A/N:
Thanks to everyone who's followed along. Your prayers have been answered! Art Lean will receive regular updates. There are a million and one other projects stealing my time at the moment (see latest AET 2 for details) but I honestly never expected this tale to get any notice. Thanks to you guys, my motivation to continue this story has been rekindled. Three of you in particular are the chief architects of this change, so from author to reader, I thank each of you.
Caged777 - I'd say its an amalgamation of both. This universe, the MQU if you will, is going to be my own take on these characters and the conflict they face. Fear not however, I've been playing MK since I was a small child, and will do it justice.
GNTR96 - Mine too. I figured with all the DLCs dropping that MK would at least remember and remaster their own characters, but alas, so many have flown under the radar while the popular ones continue to hog the spotlight. Nothing wrong with that, every franchise needs their flagship characters, but there are some who have faded into forgotten obscurity. That's where I come in.
PartyPat22 - You'd better believe it. While we're in the heat of battle at the moment, it is discovered that his time within Ermac has left him with some rather impressive abilities, many of which he is yet to discover. However, he will soon meet a certain someone who may be able to help him with that.
The 'Son of Argus' wasted not another second. As I stepped forth to grab him by the collar and give him a piece of my mind, he batted my hand away and punched me square in the chest. I'll admit, the guy had some power in that arm of his. I hadn't been hit like that since the last time I fought Goro. The last fight I'd had in my own body.
So that's how it's gonna be...
As I stumbled backwards, struggling to regain my balance in the slippery mud, he dashed forth to deliver a blow that would send me to the ground. I threw my hands up in a defensive gesture. To my surprise and my opponent's dismay, a red tinted energy barrier appeared in front of me just before his fist made contact.
Phwoom!
Mr. Purple struck the shield center mass only to have his arm fly backwards, taking him with it. He fell flat on his back. I looked down at my hands, flexing both. A crimson hue was fading from them.
Well. That's new.
"I see that I have underestimated you," he admitted as he climbed to his feet. But I am an elemental demigod. You are no match for me. Observe, as I show you a fraction of my power."
Holding one hand out in front of him, palm up, my new friend used the other hand to slowly carve a half circle through the air before bringing it down in a fist. The instant both hands touched, something changed. Imperceptible at first, but painfully obvious seconds later. As he stood there concentrating with his head down, fist on top of palm, the rainfall morphed from harmless water droplets to razor sharp shards of ice.
