Earthrealm- Special Forces Headquarters
It was the morning Cassie was dreading. Raiden would announce who his five warriors would be and then they will all leave to Outworld to begin the tournament. She wasn't even going to pretend to hope that he chooses someone other than her mom, Jacqui, and Takeda because she'd be wasting her time. They're too badass for Raiden to pass up. She hurries to pack her bags before leaving her room to meet the others. The plan was to leave with Sub-Zero after Raiden is gone to find this new ally of his. As she heads to the main station, she spots Takeda.
"Hey Cas," He greets, although not as cheerful as he usually is. It's hard to be this cheerful when you're in this type of situation, she knows, but seeing Takeda being affected by it makes it that much realer in her eyes. "When do you guys leave?"
"As soon as we know Raiden is gone," She tells him. "Make sure you or Hanzo don't give anything away."
"It's a good thing I'm the one who can read minds," He teases. They're just about to reach the main room when Cassie grabs his shoulder.
"Takeda," she says. "No matter what happens, look after my mom and Jacqui."
"You know I will," He promises. Satisfied, she nods her head and they enter the main room, where everyone else has already gathered around Raiden. Cassie takes her place near her father as Takeda does the same. She spots Jacqui not too far away with Kung Jin, and from the way they're both frowning she can tell they got in an argument. Raiden lifts up his hand, ready to speak.
"Before I announce who will represent Earthrealm in the tournament, is there anyone else who wishes to volunteer?" He asks, glancing towards Kenshi and her dad. They both remain silent, a first for her father, and Raiden shakes his head in disappointment. "Very well. The five warriors I have chosen are: Frost of the Lin Kuei, Hanzo Hasashi and Takeda Takahashi of the Shirai Ryu, and Sonya Blade and Jacqui Briggs of the Special Forces." Each of them steps forward, Cassie can see the disappointment on Sub-Zero's face as Frost puffs out her chest proudly. Raiden waves around his hand and a portal opens. "You may say your goodbyes, I shall be waiting on the other side." He steps into the portal and vanishes. Frost turns to Sub-Zero and bows.
"I will make the Lin Kuei proud!" She tells him. Sub-Zero shakes his head.
"Step through that portal and there will be no Lin Kuei for you to return to," He tells her. Frost is clearly shocked by this but the emotion quickly changes to hate and anger.
"You always were jealous of me," She hisses. "Couldn't handle the idea of someone being a better Cryomancer than you! Beware, Sub-Zero, when I win the tournament, I will come back and there will be a new headmaster!" She storms off, vanishing into the portal. Hanzo is talking to the rest of his clan as Kenshi hugs Takeda goodbye. Cassie notices Jacqui approaching and smiles.
"I'd feel a lot better if you were watching my back," Jacqui confesses. Cassie pulls her into a hug.
"My dad needs me here," She tells her. "Besides, that right hook of yours is going to take out half the competition in one swing." That earns a laugh from the other girl and the two best friends pull away when Sonya appears.
"Special Forces is under your command while I'm gone," She says. Cassie nods her head.
"Yes, sir," She says. They hug each other and Cassie leans in to her mother's ear.
"Watch out for Jacqui," she whispers.
"Of course," Sonya says. They break apart and the two women join Hanzo and Takeda before entering the portal. The portal finally disappears and the rom is left empty of any energy from Raiden. The rest of the Shirai Ryu start to leave and Sub-Zero sends his clan away before approaching her, Austin, and Kung Jin.
"Sonneth is waiting for us outside," He reveals. "We shall ride him to New York City." Cassie fights the urge to laugh right in his face.
"You're kidding right?" She asks. "We aren't about to fly into New York on the back of a freaking ice dragon, that's just asking for unwanted attention."
"Very well. What do you consider?" He asks. Cassie turns to her teammates and grins widely.
"Well since I happen to be the new commander of the Special Forces," she says. "We can take the jet."
"Nice!" Austin exclaims.
"You're mom will kill you," Kung Jin tells her before grinning as well. "Let's do it."
"It's settled then," Sub-Zero says. "I'll have Sonneth fly back to the temple. We'll leave immediately."
"Not before Cassie says goodbye to her old man," Johnny interrupts. Cassie rolls her eyes as he pulls her into a tight bear hug. "Be careful out there in the Big Apple, the paparazzi there are ruthless."
"I remember," she says, noting back to the time she was eight and her dad took her to the city to promote one of his movies. The people taking pictures were so rude he ended up punching one and breaking his jaw. Her dad chuckles as he pulls away, his attention being taken away by someone walking through the entrance.
"Well I'll be damned!" He says with a smile on his face. Cassie turns around to see Kung Lao walking towards them.
"Sorry I'm late, didn't want Raiden to see me," He says. Cassie could understand why. Jin's older cousin is in much better shape than when she last saw him, looking like the great Shaolin warrior her dad would praise when she was a child. His appearance would definitely make Raiden suspicious as to how he got his soul returned.
"Now that we're all here," Kenshi says. "I think it's best we all begin on our separate journeys."
"Any leads on where to find Fujin?" Sub-Zero asks. Kenshi takes out his sword.
"The sento is telling me to check Raiden's hidden islands. That'll be the first destination," He says.
"Then I guess that's settled," Johnny says. "Everyone move out!" The group breaks apart, Cassie heading back to her room to get her bags before making her way to the jet. She doesn't know what's waiting for her in New York, but whatever it is, she hopes they can help her stop whatever evil Raiden is planning.
Outworld-Golden Desert
After their encounter with Jarek, Ashrah and Lorelei made sure that they avoided breaking into any more supply areas that used to belong to the Black Dragon. Ashrah explained that the Black Dragon were a gang of mercenaries from another realm called Earth who were hired by previous Outworld rulers to do their biding. Their alliance with Outworld was ruined when they betrayed the current ruler, Kotal Khan.
"This emperor," Lorelei asked. "Is he friend or foe?"
"He is neither," Ashrah answered. "As long as we keep to ourselves." And so they did, traveling through the scorching heat of the Golden Desert to find the Outworld teacher, Bo Rai Cho. Lorelei understood why she needed to see him. According to Ashrah, he would be able to translate the markings on her body. Ashrah was seeking refuge, stating that the new ruler of the Netherrealm was planning horrible things. It makes Lorelei wonder why she was in the Netherrealm in the first place.
"We're getting close," She says, as a bamboo forest comes to sight. The sun is finally beginning to set and it looks like they will be able to reach their destination by nightfall. Lorelei continues to walk when suddenly Ashrah's hand sticks out, blocking her path.
"What is it?" she whispers. She watches as Ashrah scans the sky, uncertainty and suspicion in her eyes. Finally she lets out a short gasp before she pushes Lorelei back and takes out her sword. Almost immediately two winged shadows rush her but she manages to swipe away their attacks. They land a few feet away from them and Lorelei is able to make them out. The pair is a male and female. They're both tall with jet black hair and fangs, but the male seems to be more dressed like a warrior while the female reminds her of some type of royal.
"Vampire," Ashrah hisses, tightening her grip on her sword. "State your purpose!"
"The sword," The male answers, stepping forward. "Give us the sword and you shall be spared."
"Never!" Ashrah replies immediately. Lorelei has never seen her so angry before. "This sword saved my life!"
"You think it saved your life," The woman says. "But the truth is that sword is a danger to our kind and I will not allow it's existence as long as I draw breath."
"And as long as I draw breath," Ashrah says. "The sword stays with me." The female looks at the male and nods. They quickly sink their fangs into their own flesh, licking the blood that seeps through the wounds. Lorelei doesn't know what to think of it but doesn't have time to before they take out their own weapons and charge at them. Ashrah anticipates this and is able to smack the female off course.
"My queen!" The male yells. The woman lets out a hiss.
"I got this bitch!" She yells. "Take care of the Edenian!" Lorelei takes a defensive stance as the male starts to circle her, his sword aimed at her.
"It's been so long since I've laid eyes on an Edenian, especially one with those markings," He says. Lorelei lets go of her stance to gape at the male.
"You know what my markings mean?" she asks. His answer is a war cry as he swings down his sword. Lorelei rolls out of the way, feelings her markings begin to illuminate as well as the familiar energy flow through her body. She extends her had and lets a powerful blast of emerald energy shoot out but the vampire takes flight and dodges it. He then dive kicks Lorelei to the ground and she lets out a grunt on impact. She kip flips back to her feet and ducks from another swing before elbowing the male in the jaw. She slams her knee to his gut before grabbing his head and throws him to the ground.
"Lorelei!" Ashrah screams. Lorelei turns around to see the female wrapped behind her friend before she sinks her teeth into her neck. Ashrah lets out a painful scream as she struggles to break free.
"NO!" Lorelei yells, shooting out another blast of energy, hitting the woman directly in the face. She falls back but flies up in the air as she shakes away the hit.
"Ethrot!" She calls, reaching out her hand. Lorelei watches as the male flies towards her and, as soon as they grab hands, teleport away. Lorelei is quick at Ashrah's side, resting the woman's head on her knees as she inspects her wounds. A black ooze is leaking from Ashrah's neck, and the girl is struggling to breath. Lorelei is quick to be in tears.
"I-I don't know what to do," She confesses, the fear of losing her only friend seeping through her body. "Tell me what to do."
"Step aside!" A male voice yells. Lorelei turns around to see two men running towards her. One is rather large and the other is very aged, still she trusts no one. She quickly forms another energy blast, preparing to launch it.
"Who are you?" she demands.
"I am Bo Rai' Cho," he says, out of breath when he reaches them. He gently pushes her out of the way as he lifts Ashrah in her arms "Step aside, the vampires you were battling were Nitara and Ethrot, the queen and her most trusted knight."
"Was she bit, master?" The old man asks.
"She was," He confirms, turning to Lorelei. "Royal vampire have the ability to kill their opponents with a single bite if their fangs are laced with their own blood. Their blood contains very deadly toxins."
"Can you save her?" Lorelei asks, looking desperately at her friend. Bo Rai' Cho doesn't answer he just lets out a sigh.
"We must hurry to my cottage," He says. "There isn't time to waste. Shujinko, Lead the way!" The old man nods and starts running to the forest, Bo Rai Cho right behind him. Lorelei still isn't sure if she should trust this man, but right now he's the only hope Ashrah has. With that in mind, Lorelei takes off in a run to catch up to the others.
Earthrealm-New York City
Kung Jin knew he wasn't going to like New York City before they even arrived, but being here now really made him hate the place. The streets were over crowded with the rudest people, he almost got in a fight with some guy in a suit, and there was just so much noise. Sub-Zero seemed to be in the same boat as him but Cassie and Austin looked fine. In fact, he already had to tell Cassie she couldn't go off shopping a few times already. They had a mission and that was to find whoever it was Sub-Zero needed to find. The group managed to break free from the crowd of corporate zombies and waited on an empty street. The sun had finally set and night was taking over, luckily for them though this city was always illuminated.
"So how are we supposed to find this friend of yours?" Austin asks, taking a bite out of a pretzel he got from a nearby stand. "We don't even know if they're a boy or a girl."
"That's because I don't know," Sub-Zero reveals. "All I know is that they belong to a gang of youth known as the Lost Kids. And...they could quite possibly be a cryomancer." Kung Jin and Cassie made eye contact before Cassie looks back at the grandmaster.
"How exactly do you know this person?" she asks.
"They are the lost child of my brother, Bi-Han," He says. "Before he disappeared, Fujin told me that finding them was important."
"Well that's going to be difficult," Austin says. "There's millions of people living in this city." Kung Jin lets out another sigh. The rookie was right, Sub-Zero wasn't giving them much to go on. Luckily for them, Kung Jin is an expert from gathering information from the streets. He glances around until he finds a dirty looking kid picking stuff out of a garbage.
"Follow me," He says, making his way to the kid. The little one notices them and is quick to take out a knife. Kung Jin raises his hands up int he air. "Whoa! We just want to talk, little man."
"Talking ain't cheap," the kid says, crossing his arms. Kung Jin glances at the group before Cassie rolls her eyes and hands the kid a ten.
"Better be good," she mumbles. Kung Jin ignores her, instead focuses on the kid's jacket.
"Want to tell me about those initials?" He asks. Printed on the kid's jacket were a bold "L.K." The kid grins as he puffs out his chest with pride.
"I'm a lost kid!" He announces. "All the homeless kids are apart of the Lost Kids." Kung Jin nods before motioning to Cassie to hand the kid more money, this time she does it without complaining.
"Where do you all hang out?" He asks. The kid grins even more.
"Follow me!" He says, before breaking off into a sprint towards the back alleys. The group is quick to stay behind him, turning through several corners and streets. Kung Jin starts hearing a low hum, that gets louder and louder.
"Is he taking us to a club?" Austin asks. Sure enough, the kid stops by a run down building that has a line at the entrance. The club music seems to be coming from inside. Guarding the door are a male and female who look to be about Austin's age. The girl has her brown hair pulled back in a loose ponytail and wields an aluminum bat. She's wearing jeans with several rips in them and a tank top that's just as torn apart as well as a pair of sneakers. The male is in shorts that end mid-thigh with a pair of stylish boots. He's wearing an open jacket with no shirt and has a mask that covers the top half of his face. In each hand is a claw hammer, a tool he never really thought of as a weapon but easily understands it's danger. They're both short, even smaller than Cassie as they search through each of their guests. Kung Jin can't help but glance over the male's revealed skin and looks away, only to see that Austin is just as guilty with the female. The kid skips to the pair.
"Alkaia! Kaiyo!" He calls out. The pair smile at the boy but frown when they see Kung Jin and the others behind him.
"Who are your friends, Tommy?" Alkaia asks, gripping her bat. Her eyes glare at the group and when Kung Jin looks at the male, Kaiyo, he appears to do the same through his mask. Sub-Zero must be sensing what kind of situation they're in because he quickly steps forward.
"We mean no threat," He says, showing his ice hands. "We're just looking for someone who's apart of your group. They would've been apart of your group for quite awhile now and should be able to control the element of ice." Tommy's eyes brighten.
"Oh you must mean-"
"Shut it, Tommy!" Kaiyo interrupts, shoving the boy inside the club. "Go watch adventure time." The kid happily obliges and waves goodbye to the group. Kung Jin notices the pair of guards speak silently through their eyes before returning their attention to them.
"How do we know you're not cops?" She asks. "NYPD has been trying to bring us down for years now."
"We're apart of Special Forces," Cassie admits. "But we have no interest in arresting anybody. Truth be told, we need help from the person you're hiding."
"Who says we're hiding?" Alkaia asks, stepping up with her bat. Kaiyo grips her shoulder.
"Easy," He says, glancing at Kung Jin. He smirks before he lets his guard down. "You're probably talking about Orithia. She's the leader of the group, was basically here when it first started. Follow us." They head into the club but Kung Jin glances at the others, unsure.
"It could be a trap," Cassie says. Kung Jin nods his head before he looks into the club to see Kaiyo waiting on them, still smirking at the thief in particular as he adjusts the mask covering his face.
"It's the only lead we got," Sub-Zero says. "Let's just keep our guard up." They head into the club, Kung Jin quickly annoyed by all the moving bodies. Alkaia and Kaiyo lead them passed all the club goers until they reach stairs leading down to the basement. As they walk down, the music is drowned out by loud roars of cheers. When they finally arrive to their destination, Cassie scoffs.
"Talk about de ja vu," she says. In the center of the basement is a huge fight ring, a large crowd surrounding it. In the far corner is a room full of young kids watching television, Tommy being one of them. Alkaia points to the ring with her bat.
"Orithia is a little busy at the moment, but she should be able to talk to you soon," she says. Everyone follows her bat to see to who Kung Jin can only describe as an Amazon. Easily the tallest women he's ever seen, Orithia is physically intimidating as she easily slams her opponent to the ground. Only in a sports bra and spandex, what makes this girl even more bad ass is the spiked knuckles and spiked knee pads she's sporting. Her opponent is all bloody and confused but still tries to take a swing at her. She laughs as her mane of black hair whips around so she could deliver a powerful round house kick. Stunned, the other fighter falls. A young girl in a referee uniform begins to count and when she reaches ten she blows the whistle. The crowd goes crazy, even Alkaia and Kaiyo. Orithia begins to walk to the crowd, taking all the money they offer her before she spots the pair.
"How are my two favorite people?" She asks. Kaiyo leans forward to whisper in her ear. Her eyes narrow as she looks up at Sub-Zero. She finally nods her head and steps to the group. "My friends tell me you're looking for me. Why?" Kung Jin turns to Sub-Zero who is looking straight into the girl's eyes.
"If what my sources are telling is correct, then I am your uncle," he reveals. Orithia looks a little surprised before returning her face to neutral.
"Well," she says. "Then I guess we have a lot to talk about...dearest uncle."
Outworld-The Grand Hall
Traveling to Outworld was something Sonya always disliked. Maybe it had to do with the fact that the first time she went was by force after Shang Tsung and his Tarkatan warriors kidnapped her and used her as bait so Johnny, Jax, and the others would join the tournament hosted by Shao Kahn. They both did whatever they could to save her and that night was when she realized how much she cared for them. Which is why she was here now, climbing up the steps to Kotal Khan's Great Hall with Raiden and the other Earthrealm warriors. Ever since the first tournament she's constantly had her heart shattered with those two, from Jax losing his arms to Johnny almost dying and returning as a revenant. Even when they thought they were safe to start a family, both their daughters ended up being taken away from them. Then Jax died. Enough was enough, something she could agree with Raiden on. She had to do this for her family, and for Jax.
She looks over her shoulder to see Jacqui walking up the steps with Takeda. She had her father's determination as well as his heart and strength. It would be no surprise to Sonya to see Jacqui do so well at the tournament, as long as in the end one of them would take on Erron Black. Once they reached the top of the stairs Raiden lead the group through the crowds of Outworlders to their own dining table. Servants quickl began to serve them but hardly anyone touched their plates. They all stared at the front of the room, where Kotal Khan sat on his throne. Next to him were his bodyguards Ferra/Torr nibbling on what looked to be a cooked leg of some animal. As soon as everyone was in their seats, the room got silent and Kotal Khan rose from his throne.
"It had been more than a century since Outworld has hosted a Mortal Kombat tournament," He begins, his voice easily filling the entire room. "As ruler of your realm I have provided the strongest fighters to face off against Earthrealm's mightiest warriors. Before we begin our feast I will allow Raiden to introduce his fighters." Raiden glances at Skarlet, who has been silent this entire time, before he rises to his feet.
"Very well," he says. "First we have Sonya Blade, Commander of the Special Forces and a finalist of the last Mortal Kombat tournament hosted by Earthrealm." Sonya rises to her feet, the Outworlders in awe of her status.
"Next we have another finalist who also participated in the last tournament and grandmaster of the Shirai Ryu," He says. "Hanzo Hasashi, although commonly known back then as Scorpion." Sonya hears more murmurs among the crowd as Hanzo rises. As Jacqui, Takeda, and Frost were announced, however, the crowd grew silent. There's no way for them to know about their accomplishments outside their realm, Special Forces, the Lin Kuei, and the Shirai Ryu meaning nothing to them unless they were leaders like her and Hanzo. With introductions done, they all sit back into their seats as Kotal Khan rises again.
"Now to introduce my warriors," He says. "Coming from my very own royal guard are my bodyguards, Ferra/Torr; my spy, Reptile; and my assassin, Erron Black!" Torr roars as Ferra giggles but Sonya's focus quickly goes to the man making his way to the front of the room with Reptile.
"Jacqui, no!" Takeda says in a hushed yell, restraining Jacqui as she tries to lunge at Black. The cowboy notices this, smirking at them before covering his face with his bandanna. The crowd goes a bit loud, clearly fans of all three (four) of these warriors.
"Next, known as the protector of her people, Li Mei!" The crowd claps as the familiar girl in purple armor stands up to bow. Sonya believed to have a truce with Li Mei after sheltering her and her people during Outworld's civil war. Guess she shouldn't have expected much fron her, being from Outworld after all.
"And lastly, following the footsteps of his father, Prince Goro, will be Jek'al!" Kotal Khan announces. The crowd, particularly the Shokans, go crazy once the male reveals himself. Looking exactly like his father, but only younger, Jek'al puffs out his chest as Sheeva stands proudly next to him. Kotal Khan raises his glass, indicating everyone else to do the same. "The first match will be at dawn, where I will also announce who will be competing. Until then, enjoy the feast, and may the most courageous, win!"
SORRY FOR THE DELAYED UPDATE, LIFE HAS BEEN PRETTY REAL LATELY LOL. BUT ANYWAYS! I HOPE YOU ALL LIKE THIS CHAPTER AND CONTINUE TO GIVE SOME AWESOME REVIEWS. AND FOR THE LAST ANON, UNFORTUNATELY KRATOS WILL NOT BE FEATURES IN TO STORY.