Raiden and Fujin returned to the temple and they were instantly greeted by Bo' Rai Cho. His beard appeared to be wet and he had a mug in his hand. He had just started drinking recently. As they got closer he bowed and started to speak.
"I am sorry Lord Raiden, but Mr. Cage will not be able to go on his recon mission just yet. He and Kai were sparring, and Johnny burst with energy. It was most peculiar. They are both amazing warriors and they have such great power. Kai appears to be controlling his, and he is far more advanced than Cage is at this point, but Johnny Cage appears to have untapped power. The more he pushes himself to excel, the more prominent it seems to become. It is unlike any power I have seen before." Bo' Rai' Cho looked at the two gods as he spoke, and they seemed to share a secret, when he spoke of Cage. The two had looked at each other and nodded in agreement.
"Thank you for your report Master Bo' Rai' Cho." Raiden bowed and then spoke again. "The power you speak of confirms my suspicions. You see Bo' Rai' Cho Johnny Cage is the descendant of an ancient mediterranean warrior cult known as the Imitheous. These warriors would raise children to fight in the name of their gods, Their sorcerer's began to breed these warriors for battle, and they began to conquer the lands around them. Most died in the wars they fought and their numbers dwindled to extinction. Soon the descendants began to show up, people with great power, however they never partook in Mortal Kombat. Johnny Cage is a descendant of that cult and based on what you have said, it appears that he may be one of the Epilexi Imitheos, meaning the chosen one. The Epilexi Imitheos was the strongest warrior and was said to have great power. Johnny Cage is the only remaining member we know of and this is good news to hear he has this great power, it will prove useful in the coming battles." The three then went to check on the recovering warriors.
They were going to check Kai and Cage's rooms to see how they were faring, but they heard a faint noise coming from the practice dojo. It sounded like music was being played very loud and as they approached they noticed that Cage was playing music from a phone and portable speaker he had. He was listening to music and training, moving around with incredible speed and power. He looked better than before, and there was no hint that he had just suffered any injury. As they looked at him practice his technique, they noticed Kai in the corner meditating. He appeared to be injured, but as they walked over to question him, he sprang up onto on foot and flipped over the three of them. He then nodded to Cage who turned the music on louder and switched the song to something more aggressive. Then Cage went to the corner Kai, had previously been sitting at and began to meditate. Fujin was the first to speak.
"So it seems the two of you are getting along well."
Kai bowed and then replied. "Of course Lord Fujin, as allies fighting for the same cause, we must first learn more about each other, if we are to work together. As my sparring partner would put it, we have to learn to be friend's if we are going to kick evil's ass together. As it seems, we have much to learn from each other. I am helping Cage hone is meditation skills, and he is teaching me, some of his….rather unorthodox training methods."
"Timeout!" Cage stood up and began to limp towards them all. "See, I use music to help with my workouts, but not with my fighting, you know, cause you got to be all aware and ever vigilant. However, I had the crazy idea that to truly learn to meditate we can learn to focus on our internal feelings, despite the noise around us. He said it would not be wise, but he said he would humor me."
At this point Bo' Rai' Cho began to laugh. He let out a whole hearted laugh, slapping his knees as he tilted his head back and roared with laughter. " Mr. Cage although it may sound very interesting of an idea, Kai is correct in telling you this is a bad idea due to the fact that you will be too focused on the music to actually sit and listen to your inner voice. I appreciate the laugh, but I am sorry to tell you that, meditation works best in silence and peace." Cage blushed a bit and turned off the music.
"Fine, does that mean I can go search for Sonya now? She's been gone too long for there not to have been a problem. We checked and as you remember Raiden, everything there pointed to her being injured, or worse. You yourself said we should do something. So when do I leave?" He crossed his arms and stared Raiden straight in the face.
Raiden maintained eye contact with Johnny Cage. He sighed and began to speak. "I was not in my right mind to tell you that you were to go to Outworld so soon. I was not thinking. After I assessed the situation I realized that if, whoever was ruling Outworld wanted to attack again, we would know about it. Either they would let us know, or Sonya would have found a way to contact us. Go with Kai and meditate on this. Ask yourself whether or not you truly believe she is in danger, or whether you are afraid of something else."
Cage shook his head and started to walk out. He looked back at Raiden and shook his head, "Maybe she was right about you. Maybe you have gone mad." He then walked out of the Dojo clenching his fists in anger. Silence fell over the room. Kai spoke up.
" I will go talk to him, try to calm him down. If he goes anywhere I will accompany him to make sure he does not get himself into trouble." He then bowed and ran out after Cage.
"Well it appears you have a free day Master Bo' Rai' Cho do as you wish, there is more rice wine in the wine cellar. I'm sure Cage will come back around tomorrow. As for today, his disappointment in me has clouded his judgment. I cannot blame him. I acknowledge the sacrifice I made, and I must live with that." As Raiden turned and started to walk out of the dojo Bo' Rai' Cho spoke up.
" Lord Raiden, if I may, should we not be finding more warriors? I understand that under current conditions it may be hard, but I suggest that I go around and seek out talent. As you yourself just said, Cage will not come back around today, so then why take a rest? You yourself stated that we must double our efforts to rebuild. I am here to help. Plus this would allow me time to see Earthrealm, It's been a while since I have toured this realm it would be nice to look around. I could even try to find out about this Sonya." Raiden smiled and agreed.
"I see your point Master Bo' Rai' Cho, very well then, I will take you to New York City. I will come find you, once Cage comes back to his senses. Fujin and I will also be searching for allies." They all bowed, and Raiden teleported Bo' Rai' Cho to New York City.
Fujin stood alone in the dojo for a bit. He looked around and sighed, then stepped out to check on Kai and Cage. He walked around and finally found them out in the warrior shrine. They were talking and as he approached they stopped and bowed.
"Hey, Fujin I apologize for the outburst earlier it's just..well..like I was telling Kai, I'm afraid Sonya left for good. I know it's not like her, but it's possible she's not coming back and that is on her own accord." Fujin looked around at the statues of deceased Mortal Kombat competitors from the past. He smiled as he recognized the statue of the Great Kung Lao in the center. He then looked back at the two warriors and spoke.
"Interesting place to come to relax. I hear talk that there will be a new Warrior Shrine to commemorate the recently deceased." Johnny Cage nodded to signify that Fujin was correct. "Well as for Sonya Blade, I have heard stories of her and she sounds like a great warrior. As such, I don't think you should worry too much, I am sure she is fine. Honestly, I believe your anger and desire to seek out Sonya, is because of your distrust for Raiden. All I can say to that, is to give him time. Be patient and don't judge too quickly. All may seem lost, but this may a new beginning. It is hard, but see where things go from here, before you make assumptions about the Protector of Earthrealm."
"Maybe you're right, but I feel anxious, I need to go out and see what is going on."
"If I may interject, I believe that it would be wise to meditate before rushing into a decision such as this. Think on what you know about her and try to sense her. You seem to know her best, so it would be easier for you to lock on to her aura. You won't get it on your first try, but the more you focus, and the more you concentrate, the easier it will be to project your consciousness. I can help guide you, but it will not be easy, and it won't be fast."
"Fine I'll meditate, but Fujin I need you do a favor for me. Can you at least search for any sign of her, you are a God aren't you supposed to be able to track people?"
"I understand your confusion Cage, but I cannot search for her, if we have no evidence of her being taken. Perhaps she does not want to be found just yet. Now I must go and search for other's that can join us in our rebuilding. We cannot allow Earthrealm to stay weak if we are to protect it. I will listen in to see if I hear word of Sonya, if that makes you feel better Cage. Now study your meditation. I will return later to check on your progress. I trust you will do well Cage you are in good hands." With that Fujin formed a wind tunnel around him and teleported away. Leaving Kai and Cage alone in the Warrior Shrine.
Bo' Rai' Cho had been in New York City for five minutes and he had already found a bar. This part of Earthrealm was starting to get dark and people were beginning to go to bars, which made it easy to find one. He smiled as he stepped into the bar and looked around at the people. A few of them looked like they had potential, but none looked ready to fight. He laughed as he chose his barstool and began to assess the people around him. He turned to the bartender and smiled.
"A cup of your finest drink please! I am here on visit and it has been a while since I have been to this realm. Still as nice as I remember it." The bartender poured a drink but waited for Bo' Rai' Cho to pay, before he handed him the drink. As they stared at each other awkwardly, it hit Bo' Rai' Cho that he needed to pay.
"Sir that drinks going to be 25, if you want to drink it you gotta pay first." Bo' Rai' Cho smiled and started to laugh loudly.
"Ahh yes, foolish me. Sorry I forget at some places it is pay first drink later. Pardon my forgetful nature." He reached into his coin purse and pulled out a few jade and ruby coins and handed them to the bartender. He then reached for his drink, but the bartender pulled back and stared at him.
"Is this some kind of joke sir? Cause if so I don't find it funny. Either you pay up or you get out. How'd you get in anyway?" Confused , Bo' Rai' Cho looked at the coins and then at the bartender and scratched his head. He then looked over at the man guarding the door and he waved. "Well to get in I talked to that young man guarding the door. We talked, I told him a few jokes, and he let me. I do not see how that has any relevance to the current situation however. I paid you quite well. The currency exchange rates are beyond me these days, but those coins are minted from jade and ruby stones. I assure you it is much more valuable than the paper money these other people are using."
"Either you pay with real money or you get out."
"I am sorry but I assumed all of Earthrealm at least used the Koin currency. So you are telling me, if a customer came in with Jade, Onyx, Ruby, Gold, Sapphire, or Platinum koins you would refuse them?"
"Did you say Gold and Platinum?"
"Yes, I was under the assumption all Earthrealm markets knew of the koin currency. All the other realms use it."
"You keep saying realms and shit like that, you mean countries?"
" No, countries exist within a realm. Realms are like worlds, I think is the term I hear many earthrealm inhabitants use. Let me phrase this better. I am from Outworld, another world similar to yours and I am here looking for fighters to help protect Earthrealm. The demon creatures that attacked were from my home world. I am here to help you guys, so that the bad guys like that don't come back. Lord Raiden God of Thunder allowed me to roam here. Now if I cannot have my drink I will be on my way."
The bartender looked confused and began to notice that the other people were starting to stare at the big guy in front of him and were starting to whisper things to each other. "Wait did you say you're an alien, from the same place those things came from? And you are one of the good guys looking for a fight cause some Zeus god said you could?"
"Not exactly, but if that way makes more sense to you, then yes I believe so."
"You think I'm stupid or something? Look bud, I don't know what you're on but I can't have you in here freaking out my customer's with all your alien talk. So get outta my bar or I'll have you thrown out."
" I will leave, but there was no need for the rudeness. As for your question, the only thing I am "on" is Outworld Wine, and it is nothing compared to Earthrealm liquor. I would have had some rice wine, but I left it at the temple. Anyways good day to you, rude sir. I will see myself out." With that Bo' Rai' Cho started to make his way to the door. He took a swig from his jug and tried to move through the crowd that formed, but he couldn't help but into people. Before he could exit he slipped and bumped into a young muscular man in a tight shirt. He accidentally spilled the man's drink and he apologized, but it had gotten all over the guy's close and date and he looked furious.
"What the fuck bro? What's your fucking problem?"
"I apologize sir, I did not mean to spill your drink. If I may, I have some Outworld wine. It may not be the same, but it is not bad. I can give you some as an apology. I would pay for your drink but my money is not good here apparently." He turned and shook his head at the bartender.
" I don't give a shit about your life story bro. You spilled my drink over me and my girl. And I hear talk you are looking for a fight. You want one, you got one."
"Oh, I see you misunderstand, what I was saying was I am looking for fighters too…"
"Hey fat ass, what the fuck did I just say? I don't give a shit about your life story." With this comment he pushed Bo' Rai' Cho. He was caught off balance and fell to the ground. His laughing stopped and he jumped to his feet. He looked ready to fight, but corrected himself, bowed and walked away.
As he turned his back to walk away, the guy smashed his glass over Bo' Rai' Cho's head. The bouncer at the door started to make his way to the man but Bo' Rai' Cho stopped him. The bouncer was a tall muscular hispanic man, of about 6' 7". He liked Bo' Rai' Cho, and was not about to let him get attacked. He was just some nice old man looking for a drink. He meant no harm. Hell, the guy was funny, he called himself a drunk, and said if that was his name might as well live up to.
"It's ok Herman, if it is a fight this young man wants, I will follow through. Please do not interfere."
"I can't let that happen. If it happened outside then by all means, kick his ass, but not in the bar."
Bo' Rai' Cho nodded and acknowledged that there were rules of the establishment. He thanked Herman for his kindness and then turned to the young man. "Let's go outside to pursue this fight you are so insistent on." The guy snickered and followed Bo' Rai' Cho out into the street, along with half of the bar. The crowd gathered as Bo' Rai' Cho bowed and prepared for the fight. The young man punched at him, and Bo' Rai' Cho dodged it with ease. He allowed the man to continue swinging and throwing punches, and he dodged all of them. At one point, he decided to block the attacks with one arm while he took a swig of Outworld wine. This upset his opponent, so he tried to rush Bo' Rai' Cho, but was stricken to the ground by his elbow. He tried to continue his attack, but Bo' Rai' Cho had gotten bored, so he turned the young man's strength against him and sent him hurdling into the air. He came crashing hard on the ground, where he dislocated his shoulder and started to cry. Bo' Rai' Cho just shook his head and laughed as he walked off to find another bar.
As he started to walk away, he heard footsteps hurrying behind him. He turned around and was greeted by Herman. He bowed and allowed him to talk. Herman obviously had something on his mind that he was looking to ask.
"Yo Mr. Cho, you serious about training people? You got a gym in the city? Where you visiting from is it far? Can I help out in anyway? I can't stay too long, maybe 3 days a week, would that be fine?"
Bo' Rai' Cho let out a hearty laugh and slapped Herman on the back. "I appreciate the enthusiasm my friend, but we are looking for fighter;s who can commit longer. I would love to bring you on, but the temple is far. I was teleported here. If you are serious then you must be ready to leave behind what you have for the time being and train. I cannot say how long the training will take, but we cannot simply transport you back and forth so easily. Would you still be willing to help?"
Herman just nodded the entire time and then shook his head at the end. "No doubt, man, well I really want to, but I got a wife and kids I gotta look out for. This bouncer thing is a part-time job I do. I don;t know about saving the world, but I want to do my part, help protect people and stuff, you know? Make this world safer for my kids you know?"
" I understand. I do not have children myself, but I can see what you mean when you want to protect your own. Unfortunately Herman, we need people who can leave now indefinitely. I understand if you cannot, and if you wish to help then do what you can here. Help the community rebuild here. I wish you the best friend. You are a good man." He then bowed and was on his way.
"Wait the least I can do is buy you a drink. Here I'll take you to a different bar and drink's will be on me."
Bo' Rai' Cho thought about it for a moment and then chuckled a deep hearty laugh. "Very well then my friend let's go get some drinks. I warn you though, I drink a lot. Here take these koins as recompence for any money we are about to spend. Take the Gold and Platinum ones, the man at the bar seemed to think they had more value than the other's. He was correct of course, but I feel these would be best to pay back whatever you spend." Bo' Rai' Cho then handed him a handful of Gold koins and a separate handful of platinum koins. He then looked at Herman's confused face and spoke again. "If you must, think of this as my gift to you, please do not refuse my gift."
Herman shoved the koins in his pocket and bowed as best he could. "Thank you Mr. Cho. You are very kind. Now come on let us drink the night away. With that the two went off to the a few bars to drink. At the first bar, they started up a dance after about 5 drinks. By the 8th glass they had the whole bar dancing and they had the whole bar dancing and were able to get three free drinks each. Herman tried some Outworld wine after his 11th drink and quickly rushed out the bar and vomited in the street in front of it. Bo' Rai; Cho smiled and laughed as they headed out to the next bar. He patted him on the back and headed to the next bar. When they got there Herman perked up and started to talk to the bartneder.
"This guy right here is a hero! He helped stop those monster's that attacked the city. If you want to see proof have anyone in here take a swing at him. He is a martial arts...master!" As he said this last part he stumbled about and Bo' Rai' Cho had to catch him from falling.
"Please excuse my friend he has had a bit to drink and he believe me to have helped stop the invasion, when did not in fact do anything."
"No no no...he is being modest...shhhhhh...listen. He helped save the city. I say we should drink free. Just for tonight." The bartender looked both confused and annoyed.
"So you're telling me your friend here helped save the city from those demon things?"
"Yes! But he is being too...modest...he doesn't want to say anything cause he doesn't want to inconvinience you and he'd rather pay. But screw it! I say let the hero drink."
"Sir did you actually help stop those demons things?" Bo' Rai' CHo shook his head and laughed.
"No my friend here is mistaken. I helped train the warriors who fought in the battle. I do not wish for you to waste drinks on the trainer who did not help. Plus the creature's were from my world. It would not be right to take your drinks." Just then a burly drunk who had been listening in spoke up.
"So it was your people attacked us? Tried to wrangle us up and kill us? Those terrorists were of your ilk?"
"Aye I'm afraid this is so. I myself am ashamed they would do such a thing, but…"
"He's one of them terorists! Get 'im!" The man and a group of his friend's charged at Bo' Rai' Cho, but he side-stepped their attacks. Two of them had pool stick and struck Bo' Rai'' Cho on his back. He tumbled forward and knocked all of their friends to the ground. He stood up and the men tried to attack him again. He defended himself, but had accidentally sent them flying into a table where two men appeared to be having a good time eating wings and drinking beer. The men that flew into their table spilled all the beer over them and the wing sauce got in one of their eyes. Pretty soon a bar fight broke out and everyone in the bar was throwng stools and swinging at each other as if it were a common occurance. Bo' Rai' Cho laughed as people handed him drink so they could try and fight. He gulped them down and tried to prevent the situation from escalating, but the problem was too much. No one heard the bartender warn them that the police had been called until it was too late. Fortunatley, Bo' Rai' Cho had heard and managed to get Herman to call a cab home, right before the police arrived.
Bo' Rai' Cho stood in silence with the rest of men against the wall as the police arrested him. As he was being put into the back of a squad car he noticed something. One of the police officer's looked familiar, and as he was being shoved in the car it came to him.
"You look like Curtis Stryker. The hero, Raiden told me about. He died helping protect this realm, he was a brave man, if you knew him you must have been proud!" The officer looked his way and stopped his fellow officer's from putting him in the car. As they brought him out he took out his baton and placed it under Bo' Rai' Cho's chin.
"How do you know Curtis? huh?" The man looked at Bo' Rai' Cho with anger. He looked as if he was ready to smash his face in with his nightstick.
"As I said, I heard stories of him from Lord Raiden. From what I hear he was a valiant fighter. He was a true hero, and he will have a place in the new warrior's shrine at the Wu SHi Academy."
"Curtis was my cousin. Guys let this guy go, I'm going to buy him a drink and see what he knows about Curtis."
After all the police had left he and Stryker's cousin went to yet another bar and started to talk. Bo' Rai' Cho told him everything that Raiden had told him. When he finished Stryker's cousin Erik was smiling. Their father's were brother's so he too shared the Stryker last name. Apparently he had always looked up to his cousin and joined the force becuase of him. As the two talked more ofifcers getting off duty joined. Very soon the whole bar was full of NYPD officer's all laughing and reminiscing on the good deed's their fallen brother's had done. The entire night was filled with laughs and good times as the owner, a retired officer, joined them and let them all drink free. As everyone was leaving Bo' Rai' Cho stumbled out and told Erik Stryker to keep an eye out for Sonya Blade. He and the other officer's said they would call the number Bo' Rai' Cho had given them if they saw anything. As he started to walk away he ran into Raiden.
"How did you manage to get Cage's number?"
"He told it to me thinking I had a cell phone. It's ok though I told them it was the actor's phone number and they all laughed. I'm sure it'll be fine." Raiden just smiled and shook his head.
"Come Master Bo' Rai' Cho we still have much work to do. I am afraid I have bad news as well. Something happened at the temple while we were away."