Street Fighter X Mai-HiME: Stage 5 – Rising Dragon
"After gaining a short knowledge about the Satsui no Hado in secrecy courtesy of Gouken, Natsuki is determined to find out the secrets of the Satsui no Hado on her own. But before that, she longs to learn and gain experience of fighting unarmed; Natsuki is willing enough to put her skills to the test, and do battle with either Ken or Ryu. With one thing had been on her mind… Is Natsuki prepared enough to stand a chance against the "Rising Dragon Fist"? "
Natsuki returns to the Fuka Academy after being nursed back to health by the man whom she fought two nights ago. Her classmates had been asked her where did she went off two days ago; Natsuki answers that she had met a famous martial artist; referring to Ryu, whom she fought and lost. Natsuki refuses to say the latter's name until upon entering to Shizuru's office. The latter asks her about her experience two days ago.
"Natsuki, you've been missing two days ago. What happened...?". Shizuru asked. Natsuki answers, "I've encountered this man with a red headband and karate clothes; I fought him hand to hand. But, I wasn't expecting that he is one heck of a formidable opponent, and I ended up taking a serious beating." Shizuru, on the other hand, is familiar of what Natsuki said, "Oh, yes... You mean Ryu?" Natsuki replies, "So, he and his guys are looking for me. I already know that, he just brought me before their master." Though, Shizuru felt happy for the latter that she had fought a famous warrior for the first time. She asks the latter, "Ara... Don't worry about it. Defeat is just defeat, you can still cope from it. You know, Ryu is just like you, Natsuki. He travels alone all over the world to seek many worthy opponents. If only you were just like him." Natsuki answers, "Yeah, that's the only thing I have in mind. When I realized the impact of his fists, I have gave him my respect. Even I saw his friend, and a girl who fights like him. Hmph, I was welcomed by his master as well, if I wish to train martial arts there."
While Natsuki discusses her encounter with Ryu to Shizuru, the Fuka Academy's chairperson Masahiro Kazahana appears before the duo. Mashiro eventually learns about Ryu from the two.
Natsuki discusses her reason of absence in the past two days that she had an injury after she fought Ryu. Mashiro, much more like Shizuru, was impressed of Natsuki's battle vs. Ryu inspite of the loss. "You know, Kuga-san. Ryu is proven to be a very formidable opponent. Many people are looking up to him, many aspire themselves into martial artists guiding them to the path of becoming of an ultimate warrior.", says the chairperson; then adds more, "You see; his master, Gouken moved his martial arts dojo near the academy. Many students; including here also have enrolled to his dojo. In case if you met both Ryu and his master, please send them my regards!"
With Mashiro leaving Shizuru's office, Natsuki continues her story; she also told the latter what she had something in mind...
"Though my injuries from the previous two days weren't that serious, I was just wondering how strong Ryu is when I want to fought him anytime again. And on the other hand... Shizuru, do you know about Ryu's famous attack? This Shoryu-something...?" On the other hand, Shizuru eventually knows what Natsuki was asking, "Ara, ara... You mean, the "Shoryuken"? The Shoryuken is one of Ryu's powerful moves. It means, the Rising Dragon Fist; the Shoryuken takes form of a jumping uppercut in which the user spins and rockets upwards with some horizontal movement as well, knocking the opponent to the ground with much damage. So, this is the said attack that caught you off-guard?" Natsuki answers, "Yeah, I guess so. I was just amazed by that move and I ended up to lose against him. So, if I wish to learn and fight like him. I wish I could learn about his 'Shoryuken'. As I said, Shizuru, I WILL fight him anytime. For as long as I need to learn many experiences from him."
Before Natsuki could keep her promise, Shizuru also lends Natsuki the knowledge of the trademark dragon punch variations of Ken and Ryu. "Natsuki, before you could ever fight either Ryu, or even his friend Ken Masters. I just need to warn you about the differences of their Shoryukens – Ryu's Shoryuken is only used in ease, for an anti-air counter. Beware of his Shin Shoryuken!" Before Shizuru could continue, Natsuki learns that the Shin Shoryuken was one of Ryu's attacks that injured her; Natsuki says to herself, "The Shin Shoryuken, the True Rising Dragon Fist? Hmm..." Then, Shizuru continues; "As for his friend, Ken Masters. He prefers to add some 'style' on his attacks. If you take notice whenever Ken does his own Shoryuken on whatever he likes, his fist ignites in flames. And you better watch out on his Shoryu-reppa and Shinryuken – they are translated as the Rising Dragon Destroyer and Divine Dragon Fist respectively."
Natsuki returns to the dojo after class. Willing to put her abilities to the test.
Inside the dojo, Ken and Ryu were waiting for their rookie opponent. Gouken asked the blue-haired HiME who should be her opponent – Ken or Ryu. "I have to think twice who am I going to fight. Shizuru said that Ken fights wild as a dragon, while Ryu keeps a focus in a battle.", Natsuki asks herself. Without further ado, she decides to take on Ken.
**BGM: Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition Soundtrack – Theme of Ken**
"I'm ready for ya, bring it on!", says Ken.
*Let's get this started... FIGHT!*
As the fight starts, Natsuki manages to avoid numerous barrage of Hadokens from Ken, and easily avoids his Shoryuken – this time a normal one. Ken was amazed of the latter's speed. The fight would eventually come up in the air, causing an aerial rave. Ken unleashes his Tatsumaki, only for Natsuki to stay away from; as the two hit the ground, Natsuki summons her revolver-like Elements to stop Ken dead from his tracks. The blonde warrior easily evades the shootout.
While Gouken, Ryu, and Sakura are looking on the bout between Ken and Natsuki; Sakura notices a small stain on Natsuki's racing suit, much to Ryu's respond that they are both aware that it turned out to be from gasoline. Both Ryu and Gouken remained nonchalant on that situation as the match continues.
"Keep it stylish!"
In the middle of the battle, Natsuki returns to the ground. Suddenly, Ken surprises her from behind; Natsuki takes an uppercut on the chin by the latter ("Take this!") , followed by a set of kicks – a flying hook kick, then three sets of roundhouse kicks aimed on her legs, chest, and head ("Ora, ora, ora, ora, oraaa!"). Ken then lashes out a flying kick on Natsuki's chest that caused her to foul her balance, and then...
*K.O.! Ultra Combo Finish!*
"Shinryuken!", Ken calls out the attack's name whilst throwing a Shoryuken that transitions into the familiar spiral of flames.
*STYLISH!*
The fight becomes NOT SO stylish enough as this took out the best of Ken, but the flames of his Shinryuken singed Natsuki's racing suit! Leaving her exposed on the top. While looking on, Ryu and Sakura were shocked to see it coming, leaving their hairs standing on end. Sakura asks Ryu for a spare clothing for Natsuki,
"Ryu-san, do you have any spare clothes for Kuga-san?" Ryu answers, "Don't worry, I'll give her the same clothing when she stayed in the dojo." Ryu points at his master, "Master, should we call this fight a draw for now? Natsuki is highly exposed because of the flames of Ken's Shinryuken."
Having heard of this situation, Gouken calls the fight to a no-contest due to the incident.
Ryu, Ken, Sakura, and Gouken were relieved to see Natsuki okay after the Shinryuken burned her racing suit to crisp, nearly to the point of being a human torch. Now wearing the familiar aikido gear back from the previous stage; Natsuki snaps and turns her frustration on Ken, "Do you have any decency, you punk-ass fool?! Didn't you know your aggressive fighting style could've almost killed me!?"
Ken replies, "I'm sorry already. Just chill out, we'll buy you a new racing outfit." Gouken breaks the argument, and gives Natsuki an advice, "Look, young one. Ken did not mean it on purpose, this is nature of his fighting style. There is no need to express such rage on this incident."
Natsuki vehemently reacts, "...your point!?" Gouken continues, "Would you be embarrassed if you get naked in front of a rock or a tree? You see, if you ever wish to hide this kind of humiliation, it can be better to stay away from anyone who may make fun of you. You don't need to react by retaliation, it will make matters worse." Natsuki eventually calms down after she reluctantly accepted Gouken's advice.
Meanwhile, in the evening.
Natsuki looks on outside the dojo, only to be surprised by her previous opponent – Ken. Ken was asking for forgiveness to the latter, and she reluctantly accepts his apology. Even though Ken didn't meant to burn her racing suit in their battle earlier, Natsuki seemed to enjoy the battle; thinking that she needs a long way to go to fight the likes of Ryu and Ken. Ken, on the other hand, tells his story about his career as a fighter, and as a family man.
"You know what kid, you kinda remind me of my wife, Eliza. While I went on the U.S. Martial Arts Tournament, I met my soon-to-be wife. Aside from training, I had many times spending time together. Even few years have passed, I married her, and had a son, Mel. Even before my kid was born, I even told her to be careful on the stairs."
Natsuki realizes that Ken has gained many experience in fighting much more like his friend, Ryu. At the same time, she even asked him while he is out participating in harsh battles, would it be difficult for him to keep in touch to his family? Ken answers, "I'm always kept in touch with my family. Though I've been bringing techie gadgets, it allows me to buy some time to talk with Eliza."
Later on, Natsuki has another thing in mind; since her previous battle with Ken ended in a no-contest, she'll have to challenge Ryu instead!
In the middle of the night, Natsuki explores on the forest. Just within the waterfall, she stays in the shadows as she witnesses Ryu doing his own Shoryuken on the waterfall. The HiME was amazed on Ryu's execution of the attack, as she notices the water is halved and its surface exposed. Once on the ground, Ryu notices the latter's appearance. Ryu notices something on Natsuki – while her HiME mark on her back is glowing, her hands as well are shining in an icy glow. It signaled the world warrior into challenging Natsuki into a fair battle, the latter was seemingly aware that Ryu read her mind.
Natsuki engages Ryu in a battle, for the second time.
Natsuki is this time determined to redeem from her loss against Ryu. This time, using speed as her advantage!
"So, you want to challenge me. Very well, then. I'm happily to take you on, Natsuki. But, you MUST defeat my Shoryuken to stand a chance!"
*BGM: Street Fighter EX 3 Soundtrack – Rising Dragon (Theme of Ryu)*
After a series of avoiding Hadokens and Tatsumakis, and another series of aerial raves; Natsuki seems to gain the upper hand. And again, she is about to fall to another embarrassment; as Ryu delivers a Shoryuken on Natsuki, while the attack connects, Natsuki falls in to the ground splashing towards Ryu like a cannonball. Ryu gets up, without warning he ends up face-first into Natsuki's breasts. With Ryu's hair standing up on end, Natsuki's face becomes red, and eventually snaps!
Natsuki then attacks Ryu head on, as the fight continues. As Natsuki charges, she ends up getting snapped back with a donkey kick planted by Ryu. Before the fight could continue, Natsuki recalls on Gouken's advice that she should avoid reacting by retaliation whenever she is embarrassed.
During the heat of the battle, Natsuki becomes extremely thrilled, expressing an enticing look (much more like seen with her manga counterpart), taunting Ryu.
"You fought like a real warrior, Ryu. This time, victory will be mine!"
While the fight continues, Ryu is even more surprised! As he notices Natsuki's back glowing, and her fists cloaked in icy glow, and proceeds to perform the familiar jumping uppercut to Ryu.
"Shoryuken!"
The world warrior was even more surprised that how did Natsuki learn Ryu's own move. Though they continue the fight, both Natsuki and Ryu exchanged Dragon Punches at each other and more series of aerial raves. Natsuki reveals that when the first time she fought Ryu, she feels inspired to fight him; that's the reason why the HiME learns her own Dragon Punch.
"Amazing... I never felt that a HiME can learn any of my moves. Good match, Natsuki.", says Ryu.
With two combatants are standing still, their fight is suddenly interrupted by a gauntlet of "Orphans" – creatures who are forced to be fought by HiMEs. Much to Natsuki's dismay, she ends up teaming up with Ryu instead and summons Duran! In addition to the Shoryuken, Natsuki eventually learn Ryu's Hadoken! Ryu was times two impressed of the HiME's ability to adopt the world warrior's attacks. Ryu and Natsuki fend off and dominated all the brigade of Orphans, and finishes them off with Duran loaded and fired a Chrome Cartridge while Ryu and Natsuki simultaneously perform a Shinku Hadoken; obliterating the swarm of Orphans who stood in their way and interrupted their fight.
The next day.
Natsuki wakes up, as Ryu was the one waking her up. Natsuki eventually expresses her joy after their battle last night, so does Ryu. The HiME also promises they'll battle anytime someday, as Ryu advises her more training and focus. The story ends as Ryu looks on when Natsuki is on her way to school.
"Hmm... Since when someone like Natsuki can learn any of my moves in the first place?"
Characters:
-Ryu
-Ken Masters
-Sakura Kasugano
-Gouken
-Natsuki Kuga
-Shizuru Fujino
-Mashiro Kazahana (debut)
Trivia:
-Natsuki's Shoryuken is a reminiscent of those seen in Mega Man X8. This Shoryuken depicted is Zero's version, is when he is equipped with the K-Knuckle. As usual, she will always call out the attack's name when performed.
-Although it is from Sakura the Shinku Hadoken, it is implied that Natsuki ends up learning this move early without being trained by Ryu and/or Sakura.
Special Skill(s) Acquired!
"You've learned Hadoken!"
Description: Natsuki charges ki momentarily, and proceeds to unleash the energy gathered with her palms at the opponent that results in a punching force traveling through the air in the opponent's direction.
"You've learned Shoryuken!"
Description: Natsuki surrounds her fist with ice (or an icy aura) and proceeds to perform a powerful uppercut thrown skywards at the opponent. It also freezes airborne opponents on contact.
NOTE: Natsuki's version of the Shoryuken is derived from Zero's version in Mega Man X8 with the K-Knuckle equipped.
"You've learned Shinku Hadoken!" – [from Sakura Kasugano]
Description: Natsuki charges a powerful Hadoken and fires it at the opponent that deals signifcant damage.
Author's Note:
To create a shocking effect, even though Natsuki should've learn the Shinku Hadoken from Sakura, don't forget that the Shinku Hadoken is also Ryu's trademark move. So, I'll make it clear now that Natsuki learns the Shinku Hadoken early while battling Ryu. But still, the Shinku Hadoken is also from Sakura.
Until then, stay tuned for more Street Fighter X Mai-HiME.