Nightwolf and Smoke
He sat in his tipi with a fire burning before him. The shadows were dark around him as the light from the fire shined brighter. His eyes closed, his body stiff and at peace. But his mind was full of questions.
He took in a deep breath and heard the cries.
The Realms bleed. The kombat was konstant and the battles never ending. Each one bringing them a step closer to a shared end. Annihilation. He saw all of this in a vision, yet there was no time to prepare or warn the others for by the time he knew what was to come it had already passed. The realms merged, combining into a unwholly mess. And from that mess everything followed.
But for all that was against him; the Great Spirit gave him a solution.
He opened his eyes to see the darkened tipi he found solace in. The darkness seemed to creep ever closer being held at bay by the only light available, from his own fire. It was that haunting sense of foreboding that displayed what was going on in the outside world. If that was the darkness, he would have to be the fire.
The flames rose like sharp blades as they flicked around the cracking wood. Above them smoke rose through the fire. Yet on the other side of the fire the smoke began to sway, as if blown by a breeze. Yet there was no wind inside to feel.
Nightwolf did not stir but watch on as the smoke began to clump together in the air, to twist and thicken like a dark cloud. But then that cloud spread out to form and take the shape of a man. One who took the name of the very thing that manifested him.
"Smoke." Nightwolf greeted as he gazed at the newcomer to his tent. Strangely he sounded as if he'd been expecting him.
"Nightwolf." Smoke repeated the greeting, his voice chest yet muffled through the mask. The two silently observe the other over the fire. Smoke hidden in layers of armor and a mask while Nightwolf bore none of that. Finally, after a silence they shared over the fire spoke "I had thought to find you elsewhere." he then paused "Dealing with the current problems of the realms."
"Each journey begins with a cautious act." Nightwolf told, though he did not disagree "I was consulting to see what my course of action would be. It seems you've been told of yours already." he said observantly "What did they tell you?"
"I came to meet with you." Smoke answered confirming his assumption "Our grand master Sub-zero requested me to find a powerful warrior while he went out with Master Hasashi, I went to the Sky Temple and the Wu Shi Academy only to find them gone. Without that I thought to cone to you here. Thankfully you are here." he said sounding a bit relieved after his previous attempts were failures.
"I am." Night wolf admitted, sounding like he would not be for long. He then looked at him curiously. "Yet, I wonder.. are you here at the behest of your Grand master or for your friend?"
"Are they not one in the same?" Smoke's visible eyes squinted over the fire at him, confusion in them.
"Are they?" Nightwolf asked skeptically. It was one thing to be a delegate to another and a friend all the same. The previous Grand Masters thought this. Had they been here, they certainly would have taken advantage of this.
Smokes gaze hardened on him "They are." Smoke says confirming it.
Nightwolf nodded agreeably finally breaking a smile "And what does he wish of you?"
"It is for my friend that I am here now." Smoke confirmed "To aid you however I can. To save Earthrealm."
Night wolf studied his smoky companion. A solemn look on his face.
"It is more than just Earthrealm that needs saving." he told warily. Smokes face scrunched up as he said that signaling confusion to him. "Let us go outside." Nightwolf said as he picked himself up. Smoke did the same. Passing around him, Nightwolf opened the tarp allowing he and smoke to exit. Upon exiting their stares instantly went to the sky. And looking up they saw the world torn apart with almost every realm bearing down on them. Nightwolf remained stern but Smoke was shocked.
"It is worse than when I first arrived" Smoke said dreadfully.
"And shall only continue." Nightwolf warned. Smoke then turned to him.
"I know of my mission." he said steadfast "What of yours? Will you aid me?" Smoke asked almost pleading.
Nightwolf raised his head to take a greater look of the many skies above them.
"The Great Spirit first warned me of this and I was too slow to act..." he said taking in more of the view and a deeper breath "He then told me 'To heal the realms, I must unite and heal its people and bring them together, protect them from what is to come." he finished and brought his head back down "But to do so I would need a warrior of great strength by my side and" he turned and put a hand to Smoke's shoulder "I believe that is you."
A smile cracked beneath smokes mask bringing it up further on his face "Then you shall have it. Come let us go."
Dhalsim and Rashid
A calm breath. A tranquil thought. A peaceful existence. This is how he felt when he practiced yoga, when he experienced life.
His feet were crossed beneath him, but the ground was not his place to sit. Instead, it was the air he hovered on.
He felt the wind pick up and swirl around him. Breaking his concentration ever so slightly and only for a moment Dhalsim cracked his right eye open to peer over to see floating beside him, Rashid; young and eager, sitting in the same stance as he was yet his was using his wind to keep him hovering on the ground.
"It is cheating do so like that." Dhalsim calmly corrected him.
An embarrassed look came across Rashid's face, knowing he'd been caught.
"Sorry." Rashid said recrossing his legs and arms "Old habits. You understand." It was Rashid who first came to Dhalsim to learn and practice yoga. Dhalsim agreed only if he would stick to the path, he laid out. Rashid eagerly agreed, but despite his zeal and vigor there were moments where Rashid slipped. Yet both of them continued to learn.
"The path of yoga is not the shortest path but the longest one." he told. When Rashid had come saying he wished to study under him Dhalsim warned him it would be through his body and not any technology. While he never shirked from him, he did falter at moments like this.
"If you say so master." Rashid said and then plopped to the ground to meditate there.
Dhalsim centered his head again and continued from where he left off in his concentration and path to enlightenment. He closed his eyes readying his body as well as his mind.
His had entered that state and behind him he could feel Rashid trying to do the same. On the sidelines Azam and Mahesh watched them dutifully. Both wondering where this new path would take them and what it would bring.
Yet a strange sense had been growing in Dhalsim. Not one of peace but of apprehension. He could not say what this was, but the dress grew in his heart. When he opened his eyes, there was a grave seriousness to them. The look of it already unnerved those who saw it, but it paled in comparison to what he felt.
And his words only made it sound graver.
"It cannot be." he said suddenly. Mahesh began to shake in concern while Azam uncrossed his arms. Behind him Rashid, sensing something himself now looked to Dhalsim sensing and feeling his distress.
"Master?" He asked concerned "What is it?"
"A grave danger." he said in a low voice. "One that is coming-no. It is here!" he turned his head to the sky. He saw the bright blue turn blood red as if a wave came over it. Then as it swayed, like the ripple of a wave and it turned purple. It pulsated and rocked above them, the waves becoming rougher like they were clashing against the rocks of some unseeable shore and the colors of the different skies mixing together.
"Huh?" Rashid got to his feet as Azam, and Mahesh looked around worriedly. The bright and conflicting colors flashed before their eyes making it look like some demonic light display "What trick is this?"
"No trick." Dhalsim told as he remained still as all others moved beneath it. All eyes went back to him as the purple sky of Outworld set in over his tiny naturally home "It is nothing less that the greatest battle of our time." he told pausing to take a breath "And I must go face it." he told as he began to hover off.
The three behind him seemed just as stunned by his answer as they were by what they had just displayed.
Bursting away from Azam's side, Mahesh raced after his master.
"But Master-" he called out as he ran after him "If you leave now who will protect the village?! If this threat is as great as you say it is who will they look to?!"
Dhalsim stopped his movement through the air and rotated to him "To help these people I must go out." He told facing him "As for who will stay.." he paused "One who is both worthy and ready." he told before placing a hand to his shoulder. No words needed, Mahesh nodded to him, with tears in his eyes, a fire in his heart that he could spout out of his mouth he knew what he must do.
"Charming as it is." Rashid's voice called out and the two turned to see him and Azam approach "It begs the question of who will accompany you?" he pointed a finger at Dhalsim.
"You volunteer yourself?" he asked. Rashid grinned, laughed and then put his hands behind his head.
"Well what better way to know I've gotten stronger than my coming with you?" he asked "Besides" he put his hands down "this is just what I've been waiting for." he said, but his voice was more serious this time. He brought a hand up flicking open a cellphone as he did "My friend was warning me of something M. Bison was up to. I'm sure whatever this is that has you so worried is because of him." he said looking to the looming outworld sky "so if I can help my friend any way I can and I will!" he declared passionately.
In contrast to his outburst Dhalsim have him a small nod of approval "A noble motif." Dhalsim complimented "Then come with me." he said rotating back in the air and then floating off just as he intended to do. Rashid did the same, only in his own way.
"Come on Azam!" Rashid said as he floated on the wind behind and then alongside Dhalsim "Alright Master." he said his voice full of energy, and dedication "If there's winds of change blowing across the world, it'll be by me!"
Nightwolf and Smoke Fight Your Rival! Marina of Fortune
The wind that blew through the sails of the ships docked at the pier also brought the smell of the sea to the land. And on that land, within the ancient port city there was a gray clad ninja whose long hair the wind flowed through. And before him was something of importance in his hand.
He fiddled with the small chess piece in his hand. It was a strange thing to be worried about to be sure. But if Sub-zero said it may be important to have it given all the evils it's done then he would do it.
"Another piece of the puzzle my friend." he said as if Sub-zero was there with him. With this in his hand, he truly felt as if he was one step closer to accomplishing his goal. And he knew wherever Sub-zero was with Scorpion they were too. But just as he was glad to be holding onto this piece, someone close by felt it would be better if they were the ones holding it.
"I'll take that." a lively voice said and as soon as it had, Smoke felt the wind pick up and the chess piece fly out of his hand. He reached out to grab it but missed only to find it ended up in the hands of a young middle eastern man all in white. He smiled and brought it up to the sky to look "Yep. Much safer hands now." he concluded "If only you knew the trouble these little things gave us." he said aloud, speaking to Smoke though he never looked to him.
"It is for that reason that I take it now." Smoke said "My friend has tasked me with finding a solution to this. If it means keeping that from danger, I will do it."
"Hm." Rashid let out keeping his eyes on the chess piece above him that he lowered down to his eye level "My friend gave me some important info too. And I can't let them down." he said finally brining his eyes over to Smoke, a seriousness coming over his voice in that last utterance.
"Then it would be better in my hands."
"But it's already in mine, and I know what I'm dealing with here."
"So, you say," Smoke admitted, realizing it might be true "But I have not come this far to let those relying on me down." He said as his eyes glared over at Rashid, anger rising from his mask.
"It would be a shame to I'll admit" Rashid said sympathetically but wasn't backing down "but you'll have to take my word on this one." he advised as he ran the piece through his fingers.
"I'll take that for myself." Smoke said in a warning. And before Rashid's eyes smoke disappeared into a cloud of just that. Smoke.
Confused Rashid looked around and was so focused on where he was that he didn't see the chess piece leave his hand. By the time he did, Smoke had reformed into a man and held it tighter in his grip.
Rashid swooped his arm out, and a gust of wind blew and overtook Smoke. His long grey hair lashed about as the chess piece fell from his hand to land back to Rashid's who moved with the wind and now appeared behind him.
"I'm not one for such unsavory tactics." he admitted looking back at him over his shoulder to the disgruntled masked warrior "but I won't lose this." he said. But the look in Smokes eyes told him he would not lose it either. Not without a fight. Rashid matched that look with in own, though it was lighter it held the same conclusion. "Azam." Rashid said sensing this would not end here. He kept his eyes on Smoke as Azam stepped forward "Hold this." he tossed it back to him but right as he had Smoke disappeared and a cloud moved past and around him only to reappear as a hand to swoop it away.
Smoke grabbed it but flying on the winds Rashid flew and snatched it back. Forming a cloud, Smoke encircled him, taking the chess piece right from his hands. Rashid snapped his arm up placing it over Smokes who was fully formed again. His hand gripped his tightly, and the piece was gone between their grips. Smoke lashed an arm out to push against Rashid who only brought his other free arm up to brace against Smoke's shoulder.
The two grunted and struggled over each other grip. Then each reared the arm they had been pushing with back and threw it forward connecting a punch to the other's face that not only forced them back but broke their grip. The two were flung back as the white chess piece fell freely to the ground between them rattling on the ground before becoming still. But they were growing restless.
The two got over the blow, getting up and turned to face the other. They knew the prize. They knew the price of failure. And they knew who depended on them.
And they knew who stood in their way.
"Fine." Rashid said "If you won't back down." he said assuming his fighting stance.
"I am Lin Kuei. I cannot fail." Smoke boasted.
"Neither can I." Rashid kicked about sending a gust of wind at him. It swatted Smoke away like nothing as he dispersed into a cloud, but he only reformed of his own accord before him. "Face it, Lin Kuei." he bobbed on his feet " Your cyberization was proposed for a reason." he said as Smoke picked himself backs up.
"I'll show you why it was wrong!" he said as he leapt forward at him.
Dhalsim and Rashid Fight Your Rival! Marina of Fortune
Rashid had told him that he knew something was in this city, something that they would have to get ahold of before it got worse.
'A chess piece for every world this time?' Rashid mused as he stroked his long beard. Dhalsim gave him leave to go, but to return at a moment's notice. For his path, he stayed behind. For as Rashid's technology and inside knowledge made him privy to what may be danger, Dhalsim had another way. A sense that something was in this city. Something for him to find.
His eyes set themselves on the warrior who walked along the path as he floated above it. Something stirred in the wise old man's head and heart when he saw him. A similar sentiment and purpose. The man moved around the pearl white city, making it seem like he was looking for someone. Not that he was lost, but that he had lost someone. Dhalsim knew the sentiment. This whole venture produced wanderlust within them all, for why else would so many answered it's call. But what he sensed in him were pure intentions. And seeing him, he could tell that.
"So," Dhalsim let out bringing the warrior to a stop "you are the Nightwolf." at the sound of the name the man turned around to see levitating across the ground behind him and coming closer was Dhalsim.
"I am." he admitted as the Master of Yoga stopped "Chosen by the Great Spirit." he said proudly though it was not an arrogant boast like so many others.
"Hm." Dhalsim let out. He then closed his eyes and bowed his head allowing for a brief moment of meditation to pass before he set them into him again "And I see you have been chosen well."
"And who are you?" Nightwolf asked.
"I am Dhalsim. The Yoga master." he introduced himself "But, despite our different practices our paths are the same." A calm moment of reflection came over Nightwolf.
"I think perhaps you are right." Nightwolf agreed, releasing a great relived sigh as he did. He was told to bring people together. If Dhalsim could help him do that he would have his aid. "But how?"
Dhalsim bowed his head "Reflection is the path of peace. Yoga is my path."
Nightwolf nodded "Then our paths will converge together." he said bowing his head as well. The two standing with each other united their strengths to find a common solution to the common calamity they faced.
Standing there and giving in, Nightwolf felt the presence of the Great Spirit within him. Across from him Dhalsim stretched his body tapping into the potential of yoga. By doing their shared methods side by side each one felt a breakthrough coming. That their shared goals and united paths will help them on their journey.
But a sudden violent shriek broke the concentration they both needed. Cutting abruptly from their shared vision and turning their heads to the side they saw the two they had been traveling with fighting with each other. At first over a chess piece but now seemingly with the intent of outdoing and defeating the other.
Azam had been watching on the entire time calmly following on the sidelines as the two warriors lashed out wildly at each other.
They saw Rashid and Smoke squaring off against each other against the backdrop of many ships: some from Earthrealm and others from Outworld. Kharon's ship was docked, having dropped off some warriors earlier.
Rashid spun through the air to throw a punch at Smoke. But as it would have connected Smoke turned into a dusty cloud and Rashid's punch only phased through and distorted the man sized cloud.
But right as he came back to the ground another dust cloud appeared from behind him and from this one Smoke appeared striking him into the back, forcing him through the cloud of smoke he faced and onto the ground.
"Stay down!" Smoke warned but even from the ground Rashid reacted and kicked his leg out, followed by such a force of wind that Smoke was knocked off his feet and landed on his back. The smoke and wind swirled around them like a great storm.
Soon enough the two were up again and fighting against each other.
With blank, tired looks in their eyes Nightwolf and Dhalsim turned to each other.
"Our first assignment." Dhalsim said.
"So, it would seem." Nightwolf agreed as they broke their state to March together to their comrade's fight. He had come this way so far and fought many warriors. One such trinket was attached to him by the hip; a green beast called a 'Blanka-chan' which he took as a gift; only after the woman with him insisted on a fight. Seeing it as a means to an end Nightwolf agreed. "Our first shared test." Nightwolf said.
"I think perhaps you are right." Dhalsim repeated the sentiment "Undoubtedly it will not be the last." he said warily. He too with Rashid at his side and Azam following them had come across many powerful warriors. Yet they too felt no closer to finding an end to this conflict.
Coming in side by side Dhalsim hovered as Nightwolf walked as their two teammates continued to battle for supremacy. They approached the two in combat splitting themselves up to do so. Nightwolf heading for Smoke as Dhalsim went for Rashid.
"Thomas!" Nightwolf stretched his hand to grab him.
"Rashid! Lessen your winds!" Dhalsim called.
"These are not our-" Nightwolf was cut off mid-sentence as Smoke disappeared from him and Rashid who had propelled himself forward missed Smoke and instead struck Nightwolf who was sent to the ground form his attack.
"Whoa! Where did you come from?" Rashid said standing over him.
"Villain!" Smoke cried and reappeared to kick Rashid back in retaliation for the blow to Nightwolf. But as soon as he was rid of him two long arms came wrapping themselves around Smoke.
"That is quite enough out of you." he spoke peacefully as he bound him in place.
"Watch out master!" Rashid cried from the ground "He's a deceptive one."
Indeed, for despite his strong grip Smoke vanished from it only to appear outside of it beneath Dhalsim and he shot up with an uppercut knocking him out from his stance to send him higher into the air and back onto the ground.
"No!" Rashid erupted with a kick that sent smoke back. But Nightwolf then grabbed him by the leg. He did not throw him but hold him in place.
"This is not the way!" he pleaded.
"So, you're with him huh?" Rashid concluded. Kicking himself free, he pushed Nightwolf back who was stopped and braced by Smoke.
"Are you alright?" he asked as he held him. Steadying himself Nightwolf, pushed himself up with Smokes help and manifested two tomahawks as he did. If it came to fight. He would have to do it. "That's what I would expect of you!" Smoke spat "Rashid of the Treacherous wind!" he mocked; his voice full of venom.
Across from them Dhalsim lowered himself to Rashids side.
"This is not what I had intended." Dhalsim said observing Nightwolf and Smoke "Are we so forgone we have forsaken peace?" he mused. And those musing would have deadly repercussions as the two would now fight.
Sub-Boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Nightwolf and Smoke
They managed to bring that fight to an end, though not without wounds of their own. To Nightwolf it felt his purpose was pushed back. He refrained from scolding Smoke too harshly. It would do little good now. Smoke was shamed for his fight against Dhalsim, but not against Rashid who shared the sentiment. Even though by the end of it, no one could claim the chess piece they were fighting over; it was as if it was lost in the struggle, or some invisible foe had taken it while no one was looking or could see him.
But it seems approaching was the chance to correct their shared mistake.
They saw something crawl from the water's edge. A heavy hand lashed up from the water splashing it around as its hand dug into the stone. Another mimicked it breaking it within its violent grip. Pulling on the tiles, a body was tugged from the water as if dragging a corpse. Despite its deathly look its eyes were filled with life yet absorbed in hate and malice. It made a shiver of fear go down Nightwolf spine as he looked into them. But he would not run from it. He feared what it could do, not what it would do to him.
"Nightwolf!" Smoke said alarmed "Do you see?!" he said already readying himself for the fight to come, to redeem himself.
"Yes." he assured as his eyes glared at it. How could he miss it?
The rest of the body had been dragged onto the land, and it made its way over to them, crouching like a shadow along the ground.
"sssouuollsss." his voice dredged across the ground to them.
"Monster!" Nightwolf decried as it came closer. His voice seemed to warn it from coming any closer as it stopped. Stooped over it rose slightly as it to get a better look at him though it's long hair. Necalli took a whiff of air as if sensing the two before him.
"Yooouuu-yyyouu are the Nightwolf."
"Chosen by the Great Spirit." He turned his head up to him.
"Youuu aare stronggg."
"It's why the Great Spirit chose me!"
"AAunnndd-" Necalli hissed "Why I have chosen you!" he cried out "Chosen you to ddieee!" his voice screeched like a deathly wail that could make ears bleed. But Nightwolf did not cower from him. Necalli's head lowered, twitched and then lashed around as it turned to view Smoke. "Enenra." he growled "You shall be mine as well."
"Hm." He huffed contemptuously "The Dragon King should know better than to send some mad dog to interfere in Lin Kuei Business" he waved a hand dismissively. Necalli hissed at him in reply "If that is all you have to say, then come!" Smoke boasted as he and Nightwolf prepared for Necalli's attack which followed right after.
Sub-Boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Dhalsim and Rashid
Rotating in the air Dhalsim turned over to peer at a structure behind them. The rotation, however, took him away from the path he, Rashid and Azam were taking. One he hoped was away from further conflict with potential allies. They managed to clear the air from that last confrontation though not without grumbling from Smoke and even a forced apology from Rashid, despite his easy ground nature. Perhaps it meant that graver challenges were ahead, even if there were more allies to find.
Yet he felt whatever was behind him, was not one of those things.
"Huh?" Rashid let out as he stopped walking, startled as he saw Dhalsim was not levitating beside him "Master?" he called back. But Dhalsim kept his eyes ahead peering at what was lingering on the edge of the shadows.
"Of course... This one would be here."
"Huh?" Rashid let out confused even more "This one?" he said taking a step towards, backtracking as he saw it. But there was no other way now.
Right as he spoke a heavy red foot stepped out from the shadows of the archway. Another followed, and a low lurching figure came forward. Snarling and snuffling over every step he took as he came towards them.
"An ancient being who consumes warriors' souls." Dhalsim explained as Necalli continued towards them "It makes sense he would be here, with all this going on." he said as he turned his head to look past him now, to see the ships at the docks. Whether they were from Earthrealm, Outworld or any other realm, their presence showed all. And what was at stake.
As he gazed on the mismatch ships at anchor Rashid flew by him.
"Then it makes sense he'd come here!" he boasted "Come on creature!" he waved his hands and the winds swelled around him "If it's powerful souls you want, don't think they'll come easy."
Beside them Azam cleared his throat "Well spoken sir."
"So, what's to be done Master?" Rashid asked leaning his head over to his.
Dhalsim did not answer immediately but unwound his body from his floating perch to come to the ground.
"This one must be stopped at all costs!"
"Another servant of the fire god.." Necalli hissed and his face winced as if he felt the burn.
"A better servant than you." Dhalsim declared "On a greater mission."
Nightwolf and Smoke Ending
Dropping his hands to his side, the tomahawk in each faded into green mist. His head gazed up at the sky. It was clear and crisp as it should be. The terror that made it otherwise was gone. Though the pollution of Metro City remained, it did much to alleviate his burden.
He watched it silently and Smoke did the same walking up beside him, his eyes turned to the sky. The clouds within them were like white puffs of smoke, and the lower blotches of black around them couldn't hide the shared sight of a Earthrealm saved from harm.
"Was that it?" He asked as they both looked upwards.
"Yes." Nightwolf nodded.
"So that's it then? It's over." he said relieved.
"No." Nightwolf dropped his head. Concerned Smoke looked to him. He thought it was defeat in his voice. Or concern of a threat not yet gone.
"Nightwolf? What is wrong?" he stepped closer to him.
"The realms are indeed as they should be. Separated." Nightwolf wolf told, but a weariness lay in his voice that concerned smoke. "But my task is not." Nightwolf said bringing his head back up and a great determination was in his voice. "The Great Spirit has given me my task, and I will complete it." he said. The task was great. But he was not alone in doing it. He hadn't been this entire time and he would not be now.
Smoke laid a hand on his shoulder getting his attention.
"And you won't be alone." he told.
"Thomas." Nightwolf said shocked "This is my-"
"My duty was to assist my friends. My Grandmaster would want me to."
Nightwolf felt his weight lessened. Touched by the sentiment of the Lin Kuei warriors who sought him out. A small, reserved smile came over his face, but it spoke magnitudes "Thank you smoke"
"Very well," Smoke said breaking off from Nightwolf taking the first step of their new journey "let us go-" he was cut off now as had bumped into someone and was bounded back only to be stopped and caught by Nightwolf.
Shaking his head as Nightwolf looked over him they saw a tall dark skinned woman with white hair and white clothes standing over them.
"Hello!" She greeted cheerfully as she stood over them both with a wild wave of her hand. Nightwolf and Smoke were too stunned to retort "My names Elena! I'm pleased to meet you!"
"Greetings." Nightwolf replied stiffly as Smoke still hung in his arms. Both of them still stunned at Elena's sudden appearance.
Peering in closer Elena bent down, bringing her face close to Smoke's "You look like a strong fighter." she said leaning in, her face lingering over Smokes as Nightwolf held him up "Would you like to spare with me?" She asked, and it was void of any malice or hate. All she wanted was what she said.
"Fight you?" Smoke replied as he shook himself free of Nightwolf to stand back up "I think not."
"But sparing is a great way to build comradery and friendships!" She said as she kicked up on her long legs.
To Nightwolf it felt like she had a point. For all the fighting they had done, to fight alongside one another is another thing as well. He had built that very comradery alongside Smoke. For all those they fought against on their journey, not all of them were truly evil. He alleviated Laura and Blanka's burden by taking their dolls and allowing her to fight them. Being reminded of that he looked to the doll at his waste. And for all the trouble it caused them he and Dhalsim shared the same goal. He pondered all he had done as Elena continued on, trying to convince Smoke who wasn't having any of it.
"That's what my father wanted me to do that and that's what I'm going to do." She said as she continued to bounce up and down before him "And I've already made so many friends so far!" she said excitedly. As she finished her sentence, she finished jumping and leaned in close to him again. Her face settled in closer onto Smokes as she did, and he backed away from her uncomfortably.
"I cannot-" Smoke said backing away from her intrusive presence. But by backing he was only heading more towards Nightwolf who found himself slowly siding with Elena more. Seeing smoke coming he raised one hand to brace him again " I have important business with my friend-" the moment Smoke's back hit his open palm Nightwolf flung his hand forward and Smoke with it knocking him Into Elena.
"Ah!" She let out "A sneak attack." she said and then ready for her own attack.
"Far from it." smoke said as he evaded kick after kick and then replied with his own.
Nightwolf meanwhile watched it all unfold. And seeing it out him more at ease. Yes, Smoke had helped him much recently. Through all their battles through all the realms. Yet nothing he did put his mind more at ease than what he was doing now. Taking Elena's advice at that too.
Yes, Nightwolf felt the burden on him lessen. Seeing the two fight without hate or malice did please him. If that was the step, he must take now he would do it. To assure the realms remained at peace he would bring people together.
He turned his back to the sparring two and continued to make his own way. If that brought people together. Now all he had to do was heal them. But he was sure he could do it.
A sudden groan took away his reassurance.
Opening his eyes, he felt alarmed at what he heard. It was not from the two behind him but someone new and to his side.
One hand gripped the air before it as the other pulled back as a green bow manifested in his each of his hands.
He remained in place eyeing the battle torn city around him, waiting for some unknown presence to trike.
Keeping his stance, he turned the bow and arrow down to the sound of another groan. Arrow first he saw at the tip of his weapon the trash cans which were so overplied he wondered if anyone took out the trash in this city. Yet hidden among them as if she had been taken out with the trash herself was a woman sprawled out on the floor amongst the trash cans.
Another groan escaped her, and Nightwolf could see she was not a danger to him but in need of someone help.
And he was there to give it.
Waving his hands his bow disappeared as he knelt to the ground.
His hands were on both sides of her head as she groaned beneath a blond ponytail. A black jumpsuit was all over her body and she cradled the side of her head.
"Hello." he called softly "Are you alright?" He asked as he shook her. Life was stilled in her from that as she finally moved.
Slowly and weakly her face picked itself up revealing to be scarred along its left side surrounding the eye. Yet it did not give Nightwolf pause for the eyes that gleaned through it were innocent. Confused and pained but still innocent. Wherever she had come and whatever she had done, she had been through a lot already. And it didn't seem like she was done, though she didn't know where to go next. Her mouth quivered as if she tried to speak but couldn't. "Tell me," he spoke to her softly "who are you? What has happened?"
Memories and pain were reflective in her eyes instantly. Her eyes widened revealing the white in them and her lips tremble to say a few words.
"I'm lost.. trying to find my sister…" she said in a low whisper of a voice.
"Lost?" He repeated. And then she wondered on her next words. But as he looked down on her, he thought of another deformed sister who was always in the company of her otherwise identical sister. Yet even they braved this threat together and were stronger for it.
If that would heal this poor soul, then he would weather it.
"Come with me then." he said helping her of the ground "I shall help you find your sister." he finished once she was back on her feet "Who is she? What is her name?"
She seemed to struggle to answer "Killer Bee" she says and then repeated. Nightwolf was confused and concerned by what she said but was patient as she found her words when said "Cammy."
"Cammy?" he repeated in a voice full of patience and understanding "Is that your sister?" She nodded surer now.
"And who are you?"
Her mouth opened and answered weakly, but he heard her name "Decapre."
Dhalsim and Rashid Ending
A crack of thunder was followed by a flash of light. The storm broke, and the lightning struck the ground. The flash of it faded receding back to gloomy stormy darkness. But with that gone, Raiden found himself back where his journey began.
The Sky Temple.
And looking around he saw it was also as he had left it. No fighting had come since he and Fujin had set out. The sky though dark and stormy was as it should be.
Which meant one thing.
Liu Kang had succeeded. His power given to him in a moment of crisis, only to prevail and set them all free. The realms were back where they belonged, separated from each other and balance restored. And in that balance, he was allowed to return.
Scanning across the temple, he looked around for any sign of his brother and he saw him floating in the air on a gust of wind. Very characteristic of him.
"Fujin!" Raiden cried and rushed to him. But before he could lay his hands on him a large broad man came between them.
"Halt!" Azam shouted stopping Raiden in his tracks "None shall touch the Master!" he bellowed at the God of Thunder.
Raiden gazed at the man. As abrupt as his appearance was, so was the change in him. A great anger broke out over his face "What is this incursion?!" Raiden exclaimed.
"Hm?" a voice let out from behind Azam. Turning around to face them Raiden saw that this was not his brother but a new figure entirely. A younger man, full of life and curiosity. A green visor made the gleam in his eye shine brighter through it as he looked over the wide stance of Azam. And though he was not happy to see him, Rashid certainly was not.
"Ah!" He let out "It's you!" Rashid said cheerfully as if he had not only known him but expected him here at his own home. But his cheer was not matched by Raiden who viewed him even more as a threat.
"Imposter!" He shouted even more enraged. His hands fizzled and cracked with rage and lighting. "What have you done with Fujin?"
"One for who seeks answers." Rashid said sensing a threat and readying himself for it as Azam stood stalwartly beside him "Not what I'd expect for one so wise." he chided, disappointment evident in his voice. Raiden's hands fizzled and shined brighter, and he was ready to unleash it upon these two before a voice stopped him.
"Wait Brother!" Fujin's voice carried to them. The power in his hands extinguished at the sound of it. Turning his head, Raiden saw his fellow god and brother Fujin. Though he wasn't alone. By his side was Dhalsim.
And they were both doing Yoga.
Perplexed by this Raiden left Rashid and Azam without a second thought.
"Brother." he said upon approaching him "What is the meaning of this?" he asked as Fujin floated up to his feet, unwinding from his pose to greet him.
"I could say the same to you" Fujin said but noticeably less aggressive "You foreswore yourself to Liu Kang for victory yet here you are now." He said looking him up and down.
"The distortions of the realms affected the balance of power as well." Raiden told much calmer now that he spoke to Fujin "My power was surrendered to Liu Kang at my discretion." he told as Rashid and Azam joined them, and they all listened in "But once the deed was done my powers left him and I found myself stranded. Only with my powers and godhood intact. But away from you." he said settling on Fujin who smiled.
"Well.." he paused "it's good to be reunited" he put a hand to Raiden's shoulder who placed his own over it tenderly.
This warm moment of brotherly sentiment would have been better if not for all the prying eyes. Raiden looked back to Rashid who leaned against Azam on one side and to Dhalsim on the other.
"But it begs the question." he began as Fujin's arm fell from him "What have you done?" a smile graced Fujin's face.
"As you asked brother." Fujin said "I lead."
"And he did a pretty good job at it to." Rashid jumped in much to Raiden's displeasure whose eyes glowed like lightning when he cut in "We appeared shortly after he returned. We figured if there was a way to strength and enlightenment the gods would have it. Nothing better than to save the end of the world huh?" he smiled happily but once again it was not shared by Raiden, especially when Azam nodded in agreement with him.
"But we came bearing our own." Dhalsim told coming up from behind Fujin "With our combined skills and knowledge we shall be better prepared for the next threat. From Shadaloo or Otherwise."
Fujin had let them speak for him, but he was ready to show it all.
"It's true brother." he said "I have been teaching him to harness the wind." he motioned to Rashid who floated and gloated at the same time.
"I'm a natural." he complimented himself as Raider grumbled like thunder.
"And Dhalsim and I have done yoga. It is very enlightening."
"One must confer with all knowledge." Raiden agreed almost begrudgingly before turning to Dhalsim "Thank you Master." he bowed to Dhalsim showing his appreciation and reverence to him. And in reply Dhalsim bowed back to him.
"And we got more where that came from!" Rashid interrupted "Wait until I show you the tech we're working on!"
A shock ran over Raiden's face. Dhalsim had presented him with a new form of wisdom, but Rashid had rushed in and rubbed him the wrong way since his return.
Raiden would not waste his breath for he had no words for him but did have them for someone.
Instead of facing Rashid, he faced Fujin.
Watching on Rashid Azam and Dhalsim would be witness to the second fight Raider and Fujin ever had.
But they would not be the only ones. For coming to the top of the sky temple at that very moment Liu Kang and Kung Laos heads popped out.
Lius eyes lit up instantly when he saw the god of thunder "Raiden!" he called "You're back!"
But the god of thunder did not hear him. For he and Fujin were raging at each other. Liu Kangs happiness fizzled out.
"IS THIS WHAT YOU CALL LEADING!" Raiden fumed "DESECRATING THIS PLACE!"
Beside the two gods were Dhalsim and Rashid who seemed to eye the gods just as warily but seemed happy to see them.
"Not the welcome we expected." Kung Lao shrugged from the top of the stairs.