"...gonna be ok?"
"I hope so, it's been 30 minutes already… the final matches will be starting soon."
Raiden groans as he finally regains consciousness, shielding his eyes from the sudden light in his eyes. Liu Kang and Kung Lao were at his sides, Liu Kang swiftly taking the Thunder God's hat off his head as he sees Raiden coming too. The others notice this and join them.
"Raiden, are you ok?" Sonya asks, "You took a pretty bad fall…"
"Oh my… I had a horrible nightmare…" Raiden slowly sits up, rubbing his head, "I dreamt that an Elder God was on this island. It was very terrifying." He goes silent once he saw everyone's, including Rei's, rather worried reactions. He blinks.
"What? Is there something wrong?"
"Um…. Raiden… that was no dream." Sonya points behind him. Raiden slowly turns around and was met face to face with Azriel, who just kissed the tip of his nose with an amused look.
"Greetings, Raiden~"
Raiden's scream of horror was heard throughout the island. Birds flew out of trees once again, all the guards patrolling around looked very confused, and Shang Tsung perks up on his throne, looking just as confused as his guards.
"Was that the Thunder God's scream?" Jade asks.
"I think so." Kitana adds.
Back at the beach, Raiden was fumbling with his words, trying to not look like a total idiot before Azriel. Azriel just calmly sips her fresh martini watching it happen. Once he finally was in a proper bowing position, he looks so ashamed.
"F-Forgive me, great one!" He was fumbling apologies and other things. After a minute, Azriel hands Rei her drink before gently picking Raiden up by the scruff of his shirt collar like he was a kitten.
"...sweet myself, what did Izanagi and them do to you?" she says, Raiden stunned silent and suddenly having a distant expression on his face, as if his soul was just sucked out of him, "They ruined a perfectly good Thunder God! I mean look at you! You're riddled with anxiety."
"Mom, put him down!" Rei says, "You're scaring him more! He's already fainted once because of you!"
"You're seeing this, right?" Kung Lao looks at Liu Kang, confused, "Aren't the Elder Gods supposed to be, y'know… not like this?"
"Oh, I'm sort of a black sheep~" Azriel puts the confused and shell shocked Raiden down, looking sweet as can be, "And I don't associate myself with them fuckheads that ruined poor Raiden here. That's a story for another day. Anyways, you mentioned that your friends needed help, sweetie?" She looks at Rei.
"Uh… y-yeah… Was wondering if you could dry Raiden's clothes… he was frozen not too long ago and needs dry ones." Rei answers. Johnny and Jax were trying to get Raiden to snap out of it, Johnny by gently smacking Raiden's face and Jax gently pushing on him, but had no luck. Liu Kang slowly puts the hat on Raiden before slowly backing away. Azriel chuckles.
"Why didn't you say so?" She beams happily, rubbing her hands together, creating a magical current that resembled electricity, before placing both on Raiden. It both dried his clothes and jolted Raiden back into reality, but he still looked very nervous and fearful.
"All better!" Azriel says, swiping her drink back from Rei and sipping it again, "Anything else?"
"Is he gonna be ok?" Sonya asks, pointing to Raiden.
"I hope so. He's gotta look good for when you all return to the tournament?" Azriel grins, "Aren't the final matches up soon?"
"Shit! We gotta get back!" Sonya says, "Guys, let's go!"
Raiden regains most of his composure and nods." Y-Yes, let's go." he says, still nervous. Azriel just chuckles as they leave.
"Have fun, little ones!" She says to the group, "Let me know how it goes!"
By the time the group returns to Shang Tsung's temple, Raiden had finally calmed down enough to look serious again, but his allies knew he was still unnerved via the sight of his hands faintly twitching. Rei looked a bit guilty, not standing near him. This time, she was standing with Sonya and Jax. Her Spectrite was fluttering above her, the tiny fairy quiet as usual. Shang Tsung returns from something he left to do not long before the group got here, taking his seat on the throne.
"Rei, heads up. This next guy is also pretty important." Corliss spoke, Rei nodding faintly.
The doors to the throne room opened once again to reveal two masked guards walking in, escorting a new warrior, covered in a mask of cloth and red clothing. Immediately, Rei's attention was gotten, the girl just staring. She could sense so many souls within this mysterious warrior.
"Oh yeah. You sense it don't you?" Corliss chuckles, "Meet-"
"Kombatants! I present this latest creation of Shao Kahn." Shang Tsung announced, "He is many warriors, their souls fused into one being. Behold… Ermac!"
"That short for Error Macro?" Rei said with a devious look, Shang Tsung glaring at her. Ermac didn't seem bothered and assumed a fighting kata. He glowed with green energy, making a magic crackling light before him in the air around him into ripples. Johnny was once again impressed while Kano snickered under his breath. The Spectrite lands on Rei's shoulder, seemingly a bit unnerved.
"Be wary, Liu Kang. He is unlike anything you have fought before." Raiden warned Liu Kang, Liu Kang looking at him with a nod and stepping up to the front.
"Liu Kang! You are the sole Earthrealm warrior to progress to this final stage of the tournament!" Shang announced once more, Rei mocking him much to Kung Lao and Johnny's amusement. Liu Kang assumed his fighting stance.
"I am ready." He spoke as Ermac assumed his.
"We are many. You are one. We will destroy you." Ermac calmly warned as he and Liu Kang proceeded to fight. Everything seemed to be going well, a good clean fight between a construct of souls and a fire wielding monk. Rei eventually rejoins Raiden, but stays silent.
"...why did you not tell me?" he asks, quieter than usual.
"Tell you what?" Rei asks, looking confused.
"That your mother is an Elder God." was Raiden's reply. Rei just has a guilty look again.
"Well… partly due to how you reacted when you first sensed her during the fights with Scorpion and wanting to avoid you reacted the way you did earlier. Plus she's kind of embarrassing." she shrugs, "You saw how she is. She's like that all the time back home."
"I would not have reacted in such a way if you had just told me. I feel like a fool for fainting before her." the Thunder God spoke in a semi-harsh tone, Rei frowning.
"Raiden, you would have reacted that way regardless. She's really good at catching people off guard."
Raiden ignores her, Rei huffing and turning to watch the fight. The Spectrite learned in close to her ear, whispering something to her. She just nods.
"Yeah, with a capital "D"." She says to the fairy, the fairy snickering.
Ermac's telekinetic powers and control over magic would be an even match for several Kombatants, but Liu Kang was no ordinary warrior. After an intense battle, his fighting skill overcomes the mystical warrior. Liu Kang stood proudly over the unconscious Ermac, unaware that Rei was about to strike.
"Earthrealm will not fall into your master's hands." He told Shang Tsung.
"Yeah, you can tell Shao Kahn to go fu-" Rei was about to finish her sentence before she yelps, dodging a fire ball launched at her by the sorcerer.
"YOU! I had enough of you!" Shang Tsung stood up, a few masked guards rushing in, "First, you come UNINVITED to MY tournament, proceeded to mock me to my face about Outworld's loss to your realm centuries ago, and I am VERY sure it was you who defaced my paintings! Kill that Asali!"
"Oh shit! Later, fuckers!" Rei focused her energy and created a cloud of darkness, pushing away the masked guards so she could dash out the door, the Spectrite being able to keep up with her in the air. But, she popped back a moment later.
"Bye, Raiden~" She teased while blowing the Thunder God a kiss before dashing off, the guards chasing her. Raiden simply blinked in utter confusion, unaware of the faint blush that adorned his cheeks from the gesture of affection. There was complete silence before everyone starts to leave. Johnny went up to Raiden and smacked his arm.
"Dude, she's so into you!" He said with a grin, unaware of the glares he was getting from Liu Kang and Kung Lao. "You should ask her out. I mean, you're a God, she's a Goddess. You two would really click."
Raiden didn't respond, still trying to figure out what the hell just happened.
While that happened, Kitana walked up to Shang Tsung, who was seething in rage at Ermac's loss and the fact that he should have had Rei killed sooner.
"He is a greater threat than anticipated." She spoke, "I will insure he does not reach the final challenge."
"I will ensure the Asali's death." added Jade as she joined them, "She will not get away with this."
Shang Tsung nodded his approval, Kitana and Jade departing after their respective targets.
"Where did she go?!"
"I don't know, she just rounded this corner and vanished!"
"That's impossible!"
The group masked guards were currently looking for Rei in the corridor in another part of the temple. Unbeknownst to them, Rei was up on the ceiling, grinning deviously. The Spectrite was floating near her.
"How are you able to pull off such a feat of strength in heels?" asked the Spectrite.
"I'm stronger than I look, Bi-Han." Rei says quietly, watching the guards below and waiting for her time to strike.
The Spectrite, now revealed to be the former Sub-Zero, just watches as well, glowing brighter than usual. "Might I assist you for saving me?"
"Be my guest!" Rei grins.
Bi-Han flies down, ramming himself into one of the guards, flash freezing him. The other two notice and go to try and crush him, but due to his small size, was able to evade them, flash freezing them as well when he got the chance. Rei drops down from the ceiling, and proceeds to split kick the two closest to each other and super kick the third one, shattering all three to pieces.
"Yeah!" Rei looks proud of herself, "We make a good team, Bi-Han!"
"It is very comforting knowing my powers still work in my current state." Bi-Han sits on her shoulder again, "But should we return to the others?"
"Might as well." Rei says, starting to walk that way. But, she was cut off by Jade as she rounds the corner, staff raised threateningly.
"By the orders of Shang Tsung, you are to die here and now, Asali." She threatened, taking on a fighting stance. Rei simply scoffed.
"Oh my, I'm so scared." She spoke in a deadpan tone, "Look, if you think you're gonna kill me, you best get your head checked. Better yet…"
She kicks off one of her heels at Jade, the shoe being deflected by Jade before Rei rushes her down.
"I'll check it for you!"
Farther away from the arena and in the forest, Liu Kang is practicing a kata with Raiden watching. Well, partly watching and partly thinking about what has been happening lately with Rei around. Was she really interested in him like Johnny Cage had said? Or was she simply leading him on? Either way, he wasn't going to let his guard down around her. Especially considering her mother, an Elder God, was also on the island, and he feared what Azriel would do to him if he did anything out of line.
"…remember Bo' Rai Cho's teachings." He spoke, hoping to distract himself, "For my vision to be realised, you must not let emotion overpower you."
Liu Kang stopped his kata to look at his mentor. "Your visions. What causes them?" He inquired.
"My future self sent them to me." answered Raiden, "Perhaps to ensure some outcome."
"Or to prevent one." The Shaolin added. Raiden suddenly gasped again, another vision appearing in his mind, this one being of future Raiden.
"He must win!"
The vision disappeared after that.
"'He must win.' Those are my last words before I die. I believe it is you who must win." He explained, taking off his amulet.
"This amulet was forged by the Elder Gods. It cracked here in the present after my first vision. If we choose wisely, the future will be secured and the cracks healed."
"I trust you will make the right decisions." Liu Kang says in assuring tone, "And maybe see if Azriel could help you with your visions. Maybe she can tell you more, and maybe why your amulet is cracking like that. She seems nice and reasonable."
"I-I would rather not…" Raiden shot that idea down, "I do not wish to burden an Elder God with such a simple problem…"
Liu Kang was about to say something, but decides against it once he saw how nervous Raiden looked still at the mere mention of Azriel's name. So he just nods.
"If you say so."
Raiden nods. "Now… if you excuse me…" With that, Raiden teleports away, leaving Liu Kang on his own. The monk just chuckles.
"I'm going to hell for thinking his nervousness is funny…" He joked to himself before starting some katas. Before he got too deep into them, he saw Kitana walking towards him. She attacked him immediately, but he is able to block all of her attacks and kicks her away. Getting angry, Kitana tries to attack again, only to fail and get kicked away again. She went for a third try, but Liu Kang grabbed both her arms before she could connect one, the Shaolin looking rather intrigued by her efforts.
"You're good!" He praised with a smile, "Show me more."
The Edenian simply pushed him back. "Do not underestimate me, Shaolin." She threatened.
And thus, another fight had begun. But, even with ten thousand years of experience behind her, Kitana still couldn't beat Liu Kang, and was essentially curb stomped, soon down on the floor at Liu Kang's feet.
"I am impressed." He praised once more, watching as Kitana got on her knees, head lowered.
"Do it." She demanded.
"Do what?"
"Kill me."
Liu Kang knelt down at her level next to her, rather confused at why she would want him to kill her. She was a great fighter, she didn't deserve to die because she couldn't be him in Kombat...
"Why would I do that?" He asked.
"I came to kill you." The assassin answered, "I have failed my father. My emperor."
"Shao Kahn is your father?!" Liu Kang gasped in shock.
"I have disgraced him. You must kill me." Kitana all but begged.
"I will not." She looked surprised at his refusal, looking up at him in confusion. Liu Kang smiles.
"This encounter never took place. You have disgraced no one." He assured as he stood up and began to walk away, but turned around one last time.
"I hope we meet again. Under… different circumstances." He added before walking off, leaving Kitana to ponder what took place.
Nearby in another part of the temple...
WHAM!
"Stay down, ya cheeky tart!" Rei declares at Jade, having pinned her under a pillar. The entire area around them was completely demolished, and while Rei came out relatively fine, Jade was KO'd. For some reason there was bright green paint also splattered about, along with a lone paint can that formerly contained it all. One would logically assume Azriel had forgotten a paint bucket.
Bi-Han was perched on a broken pillar that he had froze earlier, wings twitching. "You didn't have to be so violent with a can of paint."
"In my realm, we have two mottos: More Rubble, Less Trouble and There's No Kill Like Overkill." Rei explains, adjusting what's left of her purple tunic to cover the areas of her black outfit that got torn, "Ugh… I knew I should have packed a change of clothes… Corliss!"
"No." was Corliss' immediate answer.
"Fuck you too." Rei huffs, picking up Bi-Han and setting him on her her shoulder. Bi-Han tilts his body.
"Corliss? Who is this Corliss person?" He asks.
"Friend of mine, long story." Rei decides to try heading back to the arena again, but a loud roaring behind her makes her sigh heavily.
"Oh FUCK me."
Back in the exterior courtyard, Liu Kang has walked in, flanked by Kung Lao and Raiden. Earthrealm's remaining warriors, along with Shang Tsung and Kitana, are all waiting in anticipation. Both the sorcerer and Raiden notice that Rei is nowhere to be seen, each one having a different reaction: Shang Tsung with satisfaction and Raiden with slight worry.
"Kombatants! Only one Earthrealm warrior remains." Shang Tsung announced. Raiden nods and Kung Lao places a hand on Liu Kang's shoulder. They nod to one another.
"The Shaolin Liu Kang. Is he ready to bear such a heavy burden? Earthrealm's fate is in his hands…" The elder spoke, leaning back in his seat a bit, "Your opponent will be… Scorpion!"
The hell spawn ninja appears in a flash of fire, Liu Kang assuming a fighting stance. "I do not fear your, demon." He assured.
"Fighting with Scorpion… the sorcerer Quan Chi!" Shang Tsung added, Quan Chi teleporting through a portal, laughing as he does so.
"You have already lost." Scorpion threatened as the group begins to fight. Raiden kept looking around, sensing Azriel's presence again, gulping a bit. Kung Lao notices, getting Raiden's attention.
"You ok?"
"Lady Azriel is nearby… I sense it…"
Kung Lao looks around, seeing if he could see the Elder God anywhere. Jax and Sonya did the same, while Johnny looks jealous that it's not him fighting Scorpion. From the corner of his eye, Raiden freezes as he sees Azriel, the Elder God standing outside on the rain behind Shang Tsung's throne, a drawn back rubber band in hand and aiming right for his head. He doesn't move as he watches what happens next.
TWANG!
Shang Tsung screeches in pain, clutching the side of his head and looking around. Everyone in the room looks startled. Azriel's delighted cackling could be heard fading into the distance, having ran off the second after she snapped him with the rubber band. Shang Tsung looks around, trying to find the cause of what just blindsided him, but looks disappointed as he couldn't figure it out, slouching in his seat.
The odds were truly stacked against Liu Kang, but he rose to the occasion and surpassed both Netherrealm denizens with his strength, speed, and fighting prowess. After a intense battle of endurance, Liu Kang prevails.
"As I said, I do not fear you." The Shaolin repeated, "I pity you."
Shang Tsung's eyes narrow with displeasure, not liking where things were going. The monk went over to Raiden.
"You have done well. But the tournament is not over yet." Raiden warned.
"Goro." was Liu Kang's reply, looks of confusion coming from the nearby Johnny, Sonya, Kung Lao, and Jax.
"What's a 'Goro'?" Johnny asked Sonya. The woman merely shrugged in response.
"Liu Kang… it has been years since an Earthrealm warrior has progressed this far." Shang explained, "But the reigning champion is far beyond your ability… To the Lair with you!"
The sorcerer then opened a portal under Kang's feet. He falls right through it and lands hard on the floor of the Lair. It is in fact the prison that Sonya had fought through earlier, and notable there is a large throne that has no one in it. Liu Kang rose to his feet and looks around, spotting no one until a voice sounds out behind him.
"I did not expect to fight in this tournament."
Liu Kang wheeled around and came face to face with an eight foot tall, four armed monster: Goro.
"But eventually even the Shaolin produce a warrior worthy of a Shokan." the Shokan praised, stalking forward to face said monk.
"I know who you are! I am ready for you!"
"I will give you a warrior's death."
The battle is the most intense one of Liu Kang's life. Goro's strength is unparalleled and his endurance legendary. It took all of the Shaolin's skill, speed, and stamina to keep in the fight, but amazingly he manages to it to the Mortal Kombat champion. After what seemed like ages, Goro finally goes down to the Shaolin warrior. Liu Kang couldn't help but grin at his victory.
"It seems the Shaolin trained a warrior greater than a Shokan." Sensing Goro was out cold, he clasps his hands in a prayer of thanks. A portal then opens up behind him, Liu Kang looking up to it with grim determination…
Back above, everyone was waiting patiently for Liu Kang's return or in the Outworlders' eyes, Goro's. Shang Tsung strokes his beard, having a good feeling that Goro would emerge victorious. Raiden was quiet, wanting Liu Kang to be the victor. It was very tense. That is, until the doors to the area were busted down by a large body slamming through, covered in lots of cuts, red blood, and purple blood. The creature in question resembled Goro, but was more feline in appearance and beaten to an inch of his life. Everyone looks towards the broken doorway to see Rei stomping in, arms covering her breasts due to her outfit above the waist being ripped to shreds to preserve her dignity. She was missing both her shoes, and had purple blood oozing out of some wounds. Oddly enough, her stomach area was untouched, a large purple triangular gem unscratched where her navel was. She looks royally pissed off, spitting blood onto the ground.
"I really fucking hate you." was all Rei says to Shang Tsung before joining the Earthrealm side. Bi-Han comes out of her gem, now slightly bigger than he used to be, resting on her shoulder. Immediately, Raiden rushes to her aid immediately.
"Are you alright?!" He asks, "What happened to you?!"
"Dumbass guards, bitch in green, and four armed giant deformed cats, that's what happened." Rei answers through her teeth, "Just another Tuesday for me…"
Johnny looks over, staring with a grin. "Well, ain't this a treat~"
"Stop staring, you asshole!" Sonya smacks Johnny while Jax takes off his combat vest, offering it to Rei. She accepts it, Sonya keeping Johnny from looking while Kung Lao, Jax, and Raiden look away to give Rei a little privacy. Once she's got it on, she looks more delighted.
"Thanks Jax."
"No prob." Rei and Jax fist bump, Johnny looking disappointed at not being able to see some Asali tits. A portal opens up on the floor, and from it, Liu Kang emerges, looking proud of himself. He sees Rei and looks worried, coming over.
"You ok?"
"Don't worry about me. Just go kick Saggy Tit's ass please." Rei says, glaring at the sorcerer, "Or else I'll do to you what I did to Ugly McFourarms here."
Liu Kang sees the body of said creature Rei had taken out, nodding. He turns to Shang Tsung, the sorcerer looked very unhappy at the turn of events.
"Shang Tsung! Only one fight remains! Face me…" He took on a fighting stance.
"…in Mortal Kombat!" Shang simply sneered again as he stepped off his throne and onto the arena, taking on a stance of his own.
"So be it."
While the two started their fight, Sonya and Jax were helping Rei with her wounds, the Asali groaning in pain as she struggled to stay standing, soon opting to use Raiden as a prop to lean against. "I must look like shit right now, don't I?" She joked, hoping to lighten the mood.
"Trust me, you don't look near as bad as I did when Sonya found me." Jax assured, "Compared to me, you might as well have been mauled by a squirrel."
"Feels like it." Rei frowns, "Someone owes me a new outfit."
"Take that up with Shang Tsung, that is, if Liu Kang doesn't kill him." Kung Lao adds with a chuckle. Rei just rolls her eyes, relaxing against Raiden and looking happy.
"Mmm~ You're like a big pillow, Raiden~" She says, nuzzling his chest, making him blush again.
"Told you." Johnny says with a smug grin, yelping as Kung Lao kicks his leg out from under him, making him fall on his ass. Raiden gives him a look of approval, the monk smiling proudly.
"Doing good, Rei! Keep it up. By the way, Azriel wishes to see you and the others after this. Says it's important." Rei heard Corliss, nodding faintly.
Despite the evil sorcerer bringing all of his dark magic, which included fireballs and an ability to morph into any fighter he chooses, Liu Kang fought past all of it, delivering a vicious beat down to the treacherous servant of Shao Khan. Finally, he knocked Shang Tsung to the floor, leaving him beaten.
"Say it." Liu Kang demanded. After some silence, Shang Tsung lowered his head in defeat.
"I concede…"
All the Earthrealm warriors cheered happily in unison. Rei had a huge grin on her face as she cheers, doing a happy dance.
"Whoo! Finally got to see Shang Tsung get whooped!" She cheered, "Man, I wish Ruebi, Safyre, and Monsoon was here to see this…"
"Well done, my friend." Kung Lao congratulated.
"He has saved Earthrealm." Raiden spoke, looking very relieved. A large beam of light, emanating from a portal, descends into the throne room. The Earthrealm warriors plus Rei all surround Liu Kang, offering him congratulations.
"That was awesome, Liu Kang!" Sonya beamed.
"Congratulations." Nightwolf added proudly.
"Way to go, kid!" Jax praised.
"MVP, baby!" Johnny marveled.
Rei moved away from Raiden, skipping over to Shang Tsung, grinning madly. "You just got your ass whooped again, boy! Have fun explaining this to Shao Kahn!" She flicks him on the forehead before returning to the others, whistling in delight.
Shang Tsung gave her the mother of all death glares before he and his minions take their leave through a portal back to Outworld. The last to depart is Kitana, who casts longing look at Liu Kang. He smiles at her as she exits through the portal. He then turns to face Raiden, who bows his head in congradulations, the monk returning the favor. Kung Lao puts a hand on his shoulder, Liu Kang nodding back at him. Raiden took another look at his amulet expectantly, only to find more cracks appear among it. He ponders the meaning of this with a look of worry, but suddenly felt Rei's arm around his waist giving him a gentle squeeze, as if assuring him everything will be alright.
All he could do was give her a nod in return.
Back in Outworld, Shang Tsung is on his knees before Shao Khan. Baraka, Reptile, and Kitana stand over the sorcerer expectantly.
"You failed me!" Shao Khan boomed in anger, "Five hundred years I have waited! Now I must wait five hundred more! And what's even worse?" His eyes narrowed, "The fact that an Asali is running around in Earthrealm, and a PURPLE one at that! What if it decides to assist that fool Raiden in future tournaments?! We'll never win another one if it does that! It would only be a repeat of what took place in that damned Mortal Kombat in Purgatory!" He turned away from the group.
"Curse the Elder Gods and their tournament!"
"My lord!" Shang Tsung spoke, trying to catch the Khan's attention.
"I should have taken Earthrealm by force! But, I am bound to their rules." The tyrant moves to sit on his throne, "Rules that cannot be broken."
"My lord-" Shang Tsung repeated, only to be cut off by the Khan.
"Kill him!" Shao Khan demanded, Baraka and Reptile restraining Shang Tsung as Kitana prepares her bladed fans to behead him.
"But what if the rules were changed?" Shang Tsung shouted in desperation, Shao Khan suddenly holding up his hand.
"Kitana!" Kitana paused at her father's call. The tyrant then leaned forward in interest.
"Continue…"