| Only For You I Don't Regret Chapter 01: Ryu made his way out of the lobby examining the map of the estate the clerk had given him. The estate sported three fully equipped gymnasiums, and the surrounding grounds of the estate showed the designated fighting arenas. Two of the six were indoor arenas. The estate also provided all the entertainment the fighters and guest could want. One giant dance bar and a smaller bar and grill. All of the 'guests' were required to remain upon the state grounds so everything was provided for them. The registration area was closing down for the night, and the announcement for free dinner in the cafeteria could be heard over the loud speakers. Ryu went off in search of his room to prepare for the evening. After walking up several flights of stairs, he had finally found the room he had been assigned. As he approached the door, he felt the waves of familiar 'chi' emanating from within the room. Entering into the room, he found his best friend and rival fast asleep on one of the twin beds. Ken stirred from his sleep hearing the door close quietly. "Well, if this isn't a surprise!" Ken said with a broad grin upon his face. "I was not expecting you as my roommate. So how have you been buddy?" The two friends butted fists together in their age-old custom of greeting. This was definitely a good turn of events for the two warriors. "I've been fine my friend. I hope everything is well with you and your family." Ryu replied. "Things could not be any better! I have become recently engaged to a beautiful woman, and mother and father could not be happier with it. Of course as soon as I win this tournament, I'll have a new trophy to display in my case." Ken said with a wicked grin. "Then let me congratulate you on your impending marriage. As for the outcome of the tournament, it remains to be seen my friend. Do not let over confidence guide your actions. There are many fine warriors who have laid claim to that title." Ken chuckled at the comment. "You never change pal. Always the eternal optimist. So, what have you been up to since I last saw you? You haven't meet some nice girl and settled down have you?" He mocked jokingly knowing the answer. "No, I'm afraid not. I am still searching the globe for fighters stronger than I am, in hopes of finding out the true meaning of the fight." Ryu replied. "Well, we have a lot of catching up to do. Was I dreaming or did I hear that they are serving a free dinner right now?" Ken asked. Ryu nodded answering. "Then let's go eat!" The blonde American said throwing his arm around his friend's shoulder guiding him out the door. ************************************************************************ The eating hall was crowded even more than the lobby was. For such a large group of fighters, most acted civil to each other in fear of disqualification if a fight was to break out. Ken sported a huge smile as the two warriors walked into the large room. "Doesn't this bring back old memories, buddy?" Ken said. "It reminds me of the first time we entered a fight circuit after leaving Master Gouken." "But the amount of fighters here are more than tripled." Ryu nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but we won't see half of them when it is are turn to fight." Ken replied. After waiting several minutes in line, The two warriors with trays of food in their hands scanned the rows of tables for seats. "I think I see a couple of empty chairs over there." Ken pointed out. "And what luck! A couple of beautiful women there too!" "Ken, I do not think we should interrupt them." Ryu said nervously, seeing who one of them was." "Nonsense!" Ken exclaimed "Those are first string entries over there. Just follow my lead." Ken said walking purposely over to the table. Ryu sighed loudly and followed his friend. "Hello ladies. Do you mind if we share your table and your beautiful company with you?" Ken asked already sitting down not waiting for an answer. The younger of the two women, a blonde girl in pigtails giggled at the compliment, while the other seemed to be annoyed. "By the way, I am Ken Masters, and my backward friend here is Ryu." Ken turned to see Ryu still standing behind him. "Sit down Ken whispered slightly nodding at a chair. "We have already met." Chun li said kind of curtly looking up at Ryu. "Don't mind my friend Chun li here, she has a bad case of jet lag. By the way my name is Cammy White." The blonde replied. "You can sit down Ryu, we won't bite�hard" She smiled laughing. Ken was slightly puzzled. "You already know the Chinese one?" he said under his breath to his friend. "We only met earlier today under extreme circumstances" Ryu replied in a silent whisper. ************************************************************************ After two cups of coffee, Ken and Cammy were talking like they had known each other for several years. Chun li just sat silently listening to the conversation the two were having, only making comments when she was spoken to. "Your friend seems to be personification of the 'Strong and Silent type." Cammy pointed out about Ryu, who was being unobtrusive as possible. "It's his way, Ryu only speaks when he has something of meaning to say." Ken replied. "So you do the talking for the both of you?" Chun li said to no one in particular. Cammy lightly jabbed her elbow into Chun li's side. "Chun!" Cammy said nervously. Ken only laughed at the comment, before falling silent to the hush that seemed to grip the entire room. He turned to look around to see why the room had fallen silent. "Oh boy�" he said under his breath as three fighters entered into the room, obviously the cause of the silence. |