Chun Li wrung her hands nervously. How had things come to this? She could not believe that after all the years of her training, her friendships, she was close to having someone she cared for die again. She ran her hands through her hair, several strands framing her face, the tendrils loosened from the buns on her head.

She looked up as Gen emerged from Ken's hospital room. She stood up, swiping her palms against her skirt. "How…How is he?"

Gen stroked his beard thoughtfully. "He is in a coma. The doctors do not know when he will recover."

Feeling her knees wobble, Chun Li sank into a chair.

"What about the others?" Gen's eyes shot to the ceiling, the floor above them, where Sean and Alex were resting.

"They're okay," Chun Li said. "They're sleeping. The nurses said that the doctors will sign their release forms in a few days." She wearily covered her eyes. "Does Yun and Yang know that we're back?"

Gen shook his head. "Not yet. I wish to call them later."

Tense silence filled the air. Gen knew what was on her mind, but he chose not to say anything. He could only imagine the turmoil she was experiencing. Having been out of practice with feelings of love and being in a relationship, Gen could not sympathize. He had never been in her situation. He understood that she was glad to see the man she loved. Yet, she was scared. In that battle, she might have lost him forever.

"Follow me," Gen instructed.

Without question, Chun Li stood up and walked with him to the elevator. They went up three floors before exiting. Gen turned down a long hallway, his movements precise and steady before stopping at one door. Chun Li glanced at the patient file folder on the door. In black bold letters, 'Hoshi, Ryu' stared back at her.

"You will not be pleased with what is behind this door," Gen cleared his throat.

Stricken, Chun Li looked at him. "What's wrong? Is Ryu all right?"

Gen raised a hand to quiet her. "He is alive, resting and recovering. But…I requested that the hospital take several precautions…"

With that statement, Gen opened the door. Chun Li's lips parted in shock. One bed filled the room. It was perpendicular to the wall. Next to it, a clock stood on a metal nightstand. A tray table stood next to the bed on the other side. Ryu lay on the bed, an oxygen tube over his nose, wearing a hospital gown, his head bandaged, a white sheet and blue wool blanket pulled to his waist, and unless she was seeing things…his wrists and ankles were bound by black Velcro that was attached to the bed. She moved forward to stand by the bed.

Ryu was asleep, his eyes closed, his face free of tension and pain. Gingerly, Chun Li reached down and stroked his hair.

"He looks so peaceful…" she murmured.

Gen studied him. "He should be waking soon. Be careful. We do not know if - "

"I know. But I want to be here when he wakes up. I want to see for myself if Ryu's ever coming back."

"Very well. I will call my grandsons and let them know where we are."

Chun Li shifted in her seat. She had been sitting in Ryu's room for three hours, napping or reading a magazine. Her eyes felt tight. Maybe it was the lack of good sleep. Or the trauma. Less then twelve hours ago, they had left the island to go to the hospital.

She sighed, trying to concentrate on her reading when a movement caught her eye. She was up in a flash, standing near the bed. Ryu was awake. His eyes were closed, but he shifted slightly. Sensing that someone was near on his left side, his head turned in that direction. His eyes fluttered slightly before opening.