The Journey of the Nobody
Naught A Chance
"When you lose, don't lose the lesson." Dalai Lama
/
Alright, time for the next one.
Scott had just finished lunch, a nice bowl of rice and beef stew, and headed off looking for his next match. It was day five of eight for the first round of the tournament, and Scott had found an interesting way to help secure his place. As it turned out, there were plenty of ways to gain points, but there was no way to loose them. In other words, his score could only go up and never down. As such as long as he kept fighting and doing something he could always increase his score.
Of course, the points one would get from simply fighting well paled in comparison to the points gained from winning a match, as he discovered with the massive jump in his points when he clinched his first victory on the third day. He had gained a second victory just yesterday and that boost actually put him above the cutoff line for points. To some that might seem impressive, and Scott himself was no less surprised at being able to accomplish this. However, in addition to those two victories he already had sixteen losses. A part of him felt guilty for doing this, feeling as though he was some kind of leech wasting the time of more powerful and skilled fighters. But the fact was if this point system hadn't been in place then he probably would've learned nothing so far. On top of that, it wasn't as though he was going to somehow cheat a better fighter out of first place, and more importantly he needed the experience.
As he walked down the busy street he soaked in the sights and the sounds, appreciating the other unexpected boon this tournament format offered him. Though he didn't get to really experience Paris that much it was still nice, but downtown in one of Hong Kong's bustling cities was something entirely different. Bikes weaved around pedestrians in crowded roadways, and cars drove by with almost reckless abandon. Noises never seemed to stop, especially now that he had found himself in what appeared to be a marketplace. The sounds of the residents speaking Cantonese, hawking and haggling their goods, were almost as loud as the noises of animals being prepared to be sold off, either dead or alive. Despite his obviously foreign appearance few people paid him any mind, giving him no more than a curious glance before continuing on with whatever they were doing. Despite that he usually preferred quiet places to give him time to relax something about this place filled him with energy.
Also, it's pretty nice to be in a new place by my own will for once. True, the tournament decided where the block would be, but I decided to be part of it. It's much better than someone saying "hey, this is your home now, get used to it."
After a few minutes of walking he stopped by another restaurant, this one appearing to be Japanese instead of local. He wasn't hungry, but something about it made him stop. Some sort of feeling told him to go inside. Without much reason he entered and one thing immediately caught his eye: a young boy in a white karate gi sitting at the bar eating something. As soon as he entered Scott noticed the restaurant to be a sushi bar, one of the ones with the conveyor belt serving trays.
Guess he was aching for a taste of back home.
Scott had fought enough opponents in this international tournament to at least get an idea of what a fighter's dress said about them. Some dressed for mobility, their outfits made to be purely functional and nothing else. Others dressed to look intimidating, and although it could be said to work more often than not that image tended to break down by the fight's end, even if they won. Scott himself fell into the casual category, those that dressed not intended to send any message at all, simply what they enjoyed wearing. Finally were the traditionalists, those that dressed as their art taught them to. This outfit sent one message and one message only: "I am a fighter."
And that's definitely the kind of person I need to clash with. Even if they're not that good, even if they're focused on fame, this is the kind of person who says "my fists do the talking"… usually.
Scott took the seat right next to the gi-wearing boy, casually turning to face him. The boy paid him no mind and continued eating his sushi and sashimi After a few moments Scott spoke up.
"Um, pardon me?"
The boy turned to look at him with curious yet annoyed black eyes. Scott took a better look at his features now: His face was definitely young, younger than he thought in fact. For all he knew this kid could still be in middle school. The karate gi he wore was very worn down, almost like he wore it every day, and worked himself to the brink every day while in it. His hair was black and long enough to reach his neckline, either styled into wonton spikes or simply allowed to do as it pleased, he couldn't tell. Around his neck was what he thought was thin yellow scarf, but it soon was shown to be a headband. Underneath his gi was what appeared to be a red shirt of some kind.
Definitely the kind of person I'm looking for, though that headband gives me an urge to just grab one of the tails and yank for some reason.
Scott held up his S.I.N. watch into his view.
"Are you part of the tournament?"
"Hai." He answered simply, showing his own in response. His voice was bit higher-pitched than expected, causing Scott to think he was younger than he thought.
"Hai." If I remember correctly from all those years of anime that means "yes." Hope this kid speaks enough English for me to get my point across.
"Might I challenge you to a match?"
"Forget it."
"Huh?"
"I don't have time to waste with complete newbie's like you," he said simply and went back to his meal.
Well, that's not good. I need to get this kid to fight me. Hm. Do I antagonize him? No, that's not something I could pull, or would want to.
Scott observed the many rolls of sushi and slices of sashimi he was eating.
Hm. Maybe I can bribe him.
"Listen, how 'bout a deal?"
"Deal?" the boy asked, looking more annoyed than before.
"We fight now, and if you win I pay for your lunch."
The boy raised an eyebrow at him.
"And if I win?" he asked.
"If I win, then I don't," Scott said simply.
"That's it?" he asked incredulously.
"I get the fight I want either way," Scott explained. "Or are you afraid you'd loose?" Scott added with a smirk.
The boy smirked back, clearly confident. "Hey, did you hear that?" he asked turning his head to the cook.
"I hear. Fight in front of store. No running off," the man behind the counter responded in broken English.
"You heard the man, right outside," the youth said with a grin, finishing his last bite of sushi.
Sweet. Now let's hope he didn't buy too much. Or better yet, that I can actually win.
Scott and the boy stepped outside and worked their way into the street, which was still packed. However, if his past fights were any indication, people would soon start clearing a ring, and becoming an audience, once they saw that there were two combatants ready to go. Scott and the boy stood facing each other in the street about a yard or two away from each other, and sure enough the crowd began to catch on. A ring of people began to form around them, their murmurs showing their anxiousness and anticipation.
Heh. Feels pretty insane, having this kind of power over so many people. Well, I hope all of you enjoy the show.
Scott began to stretch, limbering up for the upcoming fight, starting with his legs and working up. The boy, by contrast, had turned away from him and sat upon his knees, quietly meditating. Scott smiled, this was definitely the kind of person he was looking for.
After a moment the boy rose from his kneeling position and turned. The look on his face showed that he was taking this fight seriously, even if he thought Scott wasn't worth his time. He breathed in and exhaled sharply before taking his stance and shouting "Get ready!"
Scott took out his biker gloves and fastened them. He cracked his knuckled, then his neck, and adjusted his hat before assuming his position.
As Scott bounced on the balls of his feet the boy took slow, deliberate steps as he kept his guard up, moving his hands as he stepped and the two circled each other in an attempt to keep himself guarded at all times.
Well this is different. Most of the guys I've fought have rushed in almost immediately. This kid's actually looking for an opening.
Just as he finished that thought the boy extended his forward hand and cocked back his other, obviously preparing for punch.
Seriously? Even I can read-
But the thought was cut short when the boy rocket forward, nailing him right in the chest and sending him flying backwards. The crowd exclaimed in shock and excitement as Scott landed square on his back, actually sliding for a bit after he hit. Scott managed to roll backwards using the force that carried him along the ground and land on his feet, though it was by no means a full recovery, his footing unsteady.
Holy crap! How did he cover so much distance so fast!?
Before he could get his bearings he felt someone grab his collar from behind and knee him in the stomach, winding him. Before he could even recover from that blow he was thrown face first to the ground and then received a punch to his back.
Gotta get away from him!
Summoning up as much strength as he could Scott brought himself to his hands and knees and jumped like frog away from the boy. Many members of the crowd chuckled at that. Scott used the momentum from his frog jump to roll forward before springing off his feet. As he flipped he turned in mid-air before unsteadily landing on both feet, facing his opponent. The crowed was impressed and some even clapped a bit.
This kid is a lot better than I thought. This isn't just someone who's serious about fighting, this kid must've trained nearly all their lives, probably the son of a master. He's got way more experience than I do. This'll be tough.
The boy and Scott began to circle each other, both looking for openings to punish the other's mistake. As Scott was planning out his next move his opponent quickly dashed forward, not as an attack but to close the distance. Scott decided to risk a counterattack.
"Shunpuu Kyaku!" he shouted while launching himself at the boy with his leg extended while spinning. The boy read the attack but was too late to do anything but block, being pushed back a bit from the attack hitting his raised guard. After Scott hit the ground the boy attempted to counterattack, but was caught off guard by a follow up thrust kick to his gut. The boy gasped as he stumbled backwards, and Scott capitalized on the opening by dashing forward.
"Shouoken!" he shouted after crouching down and unleashing a jumping uppercut to the boy's jaw, sending him stumbling backwards completely off balance. Scott hit the ground running and turned to slam his elbow into the boy's chest, then continue to spin striking the boy's face with his other elbow, and finally throwing all his weight into striking the boy with his other elbow in the chest sending him flying. Scott readied to sprint forward for a continuing combo but stopped when he saw the boy spring off his hands and land on his feet, his guard up ready to counter anything thrown at him.
Man he's good! Taking all that and still ready to go!
The crowd cheered at the spectacle, and Scott thought he saw some of them taking bets. He ignored it and focused on his opponent who, quite frankly, looked he hadn't even taken any damage.
This kid's out of my league, which is pretty damn depressing now that I think about it. Ok, this kid's got more power, more speed, and more skill and more stamina than me. But that doesn't mean I can't win. If I throw him off his game there might be a chance.
The boy cocked back his arm, preparing for the same blindingly fast straight punch he from before.
Not this time you do-!
However, Scott was caught off guard when the boy attacked much sooner than he expected!
CRAP! Okokokok, can't dodge so, GRAB IT!
Through muscle memory, and remembering where he was hit last time, Scott managed to place his open palm right in the path of the punch. Though he difficult, he did manage to stop the blow before it connected, surprising his opponent.
Gotcha!
Scott used the lapse in focus to punch the boy in the boy in the gut, winding him, before giving him a quick kick behind the leg to bring him down on one knee.
Let's finish it!
Scott raised his foot high, preparing for an axe kick, and then dropped the heel towards the boy's head. Scoot put all his weight into the kick, so he was caught off guard and off balance when the boy managed to lean and twist away from the blow without actually moving to a different position. The boy shot up and wrapped both hands around Scott's neck and squeezed before lifting him off the ground. For moment there was a loud pop crowd gasped, thinking the boy had broken the older man's neck before letting go. Scott fell on his feet and barely managed to stay up, gasping for breath. The boy took his chance and raised his hand before brining down a chop on Scott's collarbone, the force of the blow actually sending the older man to the ground flat on his back. Scott managed to summon the strength to bend his arms and legs and spring backwards, landing a yard or two away from his opponent. As he stood up the boy prepared for another dash punch.
Shit! Gonna have to make a gamble here.
Still off balance Scott crouched down before hopping forward to meet the boy's dash with a double drop kick, landing both feet on the boy's chest and knocking him back onto his butt. Despite dodging the attack Scott still had to suffer the damage of landing flat on his back.
"Dammit! Why do you keep hitting me there!?" the boy shouted as the two them stood up. "You got a thing for hitting girls in the chest!?"
Wait… What?
Scott froze as he observed his opponent more closely. He had always noticed the smaller, more petite features from the beginning but he just chalked that up to being young. But now that je looked he did some female features as well. What finally cemented it in his mind was when he finally realized that that red thing sticking out from under the gi wasn't a t-shirt, it was a sports bra.
WHAT.
"You… You're a girl?" Scott asked.
The girl's eyes widened in shock for a few seconds before her face contorted into a look of absolute rage.
Oh shit. I think I hit button.
"W-Wait, I swear I didn't mean that as an insu-" Scott tried to apologize while stepping backwards.
"OF COURSE I AM!" she shouted. In the next moment all her muscles tensed as she shouted and her skin began to turn a deep red.
What the-?
He saw the girl prepare for another dash punch and barely had enough time to raise his guard the girl dashed forward with blinding speed, but on instinct managed to catch the blow as he did before. It didn't do him much good as the force of the attack was so great that the back of his hand ended up slamming into his chest with enough force to send him flying.
What!?
Before he could even recover from that blow he felt a punch connect with back that sent him rocketing skyward.
WHAT!?
Scott managed to grit through the pain and look up in time to the girl above him, her foot already raised for an axe kick.
OH FU-!
The girl's heel connected with Scott's chest and he plummeted to the ground, landing flat on his back. A cloud of dirt and even cracked road debris rose up around him. The girl landed and prepared a finishing move, but stopped when she saw Scott wasn't moving. For a moment Scott did nothing but stare upwards, his mouth open in shock in pain, before finally letting loose a small and pained whimper. He managed to see the girl's skin turn back to normal before she stomped off in a huff.
For a few moments, no one moved or said anything. Then an old man came out and looked down Scott, the old man from the sushi bar.
"You lose," he said simply.
Scott nodded.
"You pay," he continued.
Scott managed to raise hi wrist, allowing the old man to take of his S.I.N. watch and take it inside. He came back about a minute later and left both the watch and a small cup of steaming liquid on his chest.
"Saké free. You need it," he said, and walked back inside.
Scott slowly managed to reach to his chest and gingerly grasped the cup. He brought it to his mouth and poured in the entire content in one go. He swallowed and then held his breath before uttering one word.
"Ow."
/
Alright, sorry this took me a while. Maybe I should set deadlines for myself.
Anyway, Makoto has always been one of my favorite characters in the Street Fighter franchise what with her whole style being simple but brutal. Also she's one of my many crushes (I like tomboys). I thought it would be good for Scott to go against someone who's fairly new to fighting like him but despite being younger she's got a lot more experience and training under his belt.
Also, for those of you wondering why I never called her by her name, it's because we as the reader aren't going to know anything more than what Scott knows. Just because we know who Yun and Yang are talking about when they say "Auntie" doesn't mean he will. Also I'm hoping to slowly flesh out Scott's background over the tale. He may not be the deepest character but I'd like to think he's not entirely flat either.
Also, to Vammy, I don't know about Chun-Li or Cammy appearing. Not to say they won't, but I don't have any plans as of yet. Scott mostly serves as the background character, the "protagonist of another story" if you will, so even though he may be involved in some of the bigger events he won't play too large a role in them. Because of that I don't think he'll ever get more than a passing glance at them.
Anyway, hope to see you all next time!