Chapter 11

Inside the room that doubled as an arena for fights, Ryu and his impromptu partner, MI6 agent Cammy, faced off against two of Shadaloo's most dangerous assassins-Vega, who combined his Spanish bullfighting heritage with the deadly techniques of the ninja, and Juri, a deadly Tai Kwan Do mistress. Vega brought his right arm up-on which he wielded a three-pronged steel claw. He cackled, and said, "My blade will drink of your blood!" Ryu replied, "We'll see about that!"

Vega then leapt towards the wall, then dove towards Ryu. Ryu leapt backwards, narrowly missing Vega's claw. Vega then swiped his claw towards Ryu's face, drawing blood. Vega laughed, and Ryu wiped his face. Vega smugly said, "How do you like th-" Ryu didn't let him finish, as he punched Vega in his mask-covered face. Ryu replied, "How do Ryu replied, "How do you like that?" Vega staggered, then began to swipe his claw at Ryu.

Meanwhile, Juri had launched a flurry of powerful kicks at Cammy. And while Juri was definitely a quick fighter, her opponent was equally quick. Cammy was able to dodge Juri's flurry of attacks-and then began to launch a counter-offensive of her own. She had blocked one of Juri's leaping kicks, then she threw a punch at Juri's midsection. The attack connected, stunning the femme fighter. Cammy then tried a kick of her own-which was blocked by Juri. Juri said, "Not bad, kitten…"

Cammy said, "Don't call me kitten!" Juri said, "Oh, are you still mad about your friends?" Cammy didn't answer, and threw another punch at Juri. Juri brought her knee up, deflecting Cammy's attack. In the next moment, Juri extended her leg and kicked Cammy in her face. Juri then spun, hitting Cammy in her midsection with a kick, and followed that with another kick across Cammy's jaw, knocking her to the ground. Cammy quickly got to her feet, and glared towards Juri. Juri extended her hand, and using her finger, taunted Cammy as if to say, "C'mon!"

While this fight was happening, Vega was observing Ryu through the slits in his mask. The ceramic covering had protected his face, but Vega realized that Ryu still hit hard. And while he had several good strikes, most of Vega's damage against Ryu was superficial. Ryu, as well, was watching his Spanish opponent. He's good…I see why he's a member of Bison's elite. His speed has kept me off-balance, and his claw adds reach, as well as a deadly weapon. And even though I have hit him with my strongest attacks, it hasn't slowed him down...

Vega then backflipped, then launched himself towards Ryu. He tried to stab him, but Ryu was able to avoid the attack. Vega landed, then flipped forward, striking Ryu with a flip kick. The attack knocked Ryu into the air, but he landed and roiled back into a fighting position. Vega then tried to stab Ryu, but Ryu deflected the attack, and punched Vega in his chest. Ryu then leapt in the air, and spun with his leg out stretched. This was his 'Hurricane Kick', and it struck Vega three times before sending him flying. Vega landed on his back, but as he did, he did a kip-up to stand.

Vega, smirking under his mask, said, "Such power! You were a fool to turn down Bison's offer." Ryu replied, "What would I have gained from joining Bison? I have everything I need in my life." Vega said, "Oh? And you also saw how we were able to take that all away from you. Such a shame…perhaps, if you had joined, maybe you would have considered sharing Chun-Li…although, after what we did, I didn't think she'd even want to go back to you." Ryu asked, "What do you mean?"

Vega replied, "Oh, I'm talking about those pictures from her little 'date'…there was nothing going on…but it was easy to make you believe there was. We followed you as you left her…and I was the one who incapacitated her..." Ryu, in a quiet, yet dangerous voice, said, "I saw what you did. The physical and emotional torture you put her through…" Vega said, "Yes! I had considered another kind of torture, as well…" Ryu said, "And what could have been worse than that?" Vega removed his mask, so Ryu could see the sadistic glee on his face. Vega said, "I was going to show her something special. I was going to what her what a real man is…"

Ryu felt as though he would explode with anger. But as Vega's words echoed in his mind, he simply replied, "You wanted to show her what a real man is? Then you would have failed…because in her eyes, you are no real man. I have been the man she has always needed." Ryu smiled as he saw the change in Vega's demeanor. The Spaniard put the mask back on, and said, "That's unfortunate for you…because when I end your life, I'll be sure that she won't remember you…because when I do make love to her…she will not be calling out for you…she will be screaming for me!" And with that, Vega charged again, intent on making Ryu taste the deadly steel claw.

But as Vega came towards him, Ryu's vision slowed. It was as he could see where Vega was heading. And Ryu then moved towards Vega to attack. And as Vega attempted an upwards slash, he saw Ryu's fist heading towards his face. The blow stunned Vega-and Ryu then grabbed Vega's face, and began to squeeze his head. As he did, the mask covering Vega's face started to crack. Vega screamed in agony, and in desperation, slashed Ryu's chest and abdomen. The mask crumbled to the ground, and Vega brought his claw to his face. He could see his reflection, and he screamed, "YOU BARBARIAN! YOU DESTROYED MY FACE! NOW, I"LL DESTROY YOU!"

While this was happening, Cammy and Juri were battling each other intently. Juri's kicks were keeping Cammy off balance, but Cammy's MI6 training allowed her to keep pace with Juri. Juri said, "Maybe I'll show you a new trick!" Cammy said, "What tricks do you have to show me?" Juri laughed, and her right eye began to shine strangely. Cammy said, "What…is that?" Juri replied, "It's my enhancement! Behold-the Feng Shui Engine! With it, my already excellent abilities are amplified. My speed…my strength…and my agility…all increased! Now, here…I…COME!" And with that, Juri zipped towards Cammy, moving faster than Cammy could keep up. Juri then leapt into the air, and dove with such speed that Cammy wasn't able to avoid the attack, Juri then excuted an axe kick-then spun three times, firing small bursts of chi that struck Cammy. Juri then cartwheeled towards Cammy, hitting her several times and knocking her down. Juri then said, "How's that, kitten? YOU…CAN'T…WIN!"

-Street Fighter II-

Meanwhile, Bison had retreated to the control room. He watched the monitors, and saw the battle between the Shadaloo Guard and the UN troops. And he could see that the battle was not going in his favor. One of the technicians said, "Sir…we have reports that the UN is sending reinforcements to back up that force!" Bison said, "It doesn't matter. We will fight to the last man! Inform the rest of my forces to prepare for battle!" At that, another voice called out, "No! The only one who needs to prepare for battle is you, Bison!"

Bison turned around, and saw a very angry Chun-Li. Bison said, "Ah, so the detective has come. And it looks like you're here to fight! Excellent…but there is no way a scared little girl like you can stand against me." Chun-Li said, "I am not that scared little girl. I am a woman-who's on a mission to bring you to justice! For my father…for myself…and for all the innocents who have suffered at your hands!" Bison smiled, and levitated above Chun-Li. He said, "Such bravado will not save you! You are not better than I am!"

Chun-Li closed her eyes, and looked towards the sky, as if to say, Daddy-watch me. I will make you proud of me… She then looked towards Bison, and said, "Today…Today, I am better."

SCCCCRRRREEEEECCCCHHHHH! Hold on tight, it's another cliffhanger! But keep your eyes peeled, for these fights will reach their conclusion next time!