SAIKYOKUGENRYU CH.20---DAN VS RYO:SHOWDOWN!

Hours later,the police escorted Mr.Big and those of his men who were still alive to the precinct and were incarcerated. They are all to be shipped back to America and await trail.

Wyler was placed under pysciatric care and his sister was placed in intensive care to shake the effects of the drugs she was placed under. Robert watched as the ambulance took them both away to the hospital.

Yuri comfots him. "She'll be all right Robert."said Yuri. "I'm sure she will." "I hope so."said Robert. "Either way when this is all over with I'll make sure she has nothing more to do with her scumbag brother-ever again!"

"I second that."said Dan. "Well.,it's been a lot of fun,but I gotta head on home as well."said Sakura. "School and all that ya know." "Yeah we know it."said Ryo. "Nice figthing with you as well Sakura."

"Same here."said Sakura. "Ya know,even though I'm a die-hard for Ryu,I still think you're all a bucha cool warriors!"

"Thanks Saky."said Yuri. "You're pretty cool as well,maybe you could spar with any of us sometime." "You bet!"said Sakura. She then bowed to Blanka. "It was nice to fight alongside you again Jimmy."she said.

"Same here."said Blanka. "But I think there's someone else you should thank as well." Sakura looked at Dan and went over to him as well.

She bowed and said:"Listen,even though I still think you got weird moves and colors,I think you can be pretty good at fighting at times."

"For once.thanks Saky."said Dan. "So does this mean you'll be my student when I get back?" "Don't push your luck,danny."said Sakura. "But maybe if you learn some new moves.we'll see."

Sakura then got on the back of Kei's moped and waved goodbye. "Bye now-bye!"everyone said waving goodbye.

"Hmmm..she'd make a fine student if she accepted my class?"said Takuma. "I'm afriad she's just too into the one named Ryu for that old timer."said Dan.

"Huh-figures on that rambo-headband washout!"said Robert. "I still dunno what everyone in the fighter's circuit see in that guy. I mean we're all stronger than him and that Ken guy combined."

"Everyone has their own tastes Robert."said King. "But it changes eventually."

Dan turned to Blanka. "It was nice seeing you again,Jimmy."he said. "Likewise Dan."said Blanka shaking his head. "You heading back home to your dojo?"

"Not.quite yet I'm afriad."said Dan. "You see..i've still got some things to do with these people. But I'll be back I promise you."

"Okay then."said Blanka. "But be careful." "I will."said Dan.

Blanka then went off to his next destination,but not till after he bid the AOF team goodbye. "Man,that is some weird fighter if I ever saw one."said Robert. "I'll say."said King. "Hey,watch it that's my friend there."said Dan. "Sides us weirdos gotta stick together."

"Okay Dan."said Ryo. "You're saying you wanted to fight me one on one?" "What,Ryo?"said King and the others. "That's right Ryo."said Dan. "In fact,even though I don't wanna beat around the bush you owe me since I saved you from that creep Wyler---and I wanted to be rid of him as much as you did anyways. But-this is now a matter of fighting honor."

"That's right,Ryo."said Takuma. "We must accept all honorable challenges at any rate. It is what makes the art of Kyokugen great." "Hey,if this is gonna be a fight between Ryo and our new pal Dan then I'm all for it." "Same here."said Yuri. "He's okay!" "Ditto."said King. "It'll be a great match-up."

"Well.okay then Dan Hibiki."said Ryo. "Your challenge has been accepted,but.I think we should all head on back to the Kyokugen Japan based school and rest up for tomorrow."

"You got it!"said Dan. "I am so there!"

The six fighters all headed back to the same place where this all began. The home school of the Sakazaki school of martial arts.

But when they got there,they also had to inform the police and carry away the body of their late housekeeper. "Poor Iwatsu."said Yuri. "He was the best." "I'm sure Wyler and Big will be enjoying their prison stay for a very long time."said Ryo. "Now Dan-we are both to rest up for tomorrow. Here,we shall face each other in the dojo and trophy room where all battles take place here.Is that understood?"

"Yes,understood."said Dan,beaming with joy. "Very good."said Ryo. "But before we prepare for tomorrrow,name your price of victory." "My price is this."said Dan. ".if I win then you and your master will reveal the innermost secrets of the Kyokugen to me as to how I can master and perfect my own fighting style."

"WHAT?"said Robert. "Hey,what a minute pal---!" "No Robert!"said Takuma. "This is part of the great challenge of the Sakazaki. If a price is named,it cannot be ignored."

"If you say so dad."said Yuri. "But I still can't help but feel a little worried about this." "Now."said Ryo. ".we will show you to your room and you are to go to be immediately for tomorrow."

"Yes,I will do so,"said Dan. "And I look forward to our battle tomorrow!" Takuma showed Dan to the guest room. "Ryo.?"asked King. "You sure you're up to this?"

"Dan did help us defeat Wyler,King."said Ryo. "It's only fitting we repay him by granting his outlandish request. As for the battle.well.he may be good,but he knows not what he may be going up against."

Dan then turned in for the night. At first,he couldn't sleep because he was either too excited ot angsty about tomorrow. But,he finally drifted off to sleep.

The next morning at the Kyokugen school 9:00 am.

Ryo sat cross-legged in the middle of the large and wide blue mat of the training school room. Robert,Yuri and King stood across from him. "This may be good,"said Robert. "and this may not be good."

"I just hope bro knows what he's doing."said Yuri. "I feel a little worried for that Dan guy."said King. "He did after all defeat Wyler,but..can he stand against Ryo and his full-fledged mastery of Kyokugen?"

"Only one way to find out."said Robert. Takuma then entered the room,he wore a red and white samurai kimono garb and sandals. "I-the second founder of the art of Kyokugenryu and the founder of the Kyokugen schools am proud to present this one time match between my son-Ryo Sakazaki-Kyokugen master and chosen heir to the art of Kyokugen,and Dan Hibiki,self-proclaimed master of the art of Saikyoryyu.

Dan then entered the room,ready for anytthing in his newly clean pink gi. Ryo arose,his newly cleaned orange gi,fists at his side,ready to fight.

Takuma then came between the two warriors to announce the match. "If Dan wins,he shall name his claimed prize."he said. "If Ryo wins,then Dan must never return here. Is that clear?"

Both warriors nodded. "Good."said Takuma. "Now---take your positions."

Both Dan and Ryo stood away from each other and got into fighting stances. "Face me---bow! Face each other-bow-BEGIN!"said Takuma.

The match had finally begun. It was to be a one time only between the art of Saikyoryu and Kyokugenryu.

Dan made the first move by leaping at Ryo doing his flail kick at him. Ryo simply ducked it as Dan flew over him,and then landed safely on the mat.

Dan swung around at Ryo and did his Gadouken,but to his horror,the fireball didn't go any farther than beyond his own fist. "UH.?"said Dan. "Aw man I forgot about the distance of my fireball! I'll have to get a little closer!"

"Sorry about your projectile,Hibiki."said Ryo. "Now---have one of mine!" Ryo shouted KOHO-KEN and flew a fireball at Dan which went a lot farhter than his ever did.

"WHOA!"said Dan as he jumped over it and came right at Ryo! "YEEAAHH!"Dan said in a battle-cry. Dan began to thrust various punches at Ryo,but the blonde blocked them off with every move. Then a few high and low kicks which Ryo also blocked and dodged away from.

Ryo then launched into his thrust scissor kick at Dan. Dan was unprepared for this and was hit hit right in the abdomen hard!

Dan fell backwards from the blow and crashed to the mat. Ryo then jumped high into the air and came downward at Dan doing his air chop.

Dan rolled slightly away from the chop as it hit the mat. He then came at Ryo doing his Kyoruken uppercut,right in the chin!

"UNNF!"Ryo fell slightly backwards from the punch which gave Dan a new oppurtity to attack. Dan rushed in with a rising knee move(It's a small versin of it's flail kick.)right into Ryo's gut.

Ryo felt his air-supply being cut off from the blow. Dan then went into his Shadow Dragon Punch,made sure he was close enough to him and repeatedly punched Ryo in the chest and chin with the attack.

After the last blow,Ryo fell backwards to the mat and was down. Dan then rollerballed backwards and shouted "OSSHHAAA---OYAAA-CHIII!" while raising his fist in victory.

"What the heck is he doing?"said Yuri cocking an eyebrow. "Enjoying the feel of victory I guess."said Robert.

"He'd best not get cocky over it."said King. "That sort of thing can lead to sudden defeat."

Ryo jumped back to his feet,ready to fight again. "Mm..not bad,not bad."he said. "But let's see ya handle this!"

Ryo jumped into the air and did his air fireball,throwing a Ho-Ken down at Dan. Before Dan could react,he was hit in the head by the fireball,causing him to fly across the mat.

"Unnhh."groaned Dan as he rubbed the side of his head. "Well.at least I know now that Akuma's not the only one who can do air-fireballs." Ryo then jumped into the air again and started throwing fireballs down at his opponent. "YEOWW!"said Dan as he tried to avoid the oncoming fireballs Ryo threw at him. Dan then ran across the mat like he was being chased by a fighter jet. "Two can play at this game!"he thought.

Dan then rolled forward across the mat as Ryo continued to throw air fireballs down at him.

The Saikyo managed to roll across the mat and dodged the projectiles neatly and closely as possible. In other words,he learned a few tricks from his pal Blanka.

Ryo then jumped into the air to do one more fireball,but Dan managed to get close enough to do a high dragon punch on Ryo.

"UGGH!"Ryo replied as Dan hit him in the face,causing him to crash to the floor. Both men were back down to earth.

"It seems that they are both evenly matched."said Takuma. "Ryo's Kyokugen and Dan's Saikyo." "Ryo's never been equally matched!"said Robert. "Well.except maybe by me,but he hasn't lost a match yet. C'mon Ryo---get'im---use your best moves!" "C'mon Ryo-yeah go Ryo!"said King and Yuri.

"Great!"thought Dan. "Ryo's got himself a cheering section. Maybe I shoulda let Blanka tag along with me,at least I'd have someone cheering me on!"

Ryo jumped back to his feet and came at Dan. The fight continued as the two traded blows. Ryo did a roundhouse kick which Dan ducked and came up and placed two punches into Ryo's chest from his right hand and then did a lunge punch with his left.

Ryo staggered backwards and kept back on the defense. Dan kept on the defense as he rocked upon the toes of his feet.

Ryo then unleashed another Ho-ken fireball. Dan then blocked it off and Ryo then did another,and another. "Hey,man---what's up with this?"said Dan. "Showing ya how a fireball does the trick and damage."said Ryo as he continued to fire away.

After five or six fireballs,Dan couldn't take any more punishment to his arms and let them fall to his sides. "NOW!"said Ryo as he thrust forward with his thrust kick,knocking Dan to the floor in turn.

Ryo then began to thrust his foot down on Dan,trying to get him to stay down. Dan then rolled his body away from Ryo as he ran after him,trying to stop him down.

Dan sommersaulted back to his feet,and was he steamed. Ryo came at Dan and the two continued to trade pun hes.

Ryo did a high punch at Dan,but he then caught Ryo's fist and began punching him in the left side of his ribs several times.

Ryo tried to break free,but Dan would have none of it as he grabbed Ryo's arm and threw him in a basic over the shoulder throw.

"WHAM!"he went down. Ryo lay upon the floor,trying to catch his breath,just as Dan was as well. "Give-give up?"said Dan.

"not.on your nelly."whispered Ryo. Before Dan could see what he meant,Ryo then thrust both of his legs upward and kicked Dan right in the forehead,knocking him backwards.

Ryo then jumped back to his feet and came at Dan with his most powerful attack ever-the Ryuko-Ranbu!

Ryo flew at Dan and attacked him with a barrage of punches and kicks the same way Dan did with Wyler. Dan's head,face,chest and abdomen was bombarded by punches and kicks while Ryo shouted:"ORAORAORAORAA---!"

Finally ending with an uppercut the same way. Dan fell to the floor,trying to catch his breath from all the pain. "HE DID IT YEAH!"said Yuri. "It may not be over yet!"said Takuma. "Dan appears to have more stamina than we thought."

Dan slowly but surely got back to his feet,still trying to catch his breath.

"You.you stole my move!"he said. "No Dan-I swear on my honor I didn't."said Ryo. "That move was taught to me by my own father."

Dan looked over at Takuma. "He speaks true Dan."he said. "I know everything there is to know abput the Kyokugen,your moves are obviously coincidence by far."

Dan then looked at Ryo. "Very well then."said Dan. "But we'll see who has the better moves when this is over---YAAHH!"

Both Dan and Ryo jumped at each other. The two continued to deck it out on the mat. Punch after punch,kick after kick,each trying to gain an advantage.

Both fired their projectiles into each other,but they just dissolved in their hands from crashing into one another. Dan then did a roundhouse kick,Ryo ducked it,then did Dan did it again as he came back up. Ryo ducked it again. Dan then tried it a third time,but as he did the turn kick,Ryo caught it by the foot and then shoved Dan away from him.

Dan fell to the floor,as angry as ever.

"You're.a good fighter there Dan."said Ryo. "Maybe one of the best I ever faced in my life!" "Yeah?"said Dan as he got up. "For someone who strikes an awful lot of coincidence,you're damn good as well. But..I intend to become stronger then ever for this..and I won't stop till one of us is down on this mat,completely drained of their power."

"Okay by me."said Ryo. "Koho-Ken!" He threw another fireball which Dan ducked and rolled past Ryo. With his back turned,Dan then went into his Hisshou Burai Ken once again,and he hit up Ryo the same way he did Wyler with his ultimate barrage attack.

Fist connecting with flesh each made a sickening thud and smack as Dan poured on the abuse. Dan then went for the last move---the dragon punch!

But to his surprise,Ryo caught him by the wrist and then bombarded Dan with his machine gun punch.

"UNNH-UNNH-HEY!"he said while being continously hit in the side by the punches.

Ryo then ended it with a thrust punch and Dan was sent across the mat,skidding on his back.

"I.I think it's time we ended this in the most explosive way Dan."said Ryo. "With a super-fireball finish. You charge up your fireball to it's maxximum and I'll charge up mine to it's full power and let them both loose on each other."

"That sounds fair enough."said Takuma. "And the first one who gets hit by their fireball after their's shorts out-wins the match!"

"Okay then,"said Dan. "sounds fair enough Let's do it!"

Ryo charged up his Sho Koh Ken to maxximum power as did Dan with his Shinku Gadouken,until their fists were shining with powerful ki energy,both a bright white.

After a whole minute,both released their fireballs from their hands which turned out into a pair of great big fiery ones at that.

Both of the giant projectiles collided into each other and streaks of lightning energy began flowing from them.

Both warriors held their hands out to control the power and strength of their fireballs through mental and spiritual focus,and both were nearly at the end of their limits,but both stood their grounds,not willing to let up!

"Look at that!"said Robert. "I've never seen that much energy come from a single fighter!" "The full potent of ki energy lies within everyone when they harness and improve it to the very full."said Takuma. "I always knew there would come a day when my first son would face an opponent as great as he in an ultimate battle of power and strength!"

Ryo continued to push and pour his strength into the power of his fireball,as did Dan trying to get the upper hand. Both warriors continued to push their limits beyond to the breaking point,neither tiring out,but it seemes they were beginning to get there.

"I can't let him win!"thought Dan. "The legacy of my father and I are at stake here. I beat Sagat..but now I know there are still many more powerful fighters out there for me to face. And if I can't beat Ryo---what chance have I against others? I MUST SUCCEED!"

"Dan is a good fighter,better than I figured."thought Ryo."But the honor,pride and future of the Kyokugen style is at stake here. Yuri and Robert are dedicated to the art of Kyokugen,but they're destinies even with each other lie elsewhere in life. If I am to be a true master and heir of the Kyokugen school.then I must previal! Sorry Dan.."

Finally,after what seemed an eternity,Dan's strength began to buckle as his body began to lose it. "Unnnhh.can't hold on much longer!"he said. "But I must---Uhh--!" Ryo then saw his chance as Dan's fireball started to fade. He brought his arms back and pushed forward,causing his fireball to break through Dan's.

Dan then saw the fireball coming straight at him. "Aww.man."he moaned.

And he was hit by a large burst of energy and fell across the mat. "HE DID IT YEAAH!"said Yuri as she jumped into the air. "Ryo did it!"said Robert. King and Takuma looked rather concerned for Dan.

"Hey,what's up with you two?"said Robert. "Yeah,aren't you gonna cheer for our boy?"said Yuri.

"I knew Ryo was gonna win eventually."said King. "But.I almost feel sorry for that Dan guy. He may have been strange..but he showed real potential for a lot of things in battle. If it wasn't for him,Ryo would've been dead."

"I am with King on this."said Takuma. "Ryo shall eventually become the official heir to the Kyokugen someday.and I am proud that he has accomplished something great but.this Dan reminds me of myself in my younger days when I went about to challenge and defeat great opponents. This defeat may have been too much even for him."

"Dan.."said Robert as he and Yuri looked on at him. Ryo fell on one knee,trying to catch his breath. He looked over at Dan who still lay across the mat,panting and breathing heavilly.

"You.you were truly a worthy opponent,Dan Hibiki."thought Ryo. "Your fireball was powerful,but mine was greater..because I was able to use both hands.while you only used one to control yours. A slightly unfair advantage maybe.but I hope that you will gain something from this after all."

Ryo got up and walked over to Dan. Dan looked up at Ryo,who was offering a hand to Dan. Dan hesitated for a moment and then took Ryo's hand in his hand,helping him back up.

Takuma then stood before the two warriors. "The winner---RYO SAKAZAKI!"said Takuma. "Dan,it is with regret,that I must ask you to leave this place and never return."

"Hold it dad."said Ryo. "I think we can still manage at least something here." "Yeah,he did fight hard after all."said King.

"Well I uh."said Takuma. "No,no.thanks for the offer but.."said Dan. ".I guess I should've known better than to challenge masters and fighters with greater power. I..still have much to learn but.I don't know if I should go on after this."

"Don't say that Dan."said Ryo. "You still have great potential even after all you and I went through to get this far. You just still have untapped power to reach."

"My son speaks true,Dan."said Takuma. "A warrior,no matter how hard he fights and still makes it past the greatest of tests..still has much to learn before he is a true bonafide master. You have no doubt taken a huge step to reach what you wish to achieve."

"I wish.to achieve the dream of my late father..Gou Hibiki."said Dan. "D-did you say Gou Hibiki?"said Takuma. "Uh yes.did you know him."said Dan.

Takuma took a closer look at Dan. "I should've recognized the familiar hair style you wear..and the fighting spirit your father had."he said. "Yes,your father and I were once old acquantices many years ago."

"You knew Dan's father,dad?"said Ryo. "As I said,many years ago."said Takuma as he went over to a nearby drawer next to the trophy cases.

He pulled open the top drawer and pulled an old black and white photo. The master then walked over to Dan and gave him the photo.

Looking at it,Dan saw two men dressed in karate gi's standing together. The man on the left was Takuma at a younger age. The man to the right had a slick back hair style with tail like Dan's,except he had a moustache and goatee with a slightly large nose as well.

"F-father."he said. "..that's my father." Robert looked at the photo of the man Takuma stood with and began to repress an urge to giggle. Yuri knowing what he was about to do,nudged him in the ribs. "I know what you're gonna do,Rob!"she whispered. "So don't even think about it! Besides,you got a pon-tail as well."

"This was taken back in the early 1950's."said Takuma."While I was training under my father,he had finished training under a great Shotokan master named Goutetsu. We met during a tournament out in the country and we fought it out. He won of course,but we became good friends after that,and he showed me a few of his own super moves.

The move he showed me especially was the barrage punch and kick move both you and Dan did. Now..I thought the move was very interesting and amazing to do so.I decided to mimic and copy that move for my own arsenal. He never knew of course,but I decided to train that one by myself and create my own originality for it.

The similarity of the end uppercut is mostly a coincidence I'm sure,and I decided to keep that move for myself and not teach it to anyone any time soon. Years later,I learned of Gou's death at the hands of the Muay Thai champion Sagat. I myself had once planned to find and defeat Sagat for killing him but.I eventually found that he was not only defeated by the one called Ryu during the '87 world warrior tournament as well as a warrior dressed in..what I had heard.a pink outfit."

"Uh.heh-heh..guilty."said Dan.

"You have honored your father's memory well Dan Hibiki."said Takuma. "As for the barrage moves,after Ryo defeated Mr.Big and rescued both Yuri and myself I taught him that same great move I was saving to honor the memory of Gou. And it seems that much of his fighting style shall live on in you."

"Well..I admit I learned everything else on my own."said Dan. "He first taught me some of his moves before he enrolled me in master Gouken'sclass. I..thank you as well for honoring my fahter's memory. And I'm sorry for disturbing any of you on such short notice earlier on this. It's just that.even after I defeated Sagat,I am still trying to find ways to become a great as a warrior as my father,and teach my style to others."

"In ways you are a great a warrior as he was,Dan."said Takuma. "He's right,you did what we couldn't in the end and defeated Wyler for keeps this time!"said Yuri. "I'm sure your father would be mighty proud of his son today,Dan."said Robert. "That's right."said Ryo. "But to become a master and teach your style to others,you must first improve and perfect your own stlye before you teach it to others. And if you wish to learn about the ways of Kyokugen,then I would certainly be honored to---!"

Dan held a hand up to Ryo. "No Ryo,no."he said. "I thank you.all of you for what you did.but I've also found that if I must progress then I must learn my own originality by myself. It wouldn't be the same as my father's style if I copied it from others. So..I must head back to Tokyo and re-learn what I have and improve it."

Ryo sighed. "Very well."he said. "But if you ever re-consider,you know where to find us." "I will."said Dan. ".and thank you all of you."

Dan then bowed to the heroes and walked off to pick up his daffle bag. Before leaving he took one last look at the one named Ryo. "Till we meet again,Ryo Sakazaki."he said and then left.

Dan then went to a nearby public bath house,changed clothes,hopped a bus for Tokyo and returned home.

Later that night,Ryo,along with his girlfriend King,Robert,his girlfriend Yuri and Takuma himself were all at a local japanese restaurant and bar enjoying the celebration of the anniversary of the Kyokugen art and the sakazaki family reunion.

All were enjoying themselves except Ryo,he continued to think about Dan for the rest of the night. Later that night,back at the dojo,Takuma was asleep and both Robert and Yuri were still partying with friends. Ryo sat on his bed still thinlking about Dan.

King then came in,wearing nothing except her lingerie set of bra,stockings,with garter and thong. "Well mr.master."said King with a seductive look on her face."You ready for tonight's.lesson,hmm-hmmm!"

King then looked down at Ryo's face. "Uh hey---earth to Ryo."she said. "Huh-what?"said Ryo looking up at King.

"Huh and what-yeah typical answers to show that something is on your mind. So please as a friend and something more,please tell me what's on your mind- and if you say nothing's wrong and it's nothing-I shall seriously kick you in the chin from where I'm standing."

"Okay okay."said Ryo."Well it's---." "It's Dan isn't it?"said King. "You read me like a book and yeah it's him."said Ryo. "I just can't believe he declined my offer after what we all went through."

"Don't blame yourself if that's what you're doing Ryo."said King. "Either way,it was his choice to leave and learn on his own. I guess he felt it wouldn't be the same." "Yeah but.maybe he'll train twice as hard and improve his fighting style,but what if he doesn't?"said Ryo. "What if he---!"

"I'm sure he'll find a way to succeed Ryo."said King. "That much we've learned about him. If he's anything like his father,than I'm sure he has the will to do so. Now-I'm asking you to please try to enjoy what's left of the celebration just for me this once and try not to think about Dan any more,all right?"

"Well.for you Kingy."said Ryo. "But what's left to celebrate tonight?" King removed her bra and thong and stood over Ryo with her hands on his shoulders. "Namely---ME!" King pushed Ryo down on the bed,then closed and locked the door before both 'turned in' for the night.

Later on that night,King was sound asleep next to the Kyokugen master,but he found that he still couldn't sleep. He knew that he had to do something to help Dan become as strong and skilled as he was but.what?

Finally,Ryo thought for a moment,and had his answer. TO BE CONCONCLUDED IN CH.21