Disclaimer: I do not own street fighter and if I did I wouldn't be writing this fic I would be sitting on my butt sipping pina coladas in Acapulco but that's not the case. Anyhoo Ryu is my favorite character ( besides Akuma Read my "Terror of shin Akuma" fic!!! I know it isn't finished and I prolly should be doing that but I don't care!!! ) and I know they gave a slight bit of background on him, but I always wanted to know his REAL background. Knowing Ryu like I do I think this fic will do him justice, so strap in it's gonna be a loooooooooooooooooooong ride.

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"The origins of Ryu"

On a stormy night, the rain and wind causing the trees to flap wildly, sheets of rain pouring down on the streets, a flood watch being put out all over Okiyama. The gusts of winds shaking the buildings to the very core. In the midst of this gigantic storm a young woman wearing a large black poncho pulled the collar around her neck making the hood close in a bit more. Flowing brown hair flailing out from time to time. She made her way hastily down the street in her hand was a basket. Large enough for a picnic, but this basket held a bit more then lunch. Concealed inside was a small child. Sound asleep. His small arms moving back and forth occasionally. Totally inept to the world. The woman took out a piece of paper frustrated noises coming from her as she tried to read the address correctly. The paper fell from her hand and began to waft down the street. She began to make her way around the streets, until she found what she was looking for. A large set of stairs leading into the forest which overshadowed the entire town. Making her way up the stairs she slipped the baby falling over not harmed just stirred awake. The mother wide eyed with horror think her baby boy had just suffered a fatal blow. Taking the basket she placed the poncho around the basket taking her head out of the top to peek into the basket. "Who's my big strong boy? You are! Yes you are!" The baby began cooing with life, she smiled happily, taking out a bottle and placing it into the childs' mouth. She began to walk up the stairs again. When she finally reached the large temple she had been searching for she felt a pain unlike any she had ever felt. Bringing her to knee as she knew she was losing her son. She said nothing just wiped her eyes, and brought the child to the entrance of the shrine. Taking a rather large rock she threw it as hard as she could into a lit window. The window tearing, then sounds of life. She knew it was to late to go back with her child now. She looked into the basket and gave the baby a final kiss goodbye. "Never forget, though I'm leaving you now, mommy always loves you." She gave the baby a final wave of goodbye, and took off running.

"What was that???" A man in his mid 40s' came outside. A news paper covering his head. Covered by the darkness. He would have simply shut the door to his shrine, were it not for at that exact moment a young boy out the boy no older then 3 following the man. "Go back in Ken! This storm is very brutal!" The boy turned around but part two of the small miracle took place. The babys bottle fell to the side of the basket and he began to cry. The man did not hear but the small boy heard it instantly. The boy tugged on the mans shirt.

"Master, look there is something in that basket" He pointed in the direction of the small basket. The man rubbed his head, he had not even noticed the basket. Walking over to cautiously he grabbed a small stick and nudged the baskets cover open. A loud snap of thunder causing the small boy to cry louder. The man jumped back in shock.

"It's a baby!" The man said stumbling back a bit. Ken walked over now drenched in water, peeking into the basket gasping in awe. The man grabbed the basket and looked over the place before going back into his shrine. Ken following behind. Setting the basket on the floor the man went into his room and threw Ken another set of clothing. Ken took off his brown pair of cotton night pants, and slipped into the new pair. Then slipped off his shirt putting on a new brown shirt. The man came back out after a bit with new clothing on. A blanket in one hand and a fresh bottle using the one found in the basket. "Who's baby is that master?" Ken spoke knelt down looking into the basket. A view of the man now made possible. He was about 5'7 in height. Very well toned, short black hair (Think Ryus hair now )

brown eyes, and an overall aura that seemed to emit power. A creamy tan complextion, nice facial features, and still looked on by the ladies even in his 40's. Though a rather large scar ran from his eyebrow down to his chin. The man looked over the baby then to Ken.

"He was abandoned. Now he will stay with us." The man seemed very sure of himself, and spoke in a tone that would make one feel that this man had to be right. Ken simply nodded and began to play with the baby. The mans true name being Gouken Yagu ( many thanks to Jami! ) Gouken lifted the child away from Ken and placed the bottle in his mouth. The child began to suck on the bottle. Gouken grew a small smile. Ken looked at the two then stood up giving a yawn.

"I'm going to bed master, good night." Gouken nodded, and Ken went off to bed. Gouken placed the baby over his shoulder and began to pat his back. The man looked at the baby. The baby tilted his head and grabbed the mans finger with a rather strong grip. Gouken gave a wider smile.

"You're a strong one!. I think I will name you after my great grand father, the great Ryu Yagu!" The baby heard the name and lit up with a toothless smile. "So you like this name?" He bounced the baby up and down a bit then placed him in a blanket. The man took his free hand closed his eyes. "Hado-ken" He spoke softly and a small version of the mighty hado-ken came from his hand and found its way to the fireplace. The fire crackling to life the man began to rock the baby to sleep.

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First chapter over! I know it's short but that's only because it's an introduction. Any ways, over the course of this fic you the reader will see how Ryu came to his mission of wanting the ultimate battle, his struggles through school, a few love interests, and maybe even Akuma! All that I ask is that you read and review frequently. The more reviews the faster the next chapter!! See ya, stay tuned for chapter 2!!