She got back on her feet in no time, the ache in her wrists disappearing thanks to Ruuca. Naia put what remained of her slip back on which basically consisted of a torn rag before casually walking to his study room. The bastard actually went so far as to undress her. Fortunately for her no one remained in the hall. Ruuca unlocked the door which to no surprise had been locked. Naia stared with astonishment wondering what else she was capable of when only in her second form.

'How are you doing these things?'

'I have no physical form yet while in this second stage. This has its unique privileges. Now, move with haste!'

She closed the door quickly then found the number inside the desk. She silently prayed Li would answer but when there was none her heart began sinking. She tried five times.

'If she will not answer then we are still capable of succession. Try one more time and if she does not answer then leave a message explaining where you wish to meet. Tell how you will be bringing friends with you, requiring at least two vehicles.'

Sure enough, no answer still. Naia explained how meeting was urgent and she couldn't find anyone else to turn to.

"Chun-Li...It's Naia. I need you to please meet me at a diner called Moena's Cafe on 263, Hawk Avenue. I don't have time to explain the details. There will be many others with me. Please hurry...we're depending on you."

She then spotted a trench coat hanging from a nearby coat rack. At least she'd look decent while escaping.

When walking hastily back to where her and Chiriki had last met, luckily the woman was there working.

"Chiriki, I need your help with something. It's urgent!"

She immediately dropped what she was doing, realizing the desperation in her new friend's voice. They crossed paths with Guan-Yin as Naia said the same thing.

'Tell them to wait in the cafeteria. No one should be eating at this time.'

"I can't explain why at this time but please, wait here."

They looked confused but still did as told. She then crossed paths with the other women, finding all in various places around the facility such as the massage parlor, laundry room and sauna. She told them to do the same thing, making her way further into the residence. Haru walked out of his classroom right then. His eyes lit up with joy the moment she came near as he ran up to hug her.

"Naia! I missed you!"

She patted his back and smiled, responding "I missed you too Haru, but there's somewhere we need to go to right away. I don't think you'll be having any more classes today."

"Huh? Well...Okay. If you say so."

He looked perplexed even scratching his head while allowing her to lead him around.

'Yes, he will need to come with us. Proceed towards the private parlor. That is where your mothers will just be leaving from. Wait at the door and if anyone else comes, go to the bathroom and wait for a moment.'

She couldn't help running the remainder of the way while listening to Ruuca's soft voice telling which way to turn at the end of each hall. They couldn't get out sooner.

Fortune seemed to be working in their favor for the most part, both mothers just now leaving. They wore a standard uniform which consisted of a black mid-length skirt and criss cross halter top, paired with casual sandals. They both adjusted their tops, commenting how it felt comfortable but wanted to wear something that covered better.

"It feels so strange even after wearing them for all of this time. It feels nice but almost seems as though I'm wearing nothing!"

"Yes, I agree. A more modest approach would have been better...Naia? Haru? What are you two doing here?"

Kiriko noticed them first, arching a curious brow. Noelani did the same crossing both arms while walking over.

"I can't explain everything right now but we need to go to the cafeteria first. Please, trust me."

Both women exchanged peculiar expressions following them and disregarding their curiosity for now. Right before they reached the cafeteria, Sagat crossed paths with the small group, turning back around.

"Hey, where are you going to? This is a restricted area."

They paused for a moment. This didn't look good.

'Tell him that his help is needed as well. If he decides not to listen then he must be incapacitated...In a non-fatal manner, of course.'

"We need your help with something, Sagat. Please, will you help us?"

"Is Bison aware of this...project of yours?"

"I can't say...Won't you help?"

She put forth her best effort when pouting, making eyes water and voice tremble.

"Fine but make it quick."

He stayed at the rear while the growing group lead the way, reaching the cafeteria in no time. The women were there waiting just like before.

'Tell them it is time to leave and this will more than likely be the only opportunity.'

"...It's our chance to go. There will almost certainly be no other opportunities for any of us. Please, come with me while there is still time."

Sagat gave a scoff, giving a doubtful retort.

"And how do you propose we do that? There are guards crawling all over the place."

"Follow me to discover."

They willingly did so only stopping upon facing a sudden, expected obstacle. More than a handful of guards now surrounded the group.

"And just where is it that you think you're all going? Master Bison never permitted any outings today!"

'Now, the pleasure is all mine.'

Naia let out a sharp agonizing groan when falling to the floor on hands and knees, beating it with a balled up fist. It felt as though her inner ally took control for her, thin tendrils internally wrapping around muscles. It was a stinging pain but worth it if it meant freedom.

"What the-"

Before the other guard could finish his sentence she sprung into action, leaping onto him when suddenly snapping his neck with both hands, only rendering the man unconscious. She back-flipped while pushing off of him onto the next target with cat-like grace and speed while landing softly onto both hands, using his torso in a scissor-like grip facing away with both legs locked around his waist as a means to propel him backwards, flinging the baffled guard into the rest of his comrades which knocked most out. A few remained, trying to subdue her at once, only to fail.

She easily dodged the first then the second, kicking his lower back and sending the baffoon spiraling into his comrade. She put both hands onto the floor as another attempted to punch, only to be grabbed by her legs while facing away once more, using all of her strength to send him flying towards the others who now attempted to stand. They all gave painful groans while trying to get back up but didn't have the chance.

Her allies stared looking onward, beyond baffled. She let out a hissing exhale, standing up straight from a crouching position with arms stretched in a menacing pose, facing her allies. Her eyes gave off an onyx glare with her left remaining mostly hazel and the right, completely black. She then ran towards them, leapt over, obliterating the doors control panel with a fierce kick. The system shut down as the door fell off its hinges; an enormous crack in the wall revealing her handiwork. The crack turned into a deep depression, metallic debris falling at her feet. There was no need to open the door since the object now laid on the ground.

She broke out into a sprint, urging the others to come follow by signaling. One guard that controlled the platform mechanism shook while standing beside the lever. He pulled the device up as soon as the entire group arrived before passing out, at a complete loss for words.

When all arrived outside she gestured for them to keep running until no longer being able to. Everyone's lungs burned after two miles, none able to keep going. Unbeknownst to Naia, a friend was now on her way.

...

After a combination of both running and walking, no more than an hour later the group arrived at the cafe. Right then Naia lost balance only to have been caught by her mother and Haru. She clutched onto her head shaking it slowly from side to side. Surroundings were becoming blurry as she heard the others asking if she were okay, audible murmurs in the background. The last thing she could recall had been Chun-Li running to their side while she looked back, trying to stand again.

She opened hazy eyes at first. It took a moment for figures to become clear but soon enough, there were newer and familiar faces surrounding her. They seemed to now be staying at some type of military base. She noticed how now she lay on a standard cot. She tried standing at first only to fall back down, caught by Chun-Li. Another tall, muscular man with blonde hair and blue eyes stood at her side, arms crossed with a serious expression. Li spoke first breaking the silence.

"Woah now, you shouldn't try and stand just yet. That's it, let's get you situated again."

Li carefully laid her back down as her vision panned around the room. Haru and his mother were now standing beside Li along with her own mother Noelani, on the blonde man's side. The other women who went with them were talking with a man whom she presumed to be an agent gathering information from each woman's statements. Sagat sat on a cot in the back with arms crossed. She couldn't make out his expression since he was so far away.

"Naia, is there anything that you can recall? What happened to you there? Perhaps you can tell us the base's location?"

"All I know is that I never want to experience that hell again. I want to forget it ever happened and move on with my life."

Her voice was filled with bitterness as she tightened both fists feeling the ring still on her right hand. She brought it up to her face, took it off then handed the small item to Li.

"Could you get rid of this for me? I won't be needing it anymore."

Her voice was practically emotionless. Save for a tinge of bitterness there wasn't much that remained.

Li casted a sympathetic look her way before doing as requested. Three familiar faces rushed to her side asking the expected questions. Her mother spoke first then Haru followed by Kiriko.

"My darling Naia! I cannot believe what you had just done before we left that terrible place! Are you hurt?"

"I thought we were still playing a video game when that happened! Those moves were epic! I wanna do that one day!"

"Oh dear, I can't thank you enough for saving us..."

She didn't speak until they all finished talking. When all became quiet for a moment a simple response was given.

"I have to go now. I can't say where or for how long but it has to be now."

'Tell them you will take the boy and the man with you.'

The small group looked stunned and were at a loss for words momentarily. She spoke once more able to stand without a problem. Li returned, asking where she was going to.

"Naia, you should at least eat something first and rest afterwards. Where would you go to at such a late hour anyhow?"

The blonde beside her chimed in agreement.

"It isn't safe out there for a young girl on her own. I know I wouldn't feel right if my own daughter went out at this hour by herself."

Noelani gave an urgent response, attempting to sway her.

"Dear, let's stay here for a short while until we can figure out where to go. They are kind enough here to offer us that much. Don't you think that's the best option?"

Haru was doing punching and kicking moves while his mother looked uncertain, trying to settle him down for the night. The group of women now surrounded her each one giving their own thanks.

"We can't thank you enough for saving us..."

"Always we will be grateful for your kindness..."

"How can we every repay you?"

"Stop!"

She let out an unexpected shout even causing Sagat to jump with a start. The room fell silent as the surrounding atmosphere shifted, tension in the air. She walked towards Haru speaking directly to him first.

"This is something that needs to be done. Will you come with me?"

He ceased his motions answering quickly, "Of course Naia!"

She gave a stern smile then nod, approaching Sagat as the others had a look of uncertainty. He matched her stern expression with his own arms still crossed.

"Come with me."

"Mh."

There was that same old grunt. She recognized that one as approval.

"Good. We leave after eating."

She addressed the others, assuring them they'd be all right.

"It's something that must be done. We're not abandoning or deserting anyone, just going on a journey. Everyone has to begin their own one day, right?"

Her mother clasped her hands, welling up with tears.

"Naia, are you certain this is what you want to do?"

Kiriko knelt down to Haru, asking a similar question.

"You are certain this is what you want? I will be worried sick..."

They both just nodded, reassuring that letters would be sent.

"We'll write when we can and even visit sometimes. Now is the time for perseverance."

Their mothers gave one last hug as Li exited beckoning Guile to follow. Both felt reluctant to go yet neither had a choice. If this was what they wanted to do and as long as a guardian accompanied the two, no one could stop them.

The ladies who were rescued waved as the trio left after eating with the others, their mothers giving one final hug goodbye. Sagat patiently waited for them to catch up understanding that it would be quite a while before either had the chance to see one another again. Both Li and who they now knew to be Guile told them that if they needed anything at all and were near a phone just to call. Their mothers told them the same thing explaining how they'd rush to their side in a heartbeat.

Goodbyes may have been painful and sorrowful but hellos were wonderful, filled with happiness. Somehow this just felt right. Sure it wouldn't be easy. Any great achievements in life weren't. Their real test in life was just beginning.

First Segment End