Potential Ch. 1
By Kiko

Chun Li hurried down the hallway as quickly as she could. She came to a sudden halt at small supplies closet and opened the door. She scanned the contents of the shelves, as some water dripped from her hands.

"Ah!", she simply exclaimed, finding the object she wanted. Taking the small bottle of pet shampoo, she slammed the closet door and flew back down the hall.

Chun Li entered a small courtyard, smiling as she entered. "Ok puppy, I'm back and its time to get.... clean?"

Her jaw dropped at the sight she saw. In front of her was the wet dog, who was no rolling in the dirt of one of the flower beds. Chun Li sighed, knowing that it was too much to leave the dog alone. She guessed that her pet wanted to be muddy for extra measure.

"Shen!!", she cried. "Come here now!". The dog popped up, startled, but obeyed and approached Chun Li. Shen bowed her head as she was taken by the collar and led to a wide metal tub. Without further help, the dog stepped inside, warm water all about her.

"At least you did that before your bath. You have had this a long-time-coming.", she grinned. The dog simply panted as she was scrubbed gently. Both seemed to relax and soon the dog was rinsed and ready to be dried. Chun held Shen securely and reached for where she had placed the towel. Her fingers found nothing before she looked about.

A gasp left her lips,"Oh great not the towel too!". Chun felt the dog tense and her eyes blinked. "NO! Don't shake ooo...." Shen shook violently, drenching her master, before giving a loud bark.

Chun Li groaned just before she heard a familiar giggle. She swerved around and saw that it was Fei Long, her best friend. He was laughing deviously, a towel in his hand. He pointed at her and grabbed at his belly. Chun Li's eyes narrowed as her lips puckered.

"What are YOU doing here?! and why did you take Shen's towel!?", she yelled, about to burst.

Inhaling slightly, he spoke, "Oh gee, oh... hehe... wait I... gotta' stop laughing!". He bent over a bit blushing red from the excitement. "I'm sorry, I saw you washing Shen and you didn't seem to notice, so I took her towel. But... I guess YOU will be using it now!". He started laughing again. Chun felt the dog tug away, wanting to go to Fei. She released her and before Fei Long could say a thing, the wet canine was all over him.

"Ok, ok! Good girl! I'm sorry Chun!", his chuckles mixed with cries

"What are you doing here?", Chun Li asked a second time. She picked up the towel, and began to dry her face and arms off. Fei Long was able to stand up over the playful puppy. "Chill out.", he casually replied. "Sifu said I could come practice here anytime I wanted." His tone was a bit selfish and cocky, something Chun Li noticed in him lately. "What's up with you?"

"Nothing, I was just... surprised.", she said, hesitating. Chun Li found the dog's brush by her tub. She came back over to Fei and the dog and began to brush Shen. She worked silently, just getting lost in perfecting her pet's coat.

Fei Long looked at her oddly, before breaking the silence. "Anyway... I'm gonna go get changed for a workout. You can join me if it suits you." He was still wearing his uniform t-shirt, with the school logo over his left breast. His jogging pants were slighty baggy and navy blue with two green stripes running the length of each leg. Fei Long, himself, wasn't much taller than Chun. He kept his black hair short and sort of spiky, peaking straight up a bit in the front. His face was devilishly playful with bushy eyebrows and narrow eyes. Chun Li wasn't used to the way he looked lately.

Fei Long picked up his bag by the door and entered. Chun Li sort of shrugged to herself and continued grooming the dog. Shen puffed up, her fur soft and fluffy. She was a medium sized siberian breed with large spots of light red hair and tapeoka white around that. She was a rather pretty dog and Chun Li was proud of her. She had even entered her in 3 dog shows but only ranking 3rd in one of them. Besides that, she loved her dearly, not only for being her companion, but also being her fathers last gift.

"Ok puppy, now your a doll!", Chun cheered. They both cuddled together and Shen wagged her curly tail happily. Chun Li stood up and lead her inside. _________________________________________________

Chun Li was finishing her homework inside her room. It was the only room in the temple/dojo that looked like someone could actually relax in. The walls were a plain white, but had areas of large posters of chinese and global teen stars. Although it looked typical of a young girls room, pink sheets and stuffed animals, it also reflected Chun Li's intellect. She had maps of the world; places she wanted to visit marked down. Her shelves of books were filled with poetry and history. The books she studied most were those on law. All in all it had taken her 5 years to get to the emotional state of mind which her room was now at. Her father's murder was just that hard for her.

She had finished when she heard the cries and breathing outside. Closing her text book, Chun Li moved from her desk to her window. Looking out, she saw Fei, punching at invisible enemies. He had to make each attack as serious as the real thing. She saw how fast his hands were, just fast enough so she watched them blur. Chun Li almost envied the speed and precision he employed in Kung Fu.

It was just then that Fei Long turned, feeling her gaze. He stared up at her in the second story of the building. "You must be done your homework, so come do here and let's spar!", he hollered.

Chun Li was surprised by his sudden awareness. "I would, but, I...", she replied, drifting off. Fei Long looked puzzled and a bit annoyed. "Who cares!? Get your sweet liitle... JUST GET DOWN HERE!!" He coughed nervously realizing the error in words he almost made.

Chun Li was nervous herself. "Fine, but, I'm changing first!". She snapped away from the window.

"Good...", Fei thought to himself, sarcastically. "...don't need you fighting in your blouse and short, little skirt!". He rubbed his eyes trying to clear his mind. He resumed to shadow fight. A few minutes later Chun Li appeared in the doorway of the stone courtyard.

She jogged slightly in her sleek traditional outfit. It consisted of a sleeveless red vest with gold trim, long puffy red pants, black slippers, and a bright yellow belt rapped around her waist, tied like a bow. Her braids now hung down, like pigtails.

"She looks really pretty just for sparring.", Fei Long thought. "I'm not even dressed that nicely."

Fei Long stood there while Chun Li bowed into the wide training floor of stone tile. She took a second to look at Fei Long. He had changed alot in the last year, especially his body. Now dressed in blue pants and a muscle shirt, he folded his arms. He used to be a thin, wiry boy, but now his muscles were considerable. All this made Chun Li uneasy. He was already fast as lighting but his strength increased his fighting potential. The last time they fought she felt that strength and knew that they were both at an even level. However, it wasn't just fighting that had her worried. They had been friends forever, yet, now was different. Fei Long seemed to act like he had something to prove to her. She had a feeling that she knew what it was, but, prayed that they never spoke of it.

"Well?", Fei Long questioned, breaking Chun Li's thought. Chun Li blinked and walked closer. She stretched out a little then looked at him. "Ok... I'm ready". She sighed as Fei Long automatically bowed before she did the same.

Taking a step back, Chun looked at Fei. His fists were raised and he had a short rythmic bounce to his stance. Chun Li sluggishly raised her hands and stood strong.