. The four men were trapped on one side. The wall slid away into the ground and what appeared to be an arena stood before them. The soldiers ran to the middle, but no one, save a large hologram wall, was there. Guile and Honda slowly walked to the middle. The group behind them was careful not to touch the lasers. Cammy and Chun-Li were huddled with the rest of the soldiers, a group of about five. Ryu and Ken stood back to back, prepared for the worst. Bison looked down on them secretly, laughing at them. He pressed a button and two more holograms appeared in the arena. The middle one contained Bison's face, but it wasn't moving.
Guile had to restrain from launching a sonic boom at it. "Where's Charlie?" He demanded to know. Bison laughed at this request. He pressed another button and a similar metal wall shot between the groups behind the laser. Ryu and Ken tried to push this one, but it wouldn't move. Cammy and Chun-Li were trapped against the laser. The floor beneath them started to move, then disappeared completely. Cammy, Chun-Li, and the soldiers all fell toward what lay below. They landed in a similar arena, but this one was covered by a cage.
A demonic laughing could be heard in the back, causing Cammy to shudder. "Vega" She said to herself, shying away from the cage that separated them from the arena.
Ryu and Ken had dealt with a similar situation, but their floor started to rise. They ended up in an even larger arena. But this one had no special marks save the holograms which appeared on all three floors. They had no soldiers to assist them, but they knew well the foe they were to face.
The Golden Gloves
Guile and Honda saw their foe first. The first trial was about to begin. The two soldiers stepped forward, readying their guns. The figure walked out slowly. His blue trunks and boxing gloves gave him away. "Balrog" Guile said to himself. Balrog smirked as he walked forward. His steps slowly and steadily advanced. One step triggered the firing of the soldier's guns. But Balrog was not to be seen. He slammed his fist into the first soldier chest, breaking his ribs. The second punch hit the other soldier in the neck, killing him instantly. The first soldier was kicked pushed aside and was left writhing on the wall. Balrog stood in the light, facing Guile and Honda. He looked up and smirked. Guile slowly raised his head. A large chain was being lowered, and a figure was wrapped in it. He knew who it was. There was a standoff in the middle of the ring. All the others were watching it on the holograms above their arenas. Bison wanted to prove the dominance of his soldiers, and he wanted everyone to see it. The stalemate was broken with Balrog lunging toward Guile. Guile flipped over him, and Balrog was met with Honda's open palm, which slammed into his jaw. Balrog stepped back. There was now a man on either side of him, waiting for the right moment. Honda flung himself toward Balrog and Guile shot a sonic boom from behind him. Balrog jumped over Honda, which sent the sumo into Guile's attack. Honda fell to the ground and tried to shake it off. But was met with a lunging punch to the back of the head. Knocking him unconscious.
"One down, one to go." Guile took a step back, readying himself against the deadly punches of Balrog. Balrog began to walk toward Guile. Guile dropped to a knee, waiting for a moment.
Balrog lunged at Guile, swinging his arm downwards. "Got ya." Guile said to himself. He threw his leg up in the air, catching Balrog on the chin. Balrog fell back to the ground. He got up with blood draining from his mouth and a sneer across his face. He stood up and clapped his hands together. Guile heard the sound of a gun caulking behind him. That sound was followed by several others.
Several soldiers surrounded Guile. "You lose." Balrog said to his opponent. He pressed a button on his waist, which sent the chain-bound Charlie pummeling to the ground. Balrog loosened the chains and Charlie started to regain consciousness. Balrog grinned and started to walk toward Guile, whom now had his hands tied behind his back. Balrog swung his hardest at Guile, who jolted and almost fell to the ground. He then pointed to Charlie. "Kill him" were the only words that came out of his mouth. A look of despair spread across Guile's face and a three of the soldiers raised their rifles at Charlie, who was now staggering to his feet. The first shot pierced behind Charlie's knee, sending the screaming man down to one knee. The second shot hit his upper shoulder. Charlie grabbed it in pain. The third soldier raised his rifle and hit Charlie just below his waist. Balrog grinned. "Stop playing with him and kill him. Damn it, robots wouldn't have screwed around this much." One more soldier lifted his gun, a smile spread across his face. The bullet ripped straight through Charlie's chest, and the man hit the ground, bullet through his lung.
Guile shook in anger. He stood helplessly as his friend was shot. Bits of energy could be seen from his hands, if any of the soldiers had looked. The moment came. Guile screamed out. "You will not win." The handcuffs that bound him snapped, and slammed his arms together as fast as he could. The soldiers were engulfed in a huge spiral of energy, imitating a sonic boom attack. Their ribs snapped and they all jolted. Guile had surrounded himself with a huge sonic boom attack, constantly spinning and striking. Sweat poured down Guile's face. Charlie was dead; the last shot killed him instantly. Only Balrog stood. "I still have some left for you." Balrog stepped back, his shaking hands rose up. Guile didn't lose a step. His hand slammed into Balrog's face and his foot into his knee. "Fight me, coward." Guile yelled out as he continued to pummel Balrog, who had yet to swing. Balrog tripped over Honda, who was regaining consciousness. Guile would have killed Balrog, but a large hand held back his final punch.
"You beat him. You are better than he is." Honda's voice snapped Guile out of his insanity. He looked down at the huddled mass of Balrog. A swift foot slammed into his stomach, sending the boxer down onto his stomach. Guile bound Balrog's hands with the chain that had bound Charlie. "I'll take him to the boat. We should be able to get by with all the commotion."
Guile glanced toward Charlie's body. "Take him also, I have to deal with Bison personally. And he deserves a proper burial."
Honda put the body on his back and pushed Balrog out of the arena. He managed to transport them both easily, as the attacking crew intelligently moved the fighting to another side of the island to try to prevent further damage to the boats. Honda left the island as soon as possible.
A sneer was on Bison's face. The first trial had been passed. "Balrog was weak. I know that Vega will provide more of a challenge. And he won't need any soldiers to win. This next round will be entertaining." The game continued for Bison. As the others watched Guile win on the holograms, they did not know who would be the next to fight.
The Reunion
They all saw the fight which that just finished on the big holograms on the walls of the arena. Chun-Li watched with mixed reactions. Charlie was dead, but Guile won. She wondered why Bison was making them fight one by one. Her and Cammy were in the back of a narrow hallway. There were six soldiers in front of them. They could all see the projection and knew the fight was over. The cage that separated them from the arena opened. The soldiers pushed their way through, but Cammy and Chun-Li couldn't make it into the arena. The cage door shut right in front of them. Bison isolated them and the soldiers. Cammy and Chun-Li pressed up against the fence. They couldn't break through, and they heard a sinister laugh in the arena. Blazes of gunfire shot broke the stale air inside the complex. Of course, none hit the target. Vega touched ground behind the soldier who was farthest back. He had not lost any of his speed. He slashed deep into the soldier's back, spinning the soldier. His blood drained onto the floor. The other soldiers turned and began firing on the spot where the first soldier fell. Vega landed gracefully on his hands just behind the lead soldiers. His claw pierced the soldier in the neck. The others saw too late and began firing, filling up the soldier with bullets. Vega's feet planted firmly on the fallen soldier's shoulders. He sprung toward another shaking soldier. A slash spun him to the ground, blood draining from his wound. Vega rolled and landed on his knee, stabbing another guy through the rib cage. He stood to his feet and looked at the final soldier. The soldier pulled the trigger on his gun. Nothing shot out. Vega slowly walked forward, chuckling as the soldier ran back. A few moments later, he lunged forward. The soldier lay dead on the ground, a huge slash mark extending from his stomach to his neck. Vega took off his mask and licked the blood off of his claw. The chain door opened slowly, but Cammy and Chun-Li hesitated to step in the arena with all the dead.
"Bloody hell." Cammy said at the sight in front of her. The soldier's bodies littered the arena. Vega finished cleaning the blood off of his claw with his tongue. His bare face turned to the two girls. Chun- Li was outraged at the loss of her men. Cammy was a bit nervous being in the same room as Vega.
Vega chuckled and ran his tongue across his teeth. "Hello Cammy, it's been a while." His Spanish accent was thick in his voice.
Chun-Li turned to Cammy, then to Vega, then back to Cammy. "You two know each other?"
Cammy responded with a frown on her face. "We hate each other. It was Vega who brought me to Shadaloo. It was Vega who killed my parents."
Vega interrupted her, the smile still on his face. "And it was Vega who rescued you from the Shadaloo wreckage two years ago. It was Vega who saved your life. It was Vega who helped you for that year."
Cammy responded furiously. "And it was Vega that made it necessary for me to be saved. It was Vega that got my memory erased. It was Vega that ruined my life."
Vega chuckled. "Call it what you will." He looked down at the ground. "Just remember that these soldiers lost their lives, so I could have you. Balrog was weak. Wouldn't even fight his battles. I will take pleasure in this fight. I have been looking forward to it for a year now."
Cammy couldn't respond. He had been waiting for her. He had chosen her. Had the others been chosen also? And what about Chun-Li? Did Vega also choose her? She stared at his face. The same face that had helped her in Barcelona two years ago. Just a short while ago she depended on that face. Then she recovered the dark truth about him. She could not see him now the way she did before. Her Vega was dead, only this monstrous murderer remained. She stepped back into her Special Forces fighting stance. She would not talk any more. Vega straightened up and donned his mask.
This is my last chance to protect you. If you defeat me, you will face worse pain then you ever felt before. Vega thought to himself. He didn't want to fight Cammy, but it was the only way he could keep her from the truth that Bison held. He had only one option.
The Deadly Rose
Vega lunged at the girls. They jumped to the side on either side of him. Vega stood there, waiting for a response. Chun-Li lunged at Vega, moving her foot very rapidly up and down. Cammy spun down at Vega's feet. Vega flipped over Cammy. Chun-Li launched a fireball at Vega, who jumped up to dodge it. Vega slid on the ground at Cammy, who dodged it. Vega quickly got to his feet and swung his foot around, knocking Chun-Li in the skull. His foot landed on the wall and he propelled himself at Cammy, his claw aimed at her face. But Cammy felt the blow of Vega's fist instead. Vega had switched hands just before he hit her. His feet hit the ground, but immediately lifted to the air. His feet landed easily on the side of the cage and he stared at Cammy, who was getting back to her feet. She stared up just in time to see Vega in front of her. He spun around her and clasped her around her waist. The first suplex came seconds later. Cammy felt three before she was in a daze. Vega stood up over the downed doll. Chun-Li was standing with a trickle of blood trailing down her face. Vega lunged at her and easily dodged the punch she intended for him. His punch landed another blow to her skull and she fell to the ground. Cammy was already stumbling to her feet. Vega looked to the top of the cage. He leapt with exceptional agility to the cage. He looked down at Chun-Li, and readied to jump. Cammy remembered what happened to the last person she saw Vega do this to. The vision of blood and death raced through her mind. Vega leapt from the wall. Falling down toward the dazed woman. He did not expect Cammy to be to her feet. Cammy ran to Chun-Li, but knew she wouldn't make it in time. Cammy was in a blind rage. She didn't even hear the words "Spin Drive Smasher" come out of her mouth. She caught Vega in mid-air and his back slammed against the cage after the first strike. She pummeled his relentlessly. On one strike, his claw shattered on the cage wall, and on another, his mask fell. Cammy landed on the ground after the attack and Vega fell to his knees. Chun-Li was slowly getting up.
"I knew this would be a good fight." Vega said with a trickle of blood draining down his mouth. "I should have known I couldn't protect you from the truth for any longer. You must find it for yourself."
Cammy turned to the fallen matador. "What do you mean "the truth?"
Vega chuckled. "Kill Bison and you will learn."
Cammy grew bright red. "Answer me, what is it that I don't know?"
Vega responded in a similar way. "I joined to try to help you; I cannot do it any longer. We knew of your arrival due to a recorder transmitted within you, but I advised Bison against the use of robots. That may have helped save your life. It was Bison who sent me to you. I was only here to train the dolls. But you were different; you could survive without Bison, like none of the others could. You are special."
She continued the interrogation. "What do you mean? Survive without Bison? What does all this mean? Answer me Vega."
Vega coughed and another trickle of blood followed. "I can tell you no more. You must get the rest from Bison. Go, go and kill him. I am lost."
Cammy knelt down and shook him, trying to get an answer. Tears flowed down her cheek. His breathing slowed and his eyes stared straight ahead.
Chun-Li hypothesized. "The attack must have blown a lung. He cannot survive."
Vega coughed, then spoke. "Farewell, my beautiful soldier."
With that he leaned his head back and lowered his breathing. Cammy got up and wiped the tears from her face. She could kill a hundred faceless soldiers, but she didn't want to hurt one. She turned to Chun-Li. "Let's go kill Bison." Chun-Li nodded and they left the arena. The cage slammed behind them, and the elevator was already lowered. The shimmied down to the main floor, where Guile was still waiting in the arena. The door was dented from his repeated blows, but he could not open it. Another hologram disappeared from the wall. Only Ryu and Ken could be seen.
Bison was irate at the defeat of Vega. There were three soldiers ready to challenge him. If Sagat lost, there would be two more. But Bison knew he could defeat them all. He let Ryu and Ken into the arena, and awaited their trial.
Past Demon
Ryu and Ken could see every fight till then. They glanced at each other and Ryu pulled his gloves. They were in a narrow hallway just like Cammy and Chun-Li were. It was sealed off at one end, leading them to a large cage where a wall separated them and what they assumed was the arena. The wall opened slowly, leading them into a plain looking arena. There was no cage like there had been in the last one. They hit fists and walked in. The door slammed behind them and an eerily familiar laughter filled the cage.
"It's him." Ken said as he stepped forward.
"Sagat" Ryu continued as they reached the middle of the arena.
There was no jumping around the arena like Vega had done. Sagat came in very plainly, just the same as he was when he was first seen, but now with the scar he possessed on his chest because of Ryu. "So, we meet again." Sagat said with a sneer across his face. "Now I get my revenge."
Sagat didn't wait for a response. He immediately launched a Tiger blast at Ryu, who sidestepped it. Sagat thrust his knee up towards Ryu, completely ignoring Ken. Ken lunged at Sagat, who turn and struck Ken in the chest. Ken flew back into the wall of the arena. Sagat was much stronger now than he had been. He swung his fist up at Ryu, who jumped back to avoid it. Sagat launched a Tiger blast at the same time Ryu launched a fireball. Both attacks dissipated in air. Sagat charged at Ryu and managed to land a punch on his chin. Ryu fell to the ground, but a fiery blaze struck Sagat from behind. Ken stood there, breathing heavily after the attack. Sagat slowly got up, an enraged look crossed his face. Ken tried to launch a fireball, but Sagat leapt over it. Sagat's swift punches were too much for Ken as he soon hit the ground. Blood dripped from his mouth and Sagat readied a Tiger Blast to finish him off. Ryu's yell stopped him. "Sagat!" he yelled with fury which was not normal for him. Sagat smiled at the fact that he could finally get his revenge on Ryu. But the smile dissipated when he turned.
Ryu's eyes were blood red and a strange aura resonated from his body. The ground cracked with each step Ryu took forward. Sagat fired a Tiger shot at him, but it passed through Ryu as he slid forward. Ken's eyes slowly opened to see what his friend had become. A saddened expression spread across his face. He had seen this look before in Ryu's eyes, when Ryu fought the demon, Akuma. This was not the foe Sagat longed to challenge. Sagat desperately launched a Tiger blast at Ryu, who stepped back and screamed as he came in. Sagat only felt one blow. A hard shot to the neck sent him to his knees. Ryu shook violently as he watch, but he knew Sagat would not get up. He turned his back and began to walk off, but the battered Ken stood first.
He's out of control, I cannot let him get any further. Ken thought and he pushed his hands together. The fireball was the best Ken thought he could do, but it did nothing more the dissipate on the back of Ryu. Ryu turned his head slowly, his read eyes gleaming as he glared at Ken.
"You want to test my strength Ken?" Ryu stepped toward Ken. Ryu jumped toward Ken, and Ken readied to attack.
Into the depths of the demon
There were three who watched this scene, a look of horror spread across their faces. But they could not see the battle, for the hologram went out, and slowly the door opened. A sinister laughter filled the air, and Cammy, Guile, Chun-Li gazed into the abyss.
I have Charlie dying in this time period, although Capcom announced that Charlie did infact die in Street Fighter Alpha 3.