::crosses arms and smiles:::
Thank God man…I got scared that this wasn’t gonna finish for awhile. Glad to know you are still working on it.
Chapter XXII: At Rest
?Gouken I have some bad news.? Retsu stepped through the doorway to the kitchen and stood. He was wringing his hands and searching Gouken?s face. Gouken was seated at the table having lunch. Ryu had finished his lunch and was outside.
?Goutetsu is dead.?
?How?did you-?
?Everyone else I care about is already here. From the way you approached me I could tell it was something serious.?
?Well, I?m almost relieved.? Retsu exhaled deeply. Gouken managed a weak smile.
?He was found deep in the woods, he was pretty beaten up and not from the fall off a cliff.?
?So he was in a fight. Against someone skilled.? Gouken took a sip of his tea and tapped the table with his fingers. He was pretending to take this well excellently.
?You think it was your brother?? Retsu stated his question carefully and slowly, in all the years he had known Gouken his brother was always a soft spot. Gouken would sometimes go on long monologes about Gouki, reminiscing and sometimes complaining. But those times were rare, only a few times a year. When Gouken was not venting about Gouki he did not mention him at all.
?I?m pretty sure it was. Gouki?I haven?t seen him in so long. I fear what he has become left to himself.?
?We should go find him and talk with him. Fight him if it comes to it. He might have murdered your master??
Gouken sat his tea down and stood up straight.
?First, Goutetsu was no fool. Those kinds of people just don?t die by happenstance. He let it get that far and accepted the consequences; it was no murder. I guess he felt his job was done. I just wish he told me before?? Gouken trailed off as he sat back down. His faade of calmness was beginning to unravel. His eyes quivered as he took another sip of tea.
?It that how we are supposed to die? It just doesn?t seem??
?Fair?? Retsu couldn?t think of a better word than that.
?That word doesn?t quite fit. I mean life isn?t fair?.but who decides when it is ?kill or be killed? and when it is just a match? Do we have to kill each other?? Gouken stared at the floor and let his cup of tea sit on the table, his hands in his lap.
?I don?t know Gouken. But I know it is the fighters in the fight that decide just what is at stake. Some realize completely what they are betting?and others do not.? Retsu did not know what else to say but was satisfied in his answer. He stroked his bald head and looked out the window.
?Yes?..at least Goutetsu knew. I don?t know about Gouki.?
?What are you going to do about Gouki? Will you challenge-?
?We have students to train, we can?t waste time chasing Gouki around. If he wants us, he will find us. If he wants me, he will find me. I am not hiding and we will go from there.? Gouken?s voice had regained some confidence and stability.
?We only have one student so far Gouken.?
?Tell Dan he?s hired. Ken will be here in time also. This summer.?
?So you?ve decided.?
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His hands still smelled of blood. Even now, well after the battle had ended. How long had it been since the battle? It had been close to a week since then.
Gouki had defeated his master. A duel that Gouki emerged the victor. Gouki felt like he was missing an emotion concerning the fight. Shouldn?t he feel like he had achieved something? Instead he was focused on what was next. What more was there to be done? Which direction to go in next?
Gouki sat cross-legged on a hill, overlooking a barley field.
How could he get stronger?
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?Dan.?
?Yes Master Retsu??
On this sunny day such strong winds seemed slightly out of place. It made the grass sway in rhythm to the branches and leaves on the trees. Dan and Retsu stood amongst all this, warming up. Ryu and Gouken were off somewhere training.
?I?m different than Gouken. He?d probably just start you off learning his punches and kicks. Or maybe throw you into a river.? Retsu chuckled, Dan fought an urge to shiver.
?Your first lesson from me will be from combat. I want you to develop good instincts, so I will break you down a bit. Then Goutetsu and I will build you back up. Do you know how to fight Dan Hibiki??
?I know a little. My father-?
?I know about your father. So you know a little Muay Thai huh?? Retsu paced in a circle while rubbing his neck with his left hand, his right arm bent and his right hand on his waist.
?Well give me everything, anything you have. After all you?re just a kid.?
Retsu?s shirt dropped to the ground in such a way that it looked beautiful, focused and routine. Dan swallowed hard and brought his clenched fists up to just below his eyes.
Retsu began to crack his feet and stretch.
?Let?s get started.?
The wind weakly swept around both of them.
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?Alright young lad. Your father wants me to train you and I agreed of course. From now on you will refer to me as master. Understand Ken??
?Yes Mister Gou-?master! Thank you for accepting me as your student!? Ken?s eyes were happy as he smiled. His hair was a sand colored mop that was nearing the point of obscuring his vision. His hair stopped with his ears. He had finished unpacking a few hours ago and after the tour, after the meal and a change of clothes here he was. He wore a white gi. Gouken?s particular outfit used to be white years ago but was now an even cream. When Ken looked at Gouken in his gi he wanted to tear the sleeves off of his own. But Ken resolved to himself that it could wait until he had bigger muscles.
?It isn?t a problem. I see a lot of potential in you. Now don?t worry the training will start later. You can go play. In fact I want you to meet your new friend I?ve been talking about. His name is Ryu. He?s off practicing I?m sure.?
Ken ran off as soon as Gouken finished his sentence. A few minutes later he found the young boy attempting to meditate. Ryu sat on the ground in the shade of a large boulder. The boulder was strange, there were no more around the gathering of trees and bushes as far as Ken or Ryu could see. As Ken approached the boulder he looked up and around, and was reminded how much he loved the way a forest plays with the sun?s light.
?Hey! So you?re Ryu??
The boy opened one eye and looked at the young boy with blonde hair. Ken didn?t lean over and Ryu did not rise.
?Yes.?
?My name is Ken Masters. I hope you?re humble because if you?re not its going to be a rough time adjusting to always being in second place to me.?
Ryu closed his eye and went back to meditating.
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?Form is very important. You have to have good form with your attacks and defenses and practice with correct form in mind. Get your body used to the most effective method. So at a moment?s notice??
Gouken suddenly sprang high into the air, fired a blue hadoken into the distance, did some quick punches and kicks in mid-air and landed perfectly back on the ground.
?At a moment?s notice you are ready. Not ready to be beaten into a pulp but ready to be effective.?
The sun was high in the sky, drawing sweat from human skin and making dogs lazy. On a day like this water tastes extraordinarily good and a late nap was treasured. Especially for the three students standing side by side deep in instruction from Gouken.
Ryu wondered why he wasn?t worried, anxious or exhausted. He was in heaven. He was learning how to become a fighter, a disciple, and more of a complete person hopefully. He felt satisfied in what he was currently doing, listening to his teacher.
Ken felt an essence of goodness. He felt he was on his way to something worth working hard for. He wondered if all of Master Gouken?s speeches were this good.
Dan?s eyes were shimmering with amazement, his mouth half open and half cocked in a sneer. He wondered why Retsu has yet to throw balls of energy.
?Let me ask you young ones something.?
The students? thoughts immediately ceased and all that remained was attentive anticipation.
?What do you three think is the ultimate achievement for a martial artist??
?When you have the strength and skill to defeat any opponent that challenges you.? Said Ken, grinning with and for his answer.
?Is that all Ken??
?I believe so Master Gouken.?
Gouken still wasn?t quite used to being called ?master? but he figured with time he could get comfortable with the title.
?Let me tell you why your answer is dangerous first.?
Ken winced on the inside, expecting to get scolded.
?Power is not just evident when it is used against enemies. Remember this, the truly powerful do not need to demonstrate their strength. People already know.?
?Also, it is foolish to think you can defeat all challengers. There will always be someone that can defeat you. Whether by pure strength or other means. To aspire to be say??the strongest person in the world? is dangerous because a lust for power can consume you. It can consume because you are validating yourself against others. Are you following me boys??
They both nodded simultaneously. Gouken stroked his beard.
?And if you only determine your worth against others you will be hard pressed to be at peace. Wow, I sound like my master. Anyway, the best goal you can set is to be the best you can be for yourself and no one else.?
?What about protecting things you care about Master? Protecting people?weaker than you. People that need help against?I don?t know. Bad guys.? Ryu?s eyes drifted towards the surroundings as he trailed off, but once he was finished his gaze shifted back to Gouken for his response. He found Gouken grinning.
?That is also a great one! Wanting to be powerful to be better prepared to protect?.that is an excellent answer. I take back one thing I said earlier. I really can?t say what is the best goal. There are so many different good ones.?
?How do you know which one is a good one and which one is a bad one?!? Dan suddenly blurted out. He quickly covered his mouth out of reflex.
?Wisdom Dan Hibki.? Gouken figured he probably sounded vague to Dan, but the answer would do.
?Master…I don?t mean to be rude-?
?Ken go on. We?ll all know if you?re being rude.?
?Ok?but isn?t competition fuel for improvement? I mean?with a strong rivalry don?t both sides have more of a reason to get better??
?In most cases yes. Just one needs to be careful to keep the rivalry healthy. Anyway what was I talking about?? Gouken scratched his back while he absent mindedly looked up at the sky.
?The ultimate goal of a martial artist master.?
?Thank you. The ultimate goal for any martial artist is to one day never have to fight bloody battles filled with malice. To stop killing and destroying and instead inspire and create. That is the highest level I think. It is the highest level for me. But you won?t get there until you?re an old man, if you get there at all. But isn?t it worth striving for?? Gouken smiled to himself and for his students. The students nodded.
?Alright I?m done talking for now. I?m going back home. Dan come with me, Retsu would like to practice with you one more time today.?
Gouken started walking back towards the house, with Dan trailing behind him. Ryu and Ken stood unmoving.
Ken leaned in to whisper to Ryu:
?The ultimate goal for a fighter is to not fight?! Do you believe that mumbo jumbo?!?
?Yes, I think I do.? Ryu smiled a quiet smile. Ken shot him a funny look.
?Do you want to practive movements??
?Yes.?
?Like you?re ever going to use them with that attitude.?
Once Ryu and Ken walked through the front door hours later they began to feel more at ease. The table was set, everyone?s food was on a plate with a cup of green tea beside it.
?Thank Retsu for cooking.? Gouken said from his seat. Dan then emerged from a back room, slightly limping and holding a bloody ball of napkins to his nose, looking tired and slightly angry.
?What happened to Dan?? Ken asked.
?He sparred with me. He did very well. He?s tough, he did not give up.? Said Retsu as he sat down.
?Maybe he should have!? Ken pantomimed a club drummer?s joke rim shot.
?Yeah yeah. Give me a couple of days and you?ll be looking like I am now.? Dan murmured with his napkin pile under his nose.
?Boys. You?ve got a little before sundown to do whatever you want. But when the sky starts to turn a deep orange come find me.? Gouken never wore a watch.
?Um?what time would that be about master?? Ken couldn?t imagine being as old as Gouken was and still barely acquainted with the always present clock.
?Let?s say 7:45.? Retsu added then picked up his cup of tea and comfortable exited the kitchen.
++++++++++++++++++
Gouki wandered around the alien landscape, curious and satisfied. He happened upon it when his small boat went off course hours ago, and something told him to get out and investigate.
The ground looked like it had always known struggle and upheaval. There were patches where grass fought and succeeded to a degree of a good space where a team of men could all lay down and be comfortable.
The other areas of ground had small, bumblebee sized gravel that was loose the first inch, but underneath was firm and eternal. A greater part of the island was littered with sculptures and carvings. Some appeared to be gravestones, other religious and yet more that Gouki could not decipher any idea what they were for, did or who made them. The entire island felt slightly colder to the senses than the average piece of land. And the fact that Gouki had seen no marks of recent human activity and very little animal life seemed to confirm his suspicions.
On higher elevation the ground was craggy and rough. Some pebbles had edges so sharp they could draw blood. This island was untamable.
Gouki felt like this environment suited him. His ever ready reflexes relaxed here and the rolling boiling of his spirit slackened to a simmer. Yet he didn?t feel weaker, actually he felt like could be a better fighter here, like a relaxed Gouki could easily channel most of his strength with little more than a thought.
This island would suit him well. This island of shadows, elusive and foreboding?would be home.
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Afaik knew already when she was told, and she did what she had to do. She identified the body, had a nice funeral and buried him on a nice spot with a dignified headstone that read (beside the obvious) ?at rest?. She thinks he would have liked it.
Next she opened her orphanage that also became a bed and breakfast. Afaik was happy when others were happy, and she dealt with everyone with a genuine interest and love. She always thought of Goutetsu, but not with sadness. She thought of the memories with fondness, she thought of Goutetsu and would smile. She was confident Goutetsu was happy, and somehow they would cross paths again. Friends and loved ones always do.
Holy Shit it’s alive!
As Gouki would say “…”, lol j/k, this chapter was sweet, can wait for the trainning to really begin, and for the long awaited showdown between Gouki and Gouken.
Good stuff FOF :rock: :tup: , will be interesting to see how Ryu, Ken and Dan’s training comes along…also can’t wait to see Gouken and Gouki fight.
Wonder what Retsu’s gonna do after Gouken and Gouki fight, will he leave the dojo or stay there and start training his own students after Ryu and Ken leaves etc…
Guess it’ll be next year until we see the next chapter, huh FOF. 
Thanks guys. I’ve been writing a lot more (other stuff) so I write this fic more too. Hooray.
Very nice,especially the intro to the island so to speak,its the fine details like that is what seperates the amateurs from the pros.
Thanks for the new chapter FoF!
Will we see more of the background of M. Bison (aka Vega)? Now let’s get to training these lil’ warriors. Dan the show off fighter - Panda. 
Ryu the tactical figther - Dragon. Ken the furious fighter - Tiger.
Before Gouken en Gouki face in their final showndown, Ryu and Ken both win a different tournament. 
I’ve been writing the next chapter. Guys what do you think I should do with this?
After I finish totally I’m going to go back and edit the shit out of the entire thing. Just tightening up the actual sentences, paragraphs and shit like that. Then what?
Thinking about sending a manuscript off to Udon Comics.
Likin the story so far? The way it is told? What would you like to see?
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Keep the story going…Let’s see the fight between Gouki and Gouken and maybe a side story of Ryu and Ken’s first martial arts tournament fight to see how they’ve come along in their training under Gouken (sort of like how Goutetsu did with Gouken and Gouki) and maybe Retsu in the same tournament with Ken and Ryu. Also Retsu opening up his own dojo and taking on a couple of students to train.
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You don’t have to edit anything really, just keep writing them just like you’ve been doing, each story has a meaning all their own when read by different people.
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Good stuff…you can get paid if you can get your fanfics published.
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I love the story so far.
^what he said.
id just like to hear more about ryu and ken’s training… but thats not the focus of the story… is it?
chaotic blue
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Keep the story moving towards the key moments. Of course we need to see some training of Ryu and Ken, as we need to compare their trainign with that of Gouki and Gouken, but that isn’t a key moment. So it has to move towards these: Next major event is Ken fighting and winning the US tournament. Next Ryu fighting and winning the first Street Fighter tournament. Next Gouki fighting and killing Gouken. (These three happen quickly after each other). [The End!!! Or you could enter Street Fighter Alpha after this…
] Note: As far as I know, nobody ever wrote a good translation of the complete Street Fighter 1 tournament, for example who fought who (normally they can’t all just fight Ryu, they should battle each other and the winner goes to next round, so that there are only a few of the SFI roster to fight for Ryu.). Why Gen didn’t fight Ryu in this tournament he was the strongest after all (maybe he just left when Lee was beaten and send to the hospital or even died). So writing that well should be a real challenge. -
If you want to edit, don’t over do it. There is always room for improvement, but editting it before it’s finished usually makes you too picky when writing new chapters, wait until it’s finished.
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If you want to send it to Udon finish it first, else it’s like: “Oh nice idea, nicely writen, too bad it’s not finished oh well…”
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The story is nice and fresh. So respect!
Thanks for the comments, you guys are helping me stay on track.
Still writing the next chapter, it should be out soon. And by soon I mean under 2 weeks.
That’s fine FoF, take your time there’s no rush…we all know it’ll be worth the wait. :rock: :tup:
Do you honestly believe there’s such a thing? If so, direct me to it and I’ll translate it.
Yeah, pm that shit if you have it ST.
You guys are taking it too literal. :wgrin: This is what I said:
Street Fighter 1 (tournament) was a game not a book. So translating from game + canon too written (fan)fiction.
I could give a possible layout but if I’d post it here and FoF used it, it would spoil it for everybody. 
I’m looking forward to the new chapter FoF, two weeks is great.
As far as canon goes, if there’s anything that you feel the plot guide is missing, by all means share with us at Warrior’s Fate. Otherwise, just keep checking the same thread for my ongoing translations, many released and far more still to come. And any searching/translating help is personally appreciated.
Almost finished.