The Story Behind the Scenes
Author's Notes: These are the passages that, for some reason, didn't quite make it into the story. For the first time, the tale of how Colliding Worlds was made is finally revealed ...
Prologue, Sparring in the Gym
Take One
Sakura modified the Shinkuu Hadouken and launched her hands forward, releasing a burst of light. Instantly the whole room went white and Sakura heard Mitsukake rush in for the kill. Okay, the American is ... there. Now all I have to do is pummel him from that side - huh, where is he? What the -! As the light cleared, Sakura caught sight of her opponent and instantly realized her mistake. He'd moved, and moved quickly. Mitsukake was already down on the mats; in a blur of motion, the American swept Sakura's feet, crouched, and delivered a symbolic kill blow into her stomach. Drat! I can't believe we lost so fast! "Man, why don't I ever get the good teammates?" Sakura pouted.
"What, me, bad?!" Mitsukake cried, paling with anger. "Did you just say that I was bad?!"
"Erm, well, actually ..." Sakura stalled, and then she ran as Mitsukake jumped and tried to break her nose on his fist. "Aah! Help me, he's trying to kill me!"
Prologue, Invitation to McGrath
Take Two
McGrath passed the card around; Sakura and Mitsukake already knew what it contained, for they too had received their letters in the mail.
What's up, doc? Just wanted to say hi, it's been a long time. I heard
you got married, so I offer you my congratulations as well as my regrets
that your wife is probably too old to start the Doll program now. Things
are hectic on my end, since we're still trying to rebuild the organization
from scratch. I'd love to chat more, but my duties call me. If you need
anything or just want to talk, you have all of my old contact information.
Sincerely,
M. Bison
"Alright," McGrath demanded as he tore the card into pieces, "which one of you monkeys has been messing around with the invitation cards again?!"
Chapter Two, Jin's Dressup
Take Two
Glancing around nervously, the man tried to hold still as a number of technicians finished wiring his suit with miniature microphones. A makeup artist added a touch of blush to his face. Someone threw the man's white scarf around his neck, fastened it securely, and patted his whitewashed armored suit. Another man adjusted the headband around his forehead. The man sweated as each technician bustled around him. He'd faced mad dictators and deadly assassins before, but this was too much! Silently he vowed that, if he survived this insane agreement of his, he'd - he'd - he couldn't think of anything appropriate. Someone locked his bootstraps into place. In a word, it was Jin Saotome.
Jin fidgeted, asked a question, and was surprised to hear his voice reverberate out the microphones. "Turn it down, will you? I can barely hear myself think - dear me, does my voice really sound like that?!" He glanced at the clock. "Three minutes until showtime. Okay, Jin, just relax ... will you hurry up?" When several more people converged on him, Jin exploded. "That's it, you asked for it! Go, Blodia!!!!!"
Several floors down, Ryu heard the sound of automated gunfire and sighed deeply, turning to look at Ken. "Well, looks like Jin just lost it again. Good thing we hired a lot of technicians before doing any sort of prewriting. He really ought to learn to control that temper of his, though."
Chapter Two, Interview with Ryu
Take One
At that moment, Kyosuke was cut off by a sharp cry of "Ryu!" from behind. The camera panned over, revealing Chun-Li, Sakura, Chan, and a number of other women clustered in the cramped hall. "Oh, Ryu! Over here! C'mon!" As they raced down the corridor towards the legendary warrior, a suddenly nervous Ryu glanced at the student turned reporter. "Excuse me, Kyosuke, but it looks like a lot of women are eager to claim me. So, if you'd give me some space, um -"
"Certainly." Kyosuke graciously stepped to the side, leaving the corridor between Ryu and his fans clear of any obstacles.
"Thanks, and cover your ears." Ryu drew his hands back and they suddenly glowed with an ethereal blue light. A look of steady concentration materialized on his face as he calculated the best vector for his plan of action. "Shinkuu ....."
Kyosuke scratched his head, befuddled, as Ryu's beam cannon of a blast blew away every girl in front of himself and more. "Um, I swear this wasn't in the script ..."
Chapter Two, Interview with Rose
Take One
"What about the actual mechanics of the battle?"
"I'm getting there, young Jin. Youngsters these days are so impatient - why, in my day, children -"
"What did you just say about me?! Go, Blodia!!!!!"
Chapter Two, Contestant Introduction
Take One
"And finally the leader of the team, the host of the second World Warrior tournament! He began his career a long time ago when he murdered his master and went on a rampage. More than thirty-five years ago he formed the world criminal organization of Shadowlaw. A master of Psycho Power, this contestant is one of the strongest ranked in this tournament! Parents, keep your children close at hand, because here comes the dread master of Shadowlaw ... M. Bison!"
But instead of the well-known and greatly feared image of Bison, there appeared someone else in the entrance of the arena. It was, perhaps, an equally infamous person. He wore a pink karate uniform with a black shirt underneath and rolled into the arena, crowing for all he was worth ...
"Who the heck invited Dan?!" Jin screamed.
Chapter Two, Commercial Break
Take Two
"That about wraps it up for now," Jin announced. "We'll be taking a short commercial break, but we'll be back with more and better. This tournament's only begun and the action is bound to become wild. Same time, same place, we'll be introducing more teams. This is Jin Saotome from Osaka stadium, stay glued to your television screens, because tonight we'll see two worlds truly collide."
Dan Hibiki's face filled the holoprojector. "Yahoo! And kids, remember, Saikyo is going to win this tournament single-handedly!"
Chapter Three, Contestant Introduction
Take Four
"And the final member of this team is one of the most feared and respected members of the wrestling circuit. He left his native Russia due to lack of competition. Once a tactician for the Red Army, he still trains hard by wrestling with bears! His signature wrestling technique was inspired when he was caught up in a tornado. He even has a scar on his back from an incident when he protected the ex-president of Russia from an assassination attempt. Ladies and gentlemen, without more ado here is the red cyclone ... Zangief!"
A huge man wearing a red cape that completely concealed his body came striding out of the mist, his very steps making the earth tremble. He quickly joined his teammates at the podium and then threw off the cape, drawing gasps from all directions. "Yahoo! Let's hear it for Saikyo!" Dan crowed.
"That's it!" Jin screamed, tearing his microphone off. "I'm going to have Dadallent kill the fool!"
Sado-Masochism
Deleted Scene
Abruptly and rudely awakened by the hysteric shouting next door, Mason Storm grumbled curses under his breath as he hauled himself to his feet and shambled towards the door. It was four at night and a sinfully late hour for parties; unfortunately, years of law enforcement work had ingrained Mason with hair-trigger reflexes and he simply could not sleep at this level of noise. Muttering curses to himself, he flung his door open and stalked down the hallway to the source of the shouting.
"It's me, of course!"
"You? Don't make me laugh!"
"Ha, like either of you have a right to talk! I've been doing this since long before you two were born!"
"You want to make an issue of it?!"
Mason flung the door open and it crashed into the opposite wall with a resounding slam, silencing the occupants of the particular room. His still-sleepy eyes glared at the three women in front of him - Cammy, Chun-Li, and Morrigan Aensland. Eyebrows bristling, Mason growled, "I'm trying to get some sleep here. What's this argument all about?"
"Mason," Cammy asked, "of us three, which do men most prefer being beaten up by?"
Chapter Four, Evil Ryu's Entrance
Take One
"Aargh ... fight me, one of you!" he cried.
McGrath settled into a combat stance, his face grim. "Very well then, let's go, my palette-swapped friend ..."
Chapter Four, Ken x Samantha
Take One
"Your husband doesn't need to know, right? I heard from Guile that the military makes plenty of last-minute schedule changes. You could pull one off." Had Ken been less enamored of Samantha, he might have noticed that Kirina had stopped staring at him or that Maki's commentary had abruptly ceased. But he recklessly pushed on. "Besides, it's a real high class restaurant; we could even stop by the jeweller's on the way back. I'll buy you a gem that costs more than a soldier makes in half a year. And really, nobody would find out. Why not tell your husband that you've been given an emergency mission?
"Why not tell him yourself? He is standing behind you, after all."
"Wha -?" Ken whirled around, to find McGrath staring down at him with folded arms and looking decidedly threatening. He nearly fell out of his chair. "Y - you?! You're the husband?!"
"Yes, I am! Maximize!"
Chapter Four, The Hunt for Bison
Take One
"Bison!" Marching up a floor, a sizable crowd of the tournament's fighters actively sought out the room of the dread lord of Shadowlaw. "You can't hide forever! Show yourself! Aha, there you are!" They converged towards a room where a trio of voices could be heard.
"No, I absolutely refuse to appear looking like this!" Bison shouted.
"Whatever, man," Vega replied, "just hurry up, it's your cue!" So saying, he and Balrog shoved Bison into the hall. The lord of Shadowlaw stumbled for a moment and nearly tripped, cursing his subordinates as he did so. Vega locked the door behind himself. Then Bison caught sight of the other fighters and scowled. "Don't be fooled, this is what happens when you let your flunkies get high!"
He was wearing a woman's wig, his normally jet black hair concealed under a waterfall of blonde bangs and curls. A blouse had been stretched over his chest and a pair of earrings clipped to each ear. Somebody had applied blush and mascara all over his face, as well as lipstick. He wore a pair of bracelets and a miniskirt, some dark hosiery stretched down his legs all the way to his feet, which were enclosed in stiletto heels. Bison's scowl deepened.
Ryu collapsed laughing. "He he, I'm so sorry, he he ha ha, I just ... ha ha ... I just can't do this ... ha ha ha!"
Chapter Four, the Hunt for Bison
Take Two
"Bison!" Marching up a floor, a sizable crowd of the tournament's fighters actively sought out the room of the dread lord of Shadowlaw. "You can't hide forever! Show yourself! Aha, there you are!" They converged towards a room where a trio of voices could be heard.
"No, I absolutely refuse to appear looking like this!" Bison shouted.
"Whatever, man," Balrog replied, "just hurry up, it's your cue!" So saying, he and Vega shoved Bison into the hall. The lord of Shadowlaw stumbled for a moment and nearly tripped, cursing his subordinates as he did so. Vega locked the door behind himself. Then Bison caught sight of the other fighters and scowled. "Don't be fooled, this is all that the costuming department had left!"
He was wearing a pair of rabbit ears held up by springs attached to his hair. A large red cape had been wrapped completely around his frame, a red hood thrown back for the moment. A pair of ribbons adorned each wrist. In his right hand Bison carried a large wicker picnic basket and he wore a white apron underneath the cape. A plastic butterfly pinned to his chest completed the look. Bison's left hand held a leash with the other end chewed off and his scowl deepened.
"You know," Ryu commented at last, "I've heard of cosplayers doing some crazy things, but this is just ridiculous."
Chapter Four, Goudan Test
Take One
Ryu sat on the floor, crosslegged and breathing evenly, obviously attempting to meditate. Sakura would have closed the door and waited outside had not a brief glint of light caught her eye. Peering in just a little deeper, she saw Dr. McGrath standing behind Ryu with a glittering blade in hand. Right before her astonished eyes, he drew back and all silently prepared to strike at Ryu's exposed neck, his aura flaring with deadly intent. "Ryu! Watch out!"
Ryu looked up and was about to reassure Sakura, while behind him McGrath swore and tried to recall the swing of the blade. Unfortunately, Ryu's movement had taken him too far back and McGrath could not effectively stop the momentum of the swing. The sword flashed through the air and made a quiet snick as it sheared cleanly through Ryu's neck. A moment later, blood began to fountain out of the headless corpse.
"Omigosh!" Sakura screamed. "You killed Ryu!"
Chapter Five, Demitri vs. Hiryu
Take One
Hiryu was standing next to Demitri and had changed for both better and worse. Better, because Demitri had contacted him and transformed him into a woman, thus improving his looks immensely. From the sidelines, Ruby Heart whistled - Hiryu'd have no trouble winning a pageant with his - her - whatever! - newly acquired looks. Worse, because next moment Demitri seized Hiryu by the neck and was feeding on his opponent's blood. The attack lasted only for a moment, then Demitri threw Hiryu to the side and wiped his lips in one fluid motion. There was a puff of smoke and Hiryu stumbled to the dirty tiles. When she stood up, Hiryu must've sensed something wrong with her balance. A single glance at her body confirmed this. "Demitri, you're supposed to change me back after the attack!"
"I think everyone would agree that you look better this way," Demitri replied smoothly. A moment later he changed himself into a swarm of bats and began to fly away.
"What the -! Hey, wait, Demitri! Wait! Wait!!!"
Chapter Six, Cherry Park Battle
Take One
At the same instant, both men launched their deadly energy projectiles. Ryu's took the form of a mighty blast of white light, a single continuous stream of energy that poured forth from his palms. The tan warrior released a gigantic sphere of flames the size of his whole body. Their two attacks collided in midair, but only for a moment; at that instant, the sphere of flames split apart and Ryu's beam cannon of a projectile continued onwards. There was no time to dodge; the man wearing tan took the attack head-on and an explosion of cherry petals obscured the sight of all present. When the dust subsided, all three of the men had been laid flat on the ground, the fight obviously knocked out of them.
"Time to get us some answers," Ken growled. He stepped up to his opponent and laid a hand on the mask. All three were still conscious, but the fight had already ended. Ken tore the mask off in one swift motion. "What the - you're alive?!"
"You may have won now, but Saikyo is still the strongest!" Dan crowed.
Chapter Six, Gouken meets Kirina
Take One
"Some things never change ..." Gouken muttered to himself. "Eh, who's that?"
Ryu eyed the figure running towards them. "My daughter."
"But you aren't married," Gouken pointed out, "so how does that work? You haven't adopted either, so that means ... Ryu ..."
"Look, dad, I can explain," Ryu began nervously.
"Explain it to this! Ashura Hadouken!"
Chapter Six, Night of Surprises
Take One
"Regina sings beautifully," Ken Masters sighed at his table. He glanced craftily at the table's other occupants, winking at Gouken. "I wonder if she'd be willing to go out with me later. Hey, you're only in trouble once caught, right?"
"You never will grow up, will you?" Guy ribbed.
"By the way," Go Hibiki inquired, "where is my son Dan?"
"Right here!" Dan dropped from the rafters above and landed heavily on the table, bringing it crashing into the floor in two pieces. He jumped up and flexed an enormous bicep. "I'm teaching the world the strength of Saikyo in your memory, father! Yahoo!"
Chapter Seven, the Advocate of Justice
Take One
From the other side of the battlefield, Edgar fixed his gaze on the opposing team. "Hmph. The Triple Dragons. Dragons are invariably associated with gangs. They even had a village handed to them by the crime kingpin Gill. Even more damning evidence comes from the fact that their godfathers are the eight crime lords of the Chinese mafia. The verdict: Guilty! We must purge the world of scum of their type!" Edgar raised a fist to the sky and posed magnificently. Then he collapsed into laughter. "I - I'm s-sorry, I c-can't do this w-with a straight f-face," he managed to rasp out between laughs.
Chapter Eight, Ryu's Debriefing
Take One
"You know," Ryu commented as he, Sagat, Gouken, and Kirina clustered around a small television, watching a replay of the fight that had just occurred, "I've faced some goofballs in battle before - Dan comes to mind in particular, may he rest in peace ..."
"What did you say about me?" The door came down with an earsplitting crash and Dan rolled into the room. "Saikyo is the strongest style! You can fight, but you can't show off like me!"
Chapter Eight, A Brief History of Street Fighter
Take One
"This tournament's worse than any other that we've ever been in," Ken stated. "The first World Warrior tournament, it was a megalomaniac who wanted to be acknowledged as the mightiest fighter on Earth." Ken ducked gamely as Sagat aimed a kick at his forehead. "The second tournament, it was a mad dictator bent on eliminating his biggest opponents. The third, it was a self-styled god looking to establish Utopia. And now we're dealing with actual gods, who I might add are giving me the creeps. This is why I became an atheist, you see. I believe only in myself."
Then let me change your religion. Your soul is mine!
Chapter Nine, You're Married?!?!
Take One
"Oh, Mason, you're so brave," Kikoken gushed.
Darrell and Kenneth glanced at each other before the former pointed out, "You know, he's married."
Kikoken sprang back from Mason as though his skin had burned her. "What?! You're married? Mason Storm, how could you betray me like that?! Why didn't you mention that you ... you were married? I ... I had feelings ..." She choked back her tears while Mason could only stare, too surprised to say anything, noting resentfully that Darrell and Kenneth had doubled over with silent laughter behind Kikoken's back. "I love you, Mason ... but you betrayed that love ... like a rose that blooms in the wintertime, so cruelly swept away by the elements ..." She looked away, then began to giggle and a moment later fell over laughing. "I'm ... ha ha ... I'm sorry ... he he ... I can't do this ... ha ha ha ... sappy dialogue ... leave it to someone ... like ... Chan, ha ha ha ..."
Chapter Nine, Under Siege
Take Two
Blake put his back to Kenneth and Darrell. Loss of blood was beginning to make him unsteady, but he was aware that both of his friends were worse off. The commandos split apart, one of them circling to his left and the other to his right. Blasted enemies; they were certainly well-trained. He didn't recognize any telltale insignias. He designated the man to the right as his target; if Darrell and Kenneth could hold out long enough, he could take both of the commandos separately.
"Man, this sucks," Darrell complained, standing up and throwing off the fake blood plastered over his expensive silk shirt. "In my own story I could take all six of these fools with one hand tied behind my back. Why the heck did I agree to this?"
"Yeah, no kidding," Kenneth agreed. He brushed some of the blood off his jacket and swaggered over to Darrell. "I know what you mean, Darrell. We ought to be able to beat all these guys senseless in a few seconds, but instead we can barely take two opponents."
"That's what usually happens when a character's fighting ability is adjusted for inflation!" Blake snapped.
Chapter Ten, Marin Trains Regina
Take One
Marin gestured and the blade floated into her hands; she offered the sword to Regina again. "Attack me one more time and aim for my heart. I shall not try to defend myself. Do not fear to injure me." So saying, Marin spread her hands wide and left her chest completely exposed, open for an attack. She fixed a steady gaze on Regina. Regina drew a deep breath and pulled her hand back, then unleashed a furious thrust directed straight at the center of Marin's chest. The attack struck true.
"A - oh no!" Regina screamed as Marin crumbled to the ground, a sword transfixed through her heart. "Help! I think I just killed Marin!"
Chapter Ten, Samantha vs. Cody
Take One
Cody roared in pain; turning around, he seized Samantha's hair and began to mercilessly beat at her face, leaving bloody trails running down her cheeks. Samantha grunted and snapped a kick up at his face; the blow landed solidly but Cody continued regardless. Then, to the shock of all present, he grabbed her breast and squeezed.
"You bastard!" Blake shouted.
"Technically, that's not true," Cody corrected. "The dictionary definition of 'bastard' is an illegitimate child who is acknowledged by neither ..."
Chapter Ten, Samantha vs. Cody
Take Four
Cody roared in pain; turning around, he seized Samantha's hair and began to mercilessly beat at her face, leaving bloody trails running down her cheeks. Samantha grunted and snapped a kick up at his face; the blow landed solidly but Cody continued regardless. Then, to the shock of all present, he grabbed her breast and squeezed.
"You bastard!" Blake shouted.
Shaking off a rivulet of blood that threatened to cloud her vision, Samantha frantically signaled Blake out of running in to assist her. But he ignored the signal and did so anyway. A moment later, they were both on the ground scuffling and Samantha sighed. "That's the fourth time we've had to do this scene," she muttered.
Chapter Ten, Samantha vs. Cody
Take Six
Cody roared in pain; turning around, he seized Samantha's hair and began to mercilessly beat at her face, leaving bloody trails running down her cheeks. Samantha grunted and snapped a kick up at his face; the blow landed solidly but Cody continued regardless. Then, to the shock of all present, he grabbed her breast and squeezed.
"You bastard!" Blake shouted.
Shaking off a rivulet of blood that threatened to cloud her vision, Samantha frantically signaled Blake out of running in to assist her. Blake ignored the order but fortunately Lloyd was also standing by in the sidelines and locked Blake's shoulders. The younger Phantom strained before kicking Lloyd and jumping in. Snarling to himself, the British soldier gave chase and tried to keep Blake beyond punching distance of Cody. Cody snickered as the two of them fell to grappling along the ground, rolling in the sand. They pulled each other to the edge and both fell into the Nile River.
"You're enjoying this scene, aren't you?" Samantha accused.
"Who, me?" Cody protested, his voice attempting to feign an air of injured innocence. He indicated a black eye, multiple cuts all over his body, and a number of bruises where Samantha had kicked at him earlier. "I suffer as much as you do from all these retakes."
Chapter Eleven, Dinner with Regina
Take One
Hmm? Regina looked closely at Ken. His aura is very strong right now. It's a happy one, yes, but also quite nervous ...
"... If you say no, um, I understand, but all the same ..."
His skin is flushed and he's perspiring heavily. Regina studied him with both eyes, a look of concern appearing on her delicate features. His body temperature is above what is normal for a human. His heart is racing, too ... there's something stirring in his blood, that's certain - oh no! Don't tell me ... he's caught a fever?! Regina locked her eyes on Ken's and concentrated, hard.
"... So, uh, I was wondering if ..."
"Ken, what're you saying? You're burning up! Here, come with me!" Regina jumped up and her aura flared, an overwhelming presence that nearly knocked Ken out of his seat. The entire room shifted, blurred, disappeared ... when it shifted back into focus again, Regina was standing in Ken's room and Ken himself was pushed back into his bed by an unseen force. He tried to struggle, but the invisible force had him pinned quite firmly.
"Huh, what? No, wait!" Ken wailed as his blankets seemed to rise of their own volition and nearly smother him. "Look, I swear that I'm not sick!"
"Don't overexert yourself!" Regina cried. "Now, this will help calm you," she promised as her hands began to glow. She laid a finger on Ken's forehead.
"N-no, wait! I ... I'm not ... uhhhhh ... sick ..." Not now, just when I'd finally worked up the courage! Ken's eyelids felt as though they were weighted down by lead and he dozed off. His breathing stabilized and the tension left his body. Within half a minute he was in a deep, recuperative sleep.
Chapter Eleven, Precision Training
Take One
"Let that be a demonstration to you," McGrath spoke. "The mark of a fighter's prowess isn't raw power. It's precision. Like Goutetsu used to tell Gouken, Akuma, and myself, 'Skill over strength, spirit over skill.' You all have power - there's no denying that - now learn how to direct it and you'll become truly strong."
"I haven't seen you throw any projectiles!" Ryu heckled good-naturedly.
"Alright then, hold still." McGrath drew his hands back and concentrated, then let loose with both arms spread high and low. Nothing appeared, but a moment later something hit Ryu with the sound of a crack of thunder and the wandering warrior went sailing out of the gym as though shot from a cannon.
Chapter Eleven, Precision Training
Take One
Quickly and efficiently, his right hand shot forward and his fingers unfurled. Nothing visible emerged; he repeated this four more times, then stood up. Ryu felt his jaw drop at he looked at the target. Whereas he and Sagat had littered the target with a number of scorch marks all bunched close to the center, McGrath's wooden board showed no sign of having been hit at all. The doctor facefaulted. "Dang, must've missed the board completely ..."
"And who were you calling a newb?" Darrell asked suggestively.
Chapter Eleven, Precision Training
Take Two
Quickly and efficiently, his right hand shot forward and his fingers unfurled. Nothing visible emerged; he repeated this four more times, then stood up. Ryu felt his jaw drop at he looked at the target. Whereas he and Sagat had littered the target with a number of scorch marks all bunched close to the center, McGrath's wooden board showed no sign of having been hit at all. The doctor growled. "Come on, you stupid fireball, come out already." He fired one last time, with as much energy as he could muster into his hands. McGrath flew backwards as if propelled from a cannon, his flight only broken when he crashed into the hotel building. "Argh ... that wasn't it ..."
Chapter Eleven, Precision Training
Take Three
Quickly and efficiently, his right hand shot forward and his fingers unfurled. Nothing visible emerged; he repeated this four more times, then stood up. Ryu felt his jaw drop at he looked at the target. Whereas he and Sagat had littered the target with a number of scorch marks all bunched close to the center, McGrath's wooden board showed no sign of having been hit at all. The doctor swore lividly. "Confound this blasted scene! It has to be the wind! Maximize!"
Ryu winced as McGrath rushed forward, covering the fifty meters at an impossible speed and beating the target into splinters. "I think somebody has problems with anger management. Time to call the visual effects editors."
Chapter Twelve, Pre-Fight
Take One
"New Generation Team, name your tactical leader," Jedah commanded.
"Me." Sakura raised a hand.
"No, I want to be the leader," Darrell interrupted.
"What? You? No, I'm the only one suited to be leader," Sakura shot back.
"Screw you two, I'm the leader," Mitsukake cut in.
"Like hell you are!" Darrell shouted, a flame appearing in his hands. "Tell you what, why don't we fight for the position, huh? Last one left standing gets to be the leader!" Without waiting for an answer, he fired off a pair of flames at both Mitsukake and Sakura.
"You know," Ryu commented as the three disappeared into a cloud of dust, "the Wrestlers' Association was bad with teamwork, but this is ridiculous."
Chapter Twelve, Bad News
Take One
"And of course, there is the well-known and still unexplained voice at the opening ceremony. Many witnesses clearly identified a feminine voice promising money, glory, and divinity to the winners of the tournament; however, no footage from the stadium has this recording when it supposedly happened. To sum up, many of the events surrounding the World Collision tournament are unexplained. The tournament organizers did not return calls asking for comments. In other news, a derailed train in Tokyo ..."
"Well, what do you think?" Chan asked. Guile hit the remote and the television died.
Before McGrath could give the proper response, another voice rang out from above. All eyes turned upwards, where a man clad in a pink uniform swung from a glass chandelier overhead and whooped out his message. "I think that Saikyo is the strongest!" Dan shouted jubilantly. "All you need to do is learn Saikyo and all the mysteries will be cleared away! The intensive mental training of Saikyo ensures that you will never be caught by surprise or deceit! Join now! Limited one time offer: If you join the Saikyo dojo today, I'll throw in a bonus karaoke lesson for free! Yahoo!"
Snarling, Jill Valentine and Blake Wallis produced a handgun and a rifle, respectively, from out of nowhere. A moment later both had hit the chandelier and it came crashing down to where McGrath had stood but a moment ago. Dazed, Dan staggered upright, gave a thumbs up, yelled "Rachoo!" and rolled out of the room, still advertising as he did so. Ryu growled under his breath. "Doesn't anyone stay dead?" he shouted.
"No," Bison replied.
"No," Charlie chipped in.
"I'm afraid not," Rose said.
"You'd think, right?" Guy asked.
"Definitely not," Gouken agreed.
"Besides, what's the fun in that?" Zeku asked.
Chapter Thirteen, Pre-Fight
Take One
Ice. As far as the eye could see, the island of Svalbard was covered in ice. A mountain towered in the distance, illuminated only by the play of the Northern Lights. The chosen battlefield was a lake that was entirely covered by several feet of rock-solid ice. The surface shimmered dimly like a rainbow mirror. The aurora was unusually brilliant this night and despite the below-freezing temperature nobody actually felt cold. More of Marin's odd power at work, Cammy White supposed. She tested the ice with a hard stomp, then a diving Cannon Spike aimed straight into the ground. The ice cracked, gave way, split, and Cammy fell into the frozen water with a shriek. The ice wobbled a bit before settling back on the surface.
Bison sighed. "Alright, bring in the understudy. And make some more backup clones, just in case!"
Chapter Fifteen, Search for Clues
Take One
"... Anything, anything at all. I don't care how unimportant it might seem, please, is there anything else you can tell me?" Ernest McGrath faced Sakura Kasugano and Darrell Markis, pleading for more details. The three of them were seated in the dining room of the hotel, McGrath having brought a pencil and notepad. "Was there anything at all that seemed out of place to you, Sakura?"
"Sakura baby?" Darrell prompted.
"Call me that again in public, Darrell," Sakura snapped, "and I'll Hadouken you all over the pavement."
Chapter Fifteen, Family Feud
Take One
McGrath sighed. "None of this makes any sense. If I had my way, I'd try to sort out all the evidence tonight. There's a definite picture emerging, but ... my wife wants to spent the night at a fancy restaurant and I couldn't refuse her."
"Oh, really?" Darrell asked. "You lettin' a woman dictate what you do? Why, it's totally different in my house. Sakura knows exactly what's expected of her; by the time I come home, the food better be on the table, and if it ain't, I slap her across the face. I know that she'll do the laundry and leave enough hot water for me when I need to shower. You gotta show your woman who's the boss, doc."
"What did you say?" a new voice demanded. Darrell jumped with fright as Sakura stormed into the dining room, eyes blazing. "Well, Darrell? Cat got your tongue? Maybe I ought to jog your memory: 'you gotta show your woman who's the boss', eh? Well, show me!"
"Aah, help!" Darrell jumped up as Sakura pounded after him like a tank. "Help, I'm being murdered!"
"Here's for your reference! Hadouken!"
"I-I'm s-sorry, I'm sorry! Aah!"
"Save it, Darrell! Shou'oken!"
"Ow ow ow! Doctor, help me will you? Help!"
"Take back everything that you said, Darrell! Or else -!"
"Okay, okay, okay!"
"Nekketsu ..."
"Noooo! Spare me! Alright, alright, you're the boss, Sakura baby! Aah!"
"Hadouken!"
McGrath sighed quietly, gazing at a two-meter hole blown cleanly through the wall of the hotel. Sakura's hands steamed. "I've had some disagreements with Samantha before," McGrath remarked, "but I can't remember any of our arguments ending like this."
Chapter Fifteen, Meet the Lian
Take Two
"You're drunk and even if you weren't you're rather slow-witted to begin with," Kikoken answered amiably. "Perhaps you could deal with me, but Darrell is looking rather annoyed right now. And, you'd also have to reckon with Crystal over there."
Chapter Fifteen, Meet the Lian
Take Four
"... And, you'd also have to reckon with Crystal over there ..."
Chapter Fifteen, Meet the Lian
Take Five
"... And, you'd also have to reckon with Crystal over there ..."
Chapter Fifteen, Meet the Lian
Take Seven
"... And, you'd also have to reckon with Crystal -"
"It's Chan, dammit!" Bison exploded.
"Chan, Chan, Chan," Kikoken correctly hastily. "My bad. That's right, it's Chan ..."
Chapter Sixteen, Marriage Woes
Take One
"Dunno about Sean and Kenneth, but I'm sticking around." Ken glanced around the room, taking it in with a single glance. He was wearing the sweater that Regina had knitted for him and he turned to wink at Ryu. "Plenty of attractive ladies here, huh? I'm sure that at least one of them would be willing to go out with m-"
Gouken cleared his throat.
"With, uh ... Mel! Yeah, that's right," Ken finished lamely. "Hey, a father's got to look out for his son, right?"
"Good point, Ken," Gouken replied. "Ryu, I think it's about time you proposed to Chun-Li."
"I know you're joking, father," Ryu answered quietly, "but if you ever bring up the subject of marriage again I'll Hadouken you all over the pavement."
Chapter Sixteen, the Deadly Chaos Prince
Take One
"Ken and I once fought him, two on one. That was seven years ago and we both nearly lost our lives in the match. He only appeared a few years after your death, dad, but he casts a very long shadow in the fighters' world. He's killed many, many masters, people that I knew, fought, respected, sometimes learned from or studied under. You know how unbelievably skilled Dr. McGrath has become, right? And you've also heard of Gill, no doubt. Dadallent fought the two over a span of five years. Gill and McGrath are far above my level -"
"Not mine," Ken interrupted gleefully.
Behind him, two men cleared their throats.
"Shit," Ken swore.
Chapter Sixteen, a Game of Fortune Special
Take One
"MAMA!"
Kirina's eyes exploded into the size of teacups. Bison's eyes bulged; even Ruby Heart seemed startled, while Ryu had turned as pale as a sheet. Blake Wallis gave off a low whistle of disbelief. In an instant, it seemed that everyone was looking for either the child or the most likely culprit. Kirina's eyes whipped around in every direction before seeing the person who had called her. "Risa, what're you doing here?"
"Come and play with me, mama 'Rina!" Five-year-old Risa Shoukimenji climbed into Kirina's lap dragging a doll in one hand.
"We're busted, Kirina!" Kenneth shouted wildly as he scrambled up, barely dodging a Hadouken from Ryu. "Run for it!"
Chapter Seventeen, the Cheap-as-Hell Girlfriend
Take One
"Good. We really don't need any more disappearances." Commando ran a hand through his hair. "Here comes Hiryu with his cheap-as-hell girlfriend -"
"I am not cheap!" Chan shrieked.
Idle Threats?
Deleted Scene
"Erm ..." Kikoken mumbled, "am I asking too much if I want you to go easy on me?"
"Yes!" Strider roared as he raced forward with a mighty slash from the Cypher Blade. Kikoken vaulted into the air and narrowly avoided another backslash. When she landed, Strider twisted around and threw a wheeling slash aimed at her neck. This she managed to duck and in an instant she retaliated with a powerful roundhouse kick to the chest. "Ouch! You're going to pay for that, kid!"
"Heeeeeeelp!" Kikoken screamed as she fled in panic.
Chapter Seventeen, Sparring
Take One
"How'd it go?" Zeku asked.
Kirina paused for a moment, drawing breath. "Well, I kicked his worthless rear -"
"Ignore her, I won," Blake interrupted.
"Says who? You were the one whining about taking a Hadouken to the -"
"I didn't see you last very long under my Wolf tactics."
"Why you - Hadouken!"
"Ha, you call that a fireball? Here, watch this -!"
Ryu smiled approvingly as he watched Blake and Kirina vanished into a fray of fists and feet. "My daughter seems to get along very well with Blake," he observed.
Chapter Seventeen, How not to Romance a Goddess
Take One
"Well, uh - I wanted to give you this!" Ken blurted out, holding up a small velvet box and feeling his face redden.
He pulled the box open and Regina gasped; a ring set with thirty-two small gems on its perimeter glittered in the afternoon sun. "Ken! I don't believe the nerve of you, trying to pass off zirconium as a genuine diamond! Don't you know that it's not about the looks of the jewels, but the authencity that proves a man's sincerity?"
"What!" Ken protested indignantly. "But I am sincere!"
When Regina rejoined the group two minutes later, she was quite alone and had not slipped on the ring. "Hello, Regina," Blake said politely. "Say, what happened with Ken?"
"Oh, he wanted to give me a present but bought fake jewelry," Regina answered lightly. Behind her, Gill experienced something akin to apoplexy. "He kept insisting that his motive was sincere, though, so I took the liberty of allowing him to prove it. He makes a very beautiful gift indeed." Regina laughed and extended her left hand, showing Blake a slim, feminine wristwatch studded with diamonds. As the Phantom gazed down upon it, he felt all of the blood drain away from his face. The watch showed Ken's hapless face staring back from the surface of the piece, his arms slowly marking off the time for Regina. As Blake stared at Ken's helpless expression, Regina again giggled and smiled sweetly. "Well, does anyone else want to try picking me up?"
Chapter Eighteen, Here Comes a New Challenger
Take One
Begin!
The impossibly bright light flashed for an instant, temporarily blinding both contestants. They both recovered near instantly - and McGrath felt, to his horror, a sudden and familiar aura explode all around him. A moment later he could discern its intent. Blake dove in with a mighty punch that would've stunned a bull upon connection, but McGrath slid to the side. "Blake! Move, now!" He reached out and pulled Blake by the shoulders, dragging him away just as a dark shape hurtled past the Phantom and skidded to a halt a few meters beyond. With one mighty effort, McGrath shoved Blake a good half dozen meters away. There was no time to think, or even react; a bright light pierced through the clouds overhead and shone around McGrath and the new entry, enclosing them in a curtain of golden brilliance. It fanned out until it encompassed the whole battlefield, and for all that it looked like light, it might have been solid iron, completely impenetrable. Blake was caught along the light's advance and rolled ungracefully to the edge of the field, nearly crushed against the quarterdeck. McGrath, for his part, focused on the new arrival, and despite the fact that his opponent still wasn't facing him, he already knew who it was by the aura. The bright red character for father that appeared a moment later only confirmed his guess. McGrath's mouth bent downwards into a frown as he sank into a fighting stance to meet Dan Hibiki.
Oh well. At least he'll provide a good warm-up.
Chapter Nineteen, Bringing Down the Walls
Take Two
Regina's palms erupted in a powerful stream of energy that nearly blinded Samantha's spiritual senses and, for a moment, overwhelmed both McGrath and Akuma. The attack struck the gold veil head-on with an energy that would have obliterated the Earth in a split second had Regina wished it. A roar like thunder rent through the air, deafening all present; when it had faded and the smoke cleared, Regina found herself staring in disbelief at the carnage before her. The golden veil had been shredded to pieces and the entire front half of Ruby Heart's ship blown cleanly away, with not a trace of Akuma or McGrath anywhere. As she gaped, still not quite comprehending what had happened, their side of the ship also began to sink.
"You overdid it again, Regina," Lloyd sighed.
"Not again!" Ruby Heart wailed. "It took me half a year to outfit that ship!"
Chapter Nineteen, Clash of the Titans
Take One
Even though he'd avoided the worst of the attack, McGrath still smarted. Akuma launched a point-blank range fireball as McGrath reeled for a moment and the doctor had only the barest amount of time to knock it away into nothingness with a strike of his own. When Akuma jumped up and launched a fireball from the air, McGrath was ready; he skipped to the side, dodging the attack entirely, and the fireball blasted away a portion of the deck with a violent explosion.
"Akuma, lighten up!" McGrath shouted over the storm. "Are you trying to kill me or something?"
Chapter Nineteen, Clash of the Titans
Take Three
Akuma drove in for a second strike from above. McGrath deflected the attack harmlessly to the side, then seized his opportunity to step back and punch forward. Akuma blocked and countered, blurring out -
No, he didn't! That was no blur, he'd disappeared entirely! For a moment, McGrath's eyes sought frantically before locating Akuma's aura ... above him! Akuma dove down with a lightning swift and merciless chop, striking McGrath heavily between the shoulder blades. From the sidelines, McGrath winced and called out, "Hey, go easy on the stunt doubles!"
Chapter Nineteen, Clash of the Titans
Take Eleven
As Akuma returned to renew the attack, McGrath met him halfway and they stood deadlocked on the ship. But now McGrath was definitely moving more slowly; despite the fact that it wasn't by much, still he had lost his parity in tactical speed. Akuma swung around and clipped McGrath on the cheek; McGrath dropped to the rain-soaked floor, hard, and countered with a vicious sweep that Akuma hopped over. This was exactly what McGrath wanted; he alpha canceled the sweep into a Half-Moon Kick with superhuman speed, although his whole body screamed in protest. Both of his feet collided into Akuma's jaw and the Ansatsuken warrior was sent flying backwards for a few meters. Akuma crashed into the golden veil and this time did not regain his feet lightly. Wiping blood from his lips, he rasped out, "Listen, Ernest. You must remember that we are not truly trying to kill each other, we are simply doing this to put on a good show."
"Dang it, we always screw this part up one way or another," McGrath swore violently. "I hate filming this scene!" He stomped on the deck hard, but it gave way and McGrath plummeted into the interior with a shout.
"That's the sixth ship you two have ruined," Ruby Heart hissed testily.
Chapter Nineteen, Clash of the Titans
Take Fifteen
"Any last words?"
"Ernest!" Samantha shouted. "Ernest!" The seas heaved, nearly throwing her off her feet and causing the quarterdeck to split in two. Samantha lost her balance and collided with Lloyd; Regina floated an inch off the deck surface, looking for a entrance through the golden barrier. "No, Ernest!"
McGrath whispered something.
"What?" Akuma demanded, reaching down and grasping McGrath's shirt. A stroke of lightning illuminated his features; there was no mercy in his eyes, but there was a look of deep respect granted only to a worthy opponent whom one has overcome at last. As Akuma seized McGrath by the collar, he suddenly felt energy rush into his body along his arm, as much or even more than he had used to execute his devastating Kon Goku Koretsu Zan. Likewise, it was not friendly energy either. The power exploded and Akuma slumped down without a word next to McGrath.
"All your base are belong to us," McGrath whispered, and his eyes closed too.
Chapter Twenty, Remembering a Fallen Hero
Take One
"Who was the Ernest McGrath whom you knew?" Samantha asked quietly.
"I never knew him well," Gill replied. "He was a brilliant man, impossibly skilled - perhaps too skilled. His intellect served as a most formidable weapon and I would not wish to face him should the IDC ever oppose the Illuminati. I do not regret his passage from this world. In fact, I am of the opinion that Lady Marin did well to eliminate him."
"You bastard," McGrath remarked from the editing room.
Chapter Twenty, But you Married him ...
Take One
"Let me get this straight," Blake cut in, at the same time neatly knocking a pawn off the board with his light-squared bishop. "You got married, just like this?" He snapped his fingers for emphasis as he stared at Regina. Lloyd stared too.
"Well, of course," Regina replied, talking as if it were an everyday occurrence.
"But ... you married him!" Blake exclaimed. "And just because he was having a bad day? Would you marry me if I asked you?"
Regina shot him a withering glare. "Of course not! Someone like you shouldn't marry in the first place, and I cannot believe that you would have the gall to ask that of me! Have you no respect for a goddess? In fact, I think I'll exercise my duty to punish you for your sins!" Blake started up, but Regina snapped a finger and he vanished with a plop of displaced air. Perched on the seat where Blake had been but a moment ago, a large bullfrog stared back up with unblinking eyes.
"Dear sister, please learn to hold your temper," Marin sighed.
Chapter Twenty-One, A Kidnapper and Proud of It
Take One
Vega shrugged and stretched. Then he brightened and added, "But, we did manage to kidnap that Kikoken girl after the funeral ended. Caught her right as she was getting off the airplane. Bison's going to drain her power and then she'll be mine - all mine!" He rubbed his hands in glee.
"Why did I ever agree to this stupid show?" Kikoken complained.
Chapter Twenty-Two, the Legendary IDC Vocabulary
Take One
Blake sighed and ran a hand through his disorderly crop of hair. His father had tried to raise him free of dirty language and the IDC code of conduct strictly forbade any sort of profanity, but Blake felt a nearly irresistible urge to break those particular rules. Before joining with the IDC, he had been a legend on the streets of L.A. for being able to swear five full minutes without repeating a single word.
"Prove it," Commando challenged.
"Huh?"
"Prove that you can swear five minutes without repeating a word," Commando said. "I'm timing you, too."
"Um ... crap?" Blake offered lamely.
Chapter Twenty-Two, Pre-Match Warmups
Take One
Breathing in the morning air, Charlie paced around slowly on the world famous Golden Gate bridge, the site of the next scheduled battle. Further back behind him Guile and Scott Wagner were busy warming up with push-ups and sit-ups, the latter blazing through with twice the speed of the former. Wagner finished his set and sprang up. "You're getting out of shape, major!"
"Bah, easy for you to say," Guile grunted. "I haven't kept up since I left the military eight years ago."
"Results, not excuses," Wagner admonished.
"Fine, you asked for it. Sonic Hurricane!"
"Blast it, Guile!" Charlie roared. "You beat him up after the match, not before! Call in the next understudy!"
Chapter Twenty-Three, the Gate of True Hearts
Take One
"That no longer matters," Dadallent stated coldly. "I heard your tale about the Gate of True Hearts, goddess. Very sentimental. Do you still not realize what lies before your very eyes?"
"What do you mean?" Regina asked, looking up at him through tearstained eyes.
"Let me put it this way, you might find yourself confronting that gate very soon."
"I don't understand ..." Regina replied, sounding more confused than ever. "Are you saying that you love me? Because if so, then you're being horribly out of character and this passage will have to be edited.
Chapter Twenty-Three, Mystery Fates
Take One
Samantha's breath caught in her throat as she considered the mystery rider with disbelieving eyes. It was no man at all, it was a woman - one with flaming tresses that cascaded down to her shoulders now that the helmet was gone. "Marin ...?"
The mystery rider stood up more erect and nodded. "I apologize, Samantha McGrath; I did not intend for this to occur."
"What have you done to my husband?" Samantha whispered, cautiously edging closer. "To my friends?"
Marin fidgeted. "Well, if you must know," she admitted at last, "I, uh ... had them for dinner. Well, lunch and dinner, to be more accurate."
Chapter Twenty-Four, a Twenty-Two Year Old ... Veteran?
Take One
"Strange, isn't it?" Blake continued. He kicked a pebble out of his way. "Come to think of it, everything we've been through ... all the relief missions to Africa and Asia, Operation Judgment, the War of Ascendancy ... at least, back then we knew exactly what we were up against. And when we were assigned to this operation, I thought it'd just be another routine mission. Instead here we are caught up in some divine chess game without really knowing the rules. Kinda makes you realize, doesn't it ...? Life really is too short to be wasted."
"Blake ... surprising to hear such sentiment from you," Samantha answered, turning to face her teammate.
"You sound a battle-weary veteran, Blake," Lloyd chuckled.
"Don't worry about me, I'm not getting soft," Blake retorted, perhaps a bit faster than was necessary. "Doc McGrath would burst a vein laughing if he could see us now."
"He has no idea," McGrath remarked from Osaka stadium, barely able to hold back his laughter as it was.
Chapter Twenty-Four, Massive Combos
Take Two
But Strider caught up in an instant and then began laying into Lloyd; Blake, appearing to assist again, was knocked out of his attack by the Options. "Unbelievable!" Jin screamed ecstatically. "Thirty-five hit combo!"
"Cheater!" Lloyd called. "The damage reduction rule should have activated a long time ago!"
Chapter Twenty-Five, A Stronger Team
Take One
"Ryu, you and Ken were nearly killed in your previous battle against Dadallent. Aren't you worried at all?"
Ryu shook his head confidently. "Not this time. No offense to Ken, but this time around I've a much stronger team at my back; besides -"
"No offense?!" a white-faced Ken demanded angrily, his expression conveying the fact that he was indeed very offended.
Chapter Twenty-Seven, Battle Lineups
Take One
"What?!" Kirina shrieked in protest. "Me, go up first! Daddy, I can't take Strider, he'll rip me to shreds for breakfast! Tell me that you're joking," she pleaded.
"Relax, Kirina," Ryu replied soothingly. "I found out that Ruby Heart is starting on the other -"
"Then I'll be back in a few minutes!" Kirina called as she rushed off.
Ryu scratched his head in puzzlement as he stared after the rapidly vanishing dust trail that his daughter left. "You do realize that your girl is still going to have her rear handed to her on a silver platter, right?" Sagat rumbled.
"Pretty much," Ryu sighed.
Chapter Twenty-Seven, Worthy Opponents
Take One
Even as Commando projected a beam of material electricity high above his head - even as he cried "Captain Sword!" and brought it down with punishing force - the look of respect in his eyes never faded. The pillar of lightning crashed into the field and Ryu closed his eyes, for once glad that he had lost the battle.
"Rubbish!" Ryu hollered as his eyes snapped open. "I'm never glad when I lose!"
Chapter Seven, Know your Mortality
Take One
"Do not presume to trouble the Lady Regina with such an affair, mortal," Gill replied, just a hint of warning in his voice.
Chapter Seventeen, Know your Mortality
Take Two
"Mind your manners when speaking to the Lady Regina, mortal!" Gill thundered.
Chapter Twenty-One, Know your Mortality
Take Two
Gill rumbled, "Do not presume to challenge a goddess, foolish mortal."
"Y'know, Gill," McGrath remarked irritably, "have you ever noticed that characters who call other characters 'mortals' are usually dead by the end of the story? And that it's usually because the 'mortals' have offed them?"
Chapter Twenty-Nine, Know your Mortality
Take One
When Marin stopped, Kirina saw that the other seven fighters had already congregated near the center. The goddess nodded to the assembled fighters. "Are you prepared, mortals? - Oops, I mean, I didn't mean to use that word!" Marin wailed. "Please, can we change the script!?"
Epilogue: 'Til we Meet Again
Take One
A distant look glimmered in Hiryu's eyes as he held onto Chan, gazing into the far horizon where the first stars had begun to shine. "Anything sealed is destined to one day return. When she does, we must be ready for her. It is not enough to seal evil away - the next time, we must destroy it." He looked back down into Chan's eyes where tears glimmered. "Farewell forever, Chan."
"Or at least until Colliding Worlds II," Chan sighed.