Among the groups that sought Earthrealm's defense, the White Lotus had for many centuries been the foremost. Long before the Special Forces learned of otherworldly threats and the Lin Kuei and Shirai Ryu were reformed into forces of good by Kuai Liang and Hanzo Hasashi, there had been the White Lotus Society and their Shaolin monks.
And this long-standing, generational commitment had made the White Lotus the first Raiden would call upon to defend the realm.
So much had changed since then. Lives had begun...and ended. Entire centuries had gone by. Wars, tournaments, invasions. An ongoing struggle between good and evil, and in the side of good had stood the White Lotus.
And they still stood, tall and proud for the good of Earthrealm and all the realms. But they no longer stood beside Raiden. They couldn't. What Raiden now envisioned for the realms was a betrayal of their beliefs and principles. The White Lotus believed that peace was to be forged, not imposed. It was because of this philosophical difference that the White Lotus saw no other choice than to shun Raiden and condemn him for what he had become.
Angered as he was by the betrayal, Raiden made no effort in retaliation. Better this than death, the way so many other allies had left him. Besides, the Thunder God had other matters which held his attention.
Still, useful as the likes of the Shirai Ryu and Seidan Guard were in his grand crusade, Raiden had not entirely lost hope in his most enduring allies. He believed they could still be made to see the virtues of his new crusade. After all, in Raiden's mind, all he believed he was doing was ensuring Earthrealm's safety.
If only he could realize how far he'd truly fallen…
It was that very hope that stayed in the minds of Fujin and Bo' Rai Cho even as they watched Raiden seem to descend further and further into madness.
These thoughts remained in the latter's mind as he was explaining a traditional Shaolin technique to a group of about a dozen students, all placed under his tutelage so that they may one day join the fight for Earthrealm itself.
"A general rule of kombat, if your enemy is larger, you must be faster," Bo' Rai Cho instructed. "Larger, somewhat like myself." He laughed at his own self-targeted joke.
Before the Shaolin master could continue his class, his and their attention was drawn by a sudden loud crackling sound.
A mere few feet away, Kai was practicing the use of a wooden bo staff with a fellow Shaolin trainee, before they heard the sound as well.
All eyes were on Raiden. His black and gold armor was a stark contrast to the white robes worn by many of the White Lotus society's members, and the oranges and reds typical among the Shaolin monks. His red eyes of fury were the polar opposite of their shocked expressions.
"I have come seeking counsel with Fujin. I will not be denied." Out of the crowd walked a Shaolin who was a bit out of place with the rest. Dressed in black pants with a green belt, he wore a green headband that kept his mildly greyed hair out of his face. This left it exposed, doing nothing to hide the tattoos over his face, curving under his mouth and up his cheeks to form a fierce brow, the scales patterned on his cheeks making it clear as a tattoo to resemble the legendary Eastern Dragon that their late Champion had modelled himself after.
"You have no business here Thunder God. Leave this temple at once." Raiden's fury seemed to intensify at the sight of the one Shaolin who would acknowledge his presence enough to dismiss him.
"I have no time to waste talking to you, deserter." Raiden tried to walk past him, only for the monk to stand in front of him and obstruct his path, infuriating Raiden.
"You will bring no more harm to the White Lotus, Thunder God. You are not welcome here. Begone." Raiden seemed taken aback for a moment, before the intensity of his eyes was matched by his Amulet.
"How dare you lecture me! I have done nothing but defend your people." The stoic monk simply raised an eyebrow as he raised an eyebrow.
"Can you say the same about my brother? Who you struck down with your own hands?" Raiden summoned his staff in a flash of lightning, smashing the stone beneath them in a fit of rage.
"Do not dare speak of your brother to me, Liu Chow. I was there through the tournaments, the invasion, and his final moments. Where were you, coward? Where were you when I rallied the Defenders of Earthrealm?" The now named Liu Chow flinched at that, but he did not move.
"That I failed my brother and let fear rule me is the greatest mistake I ever made. But I will not allow you to run amok and hurt anyone else here."
Raiden scoffed. "You think so little of me that you believe I would attack the White Lotus without provocation?"
"The fact that you would consider attacking us at all is worrisome enough." Liu Chow shot back.
"I must be wary of any threats to Earthrealm," Raiden argued. "Even potential ones."
"You're becoming paranoid, Thunder God," countered Liu Chow. "Probably losing what little sense you possessed to begin with."
"Cease your insults, Liu Chow!" Raiden demanded.
"Or what?! You'll kill me too!? Go ahead Raiden!" Liu Chow asked, before extending his boldness even further by daring to egg the Thunder God, casting his arms outwards. "Finish the job and end my bloodline!"
Red lightning crackled through Raiden's as he looked at the man before him with seething anger and a piercing glow so intense that the shine of their crimson light could be seen on Liu Chow's face. Still, the Shaolin did not back down.
"That is enough, Liu Chow!" Shouted Bo' Rai Cho.
Liu Chow clenched his fists. He was hardly finished giving Raiden a piece of his mind, but his respect for Bo' Rai Cho outweighed his anger. For now.
The old master placed a hand on Chow's soldier. "A Shaolin must never allow anger to cloud their judgement. Go and meditate. Clear your mind."
Liu Chow was clearly opposed to going anywhere, based on his stone cold glare.
"It is what your brother always did when he had a lot on his mind." Bo' Rai Cho recalled, managing to get through to Liu Chow, who walked off in a huff, shooting one last glare over his shoulder before turning away from Raiden.
Raiden stood silent and waited until Liu Chow was gone.
"You should work harder to keep your pupils in line, Bo' Rai Cho." the Thunder God chastised.
"I believe in allowing my students to express themselves, and in understanding their struggles," Bo' Rai Cho explained. "You once did as well."
"I no longer have time for such things," Raiden responded dismissively. "The fate of Earthrealm, of all the realms, rests upon my shoulders."
"And why your shoulders alone, old friend?" Bo' Rai Cho asked, moving to place a reassuring hand on Raiden's shoulder.
Raiden backed away from the gesture. "Because I alone am capable." He looked down for a moment. "Because I will not allow more lives to be sacrificed in my struggle."
"Such tremendous weight could crush the very soul," Bo' Rai Cho warned, before chuckling. "And I for one know a lot about weight."
Evidently, the attempt at levity had failed on Raiden, who merely stared ahead.
"Honestly Raiden, I understand your guilt," Bo' Rai Cho empathized. "But you cannot let your rage control you, or else-"
"I will ask again," Raiden interrupted. "Where is Fujin."
"I am here, brother," said Fujin as he descended from the air lifted by a miniature whirlwind. "Training the future warriors of the Shaolin. The question is, why are you here?"
"I am the Protector of Earthrealm," Raiden reminded him. "I go where I please."
"It was made quite clear the last time you visited that the White Lotus is no friend of yours, Raiden, now that you have begun your crusade."
"Then let them stand in the way of Earthrealm's safety being secured if they are so foolish," Raiden said disdainfully. "The White Lotus are not why I have come here."
"You are here to see me." Fujin presumed.
Raiden looked at the Wind God, his brother, though few were aware of that fact. Then to Bo' Rai Cho, one of his oldest friends.
"I am here to see you both." he corrected. "May we speak in private?"
Curious as to what exactly was preceding and needless to say having his attention drawn by Liu Chow's outburst, Kai walked over to the three.
"Master Bo' Rai Cho? Uhh...Lord Raiden?" he chimed in. "Is something wrong?"
"These matters do not concern you, Kai." Raiden said quickly.
"Return to your training," Bo' Rai Cho instructed. "This is nothing to worry yourself with."
"O-Ok…" Kai stammered as the two gods and his mentor walked off to discuss whatever it was Raiden deemed so important.
Suddenly, Kai felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see Liu Chow.
"Oh! Hey dude….can I help you?" he asked.
"I don't trust Raiden," Liu Chow said plainly. "We need to figure out what it is he's here for."
"Kai! Man do I need to catch up with you, you will not believe what I found out when I went to go visit the SF," came Kung Jin's voice as he walked over. "Turns out that guy Nightwolf had a successor, and she might be able to-"
Liu Chow quickly shushed him.
"Well jeez, a bit rude," Kung Jin said. "I thought you'd be happy to see your cuz with some good news about-"
"Not now," Liu Chow said firmly. "Right now, we need to find out what the hell Raiden is planning."
"Are you suggesting that we spy on them?" Kai asked.
"That sounds… crazy." Kung Jin added.
"Exactly what I was going to say." Kai said afterward.
"It's not like they're just going to let us listen in on their little private meeting," Liu Chow argued. "So are you two in?"
The two Shaolin looked at one another.
"Alright, fine." decided Kung Jin.
Kai shrugged. "Aw what the hell! I guess a little crazy never hurt anybody."
Using ledges, bushes, trees, buildings, and whatever else they could manage as cover, the three Shaolin snuck around as carefully as they could to avoid detection by Raiden, Fujin, or Bo' Rai Cho.
Eventually, the two gods and the Outworlder reached a spot deemed suitable for their meeting. Away from prying eyes.
Or so they thought…..
"This concerns the Kamidogu," Raiden explained. "As Shujinko has collected them, feigning to still be a pawn in the schemes of the Dragon King, he has delivered them into my possession. However, as I press forward in my efforts to safeguard Earthrealm, I fear that position may be placed in jeopardy."
"What of our deception?" Asked Fujin.
"Many in the realms still believe that the Blood Code Daggers are the Kamidogu," Raiden assured. "Their true forms remain all but a myth to most. But I cannot trust that my bases of operation, perhaps even the Sky Temple itself, may come under attack in the future by those who would wish to impede my goals."
"Indeed," Bo' Rai Cho agreed. "Whether it be the Red and Black Dragon here in Earthrealm, threats from Outworld, or the Brotherhood of Shadow seeking vengeance for Shinnok, enemies will strike, especially given your recent actions."
"The Brotherhood of Shadow is no more." Raiden said grimly.
"What do you mean?" Fujin asked.
"I mean exactly what I just said." Raiden responded.
Both he and Bo' Rai Cho were taken aback. Kai and Kung Jin's eyes widened hearing his words, while Liu Chow's narrowed, his gaze full of suspicion.
"So…" Bo' Rai Cho's voice trailed off, the wise Shaolin master in a rare instance not sure what to say. "Why have you come here, then?"
"I know asking for your cooperation in ending threats to Earthrealm would prove futile," Raiden acknowledged. "So I instead ask only that I might trust you both to safeguard the Kamidogu, and to protect them with your lives."
Fujin sighed. "I….yes...of course.."
"You can count on us, Raiden," Bo' Rai Cho assured. "I am pleased to see you have faith in your friends once more."
"Faith that has limits," Raiden clarified. "I will return with the Kamidogu at dawn tomorrow. Do not fail."
Without even another word spoken, Raiden disappeared in a crack of red lightning.
"He seems to be anticipating an attack against Earthrealm," Fujin pointed out. "This isn't good."
"I am not worried about attacks upon this realm," said Bo' Rai Cho. "I fear attacks by this realm, led by Raiden."
"I understand, old friend," replied Fujin. "I had never thought that receiving word that the Brotherhood of Shadow was no longer an active threat would be so…..troubling."
"Still…" Bo' Rai Cho mused. "It is our duty to protect Earthrealm. We must remain true to that duty. If Raiden has lost his way, we cannot lose ours."
"Aye," Fujin agreed "The White Lotus will safeguard the Kamidogu. Besides, not only will this prevent the forces of evil from using their power, but it will prevent Raiden from employing them as well."
"Perhaps Raiden recognizes that he is not quite himself," Bo' Rai Cho speculated. "And is attempting to resist such temptation."
"Perhaps," Fujin repeated, looking off into the distance. "I fear there will be a coming conflict, and I hope that we do not find ourselves and Raiden on opposite sides of it."
"As do I," Bo' Rai Cho said as he began walking back to his class. "Later, you should join me for a drink!"
Fujin shook his head. "I do not think this is the right time to consume alcohol, my friend."
"I do not believe in a 'wrong' time." Bo' Rai Cho countered before letting out a hearty chuckle.
As the two walked off, the three eavesdroppers looked at one another in disbelief.
"Holy shit…" was all Kai could manage to say.
"Wait," Kung Jin pondered. "So those blood magic knives...aren't the Kamidogu?"
"Apparently not," Liu Chow answered. "And it seems the genuine articles are even more powerful than the knives."
"Worse than the daggers?" questioned Kung Jin. "I happen to know some of the people who were afflicted by those things, I've heard the horror stories."
"So have we," Liu Chow reminded. "Master Shujinko."
"Right…" Kung Jin recalled. "Got put under some kind of mind control…"
'Isn't that what happened to two of your friends?" Kai asked.
"Yeah," Kung Jin confirmed. "Cassie and Jacqui told me all about it. Those things got General Blade and Mr. Cage too. Same with Kotal Kahn, Mileena, and even Raiden."
"You think that's what's been messing with his head?" Kai wondered.
"I dunno," Kung Jin answered. "Maybe. I figured it had something to do with when he purified the Jinsei. Or maybe Shinnok's amulet is part of it."
"Or maybe he was never that 'benevolent' Protector of Earthrealm at all," Liu Chow said scornfully. "And he's started showing his true colors."
"Hey man, you don't know that." Kai argued.
"What he said," Kung Jin agreed. "Raiden's made some mistakes, but he was a good guy… once."
"Try saying that after he's killed your brother." Liu Chow countered.
"Hey, I used to blame Raiden for what happened to Lao," Kung Jin recounted. "I know for a fact that losing him and Liu Kang is Raiden's biggest regret. Guess that's why he called up Nightwolf Junior to try and save 'em."
"What are you talking about?" asked Liu Chow."
"The Matoka have this ritual thing that might be able to save your brother, my cousin, and everybody else Shinnok turned into zombies." Kung Jin explained.
"No…..way…." said Kai, stunned at the news.
"R-Really?!" Liu Chow asked.
"Yeah!" Kung Jin confirmed.
Liu Chow looked down for a moment, unsure of what to even think.
"I...I'm going to go meditate, like Master Bo' Rai Cho suggested," he told the others, looking noticeably distant. "I'll...see you around."
Liu Chow walked off, leaving Kung Jin and Kai to their own devices.
"We've gotta tell my friends at the SF about all this." Kung Jin decided.
"Wait, 'we'?" Kai asked.
"If you wanna stay behind, that's cool," Kung Jin said. "I'm not tryin' to like… force you or anything."
"No no," Kai responded with a dismissive wave. "It's cool. I'll come with."
"Great!" Kung Jin said a little too excitedly. "Can't wait to introduce you to the others."
"So when do we head out?" Kai asked.
"Right now," Kung Jin answered. "And we'd better hurry…."
"Got some big news to share, that's for sure."