Li Mei and Ashrah
Kneeling she held the sword out with the blade extended upwards, it's steel not straight but curved like a winding river. She looked into the reflection of the blade. A beautiful woman stared back at her. But she knew appearances were only skin deep.
The blank stare was reflected back at her and the engravings in the sword seemed deeper now. With each slice of a demonic opponent, she felt herself becoming more and more free. Free from corruption and imprisonment.
It would be soon now; she could feel it. All she needed was one strong warrior born of pure hate. One demonic soul that thirsts for power and death. Then Ashrah wagered she would finally be free. Free from the hate that long dominated herself and her sisters. She would free herself, and then them. And all done through the most unlikely weapon of all; one crafted to cut down her own kind.
The longer she starred at the blade the less of the world she seemed to notice. The purple sky of Outworld and the rocky dominion she found herself in didn't interest her. Only her goals which consumed her every waking moment. But as fixated as she was on her own reflection and dismissive of the world as she was, that did not mean she was truly blocked out all senses.
A flat foot fell upon a stone behind her, soft and graceful but that did not mean she was in no danger. And from what she had done, what she had been in pursuit of she expected this. Had the time come? Had Quan chi sent another assassin to her? Or had some terrible new force come for her, like how it had spread through the realms and encapsulated everyone else. She continued to stare at the blade seeing only her pale face, dark hair and eyes. No sign of what was coming from behind.
Another step was heard louder as it drew closer. The pace did not change but, Ashrah would not let it.
Jumping to her feet swerving around, Ashrah unsheathed her sword blessed by the heavens to point it down at her would be attacker.
Yet when she looked down with eyes like daggers as sharp as her sword, she saw it was not a demon but a woman; an Outworlder clad in purple to match the skies above them. Her hands up as if she was the one taken by surprise and not Ashrah. Ashrah's own eyes widened in surprise, and then regret for this woman did not deserve her wrath.
"Li Mei." she said her name dropping the blade to bring it back to her side.
"Yes, it's only me." she confirmed putting her hands down, letting out a breath of air of relief now that she was not at sword point "I must say. I'm surprised to find you here." she paused waiting for Ashrah to speak and when she did not, Li Mei continued "I was sure that you of all people would be out there fighting. With everything going on..." she trailed off as Ashrah cut in, this time with her words, as soon as Li Mei had brought it up. Now it was clear something had caught her interest.
"With all that going on, you mean?" she asked but merely confirmed she knew what Li Mei asked. Of the state of the realms or lack thereof. It was merely one big endless world now. With the realms in a state like this, demons actual and proclaimed wandered as they please. Her eyes dropped to her gaze to see the blade that would free not just her but her sisters. But she had other company besides the Kriss now "I could say the same of you. " Ashrah looked up from her sword to Li Mei who seemed startled by it, like she was pointing it at her again "I thought you would take this as an opportunity no different than I. Not to free just yourself but your people."
Li Mei's eyes became glossy as she recalled all the suffering of her people. From the Deadly Alliance to Shao Kahn to so much more. And now with this, who knows what terrible force would come to subjugate them again, or worse wipe them all out completely. There was no one to protect them from any of it. Save herself. And here she was, home but practically a realm away, fighting like the rest of them, but standing before Ashrah.
She was right for both their sakes.
"That's exactly why I was glad to find you here." Li Mei said stepping forward a smile growing on her face "This is the chance for both of us." she insisted.
"Both of us?" Ashrah questioned, her face as still and plain as it was in the reflection of the sword "How can that be?" she asked unsure. Their goals did not align after all.
"I am not that naive young girl who thought she could face the world alone." Li Mei assured her, but herself just as much, referencing how she was the only one from her village to stand up to the tyranny they faced "I'm stronger now..." she paused her voice fading reflecting on her fate as a deep resolve came over her face and voice "I had to be." she concluded before looking up to Ashrah "No different than you."
Despite her conviction Li Mei had not convinced her yet.
"Then why come to me?"
"You said it yourself." Li Mei pointed "We both expected to find each other to continue on our own journeys and fight our own battles. We have an opportunity to make something of this calamity." she repeated her words back to her but reminding her wasn't enough.
"And what would my freedom grant Outworld?"
"The same." Li Mei revealed her voice rising again to its natural pleasant tone. Ashrah said nothing but waited patiently and listened "Those who fight alone cannot whether this alone. God, mortal, or otherwise. " Ashrah felt the 'otherwise' was meant for her but said nothing of it "And I need your strength if I am to make it." she finished. That caused the stillness of Ashrah's face to crack.
The smallest of smiles came over her, hiding the rest of her face under her hat "We'll need each other it seems." she said aloud "Quan chi moves about even as we speak..." she paused taking notice of Li Mei's bright optimism at their prospects. But just as she did not want to travel alone, so did others "with his old ally." she finished, her words filled with dread. It filled Li Mei with the same resentment, extinguishing whatever optimism she had of their joining like a candlelight in the wind.
Li Mei went cold and gripped her fists tighter "The Deadly Alliance." she growled in anger.
"There's more than one now." Ashrah told telling of more she knew. Other dark powers had combined for a terrible purpose "But they should not be your chief concern." she told lifting her face up to hers "Bad as they may be, they aren't who I'll need to defeat to gain my freedom." she clenched the sword tighter in her hand "Or you to free Outworld."
The way Ashrah spoke showed resolve and purpose, one she now shared with Li Mei who brightened considerable at that. It was decided and agreed that they would go together.
"We shall be our own Deadly Alliance then." Li Mei said and then Ashrah raised her sword to make it stand between the two of them. Each side of the blade reflected each of them. As she looked into it, Ashrah found her stare was different now. Less reflective, more insightful, brighter and dare she even say hopeful. On the opposite side of the blade, it was a reflection shared with Li Mei's.
"There may be even more." Ashrah whispered to herself, knowing that beside those two groups there were other terrible foes appearing "Greater than them." she said so low it might as well have been only although in her head. For she remembered what great evil rose the last time from those two. But lifting her head up she tried to match Li Mei's optimism "They won't be able to stop you." Ashrah said loud for Li Mei to hear "Not this time. Not when we fight together." Li Mei smiled at Ashrah's now shared purpose with her.
"Then let's go together!" she declared. Stepping forward Ashrah began to walk, and Li Mei did so beside her.
"I must cleanse this blade," her face went from it to Li Mei "just as you must save Outworld."
Alex and Skullomania
The sounds of the city were as loud as ever, but even more when you were in the thick of it. Cluttered streets with backed up traffic, overturned street signs, trash everywhere on fire or otherwise, even some chunks of buildings broken off. Honestly it could easily have been mistaken for Metro City given its current condition.
With one big difference. The irregular sights and sounds mixed with that of the city. The wind picked up from his left, blowing it right into Alex's face and with it brought grains of sand right into his eyes.
Turning his head with the wind, his hair was picked up from his shoulders to blow in it. Looking down he could see more of the jammed-up intersection he stood at, but just farther from him where the next street would normally intersect was something else entirely. Mixing in with the concrete jungle he naturally stood in was an actual jungle. Trees stood like lampposts but were as cluttered as traffic. Vines clung to them keeping them together, as bushes obstructed the ground below them. Sounds echoed from them, like that you would naturally here from the jungle. Leaves and vines being blown by the wind that passed him and animalistic cries echoing out to mix with that of the city. They sounded like animals, but some still sounded like ones he had never heard before. Or faced.
Letting out a huff, Alex turned back into the wind to see that it originated from a desert, which dissected another street just as the jungle had done, flanking the city on each side. It did not rise as high, but the sand dunes were there plain as day, and unlike the jungle the vast space was open for him to see. With nothing coming from that way except the wind, Alex was wearier of the jungle to his right where who knows what kind of creatures could hide or jump out at any moment.
But he was also focused on what was before him, in the natural city street. His truck had taken more of a beating of late. He wasn't sure what it was or how it happened, but as these two land masses popped up beside him so too did freaks and fighters from places he never even be able to dream up. He thought it was that another dream again, but like the last time it was very real. But it wasn't just Shadaloo who came for him this time.
They came for a fight, and they got it. Only that probably didn't go the way they planned.
It did for him, though.
Tying his bandanna tighter Alex looked around his surroundings of burned cars and tall buildings. Yet not even a stone throws away in the intersection was the jungle. As if it was naturally there as divided by the street and the curb only the building replaced with trees the urbanization with nature. Something more out of step than her ever seen, but it was no simulation this time.
Alex starred into that endless abyss wondering what it was. He was at first more than content to ignore it until all those men and monsters looking like they jumped straight from hell appeared.
Looking into the jungle, a thought crept through his mind.
'Ryu.' he thought 'What would you make of this?' he wondered, but he knew what Ryu would do. He would rise to the challenge and face whatever the world had to offer him. Alone if he had to.
And what would Alex do?
If Ryu was the greatest warrior in the world and Alex wanted to be one, what should he do?
He recalled other words now. Ones that were almost like a warning to him.
Not to turn his eyes away from the world but to them.
It made him think of the wind that just blew at him. Alex turned his head away from it, instead of looking into the wind. What would he do next time something like that happened? Ignore it? Or greet it head on.
A sudden rustle in the jungle bushes broke his droning train of thought. He tensed up further expecting more of those demons to appear. Or for Shadaloo to return for him. Regardless of who it was or what they wanted; Alex knew how he would respond to them.
Readying himself he spread his arms and planted his feet. Whatever was coming, he was going to send it back to hell.
The sounds of something approaching got louder. Alex could see the brush and grass being moved apart. Then suddenly at the edge where the jungle met the street the bushes parted, and a shadow jumped out from it landing out of the jungle over the street and landed right on top of Alex's car.
Alex was ready for an attack, yet the shadowy figure took a triumphant stand not against him but in a declaration, its hands to its hips and chest puffed out.
"Greetings fellow Hero!" he cried in a voice of optimism that did not match his appearance. Alex was unfazed but was confused by him.
Before him was a strange character. A bag of bones as far as he saw. But looking closer he saw it to be a skintight suit black with white streaks mimicking the bones beneath his skin. Over his face was naturally a skull and atop it on his forehead was the letter 'S.' A blood red scarf dangled from his neck.
"And what are you supposed to be?" he questioned standoffishly "Looking for trouble?"
"Trouble to defeat!" the skeletal figure cried "I am Skullomania!" He proclaimed his introduction. Alex said nothing so the rambling co tinted "I had thought the schemes of the great and terrible Garuda had come to life." he said as he put his hand over his eyes and began to look around, seeing desert, city and jungle all in one sweeping view.
"I don't know anything about that, " Alex said softening his stance a little "but even I know it's nothing good."
"Quite adept of you hero!" Skullomania said snapping his neck to look down to Alex "You are just the kind of side kick I need to help rid the world of this new devilry!"
"I'm no hero." Alex refused flatly "And I'm nobodies side kick." he said more aggressive getting back to his fighting stance.
Skullomania was taken back by his frustration directed at him "You would not fight me hero! Not when true evildoers are about."
"I've seen a lot of em."Alex answered "And you came from the same place as them from the way I see it." he nodded off to the jungle but never took his eyes off Skullomania.
"Tracking evil requires following it's steps!" Skullomania replied "And where should I go next?" he wondered aloud as he turned his head to the sky, seeing quite a few of them when he did.
"For starters" Alex snapped getting his attention "you can get the hell off of my truck."
Looking down to his feet Skullomania saw that he was in fact standing on top of a rusted beat-up truck. But it had to be someone's, and it appeared to belong to Alex.
"Apologies hero!" Skullomania said as he bounded down to come to the lower street. Alex readied himself for what could come next as Skullomania stopped and turned before him "A wise first move." he complimented "Now, what is our next plan of action!"
"Tsh." Alex scoffed "Take a hike." he pointed a thumb down the road. That rebuttal offended Skullomania whose voice whined.
"You would not leave Skullomania to handle this terrible conflict on his own would you, fellow hero?!"
Now Alex faltered in reply. The brimming disgruntlement quieting within him. Skullomania whether a hero, demented, or otherwise wasn't going to turn a blind eye to this. If someone like that would dare it all to save the world what did that make him?
The interrupted words he thought of came back to him now.
He was told once to turn his eyes to the world.
They were open now, and he was going to charge it head on.
"Alright." Alex agreed almost begrudgingly and then shifted from his place to begin walking down the street to whatever path it led to now.
"Eureka!" Skullomania declared "We can do much good together."
"Together?" Alex questioned turning his head around to see him standing there "I don't think so." he brushed him ogg.
"Heroes can't go it alone when there is so much danger afoot!" Skullomania told "If all others are fighting as one, so must we."
"As one..." Alex questioned dropping his head and his hair fell down to hide his quiet reflection. He thought to Ryu again. He knew he'd face this adversity, but would he do it alone? Alex thought to just barrel his way through it before he thought of Ryu's friend who was always at his side. An uneasy feeling began to steady itself within him. He wasn't sure if he had his own Ken, but he felt if Ryu would not do this alone, neither would he. He rose his head up to look at Skullomania. He seemed more annoying than a threat and as of now was the only one willing to fight. He may not have been his first choice but he was here "Alright.." he said again, relenting tiredly "let's go together."
"Hooray!" He cheered as he leapt forward to catch up with and prance beside Alex who walked "and what is my fellow heroes name."
"Alex" he said "just call me Alex."
Fight Your Rival! Netherrealm
Lava flowed like water all around. Flanking them on both sides, falling like a red waterfall from a jagged molten peak. A beach of black molten rock was their shore and the path they followed as the lava bubbled beside them.
It left him with only one question.
How the hell did they get here?
If the jungles or deserts sudden appearance didn't deter him this wouldn't either. The only problem was unlike the jungle this place seemed larger and wider with no sudden attachment to anywhere else.
It led him to another question.
How the hell would they get out?
Brooding, Alex pondered these questions silently, but Skullomania did quite the opposite. He leapt onto the top of a rock quite fanatically, put a hand above his eyes and then began to peer around.
"Fellow hero!" He cried "It seems we have entered the belly of the beast!"
"I'll say," Alex answered in a grumble as he looked around "and I told you to stop calling me that." he snapped before turning his head the other way. He would have taken in more of their surroundings but stopped suddenly. Focusing now, his eyes peered forward at the red and black land before them.
But looking ahead, he thought he saw something else. His jaw tightened, his body grew tense and his stare harder as he looked ahead at the jagged, uneven land surrounded by lava.
Behind him still perched on a rock Skullomania looked around now looking the other way, back over where they came. He saw much of the same and found reason to voice that conclusion.
"Fellow hero!" He began his statement as he always would "would you-"
"Get down!-" Alex cut him off as he dove to the ground and closer to the line of rocks on the path.
Using them as cover, he peaked over them to see what was ahead and he saw two figures making their way through the black molten land.
Skullomania was slower to do so. His initial step was down from his rock and to slowly bound his way over to Alex who hunkered down behind the rocks poking only his head over it. Bounding over he looked curiously down at him.
"What troubles you, fellow hero-" before he could even finish Alex yanked him down to his knees and behind the rocks with him
"Get down." he snapped as he did. Now the two were side by side behind the rocks peering their heads out.
"What is it?" Skullomania asked excitedly but in a whisper as if whatever threat he saw was on them right now "What did you see?" he looked to Alex whose eyes squinted, focusing in on them.
"Another problem." Alex said.
Looking from him, Skullomania looked upwards and over the rocks. And that's when he saw it with his own eyes.
The rocky path that bent and turned to intersect with the molten mass they were standing on. Rocks obstructed the edges lining out a path to take. And making their way along that blackened path and starkly at odds with it were two beautiful women. One stuck out plainly for she wore a white dress and wide hat, the golden lacing along the clothes enhanced her beauty, even as her wide hat tried to hide it. But most noticeably fixed in her belt was a sword.
Contrasting to all the one woman wore, the other wore much less by comparison. Her clothes-what little there was- were purple with high boots to match and atop her head a purple bandanna which fell down to get lost in her black hair. She had no weapon but looked strong herself.
Strong as they looked, Skullomania did not seem to agree with Alex's assessment of them.
"That is what you're so afraid of?" he asked "Those two women." Perhaps he should relegate him to sidekick after all "I feel very much like a peeping Tom right now." he dropped his head below the rocks, so he could not be seen, feeling very embarrassed at the moment.
"Two beautiful women in a place like this." he said unconvinced as he kept his eyes on them "pretty suspicious." he said peering further "Doesn't add up."
"You think they are merely lost like us?"
"Lost? Not here. Not Likely." he shot it down.
"They'd have to be strong to survive a place such as this." Skullomania said.
"Exactly." Alex paused and the two looked at the women coming ever closer to the bend in the path, where the two of them were hiding "I won't take any chances," Alex said, his hard headed nature getting the better of him. But a gut feeling he had buoyed the menace he saw all around "Not with everything going on and not in a place like this." he finished. He had faced several warriors who looked like they had come from this very place; fiery red demons. Worse still were other foes that looked human in appearance but were hiding their true forms. He faced them before this as well. Continuing to watch them, they saw the women turning to each other and talking. If ever there was a moment this would be it "Follow my lead."
Walking side by side unaware that they were being watched, Li Mei and Ashrah discussed their next course of action.
"I'm surprised to find fewer demons here of late." Li Mei commented. From her view it seems the only one here was the one beside her. No sign of Quan Chi or Shang Tsung. Or any of his servants former of otherwise, Noob Saibot, Scorpion or Sareena.
"As am I." Ashrah agreed as she turned her head, coming to the same conclusion.
"It seems most of them fled to do their masters bidding in the other realms."
"So, it would seem." Ashrah agreed "but that does not mean all of them have left for that purpose. Others may have fled for different reasons..my sisters are not here either." she said worry coming through in her voice. Hearing that, Li Mei looked away from the Netherrealm to view Ashrah whose face was still turned away from her.
"We'll find them." Li Mei assured her, as sure as they were of each of their paths. To save Outworld and free Ashrah, her sisters would come next. Ashrah now turned back to her, put at ease due to Li Mei's comforting smile. Looking to her Li Mei looked at Ashrah and behind her as they turned a corner in the path.
"We shall." Ashrah agreed "Perhaps it was some other force that drove them from he-" as Ashrah spoke Li Mei saw someone climb over the rocks around the path and with a fist reared back came at Ashrah.
"Ashrah!" Li Mei let out. For suddenly bursting out from the side Alex erupted with a fist. Li Mei saw it coming and dove over Ashrah to him to move and misdirect the flying fist. Moving it aside with her arm she then struck forward with her free one. Alex grabbed ahold of her oncoming fist.
The two struggled against each other their faces churning into snarls. Alex then pushed forward knocking Li Mei's fist away and then followed up with another punch. Ducking under it, Li Mei shot up with a kick which Alex dodged by moving backwards putting distance between them as Ashrah came to the fight.
At that moment Ashrah unsheathed her sword and came to Li Mei's side pointing it down at Alex.
"I think we have our answer." Li Mei said.
"You!" Ashrah called "What is the meaning of this!"
Shaking himself out Alex rose back up, dwarfing the two women.
"Names Alex." he answered flatly "Lost in this place." he stated "But even then, I'm waiting around here for any ambush. Not with everything else going on."
"So, you stage one yourself." Li Mei grilled him.
"Only so you didn't get the drop on me." he grilled her right back.
"Well it didn't work out as you planned, did it?" she snapped, the two deadlocked against each other "And we have you outnumbered." she said as Ashrah stood steadfast beside her.
"Numbers don't concern me." he answered gruffly "But your wrong again."
As if on que and making another fantastic entrance Skullomania burst forward in fantastic fashion his scarf flowing behind him.
"Aha!" He sounded as he came forward, landing to Alex's side "So you've caught them in the act, Fellow Hero!"
Knowing Li Mei had Alex in her sights Ashrah turned to Skullomania who stood opposite her "Who are you?! she snapped "Creature, you look like you belong here. Perhaps it is you two who are more than lost." he brought the blade up higher "What have you done with my sisters?"
"Pah!" Alex spat "You calling us kidnappers now?"
"Probably another ambush you set." Li Mei said to him, and Alex grumbled in reply.
"Easy girl." Alex wiggled fist fingers before bringing them back to a fist.
"At ease fellow hero!" Skullomania tried to put him at ease, but he only rolled his eyes "I am Skullomania!" He repeated "I fight against evil and would never do such a terrible deed!" he said brining a finger up to point to the sky before he looked down to the two women before him "But as for you two..." he said as he trailed off. His eyes focusing on Ashrah, who was lined up against him and had made the allegation against him. But as he looked at her, he also saw the sword she bore. The curved blade and the tip pointed his way alarmed him, but so did the feeling of dread within him. The presence of two conflicting auras. One of purity and justice from the sword, and from Ashrah herself a demonic hellish presence. Skullomania suddenly put one arm forward to point a finger at her as the other went to brace Alex "Stay on your guard fellow hero!" He called out "There is more to this one than she seems." he said rather keenly "To bare a blade against an unarmed opponent is one thing. But it seems you are more at home here than anywhere else." he wagered his own allegation now. And this one was true.
Ashrah stiffened when he said that. Skullomania saw that reaction and let out his congratulatory observations.
"Your hunch has proven true fellow hero!" Skullomania congratulated Alex, though he only rolled his eyes and sighed to take his eyes from Li Mei. "Surely in league with Gerad or Gill. But to find them in this dwelling only proves their intent. And the power of justice and good stands against them!" he continued to ramble on for all to hear as he did Li Mei and Alex took it all in.
"This one is simple." she commented over her shoulder to Li Mei.
"My power is heroics!" He declared to her.
"Heroic." Li Mei questioned "And so you face the Champion of Outworld. Li Mei!"
"Not yet you're not." Alex rebutted her squaring up against her. "Hero or not, your no way you'd survive the mean streets or Brooklyn."
"I've faced tougher things than you, Alex." she said focusing in on him "And deadlier odds."
"Tsh. So, you say your this- Outworld's" he said a bit uncomfortable and unsure of what he was repeated "greatest warrior?" he finished and Li Mei nodded confidently. If Alex was going to prove himself as the strongest, he'd have to do more than beat Ryu. And Li Mei had just served herself up for a defeat "Prove it." he said and she was more than ready for him.
"Another hero huh?" Skullomania said looking to Li Mei squaring off against Alex before looking to Ashrah "yet to find you in the company if this one." he said more aggressive to her "It must be a spell or a trick!" he concluded "You must be stopped." he said to Ashrah.
"We can't be stopped." Li Mei declared "Not for our goal."
"Goals are only as strong as the fist that back them up." Alex clenched his muscles showing it to menace her, but she did not back down. Then he slammed his fists together "Let's go."
Sub-boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Li Mei and Ashrah
The lava bubbled beside them, flowing like a river would, giving off heat that kept on rising. One wrong step or a push would send them right into it and that would be the end. It came close to those very things when they fought Alex and Skullomania, but the two of them overcame that battle as they had done all others.
Li Mei watched the path ahead, ready for a fight that was come though there was no one to be seen along it.
Beside her Ashrah was not as concerned with that, but with the blade in her hands. She starred down at it now, her reflection starring back up at her. It was the same placid reflection she saw when she last gazed at herself, though now it was in red tint that overtook her pale skin and white robes for she was back where she belonged. But no closer to being free. Those two whatever they were, hero thugs or otherwise were right about her. She was an evil demon, so it was no surprise to her that they came into conflict. It made her question her resolve. Would she ever be free?
Eyeing the road ahead Li Mei let out a sigh of relief "I think they're gone now." she concluded putting her arms down "Looks like they won't be bothering us anymore."
"hm." Ashrah said smally in agreement. Li Mei then turned around finding Ashrah in a staring contest with herself in the blade. She seemed as deep in her thoughts as she was in her stare. Introspective and aloof from all around her.
Unsure of how to pursue Li Mei regarded her for a few moments. Eventually, she spoke.
"Hey, are you alright?"
"No." Ashrah answered smally again.
"But why? What has happened? We won the battle?"
"But are no closer to our goals." Ashrah turned up to her "To freeing Outworld or myself. And my sisters."
"We're not done yet." Li Mei told putting a hand to her shoulder "We've come this far. We can't stop now."
"The road seems to go on forever." she dreaded.
"But it ends somewhere." Li Mei as soon as Ashrah finished "With our success." as dismal as the prospects seemed to Ashrah, Li Mei didn't seem to think that, or if she did, she did not allow it to deter her "We said we would finish this together." she reminded Ashrah. And that lightened the demons load significantly. When she had to share it with someone else.
"Yes." Ashrah said, and Li Mei saw a smile appear beneath the brim of her wide hat. She then brought an arm up to brace it onto Li Mei's shoulder "We shall." she finished.
"Perfect." Li Mei said as they began to walk off together.
"Say," she began "could I ask you something now?" she asked.
"Of course." Ashrah nodded. If she had leaned on Li Mei, then she could except the same from her. Li Mei was quiet at first but moved tucking hair away behind her ears. Jostling a bit she shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what to say as she put her arms together before her swaying them as the rest of her was idle.
"Let's say you had this event planned with this guy, but he never answered or shows up." she stated and already it showed in Ashrah this was not what she had expected Li Mei to burden her with "I know a lot is going on, but he's so dedicated to his work even if he's just an Earthrealm poli-"
"-I think" Ashrah cut her off sharply before Li Mei could say anything else "that I am not able to answer this question."
"Oh-" Li Mei let out "I just thought that perhaps you could help me since.." Ashrah did not hear the rest of what Li Mei was saying for she heard something now.
A great heavy flat thump followed by another, just as heavy but louder as if it was drawing closer. Ashrah turned her head as Li Mei continued to talk.
"He keeps talking about this case he's working on an-"
"Sush!" Ashrah snapped at her. Before Li Mei could say anything else voicing that Ashrah was disregarding her concerns, she spoke hers "Listen." she said alarmed.
Hearing the worry in her voice, Li Mei forgot about asking about her relationship to do as she was instructed. And she heard it too.
Two flat feet landing heavy on the ground and sounding like they were dragging something heavy behind them. Ashrah looked one way as Li Mei looked the other before turning their heads to look around some more.
"Look!" Li Mei cried out and pointed behind Ashrah. Pivoted on her feet, Ashrah turned around as Li Mei came beside her ready to fight. For dropping from the rocks, he had just crept over was a hellish creature, one who did not look out of place here "What is it?" Li Mei asked, a more pertinent question this time "A demon?"
"None I have ever seen here before." Ashrah warned "Be wary." she said putting the sword between them and the approaching creature.
A thick harsh breath came from the mouth of the creature as it dragged itself closer to them "Souuulllssss." he hacked "I have come-" he stopped to spit up some more words forcing the out of his mouths "I have come for your soulsss. They have been offered to meee."
"Souls..." Li Mei's face churned angrily "Are you with the deadly alliance?" she called but Necalli only writhed and roared back.
"Your souls will be mine!"
"This one seems more your alley." she said looking to Ashrah "The fight you've been waiting for." she smiled.
"Your right" Ashrah relented "But he's both our problems."
"Then we'll face him together." Li Mei said raising a fist with Ashrah's sword. Each one then turned their weapon towards Necalli ready to do battle.
Sub-boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Alex and Skullomania
The path they fought on had become less cluttered now that only two of them stood upon it. The battle against Li Mei and Ashrah had been the hardest they had this entire journey, one that he wasn't sure brought them closer to farther to getting out of this place, since the path was often so narrow for only one-person single file, the found ended up fighting over, under, and between each other. Each blow thrown or blocked pushed them along the path.
Now finally, it was only the two of them left, but despite the fact the two women were dealt with. It did not mean they were free of threats. Or that the NetherRealm was done with them yet.
Alex looked down to his fists, gripped them and then released them before wiggling each one. Was he any closer to finding the answers he wanted? Was he strong enough to face Ryu? But fighting those two women made him question if he truly was ready for a stronger opponent. Regardless of any hurdles he concluded he would overcome them.
But he wouldn't know for sure until he got out of this place. He knew that much at least.
As he mused silently on his prospects Skullomania was much more vocal about his.
"Well done, fellow hero!" he congratulated.
Alex gripped his hands into fists "That's Alex." he corrected looking down at them. He then loosened them again to look up at the self-proclaimed hero by his side. "So," he began "Any idea on how to get outta this place?" he asked.
"HM?" Skullomania pondered the questions seriously and aloud, rubbing his head with a finger as the other hand gripped his chin "Out of the frying pan and into the fire." he said "To defeat those two temptresses only to remain stranded."
Alex let out a sharp huff before going to look around. The black rocks were lined with a red tint as lava bubbled and flowed beside them, igniting some of the rocks or swallowing chunks of others. The heat from the lava radiated off of each side of the path they followed, and he knew wherever they were going, they had to move quickly or else they'd be swallowed here.
"Better get moving." Alex said and turned to act on that last statement. But something made him stop dead in his tracks.
Among the sharp outlines of the rocks, he saw a red figure moving amongst them. As if he sprouted from the lava to come to life and make its way towards them. Alex tensed up from the sight of him, expecting the worse and judging from the sights of it and the sounds it made that's what they would get.
As Alex watched it creep across the ground Skullomania taking sight of it, itself jumped over to his side and pointed ahead "Fellow hero!" he cried "Look!" he pointed off towards him. Alex wanted to sigh or roll his eyes but knew it wasn't worth the energy at this point. Now whatever this thing was, it knew that they knew he was there.
It froze at first but opened its mouth to release a deadly growl. Once it had let that out, it dragged itself closer to them and into the light. Red tattered skin, long black hair and a look like a furious animal about to unleash hell. Whatever released this thing, it was making its way closer to them.
"What the hell do you want?" Alex called out to the creature.
It opened its mouth to let out another growl mixed with a gurgle "soullsss." it answered in a rumbling low voice "I've come for souls... souls of the strongest... yourrs." he focused on Alex "You defeated him." Necalli spoke and Alex only nodded proving him true. Alex knew Necalli spoke of Gill. He also knew Gill was out there and that he was no challenge to him. He had beaten him once and he knew he would again. He wondered if he also sought out Ryu, or at this point Li Mei or Ashrah "You are worthy of behind devoured by me." Necalli finished his threat and moved forward to act on it.
"Tsh." Alex rolled his shoulders "You look like you belong down here." he said "So stay!"
"This one is full of evil!" Skullomania said jumping to his side "And must be defeated."
"He will be." Alex said punching a fist into an open hand.
"HAAA." Necalli hissed sharply "You are but a fool." he said to Skullomania who for once was flustered and even shivered away by the declaration. A retort did not come from him but from Alex.
"You talk a lotta smack." he said standing up for him "But let's see you back it up!"
Li Mei and Ashrah Ending
The base was ablaze with fire and ruin. For a moment Li Mei thought they hadn't left the Netherrealm after all. It was another hard fight to get here but once they knew this belonged to none other than M. bison and with that knowledge, they knew it couldn't stand. A large flaming construct fell onto of another as a tower collapsed into rubble. Fire raged around them as the base broke down, the destruction contained within the walls that housed it.
"Well.." Li Mei said as they stood among the onslaught "I can't say this will free Outworld completely but it's another step."
"Hmm." Ashrah let out. "I thought I sensed a great power here. One hiding away… one that would end my journey." she said holding the blade tighter. She had expected as much. They fought many powerful warriors, but she was still here, cursed and beholden to her purpose. It was she wanted to come here, but it seemed her hunch was wrong, and the place merely filled with the evil of M. bison. An evil to be defeated for sure, but not enough to cleanse her soul.
She had taken the outcome of this battle harsher than Li Mei, who still held hope for Outworld with another threat diminished.
Yet Li Mei's attention went somewhere else now. Turning over she saw what was once a bridge that once connected two sides of the base to each other, had now collapsed with its rails flattened path crooked and two great panels lying over it. It almost looked like a tent from what she saw. And like a tent there was a small opening at the base of it. Too large for her perhaps but large enough for a small child to fit in.
And from within that opening Li Mei heard whimpers.
Turning away from Ashrah who still dwelled on herself Li Mei went to it. The petrified sounds she heard got louder as she approached and echoed too making her believe it was deeper that it looked inside.
Coming to a stop and bending down at her knees Li Mei peaked inside. There was complete darkness and very little space. Despite all of that she could make out were two small faint little eyes.
They locked with hers and the whimpering stopped.
"Hello!" Li Mei called inside, and her voice echoed metallically inside. The small eyes blinked and seemed to shiver. The whimpering had stopped "It's alright. Don't be afraid" she said softly to the pair of eyes "Are you alright?" she asked "Do you need help?"
The eyes shifted up and down. Though she couldn't truly see inside, it seemed like they were nodding to her.
"It's alright." Li Mei smiled reassuringly "I'll help you." she said bringing herself lower to the makeshift entrance, taking up all of it. Her knees closer to the ground and her hand stretched out into the blackness disappearing into it. She saw the eyes shrink back from her and almost fade "You don't have to be afraid." she said sweetly "I'm not here to hurt you." the eyes stopped in their movement. Faltering in the back they had stopped sheltering, whether because they had nowhere else to go or because Li Mei's words had gotten to them.
Then slowly and steadily they came back towards the entrance and to Li Mei. She blocked out whatever little light would have been allowed in from the fire or moon.
But whatever concerns she had, were alleviated when she felt a small hand clasp onto her outstretched and unseen one.
Smiling and sure if it now, she pulled her hand back to her and could feel a small weight coming with her. Backing away from the rubble her hand followed and latched onto it appearing for the first time was a small little girl.
She looked wide eyed up at Li Mei who looked back down with a smile.
"There. That's better." she said down to her. The little girls' eyes for the first time moved away from her to see the wanton destruction she tried to hide from. But now she saw also another woman off behind Li Mei. One who seemed more distressed than the one who spoke and held her now and focused on the sword in her hand "What were you doing in there?" Li Mei asked getting her attention again.
The girl turned back to her now, wide eyed and innocent "I wanted to get away from the fighting." she told.
"Well, you did a good job." Li Mei complimented her.
"I thought you were Chun-li coming to save me. But when I didn't see her, I ran."
"Well, you're right. I'm not Chun-li." she admitted, pausing to look over the girl. She could not leave her here that was certain "But I'll help you now." she said as the little girl seemed to brighten in her arms "My name is Li Mei. What's yours?"
"Li-fen." the girl answered smally.
"Alright Li-fen." Li Mei nodded "Let's get you out of here." Following the older woman's hand, she was lifted up and carried in her arms. Li Mei hardly registered to her since she was so small, but Li-fen felt safer now than she had been in a while.
Li Mei was sure this was the right thing to do. Ashrah may not agree seeing it as a burden, but she could not leave her here.
So, she turned back to Ashrah to tell her what her plan was. But she saw a drastic change had one over her. No longer sulking with her head bowed, she was upright and her eyes wide and alert. As if she sensed some terrible thing upon them.
"Ashrah! What's wrong? she called "But her voice did not register. The harrowing look on Ashrah face never dropped and the white of her eyes showed fiercely. So, she crept forward with Li-fen in her arms "Ashrah?" she asked again.
At that moment her voice snapped out to her "Li Mei!" It stopped her dead in her tracks and made Li-fen hold on tighter. Now Ashrah turned to her for one fleeting moment. A stern hard glare before it turned away from them to look elsewhere "Take that child and go." she ordered.
"Go?" Li Mei Asher confused "But what about you?"
"I'll be fine." she said though didn't look to her "This is something only I can do."
Li Mei was going to argue with her but a scarred whimper from Li-fen made her think otherwise. She looked to Ashrah again who stood defiantly among the remnants of the base her sword shined bright red reflecting the fire all around them.
Bringing her other arm to hold onto li fen Li Mei backed away not taking her eyes off Ashrah who had no choice but to look to the path ahead and not behind where she was.
Ashrah was relieved when they had left though she didn't show it.
For she felt during her sulking a terrible presence rise up again. The very one that drew her to this place. But she could not have others here for this was her duty her fight.
"So.." she began "you are here after all." she spoke aloud though no one was visible. But that did not mean someone wasn't there.
As she said that a figure stirred from the wreckage passing through overturned towers, twisted melted metal and the fire that raged all around. He was broad, powerful, full of anger and hate. It was a sight to behold.
It had the features of Ryu, though twisted and demonic. Darker reddish skin with sharp teeth and horns just as sharp from the top of his head. It lumbered its way clear before coming out into the open. But it's hellish eyes never drifted from Ashrah once he saw her.
Hers didn't leave him either.
"Miserable creature." she spoke "You are what Bison had hidden away?"
"I am power!" Kage roared. The darkness clear in his voice "I will show you!"
"You," Ashrah began "will be my final test and free me through this sword."
Alex and Skullomania Ending
The journey he went on brought him to strange places. Places he couldn't describe against people he'd never be likely to meet ever again. But when all was said and done, he completed that journey. Turned his eyes not just to one world, but many, and he came out on the other side. And the other side brought him right back to where he wanted to be.
"Well.." he paused briefly "Whadda know..." he paused even longer as he took a look at his surroundings. They weren't new ones, like those he'd traveled across, but familiar. They were patched together, conforming in areas where they didn't naturally belong, but blended together seamlessly.
That's because he was back on the city street. His truck right where he left it, falling apart like the rest of the cluttered street. A gust of wind overtook him from his left side, but there was no sand that came with it. Alex looked to his left to see no sign of a desert. Instead, the street it once appropriated was covered with buildings that lines the streets. Turning is head to follow the flow of the wind he looked to see the street where the jungle once was. Only it wasn't there either. Just another street to match the one he stood on and the one behind him.
It seems whatever happened, whether it was Shadaloo, Gill, Garuda, Li Mei or some demon, it was over.
"I guess that's it then." Alex said finishing his sentence voicing his final thoughts.
"Well done, HERO!" Skullomania's loud high-pitched voice rang within his ears, thankfully dropping the 'fellow' just to make is shorter. Alex turned to the self-proclaimed hero beside him "We have done it! We protected the innocent and defeated villains!"
"Did we?" Alex asked finishing his turn "Can't seem to recall much of em."
"Recall?!" Skullomania said shocked "Do you not recall our journey through hell itself?!"
"Na, that's still pretty clear." Alex closed his eyes "So your yappin'." he opened them back up on the hero before him "Just seems more like a freakshow rodeo than anything."
Skullomania raised a finger up as the other patted Alex's bare shoulder "Still you doubt yourself hero! After all you have done!"
"I'm no hero." Alex refuted rolling his shoulder and Skullomania's comforting hand along with it.
"Not when you accomplished so much. You who have looked death in the face and come out stronger."
"Stronger huh?" Alex said contrasting quietly to Skullomania's boisterous voice as he looked down to his hands. He knew he was strong enough already, but this last adventure or mishap whatever it was going to be called. He did face strong warriors along it. Some by Skullomania's declaration were 'heroes' in their own right. There were villains too and some in between. And here he was duking it out with the best of them. He then clenched his hands into fists "Ya know," he said turning his head up "That might be the most sense you've made so far."
"Hooray!" Skullomania cheered, leaping up to clear Alex before coming back to the ground "Well said and well agreed We did it through our combined heroics!"
"I don't think that was it." Alex said grumpily bringing him back down "but what if..." he began as he looked around but trailed off as his stare remained locked into the sky above "Ryu.." he eventually said "Whatever it was, I'm sure you had something to do with it."
He wasn't sure if he found the answers he sought, but he felt stronger from it.
"Hm?" Skullomania let out as he looked over Alex who from his stance and stare looked as if he was still looking out over a desert that wasn't there "Something on your mind?" Skullomania perked up.
"Something... someone." he corrected with emphasis on the second word.
"A villain?!" he exclaimed "Another foe to face!" he read gearing up for another fight though there was no one else around.
"Villain? No." Alex clarified "But a fight..." he paused coming to look back at Skullomania "Yes." he finished looking back to him.
"A rival then!"
"Yeah," Alex nodded "Something like that." he went back to regarding his hands, turning his knuckles to view them encapsulated in his gloves.
"So then," Skullomania said chipperly "What are we to do about it then?"
"We?" Alex asked "This is my fight. To find out whose truly strongest."
"And when will the fated, duel take place."
"Whenever we next meet." Alex answered sure that would be when they would settle this for good, but unsure as to when exactly that would be.
Right as he said that a sound was heard echoing from around the corner, turning to reach the two of them. Since it was only just the two of them, they were alarmed.
"What as that?"
"Don't know." Alex answered "There was a lot of muggings around here before all the freaks and weirdos came in."
"Another villain?"
"Possibly." Alex asked as he turned over as they both heard the sound of two pairs of feet making their way down the road. The two braced for anything as they heard voices echoing along with the foot.
"I didn't think we'd end up in the city." a voice said playfully. A deeper one let out a grumble of agreement in reply. A can was then kicked into the street passing the corner to come into view of the two onlookers "Some things don't change though huh?" the voice said again and took a step into the sight of Alex and Skullomania. In a red gi and blonde hair, he was instantly recognizable as Ken Masters, U.S. martial arts champion. He had just stopped mid kick to look over and see he was being watched. Freezing in place, he looked very embarrassed and very taken aback since it looked like he was going to get into a fight over harmlessly kicking a can.
"Litterbug!" Skullomania shrieked.
"Whoa, whoa!" Ken flung his arms up "I didn't throw it on the street! It was already there!" he fretted, but Skullomania wasn't having it, accusing him of a villain of a smaller scale.
Alex, however, was quiet as he recognized Ken. And he knew Ken did not travel alone. The gruff voice he had heard before must be someone. He got his answer when another figure rounded the corner behind Ken. Stiff, stern, silent as opposed to Ken, he wore an untarnished white gi to match him.
Alex's eyes instantly went to him as did that man to his. He was here.
Ryu.
"A cohort!" Skullomania declared once Ryu entered the scene though he seemed more confused by his accusations.
"No." Alex said shutting him down "It's him."
"Him?" Skullomania asked turning up to Alex "You mean-"
"Yes." Alex nodded stepping forward. For all purposes Ken might as well have not been there for he went straight to Ryu. Seeing him coming with that deadly glare on his face and focusing on his friend Ken did step forward but Ryu put a hand up to ease him. Ken followed his silent command but was still concerned by it, especially when Alex stopped before Ryu, and the standoff continued.
"It's you." Alex concluded. They had just been talking about him. Alex himself had fought Ryu twice. Once as a simulation and once in the flesh where he lost handily to him. But seeing him here and now Alex knew it was the real deal. And he could tell that whatever Alex had just been through with Skullomania, Ryu had been through the same with Ken.
"You look stronger." Ryu complimented in a static voice. It seemed he sensed the same thing from Alex, that he sensed from him.
"I've been through a lot."
"I see." Ryu said "So are you ready?"
Alex did not respond verbally. He lowered his back and put his fists up "I've been ready for this." he finally answered confirming he was ready as he showed it.
"Very well." Ryu said putting his fists up "Show me the strength you used against your opponents."
"You'll see it." Alex said "And we'll settle this once and for all."
"I've faced many strong warriors..." Ryu lamented "Some the greatest from their realms. Let's see how you fare against them!"
"Better than em all." Alex answered "Better than you for sure." Alex did not goad him on but was prepared to prove his words true. Ryu as promised was ready for him.
"Show me." was all he said, and as the two of them readied for their final bout Ken and Skullomania watched from the sidelines.
"Such a same, to see two heroes fight." he said sorrowfully leaning on Ken for support who was very much uncomfortable as he hung off of him.
"It's all they know." Ken answered "It's all about Kombat." he said as the two swung their opening blows.