"Class dismissed!" Chun Li called out.

In Hong Kong, Chun Li had just finished her kung-fu class. The students ranged from ages 4-16, and they were all very eager to learn her art. She enjoyed teaching her skills. It gave her a sense of peace and purpose that she had wanted after the death of Bison. She wore a blue Chinese dress, her long wavy hair pulled back into two buns.

As the students dispersed, Chun Li turned to her two temporary assistants who were brothers. One wore a blue and yellow cap with a white Chinese style shirt and black pants. A black braid hung from beneath the cap. The other one wore a maroon shirt of similar style and loose black pants. She smiled at them.

"Yun, Yang, thank you. I'm really glad you came to help. You both don't have to be here, you know. I don't want to impose on you two."

"Don't worry," Yang assured. "We don't mind."

Yun winked. "Beats looking after that old fart's chicken coop!"

Chun Li shook her head. "Yun, I can't believe you just said that..."

Yun had been talking about Gen, his adoptive grandfather. Gen was a legendary martial artist, an assassin, and he had taught Yun and Yang the art of kung-fu. Although it was similar in style to the art Chun Li learned, their art was more powerful and meant to kill if necessary. Chun Li, a frequent shopper at Gen's market, was like family to Gen, Yun, and Yang.

Once all the students had left, a young postal worker arrived at the school. "Is Chun Li Xiang here?"

Chun Li walked over. "That's me."

The man handed her a piece of paper. "Telegram from Japan, miss."

"Japan?" Chun Li frowned in puzzlement.

As the worker left, Chun Li sat on the steps leading to the school entrance, Yun and Yang on each side of her. The watched as her puzzled expression changed to joy.

"What is it?" Yang asked.

"Did you win something?" Yun asked.

Her eyes glowing, Chun Li replied. "This is from Ryu. He wants me to come to Japan to see him."

Yun scowled. "What?! Why?"

Yang sat back in thought. "Did he say why?"

She shook her head. "No. I think it's important."

Yun said, "You aren't just gonna go, are you?"

Chun Li responded, "I don't see why not."

Yun sighed in frustration. "He treats you like crap. He could care less about you. Why the h*ll do you do everything he says? And what do you get for it, huh? I know you love him, but when are you gonna wake up? He doesn't feel the same..."

Yang smiled ruefully. "Yun, it's Chun Li's decision."

Yun narrowed his eyes. "Don't go. He'll just use you for whatever reason helps him and ignore you after that."

Chun Li sighed. She knew that her love for Ryu was unrequited. Yun was right, in a way. Ryu was very hard to find. She wanted to be with him always, not just when it was convenient for him.

"Chun Li," Yang spoke up. "Go to Ryu. Take your time. He obviously needs you, and I know that you would never disappoint a friend. Just like you have never disappointed us."

Chun Li saw the understanding in his eyes and gave him a hug. "Thank you. Watch the school for me while I'm gone, okay?"

Yang nodded. Chun Li turned to Yun, seeing disapproval yet acceptance.

"I'll be back as soon as I can, okay?" she said.

Yun sighed. "I know I can't stop you...but okay...take care..."

Chun Li gave him a hug and headed back inside, upstairs to pack her belongings.

"I know that Ryu isn't your favorite person," Yang began, "but Chun Li is happy when she's with him."

Yun shook his head. "I just don't want her hurt, that's all."

"I know. She's a strong woman. And she has been through a lot. I want to see her happy," Yang said.

Yun shrugged. "I don't think Ryu's ever gonna open up his eyes, but if he does, he better realize what he has...If he doesn't, I'll kick his *ss."

Yang nodded. "I'm sure he will."

The two waited for Chun Li to finish packing and for her to give them final instructions on taking care of the school.

Chun Li stepped out of the cab, looking around the village carefully. The flight from Hong Kong to Tokyo to Okinawa had not been an easy one. Both flights had been delayed. One could call it two omens, but Chun Li didn't necessarily believe in those. The delays were just additional anticipation to see the man she had loved for so long. The telegram had given her explicit instructions to get to the village, so she and the cab driver she hailed from the airport had no trouble finding the village. Chun Li paid the driver and gathered her belongings. As the driver sped away, Chun Li reflected back on her departure. Yesterday, she had received the telegram, and this morning, Gen, Yun and Yang had seen her off. Yun still expressed disapproval, much to her amusement.

"Little flower, I wish you well on your trip," Gen said.

Chun Li nodded. "Thank you."

Yun opened his mouth, but shut it the instant Gen shot him a look. Chun Li stifled a giggle.

"Give Ryu my regards," Gen instructed.

Chun Li smiled. "I will."

"One day, little flower, you will have to tell that boy how you feel. You cannot go on this way forever..."

Chun Li smiled. "I know. Don't worry. But...being around him is enough for me. For now..."

Chun Li came back to the present, and she slowly walked up to the entrance of what appeared to be a doctor's clinic, her heart pounding in her chest. She swallowed, anxious to see her first love. Once inside, she saw that the clinic was empty. Maybe he's in a room with a patient, she thought.

Suddenly, a little boy ran out from a hallway. His dark eyes shone and his little frame moved with speed.

Pausing beside her to put on his slippers, he called out, "Arigato gozaimasu, Ryu-san! Sayonara!"

Chun Li looked at the boy and smiled. Children were so full of energy and innocence. She was forced to grow up rather quickly when she was a young girl due to the loss of her family.

"Sayonara, Toma-chan," a male voice responded.

Chun Li froze, recognizing the deep timbre of that voice. Toma skipped away, out of the clinic, as she slowly turned around. His eyes met hers in recognition.

"Chun Li...It is good to see you," he greeted.

Chun Li released a breath, feeling her body full of numerous emotions. Relief, joy, but mostly love. She dumped her bags down on the floor, and jumped in his arms to hug him.

"Ryu..."

Shocked, Ryu hesitantly put his arms around her waist.

"Um...I am glad you have arrived on such short notice," Ryu explained. "I-"

He didn't finish his sentence since Chun Li placed several kisses on his cheek. She couldn't help herself. And Ryu, caught off-guard, stood in shock.

"I...I'm sorry, I...I'm just glad you're okay," Chun Li explained.

Ryu nodded. He cleared his throat. "It is all right. I...I understand that...that my travels can cause concern in my friends..."

Chun Li smiled at him. "So...how are you? I...got your telegram two days ago. What did you need help with?"

"Oh...I was staying here with a doctor, but he injured himself, and I offered to take care of the clinic for him to repay his generosity," Ryu explained.

Chun Li nodded. "So you need my help?"

Ryu replied. "If I am not imposing on you, your assistance would be appreciated."

"I'd be glad to help," Chun Li declared.

"Excellent. Kami will show you to your room," Ryu said. He turned his head to face the hall and called for his assistant.

A short Japanese young woman appeared, and much to Chun Li's dismay, a sliver of jealousy ran through her. The young woman was beautiful. She had the kind of haunting face that stayed in a person's mind. Chun Li attempted to smile.

"Hi. I'm Chun Li. How do you do?" she said in Japanese, thanks to the brief lessons from Ryu and Ken.

"I speak English," Kami replied. "I'm fine. My name is Kami."

"Chun Li will be staying with us until the doctor gets better," Ryu explained. "Kindly show her where she will be staying."

Ryu went back to the waiting room while Kami went upstairs, Chun Li at her heels.

Kami trudged up the stairs in shock. The Chinese woman looked even more beautiful and exotic in person. Kami sensed that the woman was someone Ryu trusted deeply. She wondered why he hadn't taken that step past friendship.