Ryu had taken a cab to the village nearest his dojo. Walking the next ten miles was simple for him, even in the cold. He frowned slightly, wondering what St. Nick had said. The old man's words did not make any sense. Spirits? Ha! By the time he reached his dojo, it was nightfall. Ryu slid open the door that would lead him inside the dojo. He winced slightly as a draft pushed through the opening.

It was chilly inside. Ryu scowled slightly. Cold…Empty…Deserted…Almost as if that was what his life had been like…He shook his head. This was no time to be having regrets. He stalked towards the small fireplace next to the low dining table in the structure.

Ryu set a piece of wood in the fireplace. After finding a box of matches, he struck one until it lit, and tossed it in the fireplace. After that, he put a kettle over it for his tea. He sat back on the cushions, his chin propped in his fist as he stared at the growing flames of the fire.

Spirits? Whoever heard of such a thing? Ryu had certainly seen the unnatural in his lifetime, but he had never seen an apparition. Forty years old, and he felt twenty years his senior. He also had plenty experience with life's hardships to back that.

He had lived in this dojo all his life. Many fond memories of this dojo were close to his heart. When he was much younger, still a baby, his teacher had found him, orphaned, and raised him as his own. Gouken had taught him the ways of Shotokan Karate. Ryu smiled wryly, remembering when he was about five years old…

Gouken was meditating. He sat facing the sunset, his eyes closed, his breathing even. Ryu suddenly ran up from behind him.

"Ryu," Gouken spoke calmly. "Please be still."

"I wanna play," Ryu piped up.

"Sit still."

"I wanna play." Ryu jumped on Gouken's back and hit his head with a small fist.

Gouken winced. "You are very strong for your age, Ryu. Did you complete all your chores?"

"Hai, Sensei."

Gouken smiled. He had watched Ryu perform the kicks and punches as were part of Ryu's training. Then he had told Ryu to sweep the dojo floor. Granted, there was so much a five-year-old could do, but Ryu was a quick learner. He had worked very hard since he was old enough to walk. He learned how to speak Japanese and English, read books in both languages, swim, play Chinese checkers, and other little games. Gouken knew that when it was time to train, it was time to train. He also understood that Ryu would need some free time if he were to grow up and act as a normal adult would. In understanding the importance of leisure time, Ryu would also understand the importance of perfecting the fight. When he was old enough, he could determine the balance between the two.

"What do you wish to do?" Gouken asked.

"Go swimming," Ryu stated.

Gouken nodded. "Very well…"

Ryu's reverie was cut short by the sound of a whistle. Ryu removed the kettle from the fire and poured himself a cup of tea. He had been so carefree back in those days. He had no worries in the world. And now…He looked around, noting the quiet surroundings of the dojo. He sighed.

So empty. Ryu took a sip of his tea. Why was he feeling lonely? He gazed at the fire. It must be the holiday season. They tended to make everyone either sad or happy. He had no one to share Christmas and New Year's with. No one to talk to about how Christmas seemed like a holiday for people to spend their money in order to show appreciation for loved ones…

Of course! That's why he was feeling a bit remorseful during this time of year. It was all thanks to that incident that happened four years ago…An incident he had not thought about in a long time…He frowned slightly.

Ryu finished his tea and headed to his bedroom, lantern in hand. Ryu glanced around his room before crawling into bed, not caring that he still wore his casual clothes.

Spirits, huh? Right…He turned down the flame inside the lantern.

Ryu pulled the covers over his tired body. Closing his eyes, he felt himself drift to sleep.

Hours later, Ryu felt a tugging from the bed. He opened his eyes slightly.

"Ryu. Awaken."

Ryu scowled and turned slightly.

"Ryu."

Ryu groaned, cursing the dream he was having. "Yes?"

A figure stood in the shadows. "It is time for us to leave. Gather whichever belongings you feel you will need."

Ryu buried himself deeper beneath the comforter. "This is just a dream…"

"Is it?" the figure challenged. "You were always a bright boy, Ryu. But you were never stubborn. You have not aged well…my son."

Ryu's eyes snapped wide open. That voice…He quickly sat up and turned the lantern on. His mouth dropped in shock. At the foot of the bed stood a figure he had seen in over twenty years…The long brown-graying hair was familiar, as was the dark blue karate suit.

"S-Sensei?" Ryu gasped.

Gouken pressed his lips together grimly. "It has been a long time, Ryu."

"What are you doing here?"

Gouken shook his head slightly. "You were told that you would be visited by three spirits. I…am the first," he emphasized.



A/N: I apologize for not updating, school's been really hectic and my muse has been elsewhere. I've been playing Street Fighter since 1992, and I tend to favor the old style of gameplay. I'm not a big Vs. fan. ^_^ I also tend to favor strong, independent females, so that (and how long I've been playing the game), should give you readers an idea of who Ryu's 'lost' love is...