Evangelion is property of Studio Khara and GAINAX.
Street Fighter and Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist are property of CAPCOM.
NEON GENESIS EVANGELION: SENSHI NO MICHI
Six years ago.
With a relieved sigh, Gouken closed the door on his two sleeping children, and padded throughout the dojo. Senzo had been overjoyed when he had heard the news, and had rushed home – it was a little strange to see the normally dour vassal display such emotion, but in this case it was a welcome change.
However, despite the joy that Gouken felt at Asuka's return, and at the fact that she might actually be coming to terms with her inner demons, there was something that she said that seemed odd.
The man…the man in the cave, she said.
With a frown, he moved to slide the doors of the dojo shut – but paused. Finally, he sighed, and slid them back open, stepping out into the night air.
Within moments, he found himself drilling punches against one of the dummies, as he tried to stir his thoughts into action, to connect the dots somehow.
Minutes passed, with barely anything resembling the epiphany he sought coming to light. Finally, he stood back, and ran a hand through his hair, exasperated.
I'm overthinking this. Man in the cave? Probably some kindly hobo or something.
Turning to head back into the dojo, Gouken froze when he looked towards the steps – and the tall, wide figure that stood on the porch.
Moonlight played across massive, defined muscles, hidden underneath a dark, tattered sleeveless gi that was belted with a worn cord of rope, and a set of large prayer beads hung from a thick neck.
Their features were obscured by shadow, but it didn't matter – Gouken already knew who it was.
"You." He managed, cursing his shaking voice. "You were the one who brought Asuka back –" His eyes widened, as he remembered Shinji and Asuka, asleep and defenceless inside the dojo.
The children. I need to –
As if he could sense the raw fear that chilled Gouken's blood, the figure spoke.
"Calm yourself. I am not here for your cubs – or you."
Gouken swallowed, and clenched his fists. "Then…why? Why would you come here? Why would you even bother to save Asuka's life?"
"You may believe me a monster, Gouken – I am anything but. Do you honestly believe I would leave an innocent child to die?"
"I don't know what to believe about you." Gouken hissed. "Why come back here, now?"
"Only to offer a warning – you train your cubs with gentle hands and words – but that may not be enough when the time comes."
"When the time comes? When you come for them?"
"Not I, Gouken. There is something they must prepare for – a calling beyond that of Ansatsuken. Something I have been preparing for, as well."
Gouken's eyes narrowed in confusion. "What else could there be? What takes precedence over Ansatsuken to you?"
The figure remained silent, and began to walk forward, off the steps and onto the ground. Gouken bristled as he moved past, watching him make his way down the path, away from the dojo.
"Answer me." Gouken murmured, and received no reply.
"I said, answer me!" He roared, and the figure paused, turning to look at him for a brief moment with narrowed eyes.
However, no words came, and Gouken was left alone, staring into the dark long after the other man had vanished from view.