Earthrealm-Lost Kid's Treehouse
Alkaia was worried for Kaiyo, they all were. Ever since she ran away from her abusive father in the Bronx and joined up with the Lost Kids she's known that the group has been watching out and protecting Kaiyo. She never asked why but as her and her aluminum bat climbed up the ranks as one of the group's strongest fighters, her friendship with Kaiyo grew. She didn't know demons existed, thought it was something humans made up to hide their own monstrosities within themselves, but one thing she did know was that she cared for Kaiyo and wouldn't let anything happen to him. Now she was in a room with Orithia, Kaiyo, and a couple of the older kids.
"We can't keep them locked up forever," she eventually says. "They're Special Forces, someone will know they're missing." It's been about a day since the three of them captured Sub-Zero and his military friends. Orithia continues to pace the room, weighing out her options as leader. Kaiyo also seems stressed, but more so because people are stressing about him.
"Maybe I should make a run for it," Kaiyo suggests. "It makes no sense-"
"No," Orithia quickly denies. She turns to face them now. "This is your home, too, Kaiyo. The Lost Kids got your back no matter what." Alkaia and the other kids are nodding their heads in approval when the power to the building suddenly shuts down. Kaiyo quickly runs to the back of the room to switch on the emergency generator and Alkaia is quick to get on the computer, bringing up three figures breaking into their building.
"I got more intruders," she says.
"Special Forces?" Orithia asks. Alkaia studies the symbol on their suits more carefully, frowning.
"Worse," she says. "Black Dragon." There were several gangs out here in New York and not too long ago the Black Dragon were one of them until the Lost Kids drew them out. Her eyes shift to the camera on Sub-Zero's group. She watches as the ice ninja freezes the bars around them and breaks them free. "Shit! Sub-Zero and the other's are out too!"
"Let's move, Lost Kids!" Orithia orders. "Take out anyone who isn't us!" Alkaia shouts in agreement before grabbing her bat and running out into the halls.
Outworld- Main Arena
Je'kal approached the arena along with his fellow Outworld combatants, minus Li Mei. It was time for the next battle and this time it would be Raiden who chose the opponents. Queen Sheeva walked by his side, agreeing to continue to mentor him during the tournament.
"What decision do you predict the thunder god to make?" Jek'al asks. Sheeva keeps looking forward as they continue walking.
"Riaden is no fool," she says. "He knows that the strongest fighters Kotal Khan has is you and Ferra/Torr, but he also knows that Ferra/Torr are useless if separated. He has yet to seen you in battle, though, so I feel it is between you and them."
"Who would he pair us against?"
"Scorpion," She says. "The assassin is the deadliest warrior I've seen from Earthrealm." She stops talking as they finally reach the arena, just as Raiden and the other Earthrealm warriors arrive. Kotal Khan rises from his throne and the crowd grows silent.
"Raiden," He calls out. "Who from my Outworld warriors will be fighting today?"
"I am selecting your Shokan, Jek'al!" Raiden announces. Jek'al growls as he rips out his cape and makes his way to the middle of the arena.
"I belong to no one, false god!" He proclaims. He smirks when he hears the cheerful roars of the Shokan behind him. Raiden narrows his eyes, before meeting the eyes of the blonde woman beside him. She nods her head and makes her way to the arena. Kotal Khan extends his hands.
"The next match will be between Jek'al and Sonya Blade!" He announces. As the crowd cheers, Jek'al turns to Sheeva.
"She is the leader of the Special Forces," she tells him. "She's older now but in her prime she has defeated several Shokan warriors, including myself. Don't underestimate her."
"Thank you," He says, facing his opponent. "I won't let you down." He watches as the woman tightens her gloves, rolling out her shoulder before taking a fighting stance.
"This won't take long," she mutters. He smirks.
"Indeed," he replies. Like a true Shokan he charges the woman immediately. Despite her age, Sonya Blade does extremely well dodging his attacks. He sends a karate chop, predicting the woman to jump out of the way. He grabs her with his lower left hand and whirls her around. She's quick to recover, wrapping her body around his arm to bring him down in an arm bar. Before the pressure to his elbow becomes unbearable, he uses his remaining three arms to break her loose and throwing her to the ground. He hears her grunt as she slams into the ground and he runs to finish her off.
"Jek'al, no!" Sheeva warns, but it's too late. Sonya Blade quickly rolls up, blowing him a kiss full a pink powder that quickly gets in his eyes. He yells in pain, trying to wipe the powder away, but it gets difficult to do once Sonya begins her onslaught. After a series of attacks he takes a final kick to the head and he falls on his back. He lets out a growl as he finally wipes away the remaining powder from his eyes. He will not be defeated, he trained too long for this. Just as Sonya Blade tries to stomp him with her boot, he grabs her, twisting her ankle until she cries out in pain. He throws her to ground, pinning her down with two of his arms as he slams his elbow directly on her back. When he rises to his feet, Sonya Blade stays on the ground. He looks up to see the entire arena on its feet, the Shokan especially roaring with cheers. He goes to Sheeva's knowing smile to Raiden's frown, then up to Kotal Kahn, who stands up proudly.
"The winner of this round is Jek'al of Outworld!"
Earthrealm- Lost Kid's Treehouse
Thanks to this mission, Cassie Cage is swearing off kids for the rest of her life. The way she was dodging bullets it was no wonder these little brats were abandoned. Of course, as soon as she voiced this opinion Kung Jin had to make her feel bad about not having to go through what they did. She could have brought up that she had to deal with saving humanity from the end of the world, but decided against it. Besides, once Sub-Zero broke them free they were both agreeing to leave this place. Now they were running from the demon children from New York, hoping not to run into Orithia.
"Are you sure we should leave Sub-Zero by himself?" Austin asks, weakly. He's still recovering from the blow to the head that Alkaia served him.
"If he wants to chase after a nephew that wants to kill him, he can be my guest," Cassie says, smiling at the young male. "Although I'm sure you're just looking for a reason to run into Alkaia again. Austin blushes slightly and shrugs his shoulders.
"She was kind of cute," He admits. Cassie is about to tease him more when she notices a slight chill in the air. She quickly makes them both duck as a claw hammer narrowly misses them. Kung Jin is quick to raise his bow at Kaiyo, who is advancing towards them.
"I don't wanna kill my new found uncle, just gonna slap him around a bit. Oh, and Alkaia thought you were pretty cute too," He reveals, smirking as he glances at Kung Jin. "Me and her usually have different taste in men." Cassie's eyes widen at that bit of truth, glancing at the Shaolin Warrior herself.
"Maybe if you flirt with him we can get out of here," she says, being totally serious.
"Shut up," He mutters. With dead focus he shoots an arrow at Kaiyo but it's easily smacked away with his other claw hammer. Kaiyo's eyes change from playful to deadly and she can almost see the resemblance between him and Sub-Zero had it not been for the demon tattoo covering a part of his face. Kung Jin turns to her.
"I'll take care of him, get Austin out of here," He says.
"I already took you down once, Robin Hood," Kaiyo mocks, ice forming under his boots. "You sure you don't wanna let blondie take this one."
"I was going easy on you," Jin replies. Cassie wants to argue his point, but figures Jin knows what he's getting himself into. Who knows, they might even make out after rolling around a little bit.
"I'll come back as soon as Austin is secure," she says, walking away. Immediately Kaiyo goes after her but Kung Jin stops him and the two quickly engage in a fight, Jin getting the first punch to the face. Ok, so maybe they wouldn't make out. Cassie turns the corner into a hall that has a garage at the end of the building. She leans Austin against the wall before pulling the chains to open the door. She let's a sigh of relief escape her lips when she is greeted with the noise of the city. At least she can get away from the Children of the Corn.
"Cassandra Cage," A male voice calls out, smooth and chilling. "I've always looked forward to the day we'd meet." Cassie looks around to see a young male, about her age, walk out of the shadows. He seem's a bit familiar in the face, but she doesn't recognize him. She does recognize the logo on his chest plate though.
"Look I'm so not in the mood to deal with the Black Dragon tonight," she says. "Why don't you tell Kano that I'll take a rain check and that my mom will be sure to make it up to him in person." The male laughs and he runs a hand through his blonde curls.
"I was hoping we wouldn't have to carry out the rivalry our parents share with each other," He says, feigning a hurt expression. Even Austin perks up at this information reveal.
"Is he saying what I think he's saying?" He asks. Cassie shakes her head in disbelief.
"You're-you're Kano's son?" she asks. The male grins.
"Can't get nothing passed you!" He teases. "Claude's the name. Look you're a cute little thing, we don't have to resort to violence. Just stay out of my team's way while we take your little ice friend and-HEY!" He ducks in time so that the trash can lid thrown by Cassie just misses him.
"You lost me at cute, little thing," she tells him, circling him. Claude doesn't lose that arrogant look on his face.
"I usually don't play rough with the girls," He continues to tease.
"This girl is gonna make you her bitch," she spits, throwing two quick jabs before sweeping out his legs. He jumps up to avoid her and continues to dance around her, laughing as she struggles to land a hit on her.
"Don't hurt yourself, sweetheart," He says, avoiding another kick to the head. Cassie is beginning to get frustrated as she tries to attack him. She couldn't beat Alkaia and now she can't even land a hit on this loser. She tries again to hit him but he grabs her arm and twists her. Her back is now pushed against his chest and she struggles as she feels him laugh in her ear. "My father made sure I studied all your moves, you can't surprise me."
"Didn't your father tell you?" She grunts. "I'm full of surprises." Without warning Cassie drops into the split and throws her elbow back, right into Claude's balls. The male cries out in agony that is sweet to Cassie's ears as she rises to her feet and slams her knee into his head. He falls to the ground and rolls away just as Sub-Zero enters with Orithia and Alkaia. Sub-Zero turns to the tall woman.
"I told you Kaiyo won't be safe here!" He says. A huge explosion somewhere in the building rocks everyone off balance and Austin fails to notice the giant light above him break off the ceiling until its falling down towards him.
"Austin!" Cassie yells, running to him. Alkaia reaches him first, tackling him out of harm's way. Cassie is quick to pull him away from her though and is ready for round two.
"Easy," Alkaia says, throwing her hands up. "We're on the same side now."
"Says who?" Cassie asks.
"Says me," Orithia answers. "I should've believed Sub-Zero when he warned us about the danger coming for Kaiyo."
"There's no time for this," Sub-Zero says. "Cassie where's the male you were fighting?"
"He was right-" Cassie cuts herself off as she stares at the empty floor where Claude was lying. "Bitch!"
"He probably went to go help his friend with the explosives," Alkaia says, helping Austin to his feet.
"The explosion was near the east side of the building," Cassie says, regaining her cool. "That's where Kung Jin and Kaiyo were fighting."
"Then we must hurry!" Sub-Zero says. Without another word the group heads in the direction of the explosion, no one noticing when Claude revealed himself from the shadows and escaped the building.
Outworld- Bo Rai Cho's Training Dojo
It was bittersweet that Lorelei had finally reached Bo Rai Cho, the man who could possibly help her with her identity, but at the cost of Ashrah's health. After the attack by Queen Nitara and her royal servant, Bo Rai Cho lead them back to his cottage where he put Ashrah in a private room to try to save her. Lorelei was left with her thoughts in one of the training rooms. After several hours of waiting Lorelei was getting anxious. The door to the training room opened and in walked Shujinko, Bo Rai Cho's assistant.
"I've brought you some tea," the old man tells her, setting down a tray.
"Thank you," She says, taking a cup and bringing the liquid to her lips. It's bitter and she can't help but make a face. Shujinko notices and smiles.
"Sorry," He says. "Our non-alcoholic choices aren't as great seeing as Bo Rai Cho never drinks them."
"And what about you?"
"I've grown a great taste for wine myself," He answers. They remain in silence until Bo Rai Cho finally arrives from his private room. Lorelei feels her chest tighten as she steps forward.
"How is she?" She asks. She feels as though she's going to throw up when Bo Rai Cho sighs and shakes his head.
"The poison in her blood is too great. I'm afraid she only has moments left," He reveals. He brings a flask to his lips and takes several sips before wiping his mouth. "She wishes to see you." Lorelei's eyes grow slightly before she nods her head. She's having a hard time breathing as she walks into the room, her eyes immediately catching Ashrah's weakened body lying down on a bunch of cushions. Ashrash sees her and smiles.
"I told you I would get you to Bo Rai Cho," She says softly. Lorelei smiles and kneels next to her.
"And I will forever be grateful," she tells her. "I'm so sorry this happened to you, Ashrah."
"I'm not," The woman replies, looking up at the ceiling. "I feel as though I've served my purpose helping you, Lorelei. You've been blessed by the heavens to help our realms in this crisis, I'm sure. And for that, dying feels like an accomplishment. " As tears fill her eyes Lorelei reaches out and takes Ashrah's hand.
"Thank you," She whispers. Satisfied with her words, Ashrah smiles softly as she closes her eyes. In few moments, she is gone. Lorelei stays with her however until her own breath begins to get shallow and images she could only assume are her forgotten memories begin to cloud her mind. She's outside of a royal palace, battling a female ninja clad in royal blue. As the fight goes on she can tell that neither of them are trying their best, they're simply sparring. At one point Lorelei gets the upper hand and trips the other woman to the ground. The other female seems stunned at first but then starts laughing. Lorelei starts laughing with her and the moment is sweet as she returns back to reality.
"Those markings," Bo Rai Cho's voice speaks, making her jump in surprise. "I've seen those before." Lorelei still rests her eyes on Ashrah.
"Ashrah told me they were ancient Edenian," she says. "But I have no memory as to who I am or why they appear."
"Yes," He says, studying her. "You will find your answer with the god of wind, Fujin. He was constantly visiting Edenia during it's Golden Age, he could translate your markings with no trouble." Hope fills Lorelei's eyes as she rises to her feet.
"Where can I find him?" She asks. Bo Rai Cho's eyes narrow.
"That is the problem," He says. "I've lost contact with Fujin for quite awhile now. I plan on sending Shujinko to Earthrealm to locate him."
"Then I shall go too," Lorelei says, glancing at Ashrah. "Her sacrifice will not be wasted."
"Very well," Bo Rai Cho says, drinking out of his flask. "I shall open a portal for you and then I must go back to Outworld's tournament to see how Kotal Khan is faring against Raiden's forces." Lorelei nods her head, noticing the markings on her body slowly fading away. Now she must look for this god of wind and hopefully discover her purpose here.
Earthrealm- Lost Kid's Treehouse
Despite how he thought things were going to go, Kaiyo was having a really good time. Had he been worried when Special Forces showed up looking for him? Yeah. His whole life he was told that one day someone bad was going to come after him, how else was he supposed to feel. But now, as he fought with the attractive one with the bow, he started enjoying himself more and more. He dodges another arrow before he sends out his own ice ball. It slams into the other male, who grunts at the impact.
"Didn't know demons could even conceive children," He says.
"Would you stop calling me that?" Kaiyo asks, annoyed. "I don't even have, like, demon powers." Kung Jin raises his eyebrow.
"And how do you know that your ice abilities aren't from your demon heritage?" He asks. Kaiyo rolls his eyes.
"Because there's a thing called a public library?" He responds. "Once my powers developed I did some research and it all linked me back to Sub-Zero and the Lin Kuei." He knew who Sub-Zero was as soon as he appeared that night at the club. He was the clan's headmaster and also had the ability to control ice. He didn't know he was related to the dude though. The remaining mystery were the markings on his face. The only thing he was able to find on them were images of the demons who invaded Earth a bunch of years ago that had similar markings. He thought he could dismiss that he was one of them on the account that he was super attractive and they weren't but after Kung Jin shouted it at him he figured they knew more about it than him.
"Why didn't you reach out to Sub-Zero?" Jin asked. Kaiyo sighs, figuring they were done fighting.
"Well if the dude wanted to meet me so bad how come he never did?" Kaiyo shot back.
"He didn't know you existed!" Kung Jin answered. Kaiyo grimaced. This whole conversation was just too adult for him.
"Look can we just get back to the touching and loud grunting?" He asks, smirking when Kung Jin makes an embarrassed face.
"I used to think like you," Kung Jin starts, looking away. "I thought I didn't need the Shaolin to reach my potential."
"Who says I even wanna reach my potential?" He asks. "Seriously you guys don't even-" He trails off as a small sphere rolls in between them. Kaiyo's eyes widen before Kung Jin pulls him away from the explosion. They take cover behind a bunch of storage and when the dust clears two figures, a male and a female, are blocking their exit. Kaiyo notices that they're Black Dragon, a gang they haven't seen on their streets in years. The male of the pair smirks at him.
"That was just a warning shot," He says, opening his jacket to reveal all his explosives. "Next time you won't be so lucky."
"What do you want?" Kung Jin demands. "Did Kano send you."
"All we want is the young cryomancer," The male explains.
"We shouldn't be revealing our motives, Piezo," the girl says. The male, Piezo, just shrugs his shoulders. Kaiyo moves closer to Kung Jin.
"If I get close enough, I can freeze the dude's explosives," He whispers. "You just need to distract the girl." Kung Jin nods his head slightly and steps away. The pair seem to stop bickering to look back at them when Kaiyo smirks.
"Last I heard of the Black Dragon was when y'all's leader was beaten by an Outworld emperor," He says. "Still as spineless as ever right?"
"Oh, you have jokes?" Piezo asks, taking out his knife.
"Gotta have humor to survive this city," Kaiyo replies. Before the other can react, Kaiyo creates a path of ice and slides towards Piezo, elbowing him before punching him in the chest. Kung Jin takes his cue and sends arrows towards the girl's direction. She manages to avoid them but Jin is quick on her tail. Piezo comes up but Kaiyo is quick to slam him back down with his claw hammer. He presses his boot to the other's neck before he shoots a beam of ice to his jacket, making the explosives useless. Piezo continues struggling for breath before Kaiyo puts him out of his misery with his hammer. He quickly whips around to see the girl had managed to get really close to Kung Jin, who was just standing there with a blank expression.
"Listen to my voice," she whispers. "You don't wanna hurt me, you wanna hurt yourself." Kaiyo watched with a horrid expression on his face as Kung Jin nodded his head, taking out an arrow and bringing it towards his eye.
"Whoa!" He shouts, sliding towards them before tackling the Shaolin warrior to the ground. He quickly freezes the man to the ground so he doesn't hurt himself before turning to the female. "And what the hell do they call you."
"I'm Opal," she answers. "The hypnotic new member of the Black Dragon." She smiles, preparing to fight when the doors suddenly burst open. In walks Orithia and Alkaia with Sub-Zero, Cassie Cage, and Austin. Opal frowns before throwing several smoke bombs on the ground. When it's cleared, her and Piezo are gone. Alkaia is the first to run up to him, quickly wrapping her arms around her best friend.
"Are you alright?" she asks.
"I'm fine," He says, glancing at Kung Jin. "But I think that girl hypnotized him." Cassie and Austin go to their comrade while his lost uncle stares at him.
"You're not safe here," He says. "The Black Dragon are for hire. I fear the one responsible for their attack will bring much worse to retrieve you. We must leave and put you under the protection of the Lin Kuei." Kaiyo stared at the other man, his ice cold eyes matching the other's.
"If I go," He finally says. "I go for training, not protection." Sub-Zero seems relieved before finally bowing to his nephew.
"It would be my honor to train my nephew."
"Oh and Alkaia comes with," He adds. Alkaia and the others seemed surprised by this, except for Orithia who has a knowing smile.
"What about the Lost Kids?" Alkaia asks.
"I can handle the kids," Orithia says. "Besides I'll sleep better at night knowing you two are watching each other's backs. I support it one hundred percent."
"Very well," Sub-Zero says, turning to Alkaia. "Alkaia it would be an honor to have you join us as well." Kung Jin begins to mumble as Cassie finally breaks the ice restraining him. He's rubbing his head as she and Austin bring him to his feet.
"I can't even remember what just happened," He says.
"You almost stabbed yourself in the face with your arrow," Kaiyo explains.
"We should get going and try to contact my dad," Cassie says. "Or Takeda, to see how the tournament is going."
"Very well," He says. "Let's head back to the jet." Kaiyo smiles at Alkaia.
"Looks like we're finally getting out of the city," He beams. Alkaia sighs.
"Yeah looks like we are."
Hey everyone thank you for being patient with the updates! So the next update will reveal the final character in my roster for the story (another OC) and I was wondering if you guys would be interested in like a story dedicated to intro dialogue just because it might be fun? Reviews are always appreciated and if you like the story go ahead and follow it. Thank you all for the continuous support!