Chapter 4- A challenge- Kane

Week three… Well I got to give Orton credit he's lasted this long. Shao Kahn was impressed too. He decided he was going to come with me to check on Orton. When Eric came in just as we were teleporting. "Hey… can I come too?" he asked with a grin.

Kahn and I looked to one another. "Why?" we asked of him.

I know Eric is a black belt, but I don't see why he would want to check out the Lin Kuei. Kahn shrugged and formed a coat in his hands. He tossed it to Eric. "If you're coming, you'll need that," he said. Eric grinned as he placed the Jacket on quickly. We teleported to the main room where we were just in time to see Randy showing off some of his new moves to Sub-Zero. The other ninjas watched on with anger, not really liking how Randy is using their secret traditional moves. He after all was an outsider. Not one of them, the resentment was strong. But Randy kept going. He perfected the flame spitting fatality, able to summon fire in his hand and control it with a simple gesture. Something I'm not sure the old Scorpion could have done. When he finished Randy stood at attention with pride and honor. He stuck out his chest, as his hands were out before him in a fist down stance. Sub-Zero applauded the performance.

"Well done Mr. Orton, Well done," he said.

Sub-Zero looked to the other Lin Kuei who was upset with the attention Randy was getting. We came into view of everyone. Randy was smiling at us.

"Kane, Eric, Kahn, great to see you!" he said.

I shook Orton's hand as Shao Kahn stared at all the Lin Kuei. "Kane…" he called to me. I gave Kahn my attention. "Bring Orton home with us" he said.

Randy was stunned as was I. "Why?" Orton asked.

Kahn glared at quite a few of the Ninjas. "I smell a plot to have him killed, am I right? You want this boy dead?" he asked aloud. Sub-Zero came to his men and woman.

"Who thinks such thought!" he demanded of them.

Virtually all the Lin Kuei came forward, confessing Orton shouldn't be here at all.

"Scorpion's mask can be worn by anyone! He is nothing special!" One shouted out.

Others claimed the same thing. So I got me thinking, if they think such. Perhaps it's time to make a proposition for them.

"You do not believe he is capable of mastering Scorpion's powers? Well then, I will make a wager with you all. I bet that my friend Randy here… will beat your five best warriors in hand-to-hand combat. I will take over his training, and you will have no such interference for the next few months. When the time draws near, Randy will take on the five of you. Whoever wins… hmm… what would be a good price?" I asked aloud.

"If we win, Randy Orton forfeits the mask of Scorpion and never uses his powers again! That is if he survives the challenge" One called aloud.

"Agreed, now if we win though… Kahn, what would be a good deal for us if we win?" I asked him.

Shao Kahn had a smirk. "Normally, my old self would say their souls, yet how about their dignity. Those who lose will serve Randy for the next year. Anything he says goes. Be it picking up after him… or just to amuse him," Kahn suggested.

I looked to Sub-Zero, since no lives were at stake, he agreed to the terms. Then came up with another idea. "Oh, one more thing if we win… the five will train… Eric here" I smirked.

Bischoff was stunned to my other stipulation, yet he smiled to the idea of it. The agreement was set. I teleported us back to the arena. Randy looked rather upset though.

"They really were going to do it, weren't they?" he asked us.

Kahn nodded. "There are those who fear power stronger than their own, it's just natural for them to destroy what they cannot have," he explained. "Word of one who has been there and done that as you say"

Randy sat on the bench in the locker room. "What does it matter, I can't beat five of them. There's no way!"

I looked to Eric. "Eric, excuse Randy and I. We got some training." I took hold of Orton and teleported him to the island. He was stunned that I brought him here.

"What are we doing?" he demanded of me.

"Let me explain this first, a day here is equal to a minute our time. Don't ask how or way, it just is. I am going to hone your skills, and prove to you that you are stronger then what you let on to be," I told him.

Orton had an 'oh, really' look on his face. "How?" he asked.

I changed into him. "I'll be you… and use only the powers you have"

Randy stood there stunned. "You're going to train me… as me?" he demanded.

I nodded. "You can learn a lot about yourself, when it's just you. Trust me Orton," I told him.

Randy nodded. "Can you at least use my voice? Hearing yours coming from my lips… it's creeping me out"

What a party pooper!