Taven and Daegon
Taven could do nothing, but look up to the sky in pure horror. For he saw not one sky, but many. The sunny day in Earthrealm, mixed with the ugly purple night of Outworld, set against a fiery hell of the Netherrealm, the waning floating pyramids of the Orderealm sitting alongside the misshapen clouds of the Chaosrealm.
"No!" he cried out distressed. How could this be? What terror, what evil could have brought this on?
He was about to get his answer.
"What are you worrying about now?" a voice all to familiar and all to evil spoke to him.
Taven turned his head around to see a tall figure. He looked older than he was, though that in truth belonged to Taven. He wore his armor as he always did, looking strong and imposing. And he was ever the source of Taven's struggle.
"You!" Taven shouted turning around to him. But he hadn't moved at all.
"Yes." Daegon replied "It is I, dear brother."
"And this is no doubt your doing!" he accused pointing at him "And you shall pay for this!"
"Me?" Daegon said "That is where you have it all wrong brother. For that was never my purpose.." he paused before adding cryptically "or yours."
Despite his protests Taven did not believe him and wasn't going to take any chances. He lunged at him swinging with a fist. Daegon evaded that and the following punch, but when a third came he caught in. That fist collided with Daegon's palm and he gripped it stopping it from coming any closer. Lowering it down away from his face the two struggled against each other. Taven on the offensive and Daegon the defensive and strangely, only the defensive. For his words matched his actions.
"Easy brother." he grunted holding his fist "Conserve your strength for the true enemy and the true fight to come."
"True fight?" Taven questioned "It's you who always intended to do away with me?" he said speaking the truth. One Daegon could not deny.
"Yes." he confirmed "That may have not changed, but it has been prolonged."
"Prolonged-eh!" he grunted as Daegon finally pushed his fist back shooting Taven's fist and body away from him "So you admit your plan hasn't changed?" Quickly Taven recoiled putting up his fists ready for a follow up attack.
But none came.
"Perhaps.."Daegon admitted "But there was another we were always destined to battle against." he said. He didn't say his name, for they both knew it all too well.
Blaze.
The mere hinting of that creature brought silence over them. Daegon remained where he was, as Taven eyed him up and down. Instead Daegon stood before him, adorned in his armor menacingly but not ready to strike him. Just as he had at their reunion all those years ago.
"Well?" Daegon said "Do my actions not prove I hold no malice towards you here?"
"Not malice you will act on yet." Taven said suspiciously, but couldn't deny him either. "Why are you here then?"
"For the same as you, dear brother. For the fate of the realms concerns me too."
"You care only for the power you can achieve from it."
"You know me too well." he opened his arms "But I know you just as so." he stated closing them "And I know that whatever is causing this." he raised his wide arms out again and spread them "You wish to find them and save the realms." he paused bringing his arms back in intimately between them "For this is the task our parents set us out for."
That struck a cord in Taven. Sentiment came into his eyes, so much that he finally lowered his arms. But something would soon take it's place.
"You mean..." he paused the words on his lips, but he dare more say it. His eyes widened in fear, more than any he had felt so far "Armageddon?"
"That's right." Daegon confirmed "What else could it be?"
Taven looked to the misshapen sky again "Then that means that-"
"Blaze awaits us." Daegon told. And now it all made sense. Now it all had been made clear to Taven "Though it is far more than Blaze this time, I fear." Daegon warned speaking the fiery name to him. Doing so now because he knew it was not the one they would face. Not this time. But despite his warning and Tavens growing fears, the elder brother still harbored suspicion even as he was slowly coming around to Daegon. "Yet we must still find him. Amongst all this." he raised his hands to the multiple skies again.
"Then why come for me? Why not claim the power you wish for so badly." he snapped at him. Daegon grumbled at that question, one he had no choice but to answer.
"As much as I wish I could... I can't." Daegon admitted somewhat bitterly "All have gone forth with their own allies."
"And you have the entire Red Dragon to serve you." Taven stated.
"True." Daegon admitted again "I have my own allies and servants." Taven assured him with a clenched fist holding it up for his brother to see. But he could not keep it up forever "However," he brought it down and his voice dropped with it "they are just that. None of them are of my caliber of strength, or resolve. I would need someone stronger than them if I am to make it as far as I must." he said keeping onto Taven "That right is reserved for the one who shares my destiny. For you, brother." he said almost bitterly at the end. But he acknowledged it as a fact.
"What are you saying?" Taven asked curiously, but it seemed the thought was growing in his mind as well. He only wanted to hear it voiced.
"The enemies who would stand against me are yours as well." Daegon told "Regardless of our conflicting motives, it would make no difference to them if we were alone or together. Only that our defeat would serve them greatly."
"And what do you propose then?" he asked almost diplomatically.
"That regardless of our purpose we combine our strength." Daegon told slamming his fists together "None are as strong or as compatible with me as you dear brother." he said breaking the merging of his knuckles to point to him "Our destination is the same and as is the enemy we intend to face." he told and Taven agreed. Even now he could see the burning figure waiting atop the Pyramid that bore their fathers name "Let us defeat them, and rid us of these new nuisances, before we must rid ourselves of each other."
"An alliance." Taven said the word he seemed intent on avoiding.
"Of the greatest kind." Daegon said.
"To do what are parents set out for us." Taven continued.
"Aye." Daegon nodded as the two finally came to an understanding, the sentiment Taven had in his eyes now passing to Daegon. "What do you say?"
Taven paused briefly. The idea of this konflict didn't sit well with him. No more than Blaze sitting top the pyramid did. But to be rid of both they must go to Blaze defeat him save the realms and claim their destiny.
"If it must be so... it will allow me to keep an eye on you if anything." he rationalized "Hmph." he let out soon after, half amused, half sentimental as he was before "Father would've been proud."
Even Daegon grinned slightly at that "I'm sure he would be." he agreed. But he would not dwell on it as Taven had. They seemed to be in agreement and that was enough. He would not waste any more time. Just as he had been awakened first, was the first one here, Daegon made the first moves again. "Fine. Let us be off so I can be closer to finishing this and then you." he quickly turned his back to him and began to walk off.
"But wait!" Taven said and his brother stopped to look at him over his shoulder. "You said you needed one of your strength and caliber to fight beside." he repeated Daegons words.
"Yes." he repeated admitting it begrudgingly now turning back to him fully.
"Then why me?" he asked. Daegon raised a brow at him, causing the dragon on his face to shift with it "If you needed one, why seek me out when we've been in such opposition to each other? Why not seek out one more in line with yourself? Why not our bastard brother Rain?" Taven asked countless questions, but it was that last one that struck the cord and caused a change to come over Daegon.
A look of surprise came across Daegons face now. One that made it look like he had been completely caught by surprise by that last statement. The only problem was that it already had been expected. And he had an answer for him.
"Fuck Rain!" he exclaimed sharply.
In reply to that Taven smiled.
"I was thinking the same thing."
Yang and Yun
Mavado sat alone, the dark colors of his coat blending in with the shadows of this dreary little restaurant. The only breaking of that was from the light shining from the outside, making the inside seem less run down and shabby than it really was, though it still very poor was by his standards. Regardless of it's appearance he knew it had it's purpose. A place to rest his feet which here propped up on counter as he leaned back in his seat, an empty mug in his hand.
Of course, a place to rest his feet was not why he was here in the first place. He was here to find other 'dangers' his Master Daegon had warned him off. He figured a place like this was a spot to find some kind of information. But when there was none of that to be found, he merely kicked his feet up.
But they would not be there for long.
"What were you, raised in a barn?" a young voice asked "Shoes off the counter." he said before a light tap moved his feet off and to the floor. Mavado smirked, keeping his line of sight away from him.
"Well, waiter." he said ignoring what he just said as raised the empty mug "Fill this for me." He heard a sigh released above him as the mug was level with is face.
"You're gonna have to pay for that too. Refills aren't free." he said from above.
"It's money you want huh?" Movado said aloud "Figures. What happened to service with a smile." he said grinning one of his own.
"Nothing comes free." the youth replied from above.
"Well if that's the case." Movado said getting up, rolling his shoulders as his black jacket flapped around him swaying like a shadow "Give me something that's worth the price. Not this watered down crap." he chuckled to himself as he turned to face the youth. He would have looked him in the eye, if long sharp bangs didn't conceal most of his face.
"If you're gonna bad mouth the establishment." Yang began "Maybe you better leave."
"The customer is always right." Mavado snapped back at him "And I won't leave. Not till I get what I want, or perhaps.." he paused "when I know that what I want isn't here." he says eyeing Yang slyly.
"And what would that be?" Yanf asked begrudgingly.
"Simple really. Information." Mavado revealed. Yang raised an eyebrow at that.
"That's really it?" Yang asked "If you wanted that then why not ask outright?"
"Tsch. Had to exhaust all my options, first." Mavado replied. But Yang was getting tired of being talked down to this mysterious man, customer or not.
"Must not have been much." he replied.
Mavado managed a laugh "Got something to say for everything. Then you must have all the answers boy." he spat down at him "Very well, if you are so eager to please then tell me what I know and I'll see from my boss that you are rewarded handsomely."
"Seems like a lot for just a couple of words." Yang said suspiciously.
"It's the task I'm charged with."
"Which is?" Yang raised an eyebrow again waiting for the point to be arrived at.
"I'm searching for something." Mavado revealed "Two somethings actually." he paused again "Dragons."
"Dragons?" Yang repeated, but there some was something in his voice that made it seem like he knew where this was heading. Like he was familiar with it and knew the answer.
"You see, I am the second in command of the Red Dragon. We're dedicated to finding and defeating our offshoots in the Black Dragon." Mavado told "Yet now this Armageddon has been brought on."
"Armageddon?" Yang repeated coldly and recalled the last warning he received of such a threat "Chun-Li was right." he said low under his breath and to himself. Mavado didn't hear it and continued on.
"And it seems in the midst of it, more Dragons have appeared. Whether they are more defectors or imposters I cannot say. But that is what my master wants to know. So I have been instructed with finding these Blue and White Dragons." Mavado declared. And when he said those last two names Yang's eyes opened wide if only for a moment. The familiar look on his face was on fill display if only for a moment and not blocked by his hair.
His face settled back down to be serious again "So that's it huh?" Yang asked and Mavado nodded "Well you don't have to travel far." Yang said, now it was his turn to reveal something about himself. Mavado's interest was piqued. Clearly he wasn't expecting that, but he waited for more. "Because those two Dragons. They're here."
"Here?! Where?!" Mavado exclaimed looking around.
"The White ones in the back feeding his face." Yang said as Mavado looked over him "But the Blue one. He's right here." Mavado's attention turned back to Yang but this time "But to be honest, we haven't been called that in a while."
"You?" Mavado repeated and then laughed rearing his head back "That cannot be right. You're just some children playing pretend."
"We we're called it for a reason." Yang said filled with determination and defiance all his own now "Didn't you come all this way to find that out." he said seriously and took a fighting stance. Mavado's laughter was cut off abruptly.
"I was." he said entering his own "But I did not come to waste my time with children."
"Well, how about that reward?"
"Reward?!" Mavado repeated offended "You'll get your reward. Now!" he shouted.
Mavado moved to strike him, but Yang managed to evade the strike, responding with his own retaliating. Mavado dodged it before moving over to throw a kick at him that Yang managed to block. Mavado may not have been one for manners, but he was strong Yang could admit. Even giving him a run for his money at some points. But after more blows were exchanged a powerful strike from Yang struck Mavado directly and sent him whirling out of the restaurant.
Yang let out a panting sigh, breathing life into the otherwise silent restaurant. That was some fight, with a strong opponent. One he always dreamed of having.
Reeling from it, he couldn't help but feel stronger, but he wasn't sure if he truly was. He had fought Ryu all those years ago after a confrontation at a restaurant not unlike their own. The confrontation with Mavado might have gone differently with Yang being the victor, but he still wondered if the outcome could have been different. If it happened now, or with anyone else. Like who sent Mavado in the first place.
'Where did he come from?' Yang asked. He thought back to Chun-li's warnings before she disappeared. Before all this started happening. A warning of great and powerful fighters. Was Mavado one of them? He seemed only a lackey. But a lackey to a more powerful one no doubt.
'The Red Dragon.' he thought of the name again. Awfully similar to his nickname. But what did it mean?
As Yang stood there contemplating all that, suddenly something rushed from behind him. He would have been on edge for another fight, for some new unruly customer coming to take a shot at him from behind.
But he knew better. And he knew who this was.
Following the flash of white that passed him, Yang turned his head up to see his brother Yun screech to a sudden halt in front of him. His arms were up looking like he was expecting a fight, but he was looking around also, as if he was expecting someone else. It soon dawned on him that they were the only ones here.
"Aww man." Yun let out slumping out of his fighting stance, his disappointed voice radiating out to him "Looks like I missed out."
"Tsch." Yang the younger of the two let out from behind him "It figures." he said aloud "If you weren't in the back cleaning all of those bowls you were eating out of and helping me here, you woulda got your chance." Yun in fact still had some rice on his face.
"Oh it's easy to say that." Yun said turning around to face his brother though the hat still obstructed his face, but a cocky grin grew across it that was plain as day "But how can I stick around here when there's no hot chicks anywhere!" he whined.
"Tsh." Yang let out again "Don't let Hoimei or Shaomei hear that."
"Bah!" Yun waved his arm dismissively "They're not here. No one is!" he opened his arms wide showcasing their restaurant which was empty save for the two of them. His voice seemed to echo for extra emphasis "Especially no hot chicks." he complained. The last one who had appeared was their last customer Chun-li. And even then she was more there to check in on and warn them. Yun however, interpreted it as a her taking 'special interest' in him.
"No one strong either." Yang dropped his head now, his disappointment now joining in with his brother, his long hair hiding his own face and disappointment. "Until now. " he realized saying it aloud thinking of Mavado and Chun-li's warning "I wonder.. if there are any others..." His head glanced up to see his brother. Behind him was the open door to their restaurant. The light from outside shined within, but Yun was blocked out by it, looking like a tall standing shadow. One that was in his way.
But Yang saw that while Yun was facing him, his head was turned over his shoulder looking out that door.
"So let's go find em." he said.
"Huh?" Yang perked his head up and Yun had already flipped his stance. Now he was facing the door with his head looking back over his shoulder at his younger brother.
"What good's gonna come from sitting around here?" he asked "Can't keep the restaurant safe if there's no customers right?" he grinned cheekily. Yang was silent at first, but the thought had been growing in his mind. They had seen more than a few bad customers these last few days. And then Chun-li's sudden appearance then disappearance gave him pause. Especially when it ended with a warning.
"Chun-Li said it would be dangerous." Yang said echoing that warning "More than anything we could imagine." Yang paused in contemplation "That there'd be people and places we never dared to go or face."
"And?" Yun asked as his brother looked up at him "So you wanna stay here when she said all that?" he asked "We can't miss out on all of the action right?"
"I can only imagine the powerful fighters out there. If it's enough to make her worry, then they must be strong indeed." Yang grinned.
"Yeah," Yun seemed to agree as Yang raised his head to him "and I bet there's hot babes from all these new places."
Yang dropped his head again, this time in annoyance. Any excuse to get out of here seemed to work for Yun. But whatever his reasons for leaving, for love or lust Yang had his own too. He wanted to be stronger. He wanted to test that strength. If these fighters were as strong as Chun-Li warned, then he would want to- no he'd have to face them.
And what of the mystery of the Red Dragon?
He turned his head up to see Yun still looking back at him, the cocky grin still plastered on his face with rice was flashing at him. Eventually, Yang returned with his own rice free one. No word's were exchanged by each one knew what it meant.
Yun turned back to the open door and kicked his feet up and landed on his skateboard. Riding along it he raced across the floor and burst out of Shinryuken.
Bursting out into the air like he was riding a wave Yun erupted out into the world. He saw a flash of red come alongside and below him. Looking down he saw Yang had erupted from the restaurant too. The two entered the outside world ready for a new adventure.
"You ready for this?!" Yun called excitedly from above.
"You know it." Yang replied from below "Someone may not be looking after the restaurant, but someone's gonna have to look after you." he shot up at him.
"Ha!" Yun laughed as he flipped in the air before coming back down to the ground "You just wanna see all these sicks moves I got. Ones I use on our foes and impress the ladies." he clicked his tongue.
"You're hopeless." Yang groaned as they raced through the street. Yun jumped up to drag his feet along a railing "But I wonder.." he paused as Yun looked back to him "where Chun-Li is in all this?"
"Maybe she'll give me a reward for coming all this way to see her." he said mischievously, his face turning red. There would be more red before this journey was over.
Sliding off the rail and coming back alongside his brother the two continued down the street, that was until it stopped being a street and turned into a dirt path. Looking above the sky above was fractured, as was the horizon. It showed different lands and realms that were stitched together unnaturally. But the two brothers wen tout together. They had different motives, but were united by each other.
Fight Your Rival! Dragonfly
"Whoaa!" Yun let out. Yang was able to contain his excitement, though he was more amazed than surprised by it, given all they had come across so far. This new land-this realm as they found out- was flying right before their eyes. Literally.
A great wing brought itself up covering their view of the mountains all around them and casting them in shadow as it blocked out the sun. With a great plunge down the wing came a great thrust forcing itself along on a great surge of wind. And when it did the two saw the mountains they were just gazing upon were long gone, and far behind them.
"I can't believe it!" Yun shouted his voice echoing out into the sky "We're flying! We're flying!" he shouted and the looked around "And first class by the look of it!" he said as he looked around. The dragon continued to soar through the air, it's great wings flapping up and down carrying across the mountains of this new land. But on it's back was a large round arena where they stood now. One that almost seemed to allow you to fight on it. Which given everyone they'd come across so far and the amounts of fights they had, it was fitting. "I guess it makes sense for the White and Blue Dragon!" he boasted. Still taking it all in, Yun was still looking ahead, but Yang continued to look around uneasy of these new surroundings. His eyes scanned and stopped when he saw something on the other edge.
If this was an arena, it seems their opponents were here as well.
"We're not the only ones hitching a ride." he warned to Yun as he turned around to face them.
"Huh?" Yun let out looking at his brother over his shoulder. He eyed him strangely but noticed he was in a standoffish stance with a hard stare. Leaning head first, Yun turned around until he completely aligned and stood beside his brother. Yet he nearly stumbled as he turned around, but righting himself he picked himself up and stood across the arena. And that's when he saw it, though he wasn't very thrilled by it.
"Aw man." Yun whined putting his arms behind his head "Here I thought we finally found some babes. But all we get are sweaty old geezers."
On the other side were two men. Older like Yun had said. Both of them wearing heavy armor. Of the two one looked older than the other, but both shared tattoos on their faces. And both took notice of the two brothers.
"Then be on you guard." Yang warned him "These two look like trouble." he said as his gaze met the others on the other side.
"Maybe they're looking for chicks too?" Yun proposed.
"They look like they're looking for a fight." Yang countered like it was a blow all it's own. The two continued to stare at each other.
On the other side a similar interaction had occurred. One that lead to the two groups to approach each other.
Daegon looked outward to the flapping wing of the Dragon and the land they crossed through. He mused aloud on what they have done and what they must do.
"I chose this mode of transportation because it is the fastest way through Outworld." Daegon told "Since Edenia's merging with it, we should be brought right to the pyramid." he continued "Regardless of the realms merging or the barriers being broken, that should hold true even now."
Looking with him, Taven for his part felt very much like how he had when he had first awoken from sleep. Mainly because he didn't know who the hell any of these people were. But with his brothers plan seemingly working, he complimented him.
"Clearly you thought this out brother."
"I had no choice." Daegon turned to him "You were not presenting any ideas." he chided him. "Hm. And they say the elder leads."
"Did you foresee this?" Taven asked looking over across the Dragon's back. It got Daegon's attention. Grumbling he turned to his brother, only to see him looking at something across from them. Following his stare Daegon saw two youths standing on the other side of the arena. One was glaring at them, while the other stumbled about, but soon looked over with him.
"No.." he admitted in a grumble and clenched jaw "But I shall deal with it accordingly." he broke away from Taven to walk forward. Taven only a step behind followed him. From across them Yang did the same with Yun mimicking Taven, being a step behind him.
Daegon kept his eyes ahead. Taven did the same now that they were side by side, tilting only to say something to him.
"They do not seem a threat." Taven advised.
"I will not risk it." Daegon replied. His mind was made up. "Neither should you, since you know what's at stake." The thought of Blaze awaiting them continued to feel Taven with dread, and he went silent from it. By the time he could speak again, the two duos had reached each other.
The two duos started at the rounded edge of arena, and as they came forward did they continued to size each other up.
Yang noticed the two older men had contrasting expressions. The older looking had one of dismission, the-slightly- younger of apprehension, but more of the company he kept. Otherwise, he seemed steadfast and similar every other way; their clothes and tattoos for one.
Taven noticed the youth of the both and thought it bode well for them as not being threats while Daegon dismissed them outright because of it.
The twos collision course came to a stop as they did before each other at the center of the platform. They came to a stop, and the only thing that moved was the great thrust of wind that blew all around them.
"You two." Taven began intending to get the first words instead of Daegon to make sure this did not go wrong right out of the gate "What are you going here?"
Yang opened his mouth to answer, but Yun beat him to it.
"That's easy." Yun spoke first puffing his chest out "We're on the look out for hot chicks. You two guys see any around here?" he asked as he looked around. Yang let out a sigh at his question.
Taven and Daegon shared a strange look to each other before looking back to them.
"No." Taven said flattly "For that is not our purpose. We have been sent against this calamity." he spoke gravely.
"So has everyone else." Yang said standoffishly "Perhaps it's set you against us as well." he suggested turning his eyes to the older looking, and darker of the two. 'These guys look strong' he thought to himself 'But I'm getting different vibes from them. Different from anyone else we've encountered. What would bring these two together?'
"Hmph." the older looking of the two let out amused and offended by his suggestion before his eyes "Hardly." he said in a deep dismissive voice.
"You wouldn't be the first." Yang said thinking of all they had come before already.
"But we will be last." Daegon finished.
"You don't think we can cut it? We made it this far same as you." Despite Yang's statements Daegon wasn't buying it.
"And what is this?" Daegon said "All the realms greatest warriors are here. Gods both actual and self proclaims walk the combined realms and we encounter this." he said scornfully looking at the two of them "Two pups not fit for table scraps."
"Pups?" Yun replied cluelessly not seeing any dogs around.
Yang began to grin "Maybe you should check your sights old man. Two dragons stand before you." he snickered and pointed to each of their faces "And I don't mean any stupid tattoos."
"Dragons?" Daegon repeated and he opened his eye, this time he set his sights on Yang and peered down at him. "What would make you say that?" he asked suspiciously.
"Because we're the Blue and the White Dragon; Yang and Yun! And we're here to prove it." Yang grinned. He had been revealing them by those nicknames to every fighter they came across. Some were intrigued, some were amused, and some just didn't care. What Yang was waiting on was for someone to react like they knew those names. To react in the same way Mavado did. Only then would Yang know they found the leader of the Red Dragon.
"And to find hot chicks!" Yun added from behind. But his addition fell on deaf ears. For Daegon only heard Yang.
"Blue and White Dragon?" Daegon questioned. Taven looked on concerned as Daegon's face scrunched up.
"Brother?" he asked.
'Brother.' Yang realized 'So that's why they're together. No different than us.' But as soon as he found out that revelation another revealed itself.
"The Blue and the White." Daegon repeated looking to the two young brothers "And I am Daegon. The Leader of the Red Dragon."
"So you have the same nickname as us?" Yun asked from behind cluelessly. But that was only because he had not fought a member of the Red Dragon in the restaurant.
But Yang had.
"Oh. So you're their ringleader." Yang realized aloud "The one who sent Mavado after us."
"Yes." Daegon told "And if you had met him, but are here now. Then that only means you had defeated him and he had failed me. It was not the first time." he admitted casting an eye to Taven only for a moment before looking back to brothers, specifically Yang "But to think, he lost to children."
"Children who earned the name." Yang replied "Don't tell me your memory is going with your eyesight." Yang reminded him "You were so afraid of these two kids you sent your lapdogs after us? But here we are now."
"Yes." Daegon said and was about to step forward. Taven tried to stop him.
"Brother what are y-" Daegon snapped back at him.
"They may not be a threat to you brother, but they are unfinished business to me." he said looking back to the two "Something I will have to finish myself."
"If you can." Yang said "Maybe you're no more a dragon than that tattoo is."
"Dragons guarded us while we slept." Daegon grumbled "You two certainly are not comparable to them." Daegon bore down on him.
"Well maybe it's time some dragons put you back to sleep old man." Yang shot up at him.
"Careful boy." he stepped forward, his mighty step bringing him forward and towering over Yang even more as he fell beneath his shadow. But in reply Yang stepped forward too so that there was hardly any space between them "You speak not to any mere mortal. For I am more than just your elder and better."
"Oh yea?" Yang said in his shadow starring up at his snarling face "Red Dragon, old man, better fighter? What else you got that's supposed to impress me?"
"I am a God, brat! For we are the sons of Argus!" he declared. But Yang retained his standoffish demeanor. And neither one backed down from the other.
"Well, I haven't prayed to you."
"You'll be praying to me by the end of this." Daegon clenched his fist "Praying for me to end your pain." his gaze narrowed onto him "And I will."
"Prove it." Yang egged him on "All I see is a rambling old man in some prop armor." Daegon slammed his fist to his chest leading to a loud metallic bang.
"This was forged for my brother and I to protect us in battle."
"Armor can't protect you from stronger fighters. " Yang stood up higher against him but was still beneath him.
"I do not see one here." Daegon growled leaning down at him.
"Better get your eyes checked." Yang said "Age really is getting to you!"
"You are but a follower." Daegon said and that cut Yang deeply and he saw it in the boys face. Knowing he got at him, he continued "Even now at the height of you insistence you are not alone. Do you think this path you've finally had the deed to lead yourself on will end the way you wish? Your first attempt at proving yourself will end in your demise."
Yang clenched his fist "I came here to prove I'm strong." he admitted through clenched teeth "And I'll take down anyone who says otherwise." he glared at Daegon "I wanted to find the guy who had a hit out on my and my brother. That's the fight I wanted. So prove to me you were worthy my time, Red Dragon." he glared up at the scowling Daegon.
Seeing his brother needing his help Yun jumped up "Yeah! So get out of our way before you get taught a lesson." Yun said. One or two, Daegon was not impressed by either one.
"You haven't lived long enough to learn any lesson, let alone teach one." he clenched a fist "But you shall receive one now."
"Daegon." Taven snapped from behind him. Not backing up his brother as Yun had, but disagreeing with him.
"So it's a lesson huh?" Yang said "Then it's one you two should take to heart." he said pointing from one to the other "Because we're on a journey and were not gonna be stopped by some has-beens." In reply to that Daegon came up rolling his shoulders.
"I can do more than talk child." he said taking a fighting position before him "Can you?"
"I'll show you what happens when I'm done talking." he spread his legs. Daegon observed his movements.
"A Dragon you say?" Daegon smirked "You two are but shadows of a snake." As they squared off against each other the other two watched on.
"Snakes that you were so worried about." Yang replied. As Daegon and Yang squared up against each other Yun stood with his brother eyeing their two challengers curiously.
"Hmm." Yun let out as Yang and Daegon squared up on each other "I get the feeling these guys are up to something, bro."
"Ya think?" he replied keeping his eyes on Daegon.
"What else would they be doing?" he said "Set against this calamity?" Yun repeated pondering aloud. He looked at Daegon "You look like you'd rather start problems.. but you." he turned to Taven who lingered in the back behind his brother "You look like you got something to hide."
"Hide?" Taven repeated "I have nothing to hide. We are here only to stop this."
"So you say!" Yun said accusingly "But I bet there's more than that. Because he doesn't seem like he's trying to stop anything." he pointed to Daegon "But you! You seem like you know something. Something you're not telling us." he said coming across from him crossing behind Yang to do it and when he did he pointed an accusatory finger at him and declared "I bet you know where all the hot girls are!"
Silence followed in reply to that. Taven raised an eyebrow in confusion. Yang dropped his head and sighed and Daegon put on a amused grin looking to Taven.
"What makes you think I'd possibly have that information?" Taven asked dumbfounded.
"This one is as foolish as you brother." Daegon said before turning to Yun "Try the Netherrealm brat! They may be too hot for you to handle." he chuckled darkly.
"See!" Yun said I knew it!" Yun said as he jumped into the air and came back down on his feet ready for a fight.
"You do not understand." Taven pleaded trying to rationalize with them. "We are only on a journey towards the Pyramid of Argus. Named after out father! There lies the terrible fire element Blaze which we are destined to do battle with!"
"Blaze huh? Fiery? Yun repeated. "Sounds pretty hot!"
"Sounds pretty strong." Yang agreed.
"Yes, that is why we must go there. To fulfill the destiny foretold by our mother the Prophet Delia-"
"Is she hot?!" Yun abruptly blurted out.
The two Half Gods demeanors changed drastically as they cocked their heads so hard to Yun they could have broken necks with the force and their glares were so sharp they might as well have been swords. Daegon's face already curled into a snarl, while Taven's was pure shock.
"What?" Taven asked in disbelief.
"Is your mom hot?" Yun asked again. Not aware of the shock or seething rage building in the two of them. But was on full display once they heard him again.
"Do not speak of my mother that way!" Taven snapped pointing at Yun who innocently couldn't figure out why. Even Daegon stomped up angrily.
"How dare you speak of her!"
"Aw yeah!" Yun let out, not terrified at all "That only means on thing." he turned to Yang who was as unamused as the two Half Gods "Their mom must be a real hottie!"
"You know not what you say boy!" Daegon angrily roared "But you will not live long enough to regret it!"
Sub-Boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Taven and Daegon
A great wing flapped and they were propelled forward while riding the back of the dragon. Further along their way and closer to their destination. To the Pyramid bearing the name of their father. The pyramid where they would face Blaze once and for all. Or at least one of them would.
But the two brothers were still together now, and a new challenger was approaching.
Daegon rubbed his bearded chin "The sooner this Dragon lands the better. I want no more distractions." he mulled aloud.
"For someone full of plans you're awfully impatient brother." Taven replied.
Daegon grumbled "The only one withering away my patience is you. Brother."
Before Taven could speak a ghostly voice called out from behind them.
"Argusss." it's hollow voice called out to them, sounding like the echo of the wind down a deep long cavern. The two brothers eyes went wide with shock and froze in place.
"Father?" Daegon let out.
"What is-" Taven let out as they both turned around and it was now that they saw it. A great head of red was slinking across the ground towards them. Shifting a great weight as it came ever closer to the two of them. Instantly their fists and guard went up.
"Where did this thing come from?" Taven asked alarmed. They had not seen it get on the Dragon's back. They only ones that they saw were those two boys. But what was this thing now?
"Argusss." a voice low and menacing hissed, coming from the direction of this new thing.
"Who are you?" Taven shouted.
"N-necalliii!" he introduced himself, sounding like a lump was in his throat, right as his face appeared poking through the long dangling weeds that was his hair. "I have found yoou. So-ons of Argus."
"You may be seeking us. But we were not foretold of you." Daegon scowled "You are nothing." he spat.
"Neither were any of these others." Taven reminded him "Perhaps we were ordained to defeat this one as well." Taven said focusing on Necalli but speaking to his brother.
"Arguss sonss. A fine meal they will make." Necalli liked his lips. Then he opened is mouth revealing fangs and let out a shrill wail at them.
"Do not say my fathers name!" Daegon shouted "For that insolence, you shall starve." he declared.
"You shall join him!" Necalli trembled "And your mother!"
"Do not speak of them!" Taven shouted in agreement. "For that is not our destiny!" Necalli did not reply, but instead lunged at them.
Sub-Boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Yang and Yun
The two brothers stood together stretching on the back of the Dragon as it's great wings shadow was cast over them. Then it flapped down casting sunshine upon them again.
"Too bad there weren't any chicks around for that last one." Yun said "I bet they woulda been really impressed by me." he boasted.
"I doubt it." Yang said dryly. That was a close fight, he could admit. Just the kind he wanted when he set out on this adventure. The Red Dragon vs Blue Dragon and on the back of a giant dragon no less. Quite the sparring match. Sounds like it would even make a good movie too. Maybe one starring Johnny Cage or Fei Long. 'The Dueling Dragon's' that was a much cooler title. His imagination ran wild for a few moments before something got his attention. And it wasn't his brothers constant rambling. For while Yang reflected on what had happened silently, Yun voiced it openly.
"Chicks would dig me like I was some big movie star!" he proclaimed "And if the saw me like that I'd have droves of fans!" he continued on. But Yang was focused on something else. Something manifesting behind his brother that he could see clearly over his shoulder.
As he rambled Yang saw rising from the ground though there was no place for it to rise from was a tall red figure. It started out on two feet before it knelt down and began to crawl across the ground. The raised wing from the dragon brought it's shadow back over everything hiding this new figure. But the dread it instilled in Yang remained and when the wing flapped back down there it was again. Closer this time. Creeping closer to them.
"Is a couple of busty cheerleaders really too much to ask for? All I want to do is to be smothered with their-"
"Shut it." Yang said to him. "Looks like we got another stowaway."
"Is she hot?" Yun asked excitedly as he looked ahead, but quickly recoiled when he said that and almost gagged when he set eyes on it. "Ah! Did we just wander onto a horror movie!" Yun exclaimed.
"I don't even know what the hell that is." Yang said "But I won't back down from it." he said readying himself for a fight.
Necalli's head rose up as if in answer to Yang's statement. It's nose poked up like it was an animal trying to sniff the scent of prey in the air. And it smelled something in the two of them.
"I serve..." Necalli paused "The Dragon." he seemed to finished.
"The Dragon?" Yun repeated confused. Given they were on the back of one and it smelled pretty bad by his reckoning that made sense.
"Is that some new organization? Yang asked and couldn't help but be amused "Guess they just dropped the colors to show they're better than the original. Tsch. Wait till that old geezer hears about that." he chuckled wishing he could see the look on Daegon's face when he heard that.
"Dragon." Necalli repeated as if continuing where he left off. Only this time he finished it "King."
"Dragon King?" Yun repeated "Whose that?" he asked cluelessly. But Yang had already caught on. It wasn't an organization, but a fighter. Maybe the strongest of them all. Something that put more fear in him than Necalli or any horror movie had before. But if Necalli was here acting on his will...
"Something bad." Yang said.
"He has offered me the soulls of the stronggg. Your soulss."
"Strong souls huh?" Yang repeated 'I guess I really have gotten strong.' he said before settling his eyes onto Necalli.
"Pff." Yun blew a raspberry "Is that it?" he chuckled clearly overcoming whatever fear he had of him as he stepped towards Necalli being the first one to move against him as he left Yang's side "Sorry, those aren't for sale. Neither is my heart. It belongs to whatever hot babe is out there predestined to claim it." he said.
"You know not what stands before youu." Necalli growled and snapped his teeth and stomped his feet.
"Someone in need of better props. I've seen student films with better make up than you." he paused unable to stifle a chuckle "But you know my brother Yang could give you a pointer on crazy hair." he laughed aloud this time. And by his brothers confidence Yang came up to his side, following him again.
"It'll take more than that you make us back down." he said as the two prepared to take on Necalli together.
'Let's see how strong I've become.' he thought.
Taven and Daegon Ending
After coming all this way and getting sidetracked countless times in just as many lands with just as many battles they had finally made it.
To the namesake of their father. The Pyramid of Argus. And at the top, was their Destiny. Sealed in the form of a flaming demon. Shared or not, only one of them could defeat who was at the top and claim it.
But they had come together.
Taven sprinted up the steps, his feet furiously beating against the stone as he made his way up. But an identical sound beside him reminded him he was not alone. Turning his head slightly he saw Daegon racing beside him. Matching his step and pace even as he tried his hardest to outrace him and reach the top first.
He may have sought his brother out and completed this quest alongside him. But as they came to the end, it seemed he intended not to do it together, but by himself. Just as Taven always suspected.
Taven turned back and continued to race alongside his brother.
They climbed the great stairs that only lead upwards into the sky. Dark as all things seemed gazing up they could see the terrible flame casting it's fiery light from out above. The closer they got the brighter it seemed to burn. It felt and looked like they were climbing up to the sun itself.
They left the combined mangled mess of realms behind them. For at the top of this Pyramid was the very thing that could correct it. Blaze was there waiting for them. And to defeat him would complete their quest, fulfill their destiny and save the realms.
They had made it to the final series of steps, in unison with the other the entire time. Then coming to the final steps, whether they meant to or not it was done together once again. They both glanced at the other and then at the same time leapt up in tandem clearing the last few steps and landing on the flat clearing above them.
They had no more steps to go for they had finally made it to the top of the Pyramid. Relief and determination showed in each of their faces as they were ready to face. But whatever determination they had melted away into shock and confusion when they saw who was there instead.
The light that burned intensely from above began to dim, fading away as did their confidence upon reaching it. For there was Blaze, the very being that one of the sons of Argus was meant to defeat. Yet there he lay, motionless on the ground his flame flickering away like a fire diminished to only embers. And standing over him was another dark figure. His arms were crossed, deeply lined in his face was a permanent scowl. Around his head was dark hair like a wreath of fire. Yet he stood as still and silent as a statue.
"Blaze!" Taven exclaimed when he saw the defeated elemental "It can't be!" he exclaimed in disbelief. Beside him Daegon grumbled.
"It is." he clenched his fist, so hard that he thought his hands would start to bleed. His fist began to tremble in anger as he zeroed in on the figure standing over the defeated Blaze. "You!" Daegon pointed a finger to the solitary figure "You took away my destiny!"
Akuma did not stir, but his eyes opened revealing a shining red eyes that looked like two pools of blood. And the sons of Argus were reflected in it.
"It was not your place to defeat Blaze!" Taven fretted "Do you know what you have done?! Who knows what will become of the realms now!"
"-Perhaps." Daegon spoke out snapping an arm to get his brothers attention "All is not lost yet."
"What?" Taven turned to him.
"Think of it brother!" Daegon began "What else could it mean. A calamity like no other brings only the strongest to this pyramid. It has brought him." he pointed to Akuma who was as lifeless as a shadow save for his eyes which focused on the two of them as they spoke of him. "Perhaps this was out ultimate test. To defeat him."
"What?" Taven let out, struggling to understand.
"Yes!" Daegon said seeming to think he came to a conclusion "That is it! Don't you see?" Daegon said "He got here first and defeated Blaze. He is the catalyst of this! Only the strongest can do that." Daegon turned back to Akuma who listened intently in to each word he said despite not moving at all "If he is defeated. Then we shall secure our destiny!"
"Just like father wanted." Taven said finally coming to terms with Daegons' line of thinking "You!" he turned to Akuma "You meddle with things you don't understand."
"We shall punish you for that, and take our destiny back!" Daegon declared.
Finally Akuma seemed to stir. His beard and hair was blown by the wind but he hadn't moved at all. Save for his mouth which opened.
"Then defeat me." Akuma growled "If you can." he said before taking his fighting stance. Across from him Taven and Daegon would do the same. They were ready for one final fight to secure their destiny and Akuma awaited the challenge.
Yang and Yun Ending
Looking up to the sky Yang couldn't help but feel like it looked different-that is to say, it looked normal. Normal as in, one clear crystal blue sky hovering above them. And beneath that sky, was a marketplace crowded with people. A marketplace not beneath a sprawling palace but a regular one filled with regular people. And the people in the crowded marketplace they found themselves in carried on like nothing had happened and their day was as normal as any other.
Though given all that had happened recently, all the battles fought and all the worlds they travelled to 'normal' was absolutely the last thing they expected to find. But if it was normal that lead him to one conclusion.
Yang bowed his head allowing his long bangs to fall over his face casting a pointed shadow over the ground where it fell. Taking in a deep he released it, almost as a sigh of content. For whatever had happened and whatever it was, he was able to confer one thing. Whatever had happened to cause this, it was over.
"Hm." Yang let out, as he closed his eyes. Behind his lids he thought of all that he had seen. He had gone out to test his abilities, to prove his strengths. There were many strong fighters out there, and he had the opportunity to challenge them all. Even against the one who had been searching for them since the beginning. And now that it seemed over, at the end of it he could only conclude that he had in fact gotten stronger.
But as content as he was with the results of his journey, the one who was with him was not. And he voiced that. Loudly.
"Aww man!" he heard Yun wine from beside him. Opening his eyes and turning his head up Yang looked over to see Yun, though not with his head bowed and hiding under his ballcap. Instead, his head was turned up, gazing up at the sky defiantly, but also pouting like a child who had his favorite toy taken away from him.
Despite his childish pettiness contrasting with Yang's stoicism, he couldn't help but crack an amused smile at him.
"What now?" he asked turning to him allowing less of his face to be hidden behind his hair.
"You can see it can't you!?" Yun shouted pointing to the sky.
"Yes," he paused not bothering to look up for he had already seen it "I can."
"Then you know it too! It-it it-"
"It's over." Yang concluded for him, voicing it aloud for the first time. It seems they both had come to the same conclusion.
"Yeah! And it really sucks!" Yun kicked the ground almost falling over as he did, but thankfully Yang was there to catch him. They both had wanted this new adventure, and while Yun was the one to go raging into it head first Yang was with him every step of the way. To counter attacks he wouldn't. To block one he never saw coming and to compliment ones he made.
"Come on." he said putting Yun back on his feet "It has to end at some point. And it wasn't all bad." he tried to soothe his brother who only crossed his arms and pouted. For although the two travelled together, they had two different goals in mind. Yang wanted to prove his strength and find the Red Dragon, which he accomplished, but Yun wanted something else.
"Yeaaahhh!" Yun agreed obnoxiously "But no chicks!" he threw his arms up to no avail.
"Hm." Yang chuckled before shaking his head.
"I mean there's no way we could have gone through that and not meet any hot babes!" Yun lamented and whined some more "I mean I bet I could've wooed and wowed them with my moves!" he said striking many fighting poses.
"Moves I've got too." Yang reminded him "Maybe I would've wooed them even more than you!" he teased.
"Tsch. Fat chance of that!"
"Well, if it makes you feel any better." he said getting his attention as he came out of another fighting stance "We met some really strong fighters." he said smiling "And I saved you back there a couple times."
"Yeah. And I saved you too." he said turning to him. "What's your point?"
"My point is it's over. And you should reflect on what you learned."
"Learned?" he repeated almost offended "What about what I missed out on!" Yun declared. It seems he wasn't going to let this go without a fight. Which is what he expected and exactly what was happening. "Beautiful ladies from far off places with beautiful eyes, luscious lips, big soft squishy-"
He started off with what was clearly a description of an idealized woman and one that matched Chun-li before divulging into something more descriptive and vulgar. Thinking of her himself now, Yang had no doubt she was out there in the thick of this fighting. No less than they were, though he imagined she had more consequences to her. And while he could account for the many they came across, he also couldn't let it slide that his brother wanted a bit more than what he did. But he was also likely the one to miss the opportunity when it came.
Case in point right now.
As Yun lamented on what he missed out on, Yang saw one last opportunity presenting itself. For walking through the marketplace were two women. They looked very out of place, like they were from one of these far off realms they just fought through. They walked side by side and hand in hand, looking around and marveling at everything. They were identical in appearance save for the color of what they wore; blue and purple. Their faces were concealed while the rest of their bodies were not; though even with masks their beauty could not be hidden. That inherent beauty coupled with what they wore only made them all the more eye catching.
Of course, Yun still didn't notice them.
"I mean come on!" he seemed to be coming to the end of his tirade though was likely to continue anyway "Is that really fai-"
"Hey," he said and then lightly tapped on the back of Yun's head.
"Ow!" he let out and turned to him "what was that fo-"
"Every good story needs an epilogue doesn't it?" he said cocking his head to one side and grinning to him as he pointed to the two women. Despite his obvious meaning to what he said, especially when coupled with Yuns motivation, he did not seem to connect the dots as easily.
Following Yang's finger he saw exactly what he meant. There they were; exactly what he wanted. Two beautiful women.
The one in blue pointed off down the street and the one in purple squirmed in delight before they both shared a laugh.
Despite his enthusiasm about finding exactly what he had just been describing, Yun seemed like he couldn't act on it. Entranced by their beauty he remained bent over with his arms dangling from his sides, ogling them.
Amusing as it was, Yang wasn't going to let him loose this opportunity. Or else he'd hear about it all the way home.
"Well, come on." he pushed Yun forward and with that he raced ahead.
"Don't have to tell me twice!" his voice echoed back to him.
Letting out another "Hm." Yang chased after him, on his roller blades.
Walking down the street Kitana and Mileena went hand in hand. With their adventure over, the threats and perils behind them, they both came to same conclusion. It was a long way back to Outworld and though Mileena wanted to stop and do anything on their journey away from it, Kitana couldn't allow is so long as the danger was present. But now that it had passed, she couldn't help but want to indulge herself too. So happily enjoying each others company they expected the journey home to be much more pleasant.
But it would have its own obstacles.
"Ladies!" a voice called getting their attention. Snapping their heads over they watched as Yun screeched to a stop before them "Ladies." he repeated confidently looking to each of them "Now what are two lovely ladies' like you here all my yourself." As he said that the two chuckled flatteringly, bringing up their free arms to conceal their laugh.
"I'm not my myself." the one in blue stated "I'm with my sister." she nudged the one in purple playfully. The two continued to giggle.
"Sisters? Really?" Yun said though it was easy to figure out. Though he didn't say it, bells went off in his head 'Jackpot' he thought. But he continued on from there. "Well, I'm here with my brother." he pointed off with his thumb at Yang who right at that moment amongst the giggling came to a stop beside him "And maybe you two need a private escort."
"Tempting, but we must get going." Kitana insisted and was ready to step away, while Mileena remained in place. They wouldn't have gotten away before Yun snapped dragging her back in.
"Come on." Yun urged "The White and Blue dragon." he said as he flexed. Yang did not join in. "Surely you've heard of us!"
"Nooo." Mileena said "But I'd like to know more." she purred.
"Well there's plenty to know." he grinned "Just like there is with the two of you." Yun grinned wider "Hoimei and Shaomei have nothing on you two." At the reply to that Yang shook his head and rolled his eyes though his smirk remained.
"I'm partial to blue myself." Kitana admitted.
"That ones yours." Yun whispered to Yang. Since she was in blue and already taken Kitana was a perfect fit for the Blue Dragon. Which was fine by him, because the one in purple definitely seemed more his type.
"But there's already a dragon out there for me." she said fondly thinking of another man. "But-" she added sharply "My sister" she turned mischievously to Mileena "would love to know more. " Then with a playfully push Kitana sent Mileena forward stumbling toward Yun. Who couldn't have been more happy with the arrangement.
"ooh yeah." Yun let out.
Yang may miss out, but he surely wouldn't. He didn't come this far for nothing. Despite their identical looks Mileena looked the more alluring and attention grabbing of the two. Like she wanted to hog as much of the attention as she could. So Yun found her compatible, and as just revealed she was available.
Rolling his shoulders and puffing his chest up he broke off from Yang as Mileena left Kitana. Keeping her eyes on Yun the two were coming together. Mileena crept towards him almost shyly tucking some of her hair behind her ear before assertively pushing her chest up. Behind them the two other siblings rounded the two to come side by side to watch the interaction.
As Kitana and Yang found themselves side by side Yun and Mileena stopped before the other.
"So pretty lady," Yun began 'suavely' "There's that new Fei Long vs johnny Cage movie coming out. Whatta say to dinner and a movie date?"
Mileena chuckled hiding behind her mask "Sounds like fun. You'd make for a good playmate."
The inflection in her voice would have made anyone shudder when she said playmate. But Yun's natural confidence shrugged it off "So it's a date." he cemented "Whatta ya want to eat?"
"Meat." Mileena said sharply.
"Well I'm sure there's a spot nearby." Yun said as Mileena brought a finger up to dip beneath her mask. Yang raised an eyebrow at this as Yun rambled on "In fact my brother and I own a-" it was at this moment that Mileena dipped her mask off revealing a wide jaw and an even more hideous sharp smile "AH!" he shrieked suddenly and jumped back being in more fear than he ever had been on this journey. Not even Necalli shocked him as much as this "Ah! What kinda B movie monster is this?!" he let out putting his hands up defensively.
"Monster!" Mileena hacked. And then instinctively she flung a fist forward at him which Yun redirected. Responding with his own attack she ducked under it.
Watching from the sidelines Yang and Kitana seemed content to watch. Yang was surprised, while Kitana seemed to expect it. Though with her standing passively beside him his eyes rolled over to her.
"So," he began getting her attention as the cold look in her eyes rolled over to him "are you two identical or-" before he could even ask Kitana lowered her mask revealing a normal mouth. Just like everyone else's "Hm. I guess fraternal then." he concluded.
Kitana raised a pointed finger to correct him, but instead of speaking she paused, stopping right before she could give an answer. The look on her face seemed to express that she didn't have an exact answer to that herself. Or that he wouldn't have believed it.
"Something like that." she eventually resigned herself to say as she lowered her hand to her hip. Both the turned back to see Mileena reach in to try and chomp at Yun who jumped out of the way, but she just jumped up teleporting into a mist of purple to come at him with a kick which he managed to block as they came back to the ground.
Kitana seemed resigned to this, the exact thing that had been happening their entire journey was playing itself out again. Yang, however couldn't help but have his grin return.
"Well he got his wish and he was right." Yang commented as Yun avoided another chomp from Mileena's jaws. Kitana looked over to him curiously wondering what revelation that could be "Hoi Mei and Shao Mei have nothing on you two."