Letting Go Ch. 11
By Maia

Ryu felt a rush of emotions run through him. Memories…memories of the man who killed one of the most important person in his life. Looking at this…monster had managed to flicker feelings deep within him.

Fear…anger…revenge…horror.

He couldn’t help but think about all the other people he could destroy…’would’ destroy. Out of fear, he tightened his arms that where around Chun Li’s waist.

Chun Li watched as Ryu spoke the name Akuma. She followed his gaze and found a man. She widened her eyes.

*No, not a man, but a …demon. *

She tried to grasp the memory of where the name had been mentioned before.

--Flashback—

Chun Li was awakened by the tints of the morning rays peering through her blinds. Hesitantly, she got up with a yawn and stretched. Walking toward the door, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror.

*Ugh. I need a shower. *

She prepared to change her direction to the bathroom, but heard a sequence of noises coming from the South wing. Curious, she made her way toward the racket. After A LOT of walking, she found herself at the gym.

*I hate this house. * She smirked *Yeah right Li. You only wish that it was your. *

Chun Li rolled her eyes. It was true that Ken’s house was extremely dashing and lovely. But all in all, she knew that it wasn’t for her. She was more of the ‘simple’ type, neither too flashy nor boring. Besides she was afraid that a house like this would just get her lost. Wheeling her mind from the dreamy path it had taken, Chun Li looked around. She found Ryu in the far corner staring out of a distant window. The ray of the sun hit him directly in the face, but he didn’t seem to mind. He seemed to be lost in thought. Chun Li thought for a while and decided to approach him. Lightly stepping toward him from behind, she reached out a hand to tap his shoulder. Surprisingly, Ryu turned around and caught her hand by the wrist…hard.

Ryu widened his eyes. And let go of her arm. “Li! I’m so sorry. I-I thought that you were Ken, trying to sneak up on me or something.” His expression softened into concern. “Did I hurt you?”

Chun Li smiled, slightly rubbing her wrist. “No. It’s okay.” She laughed as he scratched the back of his head embarrassingly. “It’s okay, I’m fine!” He smiled.

Debating whether to bring the subject up or not, she took her chances. “Uh, Ryu?”

He looked up at her. “Yeah?”

“What, um, were you thinking about?”

He gave her a questioning look. “Thinking about?”

She frowned. *Does he not want to talk about it or does he really not know what I’m talking about? *

Giving a small smile, Ryu read her expressions. He lightly grasped her right hand. She looked up at him. “I ‘really’ don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Chun Li let out a small giggle. She met Ryu’s eyes. *So cute…*

“Uh, um. At-at the window, you looked like you were thinking about something upsetting.”

Ryu’s smile formed itself into a thin line.

Chun Li noticed. “If you don’t want to talk about it, then I understand.” She let her hand slide from his grip and moved toward the exit. Before she could even turn, a strong hand had again grabbed her wrist, but this time, it was the softest touch she thought she could ever feel.

--End flashback—

*AKUMA! He’s the one that…* Chun Li’s eyes turned from fear to deadly *caused Ryu so much pain. *

She felt Ryu’s arms tighten around her waist again. She found herself hugging him closer toward her as the demon took a few strides toward them.

“Ryu.”

Ryu didn’t respond in any way, except for holding Chun Li closer to him.

“Ryu. I couldn’t let Bison kill you.” Akuma spoke in a cocky tone. Seeing the confusion hidden in his eyes, Akuma laughed.

“Let me make it clearer for you. I couldn’t let him kill you because ‘that’ is my desire.” He then turned. “Be prepared Ryu. I will be watching…and we will cross again!”

Ryu and Chun Li watched as Akuma just disappeared. A voice echoed around them.

“Soon…”