Warrior's Heart
Chapter One: Sojourn of a Lonely Heart
Ryu sat alone, starring out of the window, as the plane soared over the Pacific Ocean. He reflected on what Ken had told him during his past visit to San Fransico.
-----------FLASH BACK---------------------------------------------
'You have been at this since we left Master Gouken's dojo, Ryu! Hell, I admire your drive to perfect the fight, but there is so much more to life than constantly seeking out fights all the time.
'The fight is all.' He had replied.
'Don't give me that! I live for the fight too, but I also live for other things too. Ryu, I am not trying to badger you or anything, it's just that I am starting to worry about you. You walk down this path seeking out someone who is stronger than you, and one of these times you might actually find someone who is. You might not be coming back. The last guy you faced.... Gil? 'He nearly killed you!
'Yes, his strength was incredible.' Ryu replied.
Ken shook his head, and looked Ryu in the eyes. 'I know what your problem is, your afraid to live.
Ryu cocked an eyebrow.
'All you were ever really taught about life was how to fight. I've been married for a few years now, and I can not explain to you how wonderful a feeling it is. Sure I do not get out to many fights, but there is just so much more than I had ever realized.'
'....' Ryu was silent.
'You've traveled this path alone for sometime now my friend. Haven't you ever wondered what it would be like to have someone to love you? To be there with you? To share your life with?'
'Yes. There have been times I have thought about this.' Here recently he had begun to question his path that he was following all these years. He was somewhat envious of his best friend's life.
'And it's not as if there are no available women either. There was that Chinese girl that helped us take down that psychotic dictator. She seemed to have a real thing for you. 'Ever think about maybe seeing her?' Ken asked.
Ryu thought for a second. 'What would she see in me? I live out of social circles, and I never stay in one place too long.'
'I think you should give it a shot though, and try something different. If you need help on this, talk to me, I'll coach ya.' Ken smiled.
'I will think on this further then.' Ryu replied.
---------------------End Flashback---------------------------------
Ryu was interrupted in his thoughts as the speaker announced that they would be preparing to land in Japan in the next few minutes.
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