Recalled to Life... Ch.1 (Part 2)
By Pearl/Bean

On an airplane crossing the Atlantic going to San Francisco Ryu slept uncomfortable in his cramped seat sitting between the window and some rambunctious 7 year old playing w/ action figures that always would accidentally kick him and his mother that was always typing busily in her computer and talking w/ a loud, Long Island accent. Ryu quickly woke up jumping. He observed the child earlier and quickly assumed this boy was happy w/ his spoiled life. He couldn't help, but think about his own child, also. Waking up before dawn to meditate and spend the entire day training… unless is was a day he learned basic academics also from his Master Gouken. Every summer his bestfriend, Ken, was always excited to go home and get a break from training. Ryu never understood his joy around that time. He assumed, when he was older, Ken wasn't as dedicated to the fight as he was. Obviously now, since he's married and has a child. Ryu, then, thought about that sort of life. *Me, my wife, and a child… or more? Me… a husband and a father???* The thought was new to him and he quickly dropped it when the kid next to him kicked him again. He rested his head back against the window and looked out at the clouds below him. He remembered he were to spend a couple of weeks in San Francisco w/ Ken and his family. He obviously did not want to spend over a month, that was just being too intruding. Plus, he wanted to travel more. He had friends all over the world and he needed to see, visit, and catch up w/ them. Of course, they would like to see if her were alive from the last tournament. That Gill character was so powerful it even some-what intimidated him before his duel w/ him. *Never under-estimate or over-estimate your opponent.* That quote he used often, especially w/ Sakura who was always following him around at the tournament stealing his moves here and there. The thought of Sakura brought his mind back to Asia. *Everyone was in Asia: Master Gen, Fei-Long, Chun-Li…* His eyes opened wide and almost jumped again. *Chun-Li! It's been ages since her and I last spoke. Last I heard of her she quit Interpol and works at a local dojo.* He decided that he should visit his friends in China, but after the Holidays were over.

~~~

When the plane landed he became a bit more anxious. He was actually going to see his bestfriend that he hasn't seen for weeks, he was finally going to meet his family, he was actually going to get off this plane! These thoughts made him forget about China, along w/ the fact he was still sitting, and stood up straight bumping his head hard on the overhead bin. The child broke out in a laughter. The mother scolded him and talked w/ Ryu to see if he was ok. Ryu nodded and carefully made his way off the plane. He walked off the plane still rubbing his head and paused in shock, for the airport was crowded full of strange faces and he couldn't see his bestfriend or his family anywhere. "Come on, Mel!" Ken exclaimed grabbing his arm and picking him up walking more quickly w/ his wife at side. He knew an airport was strange for Ryu and that being around a huge number of people made him nervous. He, originally wasn't supposed to be late, but this is San Francisco and the highways are terrible at this time of day. At the gate area, Ryu still waited. He saw families meeting up w/ eachother again, strangers meeting their company rides, husbands meeting their wives… again the thought of him settling down disturbed him. He decided that Ken probably was sidetracked w/ Mel wanting something. *Ken's a millionaire, of course his kid is going to be spoiled to death!* He stood in the middle of the busy airport. People passed him hurrying to get to their flight. Little kids passed him and awed on how strong and weird he was. Ryu looked down at them, he grinned and he remembered that wearing your average karate gi wasn't in fashion at the time. He tried to look at the faces, but he couldn't see Ken anywhere. He looked harder and he saw a pair of flight attendants walking by looking at him, whispering to eachother and giggling. He couldn't help, but blush and look again. He'd just about given up when he heard a familiar voice, "Ryu!" Ryu quickly turned around and saw a huge biker man walking toward him. He was in shock for a moment. *Who is this guy? -And why did he call my name?* The biker guy, straight faced wouldn't move his path. Just then, Ken grabbed his shoulder and pulled him out of the biker's way. Ryu was now in another shock for Ken sneaking up on him so quickly w/out him knowing. "Ken!" Ken saw his bestfriend's face and laughed as he hugged him briefly patting his shoulder, "Sorry we were so late," "It's ok. I just kinda of…" He didn't know what to say b/c he saw his bestfriend had a total make-over, practically. He was used to Ken wearing his red karate gi and his hair down in his face. No, not this time. Ken was wearing a casual wear and a shirt from a company called Abercrombie and Fitch. Ken knew his bestfriend was shocked by his new appearance and laughed knocking his shoulder, "I know. I know. I've changed just a bit." Ryu blinked still in shock, "Is this what happens when you stay in America longer than a year?" Ken and Ryu both laughed like old times. Ken introduced his wife and his son. Mel was in awe as he examined Ryu, "Daddy, I think he has more muscles than y-" Ken quickly covered his mouth, "It's not polite to comment on other's people's looks." Ken quickly said truthfully not wanting Mel to finish that sentence. Ryu, knowing the true reason why Ken covered him mouth grinned and turned to Eliza, "You must have your hands full w/ both of them." "You have no idea," Eliza said jokingly. Ken picked up his kid and wrapped his arm around his wife, "Shall we finally get out of here?" "Yes!" Ryu quickly stated.