LIU KANG

Liu Kang was closer to Raiden than Kung Lao. This ultimate trust, compared to Kung Lao's wary loyalty to the thunder god, spawned by contempt for the death of his greatest ancestor, afforded Liu Kang greater knowledge. Raiden felt at liberty to express aspects of the world and share the knowledge bestowed upon him by the medallion he possessed to the Chosen One.

The medallion, although helpful for Raiden, was incomprehensible to Liu Kang. Each touch he gave to the surface gave him awful visions. Ones of his death, and Armageddon. How Raiden could casually hold it tightly in his hands was a mystery.

As Kung Lao sat to the back of the boat, Raiden and Liu Kang discussed the tournament, as the special boat, which propelled itself, headed towards Hong Kong.

Raiden's gaze is directed solely at the amulet, but his look is not the blank look upon the protector's face during his visions of Armageddon. It was something different, a detached disappointment upon his face. Much like the look Raiden would give when Kung Lao questioned his judgement, or would bring up the death of his ancestor.

"Lord Raiden, what do you see?" Liu Kang asks.

He shakes his head in response to Liu Kang. "It is one of Earthrealm's champions. The Jinsei has delivered him to Hong Kong. I sense he has arrived."

"Then we are right on time."

"No, the medallion, it's showing me a strange image." Raiden explains. "The first warrior we must collect is an actor from North America, who is currently filming in Hong Kong."

Confusion fills his head. One of Earthrealm's champions, part of their crew to defeat Outworld's numerous champions is an Actor from the west. Liu Kang already knew that Hong Kong was a popular film destination, but he had been expecting to find if not a monk, a skilled warrior. Instead, an Actor will be joining them... to defend the world as all know it.

"An... actor?"

Kung Lao interrupts from the back. "We're sailing to Hong Kong to collect an actor? Lord Raiden- You can't seriously believe that they can help."

"We are going to collect the other champion as well. And I don't believe, I know so. The Jinsei has detected power and has sent us to collect it before the tournament, Kung Lao." Raiden says.

The boat continues forwards, along the long expanse of water. Usually the trip would take a decent amount of time, but Raiden has manipulated the thunder in the air to halt, calming the sea and allowing their safe passage to Hong Kong. Liu Kang rests backwards onto the floor of the boat. He rests, and Raiden continues his duties as always, interpreting and bearing the pain the medallion gives to it's wielder.

Once the boat arrives on the shores of Hong Kong, Liu Kang goes along with the other two to find this champion.

"I know his name now. And the medallion tells me he will not go willingly." Raiden remarks, looking downwards in frustration. "His name is Jonathan Cage, and he is filming near the docks used to leave to Mortal Kombat."

"Lets get going then." Liu Kang says, straightening his bandana.

The three move up the shore, and glow for a moment as Raiden speaks an incantation which appears to shroud them in magic. Afterwards, All three move through Hong Kong with little care. Despite their strange dress, Raiden tells of a magical concealment casted by him, to make all disappear from notice by others. Inside of the densely packed city the only attention they receive was when they were required to pay the fair of the public transportation taken throughout the region.

Compared to the long expanses of travel he and Kung Lao have overcome on the way to destinations through rural China, this is nothing. In no time at all, familiar docks appear into view, and they are near completely empty.

A crew of people are present, paying all their attention on two people who are fighting, but it's very obviously false. One wears a dark, black robe which covers his chest and eyes, and the other is in some strange makeup.

"Lord Raiden, what is he wearing? Liu Kang asks, pointing to the actor in the makeup.

His face is white, with certain parts painted other colors, like a clown. He wears shades over his eyes, and a barett atop his head. He's mostly dressed in an outfit of a shinobi, but highly impractical, with critical parts of his body exposed to the skin. Multiple bandana's are placed on nonsensical places, and he's acting strange, doing nonsensical poses and gesturing to communicate.

"That is our ally for defending Earthrealm?" Kung Lao spits in disbelief.

From the crew around him, intently filming and lighting him in the dark night, a click sound is audible.

Jonathan and his colleague begin a fight scene one more time.

He raises his hand and does a "come forwards" motion with his right hand. The other actor yells a war cry before running forwards. He swings his prop sword at Jonathan, who brushes off his robes and raises his foot. Green energy collects and clings to his foot, and he kicks forwards towards the other actor, who dives out of the way out of fear. The air bends around the area Jonathan kicks, and it's clear he can exert a lot of energy from himself.

"CUT!"

"What the hell man? I promised not to hurt you with the energy!" Jonathan rolls his eyes. "You're supposed to be the stuntman."

The other actor shakes his head, and begins walking in the other direction. "I can't do this... Your feet have powers!"

"Excuse me? I have powers." Jonathan remarks, "And good control of them too."

Both of his feet begin to glow, and for a moment they catch on green fire, which dissipates quickly.

"Bullshit! Find someone to take my place in this scene! That foot's going through my chest if it hits me!"

Jonathan tries to call out for the stuntman as he walks off, but to no avail. In full makeup, the sight is strange to Liu Kang as the once emotionless clown shows genuine frustration at his predicament.

Liu Kang's observation is interrupted by Raiden, who see's the opportunity with the crew beginning to finish to capture Cage.

"Once he is alone, we will persuade him to come with us." Raiden explains, "If he does not, we have to take him."

Slowly but surely, the crew finishes and begins to store their equipment into large containers, ending the cycle of filming for the time. The Three idly wait until Cage leaves.

Following him up from the docks, he arrives at a trailer, which is clearly marked with his name, but with a different spelling, and a [KEEP OUT] sign overhead before them. Liu Kang goes along with Raiden and Kung Lao to the trailer, and are ignored by the rest of the cast due to his spell.

Raiden lifts his arm and the veil falls off of them, they are now visible and clear to anyone's eye.

Liu Kang takes his nunchucks off of his belt and into his hands, and Kung Lao rises to the stance of the Shaolin. Only Raiden is without intent to fight, and opens the door. The three storm inside immediately.

The inside of the trailer is strange, and is like a model of an actual house, with luxury amenities included. A couch in front of the largest television Liu Kang has ever seen is hung on the wall. And at the other corner of the trailer is a bathroom, and a wide mirror with a chair, in which Cage is seated, angrily scrubbing at his face with a sponge.

"Damn it, The new sequel costume comes with it's major downsides." He says to himself, continuing to rub his face raw. "Least I don't look like a fucking clown anymore. Ninja Mime 2- Hopefully a success in America too..."

Cage is oblivious to their absence, and Raiden walks forward into view of his mirror to speak to him.

He gives a thumbs up to Raiden's presence, once he stops scrubbing his face. The make up is still horribly smeared and attempts to stick to him.

"Nice costume man, who do you play?"

Raiden shakes his head. "I am not part of your production. You are needed for the Mortal Kombat tournament, Jonathan Cage."

"Mortal Kombat?" Cage asks, "What the hell are you talking about?"

Liu Kang walks out with Kung Lao, ready to apprehend him and force him into the boat, which is coming soon to take all of them, including the other ally to Shang Tsung's island in the sea.

"You have been chosen by the Jinsei, Earthrealm's life force." Raiden explains, "The world is in danger, there is not much time."

Cage turns his head, and smirks.

"Y'know, I had a dream like this once."

He lifts up from his seat and rushes towards Raiden. His foot glows green and it propels him forwards, burning with a green flame. With no warning, Raiden is unable to dodge, and his hit square in the chest by the energy. Raiden is sent backwards a few feet, before recovering and planting himself on the ground. His eyes glow white and electricity manifests around him.

It's uncomfortable for Liu Kang to see him with such an expression, despite the sincerity of each one of his actions.

The actor is mesmerized by his powers. Cage seems to instantly change his mind about the tournament.

"Final warning. Leave with us, now."

Liu Kang interrupts. "You'd best listen to him, he's a god of thunder. Your green energy does not stand a chance."

Cage drops his stance, and becomes casual in mere moments. He walks up to Raiden, not to attack him, but to study him. He gives a deep examination of Raiden and his outfit, before nodding his head.

"Alright, got it. So... you're a god, and I'm one of the ones chosen to save the world?"

"Help." Kung Lao interjects, "You are here to Help save the world. Liu Kang and I are the ones tasked with fighting the final challenge."

"Alright!" Cage says, practically jumping, he's interested in the prospect of helping.

But Liu Kang is aware of the reality of the tournament. Though Earthrealm was selective and only killed rarely in the tournament, Outworld was not so. Instead, if the challenger did not put up a sufficient fight the Outworlder fighter would kill their Earthrealmer adversary. The Jinsei refreshed the roster of fighters, coinsiding with the next generation, but most did not survive the tournament.

Liu Kang didn't think Cage would be one of those to survive.

The walk out of the filming location was short, and the docks were close.

All four of them continued on their walk towards the place where the ship was set to arrive shortly.

"I sense the other warrior. She is a member of law enforcement."

"From here?" Liu Kang asks.

"No. From The United States, on a mission of her own, one which will lead her to our path."

Kung Lao shows a sign of relief. "At least she's more of a warrior."

"Hey! I'm more warrior than actor!"

Passage to Mortal Kombat was granted by one of Shang Tsung's ships from his private fleet. It was specially designed to avoid the entrance of those Shang Tsung did not approve of, or those without purpose to participate in Mortal Kombat. The ship did not dock, or arrive to the shore like a normal one. Instead it's veil of magic would be lifted at the hour for those to board, and would then set sail.

Once they arrived to the docks, it was time, and with a shimmer, the veil would dissipate.

The grand ship, adorned with all sorts of gemstones and minerals, glowed even in the absence of most sunlight. Liu Kang followed the others onto the dock before the ship's walkway, and watched on as Raiden looked at his medallion intently.

"She will be arriving shortly, I'm sure of it." Raiden says.

Kung Lao rolls his eyes.

Liu Kang stands by Raiden's side, and watches Cage to make sure he stays near them.

Raiden's eyes go wide, and in an instant shine white.

"Lord Raiden? What is wrong?!" Liu Kang calls.

In an instant, Raiden forms a barrier of electricity in front of himself. Cage jumps behind him and tightly hugs his torso. Liu Kang braces himself for the impact and emits fire from his arms to form his own barrier. Kung Lao spins his hat in front of himself to form a rotating shield.

"Our ally! Someone is attempting to harm her before she can board!" Raiden frantically yells, "Underground!"

Kung Lao takes his warning and slides the hat underneath himself, But Liu Kang and Raiden cannot react so quickly. Raiden has to create another barrier with time he does not have, and Liu Kang is unable to defend against such an attack with his fire, and keeps one leg above ground to have some footing in the upcoming battle.

With a clang, the attack by the assailant does not effect Kung Lao, save for knocking him down onto the ground, but Raiden, Cage, and Liu Kang are not so lucky.

A form rises from the floor and cerulean crystal, glowing a bright green shoot from the floor with extreme force. The ripples head across the ground in a single shockwave, and elevate all three into the air. To some degree, all three are damaged, cut and bruised by the crystal.

Raiden forms a protective shield and though they are knocked into the air, all land safely... inside of the boat.

From the ground, a figure rises besides Kung Lao, though he ignores the monk.

It's a strong warrior. He wears only a pair of trousers with suspenders pulled up to his shoulders, and brown hood with a ventilation mask resting upon his face. The crystal formation is all over his chest and arms, and appears to be part of his very skin. He's an earth elemental.

The Elemental creates a large, spiked boulder from the gemstone and throws it to the three on board.

It hit's an invisible barrier, and shatters. into pieces, scattering onto the walkway and ocean.

"We cannot leave, Kung Lao! You must stop him and take the warrior inside." Raiden calls, "Her name is Sonya Blade!"

KUNG LAO

"Sonya Blade?" The elemental speaks. "Sonya is set to board, and I will kill her."

Kung Lao lifts himself off of the ground and puts himself into a fighting stance, ready to fend off the Elemental. He summons his hat to his hand, and holds it out, like a blade.

The elemental laughs, and strengthens his arms, creating a thicker layer of crystal. "You will not stand in my way."

"What do you want with our ally, Elemental."

"I am Tremor, and your ally is my target!" He explains, "For the Black Dragon! Sonya Blade must die!"

Kung Lao shakes his head. "Then you must be stopped."

"Try!"

With a flick of his wrist, Kung Lao sends the hat into Tremor's chest, roughly spinning, but it does no damage to him, and the rim of the hat gets chipped through the process. Abandoning such a method, Kung Lao raises his foot and flies forwards into Tremor's chest. He falls backwards, but it rooted into the earth. With their distance being close, Tremor grabs ahold of his leg, and strengthens his own arm, impaling crystals into his legs before throwing him to the side.

After knocking Kung Lao down yet again, Tremor forms a spiked projectile of crystal, and throws it. Just before the impact, Kung Lao summons his hat and blocks the boulder from hitting himself, scattering the shards on the floor near him.

His leg is profusely bleeding, and Kung Lao twists his hat as quickly as he could, creating a long cut against the side of his finger. Creating heat with the friction, he presses up the flat end of the blade against the cuts taken to his foot, and cauterizes it with the burns.

Kung Lao's hand tightens into a fist and he rethinks his approach.

If he tries to target Tremor's core, it's likely he'll decimate his own hand instead of dealing any meaningful damage to him, but certain portions of himself seemed to be skin. Those were Kung Lao's best opportunity to damage him.

Hardening and crystals upon Tremor's chest seemed to form a frontal plate, leaving his sides exposed. Tremor rushed to Kung Lao after failing with his throw of a boulder, forming his right hand into a hammer made of the crystalline material. Running to Kung Lao's hunched form, he swung the hammer downwards, which the monk avoided with a roll.

And holding the brim of his hat, he turned quickly, and sliced upwards with the hat, leaving a gash on the side of Tremor's ribs. Blood flowed through the wound, and although his skin even without the crystals was quite tough, he could still bleed.

Tremor growled as he felt the wound at his side, and his eyes turned yellow. His crystals grew more jagged across his chest, and his arms became larger. Though being fists, his two hands had merely become fists encased in solid crystal. Stomping upon the ground, Tremor picked up earth from the floor and adhered it to his sides.

Kung Lao's recent strategy was rendered obsolete.

Exhaling, Kung Lao decided to power through the pain. Hurting himself was worth it to defeat this menace.

Before Tremor could use his fists, Kung Lao rushed into him, charging with one of his shoulders before aiming his fists for the middle of his chest, which was a divergence point rather than one of the long, sharp crystals. It was still coarse, rough, and was going to slice his knuckles open but it did not matter now.

Unleashing a barrage of punches to his core, his fists began to tear. Edges of the surrounding crystals dug into his hands and blood dripped down each of his arms. Kung Lao was in great pain, but none of it mattered at the moment.

Once he regained his footing, Tremor smashes both of his fists together, aiming for Kung Lao. The monk summons the hat to his hands and throws it between Tremor's legs, teleporting to his other side. He slashes his hat across Tremor's foot tendon, and expects to see him fall under the injury.

For a moment Tremor begins to fall, but he coats his feet in more rock, and lifts himself off of the ground to turn to Kung Lao.

"AAAA!"

The Monk throws a powerful punch to Tremor's core and reveals bruised skin and the edge of a crystal. With his blood soaked right hand, Kung Lao grips onto the bottom of the crystal and rips it out of his chest. It reveals a hole as it exits Tremor's chest, and Kung Lao attempts to put it back inside the hole with the sharp end, but even with both hands his blood makes it too slick to hold.

Tremor's chest changes. The crystals fall off of his form to reveal a layer being built underneath, though it does not cover the hole made inside of his chest, which has begun profusely bleeding. Crystal turns into ignited rock, getting too hot for Kung Lao's distance. Molten Magma itself begins to spill out of Tremor's body as his plating becomes black and red.

Backing from Tremor, Kung Lao attempts once more to burn off his hands to stop the bleeding, but it is for naught. He can't discern where he had been cut and is unable to any further.

It is then when Kung Lao gets an idea. The hat is a revolving blade, and so is a drill which cuts holes in rock.

Kung Lao spins the hat into the air, but vertically this time.

Taking too much time to perform this action, Tremor catches up to the Monk's location and forms another hammer. Lifting it and swinging into Kung Lao, this time he is able to connect, and the hammer swings into his abdomen. The deep pain rings throughout him, and although the lava has cauterized the blood flow from the impact, Kung Lao was quite aware of the crunch he heard once hit.

Tremor lifts Kung Lao into his grasp, roughly burning him in his embrace.

"What do you have to do with Sonya Blade?" Tremor taunts. "A monk in Hong Kong."

Kung Lao isn't going to let himself die, and be burnt to death. His ancestor had died in the grip of an enemy, and he would not allow it. Tremor had made a crucial mistake. Stepping in front of Kung Lao's drill.

With all of his strength, Kung Lao kicks Tremor backwards into the vertically revolving blades of the hat, acting as a drill. It bores into his skin and on the floor, Kung Lao sees a large pool of blood forming. Tremor isn't dead however, and pulls himself off of the drill. What he is, is disabled. Unless he finds a way to heal himself he will die.

Tremor sinks into the ground in an instant, leaving the Monk alone and lying on the ground. Through the corners of his eyes he can see Liu Kang banging on the invisible barrier, but the fight had long turned out of earshot of those already boarding.

From the corner of his eyes, a woman began to run to the docks, holding out a gun in her hands. She looks at the torn up earth, the crystals shattered upon the floor, and finally the Lone Kung Lao, bleeding profusely from his arms, with notable burns upon his body.

"Tremor." She utters.

"Are you Sonya Blade?" Kung Lao asks exhaustedly, attempting to keep himself awake from the exhaustion, and the cooldown from the adrenaline rush gifted to him by instinct.

"Yes. I am." Sonya says, "Where did he go?"

Kung Lao shakes his head. "If I fought correctly, he is underground bleeding to death."

"You need to go to the hospital. If you don't stop it soon you'll bleed too."

For all of their technology, those who constrained themselves to only the worldly pieces of Earthrealm's knowledge could never master medicine. Magic was a powerful thing, and most Earthrealmers were blind to it, and even worse, many believed it did not exist. Only Shaolin, and those open minded could master the secrets to recovery.

It's clear already to Kung Lao that this woman does not understand who he is. Indeed, her individual quest does not collide with their own, but Kung Lao isn't interested in the diplomatic approach. Best to do these things now rather than try to explain it back to her later.

"Are you Special Forces?"

He decides to lie and get it over with.

"Yes. I engaged Tremor in hand to hand combat and disguised in a costume from a movie filmed nearby. "Ninja Mime 2"."

"Any sign of Kano?"

"Tremor was protecting him, He's stashed inside of the boat."

Soon Sonya will see his lies, but he doesn't care. Kung Lao walks to the dock, and begins in the direction of his allies, to prepare and arrive to the shores of Shang Tsung's island.