Chapter 20: The Garden

"Something is not right here." Ryu thought to himself as he walked out into the night air. It was well after midnight, and he was still pondering Rose's words earlier that evening.

"I should not be here anyway. This is delaying my fight with Gouki. Slinging his worn duffel bag over his shoulder, he walked through the rather large flower garden, heading for the main road.

As he neared the fountain in the center of the maze like garden, he felt as if someone was spying on him.

"Leaving so soon?" Rose queried.

"I can not impose on you any longer. I have someone I have to find. I wish to thank you for the aid you have given me." Ryu replied to the woman walking up to him.

Rose was wearing a silk purple bathrobe that was open, revealing her short black lace teddy that seemed to be painted onto her curvaceous body.

"I saw the thank you note you left for me, but I am not quite done helping you yet, my wanderer." She said with a seductive look.

She walked up rather close to him and took his hand into hers. Looking up into his dark brown eyes, "I am not willing to lose you to the dark power."

Ryu could smell the scent of her hair clearly now, it reminded him of fresh cut lilies. The scent was captivating, but not as intoxicating as the cherry blossom scent of Chun li's hair.

"Maybe this will convince you to stay then..." Stretching up, she drew in close and gave him a long passionate kiss.