By RyuDragon

The fight started.

To Yuki's eyes, the three fighters were nothing more than white and red blurs. The three fighters moved so fast that she didn't know which blur was Ryu Dragon. She silently prayed that he'd be all right.

The fight had just gone for thirty seconds, and they had traded more than fifty blows. The way the Shotokan fighters worked together was so tight and fantastic that it left almost no room for Ryu Dragon to counter. Only his ability to warp around - not only at ground, but also in mid-air - that gave him a little chance to counter at times.

The fight went on for another twenty minutes, and it could be seen the Ryu and Ken had the upper edge. Although they were not able to corner Ryu Dragon, but they delivered more attacks than Ryu Dragon. And with RD could only blocked or evaded more than attacked back, which depleted his power and stamina faster than the other two.

"D*mn, can't get on like this. Man, they're so great. Need…" His thought was cut as he warped away from Ryu and Ken's onslaught. "Strange though, they seem only attacking with close range attack. Not that I complaint." He quickly blocked a sidekick from Ken, then counter with low sweep, taking the blond fighter down. RD rolled away, unable to follow the attack because Ryu was already there and delivered a low kick that missed his head by a mere inch.

"This is nuts." RD thought as he blocked a sharp sidekick from Ken who was already recovered, then he jumped away from Ryu's sweeping kick. "Have to… Hmmm… got an idea, a bit risky though. No other choice, but." Re-energized with the thought of his plan, RD defended himself as best as he could while waiting for the right moment to execute his plan. The fight went on more furiously now as punches and kicks flied faster and faster.

"Now !" Thought RD as he warped away to behind of the two Shotokan fighters. Ryu and Ken turned around and run toward RD. A few feet from RD, they jumped up and kick at RD. "Perfect." thought RD as he spun his hands - each hand carried energy with different color, white and black -, making a big circle. A symbol of Tao emerged in front of him catching both fighters' kicks. The circle spun, each second getting faster and faster. Few seconds past and RD pushed his hands outward. The circle blew up, sending both Shotokan fighters crashing onto each other a few feet away. "Sorry for hurting you guys." RD thought as he cupped his hands on his side and began to channel his power. "Cho…"

***

Sensing big energy gathered from RD's direction, Ken quickly disentangled himself from Ryu and shout "Wait ! Dragon, wait !"

RD frowned when he heard Ken shouted. He still cupped his hands and held the energy, but nevertheless, he waited. He saw Ken sat up and moved his hands to his own eyes. He saw Ken's movement was like someone taking off contact lenses. "Ken ?"

"Wait a minute, buddy." said Ken as he and Ryu took off their contact lenses. He stood up and walked toward RD, grinning.

RD dissipated the energy gathered. "What the ?" He saw the red contact lenses in Ken's hand and looked up to see Ken's eyes were the normal color.

Ken grinned, and Ryu smiled beside him. "Got you fooled eh, buddy ? How was the fight ?"

Still stunned, RD could only say "So you two weren't…"

Ken looked at Ryu and said "He's kinda slow isn't he ?"

Ryu just smiled and said "How are you, Dragon ? It's been a while."

And without another word, the three fighters embraced, while on a corner of the dojo, Yumi stood and confused.

***

The eight fighters - Ryu, Ken, Chun Li, Dan, Natalie, Nathen, Claude, and RD - and the other two non-fighters - Eliza and Yumi - sat on the dojo floor together and having a chat over cups of tea and snacks provided by the Saikyo Ryu master. An hour later, they decided to go somewhere else to get together, karaoke.

After arrived in the karaoke, they quickly hired a room and plenty of various drinks and snacks. The room was big enough to hold at least twenty people and the foods and drinks were plenty enough to satisfy at least twice their number, thanks to Ken's treat.

"So, who's gonna sing first ?" asked Ken as he flipped the song book list.

"Me !! I'll go first !!" Dan shouted vigorously.

"Ryu, you sing first." said Ken who deliberately ignored Dan and quickly took the microphone and handed it to Ryu.

"Me ? Why me ?" asked Ryu. He tried to squirm out of this, but a hard look from Ken and Eliza quickly stopped his attempt. He sighed. "Okay, but what song ? I can't sing well."

"We can go for duet." said Chun Li as she sat next to Ryu and took the other microphone. She smiled at the sight of Ryu blushing furiously. She quickly flipped through the song book list and found a good song for them to sing. She pressed the buttons on the remote control for the song. The intro music began. She put her hand on Ryu's lap. "Relax, just listen to the music and sing as the text is highlighted. You go first."


Ryu: Just a gentle whisper
Told me that you'd gone
Leaving only memories
Where did we go wrong
I couldn't find the words then
So let me say them now
I'm still in love with you

Chun Li: Tell me that you love me
Tell me that you care
Tell me that you need me
And I'll be there
I'll be there waiting
I will always love you
I will always stay true
There's no one who loves you like I do

RCL: Come to me now
I will never leave you
I will stay here with you
Through the good and bad I will stand true
I'm in love with you

Ryu: Now we're here together
Yesterday has passed
Life is just beginning
Close to you at last
And I promise to you
I will always be there
I give my all to you

Chun Li: Living life without you
RCL: Is more than I can bear
Hold me close forever
I'll be there
I'll be there for you

I will always love you
I will always stay true
There's no one who loves you like I do
This is promise...
I will never leave you
I will stay here with you
Through the good and bad I will stand true
Hold me closer...
Our love is forever
Holding us together
Nothing in this world can stop us now
Love has found
Love has found a way

Chun Li: I'm in love
Ryu: I'm so in love
Chun Li: I'm in love
Ryu: Yes, I'm in love
RCL: I'm in love with you (I'm so in love with you)
(Author's note: the song title is 'In Love With You' sang by Jacky Cheung and Regine Velasquez)

As they finished, the others were looking at them - especially at Ryu - with awe. Eliza was the first one who spoke up. "Oh my God, that was so beautiful !!!"

"Yeah, that was fantastic, I never knew you can sing that well, Ryu." Said Dan who got elbowed on the ribs by Ken. "Hey, I was paying compliment !"

"That was so sweet, both of you." said Natalie.

Ryu was blushing furiously and ready to explode, fortunately Ken was there to save the day. "Okay people, let's give them a big clap !"

The others clapped mightily for Ryu and Chun Li's performance.

"Okay, who's next ? I know, Ryu, you choose." said Ken.

Ryu looked around, saw Dan's pleading look and ignored him, then handed the microphone to Ken. "You're next." said Ryu.

"Me ? Okay." He cleared his throat. "Well, let me see, which song." He reached out for the song book list. At the sound of Eliza clearing her throat pointedly, he looked up. "Oh, wanna' duet ?"

Eliza smiled, "Sure." She grabbed the list from Ken and chose a song. She took the remote and pressed the number of the song.

As the song's intro began, Ken groaned. "Oh no, not this song again."

Eliza glared at him, and Ken quickly shut up.

Ken: Don't be confused
Eliza: The way is clear

K&E: And if you want it, you got it forever
This is not a one night stand… baby
Yeah
So, let the music take your mind
Just release and you will find

K&E: You're gonna fly away
Glad you're goin my way
I love it when we're cruisin' together
Music is played for love
Cruisin' is made for love
I love it when we're cruisin' together

Ken: Baby tonight
Eliza: Belongs to us
Ken: Everything right
Eliza: Do what you must

K&E: And inch by inch we grow closer and closer
To every lil part of each other
Oooh baby yeah
Sooo
Let the music take your mind
Just release and you will find

K&E: You're gonna fly away
Glad you're goin my way
I love it when we're cruisin' together
Music is played for love
Cruisin' is made for love
I love it when we're cruisin' together

K&E: Cruise with me baby
Ooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhh
Yeah,
Oooooooooooooooohhhhhhhh

K&E: Oooohhh baby let's cruise
Let's float, let's glide
Oooohh
Let's open up and go inside

K&E: And if you want it, you got it forever
I could just stay here beside you and love you baby
Let the music take your mind
Just release and you will find
You're gonna fly away
Glad you're goin my way
I love it when we're cruisin' together
Music is played for love
Cruisin' is made for love
I love it when we're cruisin' together

You're gonna fly away
Glad you're goin my way
I love it when we're cruisin' together
Music is played for love
Cruisin' is made for love
I love it when...I love it, I love it, I love it
OOohh

Ken: Cruise with me baby
Eliza: I love it when we're cruisin together
(Author's note: The song title is 'Cruisin'' sang by Gwyneth Paltrow & Huey Lewis)

As the song ended, the others were clapping and cheered furiously. Ken and Eliza stood up and bowed. Grinning evilly, Ken toyed the microphone, "Now, who's next ?"

"I'll choose." said Eliza quickly.

"But… but… but…" - Ken.

"Oh quit the b-butting, last time the man chose, now it's the woman's turn." - said Eliza giving a threatening looks to Ken.

Ken grumbled, but nonetheless shut up.

"So…" Eliza handed the microphone to Yuki. "It's your turn, dear." said Eliza cheerfully.

Yuki blinked. "Err… well… okay." she took the microphone and flipped the book list. She stopped at a certain page and smiled. She looked up at RD and grinned.

Seeing the grin and the look, Ken asked, "You want to duet with him ?"

But Yuki shook her head. "Nah, it's alright. I'll sing alone." She took the remote control and pressed the number buttons for the song that she chose. As the intro music began, Ryu Dragon sat straight up and gaped at her. Then the song started.

Whenever sang my songs
On the stage, on my own
Whenever said my words
Wishing they would be heard
I saw you smiling at me
Was it real or just my fantasy
You'd always be there in the corner
Of this tiny little bar

My last night here for you
Same old songs, just once more
My last night here with you?
Maybe yes, maybe no
I kind of liked it your way
How you shyly placed your eyes on me
Oh, did you ever know?
That I had mine on you

Darling so there you are
With that look on your face
As if you're never hurt
As if you're never down
Shall I be the one for you
Who pinches you softly but sure
If frown is shown then
I will know that you are no dreamer *

So let me come to you
Close as I wanted to be
Close enough for me
To feel your heart beating fast
And stay there as I whisper
How I loved your peaceful eyes on me
Did you ever know
That I had mine on you

Darling so share with me
Your love if you have enough
Your tears if you're holding back
Or pain if that's what it is
How can I let you know
I'm more than the dress and the voice
Just reach me out then
You will know that you are not dreaming

Darling so there you are
With that look on your face
As if you're never hurt
As if you're never down
Shall I be the one for you
Who pinches you softly but sure
If frown is shown then
I will know that you are no dreamer
(Author's note: the song title is "Eyes On Me" sang by Faye Wong. It is also FF VIII's OST)

The song ended, and everyone clapped and cheered thunderously. "Woow… that was great, Yuki !" said Natalie.

"Yeah, your voice is beautiful." said Chun Li.

"Really ? Thank you." said Yuki, blushing. She looked at RD who smiled softly at her. Suddenly he looked away and stood up, then walked toward the door.

"Hey, Dragon, where are you going ? Your turn is now." said Ken who was wrestling with Dan who was trying to take the microphone.

RD stopped at the door, turned around, and smiled. "Probably later, mate. Going to get some fresh air. Just give the mike to Dan." As he went out of the room, he heard Dan said to Ken. "You heard him, he wants you to give the mike to me, so give it to me."

Reluctantly, Ken gave the microphone to Dan. Then he stood up. "Err… I need to go to the bathroom, s'cuse me." Then he went out of the room.

With the same excuse, Ryu went out of the room. Eliza and Chun Li followed, saying that they need to freshen up their make up. Yuki went out to look for Ryu Dragon. Now, there were only four people left in the room, Nathen, Dan, Claude and Natalie.

Ryu, Ken, Eliza, and Chun Li stood outside the room. Ken was looking at his watch. "In a few second I'll say… five seconds." Five seconds later, like Ken's prediction, the karaoke room's door was opened abruptly, and Nathen, Claude, and Natalie barreled out of the room.

After the three fighters were out, Nathen quickly slammed the door shut.

"God, I never heard that kind of voice b'fore, it was like… like…" Natalie gasped.

"Man, I love sensei, but I guess some things are to be considered." said Claude.

The two couple grinned. "Yeah, we love Dan, but there're some things not to be loved." Said Ken, chuckling.

***

On the road outside the Karaoke building, Ryu Dragon was seem to be watching the traffic went by, but his mind was somewhere else.

"Mind if I join you ?" asked Yuki who walked to his side.

"'s okay." replied Ryu Dragon. Yuki stood on his side. "You remember the song, huh ?"

"Well, it's a beautiful song…" said Yuki. "And your favorite…"

RD was surprised when he heard the last three words. He turned and his eyes were locked with Yuki's. He saw something that he had not seen for, like a lifetime. The soft but firm feeling from her brown eyes drew him closer to her. When he was leaning to kiss her lips, he felt her finger on his lips, stopping him.

"Don't." she whispered. "I'm sorry, but I don't think both of us are ready at the moment. I do have feelings for you, deep and meaningful, but I don't know if it is love, I need time to think about it." she said softly. "And I think you also need to work on your feelings too."

He shamefully looked down, realizing the truth in her words. "Yes, you're right. I… I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to apologize for." said Yuki reassuring him.

Then without another word, they embraced.

***

Two levels above RD and Yuki, their friends were watching them hugging through the window. Chun Li sighed. "Aren't they sweet ?" Then she hugged Ryu's waist, and Ryu put his hand around Chun Li's shoulder and kissed her on the forehead. Eliza leaned on Ken, putting one hand on his chest, and the other around his waist. Ken put his hand around her shoulder. The two couples were thinking how lucky they were to have each other.

Nathen's mind was on his soul mate, Sara, who he could only see in his dream but felt close like she was on his side. He swore to find her, no matter what.

Natalie sighed, seeing a romantic scene like this made her thinking about her friend, Billy. She could feel his feelings toward her, but knew that he was reluctant to make the first move. She made a mental note to make him expressing his feelings toward her when she returned from this trip.

Claude was thinking about… the foods and drinks in the karaoke room. He looked at the door that was still shaking from the force of Dan's voice. "When will he stop ?"

***

About two hours later, they were walking down the street of Tokyo. They were going to Ken's mansion for sleepover. Dan was still grumbling from being dragged out of the karaoke. "I only sang ten songs, how could you guys dragged me out of the karaoke while I'm still have fun."

"Dan… You broke five glasses, two plates, and a window while you were singing. I think it was appropriate to save the karaoke from further damage." said Ryu.

"Well…" - Dan stammered.

Before Ken could scold Dan, he noticed two figures stood a few feet in front of them. They were Akuma and Dark Warrior, each carried a sword. When they all noticed, Ryu, Ken, Chun Li and Ryu Dragon quickly stood in front of the group and readied their fighting stances. The other four fighters stood in front and behind of the two non-fighters.

"Akuma. It's been a while." said Ryu.

"Indeed, little dragon, it's been a while." replied Akuma.

"Yeah, been a while after getting you butt kicked by Ryu." taunted Ken.

Akuma growled. "Watched your tongue, child. I can easily pluck it off of your dirty mouth."

"Try me." said Ken.

Akuma was about to charge, but Dark Warrior quickly stepped in. "No time for this, Akuma, we need to hurry up." He turned to Ken. "You, surfer boy, is not as strong as you think. I can tell that Ryu is much stronger than you are. In fact, you are nothing but a sidekick. Remember that."

Ken was furious, but RD quickly replied. "And you think you are strong, DW ? You stole powers from me, you sucked powers from fighters, you are nothing but a leech."

Dark Warrior grinned, "Ah, my 'twin brother' Ryu Dragon. Well, I never said I'm a strong man. And if those fighters were not strong enough to defend themselves from me, its better for them if I sucked their powers, right ?"

"You're insane, but I guess that's not a wonder, after all, you're a demon." replied RD. "So what do you want showing up your face, you're so bored in this world so you come to your destroyer ?"

DW chuckled. "We're only crossing path. You're joking when you said you're my destroyer, right ?" He laughed. Then he abruptly stopped. "We have no time for bantering, we'll see you guys later, when it is time to kill you all."

"You're afraid to fight me, Dark Warrior ?" said RD. He quickly charged toward DW who suddenly teleported away along with Akuma. "D*mn !" cursed RD. He tried to detect DW or Akuma presence, but couldn't find either of them. He clenched his fist in anger and disgust. Ryu walked toward him and put a hand on his shoulder. RD relaxed, and his fist unclenched.

"I wonder what those two up to." - Ken. He still felt furious over being called 'sidekick'.

"I think I can help with that." - a sexy woman's voice came from a roof of a house near them. The voice owner jumped down from the roof. She was a sexy and beautiful woman. Her hair was green, and there were two bat wings that looked like sprouting out from each side of her head. She wore a very sexy and revealing outfit: black leather lingerie, gray pantyhose and a pair of black high heel boots. "Long time no see, boys."

"Morrigan." said RD.