Prophecy Ch.4 (Part 2)
By Maia

"MONTHS!?"

Chun Li's eyes averted to the carpeted floor. She knew where this conversation was heading. She knew that they cared for her deeply, but was also tired of being constantly lectured.

Ryu's face softened as he kneeled down on one knee before her. "Chun Li."

She looked up and saw two beautiful concerned eyes looking directly into her's. "Why didn't you come to us?"

She was surprised that they weren't yelling at her. A very small smile crept onto her face. *He cares so much...But duh! He cares about everybody!*

"I didn't want anyone to get involved."

Ryu smiled,"Always thinking about everyone else first." *That's what's so special about you.*

The two continued to stare into each others eyes. Both seeming to be searching for something.

"AHEM!...". Cammy loudly stated, making it perfectly clear that she wasn't clearing her throat.

The two blushed, while Ken smiled. Ryu sat onto the floor exactly where he was, "Now...why ~is~ Bison after you?"

Chun Li's eyes directed to the ceiling, letting out a sigh, she shook her head, "I have no idea."

Cammy was about to say something, but was startled to see quiet tears streaming down Chun Li's face. Instead, she continued,

"I just wish that they would just leave me alone! I just wish that *he* would die and go away...I *sniff* saw him. I.......I thought that it was just my imagination a first, but....but I could just feel the evil radiating in him. He,...he was looking for me."

She continued to cry until she broke down and fell into Ryu's powerful arms. His mind whirled with emotions. *She's so beautiful and innocent...STOP IT YOU IDIOT! She need a friend right now.* After a few moments, the muffled cries subsided. Ken and Cammy then waited for her to continue, but she never did.

Ryu turned to them, slightly smiling, "I think that she fell asleep."

Ken smiled, "Probably still exhausted. You should take her to her room."

Ryu nodded and took the sleeping beauty into his arms, being careful not to disturb her peaceful slumber, and slowly walked into the room she was using. Cammy grinned at Ken as he winked back.

Ryu placed Chun Li beneath the covers. He brushed her bangs from her face and slid them behind her ear. He sighed," I will protect you, that I promise." After a few more glances, he silently left the room and closed the door behind him.

~

"Where am I?"

"You are with me!"

Chun Li turned around to face Bison. She screamed, "Kikoken!", but the flaming ball went directly through him. She turned the other direction, and ran. She ran fast, until she came to a cliff. Looking on the other side, she saw Ryu. The depth of the gorge between the two peices of land was so deep that all she could see was pitch darkness.

She panicked, "Ryu, help!" She screamed again as she saw Bison close behind.

Ryu looked desperate, "Chun Li! JUMP!"

She shook her head 'no', but was converted as she heard Bison's laugh closer and closer. She took a few steps back, then ran and lept forward to the other side. She instantly found herself dangling on the edge.

"Ryu! Help, please!", as she saw his head peering over the edge.

He reached out his hand, "GRAB ON!"

She met her hand into a firm grip from his. But the bond was blasted by a powerful force. The hold broken. She fell into darkness, her last sight was of Bison hauntingly laughing at her.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

~

Chun Li bolted straight up into a sitting position. The door to her room bolted open with five scared faces. Ryu instantly ran to Chun Li, holding her with all his strength.

Chun Li's breath gradually slowed, "I.....I had....I had a nightmare."

She expected to be laughed at, but no one showed anything but concern.

Ryu put her a arms length, grasping her shoulders, "It's okay. It *was* only a nightmare."

Cammy sat on the edge of the bed, "Are you going to be okay?"

Chun Li nodded, "Yeah, I'll be okay."

Ken gave a knod and turned on the a/c, so that she could be more comfortable, while Guy returned with a glass of water.

Chun Li took a sip, "Thank you all, but I'll be fine."

They all nodded and slowly left. Ryu was the last in the room. As he got up to leave, half- way to the door, Chun Li spoke up,

"Ryu!"

He turned around.

She looked up while sheepishly soothing out the wrinkled on the covers, "Will you stay with me?"

Ryu was taken back. Millions of thoughts flashed through his mind, inwardly beating himself for each of them. He turned red as he noticed that she was waiting for an answer.

He scratched his head, "Um.....sure....I....okay I guess."

She smiled and open the covers for him. He awkardly walked toward the bed and got in. Chun Li quickly turned off the lamp light on the opposite side.

"Goodnight Ryu."

"Hmmm?...Oh, oh ...yea..Goodnight Chun Li."

*What have I gotten myself into?"