Part 1

Part 1

Part 1
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Part 1 - "Our Past, Present, and Future"

Bison's POV
Was this the same girl?
How long was it when I saw her last? She was only a child in that stormy night. Out of all the people that I've destroyed, of all the lives I had shattered over the years, curiously, she stood out. It was perhaps a decade ago when I came into her village, to flex my military muscles, to challenge the local government and police, and to exert my dominance. I led my men to destroy and plunder, to leave nothing unturned. And there was a mere child, in the storm, sheets of rain coming down on us both. She was kneeling next to her parents, in grief and fear. But when she heard me approach her, she stood up and gazed at me. I could feel an anger and an understanding beyond what a mere child could feel. Her stormy eyes studied me in hatred. I reached out and grabbed her arm - and she wrenched it away.

"One day, I will kill you," she said calmly. Then she walked away.
What a precocious child.
Her grey eyes looked the same. But she had transformed into an exquisite creature. I studied her at length. She had fine chiseled features of a goddess, and she carried her willowy body in a proud stance. Even Vega, my right-hand man of my empire, would've been moved by her.
Her eyes burned into mine. She was challenging me. Young people are so foolish. She must've been no more than 25.
"You're so young," I said. I gave her a warning, partially wishing she would take it. Maybe sometime in the future, I thought, she'd be stronger. It would be a more interesting fight. I could feel her chi. Her strength was still green. The potential was there, yet immature, ready to still grow and mature.
"I can see you recognize me." Her voice was soft and calm. It surprised me somewhat. I straightened out my jacket. I had just gotten this suit made in Italy, of the finest cloth. I winced at the thought of it being dirtied. And important dinner with the powerful land owners here was in less than two hours.
I smiled at her. She was boiling, but even so, she managed to have her anger look charming. It was probably her youth. I'd forgotten, perhaps, what it was like to see a woman so ardently reach for a goal and believe in it with every fiber of her being. The passion was unlike any other. The women I spent time with now were unmemorable, useless. She stood out like a star and that was refreshing.
"You're so young," I repeated. Unlike what most believe of me, I do pity people. I just choose to not let it get in the way of decision making. And I pitied her, a woman so unique, so beautiful. She was like a wild skittish horse that either needed to be set free or put down. I pitied that I might have to put her down.
"I've never forgotten."
"You flatter me."
"I've never forgotten your cowardice. You picked on people who couldn't fight back. The best of warriors challenge their equals. That's what you call courage."
I lifted a brow. She had said this calmly, candidly, as if we were discussing the weather. For a second, I felt a flash of anger. Then amusement.
"You say you're my equal?" I couldn't help but sneer a bit.
"I'm saying I'm not a coward." The calm light voice.
She was dressed in black form fitting uniform, her black hair tied to a neat ponytail. I stepped closer. Her grey eyes were framed with long black fringes. Clear skin, full lips, high cheekbones, and feline brooding eyes... it would be unfortunate to break any of that. Or her charming passionate spirit.
We stood still for a long time, the both of us, sizing each other up. We were on top of the building, the gentle wind blowing at us.
"Ready?" I taunted. I straightened out my suit. It would be a shame for it to get dirtied, but the fight that was about to unfold in front of me was just too intriguing to pass up.
Then she rushed at me with a speed that I could not anticipate. I thought I had correctly gauged her energy. But they were focused, precise. Her concentration was astonishing. She sped at me with a force and then, jumping into the air, swung her legs around, hitting my arms I had raised in defense - hard. Then backflipping, she hit my elbows, and twisting around again, she kicked my back shoulder. I stumbled, caught myself before I fell.
I looked at her sharply. Was it the same girl? She was still green, her potential powers still to be matured. But I had not counted on how focused her concentration would be in every single kick, every punch. Pain throbbed at the areas she had hit.
I pushed aside a twinge of worry. She was only a girl. She stood still for a moment - staring at me with that cold expression - the same cold expression of her childhood. I straightened myself up slowly.
She rushed at me again. This time, she swung her leg around to trip me. I backflipped, and suddenly - out of nowhere - I felt a heavy pain on my shoulder again. She had managed to get above me and swing her leg down with a force of chi that I didn't feel until that split second. This time, I fell on the ground, quickly rolling away.
This had gone far enough. I felt an anger, annoyance, and sudden realization that she was a threat. I straighted out my shirt. It was smudged.
"This is a foolish game," I said, almost sneering. She was strong, but as I had said before, still green. Yes, I had underestimated her by quite a lot. I never said she had the potential to match me.
"Then I'll take it more seriously," she said. There was a slight smile on her full lips. She gazed at me almost curiously.
I rushed at her. She flipped back, avoiding a hit. But flipping over her, I managed to hold her momentarily by the shoulders - and with the chi wrapped over my arm, released a powerful punch. She let out a yelp, managed to twist away. Without a beat, I wrapped my whole body with my chi - and rushed at her - diving into the air with a speed that surprised her. She barely missed it.
We stood still again. She knew I was toying with her now. She had surprised me - but there was no denying what she was up again. I smiled at her now. I reveled at a flicker of worry I saw dashing through her features.
"Miss Chun li," I said. She flinched as I said her name. I rearranged my cufflinks, and sighed. "I've known you've been following me for a few months. And now I see you and see you were the same little girl from that village just a few years ago."
"It was 13 years ago and 3 months," she replied icily.
"Ah. Time does fly, doesn't it?"
Words have a way to getting to people that physical touch cannot. She kept her anger at bay, but it was hard, I could tell. She wanted to attack me - her eyes said it all. I couldn't help but be charmed again by her passion.
"Now you know I'm after you," she finally said, "I wanted you to know."
"Tell me Chun li, what should I do with you? Should you share the same fate as your parents? If I'm still in a good mood as I am now, maybe I shall let you go," I pretended to hesitate. "But here's the dilemma. You're too much of a threat to set free and too beautiful to kill. I find that I may have no choice to take you in, to watch over you. Now I own many fine racing horses. And there are some beautiful horses that are too high spirited. Many need to be broken but too frequently, they lose their spirit."
She stayed silent.
"The trick is," I said, taking a step towards her, "how do you tame one and yet maintain its spirit?"
Again, she said nothing. Her mind was probably reeling at the implication of my words. She was caught wanting to flee and wanting to rush back towards me with all the fight she had left. And I was enjoying myself for the first time in a long while - the amusing scene of a beautiful too-young woman being a challenge and even a threat made for an interesting time. I suddenly wanted to possess her, to bring this high-spirited grey-eyed girl under my control.
"With kindness, compassion, and love," she finally replied. She looked at me straight in the eye. For a moment or two, there was nothing. Then suddenly, she sprinted away.
I dashed after her, using my chi, charged towards her, barely grasping her arm. She stumbled, then twisting around, she cartwheeled, barely missing me. I swung around, grabbing her knee, tripping her. She fell, but swung her legs at me, again barely missing. She was very good. Just not as good.
She flipped back, breathing hard. I came at her with full force, wrapping my fists with my chi. It created a shadowy blue wisp around my hands. With a small cry on her lips, she flipped over me, but still felt it. She landed on her feet, but then fell to one knee in surprise and exhaustion. She swiftly looked at me, narrowing her eyes.
"What was that?" she whispered.
"Come with me," I said instead, reaching a hand out, "the past is the past. We can be a team that will be truly invincible."
"I truly hate you," she replied, standing up. Then as if she changed her mind, she sprinted towards me, her feet aimed at my chest. It made impact, and her foot kicked again - and again - it was a speed unlike anything I've ever experienced before.
Then before I could shake her off, she flipped over me, and ... disappeared.
I rushed over to the edge of the building where she dove. She scaled the old building easily, gracefully. Then she paused, looking up at me.
"We'll meet again," I said, more to myself than to her. Then she disappeared in the shadows of the alleyway.
I smiled and straightened out my jacket. I needed to change but I did not so much mind anymore. I had an encounter with an enemy, and although she wasn't my equal, her passion, emotions, and beauty intrigued and moved me.
I called for my helicopter. I looked at where I saw her last shadow. I'll find her, I vowed. Or perhaps, allow myself to be found by her.

Chun li - First Person
It was months ago when I had my second encounter with Bison, the first being one of my childhood. I remembered his face, his ice blue eyes, his strength that chilled me to the bone. He would've been a handsome man if he didn't have that perpetual expresion - something in between a sneer and a grimace - as well as the pure calculated spark of menace behind his eyes. I also remembered the chi that felt so strange, so ancient, and so powerful. It was unlike anything I've experienced or heard about.
Where is he from? I looked at the map where I've marked with pins of his sightings and activities. His empire was vast. He operated heavily in Southeast Asia, in northern China, in mountains in the Middle East, and there were reports he was making inroads to South America and Eastern Europe. His pace was frightening and unprecedented.
Some agents deny his existence, believing he is a story people believe. They theorize his existence lies in many leaders of a vast organized crime network. Others believe his persona is a mere symbolism of a powerful family or families operating the network. Even the ones who believe his existence have a hard time swallowing that he is soley in charge of the empire Shadowlaw.
That's because they've never seen him. They've never seen what he is capable of. They do not realize he has superhuman powers. Powers, I thought, that seem - ancient.
Not only am I interested where he may be from, but his age is something else I've always been puzzled about. His face when I saw him at age 10 was imprinted in my mind. We stood only inches apart before he let me go to fend for myself. I never forgot his face, those ice-blue eyes that seemed calculating and heartless. But seeing him only months ago - he did not seem to age a day. Not even an hour. His body was still youthful, strong, full of power - and yet, how could that be? A fighter's body wears out after his or her prime. They are still powerful - but like a rusty tool, they can no longer challenge the ones that have hit their prime.
His chi, I concluded. He was feeding off his chi and it was nourishing him.
Warriors who have mastered the art of chi channel the energy around them. There is energy in all of the world and by understanding the nature of the universe, we can wisely use the energy that flows and makes all of us. Bison's however, I mused, seemed to only contain a negative sort of energy. Rather than being a force, I strangely felt a sensation of coldness and hotness that drained at my own energy. If I didn't know any better, I would say there was some wizardry at work.
My cell phone rang. Charlie Nash.
"Hey," I said, still typing away reports on my computer.
"I have chocolates and wine at my place," he replied. I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but laugh. Charlie, a special operations agent, and I met at a previous mission. As soon as that leg of the mission was completed, he made it no secret of his interest in me. I had no time to start a relationship, nor was I particularly enthusiastic of starting one with him - but he was persistent. And I gave in later, and why not? He was handsome, confident, and understood my career. We started an exclusive, yet slow paced, relationship.
"I do have a weakness for chocolates and wine," I admitted, still typing away.
"Are you working?"
I stopped, knowing he got annoyed when I did that. "No."
"Come over. I have something to share with you anyways. News."
"Um..." I said, thinking I really should get more work done.
"C'mon, I don't want to share this over the phone."
"Alright," I said.
"Great," he said cheerfully, "I'll start on dinner too."
He hung up before I had a chance to reply. Reluctantly, I finished what I was doing and shut down my computer. Suddenly, my thoughts drifted to a man - a man I haven't seen in years. Shaking my head, I forced that from my mind before my imagination ran off, and headed out the door.

Charlie First Person
"Smells good," Chun li said as she stepped in to my home. I had some pasta going. She was carrying some groceries as well.
"Bread and cheese, and some fruit," she explained as she saw me eyeing the bag. She smiled lightly, kissing my cheek. She smelled of lotus oil, her favorite scent. She stepped back and gazed at me. That feline stare always drove me crazy.
I gathered her in my arms and pulled her close, kissing her deeply. I always missed her. Several months ago, I had received instruction to work closely with a few Interpol agents. My team had groaned at the thought of working with them, but we shut up the moment the agents arrived. Two of them were seasoned men, but the young green agent that followed took everyone's breath away.
Straight black hair, grey eyes, high cheekbones, straight aristocratic nose, and full pouty lips - her features were chiseled as of a goddess. She looked of mostly Asian descent, although not entirely, and she spoke with a strange mix of Asian and European accents. Her posture was proud but her eyes were shy; her mannerisms were aloof yet alluring; her smile was genuine but she spoke curtly, almost as if she'd rather not speak. The paradoxes swam in my head. The moment she rested her gaze at me, I was smitten.
"Din-ner," she softly reminded me as I slowly kissed down her neck.
"Oh right," I said, planting another kiss. I shed her jacket then reluctantly pulled away. She grinned at me shyly, brushing her lips against mine for a quick second before she took her groceries in the kitchen.
"So what news do you have for me?" she asked as she washed her hands and started to carve into the bread and cheese. She offered me a slice, almost as an bait.
"I'll tell you during dinner," I said, stirring the sauce. Sometimes, she could be all-business. It's true that I pursued her relentless, almost shamelessly until she agreed on a date. She never did let me forget she was a dedicated careerwoman though so I guess that was what I had to accept. I started the water to boil.
"How was your day?" she asked.
"Fine. Merlot?"
"Yes, thank you." She cocked her head at me, her eyes curious. Then with a slight smile, as if knowing she wasn't going to get anything from me, she busied herself with washing apples and slicing them.
"I missed you all day," I said, teasingly, wrapping my hands around her. Her curves were delicious. She laughed lightly, then turned around, leaning against the counter. It's hard to concentrate on anything when she's around.
Dinner was ready and she set a perfect table, with all the settings. She had a knack for that, I mused. She did everything in a neat and orderly way. Her apartment was always neat, orderly, and spotless. Even finding a stray writing utensil was nearly impossible in her room.
"Alright," I said, pouring some more wine for her. She looked at me expectantly, "Cheese?" I asked pointing to her pasta dish. She blinked and nodded. I burst out laughing.
"Ok, I'll stop," I said, knowing that the anticipation was killing her. She shrugged nonchalanetly. I took a bite of dinner and grabbed some bread.
"So we'll be working together again," I revealed. She looked up in surprise.
"Are you sure?" she asked, knitting her brows.
"Yeah, I just found out today."
"That means -"
"- yep, Bison."
"Oh..." she leaned back, contemplating. To tell the truth, I had expected a more favorable reaction than that.
"We make a good team, remember?" I reminded her, slowly chewing on my bread.
"Right," she said, hesitently, "I'm just surprised, that's all."
"We'll be together more often," I said, "working on the same project and all. Doesn't that make you happy?"
"Right. I mean, of course it does," she said, "I - well - Charlie..." she hesitated again, pushing her plate away, "do you think it's a good idea that we work together? It can be hard. And..." she hesitated again, "I haven't actually told many people that we're involved, much less my superiors..."
She looked at me, almost with an apologetic, conciliatory expression on her face. I sighed, reaching for her hand.
"You're a worrier," I said, "it's alright, it'll all be fine. It'll just be like the last time, except we're familiar with how we work. It's just a bonus too be seeing you as often as I will. A huge bonus."
"Right?" I hedged, tightening my grip on her hand.
"Right," she said automatically. She then looked at me, squeezing my hand, smiling.
"Well, good," I said, "I thought you might take it worse than that," I teased. She laughed. In truth though, I was disappointed, if not surprised, at her reaction. She was always the cautious type though, wanting to be as prepared as possible, I guess.
Hours later, we lay next to each other side by side in the dark. We had both showered and now were relaxing next to each other - or trying to. I ran my finger over her curves, stopping at her hip.
"You ok?"
"Yes," she whispered. I pushed aside the nagging worry. She seemed to be in deep thought, and a distance that came with it. Even in our lovemaking, I couldn't seem to bridge the gap.
There was a silence for a long time. I pushed aside her damp hair. Even in the dark, I could see her eyes trained on me. Her gaze was beautiful and luminous.
"You ok?" she asked.
"Better than ok," I answered, pulling her close.

Cammy First Person
It was so drab here, if not downright depressing. But it was far better than where I came from, even if I didn't remember where that was very clearly.
Or maybe it was just as bad and depressing, I thought glumly. The grey walls, the shadows followed by the artifical brightness where the fluorescent lights did shine - it just reminded me more of the fragmented pieces of memories I could barely put together. I sighed, wrapping a blanket closer around my shoulders, thinking back to how I came here.
I had been running in the rain before they found me. I just remembered that nothing made sense anymore - that suddenly, I felt free and lost at the same time. I felt bewildered. Who was I? I remembered I had a mission - a goal - but there was a rocking headache, and then I was in a park, under a tree, curled up in fetal position, crying as the rain poured down. A man walking his dog approached me hesitently.
"Do you need help? Are you OK?" he asked, his voice sounding scared. I just jumped up, panicked. Was he here to track me down? To bring me to THAT place? I don't know what made me think those thoughts but I did - and bolted, running and running until I collapsed.
I don't remember what happened next but I remember waking up in a hospital - then to this ward. The doctor told me later I blabbed on and on about being kidnapped by an evil man - a man of superhuman strength, of superpowers, really. My stories were not consistent, he explained. Furthermore, they thought I was crazy because I had claimed to be an assailant, a person brainwashed to work for this superhuman man.
I didn't speak for a week after that, trying to piece together what the doctor informed I said. And little by little, memories started to piece together. Not that I shared it with anyone - these nurses would lock me up here for the rest of my life if I spoke what I had experienced. But what I had said was all true - all very frighteningly true.
"Cammy White," a nurse said crisply. I followed her out slowly. I studied my hair. It was pure blonde - it cheered me up a little. It was the only cheerful color around here. She led me to a room where someone was waiting for me.
Should I have been frightened? Strangers frighten me - but for some reason, this person - even before I saw who it was - comforted me. It was a woman, I could tell. Her presence was warm and genuine. For a second, I choked up. Her presence made me think of one word: family.
"Cammy." Her voice was warm too. I sat down and looked at her. I was surprised - she was young, almost as young as I. She studied me - but not in the way I was used to being studied. Her eyes scanned me, as if she was making sure I was ok. Then she slightly smiled.
"My name is Chun li. I'm a government agent. I read your stories on file and I'm here because I believe you."
I stifled a gasp. Part of me wanted to thank her for believing in me. My heart leapt for joy. Someone believed me!
Part of me wanted to run - to pretend this encounter never happened. That part of my life was over, I thought, I never wanted to go back to it again. I never wanted to remember it again.
"I know this is hard. We can talk whenever you are ready. But I believe you - I believe your stories. Cammy..." she tilted her head, studying me, "I've crossed paths with him too."
I gaped at her. Then, she sighed and leaned forward. She smiled again, but this time, her smile was full of sadness. For a moment, I thought I saw suffering in her eyes, the sort that one gets after a big ordeal. And in that moment, I felt like we bonded. This man put both of us through something - an ordeal that most people could never imagine.
She was very beautiful. But her features were tinged with that sadness. Her grey eyes were soulful, searching, and yet - there was that spark of optimism there.
"I'm so scared," I admitted, not caring that suddenly, I was shedding tears. She quickly dug into her purse and handed me a tissue. I grabbed it, squeezing it against my eyes, trying to dry my tears. It was in vain.
"I remember him - he was frightening. He gave us orders - and I remember just following them. I don't remember what I was thinking - I was just thinking I had to do what he said." I started to cry harder.
"Do you remember what you did for him?" she asked gently.
"Not much," I said, sniffling. She handed me another tissue and I grabbed it gratefully, "I remember at first I was scared. But then that faded. I remember being on top of buildings, watching people. I remember tracking them." I also remembered blood, screams... yet, I pushed that aside my mind. Thinking about that made me ill.
"I remember a doctor," I said softly. Men with labcoats... there were people in a lab. It was very hazy - I could barely make it out. "There was more than one - I think they were scientists actually. I don't remember what they were studying. But I was in a laboratory."
She nodded and gave me some more time to speak.
"I think I disobeyed orders once. It's very faint, I can't remember very well. But I had a headache - and then I ran. His men found me and they brought me back. I remember going to those doctors - they wanted to know what was wrong with me."
"There is nothing wrong with you," she said suddenly, strongly. I looked at her in surprise.
There was silence for a long time.
"I don't remember if I have family or friends. I don't remember much of anything," I said, tears starting again, "but I feel like - I must have a home, right? Everyone does. I want to go home."
That's when she reached over and held my hand. It was comforting - my first real human touch - a touch of compassion - for as far back as I could remember. She squeezed it reassuringly.
"We'll find your home. We'll get you out of here," she promised.

Chun Li's POV
It was 3 months ago when I first met Cammy. Her memory was hazy then, and slowly, in pieces, they returned. It's strange to say this, but I feel like I have a connection with her, an understanding that only people who share a common and great enemy can share. Today, I received an email from her, signed with her code name, updating me of her life. She was now working in the military. Even though she didn't remember much, she was starting to feel better, more alive, more normal. She was still struggling to remember where her home and family were.
But the email she just sent me gave me hope. It was cautiously upbeat. I could feel the optimism from the words. They warmed my heart.
She was a beautiful woman, the only flaw in her face being a large scar, I thought sadly. Her hair was nothing darker than pure gold and she had soulful big blue eyes and a dainty nose. Men would flock towards her if she didn't fight them off distrustfully.
'She'll soon learn to trust again,' I thought.
Speaking of love, I pulled out a photo out of my small journal I kept hidden away. Even though I'd been dating Charlie for months, my heart usually was pulled in another direction. It was something I could not control.
And almost as if on cue, my mobile phone rang.
"How are those big bad military men treating you?" a warm voice greeted me. I instantly felt my mood lighten immediately. Speaking to one of my oldest friends was one of the best cures for stress and that sadness that usually came from pangs of nostalgia.
Ken Masters. One of my best and only friends in the whole wide world. The man who used to try to bait me with his snobbery while developing his flirting skills when he was just a boy - in a land and time that still seemed magical and far off to me. He was now like a brother to me, just like he was soul-brothers with my other friend from my childhood, Ryu.
"Haha," I said to humor him, "I guess a little intimated of me. I hope, at least."
"I bet it's their fantasy come true, to have a beautiful woman bark orders at them."
"I don't give orders!"
"You always had a bossy side..."
"YOU were always the bossy one," I reminded him, laughing. He laughed good-naturedly. We chatted some more, catching up on life. I inquired of his new girlfriend, who he enthusiastically said was a fantastic girl.
"She knows about you, she knows you're like a sister to me. She can't wait to meet you."
I was a little surprised at his excitement. Ken was always a flirty and smooth man, who was both a man's man, and a woman-charmer. He rarely settled with one girl for long and women were drawn to his good-looks, his success, his gentlemanly charm - and that streak of rebellious nature. But this woman Eliza, seemed to have his whole heart. There was that unmistakable note of love in his voice.
"How about you? Any special man?"
"No, not really, too busy I guess," I lied. I hated to lie to him. I still hadn't revealed my relationship with Charlie to anyone. I'm not entirely sure why. For a while, I thought it had only to do with the fact that this relationship might affect our mission if people knew about it. But now, I couldn't pinpoint the reason why I wanted to keep this hidden...
"How is Ryu? Have you heard from him?" I blurted out.
Ken paused for a second. "A few weeks ago," he said gently, "but extremely short. He just let me know where he was, let me know he was OK before he had to hang up."
There was silence and I could tell Ken was allowing me a moment to digest the words.
"He knows that I would tell you," Ken continued, trying to make amends, "and besides, you travel frequently..."
"Oh I know," I answered back with false cheer, "I'm just wondering if he's doing OK. Well, I gotta go but I'll talk to you later?"
"Sure thing Ath," he said fondly, "take care of yourself." Ath was short for Athena and was his special pet nickname for me. He once told me that my fighting spirit and grey eyes reminded him of the Greek war goddess, Athena.
"I miss you," I said truthfully, "and tell Ryu... tell him I miss him too."
"Definitely, will do," he answered. I could almost hear his fond smile. I reluctantly hung up.
Suddenly, I felt myself fighting off tears. Not that it was unusual - but Ryu not calling, nor ever answering my emails, cut deep. I've loved him since childhood - and it seemed that ever since we reached adulthood, the distance between us grew every passing day. I remember staying awake in the night, in the hut in the middle of the pristine forest his sensei lived. My muscles would be hurting and sore from the workout his sensei would put us through, but I didn't mind. I remember not being able to wait until the next morning, when I would see Ryu again. We'd spar again, touch hands, tromp through the forest looking for roots and mushrooms, or go fishing together. I'd be up fantasizing about how he might reach over for a kiss.
'No emails, no calls, no letters,' I reminded myself. I swallowed my tears, brushed my hair back, and straightened up. I had to concentrate on finding Bison.

Flashback It was 6 years ago at the dojo and Chun li was humming to herself as she completed her chores. She paused for a second, looking at the clear skies overhead. She was in northern japan in the mountains where it stayed cool and breezy even during the summertime. The birds were singing and outside of the dojo, there was a magnificent lake fed by bubbly streams that mirrored the sky above. Taking a deep breath and filling her mind with the view, she resumed her chores of drying herbs.
It would be one of the last summers she would spend with her true only friends. Ken would no longer be able to drop by. He had dropped by for two weeks before jetting back home to America. He was finishing up college and would be off in his own world. He had hugged Chun li tight before he left, knowing that it would be a while before seeing each other again.
"I want you to take care of yourself Ath," he had said gruffly, trying to hide his emotions. He had given her a necklace that he fastened around her neck before he left. "Beautiful," he had declared, "I always know exactly what to pick for my girls."
Then with a twinkle in the eye, a hug, and a kiss on the cheek, he left for home. She watched him leave with a knot in her throat. One of her only friends was starting going back to his life - a part of his life that she had never gotten to know.
Shaking herself out of her memory, she finished laying the herbs in the sun to dry. She could see Ryu emerging from the forest in the other side of the lake. Breaking out to a trot, she met with him there.
"What were you doing?" she asked as she fell in step with his.
"Meditating," he replied with a slight smile. Always so serious about his mission in life, he rarely concentrated on anything else. His solemn eyes met her grey mischiveous ones. He could tell that she was itching for a quick spar.
"Uh oh," he muttered, dropping the knapsack he was holding. She was there giving him sly glances, trying to look as nonchalent as possible. Then, without a warning, she flew at him, throwing her foot out. Ryu, jumped out of the way, unable to surpress his smile. She was an excellent fighter he knew, and although his skill outweighed hers, one thing he could not compete against in skill was the barrage of swift kicks she was so talented at. Quickly stepping away again, he then gathered energy in his palms, and shot it out at her.
Glancing her, she stumbled but regained her posture quickly, flipping backwards. Hands on her hips, she waited for his move. Ryu grinned, then gathering his chi again, he shot it at her, then lept up to deliver a light version of the punch he had practice for ages... "Sho-ryu-ken!"
Chun li blocked it midair, somersaulting back, she flew at him, backhanding him, jabbing him, and then shooting her leg forward in quick succession. Grabbing her arm however, Ryu threw her down on the ground.
Chun li froze. She was lying on the ground, her face inches away from hers. She felt a kind of warmth and embarrassment coursing through. She felt her heart quicken. Just as the fighting started, it was over just as fast.
Ryu reddened a bit before pulling her up quickly. Chun li laughed nervously as she dusted herself off. "Cheap shot," she remarked cheerfully. Ryu smiled and shook his head in mock exasperation. As soon as he turned around however, Chun li lost her smile. She had badly wanted to kiss him at that point and her feelings for him grew into - what many people would describe - first love, pure teenager love. There were times during the night where she would stay awake dreaming of the day they would profess their love and many times, she had to clench her fists on her sides from reaching and taking his hands in hers. Sometimes, when he drew close, she wondered if he could hear her heart thundering inside her ribcage.
"I'm leaving soon," Ryu said softly, breaking the awkward silence, "to travel around the world and train. It'll be on my own this time, no sensei."
The water lapped around the edges of the lake. Chun li stared at the ground, walking next to Ryu slowly. She knew he had been planning this for a while and it came to no surprise to her. Kicking a pebble into the lake, she swallowed hard. "Are you ready to go off on your own? Sometimes, you know, the world can be a bit scary and lonely, especially when you're on your own..."
"I wouldn't worry about it," Ryu replied, "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. I've traveled to places with my sensei, even in some occasions Ken, but now I believe I'm ready to do it on my own."
"Well..." she said fishing for an answer and trying to feign happiness, "I guess it's a good idea, to learn and keep on learning. I know that is your dream and goal in life. I hope you can visit me sometime within the years though..." she raised her grey eyes at him hopefully, then dropped it, reddening a bit. But it was Ryu who tipped her chin up with his finger to look at her directly. "Of course I would," he said softly, "you can count on it."
She had looked up at his soft brown eyes, unable to decipher his emotions. And even today, that's how she most clearly remembered of the man she loved - caring, gentle, and yet unreadable.
~
Charlie's POV

I rapped on Chun li's door at her hotel room. She opened it, almost as if she expected me to come. She stepped aside silently, allowing me in.
"Hi," she said quietly, "why are you here? We're not supposed to meet here."
"Says you," I retorted, feeling frustrated. Ever since we flew down to Southeast asia two weeks ago, she was distant. I had originally thought working together again in the same location would bring us closer. But she was more focused on her work and it seemed as if we communicated less. I needed to sort this out.
She bit her lip. She hated fights and arguments. She usually ceded quickly, wanting to make amends rather than argue her point. Usually, that softened me, wanting me to give in as well. But this time, I needed answers.
"A 'nice to see you' would've also been nice," I said sarcastically, unable to help myself. She looked away for a second, before looking at me. Then she crossed over, tried to kiss me. I turned away.
"What's going on?" I asked wearily, "you're distant, I hardly see you except in meetings. And in meetings, you hardly even look at me. I've kept my promise of us not revealing our relationship, but it gets harder each day. I want a normal girlfriend."
"We don't have normal lives Charlie," she replied. This point, she wouldn't back down from, I could tell.
"I want to see you more," I countered, "at least then, I could believe that one day we will be normal."
She sat down on the edge of her bed. I sat down on a chair, facing her. For a long moment, neither of us said anything. I thought back to how long we've been together. It was nearly a year, 10 months to be exact. And since we've been together, I've only wanted to be with her more and more. I thought back to my previous relationships - some serious, some not. I'd been restless, unwilling to settle down even with terrific girls, eager to meet new women. But she was different. It's extremely cliche to say this - but now I know the meaning of love. I wanted her to be a part of my life, for life - and yet... what troubled me was that I had no idea what she thought of me.
"It's been tough," she started finally, almost slowly, "working on this case. It takes a lot out of me. I don't know how much I could give to you. I know it's unfair, but I don't know what else to do."
She looked at me, and suddenly, I felt my heart go out to her. For an unexplicable reason, I thought I saw a real look of suffering, of pain, of sadness that I couldn't comprehend. Then in a split second, she resumed her calm face. Was I imagining things? I wasn't sure.
"I'm so sorry you feel that way, but I can't give you more than I am now," she said softly, "I know it's not fair, but... please..." it sounded like a plea.
Maybe I was pushing too hard, I thought. And perhaps she was correct - we don't have normal lives and the expectations of a normal relationship wasn't realistic. But I still wanted that relationship - the normal bf/gf relationship. Maybe I was old-fashioned, growing up in southern usa with parents with old-fashioned ideals. I had found the perfect woman, but the constant warmth and security of the relationship was nowhere to be found. I resented that.
"You're right, it's not fair," I said, probably more harshly than I intended, "you're nowhere to be found. Being in a relationship is about needing the other person, to be there for them. Don't you understand that? This secretive relationship, with you pretending to be a stranger... all the pretense. It's suffocating."
"Charlie! Please, I don't want to fight," she cried. She was surprised by my outburst.
"I don't want us to be secretive any longer and I want to be more involved. We don't share as much as we should for a couple who has been dating for months. And if one of us needs to leave this mission, then so be it."
She stared at me, even more surprised.
"I - I can't answer that now," she stammered, "I don't want to risk leaving this mission."
"What is so important about this?" I asked angrily. She was only interpol, I thought, gathering intelligence, doing some but not as extensive field-work. I guess I wasn't being fair but at the moment, I didn't care. In fact, a part of me was hoping that she'd concede to dropping this mission for our relationship. I knew it was selfish but that's the truth.
"It's important to me," she said, her voice tight.
We were quiet for a long moment. Then I got up to leave.
"Charlie, please," she said, jumping up, taking my hand, "please don't be angry." My heart gave out again. She was always the conciliatory one, always wanting to make peace. Her grey eyes had a pleading look to them. She attempted a smile, pulling me over with a tug of my hand, trying to draw in for a kiss. I sighed, turning my head to avoid her lips. I won't back down, I thought.
"Sometimes, missions can take over your life - and the next thing you know, you're all alone in the world. I'm in love with you," I said, gritting my teeth, surpring myself and her. I've never confessed that to anyone. But I wasn't finishsed. "I really do love you Chun and I want to be with you."
She swallowed hard, then cast her eyes on the floor.
"Aren't you happy with me? Why is it so easy for you to cast me aside for the sake of your job? Tell me, how many friends do you have? How many have you cast aside?"
And just like that, she looked up at me, eyes wide with surprise.
"How many friends do you have? Name one." And suddenly, I hated myself for asking that. It was a cruel question. I could see her mind reeling with the question - and suddenly, tears of embarrassment welled in her eyes. She looked away in humiliation.
"I want to help," I said, before stopping. Why was I being so cruel? I looked at her, a woman aged 24, young, hardworking, and vulnerable. I was older than her, at age 29, with a group of confident close friends. I caught her looking at my group of friends sometimes with envy. I realized slowly over the months, she had a hard time trusting people, and her busy traveling schedule left her little time to have friends. And of course, her laser focus on her work left her little energy to maintain friends. But she was young, perhaps she wasn't good at balancing the art of a demanding job and life yet -
"Please, go," she said, suddenly in a broken voice. And then I truly realized the extent of my cruelty was to the person I loved most in the world. I reached out for her, regretting everything I said the moment I walked in the hotel room. I should've been more careful, more understanding ... I should've calmed down before I came here to pick a fight - which, I realize now, was something I had already decided to do before I walked in through the door.
She avoided my touch, and then shoving me aside, she ran out of her own room, leaving me there.

Chun li's POV
I wandered around the streets, aimlessly. It was late and I was under a spell. An unhappy spell. Charlie's voice rang through my head. The words were angry, cruel... yet truthful.
I sat down at a 24 hour cafe, alone, in the corner. I watched two young couples laughing and flirting with each other across the room, my heart envying what I've always wanted: a carefree life with love and friends. A tear ran down my face, as I hurridly wiped it away. I tried vainly to answer the question Charlie asked me.
Who were my friends?
Ken, who was practically a brother to me. Yet I knew almost nothing about his new life. He had family, a circle of friends, and a girlfriend I barely knew. And how about Ryu? A man who I desperately wanted affection from but never got. And other than that, there was only Charlie, who ironically enough, was probably at this point the person who knew me best.
Another tear fell down and I angrily wiped it away. A waiter came by.
"Coffee... no, how about a hot chocolate?" I asked. I needed something warm and comforting.
"Yes, we have that."
Bison had changed my life at age 8. Everyone in the village was either killed or forced under his new leadership. I ran away into the next city, and into an orphanage. Because of my unique looks, a wealthy woman singled me out from the crowd of children and adopted me. She was in the fashion industry, which in a few years, took off. Soon, she was traveling and leaving me behind with my private tutors - leaving me to fend for my lonliness. Perhaps that's why I find solace in solitude. That's all I've ever grown up knowing.
When I was 13, a man named Gen found me. I was studying ballet and a form of ancient martial arts. He approached my tutor, wanting to take me under his wing to develop my skill further. After a few back and forth negotiations, my adopted mother and tutor relented. Gen later told me that he felt an unbalanced and raw chi within me - something I had to learn to control and rein in.
I went to the best boarding schools, but always returned to Gen and then consequently found myself at his friend's school in the summers - Sensei Gouken and his two students, Ryu and Ken. Ken was brash, flirty, always a trouble-maker, always taunting Ryu to join his trouble-making ways. He always got in trouble, but took his punishments with a wink and smile. Ryu on the other hand, was obedient, gentle, serious, and kind. He indulged Ken when he could, reluctantly becoming his partner-in-crime, and when he did get in trouble, he took his punishment with a look of guilt in his eyes. I grew to love them both.
I graduated early from both high school and college, then rebelled against my adopted mother. She wanted me to join the fashion industry, perhaps be a model for her line. I insisted I would join Interpol, to bring justice to the world. She - who was supposed to be the mother I desperately craved and wanted - hasn't spoken to me since I made that choice.
My hot chocolate arrived. I gulped it down within a few seconds, and then asked for more.
I sat back in the chair. I saw the two couples leaving, still laughing over their inside joke. I felt another pang of envy as I looked away.
'One day, when he's finished, I'll be able to have that life,' I promised to myself. It was a promise I always repeated. It was something that I believed in - and HAD to believe in.
My cell phone rang. Charlie. My throat tight, I ignored it, then shut my phone off. I knew he felt guilty but what he said, he couldn't take back, especially because he spoke the truth. And despite the hurt he caused, and now I realize, the hurt I caused him, I genuinely loved him in my own way. He was truly my first love, the person man I ever took that big risk with. The man who fully pursued me and broke my walls of defense with his charm and humor. And when he wrapped his arms around me, especially at night in bed, I felt a sense of security I never felt before. A sense that I was truly protected and loved. I wanted to run back to him, to push the argument we had aside, and to just take refuge in his arms and push away the pangs of lonliness that frequently came to me.
'Life isn't that simple,' I thought dryly. My second hot chocolate came and I sighed, this time taking small sips and finding myself more comforted. Chocolate can do wonders, I thought with a smile.
My thoughts floated to Bison. I had sent information of what I suspected the top three assailants to be in his organization to my superiors. Yet, what frustrated me was that the pace of the investigation was going too slowly. We had yet to still postively ID the top men in Shadowlaw. We also didn't truly understand the extent of what Cammy went through - it sounded like a possible brainwash and soldier training program - but that information was scoffed at by some. We also couldn't correctly identify where he got his cash and how he managed to make inroads to all these countries and territories. And his chi - where did he learn it from and where did it come from? The source, I was certain, was the key to defeating it. I needed to find the answers.
'One day, when he's finished, I'll be able to have the life I've always wanted,' I reminded myself. I shut my eyes. A plan was forming in my head - such an ambitious plan that I truly scared myself. I needed to give it thought and prepare for it if I chose to undertake it. I would also need to say my goodbyes. To Ken, and through Ken, to Ryu. To Cammy. And then to Charlie. The only people that I could call friends.
I finished my hot chocolate. It was very late. And in this dim cafe, I made up my mind to do a task that truly was self-sacrificing. I barely had friends, I had no family, and I traveled so frequently, I truly had no home. I had little to lose. I swallowed tears as I paid, then walked out. My first goodbye would start with Charlie, who was still waiting in my room, his heart sick with worry.

Chun li's POV
When I opened the door, I saw him jump up from his chair, relief written over his features. I bit my lip, memorizing his handsome features - the clear blue eyes, his all-american good looks, his tall and muscular frame. He crossed over to me quickly, but stopped just a foot away.
"Chun, I'm so sorry, I left messages, I never meant to say what I said. I feel like such a -"
I put my hand over his mouth. I didn't need to hear an apology. It didn't seem to matter at this point. He pulled me in for a hug.
"You're such a beautiful person, inside and out," he said, his voice muffled against my hair. He looked at me, and suddenly, there was worry in his eyes.
"What's wrong?" he asked urgently, searchingly. He ran his fingers over my eyebrows, cheeks, and lips, tracing it against my jawline. He was frowning in worry, almost alarmed.
"Nothing," I whispered. I took his hands. "Please, don't worry."
We sat down on the bed. I intertwined my fingers with his, my heart pounding with heartbreak. He suddenly looked scared, naive. He swallowed hard, searching my eyes for answers. He could tell something was wrong. I smiled at him, trying to assure him, trying to be strong.
"We're under a lot of stress. Maybe I was avoiding you, because there's a leg of this mission you don't know about," I lied, "I might be going away, just for a little while although I don't know for how long. I want to take a break - but when I finish this mission, and we decide to continue with our relationship, we'll really be together. No more secrets."
He was silent for a moment, frowning in confusion and worry.
"When are you going on this 'secret' leg of the mission? And why do we need a break? Look, I'm sorry what I said - we can continue the way we are until -"
"Charlie," I said. He stopped and the look on his face was one of hurt and even alarm. He wasn't a fool - he knew something was going on - something bigger than what I was telling him.
I got up and dug through my suitecase. I pulled out a sketch book that I've kept with me since childhood.
"Did you know I played the flute when I was a child?"
"Really. Were you good?"
"Yes," I said smiling. I opened the book for him to look. I wasn't lying - I was very good. The book was my own, a music piece I composed to play. Most songs were to describe the lonliness and the hope I felt inside me. The songbook I wrote as a teen was one of my most cherished possessions. The book was curled from age and travel - yet it still had the regal beauty to it.
"Are you giving it to me?" he asked hesitently.
"Yes," I said, reaching out for his hand and putting it over the cracked leather bound book.
"Why?"
"It's like an exchange," I said smiling, "Keep it until we're finished with this one mission, when we're ready to talk."
"And if you don't want to get back with me?"
"Then it's your choice to give back or keep. It's yours now," I said, still smiling.
He was silent for a long time. He slowly embraced the book, pressing it against his chest.
"You're scaring me Chun," he admitted, "why are you doing this?"
"It's OK Charlie," I said. I kissed his cheek then stood back. Our relationship was technically over now. Perhaps it will be rekindled when this was all done. Or perhaps, I thought sadly, I'd never see him nor my book again. I fought tears and masked my sadness with a brave smile.
"I'm sorry again for what I said. I didn't mean it. And, I love you Chun. What I said before, about being in love with you, it's true," he said quietly, "I don't think that will change."
"I love you too," I said. And I did. I silently thanked him for showing me the first stable relationship, a relationship I could trust.
"But we're not normal people with normal lives," I said softly, "let's get through this part and then see."
"I'm holding you to what you said," he said attempting a smile, "that part about no secrecy after this mission."
I laughed. I loved his humor. I was already starting to miss it.
"One kiss?" he asked. I relented, and he drew in for a kiss. It was soft, tender, and yes - magical.
He left the room, holding my book of songs I composed and used to play as a teen when I felt heartbroken and lonely - and needed an escape to feel that flutter of freedom just for a moment. I watched his figure down the hallway until he walked into the elevator.
My smiled faltered as he left. He was a genuine man. But what he had spoken was the truth. For me, there was little to lose. Taking a deep breath, I looked through my suitcase. I would send Ken my bracelets. I reached for my phone to call Ken. Then I would contact Cammy. Then, my mission.
~~
Charlie's POV
I thought back to a few months ago when I had visited Chun in London. We had spent a cold winter day going to the museaums, having afternoon tea, then watching a play. Then that night for dinner, we ate an upscale seafood tavern when a snowstorm started. By the time we finished feeding each other chocolate mousse, the snow was quite high and the streets were deserted. Failing to hail a cab, we slid, walked, and playfully tackled each other in the snow, taking hours to get home. We reached her apartment - or flat as she called it - and wet and cold, we instantly jumped in a hot shower together where we made love. The next day, holed in from the storm and unwilling to venture out - nor even really wanting to - we spend the entire day drinking hot chocolate in bed and making love, making up for the times we were apart. It was truly a blissful time spent.
I looked through the music book she gave me two weeks ago. Her perfect and delicate writing made my heart ache. I had tried reaching out to her but to no avail; it was like she disappeared from the world. And every time I thought about the last night we spent time, I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. The guilt spread from my chest to the rest of my body. Even though she had told me about this confidential mission she was going to, I couldn't help but believe if we hadn't had the fight, she would be here right now, besides me.
'It has to be about Bison,' I thought suddenly. She was a workaholic but her work had revolved around this supposed warlord. He was like a shadow, who appeared and disappeared on whim. Chun li once had shared her frustrations that some people in her organization did not believe he existed.
"How do you know he does?" I had asked her.
"Because," she replied, "the eyewitnesses, victims - they speak for themselves."
"That's still not good enough. I believe he exists, but it's occured to me that maybe he really is just a name - a name of a powerful family or such."
"No," she said. She suddenly faltered. "He exists," she said finally, "he truly does."
Would following the mission against Bison lead me to her?
"It's worth a try," I said aloud.

Cammy's POV
I knew where Chun li was going. And it scared me.
When I received the message from her, I immediately wrote back. She was going into the heart of Bison's territory. Knowing that she was dedicated to her mission and nothing was going to change her mind, I wrote back as many things I could remember her. Perhaps they would prepare her.
He remembered everything, I remembered vaguely, paying attention to the minute details. He tested people, taking great interest in human reaction and understanding the key to manipulation. He treated his gangs he called his army, and his empire, as a business. He hardly ever showed any emotion except confidence. When things went well, he was pleased. When things didn't go according to plan, he became cold. But he never showed uncontrolled emotion, either in pleasure nor anger.
And he was powerful. Immensely powerful. I have fragmented memories of facing his anger. The chi he used against me was something shocking. It wasn't as much painful as it was causing your body to betray yourself and sap all strength.
In her last message, she thanked me. And then she went another route in our conversation.
'Now that you're out of his realm, I have hopes you will fully embrace life in finding what makes you - you. family, friends, and that romance that completes all of life's joy.'
I think of how in different circumstances, we'd be best friends, sharing stories of our boyfriends, going shopping together, calling each other up to share good or bad news. But she has an incredible mission in her life that forces her to put aside those life pleasures, and I've had an incredible story that makes me turn away from those very things.
She's right though, I thought sadly. She helped save me - and now I have to turn around and acknowledge that by taking full advantages of my life.
'I send all good luck to you,' I willed.

It was a full four weeks later after I saw Charlie, talked to Ken and Cammy. I stored their voices in my heart like a treasure. I went to the doctor to get all the necessary tests, shots, and checkup - just to be prepared. I talked to my reluctant superiors - who only knew half of my intentions behind this mission. I destroyed my mobile and mobile history. I didn't want any trace.
If Charlie or anybody asked, Interpol would tell them I would be in an undercover mission. Nobody however, would know the truth.
I also spent hours during the day meditating. Sensei Gouken would instruct that it was the best way to keep focused and alert. To understand one's own chi and sense another's. That in trying situations, to keep ones wits about and to ease pain and channel energy. I needed to prepare for what was coming.
For three weeks, I spent immersed in a shadowlaw district. I went nonchantely on my way, observing how life functioned around here, how his gangs ran business. It was very organized, I thought, which wasn't surprising given how successful he's become. But beyond organization, it seemed as if he ran his empire with a discipline that I've never seen before.
As Cammy has said, he seemed to pay attention to very minute details. Even as just one more resident in his vast empire, it took his only a few weeks for him to realize that I was living anonymously in his realm.
I was now on the rooftop of an old building. The familiar scene screamed de-ja-vu. I could feel him coming. He was alone, and he was approaching me from the shadows, cautiously.
"Bison," I whispered. I knew he was close even before he came out of the shadows. It has been exactly one year since I've seen him.
"You expected me to come," he said. It was a year later, and yet he hadn't changed. The still same mysterious powerful look, the icy-blue eyes. Yet, he seemed to be genuinely glad to see me. His eyes greeted me as if greeting an old and familiar foe.
My hair was up in two buns, with and white ribbons fluttering in the wind, symbolizing my loss that happened in my life. I looked at him, studying him as he studied me. I needed to appear strong.
"Have you improved since we last met?" he inquired.
"My desire to see you destroyed has not changed," I answered.
"I've looked forward to this," he said, "I've thought of you often."
He gazed at me, studying me. Neither of us spoke for a long time.
"There are many people who have challenged me. All have lost. Do you really want to join the ranks?"
"Here I am," I replied, "and to pose that question seems moot at this point."
He laughed, appreciating what I said. He looked at me, almost fondly, and I was suddenly struck at the history of that look. My life has been intertwined with his activities for 14 years. One memory I have was when I was just a teen, sitting on top the balconey, outside my bedroom in my "mother's" estate. But as usual, she had been gone for weeks, taking care of her growing fashion business. I was playing my flute, propped up against the stone ledge, concentrating ony playing a sad but beautiful tune. A thousand stars sparkled overhead. As I let the last notes filter into the sky, I put my flute down and looked off to the distance, feeling lonliner than ever. Suddenly, hot tears sprung from my eyes.
And suddenly, in my mind, I saw him, that evil mocking face, sending waves of fear into my heart. 'Jump' he had encouraged me - and I got up, gasping, not knowing what to do. I fell off the ledge - but safely on the side to the balconey.
No matter what, he had been on my mind as a terrible companion, for years. And his fond look made me realize that sad fact.
"We're almost friends," he said mockingly, "must we fight?"
"I cannot describe how much I hate you." I didn't mean to say it, but I blurted that out.
"So how can I convince you to join forces with me?" Always that mocking cold voice, with that hateful sneer on his face.
"Ready?" I said instead.
He adjusted his jacket. He always dressed properly, with the finest cloths. I've heard from eyewitnesses and victims that he switches from either an entirely business attire to a grey military uniform. But that is it. He was not only a warlord, dictator - but a ruthless businessman - and he knew how to dress the part of all. Now he took off his tie, and folded it, pocketing it inside his jacket.
I looked up at the sky. The crescent moon was hiding behind the clouds. I wondered when it would be when I would see the moon next - or if it would mean anything to me. I thought of Cammy, Charlie, Ken, Ryu - Master Gen, Sensei Gouken - my parents, my adopted mother - all the people who have brought me up to this point. I whispered in my native Mandarin language a quick prayer. May the wind pick them up and distribute them to my loved ones. The ribbons in my hair fluttered in the wind, caressing my cheek. I pulled them out of my face and looked at Bison. He was patiently waiting for me to get ready.
First stage of the transition of my life was when I was a child. He touched me, and I felt his chi pass from his body into mine.
It was now, that I stepped into the second transition of my life.

Chun li's POV
It had been nearly 6 months since Bison and I fought. In the final stage of the fight, I was exhausted while he was barely out of breath. I had bruised ribs, legs, and arms. I was thirsty and breathing hard, trying to get as much air in my lungs. But I pushed that aside as I watched him approach. He was calm, collected, and watchful.
But what he didn't know was that I knew I would lose the fight since the beginning. I was too young and unexperienced when compared to him. When he rushed at me and struck me with his blue chi, it would take a master to combat that power. I was not at that stage and I knew that.
I knew I would lose the fight - and I counted on it.
I was down on one knee, heaving. He calmly walked over towards me, holding his bruised wrists. His suit was dirtied and I suppressed a smile - I had definitely given him a good lashing as well. He may have been calm, but at some points, I barely saw a flicker of worry flash across his features.
I had held out my neck. Either he destroys me or takes me as prisoner. He gripped my neck, forcing me up. I just looked at him and at that point, I had no fear. He studied me for probably a full minute, neither of us saying anything to each other. Then he tightened his grip on me and I lost consciousness.
When I woke up, I was in a mysterious room, clean, and getting nursed back to health. I was cuffed to bed, but my bruises were bandaged and I had an iv going in me. My mind whirled at the possibilities that I had been trying to prepare for before my last encounter with Bison. I had thought that perhaps, he would brainwash me as he did Cammy. I needed to learn more about the operations. Even if he managed to brainwash me, I was convinced that years of meditation would make me resist to most. That way, I would be sure to get into the heart of Bison's empire, understand how it ran from the inside, before making my escape.
I didn't see him for probably two weeks since I went back and forth to dizzying consciousness and not, from the fight. Then one night, I was hauled off a large dark chamber, bound to a chair. I felt weak - either it was finally fear and dread getting a hold of me - or something the doctors gave me. Probably both. For a while, I waited in the dark - and then I felt him enter the room.
He had first traced his fingers across my face, almost gently. I felt a sliver of his unnatural chi, and it made me nauseous.
"Chun li. I had once said to you you were too young to challenge me."
I was a few months from turning 25. Maybe that is too young - but when you've been spending over a decade on a mission - age stops being relevant.
"And now look what's happened. A part of me wishes you had escaped again." His hand stopped right beneath my chin and he tilted my head up. In the dark, I would still make out his icy blue eyes. I shook my head away. His touch disgusted me. He studied me again at length.
"What should I do with you?"
"How about letting me go?" I had replied. He laughed, breaking the somber atmosphere. He then gripped my jaw, forcing me to look at him.
"I've thought of you often Chun li, even had dreams of you, since you swore to destroy me as a child. I let you go that stormy day because even as a child, your passion and anger stirred me. Even then, I felt an unusual power within you. I knew we'd meet again. You are my story of destiny in the making."
He tightening his grip on my jaw as I struggled not to wince at the pain.
"My beautiful one," he whispered in my ear, "you are young and powerful. We will work together in developing your chi - a chi which in many ways is so very close to mine. You will be at my side from this day forth. That is our destiny."
Then what happened was something I had never anticipated. I became his - yes unwilling - lover.
Now I was looking up at the moon. It was six months after our fight, and I was sitting outside a balconey of a hotel in brazil, looking at the moon for the first time since that fateful night. I was doing my best to enjoy the balmy breeze and the beautiful sound of the crashing waves from the shore. Torches to ward off any insects - although I was probably 80 stories up, at an isolated floor of this magnificent hotel in this too-large suite. I now wondered if Ken, Charlie, Cammy - and Ryu - were looking at the same moon.
I looked now at Bison, who was pouring himself and me a drink. A bartender of his hotel had left a pitcher of fresh Caipirinha, the traditional drink of this country. He handed me a glass and sat down across from me. I was sitting on a lounge sofa. He loosened his ice-blue tie, the same shade as his cold eyes, and looked at me.
"My favorite color on you," he commented, taking a sip. His gaze raked over me. I was wearing a flowing grey dress, which ended above my knees. I tucked in my legs uncomfortably, bangles on my ankles chiming. I wondered if any of the jewelry he gave me had detectors on them. Most likely, yes. I didn't acknowledge the drink that was sitting to the small table next to me.
He suddenly grabbed my jaw, forcing me to look at him. He did this often. "I'm a busy man Chun li," he said softly, "I come back to spend time with you and I expect you to do so as well."
I've always thought it strange that a man like Bison would want any company at all. But in the past six months, I've found more about him, his operations, his empire than I could've imagined. He was heartless, that's true, and he treated most everything as a business operation, including lives. Just as Cammy said, he paid attention to every detail and was constantly looking to expand his power. But, as every human, he sought a sort of partnership or attachment, even though by nature, he was comfortable in isolation. But with me.
The servants in his base had gossiped and told me that if this man was capable of love and affection for another, he had found it in me and only me. And he constantly demanded emotional investment in him from me. But I knew there was something more than that. A man like Bison didn't let his emotions dictate his actions - and I believed it hinged on the nature of my chi.
"How was your meeting?" I asked, relenting.
He instantly relaxed his grip on me and then let go. I took a sip of the refreshing drink and set it down, as the alcohol burned my tongue. I forced myself to look at him.
"Significant progress was made. I have dinner with the top landowners of this region tomorrow to seal the deal. They believe our combined powers will beat back all threats, govt and otherwise. The region will soon be all under my - our - control."
I studied his face. I had always wondered where he came from. Sometimes, his wordings of specific phrases, his references, made me that he might have been from eastern europe somewhere. He certainly had the fine features and colorings that suggested he might've been from there. He would've been a handsome man if he didn't have the spark of a sociopath that was truly frightening and repulsive.
He now had an amused look. He was amused at the thought of the landowners here thinking they would share power. He knew, as well as I, that very soon, he would crush them. They would all either agree to serve him or they would simply disappear. It was all a matter of time. I looked away, my chest tightening.
He leaned back, relaxing. "And how was your day?"
"I was at the beach," I replied. His guards had followed me, and watched me as I meditated, and slowly started to develop my chi further. I knew he already had been briefed of my daily activities. He demanded that every detail of my movements be noted and reported to him. I fingered the bracelet, heavily jeweled, he had given me, wishing I could wear my spiked bracelets that I had received as a child instead.
"It was nice to feel the sun, hear the waves," I said softly, almost forgetting he was there, talking more to myself, "the forest was nearby, I could hear the wind rustling through the leaves. It felt like... childhood..."
He didn't reply for a bit. "It's best to leave the past as the past," he finally said, "the future is much more interesting." He leaned over, and plucking a flower from the vase on the table, he pinned it in my black hair. I averted my gaze. I never felt comfortable looking at him.
'This isn't what I wanted at all,' I suddenly thought, wanting to vomit. But thinking back, hadn't I wanted to infiltrate as deeply as I could into his realm? I had a pleathora of information and inside knowledge of how he ran his empire, what his next steps were, how he went about conducting his business and why he was so successful.
He held my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine. I stifled a cry of pain. He knows I hate him, although he believes that will one day change. In the meantime, he's rough just like he was holding my hand in his iron grip that was nearly crushing me. I stood up with him, wincing, as he picked up his suit jacket. He paused, looking at me and bringing my hand to his lips. Then we made our way into the hotel suite, where his bodyguards were waiting. They made their way out to the balconey to give us privacy.
When we were alone, he held me close, silently planting kisses. I shut my eyes tight, thinking of my next steps, of my plans - anything to distract me from his roaming hands. He had one major weakness which was his arrogance. He was powerful, smart, and his resources in men and his own strength was unbelievable. But with it came the disbelief that someone might force him to change his plans. And as such, he never believed I would escape. I truly believe he thought I had given up all hope to escape. He believed in our destiny too much.
'It is our destiny to have our lives intertwined until one of us is gone,' I thought bitterly. Just not the way you plan on it being.' I put my hand against his chest, feeling his heart. The power I felt emanating from his chest felt foreign, ancient - just like his chi. His body, like his face, was still youthful, just like a man in his prime.
His chi, I knew. It was the key to destroying him. It was the thing he depended on more than anything in the world. It gave him insight, strength, power. He slept little and yet was more alert than anyone I've known. And the key was to find what that chi exactly was - the source. And perhaps find another who had his signature chi.
A month ago, I had a dream of a powerful fortuneteller. I had woken up with a start, next to Bison. When he inquired of what startled me, I told him about the dream. And the expression was something I'd never forget. He truly looked frightened - and although that expression lasted no more than half a second, it was imprinted in my mind. That dream was no ordinary dream.
His chi, the fortuneteller - there was a connection.
Now we were both stripped in the enormous room. As if by instinct, I stepped away, only to be caught by his hands. Most of the times, he was gentle, as if trying to ease my views. In vain.
This would be the last night, I vowed. I had all the information I needed of his empire and his next steps for the next few years. There was no more reason to stay.
~
Bison's POV
I thought back to earlier this day, at dawn, dressing. It was going to be an important day - my first real inroads into this country. And with this country, this continent. I was meeting with the most powerful families in this region and tonight would be a dinner.
One day, I will bring Chun li to these meetings, I thought. I had watched her sleeping form as I fastened my cufflinks. They were encrusted with grey diamonds - the color I now associate with her. One day, she'd accept her destiny, her role. But now was not the time.
It wasn't a secret she still hated me, although it was entirely immaterial. She had challenged me and lost - and I spared her. She belonged to me now.
I had taken a minute to admire her before I left this morning, lightly running my hand over her naked curves. She was exquisite, stunning - the most perfect woman I've ever seen. And even beyond, there was something about her that moved me. I had not lied when I told her I remembered her as a child. Even then, she stood out in passion, beauty, and intelligence. I had felt it - and those haunting grey eyes visited me in dreams for years until our fateful encounter.
Perhaps it was her chi that fed her beauty and brilliance. I stopped my hand at her chest - her chi was different than anyone I've ever known. It was unbalanced yet balanced - as if it intertwined her own and mine. I wondered sometimes - perhaps my chi had passed from me to her when I had grabbed her arm as a child - and forged into her own. Whatever it was, it fascinated and seduced me. I had promised to help her develop her powers. She was too young now to take absolute control over it, and manipulate it to her desires, but once she was able, my empire would benefit greatly from it as would I.
Now, I was in a large room, toasting to the powerful families. We were toasting to our allegiance. After months of negotiations, we all had finally found middle grounds to agree on. There were about 20 people in this private dining hall - five of them and their lawyers and right hand men. They were all talking merrily to themselves, talking of their sure victory that was to come.
'Let them enjoy it while it lasts,' I thought. They were now my pawns, and they will realize that when the time is right.
Then one of my men came and whispered something to me that completely ruined this occasion.
Chun li, my most prized possession, had escaped.
For a second, I was truly stunned. I thought it impossible. Haven't I surrounded her with plenty of guards? Hadn't she been slowly accepting her role? I was tempted to strangle the messenger, attack every single person here. I felt a rush of anger that was hard to control course through my veins.
The room quieted down. Perhaps they felt an energy emanating from me. Typical humans cannot sense these things - but maybe for a second, they had felt my rage. I smiled and raised a glass, and they, looking relieved, raised their glasses, quickly forgetting what had just happened. Then the room went along with conversation, even past enemies becoming quick friends.
She knew me well. She was a smart one. She knew this night was the night I could not excuse myself out of. She had disappeared about an hour ago. It was excruciating to bear the dinner - but two and a half hours later, I left and briskly made way to my hotel suite.
She had beaten twelve of my guards. I silently cursed at their inefficiency - and after interrogating them - finished them off channeling my chi and fury at them. Their screams chilled my men, who were frozen in fear. Then I called the head of her security.
"You have 24 hours," I said coldly. He bowed, apologized, and ran out. I knew if Chun li wasn't found within then, she had escaped for good.
My men left me in my privacy, trembling in fear. I paced around the room. I then poured a drink from the large bar in my room, drained it, and then took off my tie. Ironically, Chun li had chosen this tie for me, saying the ice-blue matched my eyes. What she didn't notice were the silvery grey diagnal stripes that cut through. It was a symbolism of us that I appreciated. Then, I took out a box that held a beautiful rare blue diamond necklace from my breast pocket, which I had commissioned for her. For the first time in a lifetime, I had a weakness. I needed to get her back, my most prized posession. She rightfully belonged to me.
She could never get over the past. It was an annoyance at first - and now forced me to make a drastic change in plans. I sat down on the sofa and took out my mobile.
Vega answered in one ring.
"She's gone," I said. I was starting to relax now. I was starting to form another plan.
"Ah, a pity, she was such a beauty," he said in his barcelona accent, "how about the detectors?"
The detectors I had fastened on jewelry. "She shed them all."
"Beautiful and smart," he replied chuckling.
"Bring her back to me - untouched." I emphasized the last word. Vega has been known to toy with his victims, drawing pleasure as he used his claw. For women he found beautiful, he often toyed with them longer in more... interesting... ways.
"Oh my, you do have a weakness for her. I shall try Lord Bison," he said smoothly, "although I know she tends to get... fiesty?"
He hung up. I finished off my drink. There was a change of plans.

Next: Part 2 coming up
~~