In The Spider's Den

by In Through the Out Door

One night on the way to Chu Li's apartment Ryu is approached by Juri Han who challenges the wandering warrior to a fight. What are Juri's motives behind the fight and what does she plan on doing with Ryu if she manages to win? Can Ryu emerge victorious and meet up with Chun Li before the night is over? Not suitable for children. Reader discretion is advised.

3. Life Goes On

Chapter 3: Life Goes On

*Thoughts are in italics*

*One week ago*

*Monday Afternoon*

*Interior of a secret base inside a temple in Thailand*

The Spanish Ninja (Vega) and the Boxer a fighter by his trade (Balrog) slowly awaken to find themselves tied to chairs with rags stuffed into their mouths. (Vega's trademark mask is lying on top of a nearby wooden table) Juri Han is watching over them waiting for them to regain consciousness. (Everyone is wearing their usual SFIV attire) After Juri sees them come to she beings to speak. "Listen up you schmucks your boss is dead. (Vega and Balrog look over at Bison's lifeless body on the floor in amazement) Shadaloo is no more. Fang the second in command is next and I'm going to be the new leader of S.I.N. after I kill Seth very soon. Now you're going to help me train my young apprentice in about four years or so. Pretty soon I'm going to have a pice of the pot and I'm going to deal you in if you play your cards right that is.

Now the next words out of your mouths better be "Yes Boss and only Yes Boss or we're going to have a problem. You don't want to end up like your former employer now do you? You're going to end up just like him if you don't corporate now you better give me the right answer". Juri declared as she removed the rags from their mouths and awaited their replies. They each gagged briefly as the rags were removed and took just moments to catch their breath. "Sounds like a lot of maybes need to happen for you take over. Count me out!" Vega countered. Juri eyes went a blaze with rage. "How dare you?" she fumed as she struck Vega with a heavy leg kick to his jaw courtesy of her right foot causing Vega to recoil in pain.

A few minutes later Juri tried the question again. Balrog just nodded to the question at first but then quickly took a big gulp and answered "Yes boss". "Why four years? I'm not doing it. What are we training a toddler or something?" Vega attested. "You better do it or I'm going to break your f****ng neck right quick Phantom of the Opera boy!" Juri growled. as Vega sneered. "So what's it going to be? Death by me breaking your neck? Or training my apprentice?" Juri demanded. Vega took a deep breath and threw up in his mouth a bit at the thought of saying the words she desired him to utter; however under the circumstances he felt he had no choice but to do so. With a small sigh he finally said "Yes Boss".

*Around Nineteen years later. The night before the beginning of the Chinese New Year *

*February*

*Around thirty minutes by car from where Ryu disappeared*

*"It's a cold night with a few inches of snow from the night before on the sides of the street*

*Several people walk by as the scene unfolds*

The camera opens on a handsome young Chinese teenage boy with dark brown hair and green eyes. His hair is in a classic mod hairstyle resembling that of a famous Hong Kong action film star. He is approximately 17 years old and he stands around 5'8 in height. He is dressed in a heavy jacket and black jeans. The teen is positioned directly behind a door walking down the left side of the street. The exit door of the store right in front of him quickly flings open. The teen is swiftly bonked in the forehead by the door and he falls back down onto the nearby sidewalk. A beautiful young Korean/Japanese girl with dark brown shoulder length hair appears on the other side of the door.

She is carrying a small bag full of groceries. She is approximately 19 years old and stands around 5'7 in height. She has just watched the teen get hit and is hoping he is okay. She nervously runs over to the fallen teenage boy. She quickly puts the bag on the ground of the street next to her. She's wearing a red button down jacket with a red scarf around her neck and black pants. "Oh God are you ok? Where did I get you?" The girl inquired as she slowly picked the teenager up. As she slowly picked him up the girl looked him over. She thought he was devilishly handsome. "Oh he looks like he's in good shape. He must work out...Damn it. Mom why did you plant that thought in my head?" she owned to herself as she quickly pushed that thought from her mind as she took her hands off of him. He now stood next to her under his own power.

"Did anyone get the number of that bus?" he joked. The girl laughed back. "Hmmm he's funny too. I like a guy with a good sense of humor" She preened to herself. The boy took a moment to get his bearings from the blow he had just taken. Then the boy took in the girl who had just came to his aid. The girl was charming and friendly and she had the prettiest brown eyes he had ever seen. After a brief pause they look into each other's eyes longingly. "Well you got me here (he pointed to his forehead with his right hand) and the sidewalk got me here (he pointed to the back of his head with his left hand) but I'll live". he jested. "Oooh it's going to be quite a lump" she chuckled. "Oh you had something didn't you?" the teenage boy asked. Yes…yes I did" the girl replied. The two go down for the bag at the exact same time and bonk their foreheads into each other. "Oooh" they each gripe back in unison as they hold their heads in mild discomfort .

"Okay I'll get it. Wait here till I get back alright?" the boy suggested with a chuckle. "Sure. Good idea." she proclaimed with a grin. The boy went down to the sidewalk and retrieved her bag. He handed it to the girl who accepted it with s small grin. "Arigato…lumpy" the girl said with a smile. "It's Jun by the way". the boy disclosed. "Happy New Year Jun. I'm Kwan.". " Happy new year Kwan" he piped back with a grin. Kwan then slowly began to walk to down the street in the other direction. "Hey do you want go to a New Year's party that's going on right now?" Jun questioned her. (she stopped to face him) "No…not really". she admitted. "Neither would I". he concluded as she began to turn around and walk down the street. "Hey Kwan (Kwan turns back around to face him again. (Kwan waits to see what he has to say)…Do you shop here often? Because if you do….I can walk on the other side of the street" Jun jested. Kwan chortled in response and thought to herself for a brief moment "Do you want to get some Italian food?" Kwan questioned him with a smile.

*About an hour later*

*Interior of a nearby Italian restaurant*

*The couple has now removed their jackets. The jackets are on the backs of their chairs. Kwan's scarf is wrapped around the top of her jacket. The boy has on a black polo shirt while the girl is wearing a red blouse*

The young couple is in the middle of their meal and having an active conversation. They ordered a large pie which they are sharing. The boy ordered a caesar salad while the girl ordered a mixed garden salad. The boy is drinking ice tea while the girl is drinking diet coke. They've each had a slice and have mostly just picked at their salads so far. "So do you play any instruments? Jun probed. "I've fiddled with the guitar a bit here and there. I wouldn't call what I do playing." Kwan confessed with a chuckle. "How about you; Jun? are you musically inclined?" Kwan inquired with a curious smile. "Well I can play a few songs on the harmonica so I wouldn't call myself musically inclined. So we're pretty much in the same boat when it comes to that. My sister on the other hand is a different story she.." Jun admitted.

"Oh you have a sister? Sorry to interrupt (Kwan quickly apologized) Go ahead is she older or younger?" Kwan inquired. "She's a couple of years younger than me. She goes to an all girls school. She's the bass player in a rock band with some other girls from her school." Jun remarked. "That's really cool that your sister can jam! Do you and her ever rock out and play some songs with her on bass and you on the harmonica?" Kwan inspected. "We have a bit here and there but we should do it more often now that you mentioned it". Jun agreed.

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?" Jun inquired as Kwan took a bit of her salad. Kwan bit her lip as he asked the question. She chewed her salad as she thought to herself. "Damn we've come to the questions I know he would ask that I've been dreading having to answer. What's the best way to explain this to him…." Kwan wondered to herself. "What happened? She's gone quiet all of a sudden. I must have struck on a touchy subject it seems like she has some family issues of some kind" Best for me to handle this delicately. Jun explained to himself. "You don't have to answer that if you don't want to". Jun clarified. Kwan shook her head gently. "Best to play this cool. I don't want to make too much out of this or I could scare him off" Kwan advised to herself. "No it's all right. I'm an only child. I've always wanted a brother or sister actually though. (she bit her lip to stifle a frown) But no it's just me. My mom always told me she wanted a girl though". Kwan remarked with a smile. "You and your mom sound close" (Kwan bites her lip in anticipation knowing what Jun's next inquiry will be) Jun proclaimed.

"How about your Dad? Are you close?..did (he stops. Deciding not to ask if he wanted a boy or a girl in case this is another touchy subject for her) Jun scrutinized leaving the last question un-asked. But he figures Kwan is probably astute enough to know what he was going to say anyway. Jun prepares himself for a long delay and figures he should have a drink while waiting for her to reply but she startles him and quickly answers the question. "My dad died when I was really young…before I was born actually. But my mom always told he was a great fighter and that she had wished he could have seen me grow up to be the person I am today. (Kwan smiles with confidence trying to make the best out of the tragic situation) He may not be here physically anymore but he's here (Kwan points to her heart with her left hand and holds it close) I know he is. (Kwan gives the middle of her chest a light pat with her left hand) I was always eager to hear my mom tell me her bed time stories about my dad before bed.

I looked forward to those stories every night. Those were some of my most treasured memories growing up and as long as I have those stories then a part of him is still with me. As long as you remember the dead and all the great things they did and saiid to light up your life a part of the them lives on in a way. I think…..at least that's my philosophy." Kwan explained. Jun nodded his head in accordance. "My thoughts exactly" Jun returned with a smile as they took turns taking another slice of pizza which they each put on their plates. "This is really good" Jun praised as he took a bit of pizza. "They say it's the best Italian food around here" Kwan piped before taking a bite of the pizza herself. "They live up to their reputation" Jun conceded. Kwan nodded her head as they returned to eating their dinner.

*Nineteen years ago*

*A few months after Bison's death*

*The SFIV tournament was delayed for a few weeks due to the chaos surrounding Bison's death and Ryu's disappearance. One month later the tournament is in the midst of its quarterfinal round.*

*Festival at the Old Temple South Korea*

*Afternoon*

*The food stands and nearby area is buzzing with people buying food while watching the street fight*

Chun Li is in the middle of a fight with Sakura. Sakura has on her Plaza Capcom attire while Chun Li is dressed in a red qipao. The fight has been fairly close for a bit but Chun Li begins to take the upper hand as she landed her spinning bird kick into Sakura's head follow by several punches and kicks aimed at her mid section and legs (only a few of which Sakura managed to block or evade) and she finished the onslaught with a Head Stomp. Sakura groaned in pain as she took in the heavy brunt of the attack. Sakura took some time to recover and then mounted an attack of her own. Sakura started with a hurricane kick delivered to Chun Li's midsection which was a direct hit. Li cried out upon impact as Sakura gave a brief smile.

Sakura then attacked with a pendulum upper, several heavy punches and kicks aimed at Chun Li's head and thighs and then finally ended it with a hadouken aimed right at Chun Li's midsection. Unfortunately when the dust had settled Sakura was astonished to find that she hadn't managed hit Chun Li with any of her attacks others than the first one. As Sakura looked on in disbelief Chun Li knew that this was the perfect time to end the fight. Chun Li unleashed a Hoyokusen,(Sakura evades this) Yosokyaku, Kikoken and finally a Kikosho which proved to be the finishing blow. "Nooooo!" Sakura exclaimed as she was knocked unconscious into the street. The crowd goes wild as the announcers cries out KO!" Chun Li twirls up in the air before posing in victory and smiled. (Her SFIV victory pose)

*10 minutes or so later the crowd is finishing dispersing*

A disappointed Sakura congratulates Chun Li on her victory. "Great match Li. Very impressive. You're on to the semifinals now. I think we were even for a bit but there was just no stopping you. I'll get you next time". Sakura heralded. "Thanks. That was a lot of fun". Chun Li cheered with a small grin. Soon they waved goodbye to each other and Chun Li got some Nonghsim Shin Ramyeon from the food stand. She sits on a green chair near the stand. Chun Li takes a water bottle out of her duffle bag which is lying on the floor next to the chair. Then she zips up the bag and sits back down in her chair and begins to eat her meal.

*20 minutes or so later

Chun Li finished her meal at the now deserted Old Temple which was abuzz just a short while ago. Chun Li discarded her water bottle and empty dish into a nearby garbage can. Chun Li returns to her chair and prepares to leave. She's ready to pick up her bag when she hears a familiar voice from a nearby chair behind her. "Not a bad match China Doll. But I think you toyed with that young girl for a bit too long. I know you're a lot stronger than that. Sometimes you're just too soft". the feminine voice chided. Chun Li's confused face slowly turned to that of disgust when she saw that the person who just delivered the comment was none other than the infamous Juri Han wearing her usual attire and sitting on a chair around 10 feet away from Chun Li which was directly facing her.

She was the number one suspect in Seth and Bison's deaths. And she had destroyed their bases in the process. She was the Leader of S.I.N. and one of the dangerous criminals in the world. "You…I can't believe you have the gall. The absolute gall to show your face here after everything that's happened". Chun Li fumed. "Whatever do you mean?" Juri asked feigning innocence. "You know damn well what I mean. You've had a hand in everything that's been going in the world. You've been so very busy that I'm surprised that you have time in your busy schedule to take time away from committing murder, destruction of property, assault, abduction, etc etc. You know where he is too don't you? What have you done with him?" Chun Li hissed.

"Whomever do you mean? I really don't known who you're talking about. Plus you accused me of a lot of things and as an officer of the law or soon to ex officer of the law. I heard you're thinking of retiring if you haven't already you should be familiar with a little thing called evidence. Make sure you have some evidence before you blatantly accuse people. But to play devils advocate whomever was behind the deaths of those two slime balls has made the world a better place for it. Don't you think so officer Li?" Juri Han challenged with a confident smirk. Chun Li bit her lip; she could never agree with that statement verbally. She knew they were creeps but they should have been dispatched discreetly not with such reckless abandon.

Chun Li ignored the question and brought the focus back on Ryu. "What have you done with Ryu? I know you at least played a part in his disappearance. Tell me what you did to him! Or have you forgotten with that psychotic mind of yours? Or maybe i should help you remember?" Chun Li growled. "Ooooh feisty are we? You've got a dark side. I like it! Look lots of people hang out in back alleys like the one that he was allegedly last seen. You have tons of potential suspects to sift through." Juri heralded. "Yes lots of slime balls. The type that you referred to earlier. Your name should come up near the top of the list of suspects" Chun Li reprimanded. "You don't seem to be letting it get you down that much though. I mean you've gotten out there again as it were. I heard it though the grapevine that you've been hanging around that with that movie star actor". Juri critiqued.

"Believe only half of what you see and nothing that you hear". Chun Li shot back. "Edgar Allen Poe huh? (Juri gave a small nod) Come on! You can do better than that China Doll. Don't you know any Shakespeare?" Juri asked mockingly for a moment before continuing.

"He's in good shape. (Juri puts stress on the words good shape) "I see you like guys that are in good shape. Just like me" Juri contended. Juri put extra emphasis on the last three words to make a kneed at Chun Li or to plant that little seed of a thought to screw with her head. First off her and Fei Long were just friends. Chun Li knew that there was the potential for them to be more than that. However she would refuse to play along with her Juri's silly mind game. Chun Li shot Juri's notion down in a mili second. The thought of her and Juri being anything alike personality wise was simply ludicrous. They had some things in life in common like the tragic circumstances behind their parent's deaths. However they had come to the other side of those tragedies as entirely different types of people. One seeking justice while the other was seeking violence, rage and global takeover among other things. "On the contrary I'm nothing like you". Chun Li declared. Juri let out a small cackle in response. "If you say so". Juri retorted.

Chun Li thought to herself for a moment and realized that her line of questioning was getting her nowhere. Juri would deny every accusation against her to the moon and back. Or Juri would just ignore the questions entirely. She would never admit to any of the nefarious crimes she had committed even if someone had put a gun to her head. Chun Li finally realized her best weapon was to take a page out of Juri's own book and try to mess with her head to get her to open or make a mistake. Or possibly do something that could least bring about a positive change in Juri's behavior. "If that's even possible" Chun Li considered to herself. She had to try anything that could open up some leads in the ongoing investigations of the last few months. "Juri I want to ask you a question." Chun Li proposed. "Ask me anything China Doll." Juri replied with a small grin.

Chun Li wet her lips as she thought for a moment. "Tell me Juri how well do you sleep at night? (Juri's eyes perk up at the question) You know at the end of the day you have to answer to one person. Do you recognize the person you see when you look in the mirror? Do you like the person you've become versus the beautiful genius you were as a child. Tell me Juri when you look in the mirror do you like what you see?" Do you like the inhuman monster that you've become?" Chun Li exhorted. "Boy you really are riot with the poetry. Word are only words China Doll. Actions speak louder than words and I've grown tired of listening to yours". Juri sassed. Chun Li looked at Juri for a moment then looked away. "Just the sight of her is beginning to make me feel sick. She's so twisted" Chun Li scoffed to herself.

Chun Li then paused for a moment; "Hmmm I guess your just to scared to answer the question" Chun Li challenged as she turned around to face Juri again but suddenly she was gone. There was no sigh of Juri Han anywhere and the wind began to howl. As the wind blew the nearby garbage can that Chun Li had used fell onto the ground and rolled into one of the nearby food stands. It spilled out a good deal of garbage onto the ground in the process. As Li watched the can come to a stop the wind suddenly stopped blowing as quickly as it had started. Li looked around for a sign….any sign of where the Korean woman may have gone. She looked around at the road and down the street, the food stands, the temple, the few cars parked nearby in the road but there was nothing. The woman didn't leave a single trace behind. "She's like a damn ghost" Chun Li exclaimed to herself.

End of Chapter 3

Chapter 4 is in development