7. Extended Vacation: Going to Hong Kong
{The girl is showing much more energy that before. Looks like she is producing something interesting.}
"Bison!" Sakura yelled out. "I won't forgive you for what you did to my friend!"
"I really think that you won't be forgiving yourself if you attack me."
Sakura got into her fighting stance. "What are you babbling about?"
"Just look at yourself. You cannot control your emotions. You don't know it. but you are succumbing to the Dark Hadou."
"What?"
"I should have known after you attacked me. You reminded me of the fighter that wounded me."
Sakura stood mute. "I don't understand."
Bison crossed his arms. "Of course you don't. You are still a child. You might be weaker than that man, but you still contain the Dark Hadou in your veins." He turned his back to Sakura. "When the time comes, I'll suck it out of you. But for now, farewell."
"But wait!" Sakura tried to stop Bison, but it was too late. Bison disappeared.
"Sakura!"
Sakura turned to her friends, but her attention was on Bison. and herself. She walked over to Darrell and Hinata with a dazed look on her face.
{The Dark Hadou. Wait a minute! Dark.}
Suddenly, she knew what was happening.
{That dream that I had. Evil Ryu and Dark Sakura. Am I letting that girl control my body.?}
"Sakura! Is something the matter?" Hinata asked, worried.
"You guys," Sakura began. "I will need to have a talk with you."
----- -----
"Interesting. Very interesting."
A dark figure stood on top of a branch of a tree, staring down at the three young warriors. His eyes were an eerie dark red, but that is all that could be noticed.
"The girl possesses the Satsu no Hadou. She might be the one that I'm looking for."
The figure stood there with a grin of his face for about 4 more seconds before warping away from the vicinity.
----- -----
"So you are going to look for Ryu, huh?"
Sakura stared right into her friend's eyes and her mother's. She was determined to find the one she looks up to. She knows that he already contains the Dark Hadou and wanted to see if he can help in any way possible. Hinata and Darrell were very supportive, but her mother was hard to crack. They had been talking for about an hour, but finally her mother approved.
"If I am right," Sakura said, "this power that I process could be very dangerous. I have to get this under control, mom."
"I see. Well, I guess I won't be seeing you for a while then." Her mother had a very calm tone in her voice all throughout the talk.
"I'll try to come back as soon as possible," Sakura reassured her mother. That seemed to clench it.
"Okay," her mother said slowly. "I. believe that I can trust you on this. Just don't go dieing on me or something like that."
"Yes, mom."
"There is just one thing I have to say about this, Sakura."
Sakura turned to Darrell. He could see that this was bothering him somewhat. "What is it?"
He swallowed hard then spoke. "This. well. I'll go with you."
"What?" Sakura let out. She shook the shock away. "I really don't think that is a good idea. I mean, I might lose myself. and well, you are still in school--"
"Sakura, just stop right there," Darrell cut her off. "There is something that is bothering me right now, and really, it is more important than school right now. It has to do mainly with the dreams that we had a few nights ago. I know that you remember that."
Sakura nodded as Darrell continued. "Besides, I never got to tell you why I'm really here."
Sakura stared at her friend. "You mean to tell me."
"Sakura, I'm the reason things back at home have been a mess. I've been developing a huge anger problem. and with my fighting abilities. well, you know. So. I think this Ryu can help me here. I don't think that it is Dark Hadou. but it is still a huge problem. I can't ignore it."
"Fine. call it an extended vacation, then," Sakura said. Now then. At least I have someone to keep me in check.
"If you guys go out into the world all dysfunctional and stuff, then it looks like I'm going also."
Everyone in the room looked at Hinata. She didn't normally do stuff like this. Okay, she did, but not to the extreme. like this.
"I know now I'm not going to be able to stop you." Sakura admitted. "It looks like it is a group journey, then."
Sakura's mother looked at the three teenagers with a look of sorrow.
{Sakura. I can only wish you luck. Looks like you are growing up.}
----- -----
"Now, then. Where are we heading again?"
"Downtown Hong Kong. I want to meet up with some guys."
"Really? So you know some guys from all over the world, huh, Sakura?"
"You could say that."
The trio was already aboard the airplane to Hong Kong. Sakura wanted to start her search for Ryu there. She could have started for Ken from the start, but she really didn't want to disturb him. Only God knows what he does. So she thought of meeting a few characters there. First was the Interpol agent, Chun-Li. She probably knows a thing or two about Bison. Second were the Lee Brothers, Yun and Yang, for a little sparring match. Third, and probably the riskiest one, was the movie star, Fei-Long. Since he occasionally spars with Ryu, he might just have a clue on his whereabouts. But since he is a movie star, chances are they'll be moving to Thailand without his help to see. Sagat, Ryu's rival. If anyone, Sagat will know where he is besides Ken, but it might not be so easy.
"You know," Darrell started, lying back into his chair. "I really hope that I don't have jet lag on this flight."
"You shouldn't worry," Hinata reassured him. "These are Japanese planes. You'll actually be enjoying this."
"How do you know?"
"Trust me. The ride is very comfortable. Also, they let you play games on the seats. You'll love it."
----- -----
Sakura, Hinata, and Darrell found themselves making their way down a Hong Kong street roughly 5 hours later. Sort of like Tokyo, Hong Kong was insanely crowded. The sidewalks were being consumed with bodies, as well as the streets.
"Man. this is worse than New York." Darrell commented while bumping his way forward.
"Sakura. how much longer until we get to this pottery shop you told us about?" Hinata asked, annoyed.
"Its right here," Sakura replied, moving towards a store building. The others followed suit and stared at the orange pottery shop. It was definitely in Hong Kong design and with large monuments in the front.
"Let's go in, shall we?" Sakura invited as she opened the door and walked in. All three were met by many clay statues around the room. Most of them were about ancient men in poses. As they walked down an aisle, they caught a glimpse of a large aquarium to their left.
"Pretty nice," Darrell said while gawking at the monuments.
"Welcome to our store."
The trio raised their head to the balcony above them to see a young teen with his arms folded. He was wearing a long, orange sleeveless shirt with baggy black pants and his brown hair shot forward over his face like a shade. He jumped over the balcony and landed on his feet right in front of his visitors.
"Hi, Yang," Sakura answered his welcome. "What's up?"
His expression was pretty soft. "Oh, Sakura. I'm okay. I see you brought visitors with you."
"Yeah. These right here are my friends Hinata and Darrell."
Yang looked over to the two newcomers. "Nice to meet you."
"Same here," Darrell returned. "I really like your store."
"Really? It is my uncle's." Yang turned around. "Follow me. I'll show you his masterpiece."
On the way, Yang broke down the story about his family's shop and the talent of sculpture. "It is like a family tradition to keep this shop. My uncle is especially dedicated to this. He made over half of these sculptures in the shop and they are pretty popular. Most of them sell pretty well."
Yang stopped right in front a huge sculpture of a man on one knee and one arm up in triumph, possibly after a victory in war. "This. is the best one up to date," Yang continued. "It took my uncle and grandmother about 5 months to make this one out of pure marble. It has no price value and is the store's trademark."
"It is pretty awesome," Hinata complimented on the handiwork. It isn't everyday you see something like this in Tokyo.
Sakura looked at Yang and asked, "Yang. I have been meaning to ask you. Where is your brother?"
Yang took his eyes of his uncle's work of art to place them on Sakura. "Well. you shall know that in about. 3. 2. 1."
Suddenly, a voice shot out, "Seriously, grandma! I wasn't hanging out with Hoimei today! She just came over here and started to harass me! What was I supposed to do!?"
Another voice this time. "You should have told her that you were busy! You know that when I'm not here, you and Yang look after the shop. You just don't go out with. with her like that leaving your brother to tend to the shop!"
"I'm sorry! I really am!"
Everyone except Yang sweatdropped. "It looks like I found him." Sakura said, uneasily.
Yang just closed his eyes while shaking his head. "That's Yun for you."
In an instant, another teen raced down the spiral case to the lower floor. Just like Yang, he wore a long, sleeveless shirt, but it was white instead of orange, and his eyes were hidden by a blue and yellow baseball cap. He didn't realize the group was there until he almost ran into Hinata.
"Whoa!" he yelped as he fell forwards to avoid tripping over Hinata, but caught himself and did a forward flip, just avoiding a statue. He brushed himself off before looking up to the four beings.
"Huh. yeah. Nothing broken," he was still checking himself, then said, "Sorry about that. Welcome to our pottery shop! My name's Yun, your assistant for your stay. Hey, wait a minute. Sakura?"
Sakura nodded. "Yes, Yun. It's me."
Yun folded his arms while Yang put his hands in his pockets. "Well, it has been a while. What brings you here? Looking for another match? I'm ready whenever you are!"
"Sure, but I came here for something else. Have you seen Ryu anywhere? I'm sort of looking for him."
Yun stared at Sakura. "Ryu. you mean the guy with the white gi and the duffel bag?"
Sakura's eyes lit up. "Yes! That's it! When was the last time you fought him?"
"It was a few months ago. He beat me in a close fight, but I'll beat him someday. I just know it. My kung-fu is the best out there!"
"Whatever you say, brother." Yang said.
Darrell put a hand on his chin. "Hold on a minute. Are you guys. the infamous Twin Dragons of Hong Kong?"
Yun pointed a thumb to himself. "You're looking at them."
"Oh, my. God. I've heard about you guys. I swear, I have never seen such moves like the ones you use. You are just. good."
"Yeah, well." Yun said, flattered. He rubbed his nails onto his shirt. "Our grandfather taught us. If you're a fighter, then we could spar sometime while you're here."
"Sure! I'd love to take one of the Twin Dragons." Darrell put his hands in his pocket when he was done, smiling.
"You might just win. Yun has been slacking in his training lately," Yang informed Darrell.
"Oh, please, Yang!" Yun said, nudging Yang with his knuckle.
"You should know better, Yun," Sakura said sarcastically. "Especially after our training during these past few weeks."
"I don't know what my brother is talking about," Yun said. "I'm still as sharp as I was before!"
"I'll find out for myself," Sakura responded. She turned her body to the direction of the door. "Let's see what you got."
----- -----
"Are you sure that they should be fighting right here in the street?" Hinata asked Yang while staring at Sakura and Yun.
"This is how Yun likes his fights; right here in this area," Yang answered.
Sakura and Yun were about to fight at the intersection of a Hong Kong street. The difference is that this section was blocked off by a city bus, which was supposed to be moved by the city since it was out of commission, but they never did. The residents in the neighborhood didn't seem to mind it being there, as business conducted as usual. There was even little convenience stands dotted around the bus.
"Sakura," Yun said as he bowed respectfully to his opponent. "I hope you're ready."
Sakura returned Yun's bow. "I should be saying the same for you! You are the one who hasn't been training!"
"That's enough idle chit-chat." Yun got into his Kenpo fighting stance. "Let's go!"
Sakura wasted no time in starting the fight with a roundhouse kick, something that Yun saw clearly and parried. Yun returned to a power punch to Sakura's head, but she ducked it and landed a short Shouoken, knocking Yun into the air. Yun landed on his back and Sakura stood over him for a follow up attack, but he instantly sprang back up with an upward kick, causing himself to soar into the air. Yun caught Sakura in the chin, making her fly backwards from the force.
"The Senkyutai," Yang said to the other two spectators. "Yun's recovery move."
"He did that so fast." Hinata commented.
Yun landed as Sakura got up from his kick. He stepped forward a bit, and then leaped forward with his arm stretched outward. Sakura saw it way too late and got nailed in the face, knocking her down again.
"Zesshou-houou," Yang called again. "He uses that to cross long distances."
Sakura got up, rubbing her chin with one of her handguards. As she rose, Yun revved up and fired a strong kick to Sakura's stomach. Sakura ditched at the last second to Yun's back and grabbed him by the neck. She started to tighten her grip on Yun for about a second, then let go, then squeezed again. Sakura followed this pattern about 5 more times before finally bashing Yun over the head with a downward elbow strike, sending him to the ground.
"Sakura Jime," Hinata said sarcastically to Yang, who just adverted his attention to the battle, which drew a few spectators. Yun parried another one of Sakura's attacks and ducked another punch which aimed at his head. He then thrusted his shoulder into her chin, once again hitting her into the air.
"Tetsuzanko," Yang called once more.
Sakura landed, but flipped to her feet. She got into her stance, charged up her energy, and fired a Hadouken to where Yun was. That's right. was. Yun was nowhere near the Hadouken; he was in the air, getting ready to plant his sneaker into her face. Sakura, luckily, moved to the side, letting Yun land right beside her.
"Shouoken!"
Sakura slammed her fist into Yun's body multiple times before hitting him into the air. Yun hit the ground, but just like Sakura, he bounced off the ground into a small back flip to his feet.
"It's time to use something stronger." Yun said out loud. He set himself up then said, "Ikuzo!"
Sakura knew he was trying something new, so she got on the defensive. Yun launched two elbow strikes to the head, then alternating punches. Since Sakura blocked, Yun stopped right there. Sakura started to counter-attack, but got cut off.
"HAI!"
Yun shot his arm upward, hitting Sakura in the head so hard that she stopped right in her tracks, and then he hit her again with a little Tetsuzanko, hitting her into the air. Then he ducked down and blasted Sakura higher into air with a huge uppercut.
"YOU-HOU!!" Yun shouted the name of his big attack as he let Sakura fall to the ground.
"Man!" Darrell's jaw seemed to drop right there. "Hinata, did you see that?!"
Hinata didn't respond. She just looked on to see her friend slowly get up. Her movements were very groggy.
{Sakura.} she thought. {Are you okay?}
Sakura was in a world of her own. Her head was spinning as she rose up.
{Wow. what. a. move.}
The world seemed to spin right around her. This wasn't the first time she was knocked silly. She knew that, so she did what she always did when she was dizzy like this. she repeatedly smacked herself in the head with her hands.
{Come on.} she said to herself, trying to shake her dizziness.
"Gene'. JIN!"
Sakura looked to Yun to see 3 images of him standing right in front of her. She shook her head hard. "I know. I was dizzy. but not like this!"
Yun laughed. "Are you confused? I know you are. Welcome to my Gene'jin, where my combos are even more powerful than before. You can't guard all of my attacks, Sakura. You'll be hurting after I'm done with you!"
Yun ended his sentence with another Zesshou-houou, but this one didn't knock Sakura down. He immediately landed a few more punches and kicks while she was stunned, followed by a Senkyutai. Yun landed well before Sakura did and rushed under her to perform a Tetsuzanko, knocking her into the air again.
"Yun isn't going to let up, is he?" Hinata asked Yun's brother.
He responded by shaking his head. "No," Yang answered. "Once Yun starts his Gene'jin, then there isn't much help for his opponent until the effects wear off."
Hinata looked back at the two just when Yun kicked upwards, hitting Sakura's fallen body again and finally finishing it with a strong double palm strike, sending the girl right into the bus.
"Kobokushi," Yang named Yun's move.
Sakura let herself slide off the side of the bus. It has been a while since she was hit like that, so she tried to buy as much time as possible to recuperate. Unfortunately for her, Yun wasn't buying it.
"Come on, Sakura!" he called, fists on his hips. Although his eyes was hidden behind the cap he was wearing, Sakura could clearly see that his eyes wanted more than what she was giving.
{Okay, Yun. You want more. you've got it.}
Sakura pushed herself off of the bus and slowly got into her stance. Yun followed suit.
"I really hope that you're hiding something from me, Sakura," Yun said, half mockingly. "This fight is getting boring."
Sakura didn't respond to Yun's comment. Instead, she dashed forward within range to start the fight again. Yun threw another punch to the head. Sakura dodged and swept Yun off his feet. He hit the ground but quickly recovered. Yun got to his feet expecting Sakura to wait for him to return an attack. He was wrong.
"Shunpukyaku!"
Yun was greeted with three spinning kicks to his head before being knocked backwards. He took a small break to fix his cap, which began to slide off his head, and then looked at Sakura. He noticed a change in her expression. There was no longer any softness in her eyes. They were replaced with seriousness. for the fight.
"It looks as if Sakura is done playing around," Yang observed.
"I see that you are now in your groove," Yun started, "but you took too much damage to keep on fighting me."
"Shut up." Sakura mouthed out. Her voice was very cold when those words came out and everyone noticed it.
"Did I just miss something. or did she just switch her whole attitude?" Darrell asked, puzzled.
Yun ducked down to deliver another Tetsuzanko, but Sakura moved to the side and smashed Yun in the back of the neck with a swift hand chop. He landed face fist into the pavement as Sakura stared at him. Her eyes read nothing but seriousness.
"Brother." Yang whispered to himself. "It looks like your boasting led you to another unnecessary scuffle."
"Sakura.?" Hinata called her friend. Sakura didn't answer.
"Get up, Yun," she ordered. Slowly, but surely, Yun lifted his body off the canvas and rested on one knee.
{Damn, Sakura!} Yun thought to himself. {What is with this new you? You don't seem to be enjoying this at all.}
"Is something wrong.? Yun, don't let me down."
Yun stood up and got into his fighting stance. Sakura saw this and without even getting into her own stance, started to attack again. This time, Yun parried Sakura's attack, which was an overhead punch that resembles Ryu's move and returned with a short punch/kick combo. Before Sakura could recover, Yun pulled out a move that he used before.
"Ikuzo!" he shouted before hitting his opponent with two elbows to the face, then double face smashes, the last one hitting Sakura into the air. Yun jumped into the air and let out another two kicks to Sakura's vulnerable body.
Sakura landed on the ground again as Yun finished his move. Yun leaned forward and put his hands on his knees while trying to recover his breath.
"Sourai. Rengeki." Yun said the name of his move slowly. "Okay, Sakura. that should do it. I'm done."
Yun wasn't surprised that Sakura was getting up much more slowly than before. He was really surprised at Sakura's next sentences.
"I. know that. you can't be tired. yet," she breathed out. Before she could say anything else, her body gave out and she dropped to her knees, her arms hanging limp at her sides. "I'm. pretty tired myself. I guess. I'm done also."
Yun raised his head to look at Sakura.
{Did she just turn back to normal? It seemed as if two different people were answering my response. Does she have a split personality?}
Yang and Darrell made their ways to the two combatants. Darrell lifted Sakura up so he can carry her on his shoulder while Yang checked to see about his brother was doing.
"That was a nice fight, Sakura," Darrell said. "Although I have to admit that Yun had you there for a majority of it."
Sakura lifted her head up. "Yeah. I should have done better than that." she said weakly. As Hinata joined the two as they made their way back to the Lee's shop, Yang looked at his brother as he stood up.
"Yang," Yun spat out, "there is something different about that girl. I can feel it in those last moments of the fight."
Yang nodded. "I know. You shouldn't have ticked her off with those comments, brother."
"A good fight was worth it, Yang."
"Still."
"Don't worry about it, Yang."
Yang helped his brother up and together walked back. Yun walked on his own free will, but he couldn't help thinking something.
{I can't risk Yang knowing about this. He'll ponder about it all day, but I can't help but think that something is wrong about her.}
----- -----
Darrell dropped down to one knee, exhausted.
{Come. on! What does it take to get this guy down!? We've been fighting for about 10 minutes and he is nowhere near as tired as I am. and I'm the one doing the attacking!}
Standing in front of him was Yang, who was in his fighting stance. "You have a lot of vigor, Darrell, but your attacks are just. well." Yang trailed off for a second before finally ending with, "not working."
Darrell let out a growl. {There is no way I can keep this pace up. Wait a minute.}
Darrell got up from his kneeling position and into his Hadouken stance. A faint blue aura surrounded him, which was pretty much drained from Yang's blows. It took a while, but his energy sphere came into his hands.
"Not this again." Yang moaned, and then he dropped to the ground while rolling forward.
"Hadouken!" Darrell shouted as he fired his energy at his opponent. Yang just went under the blast. but this is what Darrell wanted.
{I haven't used this move in a while. but this is as good a time as ever.}
Darrell got out of his stance and before Yang could get out of his roll, which would have led to a Senkyutai, ducked down and landed a big uppercut while rising again.
"Eat this, Yang.! Furi-satairu. Tatsumaki Senpu Kyaku!!"
Darrell twirled his body around, kicking Yang in the head twice with spinning roundhouse kicks before propelling himself into the air and sticking his leg out. He kept spinning, landing hits on Yang, who tried to hang in there, but finally got overwhelmed and was knocked away.
Darrell didn't waste anytime following Yang's body, but that was going to be his fatal mistake.
"Gotcha!" Yang exclaimed. While he recovered, his leg caught Darrell in the chin, totally stunning him. This gave Yang ample time to nail his most dangerous move.
"Raishin. Mahhaken!" Yang thrusted his spear-like hand into Darrell's neck, making him drop all defenses that he could have used, then glided forward, his image spitting into two while hitting multiple times. When Yang was done with his move and heard Darrell's weak, "I. lost.?" he turned back to normal and let his opponent fall to the ground.
"You were good, Darrell. but you can't beat me just yet." Yang said. His voice was in a low tone then he added, "Although I'd admit you got me with a few great tactics."
Darrell was still on the ground of the Lee's property when he said. "I. just can't believe. that I'd lose."
"You were going against a dragon," Yun stepped in. "Not even Sakura beat me. We're just that good."
"Ah, please, Yun," Sakura said sarcastically while rolling her eyes. "Spare me."
"I was impressed by both of them," Hinata added her two cents. "It was just as good as the other match."
Darrell slowly got up while leaning on the wall of the shop. "Sakura. We. have to go. see Chun-Li."
Sakura gasped. "I almost forgot! Hey, Yun and Yang! Thanks for the matches. We have a mission to take care of."
"We'll be seeing you in the next tournament, Sakura. if there is another one," Yun replied.
Sakura, Hinata, and Darrell all did their goodbyes before turning away from the Lee Brothers. The next stop: Interpol and the agent, Chun-Li Xiang.
----- -----
Sakura and the gang found Chun-Li at her desk, zooming through papers and typing on her computer. She was just one of the many Interpol officers working like madmen (or madwomen. whatever the case may be). A lot of commotion could be heard throughout the huge room as other workers got what they needed to be done.
"Should we be disturbing her?" Hinata asked Sakura.
"Trust me, with what we got to say, she'll be very interested," Sakura answered while making her way to Chun-Li. As they made their short journey from the entrance door to the desk of Chun-Li, they ran into about 20 people whom were scrambling around as if the place was on fire. Chun-Li didn't even notice the three youngsters until Sakura said, "Hi, Chun-Li!"
She was startled at first, but when she looked up, her tension eased. "Sakura.?" she asked.
"Yes," replied the girl.
"I have no idea why you're here. or how you got past security, but if your looking for a fight, I can't give it right now. I'm very busy."
Sakura shook her head. "No, Chun-Li. That isn't why I'm here. I'm looking for information."
Chun-Li stopped whatever she was doing and eyed the girl in front of her. "Now what in the world could you be looking for? I'm curious to know."
Sakura took a deep breath before responding. "A few days ago, my friends and I were abducted by some group named. uh. Shadowloo. We had to fight some guy in a red uniform. He said that his name was Bison.--"
Sakura was cut off by Chun-Li, who, as predicted, was very interested in this. "Where did you fight this guy at?" she quickly asked. Her voice then seemed to disappeared, waiting for Sakura's answer.
This time Hinata answered. "We were in Tokyo."
Chun-Li spun around and searched her files. She started mumbling to herself while looking then pulled out a portfolio.
"Here it is." she said before slapping the table with the folder. The kids gathered around Chun-Li's desk to get a closer look. Chun-Li looked up. "This information is classified. I suggest that you don't tell anyone about this, okay?"
The teenagers nodded.
"The man. or whatever you fought was named M. Bison, the leader of a worldwide crime organization named Shadowloo. You knew that already. Everyone at Interpol has been busy trying to arrest this guy for years. His syndicate specializes in all types of crimes, and as far as himself."
"He has some type of dark fighting aura," the dark-skinned boy finished her sentence.
Chun-Li stared at him for a while before asking, "Who are you, anyway? I never saw you before."
His glare on her was pretty hard. "Darrell Goodson from America," he answered. "I'm just one of Sakura's friends. This Bison guy. when Hinata here fought him, he demonstrated some type of purple energy. Providing that the names of his moves all had the word 'Psycho', I'm guessing that his source of power is called Psycho Power."
"I like your deduction skills," Chun-Li complimented, "but I don't understand why he would come after you kids for."
"He said something about taking our energy," Hinata replied.
Chun-Li looked down at the papers in the folder.
{Taking the vigor from young fighters like these. are you that desperate, Bison, to get more powerful? You already killed many, including my father. Why get more power?}
"I forgot to mention that he doesn't just set his bases in Japan.," Chun-Li continued. "Like I said before, Shadowloo is worldwide. Tokyo is the first location that we can finalize on, now thanks to you, we can now raid that spot."
"You're welcome," Sakura said, "but do you have any other information on him?"
Chun-Li shook her head. "Unfortunately, no. Not even our best spies could get any info."
Sakura looked a bit depressed. "Okay. Thanks, Chun-Li."
"Wait a minute, Sakura. Why did you want to know something about such a dangerous man, anyway?"
Sakura looked at the Interpol agent for awhile before answering. "Before he left us. he said something to me. It was." Sakura trailed off.
Chun-Li was silent for a while before replying, "I see. Okay, Sakura. You and your friends take care, OK? Bison is very dangerous. Proceed with caution."
Sakura, Hinata, and Darrell turned toward the door. Sakura turned her head back to Chun-Li and said, "Thank you for your time, Chun-Li. I'll see you later."
----- -----
"That was a waste of time," Darrell hissed angrily. "Fei-Long was busy shooting a movie and was too busy to talk to us. Looks like were heading to Thailand."
The three were sitting on a bench in the Hong Kong airport. Sakura looked at the airplane that they were about to board. Her eyes were full of life now. If anyone, Sagat will have some idea where Ryu is.
Hinata looked over Darrell's head, who was looking at all the people passing by, to see Sakura. "Sakura." she started, getting her friend's attention.
"Yes?" Sakura responded.
"This is my first time going far away from home besides Hong Kong."
"Are you scared or something?"
Hinata shook her head while smiling. "No! I'm rather excited about this. I wanted to look at what the world has to offer. I was sort of jealous of the fact that you have been away Street Fighting for so long while I stayed at Taiyo. Now, it's my turn."
Sakura returned Hinata's smile. "I'll make sure that you enjoy this."
As Hinata sat back in the bench, a woman came over the PA system. "Attention. Flight 38 to Thailand is about to take off. All passengers make your way to Gate 4L, please."
"That's us," Darrell reminded the girls while getting up. The trio picked up their belongings and started to the next location.
End of Chapter 7
{The girl is showing much more energy that before. Looks like she is producing something interesting.}
"Bison!" Sakura yelled out. "I won't forgive you for what you did to my friend!"
"I really think that you won't be forgiving yourself if you attack me."
Sakura got into her fighting stance. "What are you babbling about?"
"Just look at yourself. You cannot control your emotions. You don't know it. but you are succumbing to the Dark Hadou."
"What?"
"I should have known after you attacked me. You reminded me of the fighter that wounded me."
Sakura stood mute. "I don't understand."
Bison crossed his arms. "Of course you don't. You are still a child. You might be weaker than that man, but you still contain the Dark Hadou in your veins." He turned his back to Sakura. "When the time comes, I'll suck it out of you. But for now, farewell."
"But wait!" Sakura tried to stop Bison, but it was too late. Bison disappeared.
"Sakura!"
Sakura turned to her friends, but her attention was on Bison. and herself. She walked over to Darrell and Hinata with a dazed look on her face.
{The Dark Hadou. Wait a minute! Dark.}
Suddenly, she knew what was happening.
{That dream that I had. Evil Ryu and Dark Sakura. Am I letting that girl control my body.?}
"Sakura! Is something the matter?" Hinata asked, worried.
"You guys," Sakura began. "I will need to have a talk with you."
----- -----
"Interesting. Very interesting."
A dark figure stood on top of a branch of a tree, staring down at the three young warriors. His eyes were an eerie dark red, but that is all that could be noticed.
"The girl possesses the Satsu no Hadou. She might be the one that I'm looking for."
The figure stood there with a grin of his face for about 4 more seconds before warping away from the vicinity.
----- -----
"So you are going to look for Ryu, huh?"
Sakura stared right into her friend's eyes and her mother's. She was determined to find the one she looks up to. She knows that he already contains the Dark Hadou and wanted to see if he can help in any way possible. Hinata and Darrell were very supportive, but her mother was hard to crack. They had been talking for about an hour, but finally her mother approved.
"If I am right," Sakura said, "this power that I process could be very dangerous. I have to get this under control, mom."
"I see. Well, I guess I won't be seeing you for a while then." Her mother had a very calm tone in her voice all throughout the talk.
"I'll try to come back as soon as possible," Sakura reassured her mother. That seemed to clench it.
"Okay," her mother said slowly. "I. believe that I can trust you on this. Just don't go dieing on me or something like that."
"Yes, mom."
"There is just one thing I have to say about this, Sakura."
Sakura turned to Darrell. He could see that this was bothering him somewhat. "What is it?"
He swallowed hard then spoke. "This. well. I'll go with you."
"What?" Sakura let out. She shook the shock away. "I really don't think that is a good idea. I mean, I might lose myself. and well, you are still in school--"
"Sakura, just stop right there," Darrell cut her off. "There is something that is bothering me right now, and really, it is more important than school right now. It has to do mainly with the dreams that we had a few nights ago. I know that you remember that."
Sakura nodded as Darrell continued. "Besides, I never got to tell you why I'm really here."
Sakura stared at her friend. "You mean to tell me."
"Sakura, I'm the reason things back at home have been a mess. I've been developing a huge anger problem. and with my fighting abilities. well, you know. So. I think this Ryu can help me here. I don't think that it is Dark Hadou. but it is still a huge problem. I can't ignore it."
"Fine. call it an extended vacation, then," Sakura said. Now then. At least I have someone to keep me in check.
"If you guys go out into the world all dysfunctional and stuff, then it looks like I'm going also."
Everyone in the room looked at Hinata. She didn't normally do stuff like this. Okay, she did, but not to the extreme. like this.
"I know now I'm not going to be able to stop you." Sakura admitted. "It looks like it is a group journey, then."
Sakura's mother looked at the three teenagers with a look of sorrow.
{Sakura. I can only wish you luck. Looks like you are growing up.}
----- -----
"Now, then. Where are we heading again?"
"Downtown Hong Kong. I want to meet up with some guys."
"Really? So you know some guys from all over the world, huh, Sakura?"
"You could say that."
The trio was already aboard the airplane to Hong Kong. Sakura wanted to start her search for Ryu there. She could have started for Ken from the start, but she really didn't want to disturb him. Only God knows what he does. So she thought of meeting a few characters there. First was the Interpol agent, Chun-Li. She probably knows a thing or two about Bison. Second were the Lee Brothers, Yun and Yang, for a little sparring match. Third, and probably the riskiest one, was the movie star, Fei-Long. Since he occasionally spars with Ryu, he might just have a clue on his whereabouts. But since he is a movie star, chances are they'll be moving to Thailand without his help to see. Sagat, Ryu's rival. If anyone, Sagat will know where he is besides Ken, but it might not be so easy.
"You know," Darrell started, lying back into his chair. "I really hope that I don't have jet lag on this flight."
"You shouldn't worry," Hinata reassured him. "These are Japanese planes. You'll actually be enjoying this."
"How do you know?"
"Trust me. The ride is very comfortable. Also, they let you play games on the seats. You'll love it."
----- -----
Sakura, Hinata, and Darrell found themselves making their way down a Hong Kong street roughly 5 hours later. Sort of like Tokyo, Hong Kong was insanely crowded. The sidewalks were being consumed with bodies, as well as the streets.
"Man. this is worse than New York." Darrell commented while bumping his way forward.
"Sakura. how much longer until we get to this pottery shop you told us about?" Hinata asked, annoyed.
"Its right here," Sakura replied, moving towards a store building. The others followed suit and stared at the orange pottery shop. It was definitely in Hong Kong design and with large monuments in the front.
"Let's go in, shall we?" Sakura invited as she opened the door and walked in. All three were met by many clay statues around the room. Most of them were about ancient men in poses. As they walked down an aisle, they caught a glimpse of a large aquarium to their left.
"Pretty nice," Darrell said while gawking at the monuments.
"Welcome to our store."
The trio raised their head to the balcony above them to see a young teen with his arms folded. He was wearing a long, orange sleeveless shirt with baggy black pants and his brown hair shot forward over his face like a shade. He jumped over the balcony and landed on his feet right in front of his visitors.
"Hi, Yang," Sakura answered his welcome. "What's up?"
His expression was pretty soft. "Oh, Sakura. I'm okay. I see you brought visitors with you."
"Yeah. These right here are my friends Hinata and Darrell."
Yang looked over to the two newcomers. "Nice to meet you."
"Same here," Darrell returned. "I really like your store."
"Really? It is my uncle's." Yang turned around. "Follow me. I'll show you his masterpiece."
On the way, Yang broke down the story about his family's shop and the talent of sculpture. "It is like a family tradition to keep this shop. My uncle is especially dedicated to this. He made over half of these sculptures in the shop and they are pretty popular. Most of them sell pretty well."
Yang stopped right in front a huge sculpture of a man on one knee and one arm up in triumph, possibly after a victory in war. "This. is the best one up to date," Yang continued. "It took my uncle and grandmother about 5 months to make this one out of pure marble. It has no price value and is the store's trademark."
"It is pretty awesome," Hinata complimented on the handiwork. It isn't everyday you see something like this in Tokyo.
Sakura looked at Yang and asked, "Yang. I have been meaning to ask you. Where is your brother?"
Yang took his eyes of his uncle's work of art to place them on Sakura. "Well. you shall know that in about. 3. 2. 1."
Suddenly, a voice shot out, "Seriously, grandma! I wasn't hanging out with Hoimei today! She just came over here and started to harass me! What was I supposed to do!?"
Another voice this time. "You should have told her that you were busy! You know that when I'm not here, you and Yang look after the shop. You just don't go out with. with her like that leaving your brother to tend to the shop!"
"I'm sorry! I really am!"
Everyone except Yang sweatdropped. "It looks like I found him." Sakura said, uneasily.
Yang just closed his eyes while shaking his head. "That's Yun for you."
In an instant, another teen raced down the spiral case to the lower floor. Just like Yang, he wore a long, sleeveless shirt, but it was white instead of orange, and his eyes were hidden by a blue and yellow baseball cap. He didn't realize the group was there until he almost ran into Hinata.
"Whoa!" he yelped as he fell forwards to avoid tripping over Hinata, but caught himself and did a forward flip, just avoiding a statue. He brushed himself off before looking up to the four beings.
"Huh. yeah. Nothing broken," he was still checking himself, then said, "Sorry about that. Welcome to our pottery shop! My name's Yun, your assistant for your stay. Hey, wait a minute. Sakura?"
Sakura nodded. "Yes, Yun. It's me."
Yun folded his arms while Yang put his hands in his pockets. "Well, it has been a while. What brings you here? Looking for another match? I'm ready whenever you are!"
"Sure, but I came here for something else. Have you seen Ryu anywhere? I'm sort of looking for him."
Yun stared at Sakura. "Ryu. you mean the guy with the white gi and the duffel bag?"
Sakura's eyes lit up. "Yes! That's it! When was the last time you fought him?"
"It was a few months ago. He beat me in a close fight, but I'll beat him someday. I just know it. My kung-fu is the best out there!"
"Whatever you say, brother." Yang said.
Darrell put a hand on his chin. "Hold on a minute. Are you guys. the infamous Twin Dragons of Hong Kong?"
Yun pointed a thumb to himself. "You're looking at them."
"Oh, my. God. I've heard about you guys. I swear, I have never seen such moves like the ones you use. You are just. good."
"Yeah, well." Yun said, flattered. He rubbed his nails onto his shirt. "Our grandfather taught us. If you're a fighter, then we could spar sometime while you're here."
"Sure! I'd love to take one of the Twin Dragons." Darrell put his hands in his pocket when he was done, smiling.
"You might just win. Yun has been slacking in his training lately," Yang informed Darrell.
"Oh, please, Yang!" Yun said, nudging Yang with his knuckle.
"You should know better, Yun," Sakura said sarcastically. "Especially after our training during these past few weeks."
"I don't know what my brother is talking about," Yun said. "I'm still as sharp as I was before!"
"I'll find out for myself," Sakura responded. She turned her body to the direction of the door. "Let's see what you got."
----- -----
"Are you sure that they should be fighting right here in the street?" Hinata asked Yang while staring at Sakura and Yun.
"This is how Yun likes his fights; right here in this area," Yang answered.
Sakura and Yun were about to fight at the intersection of a Hong Kong street. The difference is that this section was blocked off by a city bus, which was supposed to be moved by the city since it was out of commission, but they never did. The residents in the neighborhood didn't seem to mind it being there, as business conducted as usual. There was even little convenience stands dotted around the bus.
"Sakura," Yun said as he bowed respectfully to his opponent. "I hope you're ready."
Sakura returned Yun's bow. "I should be saying the same for you! You are the one who hasn't been training!"
"That's enough idle chit-chat." Yun got into his Kenpo fighting stance. "Let's go!"
Sakura wasted no time in starting the fight with a roundhouse kick, something that Yun saw clearly and parried. Yun returned to a power punch to Sakura's head, but she ducked it and landed a short Shouoken, knocking Yun into the air. Yun landed on his back and Sakura stood over him for a follow up attack, but he instantly sprang back up with an upward kick, causing himself to soar into the air. Yun caught Sakura in the chin, making her fly backwards from the force.
"The Senkyutai," Yang said to the other two spectators. "Yun's recovery move."
"He did that so fast." Hinata commented.
Yun landed as Sakura got up from his kick. He stepped forward a bit, and then leaped forward with his arm stretched outward. Sakura saw it way too late and got nailed in the face, knocking her down again.
"Zesshou-houou," Yang called again. "He uses that to cross long distances."
Sakura got up, rubbing her chin with one of her handguards. As she rose, Yun revved up and fired a strong kick to Sakura's stomach. Sakura ditched at the last second to Yun's back and grabbed him by the neck. She started to tighten her grip on Yun for about a second, then let go, then squeezed again. Sakura followed this pattern about 5 more times before finally bashing Yun over the head with a downward elbow strike, sending him to the ground.
"Sakura Jime," Hinata said sarcastically to Yang, who just adverted his attention to the battle, which drew a few spectators. Yun parried another one of Sakura's attacks and ducked another punch which aimed at his head. He then thrusted his shoulder into her chin, once again hitting her into the air.
"Tetsuzanko," Yang called once more.
Sakura landed, but flipped to her feet. She got into her stance, charged up her energy, and fired a Hadouken to where Yun was. That's right. was. Yun was nowhere near the Hadouken; he was in the air, getting ready to plant his sneaker into her face. Sakura, luckily, moved to the side, letting Yun land right beside her.
"Shouoken!"
Sakura slammed her fist into Yun's body multiple times before hitting him into the air. Yun hit the ground, but just like Sakura, he bounced off the ground into a small back flip to his feet.
"It's time to use something stronger." Yun said out loud. He set himself up then said, "Ikuzo!"
Sakura knew he was trying something new, so she got on the defensive. Yun launched two elbow strikes to the head, then alternating punches. Since Sakura blocked, Yun stopped right there. Sakura started to counter-attack, but got cut off.
"HAI!"
Yun shot his arm upward, hitting Sakura in the head so hard that she stopped right in her tracks, and then he hit her again with a little Tetsuzanko, hitting her into the air. Then he ducked down and blasted Sakura higher into air with a huge uppercut.
"YOU-HOU!!" Yun shouted the name of his big attack as he let Sakura fall to the ground.
"Man!" Darrell's jaw seemed to drop right there. "Hinata, did you see that?!"
Hinata didn't respond. She just looked on to see her friend slowly get up. Her movements were very groggy.
{Sakura.} she thought. {Are you okay?}
Sakura was in a world of her own. Her head was spinning as she rose up.
{Wow. what. a. move.}
The world seemed to spin right around her. This wasn't the first time she was knocked silly. She knew that, so she did what she always did when she was dizzy like this. she repeatedly smacked herself in the head with her hands.
{Come on.} she said to herself, trying to shake her dizziness.
"Gene'. JIN!"
Sakura looked to Yun to see 3 images of him standing right in front of her. She shook her head hard. "I know. I was dizzy. but not like this!"
Yun laughed. "Are you confused? I know you are. Welcome to my Gene'jin, where my combos are even more powerful than before. You can't guard all of my attacks, Sakura. You'll be hurting after I'm done with you!"
Yun ended his sentence with another Zesshou-houou, but this one didn't knock Sakura down. He immediately landed a few more punches and kicks while she was stunned, followed by a Senkyutai. Yun landed well before Sakura did and rushed under her to perform a Tetsuzanko, knocking her into the air again.
"Yun isn't going to let up, is he?" Hinata asked Yun's brother.
He responded by shaking his head. "No," Yang answered. "Once Yun starts his Gene'jin, then there isn't much help for his opponent until the effects wear off."
Hinata looked back at the two just when Yun kicked upwards, hitting Sakura's fallen body again and finally finishing it with a strong double palm strike, sending the girl right into the bus.
"Kobokushi," Yang named Yun's move.
Sakura let herself slide off the side of the bus. It has been a while since she was hit like that, so she tried to buy as much time as possible to recuperate. Unfortunately for her, Yun wasn't buying it.
"Come on, Sakura!" he called, fists on his hips. Although his eyes was hidden behind the cap he was wearing, Sakura could clearly see that his eyes wanted more than what she was giving.
{Okay, Yun. You want more. you've got it.}
Sakura pushed herself off of the bus and slowly got into her stance. Yun followed suit.
"I really hope that you're hiding something from me, Sakura," Yun said, half mockingly. "This fight is getting boring."
Sakura didn't respond to Yun's comment. Instead, she dashed forward within range to start the fight again. Yun threw another punch to the head. Sakura dodged and swept Yun off his feet. He hit the ground but quickly recovered. Yun got to his feet expecting Sakura to wait for him to return an attack. He was wrong.
"Shunpukyaku!"
Yun was greeted with three spinning kicks to his head before being knocked backwards. He took a small break to fix his cap, which began to slide off his head, and then looked at Sakura. He noticed a change in her expression. There was no longer any softness in her eyes. They were replaced with seriousness. for the fight.
"It looks as if Sakura is done playing around," Yang observed.
"I see that you are now in your groove," Yun started, "but you took too much damage to keep on fighting me."
"Shut up." Sakura mouthed out. Her voice was very cold when those words came out and everyone noticed it.
"Did I just miss something. or did she just switch her whole attitude?" Darrell asked, puzzled.
Yun ducked down to deliver another Tetsuzanko, but Sakura moved to the side and smashed Yun in the back of the neck with a swift hand chop. He landed face fist into the pavement as Sakura stared at him. Her eyes read nothing but seriousness.
"Brother." Yang whispered to himself. "It looks like your boasting led you to another unnecessary scuffle."
"Sakura.?" Hinata called her friend. Sakura didn't answer.
"Get up, Yun," she ordered. Slowly, but surely, Yun lifted his body off the canvas and rested on one knee.
{Damn, Sakura!} Yun thought to himself. {What is with this new you? You don't seem to be enjoying this at all.}
"Is something wrong.? Yun, don't let me down."
Yun stood up and got into his fighting stance. Sakura saw this and without even getting into her own stance, started to attack again. This time, Yun parried Sakura's attack, which was an overhead punch that resembles Ryu's move and returned with a short punch/kick combo. Before Sakura could recover, Yun pulled out a move that he used before.
"Ikuzo!" he shouted before hitting his opponent with two elbows to the face, then double face smashes, the last one hitting Sakura into the air. Yun jumped into the air and let out another two kicks to Sakura's vulnerable body.
Sakura landed on the ground again as Yun finished his move. Yun leaned forward and put his hands on his knees while trying to recover his breath.
"Sourai. Rengeki." Yun said the name of his move slowly. "Okay, Sakura. that should do it. I'm done."
Yun wasn't surprised that Sakura was getting up much more slowly than before. He was really surprised at Sakura's next sentences.
"I. know that. you can't be tired. yet," she breathed out. Before she could say anything else, her body gave out and she dropped to her knees, her arms hanging limp at her sides. "I'm. pretty tired myself. I guess. I'm done also."
Yun raised his head to look at Sakura.
{Did she just turn back to normal? It seemed as if two different people were answering my response. Does she have a split personality?}
Yang and Darrell made their ways to the two combatants. Darrell lifted Sakura up so he can carry her on his shoulder while Yang checked to see about his brother was doing.
"That was a nice fight, Sakura," Darrell said. "Although I have to admit that Yun had you there for a majority of it."
Sakura lifted her head up. "Yeah. I should have done better than that." she said weakly. As Hinata joined the two as they made their way back to the Lee's shop, Yang looked at his brother as he stood up.
"Yang," Yun spat out, "there is something different about that girl. I can feel it in those last moments of the fight."
Yang nodded. "I know. You shouldn't have ticked her off with those comments, brother."
"A good fight was worth it, Yang."
"Still."
"Don't worry about it, Yang."
Yang helped his brother up and together walked back. Yun walked on his own free will, but he couldn't help thinking something.
{I can't risk Yang knowing about this. He'll ponder about it all day, but I can't help but think that something is wrong about her.}
----- -----
Darrell dropped down to one knee, exhausted.
{Come. on! What does it take to get this guy down!? We've been fighting for about 10 minutes and he is nowhere near as tired as I am. and I'm the one doing the attacking!}
Standing in front of him was Yang, who was in his fighting stance. "You have a lot of vigor, Darrell, but your attacks are just. well." Yang trailed off for a second before finally ending with, "not working."
Darrell let out a growl. {There is no way I can keep this pace up. Wait a minute.}
Darrell got up from his kneeling position and into his Hadouken stance. A faint blue aura surrounded him, which was pretty much drained from Yang's blows. It took a while, but his energy sphere came into his hands.
"Not this again." Yang moaned, and then he dropped to the ground while rolling forward.
"Hadouken!" Darrell shouted as he fired his energy at his opponent. Yang just went under the blast. but this is what Darrell wanted.
{I haven't used this move in a while. but this is as good a time as ever.}
Darrell got out of his stance and before Yang could get out of his roll, which would have led to a Senkyutai, ducked down and landed a big uppercut while rising again.
"Eat this, Yang.! Furi-satairu. Tatsumaki Senpu Kyaku!!"
Darrell twirled his body around, kicking Yang in the head twice with spinning roundhouse kicks before propelling himself into the air and sticking his leg out. He kept spinning, landing hits on Yang, who tried to hang in there, but finally got overwhelmed and was knocked away.
Darrell didn't waste anytime following Yang's body, but that was going to be his fatal mistake.
"Gotcha!" Yang exclaimed. While he recovered, his leg caught Darrell in the chin, totally stunning him. This gave Yang ample time to nail his most dangerous move.
"Raishin. Mahhaken!" Yang thrusted his spear-like hand into Darrell's neck, making him drop all defenses that he could have used, then glided forward, his image spitting into two while hitting multiple times. When Yang was done with his move and heard Darrell's weak, "I. lost.?" he turned back to normal and let his opponent fall to the ground.
"You were good, Darrell. but you can't beat me just yet." Yang said. His voice was in a low tone then he added, "Although I'd admit you got me with a few great tactics."
Darrell was still on the ground of the Lee's property when he said. "I. just can't believe. that I'd lose."
"You were going against a dragon," Yun stepped in. "Not even Sakura beat me. We're just that good."
"Ah, please, Yun," Sakura said sarcastically while rolling her eyes. "Spare me."
"I was impressed by both of them," Hinata added her two cents. "It was just as good as the other match."
Darrell slowly got up while leaning on the wall of the shop. "Sakura. We. have to go. see Chun-Li."
Sakura gasped. "I almost forgot! Hey, Yun and Yang! Thanks for the matches. We have a mission to take care of."
"We'll be seeing you in the next tournament, Sakura. if there is another one," Yun replied.
Sakura, Hinata, and Darrell all did their goodbyes before turning away from the Lee Brothers. The next stop: Interpol and the agent, Chun-Li Xiang.
----- -----
Sakura and the gang found Chun-Li at her desk, zooming through papers and typing on her computer. She was just one of the many Interpol officers working like madmen (or madwomen. whatever the case may be). A lot of commotion could be heard throughout the huge room as other workers got what they needed to be done.
"Should we be disturbing her?" Hinata asked Sakura.
"Trust me, with what we got to say, she'll be very interested," Sakura answered while making her way to Chun-Li. As they made their short journey from the entrance door to the desk of Chun-Li, they ran into about 20 people whom were scrambling around as if the place was on fire. Chun-Li didn't even notice the three youngsters until Sakura said, "Hi, Chun-Li!"
She was startled at first, but when she looked up, her tension eased. "Sakura.?" she asked.
"Yes," replied the girl.
"I have no idea why you're here. or how you got past security, but if your looking for a fight, I can't give it right now. I'm very busy."
Sakura shook her head. "No, Chun-Li. That isn't why I'm here. I'm looking for information."
Chun-Li stopped whatever she was doing and eyed the girl in front of her. "Now what in the world could you be looking for? I'm curious to know."
Sakura took a deep breath before responding. "A few days ago, my friends and I were abducted by some group named. uh. Shadowloo. We had to fight some guy in a red uniform. He said that his name was Bison.--"
Sakura was cut off by Chun-Li, who, as predicted, was very interested in this. "Where did you fight this guy at?" she quickly asked. Her voice then seemed to disappeared, waiting for Sakura's answer.
This time Hinata answered. "We were in Tokyo."
Chun-Li spun around and searched her files. She started mumbling to herself while looking then pulled out a portfolio.
"Here it is." she said before slapping the table with the folder. The kids gathered around Chun-Li's desk to get a closer look. Chun-Li looked up. "This information is classified. I suggest that you don't tell anyone about this, okay?"
The teenagers nodded.
"The man. or whatever you fought was named M. Bison, the leader of a worldwide crime organization named Shadowloo. You knew that already. Everyone at Interpol has been busy trying to arrest this guy for years. His syndicate specializes in all types of crimes, and as far as himself."
"He has some type of dark fighting aura," the dark-skinned boy finished her sentence.
Chun-Li stared at him for a while before asking, "Who are you, anyway? I never saw you before."
His glare on her was pretty hard. "Darrell Goodson from America," he answered. "I'm just one of Sakura's friends. This Bison guy. when Hinata here fought him, he demonstrated some type of purple energy. Providing that the names of his moves all had the word 'Psycho', I'm guessing that his source of power is called Psycho Power."
"I like your deduction skills," Chun-Li complimented, "but I don't understand why he would come after you kids for."
"He said something about taking our energy," Hinata replied.
Chun-Li looked down at the papers in the folder.
{Taking the vigor from young fighters like these. are you that desperate, Bison, to get more powerful? You already killed many, including my father. Why get more power?}
"I forgot to mention that he doesn't just set his bases in Japan.," Chun-Li continued. "Like I said before, Shadowloo is worldwide. Tokyo is the first location that we can finalize on, now thanks to you, we can now raid that spot."
"You're welcome," Sakura said, "but do you have any other information on him?"
Chun-Li shook her head. "Unfortunately, no. Not even our best spies could get any info."
Sakura looked a bit depressed. "Okay. Thanks, Chun-Li."
"Wait a minute, Sakura. Why did you want to know something about such a dangerous man, anyway?"
Sakura looked at the Interpol agent for awhile before answering. "Before he left us. he said something to me. It was." Sakura trailed off.
Chun-Li was silent for a while before replying, "I see. Okay, Sakura. You and your friends take care, OK? Bison is very dangerous. Proceed with caution."
Sakura, Hinata, and Darrell turned toward the door. Sakura turned her head back to Chun-Li and said, "Thank you for your time, Chun-Li. I'll see you later."
----- -----
"That was a waste of time," Darrell hissed angrily. "Fei-Long was busy shooting a movie and was too busy to talk to us. Looks like were heading to Thailand."
The three were sitting on a bench in the Hong Kong airport. Sakura looked at the airplane that they were about to board. Her eyes were full of life now. If anyone, Sagat will have some idea where Ryu is.
Hinata looked over Darrell's head, who was looking at all the people passing by, to see Sakura. "Sakura." she started, getting her friend's attention.
"Yes?" Sakura responded.
"This is my first time going far away from home besides Hong Kong."
"Are you scared or something?"
Hinata shook her head while smiling. "No! I'm rather excited about this. I wanted to look at what the world has to offer. I was sort of jealous of the fact that you have been away Street Fighting for so long while I stayed at Taiyo. Now, it's my turn."
Sakura returned Hinata's smile. "I'll make sure that you enjoy this."
As Hinata sat back in the bench, a woman came over the PA system. "Attention. Flight 38 to Thailand is about to take off. All passengers make your way to Gate 4L, please."
"That's us," Darrell reminded the girls while getting up. The trio picked up their belongings and started to the next location.
End of Chapter 7