Thunder Take You
The Fantastic Uprising of the Thunder God, Raiden
Part 1: Static
Near a training dojo located across from the wine brewery in Edenia
The Shaolin Monks, Kung Lao and Liu Kang, had just finished their sparring and were walking to the heart of Edenia.
Liu Kang: That was a great session, Kung Lao. Your divekicks are still as potent as ever.
Kung Lao nodded and laughed.
Kung Lao: Aye, as are your bicycle kicks. You didn't have to put so much fire on that last one though, you singed my favorite shirt.
Liu Kang: My apologies, friend. Same time tomorrow?
Kung Lao: Always.
The two stood across from each other, on opposite paths. As they gave each other a fist-bump, they began walking down their respective paths. Kung Lao usually went home after sparring, to catch up on his favorite television show; Master Chef: Outworld.
Liu Kang preferred to meditate outside, or hang out in the throne room listening to Sindel complain about everything ranging from the color of her drapes to how hot it is outside.
It was sticky hot. Walking for five minutes outside would net you some nice, damp clothing. That's why Liu Kang walked around shirtless; and the ladies of Edenia did not complain. This never appeased Princess Kitana though.
As Liu Kang walked toward the Edenian capital building, he was greeted by a familiar ninja, clad in purple who was intent on finding the Shaolin Monk.
His name was Rain, and he was ecstatic.
Rain: Liu, baby, you gotta come with me, man.
Liu Kang was surprised.
Liu Kang: What's wrong? What happened? Is it Sindel? Did she destroy another stove due to her terrible cooking? You recorded it, didn't you?
Rain shook his head and slapped Liu's shoulder. His wide grin could be seen from under his mask.
Rain: No, Queen Sindel is fine. It actually doesn't have anything to do with Edenia. You see...
He trailed off and coughed as he eyed a scantily-clad woman shaking her hips as she walked.
Rain: Walk with me Liu, we can't stay here. I'll never be able to concentrate.
The two walked down to the wine brewery and Rain once again placed his hang on Liu's shoulder.
Rain: It's about your friend, the Thunder God.
Liu Kang: What happened to Raiden?
Rain: It's a beautiful thing Liu. He invited me to his temple earlier this morning and I thought I was in trouble, but he wanted me to inspect his garden. After I watered the daffodils correctly and stinted his tomato plants, I walked back inside. He was taking a shower and-
Liu Kang stopped Rain mid-sentence.
Liu Kang: Where is this story going, Rain?
Rain: Listen! He was taking a shower and I heard him. I HEARD him, Liu. He was singing. The thunder in his voice boomed his entire bathroom and shook the entire temple. I thought it was an earthquake, or Tremor or something but how can there be an earthquake in the sky? I realized it was his voice. He has extraordinary singing talent. I want to put him on the map, Liu Kang.
Liu Kang: Are you sure? I mean...maybe you should have him sing more songs? You only got a sample. Did you tell him?
Rain: Hell no! I left. He would have zapped the shit out of me if he knew I was listening. He ordered me to leave after I was done with his garden..but you know how I am. Liu, I'm telling you. I have an ear for these kinds of things.
Liu Kang: You are also a potent schemer, Rain. You plan on profiting from this, right?
Rain: Now why would you say something like that? Think about it, Liu.
Liu Kang: This is none of my concern, Rain. Why do you come to me for this?
Rain: You are the Mortal Kombat champion, Liu. Your publicity is the best publicity. Everyone wants to hear what you have to say! If little ole' me tried to spread Raiden's talent, I'd get nowhere! He's your friend Liu Kang. You have to believe me!
Liu Kang: No thanks, Rain. This is between you and Raiden. IF he agrees to it, then maybe, but I want to hear from him in person. I admit, it would be pretty amusing to hear Raiden sing.
Liu Kang burst out laughing at the prospect.
As he laughed, two men sitting at the bar noticed the laughter and immediately recognized it. They stood, and walked toward the two.
The man in yellow smiled and spoke first. His name was Cyrax. The man beside him, dressed in a red martial arts uniform, sat back and gave the bartender a thumbs-up. His name was Sektor.
Cyrax: Liu Kang! What's up? What a coincidence though..Sek and I were just talking about you.
Liu Kang: Why?
Cyrax: You and Kitana. She came in here earlier, mad as hell, ranting and raving about how she'll kill all of the women here because they flirt with you. Sektor and I had to sit through all two hours of it.
Sektor: Believe us, no amount of liquor could save us from that shitstorm.
Liu Kang: Oh, great. Well, I know where I'm NOT going today.
Cyrax: It's for the best. She asked where you were. She looked me dead in my eyes and I swear I tinkled a bit in my pants.
Sektor roared with laughter.
Sektor: No wonder you stayed in the restroom so long after that.
Rain shook his head and pouted quietly.
Rain: Uhh, guys? Who cares about Kitana? We're on the brink of a new superstar being born!
Everyone continued to ignore Rain. As he looked around in disbelief, he marched off in anger, mumbling under his breath. He stomped as he walked, with his fists balled up at his side and he punched a nearby telephone pole.
Rain: Fine. We'll see who gets the last laugh. They'll all see. Rain, the billionaire...swimming in all of the koins...sapphire, ruby, onyx, platinum, emerald...all mine...all mine...all the women...the finest houses and popularity. Yes, reporter? Yes, I am Raiden's manager! Thanks for asking!
Women stared and laughed as the rambling Rain walked down the street talking to himself.
Rain continued his babbling until he was at the top floor of the Edenian capital building; the throne room.
Sindel sat in front of a grand mirror, combing her hair while her chancellors gave her massages, cooked food in the kitchen, and prepared her bath.
As she noticed Rain walking in like a zombie with drool coming from under his mask, she rolled her eyes and turned toward him.
Sindel: Rain, dear, please leave.
Rain: But I just got in here!
Sindel: Indeed. But I know you have come to bother me, I was just beginning to relax.
Rain: I just need one favor.
Sindel: No.
Rain: Please?
Sindel: No.
Rain: …..
Sindel: No, Rain.
Rain: Damn, I didn't even say anything! Hmm..alright, tell ya what. I will go get that video of Quan Chi making Shao Kahn dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller if you help me.
Sindel's grin scared the chancellors.
Sindel: Rain? What do you desire?
Rain: Call Raiden here.
Sindel: Why?
Rain: Just do it. I need him here.
Sindel: You are such an odd boy. Fine. Chancellor Dan, go call Raiden. Tell him it's an emergency.
Chancellor Dan hauled ass into the living room. As he passed by the kitchen, he saw Butler Jimmy pulling the lobster out of the oven.
Chancellor Dan: TOASTYYYYY!
Butler Jimmy: I love it when you say that.
Chancellor Dan dove onto the couch and grabbed the phone on the coffee table. He dialed Raiden's number furiously and sat on hold.
Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
"Hello. You have reached, RAIDEN..THE THUNDER GOD, but he is not available at the moment. Please leave your name, number, and message after the-
Click.
Dialing again.
Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
An angry man answered the phone, intent on scaring away the solicitor.
Raiden: FOR THE LAST TIME SHANG TSUNG, I DO NOT WANT ANY OF YOUR COOKIES.
Chancellor Dan: Lord Raiden?
Raiden cleared his throat and was visually embarrassed.
Raiden: I apologize, Dan. What is it?
Dan: Sindel needs you here. It's an emergency. I think Shao Kahn is drunk again and-
Raiden: I'll be right over.
Five seconds later, Raiden burst through the door with lightning energy-balls in his hand. His eyes were wide and alert as he was ready to deal with his arch-nemesis.
Raiden: WHERE ARE YOU SHAO-
Raiden immediately stopped shouting as he noticed that only Sindel and Rain were present.
Raiden: What?
Sindel: Rain, he's all yours.
Rain: Uhh..Lord Raiden...I need to talk to you.
Raiden: Yes? Yes, boy? Spit it out.
Rain: Are you aware that..well..let's talk outside.
The two men walked outside of the throne room and into the elevator, but not before Sindel stopped them.
Sindel: I want my video, Rain. Tonight. I'm not playing with you.
Sindel made a cutthroat gesture with her thumb and Rain got the memo clearly.
Rain: I couldn't get a hold of you any other kind of way so..I got Sindel to call you. Are you aware that...man, did you know that you can sing really well?
The elevator stopped and Raiden frowned as he stood over Rain, trapping him in the corner.
Rain: Lord Raiden! I mean..I couldn't help but notice today..you're really good and I just..thought...you know...
Rain couldn't help but notice the lightning forming in Raiden's hands. As Raiden stood closer and closer, Rain's words got more jumbled as he tried to escape. He cowered and turned sideways with his hands forward, trying to create space between him and the Thunder God.
Raiden: NO ONE, hears me sing.
Rain: I couldn't help it Lord Raiden! Please..please..you're an awesome singer! Your talent shouldn't go unrecognized...
Raiden: Is this blackmail, Rain? Because if so, I will gladly beat you until you FORGET.
Rain: NO, NO, LORD RAIDEN please! I submit! I concede!
The elevator started working again and stopped on the 7th floor. The door opened, and Kitana of all people walked in.
Rain: Oh thank the Elder Gods.
Raiden backed away from Rain and glanced over at Kitana.
Raiden: Are you angry too, Kitana?
Kitana: Actually, yes. Yes I am. Liu Kang has gone MIA and I have a few words to share with him.
Raiden: Interesting. I could easily find him, you know. That'll give me something to do rather than waste my time with this scoundrel.
Raiden glared daggers into Rain, who only hid behind Kitana and wept.
Rain: Lord Raiden, hear me out. Atleast consider it...
Raiden: No, Rain. The next time you come to me with this farce, the Elder Gods won't be able to save you from my fury. Do you understand?
Rain peered from behind Kitana and looked away sheepishly as he felt Raiden's stare.
Rain: Yes. Yes sir.
The elevator stopped on the first floor and Raiden walked out. Kitana followed him, leaving Rain alone in his own little bubble of despair. Raiden looked back as Rain slowly crept into the hall.
Raiden: I'm glad we've come to an understanding.
As Raiden turned back around to walk out of the building with Kitana, three men dashed in and panted heavily as they approached the Thunder God. Sweat glistened on all of their foreheads and it looked as if the man in red had steam coming from his body. He had burns on his arms while the man in yellow had smoke coming from his hair, as if he had been burned.
Cyrax: Lord Raiden! We didn't know you could sing!
Sektor: Let's hear a country song, Raiden! I play a mean banjo!
Liu Kang: Raiden, look, I'm sorry! I told them not to tell..I tried to stop them! But...Rain was the one that started-
Raiden gnashed his teeth as he cursed under his breath. The lighting from his body could be felt from ten blocks away. Raiden was furious as his frown wrinkled his entire face. He began to breathe heavily and foam could be seen forming inside of his frown. He was going rabid.
Sektor: Raiden the Country Legend! I can see you with a cowboy hat and some boots with spurs!
Sektor and Cyrax mocked the Thunder God by pretending to be country singers.
Sektor: MY NAME IS RAIDEN AND I DRIVE A TRACTORRRR...
Cyrax: WHEN IT COMES TO WEATHERRRRR, THUNDER'S NOT A FACTORRRRR!
Sektor: COME ON DOWN AND SQUARE DANCE WITH THE GOD OF THUNDERRRRR!
Cyrax: WILL I EVERRRR BE A COUNTRY STARRRR...I WONDERRRRR?
Kitana: That was actually..not bad...
Raiden's blood pressure went to an all-time high as multiple blood vessels burst on his body. The foam in his mouth was very visible and his left eye twitched as he began to release a low-pitched mating call.
Cyrax: No no, Lord Raiden is going to be a pop star. Think about it. You'll sing in Johnny Cage's movies!
Raiden's eyes went wider and his teeth gnashed harder.
Raiden: JOHNNY CAGE KNOWS ABOUT THIS?!
He sprayed foam everywhere as he shouted.
Rain mumbled under his breath, noting that that would be a good idea. He decided to count his blessings and sneak away while he could.
Liu Kang: Raiden, calm down!
Kitana stepped in and eyed Liu Kang ferociously with her hands on her hips. Her eyebrows furrowed as she spoke.
Kitana: And where have YOU been all this time?
Liu Kang: I was training with Kung Lao today! Kitana, I'm sorry! I didn't know you were jealous of the women-
Kitana's mouth went wide in disbelief and she began to foam too.
Kitana: JEALOUS!?
Cyrax and Sektor giggled.
Cyrax: You done fucked up now...
Sektor: R.I.P. To the Shaolin Monk!
Raiden and Kitana were both angry, almost at their breaking point. Kitana was five seconds away from slapping the holy fire out of Liu Kang, until a familiar face arrived on the scene. It was an old man, with white hair and a white beard. His skin was pruny and fragile, but his eyes were young and mischievous. As he walked in, his body completely changed from old, to young and his hair became a shiny brown as the medallion on his neck turned green.
The man spoke.
?: Just who I was looking for...
Liu Kang: Shang Tsung...what are you doing here, sorceror?
Shang Tsung stroked his beard and laughed.
Shang: Not here to cause trouble. I came to see Raiden.
Raiden: Now is NOT the time, Shang Tsung.
Shang: And why is that?
Raiden: I have a vermin to hunt.
Shang: A wascally wabbit, huh? I can help you, you know.
Raiden: Go away, sorceror.
Raiden turned to leave, but Shang Tsung spoke up again...and his words did more than catch the attention of the Thunder God.
Shang Tsung: Word travels fast, Raiden. We know about your singing talent.
Raiden shocked Shang Tsung and threw him out of the building.
Raiden: I WILL RIP THE FLESH FROM YOUR BONES!
Shang Tsung grunted and laughed as he got up from the pavement. He dusted off his clothes as he stroked his beard again.
Shang Tsung: You won't harm me. Need I remind you that we signed a treaty for peace after the reboot of the Mortal Kombat tournament? You won't harm me and CAN'T harm me unless I break the law! I haven't done anything!
Liu Kang: Just tell him what you need to say, Shang Tsung. Stop dragging it out.
Shang Tsung: Fair enough. Raiden, Quan Chi wanted me to invite you to compete in Realm's Got Talent, the talent competition.
Sektor: That TV show?
Shang Tsung: Yes. We believe that you'll be a hit, Raiden. It's just something to consider. Instead of being so angry and fighting the people that are complimenting and supporting you, maybe you should focus that energy on your singing talent and getting better. Just a suggestion. I'm not sure if that can register in your brain.
Raiden: Tread carefully, sorceror, or I may be forced to knock the false youth out of you.
Liu Kang: Quan Chi hosts this event?
Shang Tsung: He's a judge. As am I.
Raiden: What do you two cretins know about talent? You're addicted to souls and Quan Chi is addicted to the dead. I wouldn't fit in at your freakshow.
Shang Tsung: Which is why you'll be a hit. Think about it. Your popularity could ascend you to a place ABOVE the Elder Gods.
Raiden paused and his frown disappeared. He stepped forward and looked Shang Tsung directly in his eyes.
Shang Tsung: Just think about it Raiden. Fame, more recognition than even the Elder Gods. They've denied you and rejected you..don't you want to get one over on them?
Kitana: This is bad.
Sektor: This is gold.
Rain then appeared behind Kitana again and peered from over her shoulder.
Rain: Is it working?
Cyrax: I think so.
Raiden: Tell me, sorceror..when will this take place?
Shang Tsung: Next week, here on Earthrealm. We look forward to seeing you, Raiden. But before that, would you like to buy some of my cookies?
Shang Tsung pulled his box of cookies, Tsung's Chocolate Chip Surprise, out of his magical pocket and shoved them into Raiden's arms.
Shang Tsung: Try them! They're magically delicious!
Cyrax: Did he just steal the slogan for Lucky Charms?
Sektor: That, he did. That weasel.
Rain: Shang Tsung is my hero.
Kitana slapped Rain and threw him out into the open as Liu Kang shook his head. Rain fell to the ground in terror as Raiden glanced at him. Raiden walked over to Rain and stared down at him. He dropped the box of cookies beside Rain's shaking body.
Raiden: Buy those and eat them. ALL of them. Then, you're off the hook.
Rain jumped high into the air and let out an exasperated, "YIPPEE!".
Shang Tsung: So, you will be there?
Raiden walked away from the group and looked back from over his shoulder. His hat tilted downward and obscured his eyes. He relaxed his hands and held one up to the sky.
Raiden: I'm undecided.
With a strike of lightning, Raiden disappeared.
Cyrax: Well, that was fun while it lasted. I'm headed home. I can't wait to hear him sing, bro.
Sektor: Same here. It'll be glorious. What's he going to sing about?
Cyrax: Maybe a death metal song where he details his incredible angst toward the Elder Gods.
Sektor: Or maybe a love song for Sindel. Remember the crush he had on her?
Liu Kang: Those were dark times, indeed.
Kitana: Not as dark as the one you're about to have.
Kitana grabbed Liu Kang by the ear and dragged him down the hall and into the elevator. Liu Kang was headed to Hell.
Shang Tsung laughed and walked off after Rain paid him in Onyx Koins. Rain glanced at the sky and smiled. He was one step closer to executing his plan. It was in motion, but he had to seal the deal. He had to make sure that Raiden would be at that competition.
At the Special Forces Office in Earthrealm
Jackson Briggs, aka "Jax", was sorting through the file cabinet in the office, looking for a particular file on a man he was interrogating. His cybernetic arms made it hard to sort through them, as he kept skipping over the ones he wanted due to random twitches and malfunctions.
The office was of medium size, with two chairs in front of the main desk. A water cooler rested to the left of the desk, and the file cabinet rested in the back right corner. There were two other chairs, one on each side of the office as soon as you walk in, and Jax's nameplate shined on his desk. He hept his office tidy, that's for sure.
Jax: Finally got it!
Jax slammed the file named, "Kano", onto the desk and opened the folder. He sat in his chair and grunted.
Jax: Kano, why do you keep doing this?
Kano, a man with short brown hair and a cybernetic eye rested comfortably in his chair in front of Jax. His brown boots rested on the desk and Jax sighed as Kano laughed.
Kano: Jax, buddy, you know me. I can't stay out of trouble, mate. It's who I am! But I'm reformed, believe me, I am! It's just that, I don't have anywhere else to go. I like it around here!
Jax: Kano, we can't KEEP you here. If we keep stacking you with community service, bureaus or going to get suspicious and then you'll get in some REAL trouble.
Kano: So?
Jax: You gotta stop. This is the last time, Kano. Stop stealing from children, man. Yeah, you have changed, but you're still a troublemaker.
Kano: Jax, the Black Dragon are after me. I can't show my face out there. I'm going to end up resorting to that life again if I see them.
Jax: They've disbanded, Kano.
Kano: They're still Black Dragon. You don't just lose your title. That status sticks with you forever, but you CAN disrupt it. This is how I'm disrupting it.
Jax buried his face in his hands. As he did so, his partner, Sonya Blade, walked in and slapped Kano upside the head. She was dressed very oddly as a Special Forces Agent. She wore a black vest that was unzipped in the front to exploit her cleavage, and she wore tight black leggings with black combat heels.
Sonya: Have you decided yet, Jax?
Jax: Community service. Last time we're doing this. I explained it to him already.
Kano smiled and cackled loudly. He hopped from his chair and rubbed Jax's head, as Jax slapped his hand away violently.
Just then, a man in a blue business suit and shades burst through the door and fell to the floor in laughter.
Jax: Johnny! Johnny, what happened?
Sonya: Did Kabal slip on a water puddle again?
Johnny Cage: No..no..you guys won't believe this...
Kano: Eh?
Johnny Cage: I got a text from Rain. Raiden is going to be a singer.
Everyone was quiet.
Jax looked at Sonya as she returned his stare. Kano began to tremble uncontrollably.
Johnny Cage roared with laughter once more as Jax began to beat his desk in amusement. Jax laughed so hard that he fell out of his chair and Sonya's eyes began to form tears. Kano laughed with Johnny Cage and rolled around on the floor.
Kano: Raiden? The Thunder God? A singer? Are you kidding? That's bloody rich, mate.
Johnny Cage: No bullshitting! It's the truth! He's going to the competition show, Realm's Got Talent!
Jax: We have got to go there.
Sonya: Yeah, we've got vacation days, right?
Jax: We better. If we don't we're going anyway. Raiden's our man, we've gotta support the guy in all of his...endeavors. No matter how ridiculous they sound.
Kano: Can I go?
Sonya: No, you're staying here, Kano.
Kano: Fuck.
Kabal and Stryker walked in at that moment and shared their own laughter.
Kabal: You guys heard too?
Jax: Yeah, Johnny told us all about it.
Stryker: We heard it from that weird lizard guy.
Sonya: Reptile?
Stryker: Yeah. We get him to come and mow the lawn. Cheap, easy labor. He's got nothing better to do.
Kano: What do you pay him? Dog treats?
Kabal: …...No.
Stryker: We give him peanut butter. He's in love with the stuff. Ever since I fought him during the war, he's been following me and stuff. He's actually not a bad guy. I'm glad the peace treaty got signed.
Kabal: But yeah, we're all going to see Raiden perform. It'll be hilarious.
Johnny Cage: It's next week, so you guys better cancel any plans you might have had! I can't freaking wait.
Temple of the Thunder God
Raiden meditated in the lobby of his temple. He stared at himself in the mirror and stood up. He clenched his fists and summoned his staff, but as he did so, he frowned.
"Can I actually do this?", he thought to himself. He walked outside and looked down at the city below.
"Earthrealm...I will show you talent. I will make the Elder Gods cry", he said to himself, determined.
He had decided. He was going to the competition, and he planned on winning.
Raiden then teleported to an unknown location; an open area surrounded by trees and sand. It looked like a secluded forest of come sort. In this open area, two ninjas, one in yellow and the other in blue, were duking it out.
The man in yellow threw a spear at the man in blue, who promptly dodged and threw an iceball at the man in yellow. The man in yellow did a flaming somersault kick and nullified the ice immediately. The two men got back into their stances, but quickly stopped as they noticed Raiden approaching.
Raiden: Scorpion...Sub-Zero...are you two busy tomorrow?
The two ninjas looked at each other, and then looked back at Raiden.
Raiden: Good.
End of Part 1.
Comments, criticisms!? Let me know. I know a lot of people dislike the script-style, but I believe that it is what I'm best at. I'm trying to test the waters with this fic..I thought it was a hilarious concept honestly, and I've just been making up the plot as I go. I can't wait to introduce the other characters and really get their personalities established for how I want them to be. This whole idea came to me in the form of a dream, so I had to document it and act on it. Hopefully others will be entertained by this too.