-Chapter 9: Raiden versus Magnus
Later that day, after concluding business, Magnus and Mileena strode through the palace halls while servants removed all references to Kotal Kahn and his Osh-Tekk heritage. Mileena had just finished separating Edenia from Outworld, allowing the Edenians to be a free people once more. Tanya had gone off to oversee the restoration of her people and her realm, leaving Magnus and Mileena alone to talk for a moment.
"I can't say as I've ever seen something so impressive before." Magnus mused, hands behind his back as he walked side by side with the Empress.
"The creation of another realm is a truly remarkable sight." Mileena agreed. "But the relief and freedom its denizens display is also a welcome sight." She added. Magnus glanced at Mileena with a smirk.
"You sound nothing like the bloodthirsty heir of Shao Kahn I heard so much about." He noted. Mileena looked to him with warmth in her eyes.
"After what I endured in the soul realm, your words have given me something to strive towards. Becoming all that you have encouraged me to be is a welcome reprieve from fighting my innate desire to honor Shao Kahn." Mileena told him.
"Well, I'm pleased I could be of service." Magnus replied. Mileena smiled and pulled down her veil to show it.
"As I have said before, and shall many times more I feel, I owe you much, Magnus." The two of them stopped, turning to face each other.
"Hey... about last night..." Magnus slowly wondered. "That was..."
"Magnus," Mileena stopped him, "before you go on... I... I-I want you to know that-" She was stopped mid-sentence when a pair of Tarkatans rushed up to her a knelt, evidently with urgent news to impart. Magnus gestured for Mileena to deal with her imperial duties, whatever she had to say could wait. "What is it, Tarakah?" She asked.
"A party of Earthrealmers has been detained outside the city gates. They claim to seek an audience with you, Empress." The Tarkatan replied. Mileena and Magnus were surprised by the news, unaware that word of Mileena's ascension had already reached Earthrealm.
"News has spread quickly. Quicker than I thought it would." Magnus mused, slightly concerned.
"So it would seem." Mileena agreed, believing there may be a mole in her court that needed to be routed. "Tarakah, escort them to the palace courtyard, then contact Tanya and have her meet us in the central hall." The Tarkatan rose and nodded before he and his ally turned and left. "It would appear that we have company." She mused.
"Indeed. I'll come with you, I might need to mediate." Magnus said. Mileena nodded, but stopped him as he made to leave.
"Magnus, wait," she said, grabbing his arm. The electromancer paused, looking at her. "Last night... I... I-I..." Mileena simply couldn't say the words, struggling with what to say and how to say it.
"Let's deal with this first. I get the feeling we might have a headache on our hands." He quietly responded, taking hold of her hand. Mileena nodded in agreement, knowing duty needed to come before her person.
Some time later, Magnus, Tanya and Mileena stood on the steps of the Outworld palace, awaiting the arrival of the Earthrealmers the Tarkatans had detained.
"What do you suppose they want?" Tanya wondered, spear sheathed across her back.
"Likely they're doing reconnaissance. They want to know what's going on." Magnus replied. "If we're courteous but firm, we should be able to make some headway with them."
"Let us hope so. I know my thoughts are inclined towards peace, but if Earthrealm isn't..." Mileena mused, trailing off.
"I say we cross the bridge if it shows up." Magnus responded. "Right, now let's give them the benefit of the doubt. They don't want another war, even if they claim to be ready for one." The two ladies nodded and turned as a crew of Tarkatan warriors escorted a group of six Earthrealmers into the courtyard. Magnus immediately recognized the SF attire while Mileena was quick to recognize Jax and Sonya from the days of the Mortal Kombat tournament.
The humans were stopped by the Tarkatans, who waited for the Empress's permission to continue. While they waited, they were quick to recognize most of the individuals awaiting them.
"So the rumors are true." Sonya realized, spying Mileena front and centre.
"It's like seeing a ghost." Takeda breathed.
"One whose face hasn't been consumed by bugs." Jin added. Cassie's gaze locked on to the white-clad warrior next to Mileena.
"Whose the white guy?" She wondered.
"Racist, much." Jacqui joked, elbowing Cassie in the ribs.
"You know what I meant." Cassie retorted, looking over the black-haired, blue eyed warrior. She took note of his muscular arms and the silver armor adorning his shoulders, forearms and boots. "He's kinda cute." She commented.
"Not now Sergeant Cage." Sonya chided her.
"What? A girl can notice these things." Cassie retorted.
"We're supposed to be diplomatic, Cass. Not flirty." Jacqui added.
"Who says business and pleasure can't coexist?" Cassie shot back. Their conversation ceased as the Tarkatans prodded them forward, Mileena beckoning them onwards.
"Ah, General Blade. I presume you and your entourage represent some kind of Earthrealm delegation?" Mileena greeted them as they arrived at the foot of the stairs. She waved the Tarkatans off and they left with a nod.
"We're here to figure out what the hell is going on Mileena." Sonya curtly replied.
"You would be wise to respect the Empress and address her by her title, Earthrealmer." Tanya coldly stated. Mileena held up a hand, ordering her ally to stand down.
"The answer to that is simple, General. I have been restored to life and I have rightfully reclaimed my throne from that Osh-Tekk usurper you assisted." Mileena explained.
"Kotal Kahn is dead, as are his allies who betrayed Mileena." Tanya added. "She is the new ruler of Outworld and we are her loyal advisors." Sonya crossed her arms, not quite sure what to make of this. It was then that Takeda spoke up.
"Wait... I can read you." Takeda realized, speaking about Magnus as his telepathic abilities registering his similar brainwaves. "You're not from Outworld."
"I'm not." Magnus nodded. "I'm from Earthrealm, born and raised."
"And you... you restored Mileena to life?" Sonya said, a little bewildered.
"I did."
"But why?"
"I have my reasons." Magnus cryptically replied, not wanting to dive into the semantics of his plan just yet. Should things go smoothly, he would explain everything later. Kung Jin was next to speak as they all tried to figure out who he was.
"You wear the emblem of the White Lotus. You know the Shaolin? Raiden?" He wondered.
"Raiden is very much like my father. He raised me after my parents were killed during the Netherrealm invasion, trained me to use my powers to pursue things like peace and righteousness." Magnus answered holding up his hand and allowing a burst of sparks to appear before the Earthrealmers.
"You're an elemental." Jin realized.
"I am."
"Then what's a powerhouse like you doing with butterface over here?" Jax curtly wondered, borrowing from Johnny Cage. He, like others, shared a similar distaste for Mileena.
"Language like that can cost you your head, Earthrealmer!" Tanya growled.
"At ease, Tanya." Mileena calmed her. "They are our guests. Besides, I've suffered far worse insults from lesser men."
"While your diplomatic skills could use some work, Jackson Briggs, I can only tell you that I have done what I've done in the pursuit of interrealm peace." Magnus replied.
"If you know Raiden so well, how come we've never heard of you before?" Sonya wondered, arm still crossed.
"Lord Raiden deemed by training more important than my involvement in your affairs." Magnus replied. "But I assure you General, I have no hostile intentions towards any of you." He stated. "Matter of fact, let's start things off on the right foot. My name is Magnus Shadrix."
"Huh." Sonya grunted, mulling over everything. This was a lot to take in, but none of it really answered her biggest question, though. She turned back to the Empress. "My team claimed they saw you die."
"And I did." Mileena answered. "Death was... not at all kind to me. I met my father in the realm of souls. He ridiculed me, pushed me away, made me feel absolutely worthless. It wasn't until the arrival of my new first minister that I finally felt like a person again." She told them. "Magnus resurrected me, gave me a new purpose and a newfound desire to be better than any Emperor to ever rule Outworld."
"So we have you to thank for this." Sonya mused, turning to Magnus. The man nodded. "So you've come back... now what?" She asked of Mileena.
"Death has taught me many things, General Blade, including the need to do away with the past." The Empress replied. "My father disowned me... I am no longer his daughter. But I am Mileena Kahnum and I will rule Outworld as I see fit. And that includes leaving Earthrealm alone." She informed Sonya. "I do not seek hostilities... only peace." Her statement sent a wave of hesitant relief through the Earthrealm party. So far so good, but how much of her word could they trust. "I'm sure you will find me a welcome change compared to Ko'atal's... invasive policies." She added.
"Well, that's one problem off our back." Cassie noted.
"But has it been replaced with another one?" Jax added.
"Come, join us inside and we will further discuss peace between our realms." Mileena offered.
"Just a sec," Sonya stopped them, "how do we know we can trust you?"
"If you will not take me at my word, may my actions speak louder than them." Mileena answered. "I have just freed Edenia from Outworld's control. It is a whole realm again." She reported. The Earthrealmers marveled at the change, confirmed by Tanya. As they spoke, Magnus' brow furrowed. His senses had suddenly informed him of a nearby anomaly in the ions in the air. He wasn't quite sure what to make of it, but he knew that something was different... It didn't take long for Mileena to notice.
"What is it Magnus?" The Empress inquired, noting his concentrated expression.
"I feel... something..." He replied, brow furrowed as he attempted to discern exactly what he was sensing. "The particles in the air. They're... changing..." He told her. Mileena tilted her head, ready to inquire why when, suddenly, a mighty bolt of red lightning struck the ground a few feet away from them, bringing with it the appearance of a man. Everyone whirled about to witness the thunderous arrival, the lightning dissipated to reveal the presence of a powerful figure and it didn't take them long to recognize the familiar straw hat, black robes and golden armor.
Raiden had arrived.
"Magnus Shadrix!" The Elder God called in a booming voice. "You have committed crimes against Earthrealm by resurrecting one of its enemies!"
"Aw, shit." Magnus swore, hoping that his senses had been lying to him. He knew he'd detected that presence before, whenever Raiden teleported to him. He quickly walked past the Earthrealmers and over to his master. "Lord Raiden, glad you could make it." He greeted with a bow.
"Explain yourself Magnus!" Raiden thundered, arms crossed and looking not at all pleased. "What are you doing here by the side of Shao Kahn's daughter?"
"He has freed me from my torturous fate in the realm of lost souls." Mileena explained from behind him. "He has freed me, thunder god, from many things." Raiden's withering gaze regarded the resurrected Mileena for a moment before returning to Magnus.
"Is this true?" He asked in a threatening tone. Magnus sighed, acting like a child who had been caught in the act.
"Yes. It is true." He admitted. Thought he could not see it, he could practically feel Raiden's anger boil over.
"Why have you betrayed me so?" The thunder god growled. "You were my best and brightest pupil, I thought so highly of you! And now you have gone and resurrected the daughter of Earthrealm's worst enemy!" He shouted, thunder rumbling overhead as his fury swelled. "You may very well have resurrected Shao Kahn himself!" Magnus knew he needed to say something.
"Lord Raiden, please, if you would just let me explain-"
"Silence!" Raiden shouted, a burst of lightning erupting from his hands and knocking Magnus aside. The white-clad warrior hit the ground, Mileena watching and fighting back the urge to help him. She would not get involved unless it was absolutely necessary.
She had to think of her position now.
But when Raiden's gaze landed on her, she had a feeling she had no choice but to get involved. The Earthrealmers backed away, knowing how foolish it would be to interrupt Raiden in the midst of his anger. "I will correct your error, Magnus Shadrix." The Elder God declared. "And then we will see to your fate." Charging up his powers, Raiden prepared to unleash a devastating bolt of lightning that would surely disintegrate Mileena. The Empress clenched her fists and steeled herself, ready to fight if need be.
Magnus, however, was not about to let Raiden do as he wished. Rising to his knees he looked up just in time to see Raiden unleash a mighty blast towards Mileena.
"No!" He cried, frantically ready to fulfill his role as body guard. His body dissipating into thin air, Magnus teleported in front of Mileena and reappeared with a crackle of static. Snapping up his arm, Magnus unleashed a short burst of electricity that interrupted Raiden's strike. Raiden stared surprised at him, understanding that in his time away, Magnus had mastered teleportation. But knowing he had purposefully moved to defend Mileena, the thunder god glared at his disciple, his eyes aglow with fury.
"You disappoint me, my student." He rumbled, lightning crackling in his open hands.
"The fault is mine, not hers!" Magnus stated. "If you're going to hurt anyone, Lord Raiden, hurt me instead." The thunder god's gaze flickered back and forth between Magnus and Mileena.
"So be it." He finally stated. Magnus took a few steps forward, approaching Raiden.
"Magnus!" Mileena called after him, fearful for his safety.
"No, Empress," He said, turning and stopping her, "this is my fight." But even as he said those words, doubt clouded his mind.
How could he possibly fight an Elder God?
Mileena looked afraid as Magnus and Raiden stared each other down. She knew that Magnus was finally suffering the predicted outcome of his efforts to help her: suffering the wrath of Raiden. After all he had done for her, this was his reward.
She didn't want to lose him, not after last night... not after she was finally starting to work up the courage to tell him.
"You have fallen too far, Magnus Shadrix! To think that you would protect the daughter of Shao Kahn sickens me! I know not what possessed you to do such a thing, but I will not allow it to spread any further." Raiden growled.
"Lord Raiden, please!" Magnus begged.
"Enough! The time for listening has passed." Raiden declared, lightning rippling through his arms. "Now is the time for discipline!" Reluctantly, Magnus assumed a defensive stance as Raiden readied himself for kombat.
He had no desire to fight Raiden. He would let him strike the first blow.
And Raiden did, unleashing a bundle of lightning that Magnus narrowly dodged, only to open himself up as the thunder god came barreling towards him, his fists crashing into Magnus' chest and throwing him back. Magnus was pitched across the courtyard but rolled to his feet, shrugging off the attack. Raiden wasn't about to let up, though, and the master of storms teleported behind his student, driving a hard kick to Magnus' back that put him on the ground, allowing Raiden to unleash a burst of lightning that electrocuted Magnus. Crying out in pain, the electromancer summoned enough coherence to teleport away, buying himself some space. Raiden watched as he picked himself up, Magnus dusting himself off and rolling his shoulders.
"I don't want to fight you, Lord Raiden." He whispered under his breath. The Elder God simply snarled as he lunged forward again, Magnus ducking this time as he flew overhead. Quickly surrounding himself with a static field, Magnus waited for Raiden to turn and attack. He parried and blocked each kick and punch, his field helping to lessen the blows but doing nothing to deter Raiden. He might have total command and control over electricity, but his powers paled in comparison to the divine lightning of a thunder god. Finally grabbing Raiden's fists, Magnus did his best to hold him at bay. "You don't have to do this!" Magnus cried, desperation in his eyes. "Please, just hear me out!" But Raiden didn't stop, gritting his teeth as he electrified his fists, doing his best to overpower Magnus.
"Your heart was always inclined to help others. Never did I think it would lead you down such a dark road." Raiden rumbled as he forced Magnus to his knees. "Taking pity on the daughter of a Kahn? You have surely lost your way!" Suddenly taking flight, Raiden pulled back before he started zapping Magnus from afar with multiple bursts of electricity. The staggered electromancer was helpless to defend himself as Raiden suddenly plowed into him, throwing him to the ground. Teleporting away, Raiden began to channel his full power as Magnus slowly rose, red lightning enveloping his arms. Storm clouds swirled over Magnus' head before a multitude of thunderbolts struck the young man, zapping him with relentless fury. They abided only as Raiden spun around and drove his heel into Magnus' chin, cracking his jaw as his kick landed. Spinning around with his back to the Elder God, Magnus was defenceless as Raiden delivered a powerful electric shock to his systems from behind. Those witnessing could've swore they saw his skeleton glowing from the intense power surging through him. Teleporting suddenly, Raiden appeared in front of Magnus, surging ahead with a mighty punch that crushed his innards. Magnus was knocked flat on his back, gasping for breath as smoke rose from his steaming body. The assembled watchers grew worried for Magnus' wellbeing, especially Mileena, wondering if they should intervene. Blood dripped from Magnus' mouth, a sure sign of the toll this battle was taking on him. "Why would you go and do such a thing? What could've possibly possessed you to resurrect Mileena?!" Raiden demanded, seeking some sort of justification from his pupil. Now on his knees and thoroughly winded, Magnus could only tell him the truth.
"I did this for you!" He shouted as he crawled to his feet. "I was just trying to help you! I just wanted you to be at peace... You're like a father to me!" His words seemed to have hit home. For a split second, the furious gaze abated and Magnus saw a brief glimpse of compassion and understanding within Raiden's eyes. But it was soon replaced with the familiar electric fury.
"And you like a son to me!" Raiden retorted before launching his infamous Thunder Fly attack. Magnus managed to roll out of the way just in time, Raiden streaking past him overhead. Raiden landed on his feet and Magnus rose, a little worse for wear.
"Why go through all this?" He asked, desperate to try and end this fight before it continued. "You told me yourself you prefer justice. Surely you understand that Mileena being dethroned was a grave injustice!"
"It was." Raiden answered.
"And I have fixed it! So why do you persist like this?!" Magnus shouted, demanding that Raiden explain his reasoning.
"Because she is the daughter of Shao Kahn, succeeding him by his command... and chosen to carry on his legacy of violence against Earthrealm." He answered. Magnus slowly shook his head.
"People can change, Lord Raiden." He quietly said, gathering himself. "You certainly have." He realized there was no way to dissuade Raiden from his course of action.
He had no choice but to fight him.
Raiden flew forward with his arm cocked back, ready to deliver a flying punch. Magnus sidestepped just in time and countered with a knee to Raiden's exposed torso, knocking the thunder god back. Teleporting away, Magnus launched a kick that caught Raiden between the shoulder blades, knocking him onto his front. Raiden quickly recovered and whirled about with a hook kick that caught Magnus across the face, staggering him long enough for Raiden to grab him and deliver a burst of electricity that ripped through his body. Magnus cried out in pain but retaliated by summong the ions around Raiden to burst, catching the thunder god in the midst of a wave of electricity. Dropping Magnus, Raiden shrugged off the stunning blow and attacked again, striking Magnus with two overhead chops. He continued to press his advantage, unleashing a lightning orb that blasted Magnus in the face with raw lightning. He followed up with a shoulder charge that slammed into Magnus' chest, opening him up for another assault. Raiden scored a kick to his midsection and followed up with another. But Magnus was quick to grasp his leg and hold him in place, buying himself enough time to grab Raiden by the throat and unleash a burst of electricity, the Elder God crying out as he was electrocuted. Releasing his neck, Magnus drove his free elbow down into Raiden's knee, shattering the joint with a mighty crack! Stunned and in pain, Raiden remained staggered long enough for Magnus to release him, leap up and execute a back kick, his foot cracking the god of thunder across the face and dislocating his jaw. Raiden flew back, falling to the ground as Magnus steadied himself, gathering his senses. Raiden jumped to his feet with a crackle of electricity. Throwing his arms forward with a cry, Raiden blasted a beam of lightning towards Magnus. The electromancer countered with his own electric beam, opening his hands and loosing his power with his own cry. The two bolts, red and white, collided in a blinding display of power that was fueled by Raiden's anger and Magnus' steadfastness. Eventually, the lightning exploded, blinding Magnus long enough for Raiden to shoot forward and tackle his former student. The two slammed into a nearby pillar, Magnus taking the brunt of the blow. The electromancer struggled to remove Raiden's hands from around his neck, gripping his wrists with electrified hands. "You are not the benevolent mentor I knew!" Magnus growled as he struggled. Raiden retaliated by blasting Magnus with more lightning.
"You are no student of mine!" Raiden retorted, turning and throwing Magnus across the courtyard. Magnus slowly righted his flight and slid to a halt, staring down Raiden as the two summoned lightning to envelop their arms. The watching crowd waited tensely to see what would follow, they all knew Raiden to be powerful but Magnus was clearly demonstrating enough practiced skill to be able to hold his own.
It truly was a matter of god versus man. Raiden versus Magnus. Only one would rise victorious.
Surging forward simultaneously, Raiden and Magnus collided in a flashing display of sparking electricity and blinding lightning. The two traded blows back and forth, landing punches and deflecting them. Scoring kicks and parrying them. The kombat raged on as master and student, god of thunder and lightning elemental, dueled to overcome the other. Eventually, Raiden's godly powers won out and he overwhelmed Magnus with a sustained blast of lightning. Driven to his knees and shocked continuously, Magnus cried out in pain, begging Raiden to stop.
But the thunder god wouldn't listen.
As he continued to mercilessly electrocute Magnus, Mileena had had enough. She had stood by and relented as Magnus fought his own battle. But now, in his time of need, she knew she simply could not stand back any longer.
She liked him too much to ignore his predicament.
Drawing her sais, Mileena stepped towards the confrontation, ignoring Tanya's pleas to not interfere, and summoned her ability to teleport.
Raiden's focus remained glued to Magnus and the thorough torture he was enduring, oblivious to the fact that Mileena was dropping down from above. With a primal scream, she suddenly appeared behind Raiden, leaping onto the thunder god and driving her sais into his back. Raiden released Magnus with a cry as blood spurted from him, staining his robes. Using her sais as leverage, Mileena pulled Raiden back until she could leap up and drive her knee into the back of his head, cracking his skull.
"Stay away from him!" She shouted, desperate to help Magnus or at least buy him some time. Her sais pulled free, Mileena stepped away as Raiden straightened up, thunder rumbling overhead as red lightning rippled through his arms.
"Vile creature!" He growled, lightning crackling in his hands.
"You're the vile one here, Raiden!" Mileena retorted, dashing forward and attacking him with a rolling spin. Raiden blocked her assault and rebuffed her with a blast of lightning. But Mileena was not to be deterred and teleported back in front of him, leaping up from above and stabbing him repeatedly with her sais. His blood spilt across the ground, Raiden growled as he unleashed an all-encompassing blast that stunned Mileena. He knocked her to the ground with a push kick, then attacked her with a summoned lightning bolt from above.
"Be silent Mileena! You do not deserve to live!" Raiden thundered.
"She does too!" Having recovered, Magnus lept in from behind, clubbing Raiden in the back of the head before attacking him with two kicks to his chest and one high kick that caught him in the face and knocked him flat on his back. Picking Mileena up off the ground, Magnus teleported them both back to the sidelines, leaving her by Tanya's side. Then he teleported back over to the rising Raiden, leaping forward and striking him across the face with a flying punch. He followed up with a left jab to Raiden's chest, snapping open his hand and unleashing a blast of lightning that sent Raiden flying. The Elder God quickly recovered and stood just in time for Magnus to surge ahead with two fists cloaked with electricity. Stretching one arm towards his student and raising the other high, Raiden summoned a bolt of lighting that struck his raised hand and was channeled through him, blasting out his other hand and striking Magnus in the chest. Magnus was bowled over, laid out on his back, giving Raiden a chance to leap up and charge up his fist with lightning. Magnus quickly rolled out of the way as Raiden came crashing down, lightinng exploding around where he had once been laying. Crawling to his feet, Magnus charged Raiden. But the Elder God caught him with a high kick that stunned him before following up with another kick to the torso that forced him to double over, allowing Raiden to knock him down with a double-axehandle that slammed into his back. Down on his face and groaning in pain, Magnus struggled to rise. Raiden promptly zapped him with red lightning, putting him back on the ground.
"You cannot win this fight, Magnus Shadrix." Raiden growled. "If you continue to resist, it will not end well for you." Magnus said nothing, fighting to regain his strength. But Raiden had really taken it out of him. The thunder god was out of his league, ten times as strong as him. "I will offer you just one more chance to atone for your actions." Raiden suddenly said, drawing his attention. Magnus crawled to his hand and knees, spitting out blood as he listened to Raiden. "I will permit you to return home and forgive this transgression on one condition." The thunder god continued. Then he gestured to Mileena. "Right the wrong you have committed." He stated. Magnus understood exactly what he was saying. Raiden wanted him to kill Mileena. It would be an easy task and an easy way to return to Raiden's side. He looked up and his gaze locked with Mileena's. Everything seemed to fade away as he regarded her for a moment. He saw pity and a yearning in her eyes. She wanted to stop this, to help him. But she also questioned his resolve. Now, in this dark moment, he had a way out. Magnus knew this and he also knew it was an easy way out.
But having spent so much time with her and having even come to feel something for her, Magnus simply couldn't do it.
He turned back to Raiden, his eyes suddenly aglow with electrical power, energy rippling across his body.
"I... will... NOT!" He thundered. Channeling his electrical powers into his hands, Magnus crossed his arms only to throw them apart as he unleashed a powerful blast of energy that electrocuted the unsuspecting thunder god, frying his innards and his body. Summoning his power and generating a ball of lightning in his hands, Magnus thrust both hands forward as he unleashed a blast of lightning. The blast propelled Raiden backwards, but Magnus raised his arm and clenched his fist, summoning a bolt of lightning that struck the thunder god and sent him flying back towards Magnus, tumbling head over heels. Grabbing Raiden by his back, Magnus hoisted him over his head before summoning his powers to fly into the air. Flying high above the ground, another blast of lightning from seemingly nowhere struck Raiden square in the chest, electrocuting the god of thunder once again. Releasing Raiden from his grasp, Magnus floated above him and summoned his powers to create a massive ball of lightning, rippling with electrical current. Magnus slammed his construct into Raiden, sending him rocketing back down until he crashed into the ground, his spine cracking on impact. Raising his arm, a bolt of lightning appeared and struck Magnus' fist, charging it with an electrical current. With a mighty cry, the young man dropped like a rock, fist poised to strike. His electrified hand connected with Raiden's chest, generating a mighty shockwave as he landed and delivered the mother of all punches, shattering all of the god's ribs. Rolling away and springing to his feet, Magnus' eyes continued to glow as a white aura of electricity surrounded him, arcs of lightning rippling off his body. He had found a way to tap into the bottomless well of his elemental powers, of which he had only scratched the surface. Now he was going all in, becoming more than just a man.
He was this close to unlocking his full elemental nature... and his new appearance showed it.
The watchers, Outworlder and Earthrealmer alike, were taken aback by his startling transformation and newfound strength. But Mileena smiled.
She liked this new side of Magnus.
Slowly rising from the ground, Raiden looked up and regarded Magnus with crimson eyes. Standing up and shaking off any pain he felt, the thunder god took in the sight of his apprentice's clear defiance and the absolute power radiating from him. It appeared he had greatly matured in his abilities during this time... such a shame it had to unfold like this, though.
But Raiden would not let any manner of sympathy or emotion cloud him today.
Gritting his teeth, red lightning swelled across his arms and enveloped his hands as he charged up.
"So be it!" He growled, eyes ablaze with crimson fury. Magnus charged up as well, white lightning encircling his body as his hands blazed with power.
Master and student charged at each other, trails of lightning following them. They collided in an explosive meeting, lightning flying on all directions as thunder loudly boomed overhead. Seething red met surging white as Raiden and Magnus grappled, Elder God and electromancer trading blows back and forth. Magnus rounded a punch that cracked across Raiden's jaw, the thunder god striking back with a hard blow to his side, cracking his ribs. Magnus rounded a kick that struck Raiden's him, Raiden retaliating with a palm strike to the face. Magnus punched Raiden in the gut, Raiden punching him across the face. Magnus spun and delivered a hook kick that snapped Raiden's head sideways, Raiden turning around and attacking with and overhead blow that knocked Magnus senseless. Raiden threw a straight jab that caught Magnus in the face, snapping his head back. He reared back and punched again, Magnus catching his fist this time. The electromancer struck his own punch, but Raiden grabbed his fist and held it in place. Locked in struggle, the two kombatants grunted and growled as they fought to overwhelm the other. Channeling his weight and momentum, Magnus swung them around and promptly threw Raiden into a nearby pillar, flying after him at such a speed the impact shattered the pillar as Raiden and Magnus crashed right through it. Both of them sprang to their feet, Magnus pummeling Raiden with a windmill punch before the thunder god retaliated with a burst of blinding lightning, opening up Magnus so Raiden could grab him around the throat and plant his leg behind his, tripping him and throwing him on the ground. Raiden then promptly blasted him with an overwhelming surge of lightning while he was still down. Magnus cried out in pain, but used his powers to absorb some of Raiden's lightning, priming his body to create a feedback loop. As Raiden's barrage ceased, Magnus promptly struck back, recovering quickly. The blast of lightning knocked Raiden flat on his back, giving Magnus a chance to stand up. But the thunder god would not be downed for long and teleported back to his feet, summoning his staff into his hand. Red lightning flowed through his weapon of choice as Raiden spun his weapon around, driving it into the ground as thunder boomed overhead. Not to be intimidated, Magnus summoned his power to generate not one but two swords forged of pure electricity, spinning them around his body in a display of skill and agility. He went on the offensive first, leaping up and diving down as he delivered a spinning blow, both blades crashing into Raiden's staff. Raiden retaliated by spinning his staff around his head, striking Magnus across the face with repeated blows, one final strike cracking his skull on impact. Not to be deterred, Magnus recovered and deflected the next blow from Raiden's staff, the odds shifting until the fight became an even duel. Swords and staff clashed over and over again, Magnus' skill quickly becoming comparable to Raiden's. He kept pace with the thunder god, keeping Raiden on active defence as he continuously attacked with slash after slash. A sudden hurricane kick knocked the staff from Raiden's grip, allowing Magnus to plunge both of his swords through Raiden's chest. The Elder God cried out as his blood splashed across the ground as Magnus took a step back and ignited his weapons, the swords creating an explosion of electricity that knocked Raiden down. Breathing heavily, Magnus allowed his electrical aura to die down, believing that Raiden might be winded enough to be open to reason.
But Raiden was a god, able to go further and last longer than a human ever could.
Summoning a bolt of lightning, Raiden teleported to a standing position. His robes dirty and torn, golden armor scuffed and dented, but the same red power flowed through his veins. "I see your skills have advanced in your time away." Raiden growled, eyeing Magnus warily.
"I'll take that as a compliment." Magnus breathed, slowly coming down from his adrenaline high. His hair was mussed, his body dirty and his robes torn. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth and a few trace wounds had been opened across his body. But still he stood, neither him nor Raiden able to claim victory in this fight. Magnus stepped towards his mentor. "Will you hear me now, Lord Raiden?" He asked, much like a child approaching his father. "Will you allow me to explain myself?" The thunder god did not move, but his gaze remained fixated on Magnus. The electromancer drew closer, reaching out, hoping Raiden had calmed down now. Raiden reached out to take hold of his outstretched hand...
And twisted it so violently it drove Magnus to the ground.
"Your actions have spoken louder than your words ever could!" Raiden growled, delivering a burst of lightning that shocked Magnus to his knees. Crying out in pain, Magnus managed to open his eyes and saw only a condemning glare staring back at him. The electrocution ceased and Magnus was left on his knees before Raiden, sapped of his strength.
"Please..." He weakly whispered, practically begging Raiden for mercy. But Raiden would not hear it and his hands settled on Magnus head. A avage burst of raw lightning ripped through his body seconds later, burning him and bringing agonizing pain with it.
"You have defied me Magnus Shadrix... you have become no better than Outworld and the Netherrealm!" Raiden declared over Magnus' screams of pain. He let up for a brief moment, Magnus looking back at him.
"I... I did it... for you..." He whimpered. Raiden said nothing but shocked him again, millions of harmful voltage frying Magnus' body.
It was then that Mileena chose to intervene. She'd had enough.
"Stop!" Mileena cried, rushing over to Magnus and pulling his body away from Raiden. "No more! I beg of you!" She begged him. Raiden eyed her curiously.
"The daughter of Shao Kahn begs for the life of an Earthrealmer?" He said aloud, pondering the display before him as Mileena cradled Magnus in her lap.
"Yes. If only to preserve his life!" Mileena replied, sounding desperate. "I swear to you this day, Raiden, leave Magnus alone and I will leave Earthrealm alone forever." She declared.
"You would agree to end all hostilities? To abandon any thought of avenging your father?" Raiden replied, wanting to make absolutely certain Mileena was being truthful.
"My father disowned me! Had you given Magnus a moment he would've told you this. I am not the same Mileena who died, I am the daughter of Shao Kahn no longer." She announced, loud enough for the other Earthrealmers to hear. "But I am Mileena Kahnum. And I will do what is best for my realm." She added in declaration. "And that is for me to leave Earthrealm alone. Forever." The finality of her statement was enough to make Raiden pause. "You're more trouble than you're worth." She added, muttering under her breath. Raiden slowly nodded.
"Very well. But if you should break this oath, I will bring the wrath of the Elder Gods upon you." He threatened in reply. Mileena looked up at him with a scornful look in her eyes. She didn't care about his threats, only about preserving those closest to her. The thunder god turned to Magnus. "As for you Magnus Shadrix, I have no choice but to banish you from Earthrealm. Should you set foot in our realm again, I will come after you." He stated firmly. Magnus nodded weakly, not really caring for his words. He was in too much pain to care. The other Earthrealmers seemed astonished to hear this.
No one had ever been banished like this before.
"Sonya Blade, you and your allies shall return to Earthrealm with me." Raiden stated as he walked over to the assembled Spec Ops unit.
"Raiden... was that really necessary?" Sonya wondered.
"There are duties and tasks we must do that are unpleasant but necessary." Raiden replied. Summoning a bolt of lightning, he and the others vanished without a trace. Mileena, Tanya and Magnus were left behind. Mileena watched them go, glad to be rid of Raiden. But a soft, weak voice drew her attention back to Magnus.
"Mileena..." He rasped, reaching out for her before he passed out, knocked unconscious by the pain. Mileena looked down, worried.
"Magnus?" She wondered. No response. "Magnus!" She cried, desperate to wake him. But Magnus still did not stir. "Tanya! Help me!" She begged. The pyromancer walked over and helped him up. "We must get him aid... help me take him inside!" Mileena commanded and the two walked Magnus back inside the Outworld palace.