Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to these characters.
Beach Arena
Jin and Hwoarang stood in the arena glaring at one another. Hwoarang had been waiting for this fight for a very long time. Ever since his defeat he wanted nothing but Jin's defeat. His desire grew even more when Jin left him to rot in the prison. Jin was here because the devil inside wanted him here, for what purpose he didn't know and didn't care. All he wanted was to rid himself of the demon and be free.
"Fight!" The guard shouted. Hwoarang charged attacking with multiple kicks that Jin blocked before countering with a strike to the jaw. As Hwoarang pulled back Jin shot out a kick knocking his opponet across the ring. Hwoarang stood up attacking again as Jin was placed on the defensive. The taekwondo fighter broke through the defenses and striking Jin across the face, rounding his leg with a kick to the stomache finishing with a kick to the back to the head. Jin hit the ground his head spinning and his chest heaving.
At the palace in her room Amazak was experimenting Kazuya's blood. The devil gene had the ability to give her more power and quicken the full possession of it's host. Unfortunately if she moved too quickly the devil gene could cause multiple problems including loss of self. Amazak shocked the blood attempting to make the gene docile.
Back in the ring Jin was feeling ill internally which was interfereing with his fight. He never lost to Hwoarang before and he didn't want to now. Jin dodged left throwing a hard right stopping his opponent's assault before begining his own. Hwoarang was place on defensive with Jin's constant punches. Suddenly an opening appeared allowing the red haired warrior to launch a hard kick into Jin chest followed with a heel kick to the jaw. Jin spun around before hitting the ground. The raven haired warrior picked himself up off the ground attacking with a hard right knocking his opponent back. Jin continued his assault placing Hwoarang on the defensive however due to the exhaustion taking over his rival came countered with a one two punch followed by a high kick. Jin stood up breathing hard. "You're strong."
"Yeah stronger than you." Hwoarang said with pride.
"I'm out you win." Jin said reluctantly before leaving the area.
"What that's it. You're just gonna quit?" The red haired warrior called only to recieve silence from his rival. "This sucks!" Hwoarang shouted as he was declared the winner.
Campsite
Lili sat infront of a fire looking at her hand thinking about the man she killed. It wasn't the first time she killed and it wasn't the first time she felt hollow about it. "Hey." Sakura called. "How are you feeling?"
"Right now all I want is be left alone." Lili replied.
"Are you sure." Sakura asked not wanting to leave her friend alone. "I mean we could talk."
"I'm fine. I'm just reflecting. You go ahead. You have a man seduce." Lili said with a laugh as her friend turned bright red. As soon as her friend left Lili decided to take a walk attempting to clear her head.
Elsewhere Hwoarang feeling cheated walked along campsite trying to blow off steam. Jin seemed to have barely put up a fight and quit giving him a hollow victory. He needed a real way to blow off steam but fighting was prohibited he couldn't do that. Looking forward Hwoarang saw Danny's motorcycle outside the tent. The Korean hotwired the bike reving the machine up before taking it. Just as Hwoarang rode off Danny rushed out to see his bike stolen. "Hey! Hey get back here!" The host shouted.
Hwoarang rode the bike along the beach feeling better as the wind rushed through his hair. Suddenly Hwoarang saw a wing creature standing infront of him holding out his right hand. The bike exploded as the fighter rolled past the devil his body bouncing three times on the ground before finally stopping with a face full of sand. Hwoarang stood up to see Jin in devil form walking towards him. The Korean smiled ready for the fight he so desired. Hwoarang initiated combat launching a kick at his opponent. Devil Jin blocked the attack countering with a hard punch knocking him back. Hwoarang got back up starting to feel the pain of the crash. The Korean remained on the defensive as the demon attacked viciously. Suddenly an uppercut put Hwoarang down again. Devil Jin smiled as he prepared to end the fight. Without warning Lili came in kicking the demon across the face. Hwoarang was surpised to see the young woman. Devil Jin glared at the new comer unhappy about the intrusion. Lili got in a fighting stance as the demon attacked with a hard round house kick. Lili ducked then struck back with a palm strike to the stomach. Devil Jin smiled at the futile attack before striking with a back hand. Lili ducked then countered with an uppercut followed by two forward strikes to the chest ending with a heel kick. Devil Jin glared at the young woman irritated with her tenacity. The demon's eyes glowed as laser beams shot out. Lili leaped left and charged forward fist raised. Devil Jin grabbed Lili by the throat stopping assault. Hwoarang came in with a hard kick to the back of demon's head forcing him to release his captive. Devil Jin back handed his rival as Lili did a sweep dropping the devil. The devil rolled back before launching his devil beam. Lili cartwheeled left grabbing a rock and throwing it. The demon batted the weak projectile aside before flying forward his clawed hand stretched out. Centimeters away from Lili, Devil Jin felt a hard kick from the side. The demon was buried into the dirt as Lili saw Ryu standing infront of her.
"Get Hwoarang and get out of here." Ryu ordered his eyes still locked on the demonic fighter. Devil Jin stood up glaring at new comer. "I know what you are. I was in your position. I have darkness within me but I have conquered it. I can help you conquer your darkness." Ryu said trying to get through to Jin.
Devil Jin replied by unleashing his beam at the fighter. Ryu rolled out ou the way countering with a hado-ken. The blue fireball struck the demon's chest knocking him back. As soon as Devil Jin stood up Ryu came in with a flying kick to the jaw before turning unleashing a shoryuken lifting the creature high in the air. The fighter attempted to make another kick however Devil Jin regained composure grabbing his opponent's leg tossing him to the ground burying him in the dirt. As Ryu attempted to stand the devil put him back in the ground with a kick. Devil Jin grabbed Ryu by the hair lifting his ragged body. The demon was about to spear his opponent through the heart until the fighter's eyes snapped open as he launched a kick to the creature's jaw. Devil Jin released his captive allowing Ryu to fire a shinku hado-ken. The powerful blast hit the demon full force knocking him into a stone wall. Jin fell to the ground his wings and horns sinking back into his body. Ryu too tired and sore to carry Jin back to camp sat down beside him waiting for his former adversary to awake.
Outworld palace
Blackout sat in the palace hot spring finally recovering from his fight with Jade. He couldn't wait to get back in the ring and kill again. Shang Tsung entered the room approaching him. "How can I help you?"
"I have few problems I need removed. Death Ninja was killed by a friend of yours. I sent other agents but they have failed. Now that you are healed I want you to end Ghost Rider."
"Very well but I'll need help. The guy Ghost Rider beat in the third round. Vega I believe his name was."
"It can be done." The sorceror replied.
"Heal his face and give him pure iron claws. I discovered that pure iron hurts him when I stabbed him with a pipe. Wished I had killed him then instead of sticking to some stupid truce."
"You seem to have taken a liking to this Vega." Shang Tsung observed.
"How can I not. He and I are the same person but from different dimensions." Blackout said with a smile. "If one of me can give Ghost Rider hell two can ensure his death."
"You will have everything you need in two days." Shang Tsung said leaving bathing area.
Courtyard arena
Nina and Anna were stated to fight today. Since the two couldn't get along Batman and Captain America sent Rose to be Anna's 'buddy', and Steve to be Nina's, especially if the two were to fight each other most likely neither would be able to stand let alone fight another battle.
"Nina Williams vs Anna Williams!" Shang Tsung called.
Nina and Anna stared at each other waiting for the fight to begin. Both of them had been waiting for this fight for a very long time. Nina to keep her title as the better fighter and Anna to prove she has surpassed her sister. "Begin!" Shang Tsung shouted.
Anna and Nina charged at each other attacking viciously. The two battled it out back and forth trying break through the other's denfenses. After ten minutes Nina broke through her sister's defense kicking her in the jaw. Anna wiped the blood from her from her mouth before charging forward furiously attacking her sister. Nina kept blocking but was unable to counter. Soon Anna broke through her sister's defenses landing multiple punches. Nina flipped back kicking her sister in the jaw. Upon landing on her feet the blond rushed forward slamming her hands into Anna's stomach sending her flying. The red dressed woman rolled across the ring before standing up. Anna charged forward sliding across the ground bringing her sister down. Both women stood and began attacking each other again. The two were evenly matched through skill, determnation, and hatred. Nina threw her sister on to the ground punching her violently until Anna grabbed her attacker smashing her knee into her sister's skull. Nina rolled off Anna her head spinning. As she attempted to stand Nina felt a hard kick across her face blood shooting. Nina then felt Anna's arms wrapping around throat putting her in a choke hold. Nina threw herself back slamming her sister into the concrete ground. The blow weakend Anna enough for Nina to break free as she began to choke her sister. Anna kicked Nina off then rolled back getting back on her feet. Nina rushed in back handing her sister following up with a knee strike to the stomach. Anna blocked the attack elbowing her sister in the stomach then sweeped her sister to the ground. Anna started kicking her sister until Nina grabbed her attacker's foot twisting it. Anna fell on the ground kicking Nina across the face with her good leg. Nina rolled with the kick before standing up. As Anna stood up Nina shot her hands forward knocking her oppenent out of the ring. Shang Tsung started the count as Anna tried to climb back in. Unfortunately due to the damage in her ankle Nina was declared the winner. "No I had you!" Anna screamed still struggling to stand.
"Poor Anna. Always dillusional. You could never beat me." Nina taunted.
"You B-! This ain't over I'll kill you!" Anna shouted causing Rose and Steve to drag her away.
Shang Tsung watch this with interesting thinking of recruiting one of the women.
As soon as Rose and Steve took Anna out of the courtyard Steve left to get back Nina.
Rose took off Anna's shoe looking over her ankle. "It's badly sprained but it should heal." Rose observed. "What is this problem you have with your sister?"
"It's none of your d- busines!" Anna shouted. Rose looked at her patient before back handing her. "What the hell was that for?"
"We are at war! You are risking all our lives on this petty rivaly!" Rose shouted towering over the assassin. "Now what is your problem with your sister?"
Anna gave a Rose a dirty look before reluctantly talking. "My sister and I have always been at eachother throats. When father died it only got worse. We've always been trying prove who is truely our father's daughter."
"Your father is dead. You can't impress him. Why try so hard to do the impossible?"
Anna looked down thinking about what Rose said. What was she really fighting for? With father dead their was no real reason to prove she was better than her sister. "Help me get back to camp." Anna said miserably wanting to do nothing but sulk.
Underground Arena
Ryu arrived at the arena with Ken, Sakura, and Chun-li ready for his match. The group were unhappy about being in this perticular arena. This was where Blackout fought his matches and after the brutal murder of Jade no one wanted to face off against him. Unfortunately when Ryu's opponent was announced to be the killer, everyone filled with dread.
Blackout entered the arena grinning at the group ready to kill. "Knock his teeth out." Ken called breaking the silence.
"Yeah you can beat him. After you kick his butt we'll celebrate." Sakura said knowing she would make her move tonight wearing a flowered dress Lili had given her.
"Ryu?" Chun-li called.
"Yeah?" The warrior said looking at her.
Chun-li immediately kissed Ryu passionately. Ken's and Sakura's jaws dropped. Sakura felt a surge of jealousy. Ken made the feeling worse saying, "It's about time."
Chun-li broke the kiss and said, "For luck."
Ryu entered the arena glaring at Blackout. The creature grinned back at his opponent. The guard called for the fight to begin. Ryu and Blackout charged eachother beginning their battle. The vampire started clawing at his adversary. Ryu dodged the attacks before countering with a hado-ken. The attack sent Blackout flying across the ring. The killer sat up before receiving a kick across the jaw rolling out of the ring. Ryu walked to the center waiting for his adversary to come back. Blackout crawled back into the ring enraged being thrown out. The vampire surrounded Ryu with darkness. The warrior set himself up waiting for anything. Immediately Ryu felt a slash on his back then a across his face. He could feel the blood flow from both wounds and hear laughing echoing through the darkness. Ryu set himself up again waiting for his opponent. Immediately the fighter turned right throwing his fist striking the killer. Ryu began a massive assault on Blackout until the vampire back handed his opponent ending his assault. Blackout leaped forward tackling his opponent forcing the fighter down attempting to rip his throat out. Ryu held his attacker's head back struggling to get free. The fighter felt Blackout's teeth coming close to him before flipping the vampire off. Ryu gets defensive again waiting for the killer to attack from the dark. Blackout removed the veil of darkness knowing it was useless to continue using it. The two fighters continued there battle as Ryu was placed on the defense as the killer slashed skillfully. As soon as there ws an opening Ryu unleashed a powerful shoryuken knocking his opponent high in he air. As soon the killer started falling down Ryu threw a hado-ken at Blackout knocking him into the lights. Sparks flew as Blackout was electrocuted causing the arena to go dark. Blackout's charred body hit the ground unable to move.
After the ten count Ryu was declared the winner. Chun-li rushed into the ring as leaped into the fighter's arms kissing him passionately. After getting over his shock Ryu kissed her back. Sakura saw this frowned knowing she missed her chance.
Throne Room
Noob stood before Amazak ready to fight. Shao Kahn had heard how well his newest member had been doing and wanted to see how her skills have increased. Amazak set herself in a boxing stance waiting for the call. As soon as Noob was ready Shao Kahn gave the order. Amazak unleashed a sonic boom. Noob fell through a black hole before striking with an uppercut. Amazak fell to the ground as Noob leaped up to crush her. The possessed woman rolled out of the way before quickly getting up kicking Noob across the face. Noob rolled with the kick countering with a kick of his own to Amazak's stomach. The woman launched forward with a spirral arrow knocking the spector down continuing with a cannon spike to Noob's face where a loud snap was heard. Amazak landed on feet as Noob crashed on the ground his head completely turned around. Shao Kahn began the ten count until Noob stood up turning his head around. "There are perks to already being dead." Noob said before getting into a fighting stance. Amazak changed hers and began dancing. Noob sent a shadow clone charging at his opponent. Amazak cartwheeled left then charged forward doing a sliding kick. Noob leaped over the attacker then turned attacking the possessed woman. Amazak dodged and block before flipped forward popping Noob on the head dropping him. As Noob attempted to stand Amazak sweeped her oppnent then spun around dropping her heel into his spine. As the count began Noob remained on the ground unable to comprehend how he was getting beat so easily. Noob refused to lose to this unknown as he turned around throwing a ghost ball. Amazak froze allowing her opponent to brutally beat her knocking her to the ground. Noob jumped on her attempting to strangle her. Amazak shot her arms forward breaking the hold smashing her head into the spector. As the possessed woman stood up her stance changed attacking with Steve Fox's style letting loose multiple punches. After an uppercut Noob fell through the ground. Amazak turned unleashing a double flash kick knocking out the wraith. After the ten count Shoa Kahn smiled pleased with Amazak's performance.
Graveyard Arena
Batman and Sub-Zero entered the ring ready to fight. The two warriors waited for the guard to give the word looking at eachother with respect. As soon as the guard gave the go ahead Batman threw two batarangs starting the match. Sub-Zero slid forward as the batarangs sailed over the Lin Kuie who struck back with a forward leaping strike. Batman grabbed Sub-Zero throwing him over his shoulder. The Lin Kuei landed hard on the ground before quickly getting up throw his freeze blast. Batman started to move dodging the attack as he quickly threw batarangs. Sub-Zero created an ice shield blocking the attacks. As soon the cyromancer lowered his shield Batman showed up striking a triple punch following with a kick to the chest. Sub-Zero rolled with the attack throwing another blast. Batman dodged the attack before closing the distance initiating combat. Both warriors began battling eachother trying to get through the others defenses. Suddenly Batman struck with his right palm into his opponent's face followed with a kick to left. Sub-Zero grabbed the leg swirling his opponent around releasing him into tombstone. Batman attempted to stand but slipped as Sub-Zero iced the ground beneath him. Sub-Zero decided to take advantage of his predicament and froze the area. Batman slowly stood up attempting to remain stable on the frozen ground. Sub-Zero charged forward the ground not slowing him down as he began to attack. Batman was placed on the defensive fighting to stay upright. After blocking a chest punch Batman lost balance hitting ground. "Admit defeat. You may excel on the ice but I was born on it."
Batman replied by locking his legs around Sub-Zero dropping his opponent. Both warriors stood up, Sub-Zero faster than Batman unleashed a three punch combo knocking the dark knight to the ground again. Batman tossed a batarang smacking Sub-Zero in the face. The dark knight stood up tackling the Lin Quie knocking down a tombstone. Sub-Zero threw Batman off sliding across the arena. After both warriors stood up Batman charged forward as Sub-Zero moved to the left letting his opponent pass. Batman grabbed a head stone making a u turn sholdering the lin quie warrior. As Sub-Zero stood up Batman charged forward carrying Sub-Zero off the ice. Batman struck with a heel kick. Sub-Zero rolled with the attack striking back with his own kick to the abdomin. Batman clutched his stomach as the lin quie warrior struck with multiple punches until Batman struck back with a double fist strike knocking his opponent back. Batman moved froward as Sub-Zero tossed an ice blast at his opponent. The dark knight dropped down sliding forward knocking his opponent off his feet. Batman stood up attacking with an elbow strike as Sub-Zero turned around. Batman followed up with a punch to the ribs as Sub-Zero countered a ridge hand strike to the side of Batman's head. The blow caused the dark knight to see stars allowing the lin quei to attack brutally before knocking his opponent down. The ten count started as the guard reached five Batman sat up stabbing his opponent with a the spikes on his glove. With Sub-Zero dazed Batman struck with a upper cut followed by a knee strike to the stomach and finishing with an elbow drop knocking the Lin Kuie out cold. After the ten count Batman was declared the winner.
Lounge
The heroes were celebrating Ryu's win over Blackout. Kitana embraced the warrior thanking him for honoring Jade. Ken spoke up, "Ladies and gentlemen another thing to celebrate is Ryu and Chun-li are finally together!"
Ryu covered his face in embarassment as the guys were patting him on the back. Chun-li turned bright red as Cammy walked up to her, "Took my advice did you?"
"Yeah I just walked up and did this." Chun-li turned and kissed Ryu receiving cheers from the group.
Sakura looking bitter at the couple walked away to the bartender, "The strongest drink you've got."
"You old enough for it?" Peter said finishing his glass. "Another."
Sakura looked at Peter replying, "I don't think Outworld has an age limit." As soon as the glass appeared infront of her Sakura quickly gulped it down before sputtering hard.
"Perhaps you should try something a little lighter." Peter said emptying his glass. "Another."
"What are you drinking for?" Sakura asked getting closer to him before asking for another drink.
"It's my wife's and I's anniversary or would have been had not been for Carnage. Another. What's your story?"
"See the happy couple." Sakura said pointing to Ryu and Chun-li.
"Yeah. Let me guess, it was suppose to be you. Isn't he a little old for you."
"Love has no age. Or so I thought." Sakura said putting down another drink taking it better this time. "So what are details about your wife?"
"Nothing I want to talk about." Peter replied. "Another. How do you know you love him and what your feeling isn't a silly crush."
"What you never loved someone at seventeen?" Sakura snapped.
"Yeah I did." Peter replied thinking back to Gwen. "Another. So why give up? Why not fight for him?"
Sakura ordered a fourth drink before stating, "You're right. I'm gonna down this drink kiss him letting everyone know I'm fighting for his heart."
Sakura swallowed her drink placed the glass down and immediately fell over. Peter quickly grabbed the young woman and finished his drink before taking her back to the tent. As soon as the hero tucked Sakura in the alcohol took it's toll causing Peter to pass out on top of her.
Back inside Batman and Cyclops watch Rogue and Gambit mimicing Chun-li and Ryu. "In all my years of knowing her she has never been able to touch a person without losing all of her powers." Cyclops recalled.
"She was lying." Batman said flat out. "She knows what happened to her. The why is what makes me nervous."
The two watched Rogue drag Gambit out of the lounge. "So what do we do?" Cyclops asked.
"We observe." Batman replied darkly.
Bison's Airship
Bison sat at his command chair thinking about his fight with Sagat. How close he came to losing to Sagat. He needed to get the technology within the palace. How was the difficult part. With Vega out of commision he needed an alternative method, a distraction. Suddenly a thought came to him what if Shang Tsung decided to hold a ball as a congradulations for reaching half the tournament Bison could find what he needed. He just needed an audience with the tournament host.
"Juli, Juni come forward." Bison ordered. The two women did as commanded. Bison handed a letter to Juli. "Take this to Shang Tsung." As soon as the two women left Bison made a call on the intercom. "Sagat, Balrog, Zallez. Come to the command room."
As soon as the three arrived Bison began, "I am proposing Outworld hosts a ball celebrating the contestants reaching the middle of the tournament. Using the ball as a distraction I will find their technology. I need you to keep eyes off me."
"What if they decide not to have a ball. Then what?" Sagat asked.
Bison smiled cruelly replying, "Oh they will have it. They need to. As the tournament gets closer to the end tensions are raising to the point where chaos will follow. The ball will serve as an outlet for that stress. If their is no outlet they might as well have a battle royal and end it."
"Now that sounds like an idea." Balrog spoke up wishing they had done that to begin with.
"True. How do we know they won't have a battle royal. I mean we have been here for months." Zallez asked.
"No this tournament is not what it seems. There is more to this tournament than meets the eye. They won't cut it short I am certain. Get ready we are going to a ball." Bison said with a smile.