Con't IV - Reconnections
The group of heroes arrived within the arena adjoining the Celestial Portal. A full moon shined down onto the central platform, giving the ornamental spot a sort of eerie hue. Even more so were the two floating heads aloft. Raiden described they belonged to the ancient Asian sages that patrol the arcane waystation and reminded the octet this was the place where the Deadly Alliance entered Earthrealm.
"This...this is part of Outworld?"
"Indeed, it is, Aiko. The Portal is a more convenient passage into the realm itself," the Thunder God replied. "Though it is guarded by those chosen sages soaring here. They establish a trial in which the chosen must overcome in order to allow entry, by defeating a representation of their greatest enemy."
"So, this place is not only secretive, but also protected."
"Precisely, Kung Lao." His other sensei, Fujin, spoke.
"I don't recognize neither of those sketchy heads," Hanzo said.
"Neither do I." Kuai added.
"Me neither." Frost chimed. The Shaolin didn't say anything, sharing their uncertainty.
Raiden said that in order to cross over into other realms, in this case Outworld, that said trial must be accomplished. Johnny muttered he was surprised that Shang took the secretive route, instead of resorting to the Nethership, which seemed a lot more comfortable by comparison. Sonya, for once, couldn't agree more.
Determined to secure Liu Kang's soul and before his mentor had a chance to retaliate, Kung Lao took the call to arms in order to hone himself against the Deadly Alliance. Both Gods admired his valor, and literally so he stepped onto the middle platform. The floating guardian heads halted and faced the oncoming Oriental, then conjured something; all the party saw was a spark and a flash of blinding light, as if it was from Raiden's usual lightning.
A few moments later, Lao unshielded his eyes and was taken aback by a sudden appearance from beneath the floor! It was as if the intruder mimicked Lao's own teleportation! His face just dropped as he gazed onto his lethal opponent with dark ashen skin, illuminating red eyes, and yet has the same structure as the Shaolin's own body, including his hat! Lao and Aiko knew almost instantly it was none other than the former Champion's Revenant self!
Each one of his moves, his doppelganger knew! From the Tornado Kick, Teleport, Hat Throw and retrieval. They appeared to be in a standoff, whether it'd be deflecting their hat tosses with the Tornado Kick or countering with their Teleport and swift moves. Even when either Lao managed to stick his hat onto a corner pillar and forced his enemy into it for a short while.
Things looked grim as each Lao attempted to outmaneuver his opponent or simply hit back more aggressively until...
"Kung Lao! Lend me your soul!" Liu Kang offered "It's about time to incinerate the undead copy!" Without relent, Lao nodded his assent, only to be knocked down while his Shaolin brother seeped into his body! The host just laid there on his back, allowing a brand-new strategy.
All the enemy did was stare at his victim's body which glowed and seeped in as Liu's emerald soul entered it! Lao's eyes opened with a bright amber again, before he used his hands to flip onto his feet.
Lao's body was Liu's own playground, and he even used the forgotten Mantis fighting style. This actually outflanked the enemy, even his ferocious Bicycle Kick made him falter! The Tornado Kick was engulfed in both a violent wind and flame! Even Lao's hat was encased in both elementals! All of the Revenant's counters had little effect as Liu's pyrokinesis caused some searing pain!
"All undead abominations like you are vulnerable to the heat! Taste it!"
To end its suffering, Lao just kept on dicing his double with his hat, until he was down! Finally, Lao's body skyrocketed in temperature, as if he was enduring a fever, only it was voluntary. Their voices rose in unison as their hands conjured large embers in Lao's hands before they wound up and released the High Fire onto the Revenant! They weren't done yet as Lao marched up to his copy screeching like a banshee, before he was sliced through the middle by his razor-rimmed hat causing a skinny orange sliver which combusted till the corpse collapsed and melted into ashes!
Hanzo couldn't help but feel intrigued on the tepid display, as he has done the same while he was a living corpse hellbent on blind vengeance.
Johnny beat everyone as he remarked, "Now THAT'S what I call, Toasty! That's the way to deal with those oversaturating hordes!"
Just after a few seconds admiring the disintegration, Liu's soul emitted and returned into the golden dragon head.
Nightwolf and Aiko watched Lao warily, knowing something was about to give... As if on cue, they rushed over when Lao's knees buckled and gravity took over, weighing him down. They were about to take an arm, but Lao murmured he was suffering from fatigue, as well as fever still. By touching his forehead, the shaman noticed he still had a high temperature. Lao was audible, but he can only slur...
"Stand back!" Noticing the tenor, in ran Sub-Zero. "He's suffering from delirium." The Matokan observed what the cryomancer could do once he had the sacred Dragon Medallion. He immediately got to work as he conjured a rapidly-cooling air when he laid a hand on Lao's forehead.
"The brain must be stable, and it's the most sensitive when it controls the body's temperature. It must be cooled in order to reduce flare and calefaction." It didn't take long for Lao to have a shiver through his body which calmed him so much as he gasped, feeling the frigid sensation course thru him! He could've sworn his head was clearing and hadn't felt this weak since the aftereffects of Shinnok's thrall.
Even Frost pitched in as she offered Lao to drink some Articka water from her indigo canister. He took it in with several gulps, before he made some deep inhales. It was undoubtedly the most refreshing thing since the crisp, pristine mountain H2O! Kuai confirmed that his fever had been broken, then he helped him get back on his shaky feet. Aiko laid a hand onto his heart and gave him her strength. Lao held it close as she did so, warming both of their hearts.
"So, what now, Raiden?" The Matokan queried.
"The way to the Celestial Portal should be clear now." He pointed above, "This portal is supported by the four pillars. You may stop beneath its rip, but remember, Fujin and I still do not have any power in Outworld. From here on in, you are all left with your own fates. Make sure you all stand together, and never let Shang Tsung dissuade any of you. Otherwise, he shall be underhanded disguising himself as one of you."
"My wolf, Kiba, should do the job on detecting any fake souls. I may have him in me; however, I believe his sense of smell is more superior than mine." Everyone agreed to that statement.
They then approached beneath the hovering, neon portal before they were taken off their feet as they were blinded by an intense illumination.
Together, the octet of warriors descended gradually onto the basalt soil, which seemed as black as the foreign, clear atmosphere. Unlike their last location, the skies of the Outworld proper were twice as bleak, with little to no light onto the landscape covered by thick canopies. Only the moon and stars gave the gang a little guidance.
"We are back, in the sorcerers' own diabolical territory...!" Needless to say, Lao wasn't so impressed. He could tell by the chill in the air, or perhaps from his nervousness, they stepped into the enemy's home turf once more. Even the male elemental ninjas shared the same sensation.
"So, we are finally in Outworld again, always having the sudden, uneasy change in scenery," Cage added.
"Doesn't really look all that different." Hanzo added.
"Indeed, I can sense immense evil present," Nightwolf stated. "We must stay on our guard." He let out Kiba's soul emitting from his body. Since he was more steadfast than his comrades while he and his tracker led straightaway, with Kung Lao close behind them.
"We should also look for Jax and Cyrax; they're parts of the Outer World Investigation Agency. And I lost radio contact with them." Sonya explained.
"Must have something to do with that bastard with the artificial heart," Johnny theorized. She nodded in confirmation, beginning to believe in Raiden's words on having Hsu Hao working for the demonic duo.
Through their keen sight, Nightwolf and Kung Lao spotted an opaque figure move amongst the shadows. The Indian halted the team, raising a hand and ordering them to wait. They and Aiko, who took her mutuals' leads, followed the trail, and the rest soon caught up, only to have Sonya stub on something, nearly losing her footing. She was caught by the former celebrity, but the Special Forces agent observed something coarse and metallic. It took one hand to brush off the loose dirt, but it took two to lift the heavy, long object. At first, her eyes couldn't make out the contraption on account of the nocturnal environment, but upon close examination, she realized the dark goldenrod coating. "This...this must be a part of Cyrax!"
She continued to look over it, and she came to the conclusion it belonged to an arm console of sorts.
Catching Sonya's wonderment, Sub-Zero was in deep thought, "If I can remember the cold-blooded Lin Kuei's cybernetic units, they wouldn't be necessarily injured if one of their components had been severed. In less they would be in a state of shock. However, since Cyrax happens to be human, he might still be active, with the damage of his human self...it may be sustainable."
"We can't count on that. We should catch up to the others." Johnny stated in impatience and discomfort, especially if one should be separated from the team, with the possibility that Shang Tsung could be in their midst.
Overlooking from a large grey rock, a gleam caught Kung Lao's eyes and he was immediately on the chase! Nightwolf pleaded to wait, but the Shaolin kept on the hot pursuit! The descent from a few hills nearly made him lose his balance, though he was persistent. He trotted through the rough terrain and a few thick bushes, only to catch up to the figure of a man which nearly blended into the darkness. He Teleported thru the ground and wound up a few feet away! The opaque man looked up and saw a shiny hat nearly slice him into ribbons.
He immediately raised his hands in front of his assailant, "Hey! Whoa, whoa! What the hell are you doing, Kung Lao!? I'm on your side!"
"How do I know you're on OUR side?" He then backpedaled as he saw the glimmering arms and recognized the deeper tone. "...Jax?"
"It's about time before you would ring my neck!"
Suddenly, the two men heard some distant barks belonging to a dog about to claim his prey. Jax threatened he'd punch his tail up his ass, until Kung Lao stated it can just be Kiba.
"Nightwolf sent the dawg here?" The OIA leader was perplexed.
Sure enough, he emerged from the shadows. "Kiba! Sniff him!" Lao commandeered.
At first, he didn't think the wolf would become loyal to anyone else, but to his relief, he did respond. He smelt the air for a while, then licked his lips. He just sat there and let out a low growl as Jax went over to pet him. He suddenly turned when he heard his master who ran through the thick bush. He let out a happy bark, knowing Jax's soul was clean.
Sonya soon followed the commotion and for once, let out a huge grin knowing her partner was safe! Despite his slippery body covered with sweat, she was certainly happy to see him, even Johnny.
"It's great to see you too, Jax. Where have you been anyway?"
The muscular man said he was alone, looking for a way out of Outworld; he had been stranded for the last few days and lost contact with the Special Forces. He believed the Red Dragon must've destroyed the OIA base after that...
"Yeah... I kind of figured the same since I lost contact with you in headquarters. Including Cyrax."
He said he was missing the yellow robot...until his vision amongst the darkness spotted a golden glimmer. He theorized the cyborg was also wandering aimlessly, until some huge figure that looked like a bat drop and perhaps swooped him away.
Aiko chimed in, "Congratulations on getting engaged, by the way. I hope you and Vera would plan to have Jacqui and avoid your tragic fate."
Jax thanked her, and the team broke the news of Liu's unfortunate incident involving the Deadly Alliance. "Quan Chi and Shang Tsung returned from the dead!? How in the fu-"
"They escaped from the Netherrealm," Nightwolf interrupted the bionic man's cuss. "Raiden observed all this happening with his status as an Elder God. He trusted us to put a stop to the vile demons."
"If I'm correct, they should definitely have a base of operations somewhere in Outworld."
Jax was taken aback. "Whoa! Liu Kang, is that you!?"
"Yeah, it's me," he replied casually. "Master Raiden saved my soul in this dragon amulet before I would be assimilated by Shang."
"You don't say..."
"We must keep moving." Kung Lao mentioned. "We need to find some better cover. It's not safe within this ominous forest." Everyone nodded and pressed on, but Lao halted.
He took out the dragon amulet and spoke to it, "Liu Kang...I think this is part of the Living Forest."
"I'm afraid you're right. But...it seems more tranquil than usual. Hardly any trees using their limbs to rip us asunder, nor any henchmen."
"Kitana once said that she and the Edenians aided the Saurians in redeeming the place. Many perished trying upon the residue of Shang Tsung's corruption."
The monk wished she was here. "Listen."
Lao paused for a moment, "I hear nothing."
"Nor I. No crickets, nor roars from any of the trees, nor any of the whipping roots and branches. It all goes so quiet, too quiet."
Aiko spun behind herself as she heard a sudden ruffle. She couldn't tell if it was from the ground, nor the dark forest itself. Some chills ran through her, thinking that someone might be tracking her and the Kombatants. Kung Lao stepped closer to her as he noticed the cardiokinetic's hesitation. "What is it?"
"Oh, Kung Lao. I thought someone might be tracking us. I heard a ruffle here." Lao observed the spot, yet nothing caught their attention, nor was there any disturbance.
He laid a hand on her clammy arm; his touch provided a little warmth and comfort. "Come. We must head to the others and get out of these creepy woods." She affirmed.
Little did the duo knew that a pair of bright turquoise irises peaked out of the shadows...
They soon did just that when the group headed through a clearing. It turned out to be atop a steep hill with the looming palace in the distance.
Liu's voice boomed again, "That-that's Edenia!"
Some of the heroes even got a sense of deja vu since the Edenian revolution from Shinnok and Quan Chi.
Nightwolf added, "Great! We should gather allies from the Edenian royals and their armies."
"Right, we cannot tread in blindly without backup." Sonya stated. "Good call."
Kuai sighed, "Someone needs to break the troubling news to them, more importantly, to Kitana..."
"I can talk to her, Sub-Zero. I'm a close ally to her."
"Man, you really got some balls, Kung Lao." Cage complimented.
"Somebody's gotta be ballsy enough to report the grave tragedy." Jax added.
"Aiko and I will take the stand." She became giddy at his words. She'd be ecstatic to see the proud Edenian heir again after so long.
Everyone agreed to the leader's terms, after all, he was the next best Kombatant aside from Liu Kang, as well as the most logical next to the Matokan.
Inside the throne of the Palace, Asgaarth announced from the open perch that the Earthrealmers arrived at the majestic gates.
The womanly trio, Sindel, Kitana and Jade, were thrilled, as was Sheeva who seemed slightly excited.
The Queen nodded her assent. "The Earthrealmers have arrived? Excellent." She spotted her advisor's sterner demeanor. "It's most likely they wanted to visit here because of some incident. Tell the guards to allow them entry."
The eagle humanoid obliged, and the Edenians withdrew their spears as the gates squeaked a tad open. For a millisecond, Kung Lao wondered if the Shokan prince, Goro, was also operating here...
The guys arrived and they made some reunions with the monarchs. After that, Kitana and Sindel pondered why Liu Kang wasn't with them, since he was Earthrealm's former Champion and all.
"So, what news have you brought to us, Earthrealmers?" Sheeva asked in her authorative, and more serious, persona.
"Um...maybe we should..." Sonya peeped.
"Good idea," Jax added.
Everyone faced the heroes, curious as to why they're breaking away so soon. Nightwolf broke the silence, "...Let's just leave business to the pros." Sindel nodded with a coy expression. They left both Kung Lao and Aiko with the Edenians.
He took off his hat, stepped forward and bowed low as a greeting to the Queen, Aiko followed.
"Sir Kung Lao, Lady Aiko. What business have you brought to us, Shaolin warrior?"
He rose slowly, knowing this'd be a tough scenario to break. "Queen Sindel, Princess Kitana. You had noticed that Liu Kang is not with us. I am humbled to say that...he is still with us, though not physically.
"Earthrealm was attacked by the Deadly Alliance, consisting of Shang Tsung and Quan Chi."
There were some murmurs throughout the throne room as the petty guards became uneasy.
"And, what of Liu Kang, Kung Lao?"
He sulked, "Our hero is...not entirely with us. Shang Tsung...has slain him."
"No!" His voice suddenly emitted, and Lao took out the golden dragon head. "My soul has been spared, but it was only thanks to Lord Raiden who acted accordingly once I was killed by Shang Tsung."
Kitana's face became pale at the observation, she gasped, "Liu Kang! Your soul is trapped within that dragon ornament?"
"Well, I wouldn't say trapped, Kitana. More like encased. As long as Shang doesn't steal my essence, I'm safe, with Kung Lao as my retainer."
"Hmm...I should've known that your Shaolin brother would be your keeper." Sheeva stated.
"We're here because the Deadly Alliance is planning on resurrecting the Dragon, Onaga, and his army. Raiden watched all this happening." Aiko intervened.
Sindel can barely catch her breath, "...Oh the Gods...! The Deadly Alliance must be stopped as soon as possible!"
"What...do you know of Onaga, Sindel?" Lao was curious, since she has been the second oldest ruler next to Shao Kahn.
She took a deep breath, "Shao Kahn's not the only superior ruler of Outworld. Onaga dominated this realm even before his time..."
Her mind flashed back as far as several centuries. "This all happened even way before the Great Kung Lao's time, as far back as 8450 BC according to your timetable. I'd heard legends of the accursed dragon king, and before he became Emperor, Kahn was actually his advisor. He and Onaga had been closely knit when it came to conquering all the smaller realms. They used to be a powerful force, almost as much as Quan Chi and Shinnok. Massacres and chaos reigned supreme in their wake! They were both incredibly malevolent.
"Until one day...when Kahn finally was envious working under the Dragon King. He made his insurrection imminent as he suddenly decided to war against him. A battle ensued between them as power hungry and ferocious Kahn was. He managed to poison the Dragon King himself and sent his generals out into a killing spree against the undead legions.
"In a short span of time, Kahn emerged victorious and from this day forward became Outworld's prime Emperor. The Elder Gods then established the Mortal Kombat tournament before he had the rights to invade Edenia... And I lost my beloved Jerrod and myself as well."
Kung Lao hung his head. "I'm sorry. My pardons if I had opened up old wounds," he lamented. "If...you and your men aren't willing to prevent this calamity-"
"That is precisely what we must do. I will enlist Kitana and Jade since they're the most willing and skilled. They had partaken in the war against Shinnok. They can be of some great worth to us."
If Liu Kang were seen, the Edenian princess could've sworn he just smiled.
As if reading her mind, "I'd be honored to fight by your side again, Kitana."
"I know you would, Liu Kang."
"What about our own army, that which would conflict with the undead?" Aiko broke the tender moment.
"I shall volunteer the Shokan to do so." Sheeva intervened. "I'm certain they can't wait to rid of the preceding ruler's troops. If the Centaurs and Saurians are willing to join the cause too, then it's just as well."
"Excepting those bloodthirsty Tarkatans!" Jade added. "We'll be marching in their territory now. It's more than likely they'll assist our enemies, as vicious and violent as they are. I... sympathize with your plight involving the Shaolin, Kung Lao." He nodded.
"Alright, then. My advisor Sheeva will hold the fort. Kitana and Jade will assist you and put an end to the Deadly Alliance's plots."
He raised a hand. "Wait, what of Prince Goro...?"
Everyone hesitated, but Sindel found her words. "He...he hasn't frequented here as of late. Ever since that peace treaty in Kuatan, he has been regulating the Shokan with the Centaurs. Thankfully, there hasn't been any incidences of bloodshed, but since he'd encounter with his former master, he'll most likely refuse, or even worse side with him again."
Aiko didn't like the sound of that as she groaned with a facepalm. "I see." Lao shared with her angsts.
"The two of you must prepare for the fight ahead. We will rally up whoever is able and willing to aid us. May victory be ours, Edenia depends on it."
Kitana and Jade obliged as they saluted and recited their motto, "Edenia is an idyllic paradise, where we are free from tyranny."
"Good luck, brave, noble warriors."
After a bow and a curtsy, Lao and Aiko followed.
A/N: It's ridiculous that some crucial story elements can mostly be found within the Kombatants' profiles than anywhere else; I know F-Zero GX and Climax are like this, but at least the stories explain some elements just fine. Deadly Alliance is a bigger disappointment on account of the glorified tutorials in Konquest and just doing the Arcade ladders. I don't really count the Krypt, cuz it's mostly artwork, spoofy clips, the optional, less vital stuff. And the plots themselves can be very confusing; again, I recommend the MK wiki and MK Temple's vid on the matter. Maybe tabmok99's subject concerning who Shang and Quan are.
Speaking of story elements, it was kind of a good thing I had some ideas scrapped; otherwise, I'd be lost while highlighting things such as Jax being stranded, Kung Lao breaking the tragic news to Kitana, Cyrax being missing, Sindel describing Onaga, etc. And besides, in every war, there must be an army, right? Lousy bloodthirsty, aggressive Tarkatans, and Onaga's undead servants capturing people's souls! I feel so resentful on what the Deadly Alliance can do, especially when its earlier version the Unholy Alliance was made; and how each sorcerer is prone to treason and losing themselves in power and avarice!
Ok, I'm kind of rambling, but my point is, I want to cover and solve as many aspects as I can and having all those outlines help on resolving this confusing clustermug! Even the Celestial Portal was complicated, specifically when certain Kombatants have unknown enemies during its trial!
On the subject of that mysterious arena, Acid Bath & Portal would play when the Kombatants reach the Celestial Portal, Shinnok's Legions - Among Friends from MKX plays as Kung Lao deals with his doppelganger, Fatality from Shaolin Monks would play as Liu finishes him, Living Forest from that same OST would play when the heroes land within the dark woods of Outworld, Shang Tsung's Island Battle would chime as Lao tracks down the intruder, The Foundry Battle II plays as everyone catches up to Jax, parts of Hand and Shadow sounds as Aiko spotted the sneering eyes, Krazoa Palace both outside and inside from Starfox Adventures would play as they head into the Edenian Palace, Farewell and Monks from the 95 film'd sound as Sindel explains to Lao of Onaga. And Goro Lives from the og SNES game would sound near the end as the heroes prepare for battle.
Another chapter is finally done, but who did those glowing turquoise eyes belong to? Would Cyrax and Kenshi be found? Find out later.
