"So, are you two going down to Ken's new dojo now? I thought it wasn't open yet!" demanded Eliza, who didn't like them going off and talking about fights, while she and Sakura stayed at home, waiting for them to return.
"I know dear, but our two assistants will need our help for for getting started. Besides, most of them paid to see the Great Ken Masters in action!" Ken said, only half-trying to hide his smile.
"Yes, but a lot of them are also wanting to learn from Ryu as well!" added Sakura.
Under his breath, Ken mumbled something that sounded like "...why'd you have to spoil my fun?"
They all laughed, although it took Ken a few seconds to go along.
"I can understand Sean, Ken. He does have capabilities, and is willing to learn. I just don't know about Dan."
Sakura was trying not to sound too critical, yet it was obvious, even to Eliza.
"I know, Sakura, but remember what we learned a while back. There was a lot that had happened to him, and his mind had been so clouded with a quest for Sagat's blood, that he just couldn't think straight. When he nearly got his head handed to him, he felt he had failed his father, and it tore him apart. Imagine what it was like before I learned about it, when he was alone, his soul tormented by the thought that he had failed his own father. It probably was the worst experience in his life. Now that we've helped him out, he has gotten better.
"Well...at least he doesn't suck anymore!"
As the words came out of his mouth, Eliza slapped Ken across the face.
"You should be ashamed of yourself, Ken Masters!"
"I didn't mean it like that! I just meant that while he's not a world class fighter like Ryu or myself, he can put up a much better fight! Honest!"
"While I'm glad you weren't insulting Dan, it's the way you said it! Did you know that some of that stuff that you've said, Mel has been repeating! At first, I thought it was mostly tv! Now, I know where most of it has been coming from!"
As Eliza continued to scold Ken for the bad influence he had had on Mel, and what was to be done about it, Ryu and Sakura quietly excused themselves, and went to walk in the forest that had surrounded the mansion.
After a while, Sakura began, "I still don't see why I can't come along too! I'm a good fighter (although it took you nearly forever to say so)! Why can't I come with you and Ken?"
After several minutes of stalling, Ryu answered, "Well, someone should be here with Eliza. Not just all the servants, but some one she can actually talk with."
"Don't tell me that! I know there's something else! I know you better than that! What is it? ...Oh!"
Sakura looked into his eyes, and as if by telepathy, she knew what it was. Several years ago, she had left Dan a letter. She had left him to find a real master. In addition, she left a long list of insults for him to read! Suffice to say, he has kept away from her. While she has also kept away, it has been due to her love for Ryu.
"I guess I was rather hard on him. But I was young, cocky, and reckless. I'm not anything like that!"
"True, but does he know that?"
Ken called for Ryu, and he kissed her goodbye. Usually, she was light as air when he kissed her. This time, she was like a corpse.
As they approached the dojo, Ryu stopped. Ken stopped, and looked at Ryu questioningly.
"When we go in, you and Sean get started. I need to talk to Dan, alone!"
"Sure, pal! I hope it isn't too severe."
"I..." and Ryu walked in through the door.
Ken followed, and they saw Dan and Sean in a sort of wrestling match on one of the mats. They both stopped, and stood at attention for Ken and Ryu. Ryu told Dan to follow him, and Ken told Sean to help him set up.
Ryu told Dan about what he and Sakura had talked about before he had arrived, and Dan looked uncomfortable the longer he went on. He finished by reminding Dan that he had offered to help him when no body else cared. In return, he asked him to simply try and make peace with Sakura. He'd ask her to do the same. Dan said he'd consider it.
It was still 30 minutes before they officially opened, so Ken and Ryu sparred, while Sean and Dan did. Each had made exceptional progress, though to a casual observer, there would appear to be none. Sean and Dan still looked like they had a few years ago. Their changes weren't significant, but were noticeable to those who fought them.
Sean still hadn't developed a fireball. His Dragon Punch, on the other hand, had small flames that would emerge on occasion. They would also leave small burn marks on their targets. His hurricane kick was also faster, though not as fast as Ken's.
Dan also had numerous improvements himself. While his fireball still lacked range, it would now yield an effect not unlike Guy's. There also appeared something like small sparks of electricity from them. His fly kick was still slow, but it was now stronger, making it easier to stun a foe. His Dragon Punch needed work, as Sean's fireball did.
Just as suddenly as they started, all froze, for they felt auras' of two men they had not flet for years.
At the main entrance was Akuma.
From the back entrance was Sagat.
©1999
Legends
Ready; Fight!
The Ladies In Paris