Chapter 11: The Awaited Rematch
Two weeks had passed. Cammy and Guile left to England to continue their investigation of Dr. Hsu, and Chun Li, Ryu, and Sagat focused on their training.
The three fighters were out one morning for a run. They ran by the villages and came upon ancient ruins. Ayutthaya was a marvel to look at. Sagat brought them to a large Buddha statue laying on its side.
"Wow!" Chun Li said as she looked at the statue. "What an iconic place. I can just feel the energy under my feet."
"This used to be capital of the Siamese Kingdom for four centuries, founded in 1350," Sagat stood tall as he spoke about the ruins. Ryu looked around, he was impressed by the architecture of the buildings. "For a break, I'll let you two wander around for a bit."
Chun Li wondered what it was like during the centuries the city thrived. She had a sense of excitement being in a place with ancient history.
"Hey, Chun Li. Come with me," Ryu said to her. "I want to talk to you."
"What about?" She wondered.
"I think our time in Thailand is coming to an end," he began. "I think Sagat has taught me just about all he can about the Power of Nothingness. It's up to me now to try and master it." Chun Li put her hand in Ryu's.
"I think you're right. I'm ready to see more of the world. Where would we go?" She asked.
"I'm thinking about it still, but maybe back to Japan for a bit. I need to check on my house there anyway," Ryu replied. Chun Li smiled at the idea of going to Ryu's home as she had never been there before.
"Then it's time for the rematch?" Chun Li took in a deep breath. Ryu shook his head. "Sagat is so big and powerful, I don't want to see you get hurt," she leaned in and hugged him. Ryu wrapped his arms around her waist.
"I beat him once. I know I can take him again," Ryu smiled confidently.
"Just don't mess up your nice face," Chun Li joked. Ryu shook his head and smiled.
"You two are having too much fun here, back to training!" Sagat said as he walked up to them. Ryu filled in Sagat with plans to depart Thailand soon, as well as letting him know that it was time for the big rematch between them. Chun Li walked around a bit more while the two mighty fighters were talking about the upcoming plans. As she looked around she noticed an opening into a building with a tall roof. She felt a vibrating energy around her and wondered what it was. She walked in further and felt a jolt within her. All of a sudden she saw Ryu playing with two children. He was running around and teaching them his iconic moves. A smile came across her face seeing him look so happy, but then his face turned into something evil. He changed into Akuma and the children disappeared. Everything around looked broken and uprooted. Chun Li called out for Ryu but he didn't answer back. A child appeared from the midst of the chaos.
"Find me!" The child cried out. "Find me! "Chun Li! Chun Li!
"Chun Li!" Ryu gently shook her and she came out of her trance. She took in a deep breath.
"Ryu!" She opened her eyes and looked up. She was laying on the ground.
"What happened? Why are you on the ground?" He asked. She tried to collect herself and got up.
"I saw something," Chun Li began to explain.
"What did you see?" Ryu questioned.
"I don't understand it. I saw you, but it wasn't you and a child, they want me to find them. Who was that?" She said frantically.
"Alright, refocus! Look at me," Ryu grabbed her shoulders. "Breathe deep. Count to 10." Chun Li followed his instuctions.
"I had a vision," she said. "I think I see what happens if you don't master the power of nothingness. You become just like Akuma. I'm scared Ryu." Ryu rushed to put his arms around Chun Li and embraced her tightly.
"It was only a vision. What happens in it doesn't mean that's exactly what's going to become true," he said trying to calm her. Sagat overheard the conversation, he knew that Chun Li's vision was something to heed.
"Don't take it so lightly either, Ryu," Sagat's voice boomed into the room. "If Chun Li has had the spiritual awakening like Dhalsim had mentioned, then heed the warning or whatever message the spirits were trying to convey to her."
"But what about the children? I wonder if they're the children taken by Shadowlaw, the ones that might need saving?" Chun Li wondered.
"What did they look like? Do you see their faces?" Sagat asked.
"No, but Ryu was playing with them and then he turned into Akuma," she replied.
"Then this must mean I have a lot of training ahead of me. Now I know for sure I need to get back to Japan. There's someone there I need to see," Ryu said. The three fighters left the ruins and back to Sagat's village. They spent the rest of the night preparing for the coming rematch. Sagat's mother even let all the villagers know about the match. It was going to be a popular event many wanted to see.
In England…
Guile and Cammy were in her flat in London. They continued searching for the mystery surrounding the Shadowlaw doctor.
"I sure miss our trio. Chun Li and I would always grab a coffee and a pastry while we were researching things," Cammy said despondently.
"And you would have to work twice as hard to work that off your ass," Guile joked. Cammy gave him a piercing stare. "Those sweets went right through Chun Li, but you, it all went to your ass."
"Why you!" Cammy charged Guile. She knocked him back onto the couch. "Come on, Brushhead!" Guile chuckled and shook his head.
"Hell, I miss Chun Li too," he said getting up from the couch. "Just don't tell her that." Cammy laughed
"I still can't believe I have a daughter. I didn't even know I could have children. Who knows what else Bison did with my body." Cammy slumped in her chair.
"We'll find Isla. If we can find Ryu, then we can find anyone." Guile put his large hand on her shoulder reassuring her.
Two hours later, Cammy was looking into some Ashura files. She came upon the doctor's picture and looked it over. It was the same picture Guile had found from before. She searched the picture close up and examined it piece by piece until she came to his chest. His shirt had a name tag but it didn't say Hsu on it.
"Guile!" Cammy said. "Look at this!" He came over to the computer and hovered over Cammy's shoulder. "Look at his name tag!"
"Z. Chen? Why would his name be different? Are we even looking at the same person?" Guile wondered.
"What if this is why we couldn't find him anywhere, or even a person with his name and picture? Maybe Hsu isn't his real name at all!" Cammy felt a burst of energy, she found a lead.
"Well, it's all we have to go on right now. Let's see where this goes. We need to find out what the Z is, more than likely it's his first name. It's a long shot, but now we have something! Good job, Cam!" Guile and Cammy made calls and delved deeper into Z. Chen.
In Thailand…
It was the morning of the anticipated rematch. The villagers prepped the area where the two mighty fighters were going to be. Word had spread to all the surrounding villages, everyone wanted to get in on the action. Vendors came to sell foods, sweets, drinks, and merchandise. It was turning out to be a large spectacle.
Chun Li looked out the window of Sagat's house. "Wow, how many people did your mom tell about the fight today?" She asked Sagat. He took a quick look out the window too.
"Knowing my mom, she told half of Thailand by now," he said shaking his head.
"You're lucky you have a mother who is so proud of her son," Chun Li replied teasing him. "A real mama's boy!" Sagat laughed off Chun Li's jokes. "But, seriously, don't mess up his face!"
"No promises on that!" Sagat teased back. Ryu looked at the two getting along. He was happy to see Chun Li had let go of a lot of anger she held towards Sagat. He wanted nothing more than to make her proud of him and to make her happy. After breakfast, Ryu led Chun Li out of the house and to the training area near the waterfalls.
"Want to warm me up for the match?" Ryu asked Chun Li.
"You bet I do!" She replied. They stood away from each other about 10 feet. Chun Li watched Ryu ready himself. She got closer to him and put her fists up ready to fight. With lightning speed, she kicked her powerful leg in his direction, Ryu tensed his arm muscles and blocked the kick. A couple more punches were thrown. Ryu went on the offense, he charged back with speed and agility, all of which Chun Li was able to out maneuver.
"I can see training with Sagat has improved your speed," Ryu said while dodging more punches.
"I had to, one punch from that behemoth and it could do real harm," Chun Li replied trying to attack. Ryu was able to catch Chun Li's leg, lift it up and brought her close to him. "I hate when you catch me off guard!" She tried to wriggle free. With her leg still in Ryu's grasp she jumped off the ground with the other foot and aimed for his head. He ducked and let go of her.
"Nice save," he commented. Chun Li looked behind Ryu and she smiled.
"It's about time," she said. Ryu was confused by her comment. Chun Li rushed him again and tripped up one leg while grabbing onto his upper body holding him from being able to move his arms. He heard a familiar yell coming toward him, he turned his head and saw a rushing red gi coming straight for him. He was able to get out of Chun Li's hold, pick her up and throw her toward the incoming threat.
"I'd say I already won," Ken caught Chun Li mid air. He gave her a light kiss and she blushed.
"Hey!" Ryu protested the kiss. "You'll pay for that!" Ken set Chun Li down.
"Hey buddy! I couldn't miss your big fight with Sagat!" Ken said smiling. Ryu smiled back and gave Ken a warm welcoming hug.
"Good to see you again," Ryu replied and then sucker punched him.
"Hey! What was that for?" he asked.
'Keep your casanova lips off my wife!" Ryu held up his fist in a joking manner. Chun Li laughed at their continuous friendly rivalry. She watched as they sparred with each other for a minute.
"I think you have a new warm up partner, Ryu," Chun Li said. "I'll go back to the village."
"Wait a minute, Chun Li, why don't you stay? We can have a three way spar." Ken suggested.
"Oh, that sounds fun! I'm in!" Chun Li leapt towards Ken with her lightning fast kicks. Ryu held one of his feet down making sure her kick connected with his body.
"You two are so going to get it!" Ken said excitedly. The three fighters continued their friendly spar until Ryu tapped out and wanted to go off on his own to meditate before his fight. Chun Li and Ken kept at it until they both stopped for a break. They sat on a nearby rock.
"That felt great!" Ken said taking in a deep breath of air.
"You seem extra chipper today," Chun Li commented. "And what was with the kiss?" Ken blushed slightly.
"Sorry, I was just really excited to see you and Ryu. Work is hard as usual, I haven't been getting out much. And, Eliza, she's so crazy sometimes. I love her to death, but I need my me time too."
"I'm really happy to see you too, but…don't think I've forgotten about the doctor stuff you kept away from me!" She punched his arm.
"Yeah, sorry about that. I really thought keeping it from you two was best. I see I was wrong," Ken apologized. Chun Li took in a deep breath.
"Water under the bridge," she smiled.
Thirty minutes later…
The big match was just about to begin. Chun Li, Ken, and Sagat's mother sat together in a front row booth. Ken made sure to grab sweets and snacks for them to eat. The crowds had gathered all around the fighting ring. People were yelling and cheering in anticipation of the exciting fight. An announcer came over a loud speaker and spoke to the crowd hyping them all up. He announced Sagat and the crowd went wild. He came out wearing his signature Muy Thai shorts, blue with red trim along with his hand and feet wraps. Next, Ryu came out. He wore his signature red headband and his white karate gi pants. He preferred to be barefoot.
Chun Li stared at his hard toned abs, she felt butterflies in her stomach looking at him, still so in love. Ken cheered for his best friend. Ryu looked at his two biggest admirers and gave them a thumbs up with a smile. Sagat's mother prayer to the gods that he would come out victorious in his fight and that he wouldn't be injured. The two fighters were ready, they stood apart and faced each other. They bowed in respect and got into their fight stances. A bell rang starting their long awaited rematch.
Sagat took the opportunity to strike first. He did a hard leg kick to disrupt Ryu's balance. Ryu was able to save himself by jumping high enough and kicking forward connecting with Sagat's face. This made him angry that Ryu had the first strike. He went again on the offensive getting close enough for strikes with his knees and elbows, quick jabs, and punches. Ryu countered by blocking his hard hits. They stood apart again. Ryu studied Sagat's foot movements, he watched as he anticipated his next move. Coming in again for quick strikes, Ryu stepped out of the way, jumped up, and landed multiple hurricane hits. Sagat lost his balance and fell backward onto the ground.
Chun Li and Ken cheered for Ryu for his first big hit. Sagat's mother sat with utmost anxiety, she wanted her son to do well.
Angered, Sagat crouched down to perform an uppercut that connected with Ryu's chin, which knocked him backwards. Ryu rushed in and threw a hard punch while Sagat kicked his shoulder. Fueled by his anger of losing to Ryu in their past battle, Sagat kept at it with powerful moves and incredible speed. Ryu knew he must keep a calm head and learn from Sagat's moves as the fight continued on. The two brawling fighters heard a bell ring, it signaled the end on the round. They went into their corners to get cleaned up and drink some water. Chun Li rushed to his side to check on him and give him her well wishes.
The fight continued with another bell announcing the second round. Once again, the burly men fought with all their might fueled by the passion behind their fists. Round 2 turned into 3, and three turned into four. The two men were becoming increasingly tired. It was now a battle of endurance and sheer will to win. Again, they ran toward each other and did their very best attacks. Sagat went in for his signature move of tiger genocide. Ryu was hit with multiple rounds of hits but managed to out manuever him by crouching down and lifting himself up with all his might. His fist glowed blue, his determination unwavering, he jumped up with his fist aiming for Sagat's abdomen. The punch connected with his body so strongly that it knocked Sagat back, knocked the wind out of him and he temporarily lost consciousness. Ryu stood with his fists still up ready to fight, his vision a little blurry, and his left eye swelling. Sagat did not get back up.
"I declare Ryu the winner!" The announcer yelled into the microphone. Chun Li and Ken jumped up with infectious excitement. The crowd roared seeing the fight declared over. Chun Li ran over to Ryu and embraced him.
"You did it! You did it fair and square! I was so worried there for a bit!" She said excitedly. Ken also came up and congratulated Ryu.
"My buddy! Congratulations!" He said and grabbed his shoulders.
Sagat sat up and realized his defeat. He watched Chun Li and Ken celebrate his win, the three looked so happy all together. He smiled and let out a breath of air. He stood up and recollected himself, walked over to Ryu and held out his hand to shake his.
"You honored me by giving me another chance for a fair fight," Sagat said. "I humbly accept my defeat." Ryu reached his hand out to Sagat's. Both fighters earning the full respect from the other.
Later that night Sagat, Ryu, Chun Li, and Ken sat around the dinner table eating a feast prepared for them by his mother Dao. They drank Thai Sabai celebrating the day's rematch. Sagat held up his glass.
"Here's to Ryu! You've honored me by granting me my request for a rematch and you've humbled me by beating me once more. This time felt different getting beaten by you. I am not shamed, nor am I fueled by rage. I have a new fire reignited under me, the passion for the sport I once had years and years ago has been found again. Thank you Ryu! And thank you Chun Li, for everything you have done during your stay here. I am forever in your debt." All four fighters held up their glasses, cheered, and drank.
Later, Ryu went outside to get a breath of fresh air, Sagat followed. Ken and Chun Li stayed inside playing drinking games while laughing without a care in the world.
"A joyous night, is it not?" Sagat said to Ryu.
"Very much so. I still have a long road ahead of me though. I must train harder for my battle with Akuma," he said in a serious tone.
"You keep training the way you do, and I have no doubt you can overcome anything in your future. I hope you never lose sight of that wife of yours," Sagat placed his large hand on Ryu's shoulder. Ryu turned his head to him and wondered what he meant. "Chun Li is a remarkable woman. The way she looked at you during our fight is a look from a woman I have never received before, besides my mother." Both fighters laughed at his comment.
"She is one of a kind. I don't know why she loves me so much or what I did to deserve her, but I'd move mountains for her. I actually didn't think I'd marry her before defeating Akuma," Ryu confessed.
"And why is that?" Sagat questioned.
"I didn't want to bring my life's problems to her. What if I can't be the husband she needs me to be? What if I end up getting killed by Akuma? She would be torn apart because of her love for me. Her father was murdered, he died in her arms, and we lost our son," he replied.
"You must not realize how lucky you are to be loved by a woman who loves you like she does. I could tell that first day of training, she would have killed me at any cost to protect you. If you lose your reason for fighting or need a reason to overcome the pull of the dark hadou, at least let it be for her. Fight for her like your life depends on it. I would give up all my titles and championships to be loved by a woman like her. If anything does happen to you, I'll take care of her," Sagat joked.
Ryu laughed and said, "Get in line behind Ken. I'm pretty sure he would have tried to marry her if I didn't pursue her. He even kissed her when he got here today."
"Huh? Isn't he your best friend? And isn't he married too?" Sagat asked.
"It's complicated," Ryu didn't want to explain everything to him. "We all are very close. I'll just leave it at that."
"Well, Chun Li and Ken are worth fighting for," Sagat complimented.
"Don't I know." Ryu looked in at Chun Li and Ken inside the house and saw them laughing together. He smiled and went inside to join them. Sagat stayed outside on the porch a little longer to take in the fresh air. He saw a group of women walking together. As they passed by, one in particular caught his eye. She looked at him and smiled as she walked away.