Ryu and Ken
Closed eyes and a clear mind were the best way to keep himself focused and bring himself at peace. And he would need that sense of peace now.
Isolated on a mountaintop Ryu sat, meditating on the path he had walked and the one he would walk. Though his vision was dark to his shut eyes, he was not shut out. A voice called to him. Low, rumbling and dangerous. It kept saying the same thing.
'Kill them! Kill them! Kill them all!'
Ryu's concentration deepened as he focused in on his inner strength. For a moment it snuffed out this voice that called out to him. His brow furrowed and his scowl seemed to deepen when the voice came back louder than before.
'You cannot Deny ME!' it screeched in a voice so loud and violent Ryu though his ears would bleed. His body tensioned in his otherwise tranquil place and he felt weighed down now, with so much force on him that he would crack the ground he sat on. His brow furrowed beneath the blood red headband that seemed to tighten across his forehead. For this voice, called out for a desire. He knew where this came from, where it originated from.
Himself.
Ryu steadied himself in place, but he felt like he was breaking apart.
'Do you think you can take them on without me?!' it shouted. This time Ryu seemed as if he would answer but as he was about to take the bait a hand reached onto his shoulder to grip it from behind.
The grip was not fierce but formal. Regardless of it's intent within a flash Ryu's eyes shot open and he shot himself up to spin himself around, one hand gripping this figure back as the other fist reared back to strike it.
He stalled however at the very last possible moment. His eyes opened up even more, this time in shock to see none other than Ken Masters within his grip.
"Hey there easy now." Ken said amicably with his own hands up "That any way to treat an old friend?"
Ashamed and embarrassed Ryu released Ken from his left hand as he lowered his right "No. It is not." he agreed, his voice full of regret and shame "How are you?" he asked.
"Hm." Ken said as he straightened out his gi "Taking it better than you it seems." he said patting himself down "Master Gouken said you were feeling off."
"Hmm I see." Ryu said dropping his gaze, unable to look at Ken after what he was about to do. Long had he fought against the power he wielded. But as strong as the urge to use it was and as strong as he was to deny it, Ryu felt a change come over him recently. A hollow feeling inside that only seemed to be building, as if eating away at him from the inside out. A part of him that felt egged on by an approaching conflict and begged to be released on it. The worst part was that recently it was only getting stronger, and it all started with the arrivals of these new warriors. And whatever brought them here.
He had faced many in kombat before, in and outside of the World Warriors tournament. But these he faced now, they were unlike any he had encountered before. With a brutality to match their skill and tenacity that only made him think of the Satsui in Hado. He felt their sudden arrival almost instantly and with it the strength inside him seemed to fade. But the will to fight burned brighter and fiercer than before. Perhaps that was why he felt the call within him now more than ever. But he was wary of letting it release itself in kombat. He may have been thrilled to face new foes, but to meet them on such as he was. He was unsure of the outcome. Whether victory or defeat a burden was on him.
He went to Master Gouken first who naturally knew of this ailment. He warned Ryu to hold to his conviction and not tap into what he knew was goading him. Worse still, he told him of these other warriors who came not just from their world but other 'Realms' each for their own reason and purpose. But they would all klash in the end Gouken warned and this would be where Ryu must stand his ground. Or be swallowed by the power growing inside him.
Yet there were others like Akuma who dared him to dig in deeper, to find the bottom of this pit and unlock the unlimited potential he held. And use it on all who crossed him.
And these new warriors were the perfect target both agreed.
"Kinda lonely out here." Ken said as he looked around breaking Ryu's thoughts as he came up looking to him "Sure you're doing alright out here?"
"No..." Ryu answered "I came here at Masters request. To find the threat I face head on." he said though the threat was himeslf "And alone."
"But no progress?" Ken said putting his hands behind his head and sounding as if he already knew the outcome.
"No.." Ryu answered smally.
"Well what is it? And how would you know when you found it?"
"I sense a presence." Ryu told "A great evil. One outside in the world that I'm responding to. A desire to fight..." he paused and looked down to his fist though not with the usual desire he had "and kill." he said closing it.
He didn't see Kens face, but he managed a smile, despite not only the threat to the world but to his very friend "That's good." Ken said. Startled Ryu looked up to him.
"How can you-"
"Well, where there's great evil, there's great good right?" he said flashing a smile at him. Ryu didn't have his guard up for that comment. Despite his weariness Ryu managed a smile at that, and he felt alleviated already. Things were always easier when he had his friend beside him. He would need him now more than ever.
"Your right." he said and nodded, his voice lighter and sounding more at peace with himself. But there was a resolve in there as well. One to take this challenge head on as he needed to. "Perhaps that is all the concentration I need." he said. If he had come out here to find answers, he seemed to have come to a conclusion now.
"I'll say." Ken said agreeably as he lightly punched Ryu's shoulder "So whadda gonna do now?"
Ryu's stare hardened "There's a threat out there, one that threatens all of us."
"Master said it was beyond M. Bison this time. Seems we got some new contenders to deal with." he said with a flashy grin "Think it's one of them?"
"Perhaps." Ryu admitted, both unsure and certain at the same time. But one thing he was certain about was something was definitely out there. Something that was on his natural path as a warrior "But whoever it is has great power." he looked down to his gloved fists and squeezed them "And all the other fighters... it's the perfect chance to put myself to the test. These new strong opponents and the power inside me." he looked up to Ken with determination "This is the path I must follow."
Ken nodded "Well don't think I'll let you go alone." he said shuffling beside him and putting an arm around his shoulder.
"Did Master Gouken put you up to this?" he asked.
"Doesn't matter if he did." Ken replied.
"Hm" Ryu let out as he brought his arm up to put it around Ken "Alright," he relented "then let's go. We'll face this together." Ryu said and Ken couldn't agree more.
Liu Kang and Kung Lao
Sitting among the circular stone arena of the Wu Shi Academy, held himself steady. His composure contained just as he was. Calm and still as he sat in the center of the circle like he was a statue among the temple. Yet inside, he was a burning fire, ready to explode. Though he sat in an arena, he had no one to fight. Not yet, but he knew it would come.
Suddenly and with no warning he broke his stance and shot upwards to his feet. In the blink of an eye, he was upright and then he sprang forward with a sudden and unexcepted punch. Yet as he thrust it forward, it began to glow with a flame.
A fiery punch was thrust forward only to fade away as he completed his punch. His arm remained extended, his stare following it down as if lining his sights down a rifle to take the perfect shot. Yet all he saw at the end of his fist was nothing, save for the wide-open courtyard of the Wu Shi Academy he stood in. The same place where he received the metal as champion of Mortal Kombat. The same place where his friends cheered him for his accomplishment.
But it was the sight of carnage as well.
The temple had come under attack. Not from the likes of Outworld or the Netherrealm like last time, but somewhere else entirely.
They were not of the usual sort, though. They were people- women to be exact with strange power he had yet to encounter; Psycho power Raiden had warned him. They fought ferociously and even he admitted they were strong in their own right.
But in that attack Liu Kang heroically lead the charge and repelled the would-be invaders. Another great feat, fitting of the Champion of Mortal Kombat. Raiden came upon them, once the battle had been won and the threat diminished. Or so he thought. It was he who told Liu Kang not of what just happened, but what is happening.
"The Realms collide, merge and shift." he warned in a voice that held knowledge of time, but weary for endless battles that passed and were to come. They all listened as he spoke, yet none listened more closely than Liu Kang.
"But where do they come from?" he asked.
"Perhaps closer than we realize." Raiden warned. It made Liu Kang think he meant Earthrealm. Yet how did the other realms get involved then? How did the barriers break to allow people to move between them at will?
"What does it mean?"
"That Earthrealm and all the others will be the next battlefield." Raiden told "As for the victor, I cannot say. Nor can I predict what will remain if this goes unchecked."
"What can we do then Lord Raiden?" Liu Kang asked him wanting guidance.
"I will advise a plan." Raiden informed him reassuringly "And we will face this new force together." With friends and allies from the Special Forces and Outworld Liu Kang knew they could overcome this. That brightened Liu Kang considerably. But that brightness only lasted for so long.
Raiden left to return to the Sky Temple and Liu Kang had not seen or heard from him since. For all that he was, Chosen One, Champion, all he could do was wait here. As everything got worse. He could feel it in his heart and see it with his eyes. The world beyond the academy was breaking. Denizens from other realms and even the realms themselves popping up and merging where they don't belong. How much more could it stand?
"Liu Kang!" a voice suddenly called out.
Snapped out of his thoughts Liu Kang looked over his shoulder to see his large master making his way to him.
"Master Bo Rai Cho." he lowered his arm from its strike and turned to his master, bowing respectfully as he was reunited with him. The two may not have realized it since they were focused on each other, but they were being watched at this very moment and Liu Kang for even longer. All from a set of eyes was on them from the outskirts of the arena, hidden behind the statues "I am glad to see you." Liu Kang said as he came up again. Ever since this had started many warriors, he knew had already been disappearing. White Lotus, Lin Kuei or otherwise "Any word from Lord Raiden?"
Bo Rai Cho shook his head "No word from the sky temple. In fact, no word at all." he finished as his head steadied.
"Hm?" Liu Kang darkened considerably. Bo Rai Cho seemed to notice this and continued on, as if sensing his next question.
"Since I heard nothing from there, I have spoken to Sonya and Kitana as well. They have not seen or even heard of Raiden either. And the tidings of them fared no better."
Liu Kang's face widened in shock as if the worst thing he could possibly hear had come true.
"No- this cannot be."
Bo Rai Cho nodded grievously. "Fujin is gone as well."
"Fujin?" Liu Kang let out. It seemed things were getting worse and worse. Two gods gone without a word. Each realm under attack. Something was wrong, dangerously so. "It's worse than we originally realized. Perhaps even Raiden realized." he fretted.
"It is. But it may be more than we know." Bo Rai Cho seemingly agreed. Liu Kang looked down at his open hands. Then in a sudden fierce grip, he closed them. As if putting his thoughts to rest with action.
"Then it cannot wait." Liu Kang declared looking up. A shadow moved behind a stone, as two eyes stayed deadlocked onto them from behind cover. Spurred on by what Liu Kang was about to say "I will go out. Find Raiden. Face these new warriors. And end this if I can."
Bo Rai Cho smiled at him, looking at him with the same admiration so many others gave him, yet with the added paternal stare matched by only Lord Raiden.
"I can see why you are the Chosen One." he said in a voice that matched his stare. He nodded as his chins folded over themselves as he looked approvingly onto Liu Kang. Bolstered by his teacher's confidence Liu Kang was set for anything.
But the eyes that had watched them this entire time widened in horror and agitation at every kind word the two threw at each other. The person they belonged to couldn't watch anymore and before Liu Kang could even think about taking a step towards the door and out to the wide world, he bounded towards them.
"Wait!" his voice called through the air as Bo Rai Cho and Liu Kang turned to see this man land hard onto the ceremonial center of the ring. He picked himself up to stand at his full height, yet his face was still hidden under the shadow of a wide brimmed hand.
"Kung Lao." Liu Kang chuckled when he saw him "I was wondering when you'd join us."
"Join you?" he stammered losing some of his boisterous confidence "You knew I was there?"
"I know where all my students are." Bo Rai Cho laughed cheekily joining in. Kung Lao turned to Liu Kang now wondering what he would say next.
"You were never the most subtle after all." Liu Kang managed half a smile at Kung Laos expense.
Kung Lao grumbled at bit to himself, lowering his hat to cover his tensed jaw. Feeling more like a fool now than ever, but this is exactly why he had to go out now. If a force as great and powerful had taken Raiden and Fujin, threatening all the realms in the balance he had to be a part of the fight to save it. Even better, he had to be the one to do the saving. Such a grand showing like that would show everyone how great he truly was. Then everyone would realize not only was he a descendant of the great Kung Lao but that he lived up to and surpassed his namesake. Even the so called chosen one couldn't hold a candle to him. Yes, this was it. It was his time, his destiny.
"It takes more than subtlety to be a true warrior." Kung Lao said boastfully as he stepped up to join the group "Just you wait and see." He'll show them he'll show all of them.
"It's not I you have to impress today, Kung Lao." he said as he took a step forward towards the gate " But if you want to come, Let's go." And Kung Lao didn't need his permission as he caught up to him at the gate.
Ryu and Ken Fight Your Rival! Sun Chase Moon
The path they chose was not an easy one. It never could be. Whatever was the cause of this neither could say yet, but it was the perfect test for their abilities. It was not an easy fight; none of the best ones were. And given the warriors they had come across already it would no doubt get harder the longer this went on.
Ken looked at Ryu who walked beside him. He didn't let it be known, but he could see it all the same. As easily as each step he took and growing stronger with each fight they had. The darkness inside was fighting to get out. A fighting menace that would have its fair share of blood if released. He was relieved Ryu had fought against it for so long and was thankful no one they fought had to deal with it yet. Ken watched him with concern, but Ryu was fighting with all his might to keep it contained even now. Ken knew that about his friend, and that's why he was here to give him all the help he could.
But Ken must have kept his stare for too long for Ryu seemed to notice he was being watched now. He turned to see Ken's inquisitive stare on him.
"Hm?" he let out "Something wrong Ken?" he asked. Although he was expecting it, it caught Ken off guard, and he stalled in his answer. In doing so he turned away for a fleeting moment, but he never turned back to Ryu for he saw something approaching them from ahead. Doing the same Ryu looked ahead too now and they saw it together.
There was a great tower, standing erect like a mountain into the sky. And as it reached the sky, it divided into two parts. One showed the moon hidden behind clouds in a night sky, where they found themselves now. Fitting as their journey seemed dark already. Across from the split by the tower was the opposite, a bright sun and the daylight. But regardless of what was in the sky, beneath the sun and moon were ruins of a long-forgotten age. And what it felt like would be the fate of all at this rate. But what they stumble upon isn't what got their attention now.
For approaching them under the sun were two men side by side. Warrior monks who mimicked them like a mirror. The one opposite Ken had a wide brim hat. The other opposite Ryu wore no robe around his torso but did have a red bandana to match him. And more noticeably a dragon medallion hanging off his neck.
"Well, what do we have here?" Ken spoke first as he came to a stop and Ryu did beside him.
The other two did not seem to notice them yet as they approached from the cover of moonlight. They both stared up at the sky puzzled and concerned by the stark contrast above them.
"Look at that." the one said under the brim of his hat.
"Definitely out of place." the other answered as he looked above with him.
"Do you think it's because of the realms?"
"I have no doubt about it." he said with resolve, one that seemed to sicken him. As he looked above the one with the hat looked down and finally, he took notice of what was ahead of them; two travelling warriors. Stopping in place, he brought an arm out to do the same stopping the one he walked with "Kung Lao-" he was cut off as Kung Lao pointed off to the other two.
"Oh" he paused looking them over " I see."
"You must be more observant Chosen One." Kung Lao said jokily. Across from them Ryu and Ken talked amongst themselves as well.
"What do you think it is?" Ken asked
"Hm.. Chosen one?" Ryu mused under his breath so not even Ken could hear "Let's find out." he said aloud do he would and took the first step forward and Ken followed. Moving with them the two new warriors did the same.
The two pairs of warriors approached each other stopping only a few feet from the other. Ryu was opposite to this 'Chosen One' while Ken was opposite Kung Lao. Ryu and Chosen One looked at each other inquisitively while the other two were more bemused and frustrated by it.
"Who are you?" Ryu asked speaking first.
"We could ask the same of you." Kung Lao snapped at him.
"Alotta talk for an introduction." Ken quipped.
"Whose this Kobra looking guy?" Kung Lao mocked.
"We are Shao Lin." Chosen one said told finally answering Ryu's question "I am Liu Kang and this is Kung Lao" he motioned to him with his hand.
"Descendant of the Great Kung Lao." he added as he twirled his hat to a distinct metal 'shink'.
"Must be hard to forget then." Ken said and Kung Lao grumbled. Before another comment could be made Ryu finished the introductions.
"I am Ryu and this is my friend Ken."
"And what are you doing here?" Liu Kang asked.
"Travelling the world. Well-" he paused "Worlds now. To test my strength." he said before looking up to them "What of you?"
"We are travelling ourselves. To find our masters. To help them and end whatever brought this upon us, if we can."
"Which we will." Kung Lao boasted crossing his arms.
"Then you may have little time for us then." Ken said.
"Is that what you are chosen for then?" Ryu asked still trying to find the meaning of this 'Chosen one' title, for although Kung Lao may have said it to be derivative, but it seems there was more to it than that.
Kung Lao smirked at him as if knowing the answer that would come next, but when Liu Kang began to explain it, he rolled his eyes
"I am Champion of Mortal Kombat." Liu Kang finally revealed "It was my destiny to defeat Shao Kahn" as it very well may be again.
"I see," Ryu said again but his voice was different now. He felt something surge in him, anticipation mixed with dread. A dark feeling rising from the pit of his chest and flowing outwards for the rest of the body. He held it at bay. This was it. This was the power he fought against. To test his skills, to test his might Lii Kang would be a worthy opponent. But it must be on his terms "Then to fulfill my journey, you must be the warriors I seek." he said as he moved himself into a fighting stance. The two monks were unnerved by this as Ryu placed his hands up before him and spread his feet "Show me that strength!" Ryu called out to him.
"I do not have time." Liu Kang warned "My master awaits and whatever perils hold him."
"Why not?" Kung Lao let out assuming a stance before Liu Kang did. He quickly shot a glare at him showing he very much did not agree to this though Kung Lao already did "We've already faced plenty of would-be warriors like you on our journey. What's two more?"
"You" Ken pointed out with his fist before assuming a stance beside Ryu "haven't faced warriors like us."
"Hm" Kung Lao said "That's what they all say." Seeing everyone turn against each other Liu Kang resigned himself to the fight they were about to have.
"You have a habit of making things worse." Liu Kang grumbled. It was not the only fight he had gotten them into on this journey. But he would make sure it was the last.
The two groups eyed each other anticipating and expecting a first move. It was Ryu and Liu Kang who started it.
Ryu threw his arms forward "HADOUKEN!" he shouted right as Liu Kang raised his arms up in a prone to unleash a fireball. A ball of blue came from Ryu's open hands and shot forward from them. The two blasts collided and erupted from each other. The mix of blue and red surged between the two groups. When the explosion cleared, they charged each other through the haze of red fire and blue energy.
Liu Kang flew forward with a kick which Ryu ducked under. Landing behind him, Liu Kang turned around as Ryu did, throwing a punch the monk blocked before snapping out one of his own which Ryu evaded.
Meanwhile, Ken dove at Kung Lao who twirled around in place disappearing into the ground and blocking his hat. Confused Ken looked around as Ryu and Liu Kang fought beside them. He felt the sound of swerving metal flying through the air and getting louder from behind him.
Snapping around he saw Kung Laos hat flying towards him and Ken reached out a hand to grab it stopping it before it could land on his head or rather through hit.
And looking beyond where it stood in his hand, he saw Kung Lao standing hatless with his arm extended "That is mine." he pouted.
"Alright" Ken said bobbing in place "Always liked to play Frisbee" he said before flinging it back at him. Kung Lao caught it and then set it back on his head.
Liu Kang and Kung Lao Fight Your Rival! Sun Chase Moon
Liu Kang unleashed another fiery punch only this time there was someone on the receiving end of it. Engulfed in flame Ken was propelled back from the blow.
"Ken!" he heard Ryu cry out as Ken hit the ground and did not get up from it. So focused on that, Ryu hardly dodged a hat throw from Kung Lao. He ducked under a kick, but Kung Lao came down hitting him in the back sending him down further. The blow from it produced red from Ryu. Not from blood, but from an aura that overtook him.
Suddenly, he erupted upwards rebounding quickly from the blow and uppercutting Kung Lao in the chin and sending him spiraling high into the air and came crashing back hard onto the ground. His discarded hat fell beside him, implanted into the ground. Like Ken he did not get up.
"Kung Lao!" Liu Kang now called out as his friend fell to the ground defeated. Yet looking at the one looming over him, he understood why. Engulfed in a hellish rage Ryu looked like he was on fire. He was different, almost as if it was a completely different fighter than the one, they were fighting against. Ryu cocked his head over and set his eyes onto Liu Kang next with deadly intent.
"I am Ryu!" he cried out "and the ultimate power has awakened within me!" Whatever Ryu was fighting for and against, it had finally gotten the better of him.
"So, this is your power huh?" Liu Kang grilled him. Ryu seemed to do the same, his eyes ablaze with anger and hate. Readying himself Liu Kang jumped forward at him extending his leg out to a kick. Ryu sidestepped it as Liu Kang came to the ground, with Ryu now to his side. Ryu threw a red punch at him. Liu eased his head back to dodge and his arm to snap it away as his other tried to punch at Ryu. Ryu brought his forearm up to brace himself and block it. Pivoting on his feet Liu Kang turned to face him brining another fist around as he did.
Ryu snapped an arm up with more force this time knocking Liu Kang's arm away and then brining his other arm forward punched Liu Kang in the face sending him stumbling back across the ground and the dividing shadow of day and night. It was a blow harder than any he had received yet, from Goro, Shao Kahn or Ryu himself. Through wincing closed eyes Liu Kang peered to see Ryu sliding beneath him; his right arm reared back. Then he shot it up hitting Liu Kang in the gut. It brought him off the ground as Ryu's other arm followed hitting him in the chin.
"Shoryuken!" he shouted in a demonic voice as Liu Kang was hit even harder than before. Liu Kang was propelled off the ground and swerving into the air. The world passed around him like a blaze of colors and places. All separate yet all together at the same time.
Liu Kang landed on the ground hard and had a hard time getting up from it. He took pained deep breathes as he lay there. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the red engulfed Ryu making his way towards him. His steps were like the ones of an approaching death. And he could do nothing except breath through pained breathes and wait for what was to come.
But in that moment as he lay there almost defenseless, he heard something. He heard a voice call to him. A voice he recognized and searched for this whole time.
"Raiden!?" he let out shocked. And shocked he was for the storm clouds formed and served above them allowing for a single bolt of lightning to strike down on Liu Kang overtaking him in light.
Ryu stopped in place and braced himself on what would come next. When he looked again, the light had faded and Liu Kang returned, not groveling on the ground, but standing before him. But not as he left him.
There was no damage to him. He shined brightly and his hair turned white. Tattoos on his shoulders shined with divinity. His eyes were blank as was the look on his face. But it only enraged Ryu.
"What is this?! Liu Kang?!"
"I am. And I am not." the Fire God answered in a voice sounding full of wisdom and enlightenment "Your power is the Satsui no Hado Ryu. I see it now." he explained as he moved from a neutral stance to a fighting one "It is not the cause of this." he raised his hands to show all the terrible events that had transpired so far, this battle being a part of it "But it cannot go unchecked."
"You can try! You can die!" Ryu let out a rage filled roar and charged him. But Liu Kang was ready this time. He blocked a punch with his arm and a kick with the other. Then he brought that first arm down to strike Ryu and then his leg up to kick him back. He stumbled away from him but came again harder this time.
Liu Kang was quicker now though and reared a fist back which began to crack and fizzle. A bright flame overtook his hand, and he shot it forward connecting it with Ryu's chest.
Just as he had before, now it was Ryu who was shot over the ground stumbling across it from the force of Liu Kangs blow.
"The anger you possess only hinders true strength." Liu Kang said as Ryu began to pick himself up from the ground. His eyes set on him again "And it ends here." he said as he sprinted forward quickly closing the gap between the two of them. Ryu did not do anything this time. Only stood there and waited for the blow to inevitably come.
Liu Kang shot his fist forward again. Only this time Ryu caught it. Liu Kang was stunned, even more so when the world seemed to go darker. And then brighter. And in the end, it was a white fist that held Liu Langs in his own.
His eyes widened, startled at this new figure before him. It was still Ryu no doubt, but different. As different as Fire God Liu Kang had appeared to him, so was Ryu compared to what he once was. A white aura overtook his red one. The rage melted away from him. But in his eyes was still the desire for a fight.
The fist that held Liu Kangs released it. It returned to him as Liu looked at this new figure before him. As if he was a new person.
"The power of nothingness." Liu Kang stated acknowledging it "I see now."
Ryu brought his hands up to tighten his headband.
"Let's settle this for real now." he put his hands down "Show me your strength." he assumed his fighting position. Across from him Liu Kang did the same.
The bright white light that shined off of them clashed as they did.
Sub-Boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Ryu and Ken
His battle against Fire God Liu Kang raged on, yet it brought out something else in both of them. The power of the Gods and Nothingness to clash.
Yet that clash brought even more to the fight than them.
Ryu was ready for another attack, but a writhing from the ground behind him caught his attention. With Liu Kang out of his sights, he turned around expecting to see him there, yet who he found instead was just as alarming.
"You again." Ryu stated as Necalli rose from the ground. Ryu readied his fists for battle with him once again. But he was not the only one there.
"Heads up." he heard Kens voice call and as soon as he was finished, he landed on the ground before him.
"Ken-" Ryu said caught off guard by not only Necalli's entrance but Kens return. He was both relieved and worried at the same time "You-"
"Come on" Ken said as he assumed his own fighting stance "Keep your head in the game." he said as he bobbed keeping his eyes on Necalli "We got another one to fight."
Smiling Ryu walked forward to stand beside his friend.
"The souls have come together..." Necalli gargled before them "All of them... are mine."
"I'm not surprised your here." Ryu said "But this is as far as you go!"
Sub-Boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Liu Kang and Kung Lao
Ryu it seems was not the only kombatant he was to face. He saw him rise from the ground at first, his hair flowing like many snakes and his eyes angry.
"What is this?" Fire God Liu Kang called.
"The souls of all warriors are mine... yours... has that of a god.. and a champion."
"I am god of fire and thunder." Liu Kang proclaimed "Creature of evil you will not stand in my way."
"You shall be mine!" Necalli roared and Liu kang prepared to fight him but so was someone else. Coming up from the ground just as Necalli did someone else came though his form did not rise but spin from it. And landing on his feet Kung Lao had returned.
"Kung la-" Liu kang let out as Lao readied himself against Necalli.
"Don't think since you're a God you can beat him on your own." Kung Lao said confidently but it only made Fire god Liu kang smile
"I forgot who I'm dealing with." he said stepping upon his own, ready to take Necalli out together.
Ryu and Ken Ending
With Necalli defeated the true threat revealed itself. In the form of a great, dark long-lost king with wings. It was him that drew upon the power and Ryu's spirit that answered the call to fight him. But he was not alone now. With him appearing both Liu kang and Ryu knew that they must defeat him, but they could not do so alone. It would take all their power to do so.
The two warriors shined brightly together, as if they were some gods themselves. Together Liu Kang and Ryu both thrust their fists forward combining their attack and powers, colliding it with the chest of the Dragon King. With their united strength, the power of a god and the power of nothingness, a bright white against the darkness. The light surged from their fists and into Onaga's chest.
A great demonic cry was let out as Onaga the Dragon King was consumed by their strength. The light grew and grew, overtaking the sky and the two bright warriors with them as their fists dived into him like a sword. When finally, their light faded Ryu and Liu Kang landed back on the ground side by side. But from their shared fists thrown there was nothing on the other end.
The Dragon King was no more.
Ryu's face was more concerned as he looked around while Liu Kang stood his ground.
"What was that?" Ryu asked, unsure of what they had just faced. Knowing only that it was a great evil and it had to be stopped. And it was, thanks to them.
"Onaga. The Dragon King." Liu Kang answered as Ryu looked to him.
"Whatever, he is he's gone now." a third voice called, and they turned to see Ken coming forward and Kung Lao picking himself up off the ground join them, setting his hat in place as he did. The four now came at the center of the stage, perfectly split between day and night.
"Yes," Liu Kang mused "for now." he agreed as the group came back together. He contemplated to himself silently as he dropped his eyes.
"By a greater good." Ryu said calmly causing Ken to smile.
"Then that must mean-" Ken continued but suddenly Kung Lao caught everyone's attention.
"Look!" he cried out. They all looked up to the sky to see, nothing out of the ordinary. The sky once like fractured glass all along their journey with each shard allowing them to see a far-off realm was now gone, replaced with a regular blue sky. Though one that was still split by a burning red sun and night moon. "It's still split!" Kung Lao said. Perhaps things were not as good as Ryu and Liu Kang thought.
"It is always like that." Ryu told him. Kung Lao still seemed unsure but said little to fight it.
"I guess that really is it then." Ken concluded. He seemed content with that, but there was another change as well. "Ryu!" he let out as he looked from the sky to his friend, who had taken notice of it as well. He no longer glowed white from the power of nothingness.
But neither did Liu Kang.
"Your power." Ryu pointed to him, more concerned with Liu Kangs chance as his own white light lessened around him.
Liu Kang looked to himself now. The godly aura that one illuminated off of him dimmed, he raised his hands to see them as they would always be. Looking up he saw the stunned gaze of the others.
"Returned to Lord Raiden." Liu Kang said, as if just coming to the conclusion himself "With the threat gone and the anomaly corrected, and his powers no longer with me, then Raiden..." he looked down to his hands and moved his digits "he is still with us." he said looking up.
"Are you sure?" Kung Lao asked.
"We will go to the sky temple to make sure." he said putting his hands back down and Kung Lao seemed to have no problem with that.
"Where after that?" Ryu asked.
A smile graced Liu Kangs face "Home." Ken smiled at that, while Kung Lao hid his grumpy face under the rim of his hat. Ryu, however, looked to the distance. Liu looked over to him "And you?"
Ryu seemed startled by the question as if unsure of what it meant or how to answer it. His gaze continued out the distance but searching with his eyes he had an answer for Liu Kang.
"It seems your journey's not over." he stated voicing aloud his thoughts from Liu Kangs answer. He then thought to himself "As for me." he said bringing up his gloves to tighten them "I feel I've gotten the strength to fight against power..." he paused as a strand of red came across his right eye blocking its vision. Not from blood pouring from a wound or the rising surge of power from the Satsui no hado, but his headband coming loose and sliding over his eye. Stopping his words briefly he brought his hands up to tighten the band around his forehead where it belongs and as he did, he finished putting his thoughts to words "but my journey still continues. There is no end to the road of fighting." he said simply. But the simple answer was enough.
"I see" Liu Kang let out understandably, "Now I understand why you fight." he said getting Ryus's attention as the two warriors looked to each other and an understanding passed through them. "Well," Liu Kang said once he came to the conclusion "Good luck then." Liu Kang pivoted to face him fully. Placing the fist of one hand into the palm of another he bowed before him. Doing so himself Ryu returned the gesture. "I hope we meet again." Liu Kang said coming back up "Under different circumstances."
"Till next time then." Ryu held out his gloved hand as if to punch but did not. He only held it out for Liu Kang who in reply brought his own up to knock his into it.
Looking to their companions Ken scratched the back of his head uncomfortably "Sorry about all the uh-"
"It's fine." Kung Lao refuted him quickly.
"All the better for it then." Ken said as he turned to Ryu. He nodded his head off back the way he came. Ryu nodded to him. Walking away from Liu Kang and back to his friend's side they walked together away from the Shao Lin monks who watched the go, following their unseen path under the sun.
Liu Kang and Kung Lao Ending
Liu Kang raised a hand to wave it to Ryu and Ken. Their backs to them they raised one back to him. Ken with a wave and Ryu with a thumbs up.
It brought a smile to his face. But just as their journey continued, Liu Kangs journey home hadn't even started. But it would now.
"Come on," Liu Kang said as he turned around "lets go-" but he looked back to his friend who stood stiffly defiant where he was, pouting to himself. Liu Kang stopped to look over Kung Lao, but he might as well have been in another realm for he felt so distant "Kung Lao?" he asked concerned.
"I wasn't any help at all." Kung Lao said glumly about himself. They had come across plenty of warriors. But who saved the day in the end? And who did he stack up against by comparison? Rufus, Dan. Hardly worthy for the name of the Great Kung Lao.
"That's not true." Liu Kang stepped back to console him.
"Tsch." Kung Lao let out not having any of it. "Raiden was more help to you than I. And he wasn't even here." he continued to criticize himself and kept his distance from Liu Kang. But he wasn't just going to leave him here like this.
"At the end, perhaps." Liu Kang admitted deepening Kung Lao's sorrow. He looked down deepening Kung Lao's inner resentment and embarrassment "But the way I see it." he looked back up to Kung Lao who still tried to hide from him "I didn't start this journey alone. Nor would I have gotten this far on my own." Kung Lao now broke his solemn gaze to look at Liu Kang "Chosen One or not, who would I be if I did I didn't have friends to fight for. Or to fight at my side." Kung Laos head was raised up higher now "Who would the Chosen One be without the Great Kung Lao with him every step of the way." He raised a arm to put over his shoulder. A smile forming on his face to break his sadness, finally Kung Lao then mimicked him.
"Come on!" Kung Lao said his voice livelier now than it had been this entire time and he jumped forward "I'll race you home!" he challenged before breaking off into a sprint down the road.
"You're on!" Liu Kang agreed and they took after him. Reaching up to him they ran off together crossing under the shadow of the mountain and into the part of the land held under the night sky.
Racing side by side the two raced against each other. Each one glancing to the other as the ran. Until Liu Kangs gaze went higher to what rested on Kung Laos' head. Then in a step he jumped up and snatched his hat off of his head.
Kung Lao put his hands to cover his bare head as Liu Kang raced with his hat in his hands.
"HEY!" Kung Lao snapped in a laugh. With a flick of his wrist, Liu Kang tossed his hat to the side sending it spinning off away from the two's shared path. "No Fair!" Kung Lao called as he dashed off the path to chase after his hat, giving Liu Kang more of a lead than ever.
Following the hat like a frisbee Kung Lao dived for it finally catching it in his hands and placing back on its rightful place atop his head. Turning around he saw Liu Kang get even farther ahead of him "Hey! Where are you going!" he laughed and raced off after his friend down the road. But no matter how far ahead either one got, they'd never leave the other behind.