Untitled Ch. 1
By Sol Badguy

SFO Airport, San Francisco, Morning

"Flight 524 from Hong Kong, now arriving." The entire airport was jam packed, and each terminal was crowded with people eagerly awaiting to greet their family members and friends. It was the Christmas season after all, and what better way to spend the holidays than with those you care about most.

"Daddy! Is that the plane that Uncle Ryu is on? Is it, is it?" A young boy tugged at the cuff of his father's shirt, jumping up and down all the while.

"Yup! That's the one, Mel!" Ken Masters along with his wife and son waited at the airport terminal. A smile spread across his face, knowing he would finally get to once again see his long time friend and rival. And not only would he just be seeing Ryu, he'd also be seeing Ryu's lovely companion as well…

"Honey, it's been a while since we've last seen Chun-Li isn't it?" Eliza asked, poking her husband ribs.

"Yup," Ken replied, "now that I think about it, time really has flown by… First Ryu beats the crap outta Gill, Ryu beats the crap outta Akuma, and now it's already Christmas… and now RYU - my best friend, the guy who I never thought would flirt his way out of a wet paper bag - is getting married! Tying the knot… the whole nine yards… man, who would've thought…"

"Hey Daddy, didn't Uncle Ryu beat you up too?" Mel asked as Ken was finishing.

"HEY! That never happened…! When was THIS?" the American Shotokan champion snapped, playfully hitting his proud son on the back of the head.

"Ummm, I think during the first tournament finals when deciding who would fight Sagat… during the second tournament when…"

"HEY HEY HEY!!! You've been doing a little too much homework kid hahaha! I don't ever remember any of this!" Ken snatched his son beneath the arms and raised him up in the air and playfully shook him causing him to squeal. "Take that all back I tell ya! Hahaha!"

"Tee hee… I told you so, dear." Eliza giggled.

"Heh, told me what?" Ken turned to his wife, placing his laughing son back down on the ground.

"That Ryu would find someone."

"Awww, I always knew that one day he would…"

"And it was none other than Chun-Li… a girl he was friends with since childhood… someone who he has been a part of all his life… and they finally confessed their feelings for one anoher and now they're finally together! Isn't that so romantic, dear?" Eliza eyes were focused on nowhere in particular, and it was clear she was in a dreamy state by the look on her face.

"Yeah, I'm really happy for the big guy…" Ken tried to reply, but he was interrupted again.

"I'm sure she'll be very, very, very happy with Ryu as her man. He's so kind, generous, and honest, and very handsome too… He'll be the perfect husband…"

"Whoa whoa whoa… what a sec, hon!" Ken snapped again, "Are you implying that I am less than a perfect husband?!"

"Tee hee, I'm sorry, dear! You know that you don't need me to tell you that you are the perfect husband and father, hehe."

"Heh…" With a well-practiced motion, Ken whooshed his arm around Eliza's back and placed hand on her opposite shoulder, immediately kissing her on the forehead before she could even give the slightest resistance. Not that she would've resisted anyway.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Mr. Smooth Operator Ken Masters…" came a female voice. An extremely beautiful Chinese woman approached the Masters family with her Japanese fiancé close behind, carrying their baggage. Her hair was tied back by a trademark red bandanna, and her ponytail was tied into a single long braid which dangled down nearly to her rear. She was dressed regularly, wearing a warm wool sweater and long black pants. The man behind her, who would normally be seen in his karate gi, was dressed in loose fitting sporty clothes appropriate to accommodate the cold weather.

"Hey…! Chun! Ryu! You guys made it!" Ken released his wife and greeted the couple with open arms. Chun-Li smiled opening up her arms and gave him a welcome hug.

"Great to see you, Chun-Li. It's been a long time hasn't it?" Eliza said after Chun-Li released Ken. She too opened up her arms and gave the Chinese woman a welcome hug.

"Uncle Ryu! Uncle Ryu!" Mel jumped up and down, happy to see his favorite "uncle" once again.

Ryu, the master of Shotokan karate, placed down the bags and kneeled down in front of his favorite "nephew", ruffling his hair with his hand. "Hey little guy. You've sure grown up since the last time I saw you!"

"Mel! Say hello to Auntie Chun-Li too!"

Mel turned to his mother and smiled. "Okay! Hi Auntie Chun-Li!" he said politely while waving his hand.

"Awwww…" Chun-Li smiled reached over to touch the boy's hand. "What a sweet boy you are!" Chun-Li just loved children. Back home in Hong Kong where Ryu and Chun-Li take care of a dojo, what she enjoys most about it is tending to the children, teaching them the true ways of learning martial arts. It was very comforting to see that this child was just as well behaved.

Ken chucked, seeing how his friends were already happy upon arrival. "Was the flight okay?"

"Yes," Ryu answered, "It was great, as always. But you really didn't need to get us two first class tickets…"

"Ryu! Shhhh! One day he might listen to you and we won't be able to fly like that again…!" Chun-Li quickly responsed, hitting her beloved on the shoulder.

"Heh heh, don't worry about it Chun. When it comes to seeing you guys, I'll always go all out! Besides, it's Christmas!"

Chun-Li smiled. "Yeah… now that I think about it… it's gonna be our first Christmas… as a couple…"

"Well, if we stay here any longer, we're gonna be spending it all day here at the airport! C'mon, let's head back to my place!" Ken jerked his thumb towards the exit, while flashing his pearly whites. They never ceased to sparkle like diamonds.

"With this traffic during the season, it could take a while…" Ryu pointed out.

"Hey, you know ME, buddy! I got a limo out in the back! We'll be back faster then I can shoryuken you outta the air!"

"Hmph! We will see if you're able to do that!"

After a few laughs, the Masters family headed out along with Ryu and Chun-Li, leaving the airport and to their old, but still famous mansion.

***

One of the many servants held the front door open to Ken and his guests, inviting them into the Masters Estate. Ryu, having been to Ken's home many times simply gave a short bow, and the butler bowed in return. Chun-Li on the other hand lit up once she walked through the door. Eyes, widening and jaw dropping, she marveled at how this home seemed like a paradise compared to her apartment back at Hong Kong. From just looking, she figured there were probably more rooms in the mansion than there were in her entire building.

"Gosh! This place…! Been such a long time since I've been here! It's… it's…!" She couldn't find words to describe it.

"Oh, it's not as great as you think once you've been here for so long!" Eliza laughed.

"Heh heh, yeah, with a place as big as this, there is more space for you to become farther apart from your family…" Ken added, "At least with your place, you'll always be closer to Ryu at all times, ehhhh? Heh heh heh."

Chun-Li said nothing in response, and just smiled, knowing that Ken's words were also true.

"Well, I'm sure the two of you must be jet-lagged and pretty tired, so I should show you two to your rooms… er… room!"

"Sure! I bet the room itself is bigger than my whole apartment!" Chun-Li jumped with glee and followed Ken up one of the many stairs in the household while Ryu laughed to himself, hefting up their bags while shaking his head. Since he's been here a lot, he's gotten quite used to the place.

Mel followed his Uncle Ryu up and took a look at the bags in his hands. "Uncle Ryu! Is there a present for me in there?!"

"Mel! You shouldn't be asking that!" Before Ryu could answer, Eliza scolded her son.

"Aww, it's okay, Eliza." Ryu stopped and knelt down beside the boy. "In fact, I do have something to give you! But be patient, okay? I'll show it to you later tonight."

"Yippee!"

"I'm sorry, Ryu, he's been energetic all day and…" Eliza tried to apologize.

"No, don't worry about it. It's Christmas after all. Kids are always like that during the holiday season," Ryu replied, always in his calm, cool demeanor. Then he felt a tug at his sleeve.

"Can I at least see it so I can put it under the Christmas tree? Please?"

Ryu simply chuckled and patted the boy's head. "Be patient. I'll show it to you later on. I promise!"

"Awww okay…"

"Heh heh. That's a good boy. Go wait downstairs for me, and then I'll show you."

Mel nodded and dashed down the stairs cheering. Ryu chuckled to himself, seeing how the youth had so much energy in him, just like his father. But then his thoughts were suddenly interrupted.

"RYU!!!" Chun-Li shouted, "This room!!! This easily beats a hotel room any day!"

Ken smiled in a somewhat embarrassed manner as well as Ryu. After Chun-Li dashed into the bedroom, Ken leaned over and whispered into Ryu's ear, "Man… she isn't materialistic is she…?"

Ryu thought about it for a moment, but quickly answered, "No, of course not. She's just surprised by the luxury here. Just like how I always look forward to meals whenever I am here… specifically dinner time tonight…" Ryu brought his hand to wipe his mouth a bit, drooling by just thinking of food…

"Ah, I gotcha."

"Look, Ryu! There's even a phone in the shower!" Bounding from one part of the room to the other, Chun-Li marveled at the expansive luxury. Bouncing over to one of the nightstands, she picked up a jar. "And look! Macadamia nuts!"

"Heh heh…" Ryu laughed while rubbing the back of his head, "It's just Ken's way of being a good host…"

"But you know how much these things cost? They're like 80 cents a nut!" Then she jumped on the bed… "Ohhhhhhh! This bed! It's soooo soft and it has a canopy! Come here, Ryu! Feel it!"

Giving up, Ryu shrugged and decided to finally walk over and sit next to his beloved. After placing down the luggage he sat down next to Chun-Li. The bed was indeed soft, consisting of a top quality mattress and top quality sheets. Ken wouldn't have gotten anything less. But Ryu was used to it. Chun-Li on the other hand let herself fall on her back, spreading her arms and legs, letting out a contented sigh. Ryu looked at her, noticing how cute she was when she was excited and happy. He smiled and drifted a hand over to play with her soft bangs, which have grown out to be much longer now. "Mmmmm… this bed is so soft that I could just easily drift off to sleep right now…"

Eliza walked over. "You must be very tired having to adjust to the time here."

"Well, it's not only that," Chun-Li replied, "I haven't gotten that much sleep these past few days…"

"Oh?" Eliza queried with interest, while her husband's eyebrows began to heighten, focusing his eyes on Ryu. Ryu saw his friend looking at him, seeing his grin expanding. < What's HE smiling for…? >

"Yeah… recently I've been staying up very late. Haven't gotten much sleep at all… and with this bed I just feel like drifting off into dreamland right now…"

Eliza giggled, "I see. Well, maybe you should take a nap before dinner… unless you wanted to go shopping with me in the city…"

In that instant, Chun-Li sprung up from the bed, and stood upright in record time. Any and all signs of tiredness and fatigue was now gone. "When?! When?! Now?! Let's go, let's go!"

"Hehe, I knew you wouldn't wanna miss that!" Eliza smiled and turned to Ken, "Let's go, honey! Come on Ryu, you too!"

Ryu's eyes widened at the sudden change of events and feeling Chun-Li run over to him, grabbing his arm. Shopping wasn't his, or pretty much any other male's, favorite thing to do, but he began to stand up anyway, not wanting to be rude.

"Actually uh…" Ken started, "Ryu and I gotta settle some things. I mean he's just arrived here, and I haven't seen my buddy for a while, so I think I'll spend time with him. You two ladies can get lots more shopping done without us!"

Ryu let out a breath of relief. Thank goodness his friend was the master of getting out of such situations! But just then Eliza grabbed her husband's arm. "But honey… who's gonna CARRY all the stuff we buy, hmmm?"

Yikes. But being born a smooth talker, Ken retaliated, "Awww, all you need to do is just act all cute and PRETEND you're having trouble carrying that stuff, giving that little 'Oh, this is so heavy!' puppy dog voice, and some stupid eighteen year-old MORON will GLADLY carry it for you! And if not, the limo guy can do it! That's what he's paid for, right?"

Normally, Eliza would have found a way to get the men to go with them, but seeing how Ken really did want to spend time with Ryu, she just rolled her eyes and smiled. "Okay, okay… Come on, Chun, it doesn't look like he's gonna budge."

"Awwww, okay…" Chun-Li said, leaning against Ryu with a little disappointment on her face.

"I'll meet you downstairs," Eliza finished, and turned around to leave the room. But before she exited the door, she coldly stared at that Mr. Smooth Operator husband of hers, throwing daggers at him. While Eliza was the most beautiful woman Ken had ever laid eyes upon, she sure wasn't so beautiful right now… She quietly muttered in a voice that Ken could hear, "What IS it with this male to male bonding BS?" With a "Hmph!" she left the room.

Ken slapped his forehead, gritting his teeth. < I swear to god, she'll never understand! NEVERRRRR! >

Ryu looked over at his friend, seeing the mental trouble his wife put him through. But then his attention was interrupted with a light kiss on the cheek by Chun-Li.

"Okay, I gotta go meet her downstairs. I'll see you later, okay honey?"

Ryu kissed her opposite cheek and lightly brushed his finger across it. "Okay, have fun."

Smiling, Chun-Li got her purse and bounded out the doorway waving to Ken on her way out. Once she was gone, Ken hunched over with his hands on his knees. Ryu went over to help him, but Ken waved him off.

"You okay, my friend?"

"Yeah, yeah, don't worry. Just one of those routine things in marriage…"

"I… I see…" Ryu thought to himself. Would Chun-Li end up putting him through such mental pain?

"There's no escaping it, buddy!" Ken said, knowing what Ryu was thinking. Placing a hand on his shoulder, he continued, "No matter how much you try to avoid these things, you always manage to run into them! But hey, these things exist so that they can be resolved, and once they're resolved, then things were much better than they were before!"

Ryu felt a bit relieved. "I see. That's a good way of putting it…" He began to ponder a little more about his future until Ken suddenly wrapped his arm around his neck, putting him into a headlock. Using his other hand, Ken gave Ryu the familiar old-fashioned noogie. "But ANYWAY…"

"W-what?"

"Heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh… hahahahahahahahahahahaha!" Ken laughed and laughed, continuing to noogie his friend.

"What's so funny?!"

Ken's grin expanded so wide that his face threatened to split in two. "I never you had it in you…"

"Huh…?" Ryu managed to say, "I don't know what you mean by…"

"You think you can fool ME?! Ken MASTERS? Hahahaha!"

"Fool you? I never…"

"Hahahahaha…" Ken continued to laugh and then changed the tone of his voice to that of Chun-Li's. "Oh! I haven't gotten that much sleep lately! I've been staying up sOoOoOo late these past few nights!"

"Uh… I… I don't see what you mean by…"

"Aw COME ON! Don't give me that! There's only ONE reason I can think of why she hasn't been getting enough sleep lately… and that's YOU!"

Struggling to break free of Ken's headlock, Ryu finally realized what Ken was talking about… "H-hey… b-b-but…"

"So it's TRUE huh?! Hahaha!" Ken strengthened his headlock, refusing to let go until Ryu admitted it.

Ryu began to blush from thinking about it. Hey… it WAS sort of true… "W-w-well… I… th-that's none of your…"

"Ryu! D*mn man! With the strongest woman in the world! You've gotten all the single males on this planet BOWING DOWN at your feet! YOU SLY DOG!!!" Ken grinned mischievously, grinding his knuckles into Ryu's head.

Finally able to break free, Ryu grabbed Ken with his arms, and threw him across the room with an easily practiced motion. Ken landed on his feet and brushed the hair out of his eyes, still laughing. "I d-don't see what's so funny…" Ryu said with his arms crossed, but still unable to hide his blushing. "Those are private, intimate moments between the two of us and us only…"

Ken walked towards Ryu, the smile still on his face, but now it was a mature smile rather than that of a teenage boy. "It's just good to hear you've finally learned to show some affection. I was worried about you for a while, man! But now I know that you'll be fine."

Ryu nodded in response, seeing that Ken still hasn't changed. At times, he could be a little kid, but he was always a man that knew what he was talking about.

Ken gave a light punch to the shoulder and walked passed him. "Well, I got some things to take care of, so why don't you play with Mel for a bit okay? He's been talking about nothing but you ever since he woke up!"

"Sure. I wanted to see him too."

"All right, see you later buddy!" Ken headed out the door, and disappeared into the labyrinth of hallways to do whatever business that needed attending to.

Ryu left the room soon after, heading back downstairs. Almost immediately, as if he knew he was coming, Mel ran over to meet him at the bottom. "Uncle Ryu!"

"Hey there. Still anxious I see," Ryu chuckled.

"I'm sorry! It's just that, out of all the things that Mommy and Daddy get for me, I like your presents the best!"

Ryu smiled. "Well, I hope what I give you today will be something you treasure for a long time too."

Mel's eyes sparkled. "So you're gonna show me?!"

"Yes. Follow me."