Act 1, Scene 4 - Public House, Shadaloo City
SAGAT: Now witness a duel to test the mettle of even the great Vega,
met here in the ring by the brothers of battle, Ken and Ryu.
Like Balan and Balin do they jointly make war,
but against Vega they shall need skill and much more.
KEN: Ryu, I repent.
Regret undoes me.
RYU: I too do repent,
in largest part of heeding your instruction.
Still, we fall together, as brothers ought.
Take my hand.
KEN: Sagat, the cries of these many spectators do nearly overwhelm;
this Vega must be a champion of mickle renown.
SAGAT: Aye, and much more.
Vega is this ring's greatest champion since one Iron Fist.
KEN: The name rings familiar in mine ears.
What became of Iron Fist?
SAGAT: He made his fortune, lost an eye.
Retired from battle, and then was I.
VEGA: Now I unmask, reveal my dew-kissed visage.
The crowds, in their wisdom, cry out that I am dear.
While you, Ryu, play the fool, or perhaps the villain,
I, Vega, act the hero's part, with blade in hand.
RYU: Stripped and flesh laid bare, I find myself your equal,
at least in fairness.
Let us now clash, blade on blade, and discern
what justice is found in the court of Duke Sagat!
VEGA: A noble showing - too noble by half.
The people cheer, but for mine enemy!
This betrayal is unlike any I faced before.
You have earned Vega's ire, Ryu:
make thy peace with God,
as I send you to meet with him!
KEN: Merely on the precipice of battle,
and Vega yet inspires a great misgiving in me.
I turn from this, cover mine eyes,
for I cannot bear to see Ryu fall before him.
SAGAT: Nay, Ken, keep your gaze upon this duel,
and study it with all your attention,
for as Ryu falls, so you will take his place.
VEGA: The clock runs fast,
the moment verges.
Prepare thyself, Ryu,
to taste thy blood!
RYU: Fall to, Vega!
[Enter GUILE, accompanied by T. HAWK, CAMMY, and soldiers]
GUILE: Halt! No more of this.
By royal writ decreed, Shadaloo City is under my rule,
and my word alone. The hour is late,
the curfew broken, and these occupations ungodly.
Therefore, I place all present here under arrest.
T. Hawk, Cammy, ensure they find themselves in
our stockade by morning light.
Now, adieu.
[Exeunt]
End of Act 1