Chapter 2: Unforeseen
To transport Sub-zero and himself, Smoke will need to wield a great deal of his natural smoke aura. As he has learned, to teleport far distances requires more energy while shorter distances less. Transporting himself from the arena to this location required enough energy to slow his fighting and senses somewhat. Any effects he could feel teleporting himself back would be tenfold with the strength and energy he would be required to use in transporting Sub-zero with him. Thus, Smoke knows he will most likely be unconscious and very weak upon arriving at his destination.
With much to learn about his powers, he cannot focus and utilize his full potential energy. He is forced to make do with what he has learned.
Taking a deep slow breath, Smoke calmly closes his eyes. Drawing his free hand in front of his face with two fingers extended, he holds the hand close to his face. Continuing to breath evenly and slowly, the silver-haired ninja begins to focus his energy and mentally select a destination. It is out of question to arrive in Shao Kahn's arena in such vulnerability. Even in with the slim chance of Raiden still biding there, it would still most likely only get both being transformed into cyborgs… a thought that is most discouraging.
His thoughts waver to the location Sub-zero and him had separated to go their own ways: the Sea of Blood. The harbor was an amass of stench crowded with dead, rotting Tarkatans and men alike, but it would serve is purpose for now. He did not know how much time he had left before more cyborgs showed up. "Elder Gods preserve us," he murmurs.
Light clouds of smoke begin to surround the ninjas' forms. It swirls and dances around them thickening and strengthening. Beads of sweat trickle down the side of Smoke's eyes and his two extended fingers shake as he struggles to center his energy. Sub-zero sways heavily and the seemingly louder sounds of the mechanisms surrounding them slice the threads of his concentration almost completely.
Then dead silence.
Opening his eyes, Smoke takes in the only to powerful foul smell thick within the air: rotting, forgotten carcasses. The soft rhythm of waves fills his ears lucidly, but his sight hazy. Falling to his knees, Smoke distantly feels Sub-zero's blunt weight pull him onto his side. He can see that his companion has already fallen unconscious. Blackness, slow blackness, fills his vision… then nothing.
The fragrance and ambiance of being among decaying bodies brings an unpleasant awakening. Smoke groans quietly, his teleportation has exhausted his body deeply. Glancing at Sub-zero he sees that he is awakening as well. "Smoke," Sub-zero says in wonder as he looks at him. Sitting up, the he looks around gradually. "The shore… we're back?" His gaze returns back to his companion. "Thank you." The words are heavy with sincerity, and the silver-handed ninja's eyes are quickly lightened with a smile. "You're welcome."
Slowly moving into a sitting position, Smoke finds he suffers only minor injuries. Aches foretell of bruises, his knuckles feel horribly tender, and his body is exhausted, but otherwise he is sound.
As they sit silently gathering their wits the sound of talking arises from over the berm of rotting bodies that hides them from the view of the shore. They listen, silent and attentive, to hear the more brutal noises of kombat swiftly arising.
Silently creep over the piled bodies together they see Johnny Cage and a green-clad woman kombating on the shore. A blue and white clad ninja, who Smoke quickly announces is Raiden, watches. Two other Earthrealm Shaolin warriors, Liu Kang and Kung Lao, stand on each side of the Thundergod. Their faces are slightly bemused as the watch the kombat, while Raiden's is simply neutral.
Upon identifying them as allies, Smoke moves for the hiding place to stand beside Liu Kang. The Shaolin monk crinkles his nose at the scent of the Lin Kuei ninja's clothes and looks him over briefly, but doesn't note his presence otherwise. Sub-zero follows more attentively. Raiden notices the two ninja's sudden appearance with slight surprise, but relief. "Sub-zero has returned still as a man I see," he says, observing the ice warrior. "Yes, extremely fortunate, but… forgive me for leaving at such rashness," Smoke quietly replies.
"You did what was necessary, and from your rashness we have kept a useful ally." The silver-haired ninja bows his head in acknowledgement.
The green-clad woman defeats Cage with a few moments after silence falls over the spectating group. "I didn't want to do that," she announces as the beaten movie star sorely gets up. "Princess Kitana has been captured. She is to be executed," she continues. Her desperation to receive aid is obvious in her tone. "And you are, babe?" questions Johnny Cage, flicking off specks of sand from his arm. "Jade. We must hurry," she replies, exasperated at Cage's blasé attitude.
Stepping forward, Liu Kang questions, "Where is she?" Jade turns to gesture towards a looming building set in pitiless black. "There. She's being held at the top." Liu Kang merely nods in acknowledgment; his eyes are keenly on the tower now, observing its menacing features. He beings to jog towards it without so much as a word to his allies, perhaps in fear that Raiden would object this action. Kung Lao immediately sets after him. "We shall continue the tournament as we must." Raiden announces, watching the two warriors. "Liu Kang and Kung Lao may assist Princess Kitana."
~
The Shaolin monks walk into the sandy blood strewn Outworld arena in silent defeat. Unable to find Kitana in the tower, they had learned of her new location from the Shokan warrior, Goro. The news had been a setback, but they were forced to accept it nonetheless.
Moving into the audience of warriors, they join Raiden, Smoke, and Sub-zero in watching Johnny Cage kombat Ermac.
The movie star is plainly exhausted, as the duel has been going on for some time. Bruises harshly adorn his body and blood weeps from various small open wounds. The fight has run its length for the movie star, and despite his formidable skills he is no match for Ermac. His punches have slowed and are easily blocked, while his kicks are poorly timed. Ermac needs little further effort to defeat him.
But Ermac does not bask in his victory. Instead he quietly moves back into the crowd of other warriors, heedless of the Shao Kahn's pleased laughter and the Tarkatans screaming for him to kill.
Johnny follows, but with difficulty.
Upon watching his approach, Liu Kang suddenly notices Kitana chained to two broken short pillars next to Shao Kahn's throne. Moving forward to assist her, he is stopped by Raiden. "We must attend the tournament. You must fight," the Thundergod reasons, placing a hand on the Shaolin monk's shoulder. "I am not he who needs to win," Liu Kang retorts, "It was your fault she is to be executed," he adds, shrugging off the hand. He heedlessly strides across the arena to Kitina's side.
Shao Kahn regards Liu Kang's motion with little interest; his attention is on Raiden. Laughing loudly Shao Kahn announces in his deep bold voice, "Give me your best warrior, Raiden." Kung Lao makes to move forward, but stops. Glancing at Raiden, he waits. "Perhaps you are 'him'," Raiden says evenly. Kung Lao smiles slightly, as the pride with these words gives him courage and cockiness. Moving forward, Kung Lao stands tall and awaits the announcement of his opponent.
Shao Kahn regards the Shaolin momentarily, before speaking. "You will face Shang Tsung..." The soul-stealing sorcerer stands tall upon hearing his name, and a cunning smile twists his lips. "And Quan Chi," Shao Kahn finishes, ignoring the reaction. Shang Tsung's smile immediately disappears to surprise and then disgust. Quan Chi, in turn, smirks at his name's announcement, and Shang Tsung's expression.
Liu Kang stops his attempts to free Kitana of her chains as he hears both sorcerers' names being called out. He watches his friend with impulsive concern. Kitana's eyes share his emotion as well, but neither voices their concerns.
Likewise, Kung Lao is surprised with this challenge, but the burden of Raiden's belief of him being the savior of Earthrealm causes him to quickly rid himself of his apprehensions.
As both teams move into fighting positions, Smoke moves forward to even the sides, but is immediately stopped by Sub-zero. "You are too weak to fight yet, Smoke. I will go in your stead." Smoke hesitates, but nods in understanding. "I challenge Quan Chi and Shang Tsung and offer Kung Lao my assistance." Raiden takes these words with small surprise, but any other emotions are otherwise hidden. Shao Kahn chuckles, but does not reject the Lin Kuei.
Kung Lao and Quan Chi move to lead the fight. Each stance in their kombat position, they charily watch one another. Both are completely wary of the other's presence and movements. Composed before the fight yet eager to win, they wait for Shao Kahn's word for them to begin.
The minuscule moments that pass feel like lifetimes drifting away in a rapid interval. Then, a ruthless voice is heard sharp and clear despite the impatient howling of the Tarkatan audience: "Fight!"