Kolin and FANG

Another page read led to another turned. More knowledge put behind her as she read to find more, though she had read this book countless times by this point. The book of Prophecies. One that held all the wonders and knowledge of the world. The world as it would be. The world as her lord would make it.

Sitting idly on a large stone, she waited patiently and the only thing to do as she waited was to read further. Kolin finished the next page rather quickly, so she turned the page once more though she found as she did it fell harder than the others. She stopped now, her eyes still on the pages of the book, but though she didn't turn the page she found the sound of them moving was still heard, heavier as if flapping in the wind.

She closed her hands which bracing each side of the book closed it between them shutting it completely. But even then, the flapping sound was still heard.

Turning her head up from the book and looking ahead she saw the origin of it. Not a book but a long sleeve which extended down from where the arm stopped hiding away within it.

"Ah." Kolin let out upon seeing him creep up to her "You've come." she said tucking the book under her arm and crossing her legs.

A sneer came across his face, long and thin like the rest of his features.

"Not by your command." FANG corrected "It is the Mighty Bison I serve. If he tells me to go, I go."

"Then that is good." Kolin said as she stood up though was still far beneath him "For it means our goals are aligned." she said as she got to her feet and looked to him high above herself "However brief that may end up being." she clarified though neither one of them needed it. In reaction to it FANG's sneer turned up to one side and light flashed across his eyes reflecting a menacing glare in his lenses. Clearly, he agreed with the sentiment. Whatever their masters needed of them they would do, but even they likely knew how it would end "But for now." Kolin said her voice more refined and to the point.

"Yes." FANG hissed "For now." he repeated "Here we are." he brought his arms up stretching them up and out though the long sleeves still covered his hands and they still drooped down to fall beside his body "At the behest of our leaders. Two rivals against each other yet together for this sole purpose." he explained, though Kolin did not need it repeated "Quite the alliance I must say." he sneered as he brought his hands down.

"The situation has changed drastically." Kolin pointed out. Both of their sides knew of what was happening to the world, one being the cause of it and both suspicious of the other during it. But along with those suspicions the appearance of these warriors from separate realms only complicated it. But each of their sides found opportunity in it, for themselves naturally. But even in that they still had to account on what their older foes would do. Naturally both came to the same conclusion.

Better to trust the devil you know than the devil you don't.

So, under the orders of Shadaloo and the Secret Society's leaders M. Bison and Gil, their most trusted guards and advisors, their number twos would unite. To push back against this combined invasion, take out shared threats old and new, as their two organizations would march forth in this world.

And to keep tabs on each other.

"So," FANG said as he began to sway in place poking out like a scarecrow in a cornfield "where to begin?"

Kolin ran a free hand through her long golden hair before setting it back to her side "There are a many great warriors out there." she said as she held the book tighter. Of all the information contained within it, it spoke of them, one of them. One who could turn the tide in their favor. One who could do what Charlie Nash could not. She just had to find him first. "One of special interest."

"Hm." FANG cut her off "And you think I'll come along to help you recruit them?" he huffed "In SHADALOO only strength makes you survive. If they fall to me, let alone you then they are not worthy." he said dismissively.

"I am to view them all as threats." Kolin clarified coldly, an icy glare revealing itself in her eyes and though she spoke of the many new warriors; ninjas, specials forces demons and gods, she focused solely on FANG. "Dangers are never too far." she admitted.

"Quite so." FANG said aloud, but his inner thoughts went elsewhere 'It will not be long now.' he thought to himself 'I'll work alongside this wretched girl, for Bisons sake. But as soon as she's of no use to use well... this alliance will be poisoned.' he had to stifle an amused chuckle.

"But just as there are warriors to face there are artifacts to find." she told gaining FANG's attention again.

"Artifacts?" FANG questioned and she nodded. He was slightly amused and intrigued by that notion. Warriors who he would do away with were not his concern, but an artifact. Something she was looking for might be worth looking into. After all it was his master Bison's discovery of one such artifact that brought on this calamity- though, whether she knew that or not he did not know nor would he let it be known. But he did know that one Bison possessed was part of a set. Perhaps it was the others she coveted "It must be a something of great power to be wanted by so many. By Lord Bison and your leader." he counted off aloud on fingers that weren't visible.

"Among others." Kolin admitted, though did not name who else.

"Well then" he said in a slithering voice "let us put this alliance to good use." he said.

"Just as were ordered to do." Kolin agreed without using the word.

The two set off ready to show what their combined might could accomplishes. Towards their enemies and each other.

But they were not the only one with this idea as they would find out.

Shang Tsung and Quan Chi

The fiery volcanic mountains of the NetherRealm were all lined up on the horizon, flowing from them the lava trickled down to create rivers that would forever slow throughout the realm. Some hardened molten rocks flanked these flowing streams to create landmasses or paths to traverse though even those were littered with the dead. Well.. those that were lucky to be dead at least.

Sitting atop a throne high above the lava and stones but not above the reach of the screams was the castellan of this realm, the sorcerer Quan Chi.

Sitting on his rocky throne, he looked down to the path below to see jagged sharp rocks flanking the path, looking like the giant ribcage of a long-forgotten beast than a path. But it was one that lead directly to him.

He reached his hand out to his left and scooped up a cup by his side. His palm touched with the lower jaw of the skull shaped chalice and then he brought it to his lips, but before he could taste its contents he stirred. His eyes widened, bringing more white out beneath the black brim of his eyes and he gazed forward. For he heard the sound of footsteps ascending the stairs and coming towards him.

"Hm." he grumbled as he moved the chalice down to the armrest. He then silently awaited his guests.

He had guesses of course. His obedient servant Noob Saibot. His former obedient specter Scorpion finally come to take revenge. Or his Lord Shinnok. All likely outcomes. But as it turned out it was none of them.

He saw peaking above the top of the steep stairs a grey tuff of hair which dismissed all of his previous suggestions. A few steps further revealed a white bearded and reserved face. Following after was the rest of the man's body, adorned in fine robes with serpents embedded in them.

Quan Chi's eyes widened when he saw him before settling back into their usual place. And to match the 'Hm.' from before he let out a low chuckle.

"I was not excepting a guest such as this." he said as Shang Tsung had reached the top of the stairs and walked towards him "I suppose your master has finally had enough of your failings and done away with you?" he surmised and chuckled again. "So, this brings you finally from his service and into mine." he chuckled darkly again.

Shang Tsung, however, stopped in place. His look though static did not look unamused.

Quan Chi's right hand stirred and moved forward "Now." he said as he stretched it out "Come to me." he tightened and clenched his hand in command. Shang Tsung did not budge. "You would defy your master?" he asked with a malicious grin keeping his arm outstretched.

Now Shang stirred bringing his right hand up to mimic Quan Chi's though when he straightened it out to him his palm glowed red and from it erupted a bright red fire ball that shot from his hand and was heading right for Quan Chi.

Quan Chi did not move from his seat, save to drop his hand and casually move his head to the left as the fireball passed right at it and flashed into the wall behind him. The wall smoldered behind him as did everything else in this realm, but Quan chi moved his neck, so his head was back upright on his neck. Shand Tsung remained standing before him with his hand outstretched.

In retaliation to that outburst, Quan Chi merely grinned.

"Are you quite done?" Shang Tsung finally asked, his tone unamused as his hand still smoldered "I did not come all this way to be lectured." he then put it away behind his back.

"I suppose not." Quan Chi said as he rose up from his seat and began to walk towards Shang Tsung "But it begs the questions of why you've come at all. At the behest of your master perhaps?" he inquired as one eyebrow rose towards Shang Tsung.

"Hardly." he admitted slyly as Quan Chi stopped before him "There are developments that go beyond even the so-called 'Great Shao Kahn's' knowledge." he said widening his arms before bringing them back together joined at the fingertips which he strummed together.

"Is that so?" Quan Chi crossed his arms.

"Indeed." Shang Tsung nodded "Perhaps even beyond your own God Shinnok?" he proposed.

"Hm." Quan Chi let out "That is unlikely." For his God remained bound by the power of his own amulet, trapped there until he could be released.

"Yet current events would reveal otherwise." Shang Tsung said slyly peering over his strumming fingertips.

Quan Chi stiffened, and his brow deepened, its shadows overtaking his face "What do you mean?"

"And you as well it seems." Shang gloated in his victory in knowledge.

"So, it seems." Quan Chi agreed begrudgingly "Unless you mean the current events in Earthrealm?" a malicious smile then grew on his face brightening his demeanor though it remained demonic. And he got the opportunity to see Shang Tsung's face conform to him.

"Then you are aware of its changes." Shang Tsung stated more than asked.

"I am." Quan chi admitted. In truth he had been for some time. For events as great as this give birth to new opportunities. He has in fact, just found the perfect mortal to take on as a revenant in Charlie Nash who was currently locked away deeper into his lair.

"Saving your strength, it seems." Shang Tsung inquired, as he had withheld that knowledge until now.

"For the fight to come." Quan Chi paused "Yet it does not explain why you are here."

"For this exact purpose." Shang Tsung extended his hand "To renew an old pact, so that we can maximize our rise through it." Quan Chi gazed down at the outstretched hand of Shang Tsung. He knew what he was asking, and he knew what was out there. But he also knew the price of allying himself with the sorcerer.

"Hmmm." Quan chi mumbled as he pondered aloud let "Things have been known to come back in the NetherRealm." he stated before he paused. But when he was finished his face rose back up from the shadows to revel in sinister intent "Why not the Deadly alliance?" his eyes now locked with Shang Tsung, both grinning evilly to the other.

Together they would revive his fallen elder God. But it begs the question. What did Shang Tsung want out of this?

Shang Tsung and Quan Chi Fight Your Rival! Exciting Street Scene

Quan Chi overlooked a bustling city street. People packed the streets, and elephants trumpeted their own trunks to make their music as they danced and bustled about carrying people as they were wearing flaps and flowers themselves. Quan Chi observed them silently, looking to see where his partner could have gone within this haze of celebration. Alone as he was, though, he would not be alone for long.

"Ahh Quan Chi." a thin yet wiry voice called behind him. Quan Chi raised an eyebrow at the sound of it, and when he turned found himself eye to eye with a tall, lanky man who had no choice but to leer down to be eye level with him. The sleeves of his purple cloak extended far past his hands so he could not see them, nor his eyes for they were hidden behind small black sunglasses as a wide brimmed hat that would make Kung Lao jealous sat atop his head.

"I am." Quan Chi admitted "And whom to do I the pleasure of.." he paused and looked him over skeptically, his stare strange, his jaw tense "addressing me." he finished through clenched teeth.

The man chuckled "I am FANG. The Great assassin and Bison's number two. No different than you are Shinnok's".

"I doubt that." he said unamused putting his hands to his hips. Whatever parallels FANG was drawing he was not convinced yet.

"Oh, but there is more." FANG let out ready to confide more in him "As it turns out due to my servitude to Lord Bison, and the circumstances we all find ourselves in, I have been propelled into an alliance with an old foe who stands against us. Again, not unlike you."

"As you say." Quan Chi now crossed his arms waiting for the point to be crossed.

"And though there are advantages to that, I'd say there are more to be had between the two of us." he proposed bringing up a sleeve covered hand to motion it between the two of them.

"So, you say." Quan Chi conceded "But not how."

FANG's glasses shined and a grin widened on him. "Simple really. For you and me to come together. To form our own Deadly Alliance!" his grow grew now the madness that was only seeping through before had risen and brimming through him.

"Quite the proposal." Quan Chi admitted such more calmly.

"Of course," FANG snapped coming back down "first we'll have to do away with our own troubling shackles. Kolin for me and for you that petulant Sorcerer Shang Tsung." he said as he pointed his long sleeve at him though his fingers dripped purple.

Quan Chi's eyes flashed now as well. And his cheeks poked up from the smirk that appeared on his face as he starred closer at FANG, who no doubt though his offer had struck a chord and was about to be taken. Then all of a sudden Quan Chi went up in a puff of green smoke, but the grin remained only the face it belonged to was Shang Tsung.

"Dah!" FANG let out and hopped back away from him.

"Do you intend to leave? You've only just arrived." Shang said as he took a step forward to follow him, his voice full of knowing contempt.

"Hold Sorcerer!" FANG insisted as he began to prance opposite Shang Tsung, the two circling the other. "We can come together you and me. The work of your Flesh Pits has caught the attention of the Mighty Bison. He has his own projects you see."

"I know of these 'dolls' your master has commissioned." Shang Tsung waved his hand before him "They pale in comparison to my masterpiece." he said piously clenching his fist.

"All the more reason to join with me." FANG insisted as he seemed to be buying time "It would be a shame to throw away such an opportunity." he offered though there was warning in his voice.

Shang Tsung came to a stop now and lowered his hand to his side, and his eyes followed. He hung back and it seemed as if he was deep in thought, if only for a moment "Perhaps you are right." he yielded. FANG slumped down to come more level with him "However," he said quickly shooting his eyes back up to him "My petulant nature advises me to do otherwise." he smirked as he raised his hand and spread his feet.

FANG only laughed at his defiance "It seems I was right about you sorcerer! Very well!" he laughed "I shall kill you now to save me from betraying you later!" as he squared up against him.

"Fool." Shang Tsung glared back "When I'm done with you, you shall still be a number two. And I will have risen far above one."

The two were about to fight when suddenly a black blur was flung past the space between them. Both of them turned their heads to see a woman flying through the air before she flipped back and skidded across the ground before quickly coming back up straight and ready for a fight. As for the direction she came from Shang Tsung, and FANG turned their heads as another sorcerer came to join them.

"Well, well, well" a deep voice bellowed as he stopped opposite Kolin with the four now making a perfect square "what have we here?" Quan Chi asked though his face bore a knowing grin. Opposite him Kolin grilled him as FANG huffed at his entry. But Shang Tsung smirked upon seeing him

"A business deal gone wrong." he told cheekily before looking over to Kolin as Quan Chi moved to his side to stand with him "And you?" he eyed her with a raised brow.

"Superstitious nonsense." Quan Chi chuckled as he looked over "But where do we go from here?" he turned his head as Fang and Kolin faced off side by side against them.

"The underlings to a great power. They are their own Deadly Alliance." Shang Tsung told him garnering a contemptuous laugh from Quan Chi.

"You are a snake sorcerer. I shall show you true poison." FANG called to him.

"Such long sleeves." Shang Tsung mused "I'm sure you have far too many tricks up them. Though tricks I see coming." he then glanced over to Kolin. "And what of her?" he asked to Quan Chi who remained standing to his side.

"Fools." Quan Chi answered "A pious child and a walking handkerchief." he said moving his head to view one then the other "Nothing can stop this deadly alliance." he said as he readied himself for a battle.

But now it was Shang Tsung who starred at him contemptuously "On that we agree."

Kolin and FANG Fight Your Rival! Exciting Street Scene

Quan Chi stood idly. He had lost sight of Shang Tsung and now made a dedicated effort to find him. He paused now to view his surroundings. The close sounds of a festival in the street could be heard but not seen. Whatever life and joy they brought were muted and snuffed out around him, like deaths itself. The alleyway he found himself in was not privy to those things. Looking around he wondered if Shang Tsung had given him the slip within the crowd and left him here. It truly seemed as if no one else was here.

Then all of a sudden before him the sunlight flashed blue and red. His eyes rolled over as it flashed at him again, staying in place and he focused in on it. He raised his right hand towards it slowly and eased to a stop right beneath it but extended a black gloved finger towards it. He could see now that it was no trick of the light, but the flapping of wings as colorful as the street he passed by. The butterfly, flapping less frequently fluttered down and perched on his smallest finger. Quan Chi paused to regard its bright blue wings with their fiery red tips.

"Pretty isn't it." a woman's thick husky voice said. Quan Chi didn't flinch or stir in alarm but redirecting his attention to behind him. His eyes rolled around first and his body followed as he turned around to see a young woman in a thick dark fur coat and hat approach him. Though her colors were dark like his, it still allowed for her long blonde hair to fall from under it and two pale legs to sprout out of her coat to let her approach him. She held no butterfly, but under her arm she cradled a large ancient book. Stopping before him, she made another statement "I rather like butterflies."

"Among other things it seems." he said as he faced her no longer taken unawares, his pinky still extended to hold up the butterfly.

"Yes." she said as she passed the book over to other hand and tucked in under her arm. But she never took her eyes off him "I find there to be much knowledge in reading as well. I can only assume you would think the same?"

Quan Chi nodded "Yet not all knowledge is contained in books." he pointed out calmly.

"No." she agreed "Tell me necromancer, have you ever read any of prophecies?"

"None that have come to pass." he answered grimly. Even with these catastrophic events, even the Dragon King had yet to return. Though this change of events...

"Oh." she said as she rested her chin in her head and looked away, deep in thought "There was a prophecy I read once. One that told of a warrior who would rise up and defeat M Bison." she paused "Having done my own duty with the rising of the dead, I thought I had found one who had passed on. Who was to be this warrior, but he was not." she paused and dropped her head but held Quan Chi's attention the entire time. All the while the butterfly remained perched on his pinky. "I have read it further." she turned up to view him "I believe one of your warriors is who this prophecy refers to." That stirred the slightest bit of intrigue in Quan Chi before he silenced it.

Whoever could she be referring to? Perhaps his old specter Scorpion-or Hanzo, whatever he goes by now. Or perhaps more currently Noob Saibot, but he hardly fit the description any better than Scorpion.

The right edge of Quan Chi's mouth turned up sinisterly "Then you do not know my warriors.." he said as all of a sudden, his raised pinky finger flared up and the butterfly upon it burst into flames at the tip of his finger before falling off of it and smoldering on the ground. Quan Chi there took a step forward and put out the fire beneath his boot. "Kolin."

Kolin's face scrunched up when he revealed who she was and the menacing step he took towards her. "My master has use of your warriors." she said spitefully her voice changing drastically. She had no use for courtesy now but held him off with her own drastic change "He will have use of you if you only accept his outstretched hand. For he is good and merciful."

"I have but one master." Quan replied sinisterly as he clenched his hand "And his return is almost upon us."

"You make a terrible mistake." Kolin warned "He can offer you everlasting life."

"The legacy of life is death." Quan Chi retorted, reciting his masters' words and dogma "As the master said." he grinned wickedly "And that is eternal." he took another step towards her.

Quickly she threw her hands forward and opened her palm. Her hand was a few feet from him though he had no fear of her striking him. Though when a blue crystal formed, and light reflected off of it he took notice. It shot out form her hand and came at him in the form of an ice ball which surprised him. But not so much that he would let it hit him.

Quan Chi rolled his head over to his right shoulder and let the ball pass him, passing by where his head once was. Once the threat had passed, he raised his head back up, but Kolin still stood before him.

"Ice." he said amused "Perhaps you would be better off in service to me in the Netherrealm after all." he commented taking another step forward.

"Never!" she shouted in defiance.

"Suite yourself." he said as he threw his hands forward just as she had, only this time a green skull flew from them. The skulls came at her, reflecting in her eyes as the green glow began to cover her. Moving quickly, Kolin jumped up dodging the blast. When she landed Quan Chi hurled another one at her which she dodged in a similar matter hopping away from him.

She flipped and skidded back all the way across the ground getting further away from Quan Chi. Flinging herself out of the alley and continuing to dodge his attacks. As she came into the street the sounds of movement and merriment that were so dim before became louder now. Whether the light laughter from the people on the street or the heavy stomps of the elephants it was all blaring around her. But she did not let it distract her from her attacker who pursued her further, coming out of the alleyway himself now.

She jumped back out of the way landing on the ground right as he hurled another flaming skull at her. Jumping back right as it collided where she once stood and pushing herself so far back that she passed in between the standoff between two men in the process. One was her partner FANG and the other was Quan Chi's' the sorcerer Shang Tsung. It seems things had gone no differently for either of them. Coming to a stop she picked herself up to glare past the two men who looked at her, but her eyes were on Quan Chi who at that time Quan Chi rejoined them as well. They each made four corners of a perfect square as they took up the street. The two others looked to Kolin before looking to Quan Chi.

"Well, well, well, what have we here." Quan Chi's deep voice bellowed in amusement as saw FANG on one side, Shang Tung across from him and between them glaring at him Kolin.

It was Shang Tsung who answered him with a smirk "A business deal gone wrong." she said cheekily titling his head at his own partner before turning his attention to Kolin. An inquisitive, knowing leer came across his face though Kolin thought she saw a hint of lecherousness as he eyed her long bare legs. As he eyed her Quan Chi came up beside him "And you?" he asked with raised brow but sounded to already have an answer. This time Quan Chi answered him.

"Superstitious nonsense" Quan Chi chuckled "But where do we go from here?" he turned his head as FANG went to Kolin's side and the two Deadly Alliances faced off against one another.

It was time to find out which was truly deadlier.

Sub-boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Kolin and FANG

That battle completed meant that this partnership was fulfilling its purpose. Their shared mission temporary as it may be, was going according to plan. Finding powerful foes that would stand in their way. If those two sorcerers were making an alliance, they had to stop it now. But Kolin watched as the two sorcerers make their way through the alleyways, people and elephants, their backs disappearing among the crowded streets.

"Hm." she let out contemptuously "They will not get far." and she took a step forward to pursue them. She would have to but would not get a step farther for FANG's long lanky arm shot itself out before her, cutting her off. She snapped up to him "What are you-"

"You may have unfinished business with them." FANG spoke down to her "But mine is done." Kolin stood up straight now, looked up to him and put a hand to her hip.

"You would let our enemies get away?"

"Only when another appears." he said leaning over her and moving out his other arm, rotating around he directed Kolin's vision to behind them now. Startled at first, she saw a red figure leap out from a hole in the ground, one of its own creation. It landed hard on the ground before them crouching down as it did so. Then once it was level with them it raised his head up like a wolf howling at the moon and growled to them.

"A monstrosity." Kolin declared without hesitation. FANG however, looked at Necalli in a more familiar light, though no less dismissive.

"Ah" FANG hissed upon seeing him "So this one is here too." he said observantly as Necalli hunkered down and rose from the ground, flopping about on his feet like a fish on dry land. Sensing familiarity Kolin looked to him out of the corner of her eyes strangely "He had a great duel with the Mighty Bison." he explained, pausing before a small chuckle "It did not go as this beast planned."

"Then that is all it is." Kolin said as she stepped forward glaring at Necalli "A beast. One that has no purpose in the new world." she put her fists up.

In reply Necalli let out a sharp breath.

"Lessers, inferiors" he chanted "bound in servitude... your souls are forfeit!"

"That is not for you to decide!" Kolin snapped back with a wave of her hands.

FANG then slink forward "If its food you want. I'll let you wash it down with this." he said as his pointy fingers escaped from the edges of his sleeve to show poison dripping off of them.

Sub-boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Shang Tsung and Quan Chi

The two continued on their path when suddenly it was obstructed, not by a large crowd or rampaging elephant but by the sudden appearance of another fighter. The path ahead was clear one moment and blocked the next. A hole appeared suddenly, though it was not empty for rising out of it was a demonic figure.

Ducking under an elephant and moving the tarp that hung from it out of the way, the two came to a stop at this newfound sight. Only one figure stood in their way now. Rising up from the ground as if it had risen from its own grave. It's blood red hair lashing around like whips, its eyes and voice drenched in hate.

Given his entrance, for a moment Quan Chi thought it was his own servant Noob Saibot, who he had left behind in the Netherrealm, but had become quite the person of interest lately. But when it was clear that this creature was not him he asked "What realm is this one from?" as Necalli's deadly glare was cast upon them.

"I was thinking yours." Shang Tsung said slyly though Quan Chi was not as amused. Emerging from his pit Necalli took a few struggled steps forward gurgling words to them.

"Souls." Necalli breathed sounding aa if he was being strangled to death "I will have.." he stumbled forward "souls.." he staggered further closing the gap between them "Your Souls!" he finally stopped and roared to them. Shang Tsung and Quan Chi did not flinch from the outburst though the elephants behind them did.

"Souls?" Shang Tsung asked wryly "But if I gave you mine what else would I have?"

"The souls of the warriors-" he began seedily "They are- they are!-"

"Are mine." Shang Tsung finished with a snap of his hand "As will be yours." he said keeping them forward readying for a fight.

"If it's servitude you long for." Quan Chi said stepping up assuming his own fighting stance "you shall have it, beneath my foot in the NetherRealm."

Kolin and FANG Ending

It was dark and dank in this place. They may have called it a temple, but for all it was it might as well have been a cave. One long abandoned by whatever false gods used them to demand worship for their lies of salvation.

But whatever it was, it held secrets she needed.

The temple of elements had not had visitors in quite some time. But what it did have was not enough to stop them.

It had traps that they bypassed, and its guards were nothing compared to the other warriors they had faced already on their way here. She found the traps to be the bigger issue, but ones they got through easily. But given all they had to get to here, she can see why the temple which was hard to find on its own was hard to be breeched. It had only been done by one before. One who may be of special interest to her.

Kolin and FANG were side by side. He swayed as he walked as she alongside every step she took. They were shrouded in pitch black darkness all around, save for the light ahead. Continuing side by side they came to a stop, yet the stairway before them was wide enough for only one to walk up. Darkness shrouded them all around, save for the light that trickle from up high and flowed down like a river showcasing the bumps and graves of the rising bluish steps. Yet at the top even from that height and being so low from it they could see something was there.

Taking in a deep breath, Kolin took the first step. But felt that once she did another leg brushed up right alongside her. Looking over she saw FANG making the exact same motion she had, and once he realized what she was doing snapped his head to look down at her.

"What do you think you're doing?" he spoke down to her like a child as neither one moved their leg.

"Completing the objective." she replied budging against him "It was I who told you of such an artifact."

"Ah but that gives you no claim to see it first."

"But I will-"

"You will not." he snapped back pushing his head against hers and brining her under the brim of his hat, but she didn't back down from him. The two bustled and pushed against each other at the bottom of the stairs with neither one giving way to the other. She threw her shoulder into his ribcage, but he grinded against her, his head looming over hers. Though they bore the same purpose and thought against many great foes, it seems neither was willing to back away now. That was until Kolin gave him on final shove and though it didn't move him, FANG did stiffen in place.

"This is no way for allies to act." he said his voice soft yet eerie in tone throwing his arms up "My lord Bison tires of his own generals fighting. So, he would not like this at all." he said as his coat flapped, and he took a step back. Now Kolin was the only one with a foot on the steps, but still eyed him unsure of where this would truly go "Go first if you must." he waved his arms at her.

She paused for a few moments but a few more waves from him and the sight of the stairwell made her take the chance. Putting her back to him, Kolin began to climb the steps. From below his eyes followed her as she walked up the steps. Soon enough he followed behind her, keeping pace a few steps back. Looking up her dark clothes meshed with the darkness of the temples around them and muddied his vision. Yet her golden hair was plain as the daylight that wasn't there. So, it was with that in his sights that his hands crept out of his sleeves, and he raised them up to grab at her.

Unawares of what was going on behind her, Kolin came to the top first and from there marveled at what was before her. Her stare was serious, and she retained her icy stare, but even those lit up at what was held onto the podium.

A perfectly ground amulet. As golden as her hair and as aged as the society she served. Fit with a green gem in the center. It reflected in her eyes turning them gold instead of blue and in her pupil the green gem shined.

From behind FANG knew they reached the top, but retracted his hands slightly, wanting to see what it was she put so much of their shared time in.

Standing a few steps beneath her, he still towered over her and managed to lean his head over hers to take a peek at what they had come all this way for. While Kolin's eyes shined gold, his lenses reflected them and lead him only in disgust.

"Is that it?" he questioned unimpressed "All this way for a piece of jewelry? Are we going shopping?" he said but Kolin did not answer. She seemed to be in a trance. On the cusp of something great and terrible. But all done at her master's request.

"It's all it was said to be." Kolin said in awe of what was before her. Noticing her reverence FANG went on edge but was still dismissive.

"Quite a thing to come so far for." he said leering over her head.

"Yes..." she said. He did not see it, but her left hand had had begun to lower down slightly to trace the small pendant that sat there.

"Hmmm." Fang let out as a long sneer began to grow up the length of his face "If this is what wanted from me then I will do it." he said "However," he began to twist and sway. His long sleeves did the same and his shadow twisted. Kolin now bladed her body towards him managing to take her gaze off the amulet, but still kept it within reach "All he said was to work alongside you to find out your objectives." By this time Kolins hand had completely taken ahold of what was beside her "And if your objective was to come all this way then it seems it was for nothing." he continued "For there's nothing here for you." he began to turn towards her "Save your death!" he shouted and was about to turn to attack her, putting into place the plan he had long envisioned.

But when he turned to look at Kolin fully, he saw that her hand was outstretched to him. The small medallion pit perfectly in her hand and as she held it out it began to glow a hellish red. From behind it her stare was hard and cold like ice as she faced him. The flashes of red high lightened in her face a terrible resolve.

"Is that all you have? A simple piece of jewelry?" he cackled at her.

"More than that I'm afraid," she admitted unremorsefully "but it's needed by my master. And it's time to see if it was worth it."

"I can already tell you it was not! Nothing will save you now!" FANG said as he came at her. Kolin stood her ground and her stance.

The only thing that happened wasn't done by her. Instead, it was by the medallion which glowed even brighter as FANG closed in on her.

So bright did it shine hellish red that it completely took over her vision, of Fang, of the temple and all the darkness within it.

And when finally, it dimmed Kolin felt her strength taken from her. As if she had just been through the fight of her life and could scarcely say she came out alive. Darkness crept back into the temple.

Looking down Kolin could hardly believe such a small thing could wield such power. But it proved one thing. That her master Gil was right to task her to this.

Another bit of proof? FANG was nowhere to be seen.

Shang Tsung and Quan Chi Ending

Shang Tsung walked forward, each step taking him deeper and deeper into the temple. As ancient as the realms themselves, yet as strong as the one who ruled here long ago. But that did not concern him. They had come this far, and he would not stop now. Nothing would stop him for nothing stood before him.

Behind him, however...

His pace slowed almost to a stop as the darkness swelled around him. For some force beyond his own was telling him to do so. His intuition. And even more so it was telling him to duck.

Coming to a stop, he paused for a moment. Then in a flash of movement, he lunged his head to the left, leaning far into it as a light passed by him in the form of a green fiery skull passed by where is own skull once was.

Calmly he moved back into position but turned his head halfway back to see Quan Chi's gloved but still smoldering green hands.

"Saving your strength?" Shang questioned, repeating what he had said to Quan Chi when this began.

"For the fight to come." Quan Chi answered as he grilled him.

Shang Tsung turned to face him and put his hands up. Quan Chi swung one arm down as the other perched itself above his head ready for the attack of Shang Tsung. Now words were needed for what had happened now.

The Deadly Alliance was broken.

"I was waiting for this moment." Shang said "You're a few minutes late." letting out a chuckle "So of course, I saw it coming."

"Then you have seen your death." Quan Chi replied. Hs hands began to glow green as Shang's grew red.

"And yours shall come after!" a woman's voice echoed from above. Bugged eyed they looked up to see a swath of black waving above them and growing larger at the moment. It landed between them and then two pale legs shot out from it to brace her fall.

Then both flung themselves back as Kolin miraculously reappeared falling out of the sky; she went to the ground her coat dissipated on the ground before pulling itself back up clung to her figure.

"This freak." Quan Chi grumbled as she stood before him and in front of Shang Tsung. He was tired of her before and yet here she was again. Looking at her return Shang Tsung noticed it was only her.

"And where is your ally now?" Shang Tsung asked still ready for a fight as she stood between them.

"I have no use for him anymore." she waved her hand through her hair facing away from both of them "He has fulfilled his purpose to my organization."

"Hm." Shang nodded his head rising up more peering at her fist and then to Quan Chi past her "Of that sentiment I can agree." Shang Tsung said pleased to hear of FANG's betrayal hadn't gone as planned. "It seems you've timed it well."

"Faster than you it seems." Quan chi's scowl deepened across from him.

"And it was not without its advantages of course." Kolin continued as she flicked her hair as her hand dug into her coat. Shang Tsung could not see what it was for he was behind her, but Quan Chi tensed further. He saw her shuffle further and beneath her coat he saw her shoulder bend and retract as she pulled her arm back out.

And when she did, he saw Quan Chi's eyes bugged open in disbelief.

He looked on skeptically before he saw her casually bend her arm and held something out casually for them to see. And Shang now shared Quan Chi's look when they saw displayed in her black hand a round golden medallion.

"How.." Quan Chi began in disbelief as she turned back to him "Where did you find that?"

"My travels have taken me all around." she said simply without elaborating further.

"It matters not." he said glaring at her and taking a powerful step forward reaching his hand out further "Give it to me." he said opening his palm to her. Outstretched it began to tremble.

"Hmm." Kolin pondered at the sight of his hand "What is the importance of this I wonder?" she said as she turned down to view the amulet.

"Let us say it holds great sentimental value to me." Quan Chi said as coolly as he could. Kolin seemed to ponder his request as she rotated the amulet in her fingers. But they were not the only ones here.

"He's lying to you." Shang Tsung called mischievously over her shoulder, goading the two of them against each other now and reveling in it.

"I thought as much." she concluded herself looking to Shang Tsung and back to Quan Chi with a pout. His snarl became fiercer. "What would you do to have it back then?" she said holding it up but still close to her "Would you do your duty by my master?" she said "I had FANG fulfill his purpose to us. Now I require the same of you."

Quan Chi did not answer, but from behind her Kolin thought she heard the call of some ancient spell and she jumped up and flipped out of the way as Shang Tsung shot a fireball at where she once stood.

She landed diagonally to the two of them making a complete triangle.

"You would only be fulfilling his purpose if you return that." Shang Tsung warned her. Coming to her feet, she stared at him with an icy glare.

"I have use for him. But not for you sorcerer." she snapped

"Perhaps." Shang said "But I have never had one for you." he then looked to Quan Chi "Nor does he." he said to him.

Quan Chi nodded to him and then bladed his body to Kolin. It seems the Deadly Alliance would have one final foe together.

Kolin let out a pompous "Hm." and prepared herself just as the two of them did against her.

They all were prepared to charge each other and finish the competition completely.

That was until the world began to shake.

It began at once and did not stop after. The world got less and less reliable as it quacked beneath them. So much so that they could not keep themselves on the ground. Kolin dropped to one knee as the two sorcerers shook in place.

"What is this?! she called.

But none gave her an answer. The shaking only got worse, and in fact seemed to be focused on one space in particular. At the great open archway on the other side of the temple that showed only darkness. Yet within it they could see the glimmer of two blood red eyes.

Shang Tsung looked to Quan Chi who looked back to him. A deathly serious look in both of their eyes and hidden beneath that was an understanding. Shang Tsung nodded to him and the two put their backs to Kolin confusing her.

Whatever was happening, it was a greater threat than her it seemed.

She looked past them and to the archway. And emerging from the shadows from right beneath the archway were two sharp pronged wings connected to a great black figure. Seeing it approach them Shang Tsung and Quan Chi went white with shock. For this was a foe greater than they had expected to encounter here.

Coming to her feet Kolin saw this great figure overtake the room as Quan Chi and Shang Tsung stood before it. Even from behind them she could feel a terrible power, one she had not seen ever before. Creeping forward she took her place between the two sorcerers.

"Is this one of your prophecies?" Kolin asked to Quan Chi as they all looked forward.

Quan Chi turned to Kolin "One that I wish would not have come true." he said gravely.

Taking her positions with them, she took her own fighting stance between them.

They would fight as one, as the new trio forming a new alliance made out of desperation.

The three of them ready to face The Dragon King.

It would take all of their strength to do so.