Johnny Cage awoke with a start, the morning sun cresting the horizon. He lay still, the soft light warming his skin, and tried to make sense of his surroundings. He was in a meadow, surrounded by tall trees, and a sparkling blue stream ran nearby.
The air was filled with the sound of birdsong, and the sweet scent of blossoms hung in the air. He felt like he was in a dream, and as he got to his feet, he looked around for signs of life.
At first, there was nothing, but then he heard a muffled voice calling to him from the far side of the clearing. He squinted and saw a group of small, winged creatures circling in the air.
"Come closer," the voice called.
Johnny walked slowly toward the group, and as he got closer, he could make out their distinct features. They had elfin-like ears, wings that shimmered like a rainbow, and long flowing hair as white as moonlight.
"Welcome, Johnny Cage," they said, in a chorus.
"Who are you?" he asked, not quite sure if he was dreaming or not.
"We are the Elders of the Gods," they explained. "We are the guardians of this world, and we have chosen you to be our Elder God."
Johnny was taken aback. He had no idea what they meant, or why they had chosen him.
"What is an Elder God?" he asked.
"You are the protector of this world," the Elders explained. "You are the one who will ensure that our realm remains safe from the forces of darkness. It is a great honor and a great responsibility. Are you ready to accept it?"
Johnny paused for a moment, considering the weight of their words. He knew he had been chosen for something, but he had no idea what. He thought back to his life in New York City, and the hard knocks he had experienced, and in that moment, he knew that he was ready for the challenge.
"Yes," he said. "I am ready to accept."
The Elders smiled, and one of them stepped forward.
"Then let us begin," he said and held out his hands. Johnny grasped his hands, and a strange energy surged between them. Johnny felt an incredible power within him as if he had just been given a great gift. He felt transformed as if he had been reborn.
The Elders led him deeper into the forest, and as they walked, they explained to him the ancient prophecy that had brought him here. They told him of powerful forces that threatened their world, and of the need for a protector to keep them safe. They told him that he was the chosen one and that he must use his power wisely to defend their realm.
As the sun rose higher in the sky, the Elders revealed to Johnny the wonders of their world. He saw towering mountains and vast oceans, shimmering deserts, and lush forests. He was enchanted by the beauty of it all, and overwhelmed by the sense of power and destiny that seemed to fill the air.
When they reached the summit of a mountain, they stopped and looked out over the landscape.
"This is your world now," the Elders said. "You must protect it, and keep it safe for it to thrive."
Johnny looked out over the horizon, and for the first time, he truly felt like an Elder God.