Gouken and Oro

When Ryu came to him, grappling with the oncoming dread and wrestling with an inner darkness he never faced before, he told him to find solace in meditation. When Ken came soon after worried for his oldest and best friend, he told him to be a pillar of support for Ryu.

Even after all this time, when his two pupils were in trouble, they both came back to their master for help. And he was there for them.

When it was just him alone, he followed his own advice. He found isolation and mediation to be his companions, the pillar of which he would face the storm.

But knew he could weather it no longer.

He would have help of his own.

Standing atop the rock peak of the mountains Gouken looked to the valley below. Even as high as he was, he knew that even up here as he pierced the heavens, he was not free from the violence below. For far beneath him and spreading everywhere to all corners of the world was a force unlike any previously encountered. It had begun to poison Ryu in his training, and he knew many more would follow his path, but not be strong enough to resist it.

The smallest of sounds was heard behind him. That of a small pebble moving out of its place to fall down the mountainside. But even the tiniest of pebbles start the avalanche.

Gouken had chosen this area for he knew it was hard to find. For someone to have reached him here meant that they were very strong. And if they had come all this way, he knew they could only come for one thing; himself, for there was nothing else here.

Turning around he was prepared to face off with what was coming at him.

He saw the bend in the obscure mountain path behind him. The shuffling of flat steady feet was heard against the solid ground climbing upwards. A shadow crept around the corner and Gouken saw a bare discolored leg appear. Another step brought a matching one alongside it along with a knotted belt and purple tattered robe.

The two feet came forward and brought forth into the light a dusty old hermit. One arm was poised as if ready to fight while the other held onto a small green turtle, handling it with care.

The sight of him caused Gouken to ease from his stance.

"So, it's you old one." Gouken said as he stood back upright.

"Old one?" Oro repeated in a scraggily voice "Is that what you youngsters call us now?"

"What has brought you all this way?"

"I could just as easily ask what you are doing here." Oro chuckled "As for me; I was looking for stronger fighters." Oro answered "There are a lot of interesting people about. I sensed one at the top of this mountain. I'm not surprised I found you. But I am disappointed, I wanted new ones." he explained as he came forward and lying in his palm the turtles head poked up higher to look up at the mountainous Gouken. "Surely you heard of them?" he asked as he came to a stop before him.

With it being his turn to answer, Gouken did just that "Yes." he admitted. For all that was going on, it was hard to avoid them. Even up here, he was lucky that it was only the curious and ever searching Oro who had found him "They trouble Ryu as well. So, they trouble me too." he paused "I told him to find his answers through mediation, just as I had done."

"A fine answer." Oro admitted "But he will have to find his own answers. And I think he will find them in battle."

"In the end that it what I know must happen." Gouken said as he ran a hand through his beard "Yet the greatest battle he has will be against himself." Gouken warned and dark thoughts of Ryu and the Satsui no Hado came to him. It would be drawn out by this conflict with no other way to sedate it the longer it goes on and he will become even more dangerous because of it. "He mustn't succumb." Gouken finished fiercely, bringing his fist down to clench it.

"Says you." Oro said "But it would be a good fight." Gouken wasn't surprised by his answer. But him arriving here like Ken finding Ryu signaled a similar sentiment in him. To go out and protect his students. To get to Ryu before Akuma did, or anything worse.

"You are right." Gouken said "So I must stop it at all costs." he said as his wide, burgeoning body moved to step around Oro. But he noticed as he stepped around him, Oro twirled on his toes to turn around.

"It's interesting fights he seeks. Now you too it seems." he commented "It's what I want as well. Perhaps Yamasen and I will join you." he said as he waddled alongside Gouken who looked down to him at his side. A prolonged life of fighting had brought him here and it seems there was still more fight in him.

"I would have your skill alongside mine." Gouken welcomed him. 'I may need more than my own just as Ryu needed Ken.' he thought to himself.

"Well just follow my lead." Oro said alongside him but making it seem like he was leading the way "I can sense the other interesting fighters right now, even all the way up here."

Descending the mountain, the two old masters began their journey.

Shujinko and Bo Rai Cho

The Wu Shi Academy was the home of the Shaolin Monks who were among the finest fighters in all of Earthrealm. Chosen protectors and defenders for thousands of years. Home to the Great Kung Lao the Champion of mortal kombat, and even the most recent Champion Liu Kang. Worthy names to part of a group so legendary.

Yet even they would not have gotten far without their masters. The Thunder God Raiden, The Master of the Drunken Fist Bo Rai Cho.

And then there was the other one among their ranks now. The master of many arts, ever searching for more. The well travelled, yet somber and sullen Shujinko. Though he had reason to be so.

He sat amongst the gardens of the academy. The light breeze and swaying of the grass calmed him. The tricking of the water soothed his soul. The air was clean, and he breathed it in to purify his inner being.

He sat peacefully in the garden of the academy and though he hoped to find it, he felt eluded by it. His legs crossed under him, his hands connected and placed in his lap. His eyes closed as he merely observed all the sights and sounds of the tranquility around him.

Said tranquility was disrupted abruptly, by a far off sound. The clumsy oafish patting of feet against the stone path that lead to him. Though it was occasionally accompanied by the crunch of grass and the splat of liquid on the stone. Not from the river running through it, Shujinko imagined.

"Ahh." an agreeable released pleasantly "There you are. My old student."

Shujinko opened his eyes slowly reveling their sad expression. And he saw starring back at him another set of eyes on a pudgy face looking at him.

Bo Rai Cho's face was red, though he wasn't sure if it was from drink or from laughter. Likely both.

"Master Bo Rai Cho." Shujinko replied, with less enthusiasm and energy. True the man was once his master, but Shujinko was the elder here. They were masters of the Academy all the same "What is it?"

Bo Rai Cho straightened himself out "I have only come to check upon you." he said as he tipped his flask up "Things have certainly changed had it not."

Shujinko's brow furrowed "Of course." he answered.

"With that disruption at the gate. I wonder if I drank too much from what I saw. All those beautiful women." Bo Rai Cho said between heavy sips. Sometimes Shujinko wondered if that flask was bottomless "Ah" he exhaled before continuing "And with Liu Kang and Kung Lao gone to find our missing gods Raiden and Fujin who knows what will happen next?" he patted his stomach.

"They should not have gone." Shujinko admitted shamefully, his jaw clenched.

"The young go and the old stay. Such is life." Bo Rai Cho shrugged and then lowered the flask to him to offer a sip. Shujinko did not reply nor even look at it, so he shook it in his face, and he could hear the swirling of the drink, though the smell was much more potent.

"The young should not pay for some old fools mistake." Shujinko said aloud, reflecting bitterly. Bo Rai Cho let the flask and his hand fall to his side and looked over Shujinko with pity.

"Do not be hard on yourself."

"I must be," Shujinko said harshly "if no one else will."

"There is a cure for that." he shook the flask at him again, bringing it closer to his face this time.

"There is only one cure for me." Shujinko spoke gravely "Redemption." he said it simply though found it was not as simple. It was as elusive as the peace he tried to find in the garden.

"You have done much already." Bo Rai Cho assured him "You are a prestigious master at the Academy if you have forgotten."

"Yet I remain here now." he paused "The realms are in danger." Shujinko paused again and clenched his fists together "because of what I have done... I fear an even greater evil than the Deadly Alliance, Shadaloo, Outworld or the Secret Society." he spoke gravely "I fear the return of the King."

Bo Rai Cho pulled up his belt, his protruding stomach bobbing as he did.

"That old ghost story?" he raised a brow "You really think he would come back during all this?"

"I'm more certain of it than anything." Shujinko said sure of himself for the first time. If anyone would take advantage of this chaos to take back what was his and more, it would be Onaga. Bo Rai Cho studied the sternness in Shujinko and the restless agitation that quelled within him. It was easy to tell what he wanted and felt he had to do.

"Well," he said as he leaned towards the sitting man "what are you to do about it?" He asked peering down at him "To sit and sulk as others bear the fruit of your actions? Or to cut down the tree you planted? Roots and all."

The answer was easy. So easy that once Bo Rai Cho had spoken, Shujinko's eyes opened. A determination in then he hadn't had in years. He rose up from his repose and without a word headed towards the door.

"Hm?" He let out as he walked away.

Shujinko did not say it, but his action did. Bo Rai Cho had spoken true, and he would act on them. He would not backtrack on his decision now that he had made it. His feet would walk the path to redemption. And he would find it at the end of this road. Regardless of if he returned or not.

His eyes were ahead, and his vision focused. The garden with its bright flowers and running water was beside him, but he remained on the path that led to the gate of the academy. He would not be deterred by anything.

Except for that sloshing sound beside him.

He turned his head over to see Bo Rai Cho by his side. Currently downing his flask.

"What are you doing?!" Shujinko asked shocked.

Bo Rai Cho didn't respond at first. But instead let out a refreshed 'ahh' and wiped his wet lips on his sleeves.

"Coming with you of course." he said with a cheerful grin.

Alarmed Shujinko deterred him "This is my burden to bear. I cannot allow you to come with me no less than I can let others go on without me."

"No more than I can allow you to leave without me." he replied patting his large stomach with his free hand "Us old warriors need to stick together, eh?" He nudged him playfully with his elbow.

Shujinko fumbled in place before he came back to place though as they walked side by side his arm would occasionally be hit or nudged by his elbow or stomach, let alone how much alcohol got splashed onto his shoulder.

But they were in this together. As two great masters out to do great deeds.

Gouken and Oro Fight Your Rival! Beautiful Bay

Countless boats sailed by them as they were ferried across one of their own. Managing to hitch a ride on a much larger ship, the wind propelled it forward as it passed by many countless smaller ones. There was no sign of Ryu or Ken, so their search was not over. And if they had to cross this bay to get from one realm to the other so be it.

Gouken and Oro waited stoically on deck. Above them the helmsman, a man out of his element just as much as they were agreed to ferry them across. For it was his duty regardless of the state of the worlds.

Gouken remained still as Oro meandered about with Yamasen tucked away into his robes. Being the one moving it was him who saw it first. Peering his head over the side of the ship like an old periscope, he saw the water below and the other ships that sailed across it with mountains moving along with them as the setting sun remained fixed on the horizon. The ship they sailed on was much larger, so it seemed to command the waters just as much as the wind. Yet looking ahead he saw though all other ships gave them a wide berth, one lone ship was approaching them. Smaller, unafraid and undaunted by their size.

But what truly grabbed his attention was the two men on the deck. The strange sentiment of strong fighters, yet they were not foreign like other's he had been made aware of.

"What do we have here?" Oro curiously asked aloud getting Gouken's attention and the two looked over as another ship approached them, passing along their port side.

Looking at the deck, they saw two figures. One was a large ft figure, easily the largest one they had ever seen; he could give Rufus a run for his money. Around his neck and on his chest were stains though it was not from sweat but the jug he generously drank from. Standing beside him and contrasting him was a thinner man, dressed in tan robes with white hair and beard instead of black. He stood more stiffly as his chubby companion jiggled beside him.

The closer the two ships got the clearer the image of them became. And the more familiar.

"The two masters we battled at the Old Temple." Gouken said.

"So, it seems." Oro concluded in agreement. Though they battled, it was not like many of the others they had along this journey. There was more of an understanding and amicable feeling between the two groups.

Across on the other ship, the two did not seem to take notice of the larger ship or its occupants.

"What do you make of that?" Gouken asked crossing his arms.

"We've got nothing else to do. Let's settle the score?" he proposed. Despite the positive feelings they may have, why not have some more fun with them?

"Very well." Gouken agreed putting a foot up to the bulwark as Oro hopped on top of it, cradling his turtle in his hand. He kept looking ahead as Gouken looked back to the helmsman "You have our thanks ferryman." he called back to Kharon whose hands remained on the helm "But we shall take our leave of you." he said turning back to look to the other ship which was now perfectly alongside and beneath them.

Looking down at them, together Oro and Gouken made their move.

"Look out below!" Oro's voice called down to them.

They could see now the two of them had turned their heads to look around. At that moment Gouken and Oro leapt from their perch, Oro flipping over himself as Gouken launched himself down.

The two landed on the deck of the much smaller ship, startling them at first. Bo Rai Cho spilled his drink and Shujinko more confident than last time was ready in an instant for a fight. But once Gouken and Oro raised themselves up, and they saw who it was their demeanor changed.

"Masters." Shujinko said once he realized who it was, sounding much more relieved though he would not back down from a fight "It is good to see you." he told and as if offended Yamasen raised his head over his long neck to be noticed over Oro's shoulder "And you little Yamasen." Shujinko added pleasing teh old turtle before he looked to the two masters again "How do you fare in your travels?" he asked respectfully.

"No better than you two it seems." Gouken said crossing his arms.

"Says this geezer." Oro said sounding livelier than anyone else as the two groups began to converge "We met two princesses, and I almost got a kiss from one, if she had gotten that mask off" he chuckled lecherously. Shujinko and Bo Rai Cho exchanged strange uncomfortable looks at his comment "Beautiful as she was, she could do with better perfume." he admitted "Her breath smelled like rotting flesh." he told as Yamasen nodded his long head.

"I do not think she was trying to kiss you." Bo Rai Cho said before he took a swig from his bottle.

"I see you two have had your share of trouble since we last met." Gouken said as he pointed a finger down to Shujinko's waste. Shujinko looked down himself as Bo Rai Cho gave a sideways glance where they all saw hanging from his belt was a green doll with red hair. A 'Blanka-chan'.

"You could say that" Shujinko admitted sheepishly followed by a brief pause "among other things."

"Now there was a beauty." Bo Rai Cho gleamed "And I must say that Scottish Brewery where we met her was also up to standards just as you said." he thanked them raising the bottle upwards making a toast to his fellow masters before bringing it back down. Looking to the bottle it seemed like it was just as full as last time making them wonder if it never emptied.

"But no sign of your students?" Gouken asked seriously getting back on the shared task at hand.

"No." Shujinko shook his head, his tone now mimicking him "We haven't seen yours either." he said trying to be as helpful as he could "I don't suppose you've seen or heard anything?" Remorsefully Gouken shook his head.

"It just feels like they are too far ahead." Shujinko bowed his own.

"Yet perhaps it is good fortune that brought us back together." Bo Rai Cho said more optimistically "Us old warriors need to stick together, eh?" he chuckled to himself, extending his comment to Shujinko to include the other two.

"Oro was suggesting a rematch." Gouken nodded own to him.

"Far too few fighters as of late." Oro explained grumpily "If you're here, why not have another go?" he suggested "And another win."

"It was a draw from my recollection." Bo Rai Cho rubbed his chin.

"I do not recall that." Oro said "Let me refresh your memory." he said taking his fighting stance.

"Perhaps that would ease all of our minds." Shujinko said getting into his in reply.

"Don't let this all go to your head now." Oro warned playfully as Gouken joined him.

"It's not the drink that's gone to my head, but skill." Bo Rai Cho boasted. The dark yellow sun was hitting the horizon and cast itself down onto their ship as if to watch the fated rematch.

Shujinko and Bo Rai Cho Fight Your Rival! Old Temple

He was still used to travelling after all his years dormant at the Wu Shi Academy. Though he was used to doing it alone and he was used to it still, during his travels to come across someone and have a task presented to him. But now he was bequeathed a task to himself for a purpose all his own.

Of course, given his own experiences in such things, he knew that it made him perhaps not the most pleasant travelling companion. Though Master Bo Rai Cho did not seem to mind.

He sauntered on, his jug swirling as his belly bounced. Some of the drops from the jug would splatter on the ground or even onto Shujinko himself. Occasionally he would raise a leg just slightly higher than the other step he would take to pass gas behind them.

And he was polite enough not to do when anyone was behind him.

They found themselves within an old and seemingly abandoned temple. An aged brass bell hung above them as if it was the dim moon in the night sky. Its faint ringing could be heard all the way below, and it echoed through the abandoned hallways they travelled through.

The temple was open and airy yet had the feeling of being trapped in a deep dank cave. Their feet hit against the stone, feeling solid yet almost wet as they did.

Bo Rai Cho's head moved from side to side as his body swayed. The jug tied to his belt and hand jostled along with it. Shujinko remained steady as he peered ahead.

"Do you think it is much farther?" Bo Rai Cho asked. Shujinko did not answer "Though it seems we are not certain yet of where we are going." he continued "Or if Liu Kang or Kung Lao passed through here."

Shujinko suddenly stiffened further, the deadpan stare on his face startled as his eyes opened in surprise. Not only to Bo Rai Cho's question, that of if they were even making headway at all, but of something else.

For he heard something. Another patter of feet coming from the other side of the temple.

"Hm?!" he let out alarmed and stopped taking his place right before the bell that hung from above.

"Eh?" Bo Rai Cho stopped the flask just before his lips looking sideways at him. "What do you see?"

"Someone approaches." Shujinko said ominously. Bo Rai Cho lowered the flask and looked ahead with him. "It could be anyone." he warned. They had already come across many strange, new and powerful warriors. He feared where the road would take them especially with Bo Rai Cho leading the way. But also, because Shujinko knew who awaited him at the end...and what awaited him.

"That it could." Bo Rai Cho said becoming just as stern and serious as him. They have already had their share of setbacks and battles already. The two remained in the center of the temple as the echoing of the approaching footsteps kept getting louder until two figures came into view from the other side of the temple standing in the light of the open doorway.

One was large and muscular, the other low and decrepit with one arm tucked away, but there was a strength to him as well. The two of them walked into the temple and stopped short, startled to see two people here. The lower man brought his head up higher as if a turtle peeking further from his shell. Mimicking him from his back a turtle's head popped up and he seemed to want to take a look at them as well.

Shujinko tensed up further, but Bo Rai Cho eased himself and became loose again.

"Hm. Perhaps it is just a mirror." Bo Rai Cho chuckled. Shujinko failed to see the joke. Though looking back to see who lined up with who he could see what he was saying. He thought he even saw Bo Rai Cho flex alongside him. The little hermit he was compared to remained scrunched as his flabby neck swayed beneath his head.

Needless to say, it was not a flattering picture.

It was Bo Rai Cho who broke off first and approached them with a swagger only he could muster. Shujinko was taken aback by his advance and quickly and perhaps awkwardly moved to catch up with him.

"Greetings." he said cheerfully as the two pairs stopped before each other.

"What are you doing here?" Gouken asked standing proud and tall opposite Bo Rai Cho who returned to slumping to get more drink from his flask.

"Just two great masters traveling to find some lost students." he said boastfully though not arrogantly. And though it was true Shujinko never felt great. Though he was very old.

"Masters?" Gouken questioned. Oro stirred his neck rising higher beside him.

"I had sensed interesting people here." Oro said "I knew we should come this way."

"Aye," he nodded "I am Bo Rai Cho. And this is Shujinko. We are of the Wu Shi Academy."

"I have heard of them and their great deeds." Gouken admitted "I am Gouken."

Bo Rai Cho's eyes peered mischievously at him "Utilizing the Power of Nothingness." he stated.

"You are familiar?" He nodded before a drink.

"A fine technique." he admitted in a compliment "Though I am partial to a drunken one myself." he twirled the flask and drank again.

Gouken nodded in acknowledgement to him "I am on the search for two of my students; Ryu and Ken" he explained "With whatever dark power has brought this on I fear for them, and for what dark powers may tempt them." he said gravely. Shujinko had felt partly to blame for all that, but he could not help but have his interest piqued by what Gouken had just said. Specifically, the names he mentioned.

"Ryu?" Shujinko suddenly stirred "Champion of the World Warriors tournament."

"The same." Gouken said. He then put a hand to Oro's shoulder "I have enlisted another old mentor to find them." All eyes went down to him.

"We search as well." Bo Rai Cho admitted. "For my students. Liu Kang and Kung Lao."

"The Champion of Mortal Kombat." Oro spoke "I have heard of the tournament." he said "Was old enough to attend a few too." he added.

"His name is known throughout the realms." Bo Rai Co smiled smugly and patted his stomach congratulatory.

"I dare hope our students do not cross paths." Gouken said "Ryu will no doubt want to put his skills to the test."

"A fine bout I don't doubt. Though I'm afraid he may come up short." he said slyly with a glint in his eyes. Gouken then eyed him strangely.

"Words are one thing, fists another. That outcome remains to be unknown as of now."

"What a fight it would be." Oro said his voice and head perking up further "And if you two had a hand and trained them" he trilled "What a fight this would be as well." he concluded as his croaky voice became more excited by the moment. Mimicking him as he heard more, the turtles long neck rose too.

"I can't but agree." Gouken said rolling his massive shoulders back.

"Tempting my fellow masters." Bo Rai Cho said "But we must find our disciples first." As he said that Shujinko moved passed him his gold robes flowing. He placed forward and open hand as the other one braced itself by its side.

"I think." he began "This is just the challenge I needed."

The boyish traveler in his stirred. To see such two powerful warriors, masters in their own rights before him. He couldn't help but rise to the challenge. Oro was a fighter whose lifespan spanned several and Gouken the master of a great student and fighting styles. He couldn't have asked for a better challenge.

"Show me the strength you harbor." Gouken and Oro looked to each other, then back to Shujinko and entered their own fighting stances. That left all but one, who despite being the first to approach was the last to enter.

"Hmm." Bo Rai Cho downed the rest of the flask emptying it till the last drop "The things you get me into." he smiled as he stood alongside him.

Sub-boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Gouken and Oro

The boat sailed on had yet to reach the other side, so they remained sailing on it. But they had taken their leave of Shujinko and Bo Rai Cho for the second, and seemingly final time. Yet given the state of the realms, who knows if they would cross paths again.

That answer would be for another time however, for there was a new one now. Standing past the mast and closer to the ship but looking to the bow they saw a dark puddle form making it seem like they were taking on water though each of them knew they were not.

"A stowaway." Gouken stated. One that Bo Rai Cho and Sujinko had warned them they had fought already. And here was now, but for them this time.

"Hmm." Oro mused at the sight of him "This one may be worthwhile." Oro said greedily as from the dark puddle Necalli rose, overtaking the view of the bow ahead completely.

"Worthwhile to some." Gouken answered "He hunts souls and no doubt hunts Ryu's as well." As if hearing his pupil's name Necalli's face twisted and churned in both anger, anticipation and a sickening sort of delight. Though the creature may relish the chance of taking on and devouring his student, there were others here who wished to do the same.

"Well," Oro said waddling forward closing the gap between them "let's take him out ourselves then."

"Naturally." Gouken agreed as he moved up, coming alongside Oro and they both headed straight for Necalli.

Sub-boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Shujinko and Bo Rai Cho

A shadow moved in the doorway of the temple. The dragging of something heavy, like an entire body was heard. Whatever it was it seemed to avoid what little light there was to be seen from within. Shujinko and Bo Rai Cho did not shrink from the threat but stood ready to face it. Their eyes trailing what little they could make out within the shadows of the temple.

"It's him." Bo Rai Cho said darkly and Shujinko nodded. They saw the reflection of eyes in the darkness starring right at them "The one Gouken warned us about."

"Yes." Shujinko agreed as his eyes fixated on those eyes that starred at them, as a body slumped out from the shadows revealing itself to be Necalli.

"He has been following us." Bo Rai Cho said "But why?" Shujinko whose eyes never moved away from Necalli the moment he laid eyes on him, flared up in hate.

"He serves Onaga." Shujinko stated having to hate to say that name aloud. But at the same time, he knew he had to. For this journey was meant to end that old evil. And if this creature stood with him then he must be vanquished as well. "You have faced many warriors and taken many souls. But" Shujinko paused he brought his hands up, his long sleeves dangling as his beard did "It ends here."

"I shall have moooree" Necalli growled at them "I shall drink yours."

"I'd much rather have a drink, thanks." Bo Rai Cho said cheekily.

Gouken and Oro Ending

The sky was once a mismatch of thundering storms, Outworld purple and NetherRealm hellfire. Yet now all of a sudden in the blink of an eye, the storm had passed, the purple faded, and the hellfire swallowed up. Now it was only a clear crisp blue sky. It was bluer than any he had seen, the perfect display of what was left when the storm had passed.

Gouken felt the sunshine down on him, and it felt like a peaceful wave had come over him. Looking around he saw himself back in the mountains finishing where he began.

"Hm." he mused "So that's it then." he said looking around and then to the sky above. Whatever terrible fate that was before them had passed. And though their paths never crossed Gouken was certain that Ryu had overcome another obstacle and put an end to theirs as well.

Sensing that realization Gouken bowed his head.

"It seems in the end; you didn't need this old man's help after all." he lamented.

When he brought it back up, he looked around further, but found that despite going on this journey with him, Oro was nowhere to be seen.

"Hm?" Gouken let out as he looked around but saw no sign of him. Shocking as that development was, it did not concern him too greatly. For another presence was growing in his place, one within these very mountains. One that was familiar, deadly and far closer.

The Satsui No Hado.

Oro's eyes blinked as he studied the plains around him. A few more blinks and he turned his head from one side and then to the other. But everywhere he looked he saw what was more of the same, at least by this place's standards.

A civilization and an advanced one by the look of it. With skyscrapers so large and great they seemed to be capable of holding up the sky. And in the center of this realm was a great mighty pyramid. It was the first thing that caught his eyes and what they went back to when he was done looking.

Impressive as it may be, there was something off about it. The fact that this is now where Oro just was with Gouken and that he had never heard of nor ever been to this place in his life. Looking around only seemed to confirm one thing, that he was very much separated from Gouken. But thankfully he still had his pet turtle Yamasen who seemed very interested in this place just like him.

"You!" a harrowing voice beckoned to him, loud rough and accusatory.

"Hm?" Oro let out as he and Yamasen in unison answered the call rotating their heads around and their bodies followed. It was there that he saw within the sky several floating pyramids. But the sky was meant for birds, and he was more interested at the man on the ground who called out to him. He wore armor from head to toe save for his face which allowed him to see someone with an old man's long white hair, but a young man's face and voice Oro studied the man who grilled him down. Two flags like wing were attached to his person and followed behind him in his movements.

"What are you doing here trespasser?" he barked down at him.

"Me? trespass? More like displaced." Oro clarified but still didn't clear the air between the two.

"Regardless of what you are, you have no right being here! The Orderrealm is built upon that very foundation. Anyone who disrupts that risks disrupting everything."

"Perhaps you should know then that it was much worse a few moments ago." Oro said cheekily but was very much correct. Whatever had split the realms apart; they were now back together. With him being far from home. Troubling as it may be, it only meant his journey was not over. Perhaps it was only beginning.

"Yet if you are here now, then it is still causing disruptions." he said uncompromising. "I am Hotaru of the Seidan Guard." the man finally introduced himself "And if you do not belong here then you shall leave here, into the afterlife if must be!"

"So that's what it comes to?" Oro said as he leaned down "Then why didn't you just say so?" he opened his palm and allowed Yamasen to slowly crawl from it. With him gone Oro came back up ready for a fight "It'll be a long road home, I think. So why not start with detours now?"

"I will bring you to justice, just as I will Sub-zero!" Hotaru declared and charged Oro.

Moving slowly beneath them, Yamasen moved as fast as he could to get out of the way.

Shujinko and Bo Rai Cho Ending

Bo Rai Cho raised the flask above his head and leaned it downwards towards him allowing his contents to fall freely onto his face. Some got into his mouth but most of it just fell freely onto his face and then trickled down further from it.

"A job well done." he congratulated aloud "We have come all this way and accomplished much." he took another victorious sip "But we must return back now. Lest, let Lui Kang and Kung Lao beat us home as well." he took a step forward and continued on with a few more, until he realized that his steps were the only ones.

He stopped short and turned around to see Shujinko standing on the edge of the cliff, starring off into the sunset. His golden robes seemingly apart of the rays of the setting sun. His eyes were closed, and he seemed to be taking everything in from the wind to the sun to the feel of his feet on the ground.

Yet unlike how he saw him in the gardens of the academy, Shujinko was different now. He seemed truly at peace.

"Shujinko." Bo rai Cho called "Come." he waved his arm "It is time to go."

"It is, isn't it." he answered so hushed and low that he hardly heard him. Instead of continuing on his way Bo Rai Cho turned back fully now and approached him at the edge of the cliff.

"I would say so." he agreed "So we must go back." he then brought a hand to his chin and tapped away on it "Perhaps make a few stops along the way. To a winery perhaps."

"You should do just that." Shujinko said and Bo Rai Cho's tapping and thoughts stopped. "You deserve it' he paused "As for me I've made my final stop and found what I am looking for."

"What?" Bo Rai Cho asked confused.

"I've done what I had set out to do." he took a brief pause "My work is finished."

"Not yet." Bo Rai Cho grinned "There is more to do. More to see. More to accomplish. More to drink."

Shujinko smiled "Then it is for you to enjoy." he admitted " But not for me. Go back to the Wu Shi. Train the next generation. Pass on what you have taught me and so many others." he smiled sounding as if he had something to teach his master though he felt like the opposite "It seems there was one last thing you needed to teach me. Thank you, Master." he said before taking a bow before Bo Rai Cho.

But Bo rai Cho didn't return the gesture, he merely continued to stare at Shujinko as he rose himself back up.

"Hm. Perhaps you've sneaking sips on me" he said as Shujinko starred at him "Now come, we must get home."

"The Dragon King's evil will trouble us no more." Shujinko said releasing a breath and it felt like the last one he would take.

"The Dragon King died long ago."

He reached his hand out to grab Shujinko, but his cloak and the figure who wore it disappeared before him. And nothing was left. All that was left was the bundle of a coat wrapped in his arms.