Street Fighter X Mai-HiME: Stage 11 – Insightful Ways
"Before Ryu and the gang could bring the three HiMEs into the path of the world warriors; Natsuki first decides to test her strength and abilities. What trials should be put to test on her?"
The chapter begins as Natsuki recalling the flashbacks of her first loss against Ryu, and the failed attempt to rescue Takumi from Bison. At the same time, she recalls her past; the moment she and her mother fall into a freak accident.
Ryu stays in the shadows behind Natsuki looking on. "I wonder what's on the mind of that child... She must've experienced something bitter back in her past. I've got to let master ask her about this." Ryu said as he observes Natsuki's meditation.
"What is it, Ryu?", Gouken asked. As the latter learns about something that fester within Natsuki; its the bitterness that dwells within her.
Later that night, Gouken comes to Natsuki asking about her purpose of fighting.
"What's the matter child? You look bothered from the inside out.", he asked. To which Natsuki replies, "Your point?"
Natsuki's vehement responds sparked Gouken to provide an advice to the cold beauty. What came out of Gouken's mind that a heart full of anger and bitterness could bring Natsuki into a dark place of no return.
"All the power in the world cannot expunge your grief. And at the same time, you know in your heart that anger only impedes on your journey, child. What truly made you to seek revenge? For a loss in your family?"
"I've lost my mother.", Natsuki responds. "The reason why I sought my revenge against the people of the First District. My mother is a researcher there, when we got into a freak accident; I found myself into a place of no return." Natsuki reveals her purpose of fighting is to defeat anyone who has a connection with the First District; much to Gouken's surprise.
However, Gouken, in the other hand; was dismayed about Natsuki's actions. Not knowing that her desire for vengeance may contaminate her compassion as a person.
"You must not overdo with such desire, Natsuki. But... rethink what you are doing, young one. You cannot run from yourself forever.", he said.
Then, Ryu comes in to help. "You cannot run from who you are. Fighting won't provide the solace you seek."
"How can I ever get a move on from my past? I did all the things that weren't meant to happen." Natsuki says, as she feels regrets of her actions of attacking the likes of Mai and Mikoto, and her failed attempt to save the latter's brother from Bison.
"Don't feel that way, Natsuki. I know you are still the way you are. Besides, you still need a long way to go to continue your quest. But what master said, you need to place your vengeful desires on the sidelines.", says Ryu.
Then, Gouken continues, "...exactly, my dear. Until you rid your heart of anger, your growth will remain forever stunted."
"I had a student once who main purpose is to seek revenge against a man who killed his father, when I'm aware of it; I had no choice but to expel him from my dojo. That is the reason why I do not tolerate such negative emotions.", says Gouken as he tells a story of his once student, Dan Hibiki, who was kicked out of Gouken's dojo after finding out his motives.
"But, never forget those who support and nurture you, child. Whether those people who took you in, and the people around you who come to your aid, such as ourselves."
After accepting Gouken and Ryu's advices, Natsuki feels she's waking up from a long nightmare.
"Now I'm beginning to realize what did that old man said. I'm feeling to wake up from such nightmares. But, I have to worry about it less."
"...and the power that I have as a HiME. Whether be a blessing or a curse; what Ryu said, I have longer way to go until I begin to reach the extent of my potential."
As Natsuki sits outside the dojo, Ryu appears. Giving her a plate of dumplings Gouken made.
"Here, it might fill up your belly, kid."
"Gee. Thanks a lot, Ryu."
Natsuki comments to Ryu about his master giving fruitful and positive advices, "Your master is nothing more but an excellent teacher, will it be by words and actions. Now, I'm beginning to realize from what I've done."
"See? Master had taught us in many ways about the limitations of human life. Whether in the environment of fighting, or by emotions within.", says Ryu.
And of that note, Natsuki begins to realize about the words of Gouken, she is planning to challenge the elderly warrior. To which Gouken had accepted earlier.
But, before that.
Natsuki stays in the shadows with Ryu, talking to her professor, Mr. Kaiji Sakomizu. The professor is seen doing his gardening activities, as the conversation begins...
"So, Natsuki. How are you been holding up with the Ansatsuken dojo? I heard you've been training there with the students there."
Natsuki responds, "It's a long story, I met a famous warrior, and even his master... By the way, I'll be out for a long journey. I was asked by Mai to rescue her brother from Shadaloo."
"Hmm, you'll be exploring the world with that famous warrior on your side? Anyways, good luck and be careful. Since you're already aware about Shadaloo, you guys need to watch on each others' backs.", Mr. Sakomizu says.
The following day, the time has come...
Natsuki, clad in her aikido outfit is prepared to test her strength. With Gouken finally prepared to step into the ring against a HiME. The two combatants set on their stances as Ryu, Ken, and Sakura look on...
"No illusion is safe when bathed under the pure light of the moon...", as Natsuki says this line.
With Gouken saying the second one, "...Now is the time to test your strength!"
*Are you ready, FIGHT!*
***BGM: Super Street Fighter IV Soundtrack - Theme of Gouken***
Gouken gains the first attack, thereafter, Natsuki and Gouken exchanged blows as this sequence follows:
Gouken: [Stand] [M] Punch (blocked), [Crouch] [M] Kick
Natsuki: [Crouch] [M] Punch, [Crouch] [M] Punch, [Crouch] [H] Kick
Without any time to waste, Natsuki orders Duran to load and fire Silver Cartridge. Duran takes aim and fires. As icicles head straight for Gouken, he counters.
"Senkugoshoha!", as he performed the EX version of that move. Turning all the icicles into freezing dust.
"An EX Special?", Natsuki asked. As she jumps into the air, on what possible attacks she may encounter.
Unbeknownst to Gouken, Natsuki jumps over the air and perform an Airborne Tatsumaki Senpukyaku, followed with a close standing heavy kick, then followed by a Shin Shoryuken. Natsuki's used Gouken's own move against him, sending him in midair; Gouken, in the other hand is unfazed, as both combatants land on the ground safely.
Gouken praises the HiME's ability to use Ryu's special attacks. "Outstanding. When you understand the source of your power, the meaning of battle follows. Since you are that kind of HiME to adopt and learn an ounce of our power."
To which Natsuki replies, "Your advices have meaning, old man. That's why I've come here to test both my abilities and physical strength."
"I maybe old, but my time is far from over!", says Gouken. As the battle continues...
"Here I come! Denjin...", as Gouken is about to unleash what appears to be Denjin Hadoken. Natsuki is yet to prepare for the worst...
"...Hadoken!", as Gouken yells the name of that very move, Natsuki easily avoids this attack. Only to be flanked with a Kinjite Shoryuken.
Natsuki, now back on her feet manages to get the upper hand as her attack sequence follows; [Jump] [H] Kick, [Stand] [H] Punch, Shoryuken, Focus Attack-Dash Cancel, and charges the large familiar Hadoken Ryu uses.
"Shinkuu... Hadoken!", upon performing that very move.
*STYLISH!*
Much to the surprise of Ryu and company, they were amazed on how Natsuki can use an EX Special and do a focus cancel.
"Hey, Ryu-san. Does the sequence of your attack do followup with that kind of timing?", Sakura asked.
To which Ryu replies, "Yeah, it goes like that."
Natsuki then attacks Gouken with these sequence follows: Airborne Tatsumaki Senpukyaku, [Crouch] [M] Punch, [EX] Hadoken, Shin Shoryuken (this time missing the first hit, becoming a Kinjite Shoryuken.)
*DUDE!*
As the Shin Shoryuken misses, a trail of freezing energy coming from Natsuki's fists hits Gouken. A chance to retaliate...
Gouken gains the upper hand again, finishes Natsuki with the attack sequence as it follows; [Jump] [H] Punch, [Crouch] [H] Punch, [EX] Senkugoshoha, [EX] Gohadoken, then finally the Shin Shoryuken.
"Got you!", Gouken yells as he hits Natsuki on the midsection ("Shin!"), then followed with the uppercut to the chin. And, "Shoryuken!", as he performs that very move, sending Natsuki flying.
*K.O.! You don't see moves like that everyday, folks!*
**Gouken wins**
"That was an enjoyable battle!", says Gouken. To which Natsuki saying, "I was about to say the same thing. Though I need a long way to go to understand my power."
"That's right, young lady. Not only your Element and Child are your valuable arsenals; but your fists are also your weapons, Natsuki. Engrave our words into your heart."
Natsuki fully enjoys the battle with Gouken. Finally getting a chance, to let her past stay on the sidelines.
"I'm still not good enough... I need to keep improving!"
Special Skill Acquired!
"You've learned Tenmakujinkyaku!" – [via Gouken]
Description: Natsuki jumps; as her feet becomes surrounded with ice, she lands a powerful diagonal kick on the opponent that inflicts high damage, with high chances of freezing them.
NOTE: Natsuki's version of this attack is derived from Akuma's version.
Characters
-Ryu
-Ken Masters
-Gouken
-Sakura Kasugano
-Dan Hibiki (mentioned)
-Natsuki Kuga
Trivia
-Ryu and Gouken's several win quotes from each Street Fighter games (specifically Super Street Fighter IV) are seen in this story.
-Natsuki and Gouken's attack sequences are based on Ryu and Gouken's trials in Super Street Fighter IV.
Author's Note
Although placing attack sequences based from the trials in SSFIV/AE would be worthwhile good. Though, I have never completed most of the trials of the said game yet.
Until then, stay tuned for more Street Fighter X Mai-HiME.