A/N: Before I start, this story's pretty much going to be in 2 separate parts; almost every chapter will have an A and B plot, with Konquest being the most obvious, while at the same time there'd be the main plot involving Onaga. Konquest and Shujinko...may pretty much be set in the backseat; not a huge fan of neither, though it was still interesting, especially with 616's LP. So, let's get this started.
Con't I - In the Beginning...
Beneath a clear indigo sky, the dragon emblem of the Mortal Kombat tournament stood proudly as it overlooked a small, desolate village. A towering, white fountain was smack dab in the center of a mahogany tile floor, where several kids were having what seemed to be like recess as nearly everyone roleplayed and charade their favorite fighters near the park.
One of them smirked with his arms tightly on his hips at another kid wearing a blue garb compared to his red one, "Shang Tsung, I will win the Mortal Kombat tournament, and free Earthrealm from your tyranny!"
"Is that so!" The challenger retorted. "Then it seems I will need a stronger opponent to defeat the great Kung Lao." He motioned two kids that were stacked atop each other who marched up to the superfan. "Goro...FIGHT!"
The red oni named Shujinko put his dukes up and was prepared for any one of the four-armed assailant's onslaughts. All the other students just cheered and watched in awe at the intimidating sight. Their limbs continued to wave, and they were about to sock the star pupil one!
"We're late!"
Suddenly, the bell rang, signaling all the kids to return to the numerous siheyuas and hutons throughout the ancient community. They scattered all over, that their scampering feet didn't even make the nearby unconscious man stir. He was sprawled out, belly down, next to the woods. Kung Lao's eyes began to flutter as he groaned under his breath. His right hand was trembling before he used it as support to help him sit up. He waited for his vision to clear and for his strength to return. And as he gazed upon his surroundings, he realized he wasn't necessarily dead, as he'd be where only the Elder Gods knew instead of in Earthrealm...
When he finally no longer felt fatigued, Lao stood and readjusted his hat. "I need to head back to the Wu Shi Academy..." he thought aloud.
At the corner of his peripheral vision and keen hearing, he noticed two kids, with one of the boys being a sort of guide to another. "Hi! You must be Shujinko, the one Master Bo' Rai Cho mentioned." He nodded. "I've seen you around before. You and your friends are always pretending to be famous warriors in that park over there. My name is Apep. Master Bo' Rai Cho asked me to show you the other schools where he teaches martial arts. Follow me!"
Lao's jaw dropped and his eyes widened as he gasped, "Master Bo' Rai Cho? He's here!?" He was flabbergasted how he must've survived after that ordeal when the former monk and Fujin dissipated the Soulnado moments before the former defeated the Deadly Alliance. He wasn't too struck about the drunkard's sacrifice, though Lao was certainly intrigued. He decided to tag along with the two tweenagers as they ran to a larger shoji.
As he did, there were a few other tardy stragglers who almost bumped into him. Lao was stunned; however, it wasn't until a peasant walked thru him! Lao noticed his body literally ripple as the peddler pretended he wasn't there! He immediately startled as he inspected his translucent self, with only his arms and feet making kontact! A cry was caught in his throat, "It can't be...!"
He dreaded he had passed, and his spirit never crossed over to another realm as he recollected the explosion back in Outworld... Not even Apep's words hardly got him out of his funk.
"Here it is! This is another of Master Bo' Rai Cho's classrooms. I think he's starting another lesson right now. You should go inside. I will wait for you out here," he said as he stood idly beside the wooden stairway. Shujinko slowly treaded up as he followed the sharp grunts emanating from inside. Lao did the same as he was desperate to get some answers, even if they were from his mentor that often has one too many...
As soon as he reached the handle for the sliding door, his hand just instantly vanished around it, much to his terror. He tried again, but it transpired with the same effect. "I... truly am an apparition. Maybe I have died in that blast after all...!" His sight spotted Shujinko receiving a lecture in Mandarin before he practiced some fencing. Lao wondered if his clear essence would go straight thru the entrance! To his surprise, there was no obstruction, almost as if walking thru air. Nevertheless, he watched the sensei's class for several minutes which were just basic kombat skills. He knew better not to bother the big oaf; however, he was also certain he might not notice him...
The boys cheered with their arms raised saluting their teacher, "Ok kids, get your stuff!" he articulated in Lao's native language. All he did was follow this Shujinko boy around. He walked out and met up with his pal.
"Good, you are finished. Come on! Let's go to class!" He spoke enthusiastically.
Again, the promising disciple followed to another shoji to the northeast, just across a perfect crimson bridge over a thin stream.
"Here it is! Master Bo' Rai Cho says you are interested in becoming a real warrior. If you're going to be the best, you will have to train hard. It is not easy, but it is worth it. Go inside to watch the next lesson."
Out of disinterest, Lao just stood outside, and he never minded the chilly breeze nor the drizzle at all; he could only feel the slight wind coming off the rivers, but it never fazed him. After he tried to process what the Elder Gods was going on, the klass had already been kompleted.
Shujinko arrived beside Apep again, "The next class is beyond this bridge. We need to pay the toll to get across, but I've no money. We must find some other means to pay the toll. I hear the toll man really loves ham, maybe that can help."
Over the southern red bridge, Shujinko dashed over to the deserted storefront. Before he and Lao knew it, the sky was getting darker. The kid then found another who was a tad older than him. He taught him how to meditate in a lotus position. Lao took a loud sigh, but much to his surprise, it was as if the clouds dashed by before the sun rose. He was never sure how nor why the weather and time of day transitioned so fast...!
Out of his curiousity, he walked thru one of the little huts, and on the wooden table was a pile of opened, disheveled newspapers. In Chinese, Lao scanned the page, and upon his spotty sight from his lingering daze, he saw something was off! At the top right header on one of the pages, the date read January 2...1964! Lao backed away a few feet, never worrying on bumping into any furniture. "So... I hadn't died after all. I... actually went thru time...! How is this possible!?"
His wavering mind nearly lost sight of Shujinko, but it wasn't long before he spotted Shujinko telling the butcher of the problem he had with the toll guard.
"You are right. The guard at the bridge must be hungry. Please take this ham to him." He immediately went to the guard across another blood red bridge beneath a roof.
"Ham...! I love ham! Thank you very much!"
He scuffed the rare remains down within a matter of seconds before he licked his fingers. Shujinko signaled Apep to run across before the guardsman returned to his perch.
"I do not know what you've said to the guard, but it worked! Let's go to the next lesson."
Shujinko chased after his guide once more, and Lao with nothing else to do decided to tread behind them to an even larger shoji.
"Here we are. As usual, I promised I will wait outside. I've already learned those lessons anyway."
Lao just sat on the dirt road, "Raiden... If only you were here." Before the possibilities of his death entered his mind, there was more chitchat.
"You're halfway done. Just one more training room before the main school. The bridge is clear now, follow me."
It seemed that Shujinko was gaining in speed and stamina after every session, unlike Apep who was found panting.
"Whew, I'm getting tired. Go on inside, I'll be waiting for you."
It seemed to be the same old routine; Lao grew irritated, wondering if it'd be nothing more than deja vu chasing after Shujinko into class after class.
"You're back, now let's try some more advanced maneuvers."
They ran beneath a wide, elaborate, green tilted roof before they encountered a series of windows engraved in a walled building which seemed to stretch around a formal courtyard consisting of a cascading fountain and a granite floor. Lao knew for certain this was where he and Liu Kang were taught when they were the same age as the numerous children here.
"Last stop, the Earthrealm Academy of Martial Arts! Most of us call it 'Fight School.' This is where students learn the most advanced techniques. Some of the best warriors of Earthrealm has studied here. I am training in Tai Chi these days, but I hope I will learn more fighting styles. Someday, I want to be the greatest warrior in Earthrealm. I will show the real Shang Tsung who is the best and kick him back all the way to Outworld! Anyway, I have to go to class now, I hope you decide to learn at our school. Bye!"
With a sprint as fast as a deer's, Apep was off, leaving a determined Shujinko behind. When Lao materialized at the other side of the thin paper door, he couldn't help but mimic Bo's techniques with pride... Deja vu and nostalgia were beginning to hit him like a hurricane gust!
All too soon it was over, though Lao remarked he mastered those so-called elitist fighting styles with ease! By the time he gathered his bearings, he noticed everyone had vanished! It was almost a minute before he spotted Bo' patrolling the square, blocking his most prominent follower.
"I'm sorry, Shujinko. But I cannot let you pass these gates."
"Why not?" He responded in a coy manner.
"The walls of this town are here for a reason; to protect the citizens from foreign dangers." He rose a hand motioning to the ten-foot-tall monoliths. "You're too young and inexperienced to venture outside. Return to me when you can prove yourself that you've learned enough, and I may let you pass..."
The poor boy just sulked, "Yes, Master Bo' Rai Cho... I will continue my training..." He sighed sadly as he walked away.
"That won't necessarily stop a spirit coming thru!" Lao stated with a kata.
He was just about to ram right thru the obese Oriental till a bright orange hue flashed beside him. His hearing perked up this otherworldly voice, and a sphere of light startled the prodigal son.
"Greetings, Shujinko!"
"What...? Who are you!?" He responded nearly taken off his feet.
"Do not be afraid. I am Damashi. I am an emissary of the Elder Gods."
"The Elder Gods...?"
"Indeed. They had the power to make this realm possible, as well as many others. I have come to you on their behalf because they need your help."
Little did they knew they had a Peeping Tom with a razor-rimmed hat eavesdrop on the konversation.
"What kind of help to the gods need?" Shujinko said, dumbfounded.
"The Elder Gods" Damashi reiterated with emphasis, "are in need of a champion. One who could complete a quest to save the realms. Shujinko, will you accept this quest to save all that exists? You will be a true hero."
All he did was nod affirmatively with a wide smile as he pointed to himself. "I will be your Champion! What must I do?"
"You must traverse the realms in search of items of great importance."
His face fell, "But...Master Bo' Rai Cho won't let me outside the walls of the town."
"Not to worry, Shujinko. I will bestow upon you a great power, the ability to absorb the fighting skills from any fighter you encounter. This will give you the edge you need on your quest." Just a large poof of smoke surrounded the teen along with small dazzling stars, but somehow, he felt more invigorated. "Go now, return to Bo' Rai Cho, and show him you are an experienced fighter."
Shujinko cheered, "I will, Damashi! Thank you. I will not let the Elder Gods down!"
With new strength, the novice marched up to his steadfast teacher, who seemed rather intrigued. "Back so soon? I thought you had returned to the school."
Shujinko shouted as he pointed to himself, "I am ready to prove that my kombat skills are good enough!"
Bo' just let out some belly chuckles raising his neck back, "Ohh ho ho! Very well, Shujinko. Show me."
They each made a fighting stance as they both bowed to each other and shoved a leg back. Bo' just snickered as he shook his head in disbelief, although Shujinko kame at him with swift blows utilizing his Shaolin Fists and Mantis maneuvers, both in which Lao had mastered well. Though the Outworlder's lard body was an easy target, his dominant strength was just as prominent. Lunge after lunge, he could've sworn he'd dislocate or even snap any of the kid's limbs as if it were twigs, or a thick faggot. Shujinko still stood firm, especially when he was gripping the sturdy handle of a Dan Tien Dao.
Each swipe by his Chinese blade, or his quick charges kombined with his agility nearly made the mountain of muscle fall off his feet! The ungulate became more aggressive, never wanting this tyro to best him; however, his mind shifted gears rapidly as he observed Bo's brutal sacks and used them to his sore arms and chubby chest! With a wound uppercut of his sword, he impacted Bo's chin, sending him a few feet before krashing to the dirt road in a thud.
He eventually rose as he only got the wind knocked out of him and his expression was almost as placid as the monoliths.
"Oh! I am most impressed, Shujinko!" He performed a bow. "I'd no idea you possessed such an aptitude for martial arts. I had no doubt that you will be able to handle yourself in the outside world."
"Thank you, Master Bo' Rai Cho," he responded with a bow, though it wasn't the use with his hands,
"You show great potential. I.. I would very much like to train you myself. Perhaps I can mold you into the next great defender of Earthrealm."
"Train me personally!? I would be honored!" The kid grinned from ear to ear, almost made a leap in joy.
"I train all my advanced students at my home down the road. Meet me there and we will resume training." He motioned to the wide pair of maroon doors with the circular handles.
"I will see you there! Goodbye, Master Bo' Rai Cho!" The tween made another bow before leaving for a quick meditation at the nearby courtyard.
From within the canopy, Kung Lao observed from a thick branch. He just giggled, "Hmph, I can be just as dangerous and nimble with my hat alone! Shujinko would have nothing on me, even if he should mirror my abilities."
The prodigy soon came at a crossroads, but before he succumbed to his indecision, Damashi appeared before his very eyes.
"Shujinko! I see you have passed your test."
"Yes, Damashi. The power you gave me to mimic other warriors worked well. I really felt as if I can fight like Master Bo' Rai Cho!" He made a kombat pose to demonstrate with excitement. "He was so impressed that he offered to train me personally!"
"Excellent! There is much you can learn from him. But first, you must begin your quest. You must find six items of great importance, the Kamidogu. Think of them as tools of the gods. There is an impending doom that threatens the survival of all the realms. With these tools, the Elder Gods will vanquish this menace."
"Where do I find these...Kamidogu?" He spread out his arms, kompletely lost.
"They've been scattered throughout reality. Each one lies hidden in a different realm. The Elder Gods are unable to retrieve these items themselves, and therefore must elect a Champion born from within the realms to collect them. They've constructed portals and the Nexus to aid their Champion in his quest."
"Where is this Nexus? Where do I find it?" He held his chin in deep thought.
"Once you've found the first Kamidogu, I'll show you what to do. Until then, good luck on your search."
"Thank you, Damashi."
He came across a sign konsisting of two arrows, one of each in an opposing way. He read the top post. "Hmm... Master Bo' Rai Cho's home lies in the northeast. I feel I shouldn't go in that direction yet."
Later on, in the beach outskirts, he found a lost golden Medallion shining beneath some loose sand on the shallows. It was inscribed that it belonged to the Outworld instructor himself. Then, Damashi appeared before him again, and he instructed to not return it to him, "I see, that is quite an impressive artifact. I suggest you keep it for yourself. Do not return it to Master Bo' Rai Cho. Such an item can give you credibility amongst the master warriors."
"I'll do what you ask," the messenger responded with a low bow and an earnest tone.
The sphere was impressed on his unwavering loyalty. "Good...very good. I must leave you now, but you will see me again. Good luck on your journey. But I bring you a warning... and advice."
"A warning?"
"It seems that you have entered Lin Kuei territory. You must be wary. The Lin Kuei are dangerous and are not to be taken lightly. They are exceptional warriors and do not welcome outsiders."
"Should I leave this province?"
"No. I feel that the Lin Kuei may play a significant role in helping you acquire the Earthrealm Kamidogu. You must join them."
"Join the Lin Kuei? But they are-"
"They are a brutal clan of ninjas, but they are also a means to accomplishing your quest. You must discover a way to earn their respect and infiltrate their ranks. The Elder Gods are counting on you."
The kid attained a map of the hidden temple within a distant mountain range, though it was literally a hop, skip, and a jump away for Kung Lao's astral form. By the time it began to snow, they knew they arrived at their destination. Two large doors greeted them, as did a warrior patrolling them, looking sinister with those long black and dark red robes.
"Stop, infidel! Only great warriors are allowed to enter the Lin Kuei Temple!" He rose a hand with an authorative and intimidating tone.
Shujinko just responded fondly, "I am a great warrior. I have been personally trained by Master Bo' Rai Cho and have been awarded the Warrior's Medallion to prove it!" He took it out of his side pocket, and the coin just gleamed beneath the full moon which reflected from the snowy corners.
The watchful eye was astonished, "Warrior's Medallion? You are truly worthy of the Lin Kuei. We could use a warrior with your ability. Step inside and you will be trained to fight as a Lin Kuei. Your teacher will be none other than Sub-Zero himself."
Even Lao was fascinated. "Sub-Zero...? This...this cannot be either Kuai Liang or Bi-Han. I doubt they'd been born yet... It must be one of their distant brethren."
Although the Shotokan techniques were foreign kompared to Lao's knowledge, Shujinko was able to master them rather quickly. Lao should know better than to underestimate Damashi's gift, rather than konsidering it as just a fluke. After a few moments, which seemed like seconds to him, the teenager bested his opponent!
"You have finished your training! You are now a Lin Kuei warrior! For your first assignment, the grand master has commanded that you join our forces to the west. They have reported finding an unknown artifact that may greatly benefit our clan. We must secure it before our rivals do. Your password is 'ice dragon.' Go now. Do not return until you have succeeded in securing the artifact."
"As you command."
With the spanking new garb of icy blue and black, the young Shujinko dashed away in search of the mysterious relic. Neither man was fazed by the frigid klimate; not even Kung Lao's astral form. What seemed like weeks only felt like minutes to him as he drifted behind, until one of the veterans stopped him in his tracks. He was blocking an entrance to one of the snake caves.
"Halt! What is the password?"
"Ice dragon!" The teen responded with no hesitation.
"Excellent. You must be the courier we had sent for. And a new recruit if I am not mistaken. You are just in time. There are Red Dragon not far from here and they know we have this item. Take it to the Lin Kuei Temple. We will distract the Red Dragon to aid your departure."
"I will leave at once."
The guard dashed away as fast as blown snow while Shujinko reached the rear of the ridged terrain. There lied the sacred relic illuminating the back wall; it had an opal attached to a larger jade. And Shujinko and Lao's eyes were fixated. "Could this be...? It's so stunning..."
"Shujinko!" An uncanny voice greeted his messenger from behind.
"Damashi. I have joined the Lin Kuei! I have learned Sub-Zero's-"
"That object you carry... Yes... It is as I suspected. Through the ignorance of the Lin Kuei, you have acquired the Earthrealm Kamidogu!"
"I have?"
"You must find the portal to the Nexus. When it opens, walk through to continue your quest."
"But the Lin Kuei..."
"Must I remind you that your loyalties are to the Elder Gods... not to the Lin Kuei. Continue with your appointed quest."
"Yes, Damashi. I understand," he affirmed reluctantly.
After several days of wandering, Shujinko finally reached a gigantic gateway. A petite stairway led to the thin perch where the ancient entrance stood; Kung Lao never saw anything like it, let alone for portals...
"Shujinko! Raise high the Kamidogu!" Damashi ordered. His pawn did just that, and the relic was merely the size of his own body, yet it seemed as light as a feather to him. "Enter the portal!"
Just then a field of emerald energy shone within the framework of the gateway. Shujinko edged his way thru it; fortunately, it didn't klose as soon as he stepped foot into unknown territory. Kung Lao glided after him, and the portal energy seemed normal to him, not as radical as those in Outworld.
"Kung Lao."
He quickly turned to the voice that boomed behind him, and to his astonishment, he noticed, "Lord Raiden! ...You-you can see me!"
"Indeed, I can." The second Champion bowed low to him.
"You...you're still alive."
"Yes, but only partially."
"What is happening? Why have we been sent back in time...?"
"This must be a temporal flux. We were brought back to the year 1964, although you and Liu Kang had not existed yet."
"Is this...all a dream?"
"Not likely. I doubt it is so. This reality appears too surreal to be klassified as such. This alternate plane, for only our subconscious, must hold some mystical meaning."
"Raiden, who is Shujinko? Why must we follow him?"
"I believe he has something to do with Onaga's second koming. He must be destined to lead on this quest. I have met him once, and I was intrigued on his mimicking kapabilities. Surely, he would have the klues needed on stopping the Dragon King."
"That's why we are in an astral form..."
"Precisely. Go inside the portal, Kung Lao. Watch for any indications in putting an end to our greatest adversary."
"Of course." Lao bowed low and slowly before he stepped thru the emerald portal.
"Kung Lao..! Wake up, Kung Lao, the chosen one."
Fresh, crisp air brushed against his face while his weary eyes cleared amongst the white light. Through his grogginess and anesthetics, Lao kould've sworn the low tenor, Oriental accent belonged to his ancestor.
Fujin, looking down at his disciple, just shook his head and affirmed it was only him. Lao's head grew heavy again while his mind slowly registered Raiden's sacrifice and remembered seeing an opaque, large bipedal dragon of mamba green before he blackened out... He saw the incident flash before his eyes while the Palace was being destroyed! "Ah-Master!" he yelped as if he woke up distressed from a night terror.
The Wind God muttered as he laid firm hands on his shoulders, "Calm yourself, Kung Lao..!" He encouraged him to take in deep breaths. "Our limited powers in Outworld kan only suffice so much... I had managed to teleport as many Kombatants as I possibly kould straight to the Sky Temple. Until I had awakened you...
"Only nine are all that's left of the survivors. The rest...didn't make it."
"What..? Nine, that's all?" The descendant was despaired by the news.
The elemental nodded, "Those being you and me, Nightwolf, Liu Kang, Aiko, Jade, Kuai, Frost, and Kenshi. Sonya, Jax, Kitana, and Johnny, however, were not so lucky..."
"Kitana... No!" Liu's voice emanated from the dragon medallion. "We must save her!"
The cardiokinetic's name struck a nerve, "Aiko! Is she safe?" Lao cried. The Wind God assured she's still at the Academy with Jin. The former sighed with relief.
"I've been defeated..."
There was a muffled tenor in the distance of the Jinsei Chamber. Lao kould've sworn it belonged to Raiden, but he wasn't certain. So lifeless, weak, and perhaps...
"I kould not...protect the realms."
He then summarized he and Raiden had gone back in time and met a destined child named Shujinko. "Your brother, he said he had met this mimic in the past. He believes he has something to do with stopping Onaga."
"We still have time. We need to warn warriors from other realms. He may be invincible, but I saw him take the fake amulet. It's assuring he doesn't know where the real one is...yet." He paused for a moment. "Kung Lao, Liu Kang. I estimate you might find some inclinations within Edenia."
"Of course! Queen Sindel mentioned Onaga before we set out for the Deadly Alliance."
"Good call, Liu Kang."
"Fujin, the name, Damashi. What does it mean?" Lao queried.
"...Damashi. Why does that name sound familiar..?"
"You know this, brother?"
"I...kannot recall exactly where I heard that name... Perhaps...my memory has been swiped as me in my spirit."
Fujin ordered, "Either way, you must both venture to Edenia. And enlist information from Queen Sindel and her royal guard. They must stay on high alert. Only she may assist you on this ancient, wretched demon..!" He clenched a fist mentioning him.
By the time the Shaolin brothers were healthily prepared, he conjured up a funnel which made a rip! "Good luck to both of you. All the realms depend on it!" Lao nodded in earnest before he ran thru.
As soon as the portal klosed, Fujin looked upon the distant, vacant chamber. "It is done. They are now underway, brother."
A/N: I doubt there's been a novelization of MK Deception's Konquest Mode, and I kan't believe I managed to komplete this chapter within one day! And about Lao and Raiden having their subconscious going thru time, I'm sure there's another force at work, even saving them from imminent death. I always felt that MKX was a lousy rehash of both MK4/GOLD and Deception, as Onaga was the first to use necromancy upon his pawns before Shinnok and Quan Chi did! Even though I'd prefer the Revenants over zombies since they seem to retain their memories, don't have decaying flesh, aren't slow nor have an insatiable hunger! They may be an older cliche, but they're more superior than their undead counterparts!
The mysterious voice that Kung Lao heard..? He thought it was his ancestor, even though Fujin affirmed it was only him. However...a special person who was played by Matthew Yang King was heard instead!
Also, this fic shall be divided into 2 plots, the subplot being Shujinko's journey, contrary to the game, with Plot A being business dealing with Onaga.
I wish The Beginning didn't have the sound effects added in... Perhaps The Future from Back to the Future Part II shall play once Kung Lao wakes up in the past; starting at 3:50 to avoid the hackney parts. Of course, there'd be the Earthrealm Village theme. The Test of Observation from Starfox Adventures shall play during Shujinko's classes with Bo' Rai Cho. Under the Influence might sound as Shujinko finally gets into his real fight against the drunkard. In the Presence of a Krazoa Spirit might sound once Lao reunites with Raiden. The Chamber of Sages would sound as Lao wakes up in the Jinsei. No Dream, No Hope from FFX would play when Lao and Liu enter Outworld en route to Edenia. Join the Party from FFIV, just like in Shinnok's Uprising, would chime when Lao recruits a new ally. And Got a Krazoa Spirit plays when a chapter has been kompleted. No offense when I say that Deception is one of the weakest OSTs in the series next to the NRS games!
So, what answers would Lao find in Edenia? And what of Raiden's fate? Find out later.