Chapter 5

Since the boat's departure, the sun had risen only to set again. An entire day of sailing left an apparent toll on Johnny Cage's seemingly inability to stay in one place for long, annoying Sonya all the way. Sonya had informed her comrades about her search for Kano. Johnny Cage (at length) described his frustration at being called a Hollywood fake who couldn't perform a spin kick to save his life.

"And so I've been chosen to represent my temple at this tournament, to keep Earthrealm from falling into the hands of Shao Khan," Liu Kang spoke.

"Shao who?" Cage asked. "His name is just screaming 'inferiority complex.'" Cheng looked to Cage sternly. "He is a man with a short patience in conquest and an even shorter temper. He will stop at nothing to rule all the realms. This tournament is the only way Earthrealm has a chance to defend itself, as Khan must win the tournament ten times in a row. They have won nine."

Huh. Suddenly a ninja bursting into flames doesn't seem so strange, Cage thought. "And you, Cheng? Why are you here? Playing hero and want to save the world also?"

"That is one reason. But I couldn't let go of the chance to see the fruits of the Cheng family bloom in the face of terrible adversity. We have not sent a representative to Mortal Kombat for over seven generations."

Liu Kang and Sonya Blade seemed to understand the gravity of Cheng's ambition. Cage on the other hand still had some time to learn about more than simple pride in the tournament.

The boat ride was long, but before anyone had realized, they approached the shore of the Island of Shang Tsung. The fighters left the vessel, and all headed towards a beautiful beach, lined with torches along the shore, a flat wooden arena fixed in the center, and a tall canopied rise before the glistening sunset. When all the fighters were assembled, Shang Tsung spoke from his seat in the rise.

"Greetings, combatants. I am Shang Tsung, the tournament host. As you are all aware, you will be fighting for more than pride, glory, or recognition. The fate of this world as we know it will be determined by this tournament. The only code of conduct here is to fight, to the death if necessary. Do not have high hopes begging for mercy from the warrior who has fought you to claim this realm."

The crowd murmured, and soon fell back into silence.

"Liu Kang! Baraka! Tonight you both will start off our tournament. Present yourselves to the arena, and prepare to fight!"

Liu Kang scanned the rows for Baraka, and soon found him. A hideous monster of a man. Rows of teeth that took the place of human lips. Jagged, sharp, bloodthirsty rows. Blades two and a half feet long protruded forwards from his forearms. "Tonight, the Shaolin will have a reason to weep," the monster roared. "Tonight, Earthrealm will claim a victory," Liu Kang shot back.

"FIGHT."

Baraka charged, blades forward, letting out a vicious, guttural roar. Liu Kang saw the saliva fly from the corner of the beast's mouth, hungry for violence. Flash. The blades swiped , swiped, and swiped again. Liu Kang dodged with an ease developed from years of discipline. Baraka persisted, swinging his arms with savage arcs, but deadly speed. Liu Kang kept ducking and weaving, peppering back with smart jabs and quick palms.

Each strike pushed Baraka back, but only fueled his barbaric fury with a vengeance. He continued to let his arms fly and dance, until one nicked the stubborn human across his right breast. Liu Kang reflexively flipped back, kicking his attacker cleanly in the jaw in the process. A satisfying crack sounded out a clear advantage for Liu Kang, as Baraka stumbled back, fumbling and prodding at his now broken mandible. Liu Kang darted forward, duck downed, and with one swift high kick, planted his foot, demolishing what was left of his opponent's shattered bones, embedding the lower rows of teeth into the roof of his mouth. Falling on his back, Baraka barely had enough time to process the sight of Liu kicking his arm to his side, then snapping his foot to catch the other arm. Two popped elbows, then a high hammer kick to the chest, and Baraka's fighting spirit was no more.

From his seat, Shang Tsung pursed his lips. Liu Kang had to die, and soon.