Part Two

Chapter 5 – Illusions

Hong Kong

Chun-Li walked through the large city of Hong Kong with a shopping bag held in one arm, Gen let her have the day off and she decided to take full advantage of it. Looking across the street, she thought to herself. Walking by a window, she then noticed a complete blue and black sport outfit at a very good price. Chun-Li jumped up and smiled with glee. Oh! It looks so cute! I GOTTA have that!

Some time later, Chun-Li walked out of the store, now with two bags in her arms. Such a cute outfit! She thought as she smiled to herself. A small breeze passed by, blowing through her hair, causing her short bangs to slight flow. She closed her eyes, turning her head aside and cling her to bags in response to the sudden chill. Her eyes reopened, and her view was looking across the street. Everything then began to happen in slow motion. She saw something she didn’t think she’d ever see again. It was him. The white gi. The red bandanna. The duffel bag. It had to be him. Across the street, Chun-Li saw Ryu was walking in the opposite direction. Is he really here? Did he… come for me…? Chun-Li’s heartbeat increased and she held her bags closer to her, almost crushing the contents inside.

“Chun? Is that you?” said a voice. Time suddenly came back to normal as Chun-Li turned her head to the person now talking to her. She had long hair, almost similar to Linn’s, and was dressed in a casual t-shirt and jeans. “Oh Maki, is that you?” she responded.

‘That’s me!” Maki smiled.

Chun-Li jerked her head back to see if Ryu was still there, but he was gone. Where… how… was it just an illusion? Chun-Li thought to herself.

“Chun? You all right?” Maki continued.

“Oh… yes. I just thought I saw something. Must’ve been my imagination. So what are you doing all the way here in Hong Kong?”

“Well, Guy and Rina wanted to go on like some ‘international shopping vacation’ and these were one of the hot spots. So we just stopped here and next stop is Singapore! I just wanted to tag along, being Guy’s best friend and all!”

“So why are you here all by yourself? Where are Guy and Rina?”

Mika rolled her eyes, “They had to spend some ‘time alone’, leaving poor me to walk out here all by myself. But it’s a good thing I bumped into you eh?”

“Alone huh? I know that feeling…” Chun-Li sighed. She turned her head to look back across the street one more time. Nothing.

“Aw, it’s ok! At least, I bumped into you and now we can hang out together! So how about lunch?”

“S-Sure! I wasn’t doing much later anyway!”

“Okay, let’s go then!”

“Ohhhhhhh… so THAT’S why you looked so weird and kept looking back there! I though I saw a karate guy before I saw you!” Maki laughed as she sipped her iced tea.

“Yeah… when I thought I saw him… my heart missed a beat and then it just kept beating faster and faster,” Chun-Li sighed, digging through her noodles with her chopsticks.

‘Why didn’t you just call out to him or run after him? I would’ve understood!”

“I… I just froze up… I didn’t know what to do… I wasn’t even sure it was him!”

“Well, I KNOW I saw some guy dressed in a white gi and red bandanna, holding a duffel bag! Who else COULD it be? And if you’re not completely sure, go ask Master Gen! He’d probably know if the greatest fighter in the world is here in Hong Kong!”

“I suppose you’re right. Maybe I’ll ask him right after lunch but then I’d be leaving you all alone!”

“Oh, don’t worry! I’ll probably return to the hotel in a couple of hours anyway! We can hang out ‘til then!”

“Hehe! Ok!” Both Chun-Li and Maki finished up their lunches, paid the bill, and headed out back to the street.

The two women walked down the sidewalk, their arms filled with bags full of clothes. Many young men passing by them gave them more-than-long-enough looks. Maki smiled back at them while Chun-Li tired her best to ignore them.

“Hehe what’s wrong Chun? It’s all part of the fun getting looks from guys!” Maki laughed.

Chun-Li looked down at the ground, “I don’t know. I just don’t like it when a guy just ‘checks me out’. I want a guy to look at me for who I am, not just how I look…”

Maki smiled, “You’re hoping that Ryu can look at you like that don’t you?”

Chun-Li’s heart missed another beat. “Y-Yes, but I don’t know if he even THINKS about… love.”

“Well, you’re just gonna have to MAKE him think about it! You’ve got charm, Chun. If you use that charm, there’s no way he can resist you!”

“That is… if I can ever find him…”

“You will find him! I know you will! Believe in fate, Chun! Fate will bring you two together and keep you together forever!”

“You’re always so positive, Maki,” Chun-Li smiled, “but I never believed in fate… but I guess a woman can still hope.”

“Don’t worry. One way or another, I just know you’ll end up with him. You love him so much that I can’t see how he couldn’t accept you! But one thing I gotta tell you… once you find him… don’t ever let him outta your sight. Grab hold of him and never let him go! The more you’re in contact with him; the more he’ll feel comfortable being with you. Then the two of you can freely exchange your feelings with one another!”

“But… when will I know when I can tell him how I feel?”

“You will know. Your heart will tell you.”

Chun-Li closed her eyes and held her bags close against her chest. “I sure hope so…”

“Hey… I’m just wondering… what do you really see in that guy anyway?” Maki asked.

“Ryu… he… he’s so nice… with calm eyes… very gentle… single-minded… and sooo naïve and shy. I guess it’s his shyness mainly that attracts me. I know there’s a heart beneath that hardened fighter shell that wants to touch someone. And I want to be that person that helps him discover his own heart… and be the person that he touches with it.” Chun-Li answered, holding her items close to her heart.

Maki sighed, “Wow… what a guy…well, we still got about a half-hour before I should be going back to Guy and Rina, so let’s not waste time! Let’s clean out whatever’s left to be cleaned!” Maki speeded up her pace as she began to quickly run down the street completely swamped with stores.

“Okay, but wait for me!” Chun-Li called out, following close behind.

********

Chapter 6 - Favors

What a crowded city. Ryu thought as he walked through the streets. Left and right he looked, and saw numerous people, cars, bicycles, and an endless chain of stores along the sidewalks. Easily sticking out from the crowd, Ryu also received many looks from the people passing him. It was unusual seeing a Japanese man dressed in his uniform walking through the crowded city of Hong Kong. Even some young women passing by gave him warm smiles. Ryu merely blushed and kept walking straight.

The sound of students training could be heard as Ryu finally reached his destination. He entered the dojo waiting room and observed the class. Such unique fighting styles. Taking on the forms of creatures of nature. Perhaps, I shall learn the basics of this style one day  he thought to himself. In the front of the class, he saw Grand Master Gen, old, but still healthy and in top fighting condition. It was only a few minutes until Gen realized he had a visitor and when he finally saw who it was, he immediately turned to one of his aides to relieve him and take over.

Ryu smiled as Gen headed in his direction and bowed before him when he approached. “Grand Master, it is the greatest honor to see you again,” Ryu said respectfully.

Gen put a hand on Ryu’s shoulder and laughed. “Grand Master? My son, you have forgotten how much we, elder warriors, dislike being reminded of our old age?”

Smiling, Ryu replied, “My deepest apologies. But indeed you are no doubt a Grand Master and it would be of disrespect to call you otherwise.”

“Your honor never leaves you, my young warrior. But first, let us go into my office and catch up on things!”

“Of course, Gran…” Ryu paused, “er… Master.”

Gen’s office was filled with various weapons, trophies gained from his younger years, and pictures of numerous people. Ryu noticed an autographed picture of Fei Long, his grandsons Yun and Yang, who were currently in the dojo training, and vaious other students who trained under the great Grand Master.

“Have a seat, my son,” Gen said as he sat behind his desk.

Ryu nodded and pulled out the seat across from the desk and sat down.

“So, young Ryu,” Gen started, “what brings you here to Hong Kong?”

“Well Master, after seeing Fei Long’s new movie in the United States, I was reminded how long it has been since I have been here.” Ryu answered.

“Ah, so you saw ‘Flying Dragon II’? By far, the best sequel ever made. So you just saw the movie and just decided to fly here?”

“I knew you were here training students, so I decided to pay my respects to you. You were after all, one of my late master’s greatest allies.”

“I have gotten over that some time ago, but I still feel that this… departure… was unjust. During the last tournament, I failed to find Akuma”

“Ah, I heard all about your victory against Gill. He was definitely a powerful opponent.”

“But I still did not find Akuma… However, during the battles I fought… I DID sense his evil presence. But I just could not find him anywhere!”

“Akuma is an elusive one, Ryu. I fear that he has been watching you… observing how you fight. He wants to see your full potential. I can only assume he hasn’t presented himself to you because there’s more he wants to see.”

Ryu looked at Gen in awe. “But… I was nearly defeated by Gill. I did indeed use all I had in order to defeat him!”

“Maybe. But perhaps, Ryu, you have more power within you that has not been unleashed. This is the power Akuma seeks.”

Trembling, Ryu looked down at the floor. “But I… I cannot! I know Akuma only ants me to… discover my evil intent! I mustn’t! It is not a warrior’s way to fight with evil…”

Gen reached over and put his hands on Ryu’s shoulders. “Do not worry, my son. As a… Grand Master… I know that you are one of the strongest willed warriors I have ever witnessed in all my years of fighting and teaching. I know that you are strong enough never to give into Akuma’s words.”

“Perhaps. But…. Deep in the recesses of my body, I know there IS untapped power I have not yet unleashed… I really can fell it.”

Looking down at Ryu, Gen gently said, “I know too, Ryu. Like Akuma, I too know that there IS indeed more power within you that you have not yet realized. But Akuma wants you to unleash it quickly and realize how much devastation you can truly deal. I, on the other hand, believe there is a way you can harness your true power, but without giving into evil.”

Puzzled, Ryu asked, “Without giving into evil?”

Gen leaned back in his chair. “Ryu, we all have evil sides within ourselves; you, me, my students, my grandchildren – all of us. Sometimes, anger is what makes us powerful. When we become angry and use it to battle… we lose ourselves in the anger itself. But since you are one capable of channeling pure energy throughout yourself, the anger you use could turn the energy into evil energy. Satsui No Hado… if you choose to fight angrily too much… Satsui No Hado may eventually consumer you. That is exactly what happened to Akuma.”

“Akuma… his hate for his master and his brother… my master… made him… a … a DEMON!”

“I KNOW, Ryu. And he’s only using Gouken’s defeat to anger you. To make you remember how close he was to you so you can use your anger when you fight him. But I know that you are strong enough not to give into this.”

“But what can I do, Master? I f I ever face him… I know all I’ll think about is Master Gouken…”

“Be strong, Ryu. There is a way to find your power without giving into your hate. And once you unleash your power in this way… you’ll be free to use it without ever worrying about Satsui No Hado.”

“Master! You must tell me! I need to know how!”

Gen frowned, “Sorry my young warrior. But the answer lies within you, and your must find it yourself.”

Disappointed, Ryu could only say, “I… I see.”

Gen kept his hand on Ryu’s shoulder. “Do not fear! The answer may be closer than you think!”

Just then, the door to the office opened. “Um… sifu? Are you…” the woman who opened the door completely froze.

Ryu froze as well as he couldn’t believe his eyes. He looked at Gen, and back at the woman. He looked back at Gen and looked past his shoulders to see a picture of the same woman on top of a cabinet behind him.

“Chun-Li? I thought I gave you the day off? What brings you back here?” Gen asked, not aware of what was going on between the two younger people.

Chun-Li gasped. “R… Ryu…! It… it really IS you!” Her heart suddenly speeded up as if a lover had returned from a long voyage to the woman he loves.

“China… Chun-Li…I…I never thought I’d see you here! You… train under Master Gen now?” he asked as he stood up.

Chun-Li didn’t answer. She only ran up to Ryu and wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly.

“Ch-Chun-Li…! I…” Ryu suddenly stopped in his words as he felt Chun-Li’s body tightly against him. He could feel the firmness of her breasts lightly press up again his chest, and he began to tremble. He blushed heavily, and in response to the feelings, he wrapped his arms around her waist to hug her back, pressing her body even deeper against his.

…I…I’m… finally in the strong arms of the man I…

“Interesting. I was unaware the two of you knew each other this much!” Gen finally said, interrupting Chun-Li’s thoughts.

Shocked, Chun-Li immediately let go of Ryu and blushed in embarrassment. “Oh! I’m… I’m so sorry, Ryu! I-It’s just that I haven’t seen you for a long time and I-“ she stammered.

Ryu, feeling a small tingle on his chest where Chun-Li’s breasts once were, was blushing as well. ”It… it’s ok!”

Gen, knowing both Ryu’s and Chun-Li’s questions finally said. “Chun-Li, Ryu is here visiting Hong Kong to pay his respects to me. And Ryu, yes, Chun-Li has been training under me for quite a while and has already mastered the arts of both the praying mantis and the crane! She came to me after the second Street Fighter tournament after Bison’s defeat and decided to teach other students not to use revenge as a motive for fighting. And she has done her job well.”

“Oh… I see,” Both Ryu and Chun-Li said simultaneously. They both looked at each other, still embarrassed and laughed again.

“So Ryu, where are you planning on staying?” Gen asked,

“Well master, I guess I’ll just stay at a hotel for to-“

“No!” Chun-Li interrupted. “Why waste your money on a hotel when you… you can stay at my place?!”

“But Chun-Li! I can not impose upon you!” Ryu said in an honorable manner.

“No no no! It’s no problem, Ryu! Really! And by staying at my place, I can show you around the city easier!”

“But wouldn’t it be inconvenient for a man to be in a woman’s sanctuary-“

“Ryu!” Gen interrupted. “Have you forgotten that it is ungrateful to refuse a favor?”

Ryu, completely caught off guard, lowered his head, “Indeed, I have forgotten. You are quite right, Master.” Ryu looked back at Chun-Li accidentally focusing straight into her brown eyes. He was completely dazzled by how her eyes had a certain sparkle. They’re so beautiful! I could stare at them forever…he thought. Not wanted to be too focused for too long, Ryu broke out of his daydream and finally said. “Okay, I’ll go with you back to your place, Chun-Li. Thank you so much for the offer.”

Chun-Li smiled happily. “Yay! Then let’s go! There’s so much I want to talk to you about!” She grabbed hold of Ryu’s arm, pulling him quickly out of Gen’s office.

“Wait! Chun-Li!” Gen called out. “You never told me why you came to see me!”

“Oh… well sifu, I just wanted to ask if you saw Ryu! And I guess I know the answer now!” she playfully replied.

Smiling, Gen said, “Ah, well then, feel free to take the day off tomorrow and any other day you wish to spend with him!”

“Really? Oh sifu, thank you soooo much!” Chun-Li squeezed Ryu’s arm even harder.

“Ow…” Ryu winced.

“Oops! Sorry!” Chun-Li excitedly said as she rubbed the part where she squeezed.

“You two have a good time now, you hear?” Gen yelled out as Chun-Li and Ryu left the dojo.

“Oh we will, sifu! We will!” Chun-Li yelled back, pulling Ryu to her apartment as fast as she could.

Gen went back into the training area to relieve his aide. As he continued to instruct his students he thought to himself. Ryu… perhaps you have found the answer already…

********

Chapter 7 - Emotions 
 

The door opened, and Ryu and Chun-Li walked in the apartment. Chun-Li turned on the lights and headed for the refrigerator. “Need something to drink? Must’ve been a long flight!” she asked.

“Sure, I can definitely use refreshment.” Ryu answered as he set down his duffel bag. He observed his surroundings of the place he’d be spending for the night and perhaps the following nights. Chun-Li had a small, nicely decorated kitchen, and neatly organized living room complete with a high quality entertainment center, futon and other miscellaneous furniture. Definitely a woman’s place Ryu thought.

“Iced tea ok, Ryu?” Chun-Li asked.

“Iced tea is perfect,” Ryu said. He walked towards the door to Chun-Li’s bedroom and took a peek inside. He took notice of trophies, and hanging on the wall, her blue Chinese uniform she wore during the second Street Fighter tournament. Ryu smiled to himself. Very rare to see such a powerful female warrior. Below her uniform was a nightstand which had a large picture of a man, with candles around it.

“That’s my father,” Chun-Li quietly said, as she handed a cup of iced tea to a started Ryu.

“He must’ve been a very important man,” Ryu replied. He was still a little shaken at how Chun-Li was able to approach him without him sensing her. She definitely did not intend on approaching me with stealth… yet she was still able to do it… and so easily and gracefully…he thought.

“Yes, he was,” Chun-Li weakly said, “but… thanks to you, he is finally justified, and I have so much to thank you for that!”

Ryu smiled, “I’m just grateful you are happy. I require nothing more from you.”

Chun-Li made a twisted smile and poked Ryu in the chest. “Well, one way or another big guy, I’m gonna repay you. I promise!” She continued to playfully poke at Ryu’s chest until he finally pushed away her arm and backed away from her.

Blushing, Ryu ran a hand through the back part of his hair. “O-okay, if you must insist! Just don’t go overboard!” Ryu slowly sipped at his iced tea and continued looking inside Chun-Li’s room. He saw many bags filled with clothes next to a full sized bed. She must shop a lot…Ryu though as he took another sip, and that bed… definitely enough for more than one person. Ryu shook quickly as he realized what was going through his head. Why was I thinking that…?

“Don’t worry, Ryu. I’ll find a nice way to repay you! So how ‘bout we sit down and chat a bit?” Chun-Li offered, as she sat down on her futon, patting the empty space right next to her.

“S-Sure,” Ryu said, getting his thoughts together. He walked over to the futon and sat about a foot’s distance to where Chun-Li sat.

“I heard about your battle with Gill. You almost… almost…” Chun-Li started.

“It happens. But miracles happen too, Chun-Li,” Ryu finished as he took another sip.

“I’m just glad you’re all right! I get worried abut you sometimes… worried that one day when you go into battle with some unknown opponent… you may not win.”

“That is all a part of the fight,” Ryu smiled. “Seeing how powerful you truly are as you battle more and more powerful opponents!”

“Oh Ryu, you are just too much!” Chun-Li laughed. “So after you won the tournament, what did you do?”

“I went back to the States to see Ken again. He’s the same as usual, but he’s so much more focused now on his family more than anything. I just hope that it doesn’t affect his training…”

“It won’t! When there are people you love so much, you’ll think about them all the time when you fight! Like how I always thought of Father every time I fought! You… you think of your late master, don’t you?”

Ryu finished his tea, placed the cup on the coffee table, and looked down, “Yes, during each and every fight. Before fighting a powerful opponent, I always look up in the sky telling him that if I lose, I’ll be joining him.”

“NO! Don’t even think that!” Chun-Li shrieked, “You mustn’t think like that Ryu! If… if you lose, then you’ll be leaving so many people!” Ryu looked up at Chun-Li, realizing he said the wrong choice of words, “Ken… Guy… Gen sifu… and… many other… will all be so sad if you ever leave them! You have admirers all around the entire world! The planet will weep…” A tear began to form in Chun-Li’s eye.

“I’m… I’m sorry if I upset you, Chun-Li,” Ryu said apologetically, “I never realized that I meant so much to more than just the people I know.”

Chun-Li wiped her eye, and smiled. “It’s okay, Ryu. Just the thought of losing a… friend… just tears me apart.”

“Don’t worry, Chun-Li. I won’t ever leave this planet… not while Akuma still eludes me.” Ryu said as he clenched his fist.

“You didn’t find him during the tournament?”

“No… but I knew he was there. I felt his evil aura… as if he was watching me.”

“Oh my… and you couldn’t find him?”

“He was hiding from me. I’m sure I only would’ve found him if he allowed me to. But he was probably just hiding…watching to see how much power I’d use when I would fight… seeing if I’d unleash Satsui No Hado.” Ryu brought his head down and his hands to his knees.

“Satsui no Hado?” Chun-Li asked, completely curious.

“It’s… the evil power that can be used to increase the power of the pure energy I use. If I fight using anger, then the power of it will channel through my energy tapping body… increasing my power… to levels I fear I won’t be able to control…”

“But in your battles, you fight with complete skill, not anger! You once told that to Sagat after beating him again in the second tournament!”

“I know… but if I ever fight with Akuma… I’ll just remember what he did to Master. I want to kill him… but that’s exactly what he wants out of me.”

“How come he wants you? He can’t find another person?”

“Because the energy I use in battle… tis’ the only type of energy that can be affected by Satsui no Hado. Ken and I were the last people trained to channel that type of energy. Ken can not tap his energy as well as I can so that’s why Akuma wants only me.”

Chun-Li was wide-eyed through the entire conversation. “Wow…”

“I just hope I don’t ever have to submit to Satsui no Hado… but I know when I face Akuma, I’ll just be thinking of Master.” Ryu brought his head down further.

Chun-Li moved closer to him, putting her hand on his hand, which was resting on his knee. “I know you’re very strong, Ryu. And I know you won’t ever give into your evil side. You are such a gentle person to do so,” she said gently.

Ryu nearly jumped at the warm touch of her gentle hand. “Ch… Chun-Li…” Was all he could say…

Again, she moved over to get closer to him, and Ryu didn’t move. She smiled and decided to move even closer to be right next to him, wondering how close she can get before he begins to move back. Ryu noticed that she was doing this… but he still didn’t move. His hand was completely warmed by hers, and he sniffed the air and could smell a sweet scent coming from her hair. Her… her scent…he thought, completely forgetting what he was talking about earlier… her hair… smells so… clean and fresh…” Ryu couldn’t quite understand the sort of effect Chun-Li was having over him. Her presence seemed to weaken him… something he’s never felt before in the presence of anyone else. He felt her hand his gently and he began to blush a bright shade of red.

“What’s wrong?” Chun-Li said softly. She used her other hand and reached up to touch Ryu’s cheek. “You’re blushing profusely…” She stared straight into his eyes and for the first time, she saw emotion in them. His pupils were wide, and his body was lightly trembling. He was in fear… he was completely nervous… and Chun-Li… losing herself in what she was doing… continued to advance on him. “You’re sweating too…” She gently used a finger and wiped off a bead of sweat near his cheek bone, and continued to touch his cheek with her warm palm.

Ryu didn’t do anything… he’d become completely lost in her advances. He continued to sit… letting her do whatever she wanted and was… enjoying it. For the first time ever in his life, he’d never felt this warm feeling that was going through him. His heart was racing and he began to feel weak and faint. His eyes never left Chun-Li’s… he couldn’t release himself from her beautiful gaze. He’d become hers…

“Oh…” Chun-Li finally said in a rather seductive voice. “your heart.. it’s beating so fast…” She moved her hand from his cheek, and put it on his bare chest, beneath the folds of his gi. She could feel his heart pounding, almost threatening to explode. The firmness of his chest almost made her want to completely pounce on him. But she decided to take her time…

Ryu didn’t know much longer he could hold back. He was lost in the feeling she was giving, and he didn’t know whether he should stop her… or join in. He’s never felt these type of feelings before… these feelings of passion. He saw her as a good friend, and he didn’t expect that she felt this deeply for him.

But tonight… he began to see her as much more than just a friend now. She’s shown her feelings for him without words… by just action alone… And just as he was getting his thoughts together, he felt Chun-Li’s hand move from his chest, and onto on his shoulder. Her hand that was on top of his squeezed it even tighter and she pulled him closer to her. Her mouth opened slightly and her lips drew closer and closer to his with each moment. He felt himself moving closer too, and he could feel the heat of her warm breath against his lips.

“Ryu…” Chun-Li slowly said…

Ryu moved even closer… but out of sheer will power… he lowered his head and turned it to the side… “Ch… Chun-Li… we… we mustn’t.”

Chun-Li felt her heart sink a little. “Oh… Ryu… but I…”

Looking for words to say, Ryu blurted, “I’m… s-sorry… I… I’ve only been here for one day… and… I…”

Squeezing his hand again, Chun-Li interrupted, “Oh… don’t apologize, Ryu… I should be the one who’s sorry. I was seducing you… and I got lost in what I was doing… I’m so sorry” Chun-Li began to almost… cry… the physical moments were gone… but the emotions were not.

“Please don’t think I hate you, Chun-Li… I really don’t. I like you as a friend… but tonight… I…” Ryu paused.

“You…?” Chun-Li asked eagerly waiting for him to answer.

“I… I don’t know… I just need more time with myself to sort out my feelings… I’ve just never experienced these types of moments…” he fumbled.

A tear escaped Chun-Li’s eye. “Ryu… if you feel at all uncomfortable with me or what I did… you can leave me if you want… I’ll understand.”

“No! I’m not uncomfortable at all… I… I just want to see… my true feelings for you. This was all so sudden… and I just want to be absolutely sure about what I feel about you.”

Chun-Li smiled through her tears. He… he doesn’t hate met! She thought, I just wonder… what his… true feelings are… I just hope they are what I think they are…

Ryu wiped away the tears running down Chun-Li’s cheek and put his finger underneath her chin. “Maybe… maybe we should just call it a night then.”

“S-sure…”she said as she slowly stood up and took Ryu’s empty cup to the sink.

“I suppose I’ll sleep here…” Ryu said, but Chun-Li interrupted him.

“No… sleep in my room. You had a long flight!”

“But I can’t impose on-“

“Have you forgotten? It’s ungrateful to refuse a favor!”

Caught off guard again, Ryu looked down, smiling “You are quite right. Thank you so much.”

Ryu took his duffel bag and walked into her bedroom, looking back at her as he entered. As he looked into her eyes, he remembered the conversation he first had with Ken when he first arrived in San Francisco. Ken… he thought, perhaps you were right. I just hope… hope I don’t lose her.

“Good night, Chun-Li,” he said aloud.

Chun-Li looked back at him, seeing that he was thinking about something. Thinking about her. Her heart warmed, and she reached up and held her hands at her chest. “Good night, Ryu.”

Ryu walked in the bedroom and closed the door behind him.

Unfolding the futon, Chun-Li thought deeply about what happened tonight. She knows now that she has a chance to enter Ryu’s heart. And she knows now that she truly loves him. Everything on her mind ever since the end of the second Street Fighter tournament was about him. She would anything and everything for him. She truly wanted to let him see that there’s so much more to life than just the fight. She wanted to show him love… and receive his love in return. She knew, deep down within him, he have a huge heart that was waiting to be opened up to someone. She just hoped that gentle heart could be hears.

Finishing unfolding the futon out, she pulled up a blanket and slowly tucked herself in. She reached up and turned out the light. Resting her head on the pillow, she slowly closed her eyes, thinking of nothing but Ryu.

Oh Ryu… at least now I know… there is a chance for us.