Chapter 4

While Ryu fought the rising feelings of jealousy, Chun-Li made her way to her office. On the way, she saw Colonel Guile's message. She decided to wait until she was in her office to cal him back. Once she was settled, she took her phone and dialed a number that was a direct line to Guile. After a couple of rings, she heard the rough voice speak, "Hello?"

Chun-Li said, "Hello, Colonel." Guile spoke, "Good Morning, Chun-Li. I know we have a meeting set up for tomorrow, but I needed to contact you immediately." Chun-Li asked, "What's wrong?" Guile answered, "Ken Masters and his family were attacked by agents of Shadaloo." Chun-Li replied, "Oh no! Are they alright?" Guile replied, "They are fine. But they forced him to reveal Ryu's location. Ken mentioned he said that Ryu was with you in Beijing."

Chun-Li breathing increased. She asked, "What could Shadaloo possibly want with Ryu?" Guile said, "I'm not sure. But our mission has just become more dangerous. Could you get in touch with Ryu?" Chun-Li said, "I'll let him know. Thank you for the heads-up." Guile said, "No problem. Just be careful. We don't know what Shadaloo has planned…or how Ryu ties into their plans." Guile disconnected the call, and Chun-Li looked at the phone with worry. Ryu won't want to talk to me…how can I tell him that his life is in danger?

She tried to steel her mind to her work, but it wasn't successful. It was a few minutes after 11am when she heard her office phone ring. She picked it up, and answered, "Yes?" The receptionist said, "Ms. Xiang? There is a Mr. 'Fei-Long' waiting on line 2." Chun-Li sighed, and said, "Put him through." After a few rings, she heard, "Hello?" She said, "Hello, Fei!"

Fei-Long said, "Ah, that's a relief. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to reach you. Are we still on for lunch?" Chun-Li replied, "Of course! Let's meet at the Golden Tiger Restaurant." Fei-Long replied, "Agreed. I'll be there at 12." Chun-Li replied, "OK, then. I'm looking forward to seeing you!"

Chun-Li, now having something to distract her for the heaviness of duty and her relationship, was able to focus on her work. It was about ten to 12 when Chun-Li left her office and hailed a cab to the restaurant. Unbeknown to Chun-Li, a black sedan that was parked across from her office building pulled out in traffic right behind her. After a short drive, Chun-Li was at the Golden Tiger Restaurant. She went inside, and saw Fei-Long. He waved towards her, and she waved back. She walked towards the table he got for them, and he walked around and embraced her.

She returned the embrace, and they both sat down. As they were in the restaurant, the occupants watched them. One occupant, speaking with a heavy Spanish accent, said, "Well, there's the inspector. But that man she's with looks Chinese…he wouldn't be a 'Ryu'." The other occupant-the vampy Juri, said, "No matter! Grab the camera and snap some pictures. I'm sure we can use them."

Meanwhile, Chun-Li and Fei-Long were enjoying lunch. Fei-Long said, "Last night, I asked if you had met someone else. And you said, 'Sorta'. So, if you don't have someone else, I would like to be that someone else." Chun-Li said, "What? You want to be in a relationship with me?" Fei-Long replied, "Yes. It's perfect. I'm nearby. We are childhood friends. I know it's a surprise…but I have waited a long time to ask you, Chun-Li."

Chun-Li, not wanting to hurt Fei-Long's feelings, reached across the table and grabbed his hand. She said, "Fei-Long…this is certainly a surprise. But…I'm sorry. I should have told you last night. But I don't like to bring up my personal life. I have someone. The man I was with-Ryu-he and I are in a relationship. And I could not be happier. But...we had a disagreement yesterday." Fei-Long, smiling, said, "Well, this is good news!"

Chun-Li said, "You're not angry? Or sad?" Fei-Long replied, "No, of course not! I have followed Ryu for many years. I know he is more than strong of body. He is also strong of heart. You have made a good decision." Chun-Li said, "Oh, thank you, Fei-Long!" She leaned across the table, and kissed his cheek. He smiled, and said, "I would do anything for a friend-especially a friend like you. And I enjoyed this lunch-most of the people around me treat me like a superstar. I like being just a regular guy, sometime."

Chun-Li smiled back, and said, "Oh, look at the time! I'd better head back to the office." Fei-Long said, "Ok, then. I'll hail you a cab." As Chun-Li got in the cab and headed back to her office, Juri and Vega watched them leave. Vega said, "So what shall we do with our pictures?" Juri said, "Let's use them to spilt apart our cute little couple!"
-Street Fighter 2-
It was late afternoon, and Ryu was still in Chun-Li's apartment. After some time to reflect, he realized that it was wrong to treat Chun-Li the way he did. If she wanted to have lunch with her long-time friend, then he'd be fine with it. He had went down to the apartment complex's gym to exercise, and when he returned, he found an envelope by the door. I wonder what this is…he thought.

He opened the envelope and several photos fell out. He grabbed one, and it showed Chun-Li and Fei-Long-the actor they met the previous night-in a rather tender moment. Ryu exhaled, and thought, It's probably nothing…He looked through more photos…and came to the one of Chun-Li and Fei-Long sharing a kiss. Ryu looked at the picture, making sure that his eyes were not fooling him. He heard the door opening, and Chun-Li came in. She said, "Hi, Ryu!"

Ryu turned to her, and said, "What…is this? Is this your 'innocent' date?" Chun-Li looked at the photos, and said, "Where did you get these?" Ryu said, "Someone left them…but I am not sure who…" Chun-Li said, "Look, it's real…but that doesn't matter! Fei-Long and I are friends…but you are the one I love, Ryu!" Ryu said, "I don't know if I can believe you…" Chun-Li said, "I can't believe you! How could you be jealous?" Ryu said, "It's…it's…I don't know what to think! This proof…is too much."

Ryu then went into the bedroom, and after a few moments, came out with his duffle bag. Chun-Li asked, "Where are you going?" Ryu said, "I'm going to a hotel for the night. I need to be away from you for a little while. This is all so confusing to me." Chun-Li replied, "Then don't leave me! We'll figure it out together!" Ryu softly said, "I can't. Not tonight." He then exited the apartment, and after he left, Chun-Li collapsed in a heap, and began to cry. And there was nothing to stop the river of tears…

Ryu looked at the apartment, and sadly walked away. I'm sorry. But if our relationship is to survive, we must be able to endure this test. My Chun-Li…it may be dark…but I know that the dawn will be brigher than ever…As Ryu headed away, a black sedan parked near the apartment watched him. Vega smiled, and said, "That went better than anticipated…who knew this stoic man held strong feelings for her?" Juri replied, "Well, we have driven the wedge between them. Now it's time to begin to corrupt Ryu so that he'll be receptive to Bison's grip." The sedan growled to life, and it began to follow Ryu…

OK, followers and fellow Ryu/Chun-Li fans…I know this is such a downer chapter…but I need to do this to build the dram and suspense…after all, the harder the pain, the sweeter the gain…or something like that! So until next time…