Chan: Oh! I forgot about Evil Sakura. Well, this story is almost over so I don't think there will be anymore room for newer characters! But I've already got a sequel in the works, although I haven't physically started writing it yet. I have a few ideas on what to include, and you've just provided a suggestion for me! Thanks.
Vammy: Yeah, Ryu's our friendly Shotokan murderer. The sad thing is it's so true. I haven't had time to be drawing lately, but just to reassure you, I'm very interested in drawing a picture for your story. I'll be drawing a picture of Kenny too, just so we have something solid to refer to him by, instead of your imagination. I mean imagination is a good thing, but after awhile, I dunno about you but I get sick of it.
Xardion: Thanks! I've been trying to build up the roster of bad guys to pit against the dwindling number of healthy good guys. How are they going to win? I have no idea either, I'm just making this up as I go along. I think I might have dug myself a hole, hehe. Read on and see what happens, if not for the plot, at least to see how I, as the author, can pull myself out of this one!
Edgar: Of course! More chapters coming up! Only about 3 or so left. And then, THE END!! I'm so excited! I finally get to take a break…
Immortal: Yup yup. Don't forget about Kenny, Charlie, Juni, Juli, Cammy, and Sagat! Eight of them against Ryu, Guile, Cody and Maki.
Kikoken: I've been reading your HOAW fic, which by the way, I must say good job! The last chapter I read was about the Street Fighters being confused because they found out their arrival was actually a prophecy, probably by Bison I'm guessing. It's a very interesting story but I just haven't been reviewing … it's hard to think of anything creative to say when I'm just so involved in the plot line. Well I guess I should say something, after all, you've been a loyal reviewer of my story since day one.
Jami: I'll definitely keep reading your Final Fight fic! It's on my favorites for a reason! At least, I think it's on my favorites… To answer your question, I have no idea how long it takes ribs to heal. But because when you breath, your lungs press against your ribs, I'm pretty sure it would take for broken ribs to heal, because they never stay stationary due to breathing– and painful too.
Way of Water: Yeah, thanks! The plots definitely near it's peak somewhere. Final battle next chapter/s is on its way and the closing chapter is after that.
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Bison stood in the deployment hangar of the Fuji Shadowlaw Base, facing the members his new fighting force. They stood in a row, each one on top of a pedestal of stone carved to look like a Roman pillar, raised two feet off the ground. The lighting in this room was dim, just enough to highlight the mysterious silhouettes that stood motionless before him. On the left end, standing in a neutral stance was Shadow, formerly Charlie Nash of the United States military. His normally pale skin and clothes had darkened severely to the point where it was nearly charred black. His face, his expression was hidden under a mask of darkness. On the opposite end of the line was Interpol Agent, Chun Li Xiang, now codenamed Shadow Lady. She seemed to have undergone similar changes in nature to that of Shadow. The usually attractive, cheerful but down to earth Chinese detective now had an evil aura emanating off her body.
Between Shadow and his female counterpart, Shadow Lady, stood three attractive women, each one with curvaceous hips, well toned and developed bodies, and the faces of a doll with a eerily blank expression on them. They were the same women that had brought Chun Li here. Two of them were dressed in black bodysuits hugging their bodies tightly - the ones that had viciously fought Guile and Ryu back at the Kansai Airport, Juli and Juni. The third was the head of the group, the beautiful blonde haired blue-eyed girl, who had been taken out by Guile earlier. Bison approached her and wrapped his hand around one of the braids that hung from her head in lush, golden strands.
"My beloved Cammy," he said, "I was less than impressed with your performance in the field today." The blonde girl remained silent, her expression unchanging. Bison continued. "But not to worry. You will receive some more training. Your natural instincts are exactly what I need for the head of my 'dolls'."
An extra set of footsteps could be heard heading towards Bison's direction. He spun around to face Sagat, the tall, patch eyed Muay Thai fighter he'd recruited from Thailand. Alongside him was an equally tall muscular figure walking menacingly. But Bison wasn't intimidated.
"I'm glad to see you've made your decision, Zangief," Bison said, an evil smile creeping across his face.
"This technology you speak of sounds interesting," the Russian wrestler replied. "But before I agree to accept it into my body -"
"He demands to see some examples of what the Shadow technology has already done," Sagat said, cutting him off.
"Then you couldn't have come to a better place." Bison waved his hand behind him as the lights sudenly came on, allowing his soldiers to be seen in full light. "We've already done two beta tests, and you are to be the final phase of these series of tests. After we conclude that nothing happens to you, side effects wise, we can start mass producing Shadow warriors." Zangiefs normally aggressive demeanor was lost in a world of wonder as he gazed upon the warriors standing before him. "The two on each end are people enhanced by the Shadow technology. Before, they were mere people possessing some knowledge in the martial arts. But now, their abilities have been enhanced twofold, improving their speed, endurance and strength. The same will happen to you, should you accept."
"I want to witness this 'enhanced performance' you speak of," Zangief said. "I want to know what the side effects are."
"Of course." Bison turned to Shadow and Shadow Lady. "Both of you, get down here." Their movements were quick, almost like lighting as they split the air while jumping to the ground. A small gust of wind blew across Zangief's face, ruffling his beard. "Give our friend, Zangief a little demonstration of what you can do."
Bison had hardly finished his sentence when the two of his prized creations lunged at each other. They swung their limbs with lightning speed, threw their bodies into the air and performed graceful flips and landed without a sound. They punched and kicked viciously at each other while the other avoided the blow. Their movements were so fluid, yet so powerful and precise, it looked as if they were in some kind of choreographed dance.
"Like I said," Bison whispered to Zangief while Shadow and Shadow Lady continued to attack each other, "each of their natural abilities has been enhanced. You will not turn out like them, rather your own attributes will be increased - like your body, for instance."
"My body?"
"With an iron body like yours, our scientists have predicted that the Shadow technology will enhance your muscle and skin to the density of steel, or at least close to it."
"What about my mind?" Zangief asked. "It may turn me into a better fighter, but I don't want to lose my sense of judgement, only to become one of your puppets like these two."
"They aren't under anybody's control," Bison lied. "They are simply well disciplined, that is all."
"Well I'm not here to be disciplined by you. I'm only here to test your technology."
"Then please come with me," Sagat said, putting a hand onto Zangief's shoulder, which the man shrugged off.
"I can walk by myself, thank you."
* * *
"I don't care what you say, Ryu," Ken said as he slammed his fist childishly onto the mattress. "I'm coming along with you whether you like it or not. This is Bison we're talking about. Not to mention Kenny and Chun Li are in his hands. If you're gonna get them outta there, you're going to need help."
"And in a position like yours, you won't be the help that I need," Ryu said calmly. "I'd rather have you recuperating here where it's safe, especially when it's your ribs that need healing. In battle, you won't even be able to breathe properly."
"For god sake," Ken cried, throwing his hands in the air, "You're taking Maki with you." He glanced at the blonde haired Bushin-ryuu ninja standing a whole head shorter beside Ryu.
"Hey, I'm getting discharged today," she said, wagging a finger at Ken. "Besides, only one of my arms are injured. I still have three limbs that I can use."
"We don't have time to fight about this," Guile said, getting impatient with the others. "There are lives at stake here."
"Where are we headed once we get out of here?" Maki asked.
"The military has already sent me the co-ordinates of Shadowlaw's Mount Fuji base," he replied. "The squadrons are being positioned right now. We are going there, they'll break into the base and clear the way for us."
"Sounds exciting," Sakura said, clasping her hands together. Ryu and Guile gave her a look of disapproval. "Listen you guys. I know you think I'm just some high school brat but ..."
"You don't need to say anything more," Ryu said. "Regardless of what we think you are, the fact remains that you're a fifteen year old teenager."
"Sixteen!"
"Whatever. This is a rescue mission involving the military. Military means people aged eighteen and over, and even in this situation, the soldiers have been training for years!" Guile explained, trying to make Sakura understand where he was coming from.
"Please just try to understand," Ryu continued.
"You guys are gonna let me come too, right?" Cody asked.
"Any serious injuries?" Guile asked.
"Just cuts and scrapes on my back - alot of them. And I think I've got a bruised vertabre," Cody replied.
Guile shook his head, obviously frustrated by confusion. "Just ... can you fight?"
"Yeah, man!" Cody said enthusiastically, throwing a fist up into the air.
"Alright, we've got four," Guile said turning to Ryu. "Should be enough to go up against Bison."
"I don't think that'll be enough," Guy said, wheeling towards Guile in his wheelchair. "Remember who you're going up against. Bison is the leader of this worldwide terrorist organization. I'm sure he'll have plenty of tricks up his sleeve, not to mention a few good martial arts moves. He doesn't just sit on his throne all day. And if he's been smart enough to develop this Shadow technology, what else does he have at his disposal? Not to mention he also has Chun Li and Kenny he could use to get you to submit."
"Well do you think maybe any of the other street fighters are in good enough condition to help?" Sakura suggested. "I mean, there's that Indian monk that can blow fire from his mouth, or how about that military guy with grenades and a stick?"
"Dhalsim is a monk who is peaceful in nature, and who only attacks when attacked," Ryu replied. "Because of the agressive nature of this mission, it's doubtful that he'd join us."
"What about grenade man?" Sakura asked.
"Yeah right!" Maki snorted. "Rolento?? We've faced him before, back in Metro City. Trust me - he's not one of the good guys.
Without any forewarning, Ryu's body seemed to jolt suddenly as his pupils shrunk. A small yelp escaped from his throat, alarming the others that surrounded him.
"Ryu," Ken began, the worry radiating off his voice, "are you alright?!"
"Oh no, it could be that evil energy," Sakura said, "the Satsui no Hadou."
Ryu put his hand up to calm them, the other one pressed against his temple. "I … I don't think it's the Satsui no Hadou," he said through clenched teeth. "It's somebody else's chi. Someone is trying to communicate with me."
"Telepathy?" Maki suggested. "I didn't know that was an acquired skill of the Shotokan art."
"No," Ryu replied, "it's not telepathy. It's somebody's chi I'm picking up. They're … whoever it is, they're afraid … very afraid."
"Chun Li?" Cody asked. "Damn if I knew you Street Fighters could communicate like this …"
"It's not communication," Ken interrupted. "Our sensei taught us not only to fight, but to be aware of the energies surrounding us. Whoever it is Ryu is sensing, that person isn't deliberately making contact. It's that their emotional levels are so strong right now that their chi is kinda like … a beacon. It is easily sensed."
Ryu nodded in agreement, slightly distracted by his sensations. "It's not Chun Li. I'm not picking up on her chi, not even the slightest bit. It's as if … she doesn't exist anymore. This is somebody else … and he's crying for help. He's still conscious and - oh God, it's a child."
"Kenny!" Cody cried out, but everyone else needed no reminder as they all realized it at the same time. "He's still conscious. So they haven't done anything to him."
"Not yet, anyway," Ken said. "We gotta get to him. At least we know we can still save somebody, right Ryu?" But Ryu heeded no attention, too absorbed in trying concentration trying to find the source of the chi.
* * *
"Don't be afraid, Kenny. You must be strong."
The sound of Ryu's voice inside Kenny's head was comforting. It was a relief to finally familiar voice, gentle in tone but firm at the same time, inspiring him to face his ordeal. But Kenny was going to need a lot more encouragement. He didn't know where he was or what he was doing, but one thing was for certain. There was something inside of him … something evil that was spreading to Chun Li, and that army man that he met earlier, Charlie. Now he felt the presence of a tall, powerful man before him, ready to receive the evil power inside him too. The man had a strange name … Zangief, or something.
"Ryu!!" Kenny called out. "Where are you?" But there was no response. The boy wasn't trained in telepathic communication but somehow, Ryu was able to talk to him, although he wasn't able to talk back. "Something's happening to me. They're taking something out of me and putting it into other people. I can't stop them. Ryu? Can you hear me?" Still there was no response. Kenny's heart thumped faster, the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He gave up, realizing there was no way he could communicate with Ryu. But he felt like he had to do something, the feeling becoming stronger as he looked at the monstrosity of a man, Zangief standing before him, ready to receive whatever it was Kenny had to offer. The boy shook his head, trying to signal to Zangief to get away. But all his warnings went unnoticed. He was brawny, but sure didn't recognize body language when he saw it. He was big and dumb, just like on T.V.
Kenny was zapped out of his frustration, feeling his body want to explode for the third time today. The transfer process was beginning again, this time, the power inside him was going to Zangief. First it was Charlie, then Chun Li, now this guy. When was Bison going to stop? Kenny clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, screaming at the top of his lungs trying to soften the pain that filled his body. He was too occupied with his own sensations to notice that Zangief was doing the same thing. It was a painful process and Kenny didn't understand how anybody could voluntarily do it. Unlike him, Zangief actually had a choice. Yet he chose to do so anyway. Big and stupid …
* * *
"No, Kenny!!" Ryu screamed. Where was Kenny's chi? It had disappeared all of a sudden, without any warning.
"What happened, Ryu?" Ken asked, as he crowded around his friend with the others not far away.
"Is Kenny alright?" Maki followed, taking Ryu's hand into hers.
"I… I lost him," Ryu replied weakly. "I felt his relief, when I talked to him. But he can't reply."
"He doesn't know how," Ken said, realizing the truth. "Poor guy. All alone at the Shadowlaw base at Bison's mercy."
"Which makes it that much more important for us to get them back," Guile added. "We don't have anymore time to waste." He motioned to Ryu, Maki and Cody. "Let's get out of here. We're going to the Shadowlaw base."
The four of them headed for the hospital ward. "Be careful," Sakura said, reaching her hand out to them.
Ryu took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "We'll be alright," he said. "Just take care of yourselves back here." He turned to Guy, frowning in his wheelchair, and Ken, sitting upright on his bed. "Stay with Sakura at all times, and keep her safe."
"Excuse me?!" the teenager cried. But her reaction went unnoticed as Ryu quickly went out the door, catching up with the others. Sakura folded her arms and pouted. "I can't believe he thinks I'd do that," she said.
"I dunno," Ken said shrugging. "You seem like a pretty impulsive girl to me."
"Well …"
"He didn't say anything about not letting you come along," Ken winked.
"I'm afraid I don't follow…" Guy said, his confusion quite obviously showing.
"Ryu doesn't want us helping him with Chun Li and Kenny's rescue operation," Ken explained. "But he didn't say that we could try it on our own!"
"I like how you think," Sakura grinned, giving him the thumbs up.
"Oh no," Guy said, "you're not gonna do what I think you're gonna do!"
"Oh yes, we are!" Ken and Sakura declared in unison.
"Ryu also said to keep her safe."
Ken turned to the girl. "Sakura, do you think you'll be safe? I mean come on, you're with me!"
"Of course!" she replied cheerfully.
"Anymore questions, Guy?" The Bushin Master frowned some more. "Oh come on, it's time to stop following the rules once in awhile. You're only alive once!"
"I'm in a wheelchair. I don't think I'll be able to stop you from going, even if I used force, let alone fight against Shadowlaw."
"Good point."
"Okay then, you should stay here and rest," Sakura said, patting Guy on the head, much to his annoyance. It was the first time in his life he'd been talked down to by a child. But he hardly had time to retaliate when Ken and Sakura raced out the door, making sure to head down the opposite direction in the hallway just so Ryu and the others wouldn't notice them following.
As Sakura ran down the halls of the hospital alongside Ken, she felt her heart thump with excitement. She'd come all the way from her home, hoping to just have one meeting with Ryu, her idol. But this? This was far more than she could've ever hoped for. She darted past the nurses who tried stopping her and Ken, cracked her knuckles and hoped for the best. Chun Li and Kenny didn't need to worry. She was on her way.