Earthrealm-Special Forces Headquarters
"So how often do these meetings happen?" Austin asks, walking up to Cassie as they head to the meeting room. Cassie shrugs her shoulders.
"Almost never," She admits, glancing at Takeda and Jin. "Last time Raiden called for a state of emergency was when Shao Kahn invaded Earthrealm. We weren't even born."
"This didn't happen when Shinnok invaded?" He asks.
"No," Kung Jin answers. "We had less timing to plan with Shinnok. With him it was more like a surprise, we were all too scattered around." They turned the corner leading to the meeting room where Cassie saw her parents welcoming Kenshi and Taven as well as members from the Lin Kuei and Shirai Ryu. Cassie scans the crowd.
"Any sign of Hanzo or Sub-Zero?" she asks. The pair of ninjas have yet to return from the Netherrealm and she hasn't decided whether or not that's a bad thing. She never gets an answer, the group finally in the middle of all the chaos with her parents.
"Hey, Cas," Johnny greets. She can tell he's a bit suspicious about the whole event, he hasn't exactly been trusting Lord Raiden ever since she stopped Shinnok. She hugs him and nods to her mother, who returns the nod before returning to her phone.
"She's here?" She asks, her voice full of surprise. She glances at Cassie and her team before speaking again. "Yes, of course. Let her in!" She hangs up and looks at the entrance. Cassie does the same and nearly cries out in excitement when Jacqui walks through the doors. Soon it became a race between her and Takeda to reach her but Cassie shoves the telepath out of the way at the last second. She doesn't care if they're dating, she's been Jacqui's best friend since they were in diapers. The two girls embrace each other and to Cassie it's felt like it's been years since she's last seen her. She finally pulls away and lets Takeda take her in his arms, followed by a small hug from Jin. Jacqui notices Austin not too far away and turns to Cassie.
"Who's the freshmen?" She asks. Austin beams at the opportunity to introduce himself and extends his hand.
"Private Austin Stryker, ma'am!" He introduces. "It is an honor to meet the daughter of Jackson Briggs. Him and my brother were great friends I hear!" Jacqui smiles at him and pats his shoulder.
"That they were," she says.
"Not that I'm not happy to see you," Kung Jin says. "But what are you doing here, Jacqui?"
"I heard about the meeting," She says. "If Earthrealm is in trouble, there's no way in hell I'm letting you guys deal with it on your own." Takeda obnoxiously pretends to wipe away a tear.
"Group hug!" He shouts. Cassie and Jin are about to protest when they hear thunder boom through the air.
"Cas, over here!" Johnny yells out, motioning for her to join him. A crowd forms as Raiden appears through teleportation. There's something different about him, she can't put her finger on it, but he doesn't seen like the Raiden everyone knew and trusted. Raiden begins searching through the crowd.
"Earthrealm warriors," He announces, his voice easily projecting through the entire room. "It is no secret that for many years we have been protecting our home from villainous creatures time and time again. Well no longer! It is time we stood up to our enemies and crush them before they can crush us! My proposal: an invasion in Outworld." The crowd of warriors broke out into murmurs then. Cassie turned to her father.
"He can't be serious," She whispers. They can't lead an invasion, they just survived a war with Shinnok. Johnny shakes his head.
"Something isn't right here," He says, turning to Kenshi. "Where's Fujin?"
"He has not contacted me in some time," The blind warrior reveals.
"Of course," Raiden says, calming the crowd. "Kotal Khan has done everything in his power to prevent this invasion, which is why I have called you all here today. I am in need of five warriors, five courageous men or women to represent Earthrealm in Mortal Kombat!"
"In the last Mortal Kombat, Kung Lao died," Kung Jin whispers. Raiden looks through the crowd.
"Who here is brave enough to defend their realm once and for all?" His eyes land on Jacqui. "Ms. Briggs, I want you to be aware that the murderer of your father will be in this tournament. A tournament that is either life or death in some scenarios. This can be your chance to avenge your father once and for all." Cassie turns to Jacqui, seeing how Raiden's words are affecting her. She tries to reach for her hand but Jacqui is already stepping towards the thunder god.
"I will join!" Jacqui announces. Cassie barely has time to register what just happened before another figure steps out of the crowd.
"I will join the tournament as well," Sonya adds.
"Sonya, don't!" Johnny loudly whispers to her. Her mother doesn't even look back at them.
"This is for Jackson," she says, nodding to Jacqui.
"We can't let them do this," Cassie mumbles.
"I'll try to talk some sense into Jacqui later, get her to reconsider," Takeda whispers to her. She nods her head, she wasn't very good at talking anyways. If anyone could clear Jacqui's head, it's him. More and more random warriors begin volunteering to join the tournament, which seems to make the thunder god beam as he turns to the two ninja clans.
"Will the Lin Kuei or Shirai Ryu be joining us?" He asks. Takeda steps forward.
"Our clan will not act until the return of our leader," He says.
"I understand," He says. "And the Lin Kuei?" A Lin Kuei warrior steps out as well.
"We shall also remain neutral until our grandmaster-"
"I will join the tournament!" A female member announces. Cassie's eyes widen when she sees that it's the woman she fought a few years ago in an underground fight club, right before she was kidnapped by the Black Dragon. Frost. The warrior she interrupts grabs her shoulder.
"You must not act without Sub-Zero's consent!" He says. Frost smack his hand away before slamming her ice fist into his cheek.
"I will represent our clan and prove that I am among Eathrealm's most mightiest warriors!" She declares. Raiden smirks at this.
"Very well," He says. "I shall announce my decision on who will represent Earthrealm at sunset. Until then I hope to get a few more volunteers," He glances at Johnny Cage and Kenshi. "This meeting is over!" Raiden teleports away and all the warriors begin to disperse. Johnny starts walking towards Sonya.
"Are you out of your damn mind?!" He asks. "An invasion, Sonya? That doesn't make us any better than Shao Kahn and Shinnok."
"How many more of us have to die before you get that we won't be safe until we start knocking down our enemies first?" Sonya demands. "Kenshi? Kung Jin? Your own daughter?!"
"Do NOT go there, Sonya!" He yells. Sonya shakes her head and turns away on her heel before exiting the room. Cassie notices that Takeda and Jacqui are gone too. Hopefully the young telepath has a better outcome than her dad.
Earthrealm- Special Forces Training Room
After the meeting with Raiden, Takeda followed Jacqui to the training room and sat on a bench as the other worked out on the punching bag. Despite the situation they were currently in, it was good seeing her in action again, it was one of the things he liked about her. Watching her as she assaulted the poor bag, he contemplated taking a peek into her mind but immediately thought against it. Even before they became a real couple, Takeda refused to read Jacqui's mind unless given permission. Breathing hard, Jacqui takes a break from the bag to grab her water bottle.
"My mom likes you by the way," she says. "Says you remind her of my dad when they were in college, right before he started basic training."
"That's easily the best compliment ever," He says, grinning. "How's she doing?"
"She's healing," Jacqui answers. Shrugging off the topic, she walks towards him. "I hear your telepathic powers are getting stronger. Since Ermac is for sure going to be in the tournament, we're going to need you."
"Not without Hanzo's blessing," He reminds her. She raises an eyebrow.
"When has that stopped you before?" He takes a deep breath. This was it. The moment he's been dreading since they got here. He nervously looks down at his hands, not knowing how to approach the subject.
"Jacqui," He says, taking a pause. "Are you sure it's a good idea-"
"Don't," She cuts off, tossing her water bottle away. "I care about you Takeda but I will not let you talk me out of this."
"Why not?" He asks. She stares at him with disbelief, before she scoffs and starts hitting the bag again.
"You just came back from your father-son slaughter trip for revenge," She reminds him. "You didn't care to listen to me about that so now you can't expect me to do the same. At the tournament I'm going to face Erron Black and I'm going to kill him, and that's that." Takeda presses his lips together, knowing she has a point. Who was he to try and talk her out of her revenge on her father's recent death when he and his father went after a man who murdered his mother years ago when he was a child? Cassie and Kung Jin couldn't understand, but he does and if they didn't approve then he had to support her.
"You're right," He says, getting up on his feet. "Which is why I'm going to be there to help you in any way I can." Jacqui looks at him, surprised.
"What about Hanzo's blessing?" She asks. He smirks.
"Has that ever stopped me before?" Jacqui smiles and runs into his arms. They break apart only to kiss each other softly, his hands coming up to support her face.
Son, Kenshi's voice calls in his head. Takeda frowns as he pulls away from Jacqui. I need you to meet us in Johnny Cage's room. Alone. Your grandmaster has returned.
"What is it?" Jacqui asks.
"I got to go," He says. "Hanzo is back." Jacqui nods her head.
"Of course," she says. "I'm going to go find General Blade." They hug again before going their separate ways. Now time to face not only his grandmaster, but his father.
Outworld-Kotal Khan's War Room
Kotal Khan stood just outside the doors leading to his war room, where council from every region in Outworld were waiting for him. It isn't long before Reptile shows up.
"They are ready for you, emperor," He says, holding the doors open for him. He nods his head and walks in the room. As soon as he's noticed, all chatter goes silent and all eyes are on him as he makes his way to his throne chair, where Ferra/Torr are waiting for him. He takes a seat, taking in everyone in the room. Reptile and Erron Black are circling the crowd, watching in case anything goes wrong.
"As emperor of Outworld it brings me much pride in seeing you all here today when months ago, our realm was at the point of self destruction," He says, thinking back to the Civil War Mileena had brought on. He shifts in his seat. "But now as Raiden threatens to invade and destroy our realm, we must unite and protect Outworld through Mortal Kombat. As emperor I am forbidden to enter the tournament, but I will have my bodyguard, my spy, and my assassin join the tournament. I only need two more warriors to volunteer." He waits for a response and isn't surprised when Queen Sheeva steps forward.
"The Shokan have had their differences with you, Kotal," She admits. "But it is clear you are an honorable leader. To protect our realm, I give you our champion-Jekal, son of Goro!" A young Shokan warrior steps out of the crowd and removes his hood, kneeling in front of the emperor.
"I will serve the emperor in Mortal Kombat and bring honor to the Shokan!" He announces. The Shokan begin to roar in cheers so loudly and only stop when Kotal raises his hand.
"I gladly accept, " He says. He turns to glance at the group of Morai, lead by Queen Nitara. "And will the vampire help defend out realm as well?"
"We will not," Queen Nitara reveals. "The Morai have remained neutral throughout all of Outworld's conflicts. Our species is still very much healing from our own war and we will continue to look after our own before helping a realm that forced ours to fuse with them." Kotal was furious but he couldn't argue with her. He could not force an alliance, and if Nitara and her people didn't want to help then so be it.
"Then I'll gladly take on any other warriors wanting to volunteer," He says. Many warriors stepped forward, but one in particular caught his eye. "You! State your name."
"My name is Li Mei," The girl reveals. "I wish to join the tournament and look after my people." Kotal Khan has heard of her before. She and her people escaped to Earthrealm for refuge and returned once Shinnok was stopped.
"Very well," He says, rising to his feet. "Representing Outworld will be Reptile, Ferra/Torr, Erron Black, Li Mei, and Jek'al!" The room erupts in cheers as the five (six) warriors are announced. He notices Queen Nitara and her court already leaving the room, but does not stop them. He has his five champions. He only hopes that they are enough to stop Raiden's forces.
Earthrealm- Johnny Cage's Office
As soon as Raiden's meeting was over, Kenshi had pulled Johnny Cage aside and requested that he gather those he trusted and meet back in his office. Even though he hated sneaking behind Sonya's back, there was no way in hell he trusted her not to go run to Raiden after what just happened. So while Kenshi contacted his own son, Johnny made sure word got to Cassie and her team, excluding Jacqui for the same reason they were leaving Sonya out of the topic. Now they were all in his office: him, Kenshi, Takeda, Cassie, Kung Jin, Taven, and the new kid, Austin. Hanzo and Sub-Zero were also there, having just came back from the Netherrealm. Johnny didn't know why they were there in the first place but knew Special Forces helped get them.
"So now that we're all here," Kung Jin says, crossing his arms. "Mind telling us what's the plan? I mean we're not actually going to let Raiden invade Outworld are we?"
"It looks like Raiden is set on his plan to get rid of Outworld," Kenshi says. "The best we can do right now is continue to reject joining the tournament." Johnny turned to Takeda.
"Any luck on Jacqui?" He asks. Takeda scrunched up his face.
"About that," He says, scratching the back of his head. He hears Kenshi sighs and figures the man read the boy's thoughts...and didn't like what he heard. "I sort of joined the tournament as well."
"Takeda what the hell?" Cassie yells.
"She wasn't going to back out!" He defends. "So I figured that if I join I can watch her back and make sure nothing happens to her!" Johnny leans forward against his table and lets out a sigh.
"That's actually not a bad idea," He admits.
"It's a great one," Hanzo adds, stepping to Takeda's side. "Which is why I'll join the tournament, too. It'll take the both of us to look after them from whatever Outworld or Raiden has to offer. Plus, Raiden will be satisfied with me and not pressure the rest of you in joining."
"Well what are the rest of us supposed to do?" Cassie asks. "Stay here and hope we can catch the tournament on pay-per-view?"
"I was actually going to request the service of you and your team, Cassandra Cage," Sub-Zero says. "There is someone I need to find that is hiding in New York City. With Frost disobeying me and joining the tournament, there's no one else I can trust to help carry out the task." Johnny raised his brow.
"Is this person a friend or a foe?" He asks. He wasn't about to send his daughter on some retrieval mission that could put her in danger.
"Hopefully friend," He says. Cassie casts a look in his direction but he just shrugs his shoulders.
"Your call," He says, leaving the decision to her. She glances at Kung Jin the back at Sub-Zero.
"We'll help you," she says, nodding towards Austin. "He needs the experience." The groups laughs as Takeda nudges the younger male.
"Then it's settled," Johnny says. "While all this is happening, Kenshi, Taven and I will be out looking for Fujin. It's probably not a coincidence that Raiden's making all these moves just after his disappearance."
"How to you expect to find him?" Sub-Zero asks.
"Sento will guide us," Kenshi reveals, taking out his sword. Kung Jin un-crosses his arms.
"You got room for one more?" he asks. Cassie gives him a look.
"Seeing as how Jacqui and Takeda will be gone," Johnny points out. "It's probably best you go with Cassie."
"Not me, old man," Kung Jin replies. "Lao. Now that his soul has returned he's been dying to help out. You guys were his friends, I can't think of a better way to help him settle back into things."
"Of course," Kenshi says, putting away his sword. "So we're all aware of our mission."
"Find Fujin, find Sub-Zero's hopefully friend, and watch out for the others during the tournament," Takeda sums up. "Did I miss anything?"
"Just know that Raiden isn't the same god that helped us so many times before," Johnny warns. "He's dangerous now, so be on alert with him for now on."
"And try to stay alive," Hanzo adds. Johnny puts on his shades.
"That, too."
Here's the latest update everyone, with the roster of the first tournament. In Earthrealm's corner will be Sonya Blade, Jacqui Briggs, Takeda Takahashi, Frost, and Scorpion while Outworld will be protected by Ferra/Torr (who count as one warrior), Reptile, Li Mei, Erron Black, and Jek'al. Liu Kang has yet to reveal his plan as he continues to train Jubei and work with the Black Dragon and continues to push Kitana away. Shang Tsung is still helping Mileena recover, his motives also hidden while the mysterious Edenian Lorelei travels with Ashrah to find Bo'Rai Cho, unaware she's caught the attention of Tanya and Rain. Sub-Zero teams up with Cassie and her team to find his long lost nephew/niece and Kenshi and Johnny Cage work together with Taven and Kung Lao to find Fujin. There are still six characters that have yet to make an appearance, four of them being OC's and the other two, Shujinko and Kurtis Stryker, only being mentioned. This story is about to begin and I hope you are all enjoying every second of it.