"Hyai!"

That evening before sundown, Ryu continued his training at the highest mountain peak. The wind blew softly which helped to ease the tension. He took deep breathes as he launched straight ranged punches. In his mind he pictured an opponent standing in front of him as he threw a fury of punches.

He then focused his Ki energy in the palm of his hands. He shot his standard projectile attack in midair.

"Hadoken!"

The blast created an impact upon the waterfall as it pierced the flow for a second. Ryu wiped the sweat off his forehead and smiled over his improvement. He felt that he had accomplished a lot.

He thought to himself, "I guess I better head back before Juri gets mad at me."

Turning on his heel to leave, Ryu stopped at his tracks. He felt a dark wind surrounding him. He sensed a dark familiar Ki. Ryu's feet shook in fear of the enemy presence. But no matter what Ryu swallowed his fear and still kept his cool throughout the situation.

He felt a deep sense of determination, but also an inner desire for more power. It was as if his dark side was trying to awaken despite not being engaged in battle. Inside, Evil Ryu was craving for battle. Both sides had sensed Oni's presence nearby.

"I am evil Incarnate!"

Oni growled appearing on floating platform. The dark power raged inside of his new form carving for blood. Ryu immediately got into his fighting stance ready to battle Oni.

"You are still weak boy. You cannot hope to defeat me!"

Ryu remained silent - gritting his teeth in fear of Oni. He wasn't sure if he could win this battle. But he had no choice but to face Oni or he would continue to come after him. Oni leaped to ground level ready to face Ryu. Each step he had taken created a dark shroud of energy surrounding his entire body.

"This power is inside of you too. All you will need to do forsake everyone and everything around you." Oni taunted.

Ryu made the first move as he launched a straight punch against Oni; however, his attack was caught by one hand without moving an inch. Oni was not happy on the attack as he asked, "Is this the best improvement you got?"

Ryu threw a flurry of punches and kicks against Oni. The more he attacked the stronger Oni had gained. He then took his distance released and launched a stronger Hadoken.

He found himself on ground level away from Oni thinking he was in the clear. Ryu was about to leave until, he was stopped dead at his tracks by Oni now levitating. Ryu was paralyzed with shock over Oni's power.

But he knew could not give up. He swallowed his spit and took a deep breath. However, he was still unsure of himself, but now was not time for doubts. The two fierce warriors launched at each other.

Each strike had proven useless on Oni Akuma as Ryu continued to get knocked down. Ryu held a fearless scowl on his face not wanting to give up. Oni had still stood motionless awaiting the next move.

"When will you learn little cub, that you cannot beat my immense power? I have evolved behind ordinary street fighters? Oni exclaimed clenching his fist.

"We'll see about that Oni!" Ryu said landing a series of blows on Oni.

The attacks had managed to move him, but only an inch. Oni was slightly impressed with Ryu's strength. Before another fast punch connected, Oni grabbed Ryu's fist.

He demanded, "You're not strong enough; fight me with your all!"

Oni struck Ryu with a thrust punch. Ryu was already down to his knees after the blow to his chest. The dark energy was screaming out to Ryu, no matter how much he tried to hold it back. Oni continued to taunt Ryu to bring out his ultimate power.

The pressure had become so overwhelming that Ryu wasn't sure if he could hold it back anymore. Growing impatient, Oni shot his dark Hadouken. The smoke had covered the entire area. When he was about to leave, he sensed a dark energy rising from Ryu.

Thus Evil Ryu awakened ready to fight. Although, it wasn't Ryu's intentions to transform, he was determined to survive the outcome of the fight. Right now, his mind was clouded with violence.

Oni scuffed and said; "Only one of us will live after this outcome Ryu. Do not hold back."

"Akuma!" Evil Ryu roared.

Both fighters had taken their stance preparing for a second round.


In the meantime, Rose, the wise street fighter fortune teller, eyes had widened. She had sensed an intense dark energy unlike any other. It was similar to Bison, but only darker. The feel of the energy made her skin tremble. Rose had feared for the outcome as she got ready. Regardless of her past mistake, she knew she had to do something. Deep down, she knew that Ryu was still the last hope.

She glanced at her Fool Tarot card and announced, "Ryu? I must stop this darkness or else the world will be in danger! This will be my last mission."

Juri had just finished her daily training. But when she arrived back at the temple, Ryu wasn't there. This had angered her, Ryu was supposed to meet with her back in an hour. She folded her arms and tapped her foot constantly waiting for Ryu.

"Argh! Where is that idiot!"

Juri shouted rubbing her head in frustration. She decided to go in pursuit of Ryu, but was stopped by Rose. Rose had appeared before Juri. Turning her legs to attack, Rose halted Juri.

"I mean you no harm, Ryu is in danger." Rose warned.

Juri raised her eyebrow, "What!"

"I'll explain on the way, we must hurry, there is no time." Rose rushed.

Each strike landed had created a massive impact on the environment. The two street fighters held powerful auras as they continued their fight. Oni grinned, now that Ryu had awakened he felt like he found his equal.

In terms of dark power the two warriors were evenly matched. Evil Ryu and Oni still held the same killing intent in their eyes. Each blow they had landed was more than a bruise wound.

A brief moment later, the fighters landed back on ground level. Even through Oni was powerful he had taken much damage. The results were the same for Evil Ryu.

Oni wiped the blood from his cheek, and complimented, "Impressive Ryu, but I still sense some doubt in you to fully embrace the darkness within. We are a lot alike you and I."

Evil Ryu stood firm ignoring Oni's taunting, but deep down he knew he was right. He hasn't fully embraced the darkness, but he was still determined to fight on.

Oni's power had risen. The dark aura surrounded his entire body had continued to affect the environment more. Darkness has covered the skies. Oni preformed a ground pound releasing a surge of negative energy.

"Blood! I need more blood!" Evil Ryu yelled as his aura grew.

Oni smiled sinisterly, "Yes, Ryu that is fighting I would like to see inside of you, because we are not finished."

Oni had continued to push Evil Ryu away. Oni's dark energy had continued to overpower the warrior. Before Evil Ryu could counter attack, a voice called out to him.

Juri called out, "So you finally shown your face?"

Juri and Rose rushed to Evil Ryu. Rose was stunned by the dark energy surrounding Ryu. It was not the same Ryu she came to know as an ally. Juri launched for an attack on Oni, but Rose stopped her.

"No. he is too powerful!" Rose warned.

"Big deal, I've faced off with stronger ones." Juri shot back shoving Rose aside.

Juri activated her Feng-Shui-Engine. A large amount of Ki surrounded her entire body. She was itching to fight, but she didn't know what she was up against. Regardless, she rushed in blindly at Oni.

"Your power is truly impressive, but not on the same level as mine." Oni held Juri by the neck.

"You haven't seen me yet, let's have some fun!" She grinned amplifying her Ki power to maximum level. The energy flowed all around her. She struck Oni with a powerful kick, and then created a devastating explosion nearly shattered the mountain.

Oni was burned, but stood untouched after the attack. Juri licked her lips in excitement as she tried a new plan. She charged at Oni releasing massive amounts of kicks. Like Ryu, she was not going to give up so easily. She found herself rather craving for battle. It was like she was reverting back to her cold and vengeful side.

He held Juri by the head, "I must admit you are formidable with a bit of training you might even go upon our level, and maybe you could even be a wielder of the Satsui-No-Hadou."

While Oni was occupying Juri, Evil Ryu had stricken him from behind.

"You have been a worthy opponent, but now I think it's time we end this once and for all. Only one of us will be left standing." Oni announced.

They charged up performing their (wave motion fist) for final assault. Both fighters were unsure about their victory as the two projectiles clashed with one another.

"You sure are reckless." Rose criticized Juri as she helped her up.

"Oh shut up, I don't see you coming up with better plans." She grunted.

Rose and Juri watched astounded by the fight. It was all in their hands as the two powerful projectiles were at a deadlock. Both fighters pushed their strengths to the limits. Evil Ryu had pushed forward. Oni later found himself at Evil Ryu's mercy. Unbelievable, His power had managed to overthrow Oni. Nothing had changed. Evil Ryu was not satisfied by his victory. He was still trapped in his dark form. When he glanced at Rose and Juri, he snarled.

"I want to fight more!"

Rose activated one of her sealing spells placing a barrier around Evil Ryu. Juri stood as backup to Rose. Knowing his incredible power, it was only a matter of time before he breaks lose. She didn't want to seal Ryu even if it was her only choice.

She told Evil Ryu to 'Remember who you are.'For the sake of the future, she didn't want to seal Ryu forever. She was beginning to reach her reaching Rose, Evil Ryu was struck to the side.

A muscular elderly master had appeared known as Gouken. Ryu and Ken's former martial arts master. Although he was presumed dead, he had managed to survive. He quickly preformed a seal to Ryu's dark power, so that he may not suffer again.

"Grr…you always knew how to spoil my fun, eh brother." Akuma growled."

I suggest you leave while you still can. It'd be foolish to fight me with the condition you're in." Gouken had warned standing with a killing intent.

Rose and Juri were plagued with curiosity on the man, yet he had remained silent on the outcome. Before they knew it, Ryu was already turned back to normal unconscious.

"It would seem like he didn't get consumed by the darkness. We were fortunate." Rose sighed in added also sighing.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with you."

Rose and Juri groaned. Both females lied down rested while catching their breath.

They couldn't imagine what they would do if Ryu had been lost for good. When they glimpsed at Gouken again, him and Oni was already gone.

Rose turned her back to leave, says, "Take care of Ryu, for he will be needed again someday."

"Whatever, but I'm not going to say thank you." Juri grunted.


"Akuma!"

Ryu shrieked waking up in bed in the temple. Juri sat down currently concerned Ryu's sake and haggard by his beaten body. After an intense battle, it was only natural that Ryu would be exhausted.

"Juri, what happened to the battle?" he asked still blinked and replied,

"What do you think happened, you won idiot."He placed his head over his forehead,

Ryu shook his head in disbelief. "That's funny, I don't remember winning."

Juri sighed moving into Ryu's bed and explained, "You were close to losing yourself in the process. Akuma had already disappeared after the battle. Your fortune teller friend even helped you as well as an old man who had a similar fighting style to you."

"What? My master Gouken was here?" he inquired.

She cuddled up to Ryu, "Yeah he left after helping you, but who cares it's all over now. You're in one piece."

Ryu placed his hand on Juri and reply, "I suppose your right. There is no need to think about the past."

Juri made the first move pressing her lips on Ryu's. Ryu wrapped his arms around Juri kissing her back. Passion and arousal had taken the two as their hearts had raced.

"Excited are we?" Juri whispered passionately.

Juri curled her feet on Ryu's body. He started to move in on her neck. Juri had moaned by each lip. They moved from the chest to the lower body. The feeling was like ecstasy to Juri, especially with the man that she loves. Now that she was not fighting dangerous opponents.

Later on Ryu stared at the beautiful night sky. It was a quiet night. Even if Ryu had defeated Akuma, he felt that there were still fights out there. For the time being, he was going to take it easy.

Juri embraced Ryu from behind and moaned, "Keep staring at me like that and I may get a little more...frisky...ha! Ha! Ha!"

To be continued in the next story, Unlikely Alliance.