Author's note: I guess this is my present to the people! HAPPY HOLLIDAYS EVERYBODY!!! Just a quick thanks to the first person to review this fanfic, Vammy. I appreciate your praise and understand your criticisms, which I'll work diligently to correct any mistakes . Thanks to my good friend Armads, also. Don't worry about Ryu and Ken, they'll appear in this fanfic soon enough. Anyways, please feel free to review and send any questions, comments, suggestions, or even flames (if they make sense). Thanks and Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Street Fighter or Darkstalkers; all characters (except my OCs) are property of either Capcom or Arika.

Chapter 2: Running to Nowhere

Rueben…

The black-haired fugitive looked around, attempting to locate the source of the voice calling out to him.

I know all about you. I know what you are, and what you can become.

"Who are you?" Reuben was up with a start, clutching his hunting knife. "What do you want?"

You.

"Me? For what purpose?" Reuben was visibly shaken; he could barely hold his knife.

You'll find out soon enough, child; when you're ready of course. Until we meet again, remember my name: Morrigan.

The voice faded away, leaving Reuben alone in the forest. "What the hell was that about? And what does she want with me?" He slowly tucked away his knife and tried to go back to sleep, the stench of the dead body near him beginning to set in.

"Ready for what?"

MEANWHILE, In Tokyo…

Michelle was on the pavement, holding her ribs. Damn, I think one or two may be broken. BUT I CAN'T QUIT! My father's depending on me! She stood up, breathing heavily and in a great deal of pain.

"Is that all you've got Alex?" Michelle smirked at him, trying to hide the fact that she was severely hurt.

Alex, who had wounds of his own, merely smiled. "You have a lot of guts, girl. Most people would probably in the hospital already. I think we should call it a draw, take you to a doctor and leave it at that. You look to be banged up."

"I don't accept draws, I fight to win!" With that outburst, she charged at the American, but fell to the street halfway to him. Her body just couldn't handle the pain any more. Alex ran over to see about her.

"She's unconscious. I can't just leave her here. Well, I guess my search for Ryu will have to wait."

With relative ease, Alex scooped up the girl and took care not to startle her.

"Makoto's dojo isn't far from here, I guess I can take her there. I wonder if she's busy beating the hell out of challengers today."

With that, Alex left the subway, on his way to the Dojo of Rindo-Kan.

Meanwhile…in London.

In a small fighting arena in downtown London, a rather large crowd had gathered to see the nightly fights that take place there. The building was rundown, dimly lit, with a boxing ring in the middle. The ring was old, but it was sturdy and clean.

"Ladies and Gentleman let me introduce the fighters for our first bout! First, Hailing from India, known far and wide as being one of the greatest wrestlers of his generation. The four-time Indian National Tournament champion…..The master of the Ganjis DDT…DARUN MISTER!"

The crowd cheered as the giant Indian saluted them, displaying his championship belt proudly. "HAAAAAAAAAAAH!" It feels good to be back in fighting again, I was on hiatus a bit longer that I should have, Darun thought to himself.

"And his opponent…"

The crowd turned their attention to a young, tall fighter. His skin had a slightly pale cast, his build was lean, but definitely not as muscular as his Indian counterpart. He wore some black warm-up pants with white stripes down the sides, black and white sneakers, and a black wife-beater. His hair was medium length and a brownish looking blonde, and his eyes a piercing green.

"A relative unknown in the United States, but a growing legend here in England! He's the new Muai-Thai master of his generation, defeating the best known Muai-Thai fighters, namely Adon and the legendary Victor Sagat. Ladies and Gentleman, I give you the "Iron Angel", ZANE CRAWFORD!"

A mighty cheer rose from the fans as the young man strode to the middle of the ring to face the massive Darun, with only a referee standing between them.

"Okay boys, here's the rules. No head butting, biting, or eye-gouging allowed. No kidney punches, and absolutely no hits to the groin. Are we in agreement?"

The official took the silence between the two fighters as a yes, and then continued. "Then shake up and head for your respective corners."

"I hope you have arrangements for a nearby hospital to bring you in, Lad. After you feel my Brahma Bomb, there will be no getting up!" Darun looked down at his opponent, extending his hand for a quick handshake.

"I'll do you a favor old man. I'll show you that you're too far past your prime to compete with a fighter like me." Zane simply went over to his corner without shaking Darun's hand.

At this, Darun was clearly insulted. "YOU TURN YOUR BACK TO ME?! YOU'RE MINE BOY!"

FIGHTERS ENGAGE………NOW!

Darun decided not to waste any time with this fighter. He immediately dashed at him and prepared for his newly prepared combination, the Gamble of Darun. Zane sidestepped the Indian and jumped into the air. I should make this quick…I don't wanna hurt the old fool.

"Angel Duster!" His leg began to flame, the color of the light an eerie white, as he shot an energy wave at the wresting champion. Darun was able to dodge the blast, then charged at a landing Zane with a lariat. The lariat hit its target, sending Zane to the canvas with a thud. Looks like I underestimate this one, he's still in his prime it would appear. Zane thought as jumped to his feet, only to be caught in the opening stages of the Gamble of Darun. "SUBMIT NOW!" Darun said as he locked up with Zane in a test of strength.

Realizing that he was outmatched in the strength department, Zane decided to give Darun what he wanted, or so he thought. He fell to his knees, feigning submission. Darun pulled him up to begin the devastating sequence of moves he had developed while training his students in India. But before he could grapple the blonde muay-thai fighter, he received a kick to the sternum. Darun staggered back, and Zane saw his opening. "Rising Angel!" Zane charged at Darun and caught him with a vicious knee right to the face. With that, Darun fell to the canvas, bleeding from the nose.

1…..2….3

I really hope that was enough to put him down. Zane thought as he stood in his corner.

4….5….6

Darun began to stir, slowly realizing where he was.

7…8….

But he could not rise to his feet.

9….10!! Ladies and Gentleman, your winner: ZANE CRAWFORD!

The crowd cheered as medical personnel attended to Darun, who appeared to be slightly woozy but otherwise unhurt.

"Darun Mister, it was an honor to face you in combat." The young blond bowed to his opponent and left the ring.

About one hour later…

Zane walked out of the arena, his winnings in tow. "This was a good draw tonight; I rarely see $10,000 in one night's work."

"It's been a long time, Zane."

Zane turned around to see a black haired female standing before him. She wore a navy blue business suit, with matching heels. She appeared to be about the same age as Zane,

It was her green eyes that gave Zane the clue he needed to recognize her.

"Melina?"

The girl smiled happily at her childhood friend. "Yep"

Zane walked over to her and gave her a vice-grip of a hug. "It has been a long time, a little too long for me."

The two friends stood there for a moment in an embrace that they would never thought they would share again.

Melina cried tears of joy. "I thought I would never see you again."

"Same here Mel." Zane managed to choke out. "Same here."

Underground Base….Somewhere in Mexico

"Your empire flourishes, Master Urien." Twelve addressed his master as he entered Urien's chamber.

"What news of the boy?"

"Our reports indicate that not only Vega failed to obtain the boy, he was killed by him as well."

"Worthless Shadowlaw scum. What of the girl I told you to find?"

"Reports indicate that she is in Tokyo, Japan. She was last seen there with Alex."

"And their whereabouts now?"

"Unknown, sir."

"Here are your new orders, Twelve. Send the twins Juli and Juni to Japan to find the girl and bring her to me. They are to kill any one who stands in their way, especially that muscle-bound hooligan Alex. You are to go to the United States and bring the boy here, ALIVE. I need both of these fools alive so that I may carry out our plan."

Twelve bowed his head. "Yes, sir. Master Urien, I also come with other news."

Urien eyed him closely. "Proceed."

"Our agents have been able to come into contact with Kairi, Shadow Geist, and Garuda. They all wish to meet with you to discuss your plans."

Urien was pleased by this news. "Excellent. Send word for them to meet me here in the next three days."

"Yes sir. What about former Master Gill? Do you think he will try to take control of your organization?"

Urien scoffed at this. "Gill is no longer an obstacle. After the breakup of the Illuminati, he retired to Rome. Word also has it that he has severely weakened since the tournament. Should he challenge my power, he would pose no problem. If Kairi and the rest decide to join me, there will be no stopping us!"

"Yes, Master Urien. I shall carry out your orders." Twelve turned to leave, but was stopped by Urien.

"Do not fail me. Or you will share the same fate as those who opposed me. Understand?"

"Yes, Master Urien." Twelve disappeared into the darkness, heading for the United States and his target.

AT LAST! The time has finally come to take this planet and mold it according to my vision. With three of the most powerful demons on this planet as my allies, and the resources of both the Illuminati AND Shadowlaw at my command, I CANNOT BE STOPPED! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Urien sat down and prepared to begin his daily meditation session, an evil smirk on his face. All I need now are those two brats…it's about time they learn about their heritage…

Next Time: Urien's subordinates strike, but will they be successful? Zane and Melina reminence on old times, but an unwelcome figure from Zane's past interrupts their time together. Reuben continues to wander, but someone will find him that could change his life….for better or worse.