Chapter 3
San Francisco-
In a warehouse, Juri Han was setting up her temporary headquarters. She looked at a communicator-which also told the time-and as a door opened, she announced, "You're late, Balrog." Balrog complained, "Well, this assignment was short on notice." Juri replied, "But you know that your payment from Bison will be…long on dollars." Balrog smiled, and said, "So when do we get started?" Juri replied, "Now. You told me the number one fighter in the US is Ken Masters. And that he lives in San Francisco. So we've been scouting his house."
Balrog said, "Sounds good. If you can get his wife and kid, you might be able to get him to cooperate." Juri laughed, and said, "OK, then! We'll keep an eye on them. When the time is right, you grab them and bring them here."
Meanwhile, Ken was on the phone, discussing some business matters with his father, Melvin-who was the head of the Masters Foundation. And while Melvin wanted Ken to come on board, he also respected Ken's desire to walk his own path. And through a combination of his father's wealth and his earnings from tournament fighting, he was able to enjoy his choice of lifestyle. He heard a quick rap on the door, and looked up and saw Eliza, his wife. He said, "Yes, dear?"
Eliza said, "Ken, dear…I'm picking Mel up from after school. We're going to the mall afterwards. We should be back in time for dinner." She came over, and kissed Ken. Ken said, "OK, dear! Enjoy yourselves!" Eliza got into the family sedan-a Cadillac- and headed towards the school. She was unaware that she was being followed by a black van.
-Street Fighter 2-
It was approaching 8pm, and Ken was worried. Eliza said she'd be back by dinner-which was usually around 7. He tried her cell phone, but got no response. He called his parents to see if they had heard from Eliza, but they were just as in the dark as he was. It was about 8:15 when his phone rang. It rang again…and again…so Ken picked the phone up and said, "Hello?"
He heard a female voice-and that voice was full of fear-"Ken? Ken? Help us, Ken!" Ken then said, "Eliza? Eliza! Where are you?" At that, another voice spoke. The voice said, "Oh, no Mr. Masters. From here on…we are in charge. For the moment, your wife and son are safe. And they will continue to be safe-as long as you follow these instructions. At 8:30, a black sedan will pull up to your house. A gentleman will be there to give you specific instructions. As long as you follow these instructions, your wife and son will not be harmed. Are we in understanding?"
Ken said, "Yes. I understand. I just want my family." The caller disconnected, and Ken went to his closet. He took out his red gi, and put it on. He sat, and waited. And at 8:30 exactly, the doorbell rang. Ken went to the door, and saw two gentlemen there. One of the men said, "Mr. Masters-we are here to take you to your family. Put on this blindfold." Ken growled beneath his breath, but did as he was asked. The two gentlemen put him in the backseat, and one said, "On this trip, you are to not ask questions. You will sit in silence and keep the blindfold on. Nod your head if you understand." Ken nodded, wondering I wish I knew where we were going…but it looks like I'll have to wait to find out…
Eventually, the car pulled up to the warehouse. The two men got out, and grabbed Ken and walked him into the warehouse. They bound his hands behind him, and took off his blindfold. After a few moments readjusting to the light, Ken saw where he was. He also saw Eliza and Mel-and their hands were bound behind them as well. Juri came out, and said, "Listen, dearie. I have but something simple to ask you. And should your answer suffice-then we can all go home. But if you don't…I have no qualms about harming you…or your family."
She then slinked her way towards Ken, and caressing his cheek, said, "Now, then…we want to know where we can find your best buddy Ryu. That's a simple request." Ken said, "I would love to tell you…but the only thing I have to say to you is to go to hell!" Juri then licked Ken's cheek, causing Eliza to shout, "Get away from my husband!" Juri then walked over to Eliza, and leaning towards her, said, "Oh, I'm sorry…maybe you'd like me to start with you?" Juri grabbed Eliza's hair, and Eliza cried out in pain.
Juri laughed, and said, "Oh, don't worry…you see, you're not that interesting to play with. You're too…fragile." Juri then focused on Ken, and walked to his side. She then brought her leg up-and spun, striking Ken in his midsection. Ken doubled over, and Juri then put her foot under his chin and lifted his face. She said, "How about now?" Ken spat, and said, "You'll have to do better than that!" Juri said, "Very well…" She snapped her fingers, and two of the Shadaloo agents grabbed Eliza. Juri forced Ken to look up, and one of the agents grabbed Eliza's top, and ripped in in half. Mel cried out, "NO! Leave my mom alone!"
Juri said, "Well…she's not that bad. Maybe you'd better talk…unless you'd like my men to show you wife a reallygood time." Ken said, "Alright…just don't hurt her…" Juri then said, "OK, pretty boy. Talk…where…is…Ryu?" Ken said, "If he isn't at the dojo…then he's in China. He has been spending the last few weeks with Chun-Li." Juri smiled, and said, "So…I'll get a chance to fight my schoolgirl crush." She then headed for the exit, and Ken said, "Hey! You said you would let them go." Juri replied, "I will let them go…but I spoke for myself. My agents, on the other hand…"
Ken looked at the Shadaloo agents. They were whispering under their breaths…and Ken could tell their intentions. He then began to pull his hands apart-and the bonds holding him broke! He said, "Hey! Get…your…hands off of my wife!" He hit one with a right cross, and followed with a roundhouse kick to the other guard. He then helped free Eliza and Mel, and they hugged him. Eliza, sobbing, said, "Oh Ken…I was so scared." Ken said, "It's OK, honey. You're both safe."
An angry voice from the door said, "Nobody's safe!" Ken turned, and saw Balrog standing there. Ken cracked his knuckles, and Balrog smashed his gloves together. Ken walked towards Balrog, who charged him, throwing a rapid combo. Ken brought his arms up to block the attacks, only for Balrog to grab his head, and headbutt him twice. Ken staggered, and Balrog grabbed Ken and punched him several times in his midsection. Ken slowly got up, and as he did, he saw his wife and son. He nodded, and spun on the ground, kicking Balrog in his midsection. Balrog said, "That's only gonna make me mad!"
Ken said, "I'm already mad! If you goons had came after me, that's one thing. But you put my family in harms way! That is unforgivable!" Balrog shrugged, and said, "I'm only in this for the money! Screw you…and screw your family!" Balrog looked behind Ken, and leered towards Eliza. He smiled wickedly, and said, "And when I beat you...maybe I'll screw your…" Balrog didn't finish, as Ken hit him with a powerful punch. Balrog staggered, and Ken shouted, "Here's my ultimate technique! Ikuze! Sho-ryu-reppa!" He then hit Balrog with a rising uppercut, then followed with another uppercut. He then followed with one more rising uppercut-and as he did, his fist caught on fire and he rose into the air, taking the belligerent boxer into the air.
Balrog landed with a crash into some crates. Ken turned to his family, and said, "Let's get out of here." After returning home, Ken was on the phone with Colonel William Guile- with Guile being his brother-in-law, he did possess some benefits…
On the other end, Guile replied, "What? Are they OK? That's good…but it's not so good. Thanks for the info, Ken." After disconnecting, he called Chun-Li's phone. He reached her mailbox, and said, "Chun-Li…It's Colonel Guile. Listen, there's been some new developments. I'll debrief you and Cammy when we meet."
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Chun-Li was getting ready for work. She saw Ryu, who was sitting in the living room, looking out of the window. Ryu…it's just a little, innocent lunch date…don't you understand my feeling are only for you…She didn't even speak-she simply left the apartment. Ryu while looking out of the window, thought, Why are you being like this to her? Has she ever given you any doubt of her heart? You know you're wrong…
And that brings another chapter to and end! More exciting things are to come!