Darrell Markis... Sakura Kasugano... Hinata Wakaba... Kaoru Miadama...
Yin Lee... Yui Su'ang... What do these young individuals have in common?
They are the main focus of a Street Fighter fanfic series entitled "Street
Fighter: New Archives" in which explains their lives as both fighters and
individuals. In the duration of New Archives, they have met up with many
fighters from all over, ranging from Dan Hibiki to the legendary Ryu to the
epic battles against Akuma and even Gill himself. Even fighters from other
factions have met and fought this group, Athena Asamiya, Eiji Shinjo and
Kyo Kusanagi to just name a few. Even against such strong warriors of
different styles of fighting, Darrell with his burning embers, Sakura with
her spring storm of fists, Hinata with her still expanding talent, and
Kaoru with her powers of Satsu no Hadou have proved their worth and have
made an impact on the fighting circuit.
However, don't let the group's success fool you. It hasn't been all victories and cheering. No, like any great fighter there are many times, when you least expect it, when you find yourself in a situation that seems (or IS) impossible to fight your way out of. You find yourself against the ropes, your opponent with the upper hand and utilizing that fact to the fullest extent, and as soon as you try to make your move, you find out that it's all over... and you're on the ground in defeat. They're even worst times when you find yourself outnumbered and surrounded and despite your hardest attempt to take them down they prove to be too much...
Bruises... cuts... concussions... broken bones & spirits... This segment is to break down the other side of the New Archives cast.... Now sit back as the stars themselves tell you just what happens when they're on the side that no fighter of any kind wants to be on...
---- The Kung-Fu Menace
It's not everyday you see me not on top of things. I mean... I've grown to a point that makes me a contender against anyone and everyone that I should happen to face. Being able to control my ki into flame form is my greatest strength. However... against a certain kung-fu movie star named Fei-Long, it proved to be my greatest weakness...
-----
"Right now, I'm willing on issuing an open challenge. Whoever can take down the Hong Kong kung-fu wonder, Fei-Long will instantly be 500 dollars richer! Of course, that's U.S. currency, but rest assured that it's still a pretty good payment! Now, do I have any brave fighters out there that are willing to take up the challenge?"
It was a pretty good spring day in the center of Hong Kong. A typical clear sky and a fresh breeze that ran through the park. I could remember being there with Sakura on a bit of a vacation and to site see, since the last time we were here it was because we were searching for Ryu. This time we were going to enjoy ourselves. At the time that Sakura and I heard this guy's statement we didn't pay much attention to it. I mean, we were in the middle of lunch, sitting on one of the benches in front of a large brick wall which held up random flags of world nations on top. To our left was a rather large crowd of spectators that was growing in numbers, some being fighters ready to take on Fei-Long. Speaking of which, he was to our right, his manager just now walking to the other side of the pathway turned arena and watched as a person in casual clothing and a medium built body stepped forward. I've heard much about Fei-Long. As a matter of fact when we were hear on our last visit, we were looking for him for some information but he wasn't one to be bothered while shooting a movie. However, the guy wasn't exactly snooty. I mean, why even bother to take on other fighters and hand over a cash bonus if you lose if you're that type of person?
Anyway, as we ate was watched that average Joe started his try at the cash by immediately throwing a right cross. The karate star dodged it pretty easily. He then tried a punch straight to the body. This was when Fei- Long just slightly moved his body so that the guy's fist just grazed his side, then pinned his arm with his left. Letting out a bit of a surprised yelp the guy took the rookie way and struggled to get his fist free. He didn't notice Fei-Long's free fist rocketing to the side of his head. In a matter of moments the guy was on the floor, knocked out in one blow, initiating the crowd to cheer out. Sakura saw that from the corner of her eye while eating and just shook her head.
"Poor guy... mmm... Never stood...mmm... a chance..."
I raised my eyebrows in agreement.
"Pretty much..."
As time went on about 7 other guys took Fei-Long up for the challenge, varying in size, strength, and looks. It didn't do much of a difference. Each match, while it might have taken the young Kung-Fu guy a bit longer, still ended under the course of a minute per. When the last fight was done, we were already done eating. Sakura got up first and looked at Fei- Long. The guy wasn't even breathing hard or sweating.
"You think I should give it a try? I'm positive that I would do better than these other guys."
That, I knew was true. None of the others had anything special (let along super...) or real experience to be taken down so fast. Sakura and I would definitely give Fei-Long a run for his money, literally. However, that's not what we came to Hong Kong for.
"Sakura... don't you think that's something that we should... you know, pass? We came to enjoy ourselves."
Sakura looked at me with a bit of a frown. "But we never really turned down an opportunity to get a fight before."
"I know... but you know... I kind of like letting this pass. Not even for 500 beans."
Sakura still looked at me, wondering why I was holding her back. After a moment she smirked.
"Okay... I'll let this slide. Just for you..."
I smiled while getting up and putting the bag which carried our lunch into a nearby garbage can.
"Thanks, Sakura. Well, how about we head out and go someplace where we won't find someone get beat up beyond recognition?"
Sakura let out a giggle and looked at Fei-Long, who had his back to us, and was about to leave. Little did I know the kung-fu expert just turned his head to us as we started to walk and gave me a glance... He waited until we were just going up the stairs that lead to the streets to say something.
"Wait, you two..." he yelled out, making both of us stop and turn to look at him.
"Yeah?" Sakura asked. Fei-Long turned his gaze to me.
"You..." he started while pointing at me. "I... I remember you. Darrell Markis, is it not?"
I blinked a bit. This hot-shot movie star actually knows me? I wonder how... unless he's in tune with the fighting circuit and came across me....
"Yeah, I am," I answered... and grew surprised when I saw a smirk on his face.
"I thought so. You're the new Street Fighter that's been going against the best. Nice to finally meet you."
"Me, too..." I said semi-heartedly. What did he want from me...?
"So where are you going? I'd like the opportunity to fight you."
I immediately gave him a look. Me? Fight? Today? Come on. It wasn't in the cards. I was supposed to have this as a relaxing vacation with my girlfriend. It was the time when I didn't want to fight or anything other than relax and have some fun. However, as much as I wanted to say 'no', I couldn't back down. It was an honorable challenge from a great Street Fighter... and with a crowd, no-less. I didn't want to be remembered as someone who didn't take a $500 dollar fight. People can presume stupid things...
I heaved a sigh and whispered to Sakura, "There's no way to get out of this, is it?"
Sakura just shook her head without even looking at me. "I don't think so... Besides, I think this should give you the opportunity to see if he's all that great."
Well, yeah... Those were valid points. Besides, I always wanted to see if he really was for real. Those guys could have been hired to act so weak. Now was a good chance...
"I'm going for it, Sakura," I announced. "Wish me luck."
Sakura just smirked again. "I don't think you'll need luck. Just make sure you give him a good fight."
"No prob."
I sucked up a full breath of air and exhaled, then looked at my new opponent... and headed towards him. "Okay, so it's a fight you want, huh, Mr. Fei-Long?" I was now standing right in front to him, my hands balled up into fists. "Well then..."
I ended while dropping into my freestyle Ansatsuken fighting stance. "...let's see if you're for real."
Slightly surprising me, Fei-Long waved his finger at me. "I see you're anxious for this just as much as I am. Let's hope that doesn't wear off once we start."
The fight had officially started when Fei-Long went into his fighting stance, but I didn't move. As much as I heard about him, I haven't seen him fight outside of movies, so I didn't exactly know if all those spiffy moves he threw were his real moves. If they were, then I'd have to be careful. If not, then I'd have to be even more careful. Who knows what he would have under his sleeve...
After about 10 seconds of the stare down, I decided to make the first move. I feinted a punch to his head and waved in to come up with an uppercut. Fei blocked. I then moved my head to the side to dodge a fist to my fist and countered with a knee that slammed into his side. I ended by spinning around to kick with the other foot but he backed off. I decided to keep the pressure on him and moved back in for another attack...
"Hai!"
...and ate a fast fist that came out of no where...
"Hiy!"
...a second one with Fei's other fist...
"Hiya!"
The last one was strong enough to send me to the ground, forcing me to scramble to recover before Fei took advantage of it. As I looked up I managed to see Fei-Long try to follow up with a fist that would have went to my chest if I didn't roll to the side. I came out of my roll and swept Fei-Long off his feet with my right leg, then spun again fully to stand up. I jumped back and waited for the next move that my opponent would throw as he got up. Luckily he rolled away from me so it gave me room to concentrate on making a big move. Question was... which one? Which one would he not expect? How about we experiment...? I brought my hands to my side and quickly focused some of my energy there. A blue ki ball entered... them and just as Fei-Long saw me I launched.
"Hadouken!" I yelled as I shot my hands forward, the ball traveling slowly to test Fei-Long's judgment. Sure enough he moved to the side and I was ready to cut him off with a lunging cross.
"HAH!"
The instant I got my fist out to attack I felt my head snap back violently, causing me to stumble backwards in a slight daze. What happened? What did he counter with? I regained my balance and noticed that Fei-Long countered with a well placed kung-fu snap kick, done such a way that my attack missed. Nice one, Mr. Fei-Long... Let's see you do that again.
He attacked first this time, probably still thinking that I was dazed, hopping forward and trying to perform a knee-kick combo. I parried it with my left arm while simultaneously striking with my free elbow. As expected the kung-fu master fell backwards, leaving me enough time to follow with a roundhouse kick. However, I suddenly felt my attack stop... It turns out that he had grabbed my sneaker just before I hit and now I was very vulnerable...
I remember the word 'crap' run through my mind at that moment. It was a surprise that he managed to snap out of that and counter... Now what was he going to do...? Just as I thought that he threw my leg to his side, causing me to stumble close to him and off-balance...
"AACHAA!!"
...and ate a rising flame kick in the stomach. Wait... Flames? So his famous Shienkyaku was for real... I felt myself flying through the air and then hit the ground, his flames going down on contact. It took me quite a while to get the air back into my lungs, since the kick was so powerful it knocked the wind out of me. I got up holding my stomach and taking big breaths of air, then looked at Fei-Long. At least I was over the minute mark... Now I just have to beat him. It was time to take it up a notch.
"Ok, Fei-Long, I see your moves aren't special effects. Well, how about I show you how REAL flames are like?"
I could see Fei-Long's attention grow on his face as I braced myself, my fists at my sides. I concentrated my vigor into my two fists...
"SHAKUNETSU... KEN!!!"
...and with that roar my trademark special move went into effect, both my hands bursting into flames. This was the move that made me who I was. I never really went a fight without using it. It would be like Ryu going through a fight without using his Hadouken. You don't see it happen... and by the look on my rival's face it seems as if he was glad that I started to use my real technique... Perhaps... a bit too glad... There was something in the look he gave me that made me feel insecure... like a bad feeling that grabs you when you're about to do something drastic.
"Ah, ha!" Fei-Long let out. "I knew that you'd draw that out sooner or later. I've studied that technique of yours for quite some time..."
My eyes narrowed at that. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that I've scouted out your techniques... This might be your best move, but is it really the best move against me?"
"Well, why don't we see?!"
I dashed in, my hands leaving behind trails of flames behind me, and as I got into range I started to attack with some random punches to the upper body. All were blocked. No problem. I varied up a bit with a feint with my left fist and he fell perfectly for it. The crowd gasped when my right fist slammed against the head of Fei-Long and made him forcibly use his hand to keep from falling down on the spot. I then used my left in an uppercut to bring him back up so I can pound on him some more. I had him where I wanted him, nailing a few more blows before I finished with a hard hitting left straight, knocking him back into the ground. I stood my ground, listening to the crowd's mixed reaction to my performance and, of course, to Sakura's cheering from behind me. She must be liking what she was seeing.
"Hmm... very well done..." Fei-Long praised me as he slowly got up and held his left cheek. By the way I saw it, it seemed as if I caused that face of his to bruise up from my blows.
"Hey, nothing said that I'd be easy to beat. Sorry for bruising you up... but it's to be expected, isn't it?"
Fei-Long then gave me a look... It was one that I never saw before on his face... This face marked a more serious Fei-Long...
"Well, let's just hope that you can handle what I have in store for you... or that you're vigor doesn't drain by that move of yours."
Crap. He does know me well. No one else really picked up why I can only use attack enhancers for a set amount of time... Although I'm able to hold it longer than I could when I was yonger, the Shakunetsuken and Shakunetsuken Ittou take a lot out of me. When I'm not using them my vigor slowly (and I mean SLOWLY) goes back up to a suitable level so I can use them again but by that time the match would already be over and the other guy burned in many places. However, Fei-Long wasn't that other guy. I was going to have to throw him off his game.
Without saying anything I ducked in towards the movie star and feinted another punch to go low with a kick. Fei was already a step ahead of me as he hopped the kick and came back down with a kick to my head, forcing it down to my knees. I slowly reeled backwards, still crouching, and I knew my recovery time was awful... and I paid for that.
Fei attacked with a downward strike, keeping me from getting away and my recovery time to near-zilch, then turned around to delivered a hard snap kick to my jaw. As soon as that connected I thought I heard a crack as I was sent back to the ground. Luckily nothing was broken, but that three- hit combo really got me good. I tried to stand up right afterwards but my legs weren't sure, and I collapsed onto my side, using my elbow and hand to keep my upper body elevated. At the moment I saw everything around me spin furiously. I was really dazed, shaking my head, desperately trying to snap out of it. That last kick could have rivaled Ryu's Tatsumaki Senpu Kyaku in power...
I was surprised that Fei-Long actually let me recover from my dizziness. If I was in his position I would have been charging my Shakunetsu Shinku Hadouken right now to finish the match. However, at the time, I wasn't in the right mind to even think that much. I just found myself slowly getting up on flailing legs, gathering my senses. At that time I could hear someone ask how I was able to touch myself without burning myself. I think it was Fei-Long himself... or maybe a spectator from the crowd...? I never got to find out whom. At least when I heard that I knew I still had some sense in me.
I let out a low groan as I finally recovered, my pointer finger at the side of my mouth. I had felt something trickling down my mouth and I thought it was saliva. I looked at the tip of my finger and was corrected. It was blood...
My mouth was bleeding...
Damn. The kick was really that strong. I gave Fei-Long my meanest glare that I could cook up. No one EVER bloodied me except for Akuma, Rugal, Morrigan and Sakura. It might had been a drop of blood that escaped, but I couldn't live that down.
"Hey! You're gonna pay for making me bleed!" I yelled at him after I spat out some blood from my mouth. I then wiped off my mouth and rushed back in. I managed to see him take up a defensive stance and was about to attack again... before having an idea. Instead of just attacking I jumped. Getting a bit of height under me I looked down... got my aim right... and found myself floating as I cupped my hands to my side..
"Shakunetsu..."
My flames and surge energy mixed together in my hands as I got my sites set on Fei-Long, who seemed to be waiting on my attack.
"Shinku..."
Ok, let's see you dodge this...
"HADOUKEN!!!"
I then let loose my super attack, the huge orange Hadou-flame mixture rocketing towards the movie star. The crowd let out shocked gasps and screams at the size of it, which was like Sakura's Shinku Hadouken only it keeps its start up size. The ball blocked my view of my opponent so as I landed I kept an eye out for him. He might be fast but I'd be able to see him. As the ball exploded when it hit the concrete I was starting to wonder if I hit him or not. After all, I was getting weaker every time I use my ki attacks (which is often in this case). Having that thought in mind I deactivated my Shakunetsuken and decided, while there was peace on the battlefield, to catch my breath... Little did I know that was going to be my undoing...
"A nice move, Darrell, but it's too slow... You'll never catch me with that."
I felt my heart go up into my throat. No way... There was no way I could be heading his voice from behind me. There was just no way. No one besides Guy and Maki were THAT fast... I slowly turned around...
"WHAAAAA!!!!"
...and met the fury of punches to my face and stomach that was the Rekka Shinken. It was 5 blows, each one harder than the last. Fei-Long then finally ended with the final fist to my face and I knew then and there I made a critical mistake. I shouldn't have underestimated his speed. Better yet, it was two things. I shouldn't have turned around without either attacking of blocking...
When I hit the ground the first thing I recalled was that my face was hurting like hell. Most definitely I might have bruises and cuts. Second was the fact that I barely had the energy to get back up again. Each of Fei's blows was on the money. Through my pain I was thinking on what to do. It seemed as if he had my number...
I rolled to my side and got to my hands and knees. I took my time getting up, mostly because I felt woozy, partly because I needed a plan. As I managed to get to one knee I saw a shadow form above me... It was Fei- Long.
"Are you sure you want to continue this fight?"
I still had my head down, breathing hard. I had to get him while he wasn't expecting it... Now was the chance.
"HAH!"
Finding the will to snap out of my vulnerable state I came up with a fast rising left uppercut... a move that Fei-Long dodged and retaliated by giving my right arm a very unpleasant dose of his kung-fu snap kicks...
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!"
I instantly screamed. This one REALLY hurt, as if the kick broke the arm. My GOOD arm... I lost sense in the arm and fell to my left, my knee keeping me up as I used my left to hold my banged up arm. I could actually feel hot tears of pain run down my cheeks as I savored my arm. Now I could hear the crowd starting to get excited, shocked, and worried at the same time.
"WOW! Did you see that? That MUST have hurt! Wow! Fei-Long's the best!"
"You think he'll be ok?"
"I doubt it... He really looks hurt on that one..."
"At least he took more punishment than those other guys... and actually did some damage to Fei-Long..."
"Darrell! Are you ok!?"
That last one was Sakura's voice... and she sounded more concerned than I've ever remembered her to be. I looked to my side and I could see it in her eyes. I was hurt... badly... However, something inside me said I had something I could do. If I was going down, I was going down swinging...
I got up while wiping my eyes, luckily against the brick wall to the park area, and clenched my right arm, letting out small cries as pain shot through my body. Luckily I got a little feeling back into it. Good. I was going to need that arm for my last attack... I then turned my attention to Fei-Long, who seemed to have gotten a little ticked off that I haven't given up yet, then suddenly rushed me. I barely had time to react... but just as I saw him jump to perform a flying kick to finish me off, I had an idea...
(THIS IS IT!!!)
I rolled to my left side, letting Fei-Long bounce off the brick wall and back towards the floor. Perfect! His recovery time was horrible! I summoned the last remains of my vigor and leaned forward...
"KURAE!! REKKA NAKKURA!!!"
...and gave the kung-fu star the 18 hardest-hitting punches that I've ever thrown in my super. I barely had enough energy to finish with the Shakunetsuken, and I had to do it with my left hand, but it was enough to floor my opponent... and I mean good. As he hit the canvas I instantly shut off my Shakunetsuken to conserve energy and let out a moan, finding myself stumbling backwards and falling to one knee again.
(Please stay down.... Please stay down...) I mumbled to myself, hoping that it would actually happen. I didn't know how much longer I could stand. However it seems Fei-Long couldn't read minds. Slowly but surly he did get up, shaking his head. At least I slowed him down... but I got desperate... I had to attack while he was down. It might be a cheap tactic but I just wanted to end the fight...
I started to run towards him, balling up my right fist, and as he fully stood up I was right next to him. While still running I leaped forward... revved up my fist... brought it back... and swung with all my might right towards his head. I then noticed something... Fei-Long wasn't in front of me... My attack missed... I then saw something move to my left... I looked that way... saw Fei-Long... and his leg move in a blur... and...
CRACK!!!
Everything after that slowed down. I remember my vision instantly blurring as the move connected and staying like that. I remember my head snapping to my right with violent recoil. I remember my feet barely coming down in time to try to keep me from falling... I remember just staring into space, stunned... I remember uttering out my final moan as my whole body just gave out on me... and I fell... Really slowly... I don't even remember actually hitting the ground. I just kept falling... and falling... until I finally lost consciousness...
-----
Later that day I found myself in the hospital right next to the park with Fei-Long and Sakura at my bedside. Fei-Long told me how that was one of his better matches and that he was proud of my determination. He had given the hospital the money for my hospital bills and even gave me $200 for a consolation prize. That was the good news. The bad news was that when he left, Sakura told me my condition. I was very close to having my right arm broken and I couldn't put much pressure onto it for the next 2 months unless risk messing it up for much longer. I was in universal pain for about 3 weeks after the fight, but somehow we still managed to enjoy our vacation. The hospital released me the next day. Although that was good news, I still wouldn't forget that fight... It made me realize something; do your homework on your opponent...
However, don't let the group's success fool you. It hasn't been all victories and cheering. No, like any great fighter there are many times, when you least expect it, when you find yourself in a situation that seems (or IS) impossible to fight your way out of. You find yourself against the ropes, your opponent with the upper hand and utilizing that fact to the fullest extent, and as soon as you try to make your move, you find out that it's all over... and you're on the ground in defeat. They're even worst times when you find yourself outnumbered and surrounded and despite your hardest attempt to take them down they prove to be too much...
Bruises... cuts... concussions... broken bones & spirits... This segment is to break down the other side of the New Archives cast.... Now sit back as the stars themselves tell you just what happens when they're on the side that no fighter of any kind wants to be on...
---- The Kung-Fu Menace
It's not everyday you see me not on top of things. I mean... I've grown to a point that makes me a contender against anyone and everyone that I should happen to face. Being able to control my ki into flame form is my greatest strength. However... against a certain kung-fu movie star named Fei-Long, it proved to be my greatest weakness...
-----
"Right now, I'm willing on issuing an open challenge. Whoever can take down the Hong Kong kung-fu wonder, Fei-Long will instantly be 500 dollars richer! Of course, that's U.S. currency, but rest assured that it's still a pretty good payment! Now, do I have any brave fighters out there that are willing to take up the challenge?"
It was a pretty good spring day in the center of Hong Kong. A typical clear sky and a fresh breeze that ran through the park. I could remember being there with Sakura on a bit of a vacation and to site see, since the last time we were here it was because we were searching for Ryu. This time we were going to enjoy ourselves. At the time that Sakura and I heard this guy's statement we didn't pay much attention to it. I mean, we were in the middle of lunch, sitting on one of the benches in front of a large brick wall which held up random flags of world nations on top. To our left was a rather large crowd of spectators that was growing in numbers, some being fighters ready to take on Fei-Long. Speaking of which, he was to our right, his manager just now walking to the other side of the pathway turned arena and watched as a person in casual clothing and a medium built body stepped forward. I've heard much about Fei-Long. As a matter of fact when we were hear on our last visit, we were looking for him for some information but he wasn't one to be bothered while shooting a movie. However, the guy wasn't exactly snooty. I mean, why even bother to take on other fighters and hand over a cash bonus if you lose if you're that type of person?
Anyway, as we ate was watched that average Joe started his try at the cash by immediately throwing a right cross. The karate star dodged it pretty easily. He then tried a punch straight to the body. This was when Fei- Long just slightly moved his body so that the guy's fist just grazed his side, then pinned his arm with his left. Letting out a bit of a surprised yelp the guy took the rookie way and struggled to get his fist free. He didn't notice Fei-Long's free fist rocketing to the side of his head. In a matter of moments the guy was on the floor, knocked out in one blow, initiating the crowd to cheer out. Sakura saw that from the corner of her eye while eating and just shook her head.
"Poor guy... mmm... Never stood...mmm... a chance..."
I raised my eyebrows in agreement.
"Pretty much..."
As time went on about 7 other guys took Fei-Long up for the challenge, varying in size, strength, and looks. It didn't do much of a difference. Each match, while it might have taken the young Kung-Fu guy a bit longer, still ended under the course of a minute per. When the last fight was done, we were already done eating. Sakura got up first and looked at Fei- Long. The guy wasn't even breathing hard or sweating.
"You think I should give it a try? I'm positive that I would do better than these other guys."
That, I knew was true. None of the others had anything special (let along super...) or real experience to be taken down so fast. Sakura and I would definitely give Fei-Long a run for his money, literally. However, that's not what we came to Hong Kong for.
"Sakura... don't you think that's something that we should... you know, pass? We came to enjoy ourselves."
Sakura looked at me with a bit of a frown. "But we never really turned down an opportunity to get a fight before."
"I know... but you know... I kind of like letting this pass. Not even for 500 beans."
Sakura still looked at me, wondering why I was holding her back. After a moment she smirked.
"Okay... I'll let this slide. Just for you..."
I smiled while getting up and putting the bag which carried our lunch into a nearby garbage can.
"Thanks, Sakura. Well, how about we head out and go someplace where we won't find someone get beat up beyond recognition?"
Sakura let out a giggle and looked at Fei-Long, who had his back to us, and was about to leave. Little did I know the kung-fu expert just turned his head to us as we started to walk and gave me a glance... He waited until we were just going up the stairs that lead to the streets to say something.
"Wait, you two..." he yelled out, making both of us stop and turn to look at him.
"Yeah?" Sakura asked. Fei-Long turned his gaze to me.
"You..." he started while pointing at me. "I... I remember you. Darrell Markis, is it not?"
I blinked a bit. This hot-shot movie star actually knows me? I wonder how... unless he's in tune with the fighting circuit and came across me....
"Yeah, I am," I answered... and grew surprised when I saw a smirk on his face.
"I thought so. You're the new Street Fighter that's been going against the best. Nice to finally meet you."
"Me, too..." I said semi-heartedly. What did he want from me...?
"So where are you going? I'd like the opportunity to fight you."
I immediately gave him a look. Me? Fight? Today? Come on. It wasn't in the cards. I was supposed to have this as a relaxing vacation with my girlfriend. It was the time when I didn't want to fight or anything other than relax and have some fun. However, as much as I wanted to say 'no', I couldn't back down. It was an honorable challenge from a great Street Fighter... and with a crowd, no-less. I didn't want to be remembered as someone who didn't take a $500 dollar fight. People can presume stupid things...
I heaved a sigh and whispered to Sakura, "There's no way to get out of this, is it?"
Sakura just shook her head without even looking at me. "I don't think so... Besides, I think this should give you the opportunity to see if he's all that great."
Well, yeah... Those were valid points. Besides, I always wanted to see if he really was for real. Those guys could have been hired to act so weak. Now was a good chance...
"I'm going for it, Sakura," I announced. "Wish me luck."
Sakura just smirked again. "I don't think you'll need luck. Just make sure you give him a good fight."
"No prob."
I sucked up a full breath of air and exhaled, then looked at my new opponent... and headed towards him. "Okay, so it's a fight you want, huh, Mr. Fei-Long?" I was now standing right in front to him, my hands balled up into fists. "Well then..."
I ended while dropping into my freestyle Ansatsuken fighting stance. "...let's see if you're for real."
Slightly surprising me, Fei-Long waved his finger at me. "I see you're anxious for this just as much as I am. Let's hope that doesn't wear off once we start."
The fight had officially started when Fei-Long went into his fighting stance, but I didn't move. As much as I heard about him, I haven't seen him fight outside of movies, so I didn't exactly know if all those spiffy moves he threw were his real moves. If they were, then I'd have to be careful. If not, then I'd have to be even more careful. Who knows what he would have under his sleeve...
After about 10 seconds of the stare down, I decided to make the first move. I feinted a punch to his head and waved in to come up with an uppercut. Fei blocked. I then moved my head to the side to dodge a fist to my fist and countered with a knee that slammed into his side. I ended by spinning around to kick with the other foot but he backed off. I decided to keep the pressure on him and moved back in for another attack...
"Hai!"
...and ate a fast fist that came out of no where...
"Hiy!"
...a second one with Fei's other fist...
"Hiya!"
The last one was strong enough to send me to the ground, forcing me to scramble to recover before Fei took advantage of it. As I looked up I managed to see Fei-Long try to follow up with a fist that would have went to my chest if I didn't roll to the side. I came out of my roll and swept Fei-Long off his feet with my right leg, then spun again fully to stand up. I jumped back and waited for the next move that my opponent would throw as he got up. Luckily he rolled away from me so it gave me room to concentrate on making a big move. Question was... which one? Which one would he not expect? How about we experiment...? I brought my hands to my side and quickly focused some of my energy there. A blue ki ball entered... them and just as Fei-Long saw me I launched.
"Hadouken!" I yelled as I shot my hands forward, the ball traveling slowly to test Fei-Long's judgment. Sure enough he moved to the side and I was ready to cut him off with a lunging cross.
"HAH!"
The instant I got my fist out to attack I felt my head snap back violently, causing me to stumble backwards in a slight daze. What happened? What did he counter with? I regained my balance and noticed that Fei-Long countered with a well placed kung-fu snap kick, done such a way that my attack missed. Nice one, Mr. Fei-Long... Let's see you do that again.
He attacked first this time, probably still thinking that I was dazed, hopping forward and trying to perform a knee-kick combo. I parried it with my left arm while simultaneously striking with my free elbow. As expected the kung-fu master fell backwards, leaving me enough time to follow with a roundhouse kick. However, I suddenly felt my attack stop... It turns out that he had grabbed my sneaker just before I hit and now I was very vulnerable...
I remember the word 'crap' run through my mind at that moment. It was a surprise that he managed to snap out of that and counter... Now what was he going to do...? Just as I thought that he threw my leg to his side, causing me to stumble close to him and off-balance...
"AACHAA!!"
...and ate a rising flame kick in the stomach. Wait... Flames? So his famous Shienkyaku was for real... I felt myself flying through the air and then hit the ground, his flames going down on contact. It took me quite a while to get the air back into my lungs, since the kick was so powerful it knocked the wind out of me. I got up holding my stomach and taking big breaths of air, then looked at Fei-Long. At least I was over the minute mark... Now I just have to beat him. It was time to take it up a notch.
"Ok, Fei-Long, I see your moves aren't special effects. Well, how about I show you how REAL flames are like?"
I could see Fei-Long's attention grow on his face as I braced myself, my fists at my sides. I concentrated my vigor into my two fists...
"SHAKUNETSU... KEN!!!"
...and with that roar my trademark special move went into effect, both my hands bursting into flames. This was the move that made me who I was. I never really went a fight without using it. It would be like Ryu going through a fight without using his Hadouken. You don't see it happen... and by the look on my rival's face it seems as if he was glad that I started to use my real technique... Perhaps... a bit too glad... There was something in the look he gave me that made me feel insecure... like a bad feeling that grabs you when you're about to do something drastic.
"Ah, ha!" Fei-Long let out. "I knew that you'd draw that out sooner or later. I've studied that technique of yours for quite some time..."
My eyes narrowed at that. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that I've scouted out your techniques... This might be your best move, but is it really the best move against me?"
"Well, why don't we see?!"
I dashed in, my hands leaving behind trails of flames behind me, and as I got into range I started to attack with some random punches to the upper body. All were blocked. No problem. I varied up a bit with a feint with my left fist and he fell perfectly for it. The crowd gasped when my right fist slammed against the head of Fei-Long and made him forcibly use his hand to keep from falling down on the spot. I then used my left in an uppercut to bring him back up so I can pound on him some more. I had him where I wanted him, nailing a few more blows before I finished with a hard hitting left straight, knocking him back into the ground. I stood my ground, listening to the crowd's mixed reaction to my performance and, of course, to Sakura's cheering from behind me. She must be liking what she was seeing.
"Hmm... very well done..." Fei-Long praised me as he slowly got up and held his left cheek. By the way I saw it, it seemed as if I caused that face of his to bruise up from my blows.
"Hey, nothing said that I'd be easy to beat. Sorry for bruising you up... but it's to be expected, isn't it?"
Fei-Long then gave me a look... It was one that I never saw before on his face... This face marked a more serious Fei-Long...
"Well, let's just hope that you can handle what I have in store for you... or that you're vigor doesn't drain by that move of yours."
Crap. He does know me well. No one else really picked up why I can only use attack enhancers for a set amount of time... Although I'm able to hold it longer than I could when I was yonger, the Shakunetsuken and Shakunetsuken Ittou take a lot out of me. When I'm not using them my vigor slowly (and I mean SLOWLY) goes back up to a suitable level so I can use them again but by that time the match would already be over and the other guy burned in many places. However, Fei-Long wasn't that other guy. I was going to have to throw him off his game.
Without saying anything I ducked in towards the movie star and feinted another punch to go low with a kick. Fei was already a step ahead of me as he hopped the kick and came back down with a kick to my head, forcing it down to my knees. I slowly reeled backwards, still crouching, and I knew my recovery time was awful... and I paid for that.
Fei attacked with a downward strike, keeping me from getting away and my recovery time to near-zilch, then turned around to delivered a hard snap kick to my jaw. As soon as that connected I thought I heard a crack as I was sent back to the ground. Luckily nothing was broken, but that three- hit combo really got me good. I tried to stand up right afterwards but my legs weren't sure, and I collapsed onto my side, using my elbow and hand to keep my upper body elevated. At the moment I saw everything around me spin furiously. I was really dazed, shaking my head, desperately trying to snap out of it. That last kick could have rivaled Ryu's Tatsumaki Senpu Kyaku in power...
I was surprised that Fei-Long actually let me recover from my dizziness. If I was in his position I would have been charging my Shakunetsu Shinku Hadouken right now to finish the match. However, at the time, I wasn't in the right mind to even think that much. I just found myself slowly getting up on flailing legs, gathering my senses. At that time I could hear someone ask how I was able to touch myself without burning myself. I think it was Fei-Long himself... or maybe a spectator from the crowd...? I never got to find out whom. At least when I heard that I knew I still had some sense in me.
I let out a low groan as I finally recovered, my pointer finger at the side of my mouth. I had felt something trickling down my mouth and I thought it was saliva. I looked at the tip of my finger and was corrected. It was blood...
My mouth was bleeding...
Damn. The kick was really that strong. I gave Fei-Long my meanest glare that I could cook up. No one EVER bloodied me except for Akuma, Rugal, Morrigan and Sakura. It might had been a drop of blood that escaped, but I couldn't live that down.
"Hey! You're gonna pay for making me bleed!" I yelled at him after I spat out some blood from my mouth. I then wiped off my mouth and rushed back in. I managed to see him take up a defensive stance and was about to attack again... before having an idea. Instead of just attacking I jumped. Getting a bit of height under me I looked down... got my aim right... and found myself floating as I cupped my hands to my side..
"Shakunetsu..."
My flames and surge energy mixed together in my hands as I got my sites set on Fei-Long, who seemed to be waiting on my attack.
"Shinku..."
Ok, let's see you dodge this...
"HADOUKEN!!!"
I then let loose my super attack, the huge orange Hadou-flame mixture rocketing towards the movie star. The crowd let out shocked gasps and screams at the size of it, which was like Sakura's Shinku Hadouken only it keeps its start up size. The ball blocked my view of my opponent so as I landed I kept an eye out for him. He might be fast but I'd be able to see him. As the ball exploded when it hit the concrete I was starting to wonder if I hit him or not. After all, I was getting weaker every time I use my ki attacks (which is often in this case). Having that thought in mind I deactivated my Shakunetsuken and decided, while there was peace on the battlefield, to catch my breath... Little did I know that was going to be my undoing...
"A nice move, Darrell, but it's too slow... You'll never catch me with that."
I felt my heart go up into my throat. No way... There was no way I could be heading his voice from behind me. There was just no way. No one besides Guy and Maki were THAT fast... I slowly turned around...
"WHAAAAA!!!!"
...and met the fury of punches to my face and stomach that was the Rekka Shinken. It was 5 blows, each one harder than the last. Fei-Long then finally ended with the final fist to my face and I knew then and there I made a critical mistake. I shouldn't have underestimated his speed. Better yet, it was two things. I shouldn't have turned around without either attacking of blocking...
When I hit the ground the first thing I recalled was that my face was hurting like hell. Most definitely I might have bruises and cuts. Second was the fact that I barely had the energy to get back up again. Each of Fei's blows was on the money. Through my pain I was thinking on what to do. It seemed as if he had my number...
I rolled to my side and got to my hands and knees. I took my time getting up, mostly because I felt woozy, partly because I needed a plan. As I managed to get to one knee I saw a shadow form above me... It was Fei- Long.
"Are you sure you want to continue this fight?"
I still had my head down, breathing hard. I had to get him while he wasn't expecting it... Now was the chance.
"HAH!"
Finding the will to snap out of my vulnerable state I came up with a fast rising left uppercut... a move that Fei-Long dodged and retaliated by giving my right arm a very unpleasant dose of his kung-fu snap kicks...
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!"
I instantly screamed. This one REALLY hurt, as if the kick broke the arm. My GOOD arm... I lost sense in the arm and fell to my left, my knee keeping me up as I used my left to hold my banged up arm. I could actually feel hot tears of pain run down my cheeks as I savored my arm. Now I could hear the crowd starting to get excited, shocked, and worried at the same time.
"WOW! Did you see that? That MUST have hurt! Wow! Fei-Long's the best!"
"You think he'll be ok?"
"I doubt it... He really looks hurt on that one..."
"At least he took more punishment than those other guys... and actually did some damage to Fei-Long..."
"Darrell! Are you ok!?"
That last one was Sakura's voice... and she sounded more concerned than I've ever remembered her to be. I looked to my side and I could see it in her eyes. I was hurt... badly... However, something inside me said I had something I could do. If I was going down, I was going down swinging...
I got up while wiping my eyes, luckily against the brick wall to the park area, and clenched my right arm, letting out small cries as pain shot through my body. Luckily I got a little feeling back into it. Good. I was going to need that arm for my last attack... I then turned my attention to Fei-Long, who seemed to have gotten a little ticked off that I haven't given up yet, then suddenly rushed me. I barely had time to react... but just as I saw him jump to perform a flying kick to finish me off, I had an idea...
(THIS IS IT!!!)
I rolled to my left side, letting Fei-Long bounce off the brick wall and back towards the floor. Perfect! His recovery time was horrible! I summoned the last remains of my vigor and leaned forward...
"KURAE!! REKKA NAKKURA!!!"
...and gave the kung-fu star the 18 hardest-hitting punches that I've ever thrown in my super. I barely had enough energy to finish with the Shakunetsuken, and I had to do it with my left hand, but it was enough to floor my opponent... and I mean good. As he hit the canvas I instantly shut off my Shakunetsuken to conserve energy and let out a moan, finding myself stumbling backwards and falling to one knee again.
(Please stay down.... Please stay down...) I mumbled to myself, hoping that it would actually happen. I didn't know how much longer I could stand. However it seems Fei-Long couldn't read minds. Slowly but surly he did get up, shaking his head. At least I slowed him down... but I got desperate... I had to attack while he was down. It might be a cheap tactic but I just wanted to end the fight...
I started to run towards him, balling up my right fist, and as he fully stood up I was right next to him. While still running I leaped forward... revved up my fist... brought it back... and swung with all my might right towards his head. I then noticed something... Fei-Long wasn't in front of me... My attack missed... I then saw something move to my left... I looked that way... saw Fei-Long... and his leg move in a blur... and...
CRACK!!!
Everything after that slowed down. I remember my vision instantly blurring as the move connected and staying like that. I remember my head snapping to my right with violent recoil. I remember my feet barely coming down in time to try to keep me from falling... I remember just staring into space, stunned... I remember uttering out my final moan as my whole body just gave out on me... and I fell... Really slowly... I don't even remember actually hitting the ground. I just kept falling... and falling... until I finally lost consciousness...
-----
Later that day I found myself in the hospital right next to the park with Fei-Long and Sakura at my bedside. Fei-Long told me how that was one of his better matches and that he was proud of my determination. He had given the hospital the money for my hospital bills and even gave me $200 for a consolation prize. That was the good news. The bad news was that when he left, Sakura told me my condition. I was very close to having my right arm broken and I couldn't put much pressure onto it for the next 2 months unless risk messing it up for much longer. I was in universal pain for about 3 weeks after the fight, but somehow we still managed to enjoy our vacation. The hospital released me the next day. Although that was good news, I still wouldn't forget that fight... It made me realize something; do your homework on your opponent...