Zangief and Hakan
The two great warriors flung their heavy arms at each other, their collision coming to a sudden stop to the sound of a mighty 'slam!' as their arms locked the other in their grip. They struggled against each other, each one refusing to budge or give into the others massive strength. Gritting their teeth from the ensuing struggle, who knows which of them would be the one to break it. A fire burned in their heart that was seen in the ferocity of their eyes. Their muscles clenched as each one pushed with all their might into the other, but neither one moved despite all their strength being thrown into it. Eventually, they both released the other and at the same time without a moment's hesitation flung forward with another attack. But this time it was the harrier of the two who landed a hit first.
Zangief ducked under a jab to slide across the ground and come up behind Hakan. Then shooting up like a shadow come to life he raised his massive arms to grab Hakan, reaching one up over his shoulder and down his chest as the other reached under his arm pit, coming up to lock with his other hand and bind the two together. Zangief then squeezed tightening the grip and keeping Hakan in place.
"THERE!" he cried "DO YOU SUBMIT?!"
In defiance, Hakan only offered him a laugh even as Zangief tightened his grip "NEVER!" he cried defiantly and much to Zangief's shock and confusion began to move even when within his iron vice grip.
"Huh?" he let out and suddenly Hakan began to move and sway within his grip, a thick slimy feeling of friction coming from his body and meshing only Zangief's arms. Then Hakan merely ducked down, popping out of Zangief's grip and then quickly turned around to face him, not done yet.
Zangief looked to his arms in disbelief. Hakan was clearly no longer there as he grinned confidently before him. With nothing to hold in place Zangief released his hands from his grip. He raised one hand to shake it to him.
"You are a slippery one, comrade." Zangief complimented as he widened his stance "And I must say I enjoy the color."
"One of the many perks of my great technique. Turkish oil wrestling is one of a kind!" Hakan declared.
"A perk yes, but no match for pure muscle." Zangief said breaking his stance to flex his many muscles.
"I have yet to be proven wrong." Hakan boasted.
"Then I shall be the one to prove it to you!" Zangief declared, ready to prove himself once and for all. In reply Hakan lurched over and slammed his fists to the ground before rising up ready to meet the challenge. Hakan readied himself, he had slipped out of Zangiefs grapples and grip and matched him strength for strength. He was ready for whatever came his way.
The two were ready to continue their bout when suddenly a smirk came across Zangief's face. Hakan didn't think much of it, merely concluding it was the confidence of battle, but when Zangief broke off from him, Hakan took notice.
"Eh?" Hakan let out "Giving up."
"Ha!" Zangief laughed, putting his fists to his waist before bringing his arms back up to cross them "I think not. There are better ways for me to prove my technique to you." he brought a hand up to shake a finger at him "And fortunately for you comrade, there is other thing the Red Cyclone must be attending to. You are not the only one who doubts my strength." he said cryptically.
"I have reason to doubt when I know my strength is greater." Hakan replied but eased out of his fighting stance all the same "But what is it you speak of?"
Zangief brought a hand up to scratch his beard as his smirk widened into a full smile "The motherland calls me to act, and I do."
"Act? Act against what?" Hakan questioned.
Zangief uncrossed his arm to laugh some more "It seems there are more like you out there comrade; ones who doubt my strength. Ones who threaten my motherland." he raised his wide arms to bring them up and spread them, showcasing perhaps not the strength he had but those against him "Ones who I have been tasked to take down, so they no longer threaten the motherland."
"A threat you say?" Hakan said as he stroked his chin, intrigued by what he said "If they underestimate you, then clearly they would me as well." he realized.
"And there's a whole world of them out there."
"Then they will be proven wrong!" Hakan declared rising to the challenge easily.
Zangief reared his head back to laugh and then clapped "You do not lack for spirit comrade." he said lowering his head and hands back down " It is why I sought you out in the first place."
Hakan raised a brow at him though his enthusiasm didn't waver "Hm? Sought me out?" he repeated. Indeed, it was Zangief who approached him wanting to test the mettle of the Turkish Oil wrestler with his own technique. Clearly Hakan did not disappoint since now it was revealed to be
"Da!" Zangief nodded "I have been told that all of these newfound warriors travel in pairs." he began to walk up as he explained "If I needed to rely on another's strength, then I knew they had to be strong." he said stopping before Hakan "And you comrade did not disappoint." he said as Hakans eyebrow dropped, and his grin grew even wider "So, perhaps you should come with me comrade." he offered as he crossed his arms "And along the way I can show you why your technique falls short of the red cyclone. By proving my might before your very eyes." he said playfully, though he hadn't bested Hakan he was not going to let this sportsmanlike rivalry end just yet.
"You doubt me like the others then?" Hakan questioned "Then you're just like them, just another I show my prowess too." he waved a hand.
"We shall show the worlds! All of them!" Zangief shouted.
"Together!" the finished together.
Kenshi and Cyrax
The Outer World Investigation Agency was always on the lookout for the Other Realm. Shinnok trying to escape, Shao Kahn trying to invade or anything in between.
But what was happening now? It was beyond any of that. It was pure chaos.
The barriers between the realms open, warriors from any free to go about as they pleased. Blind as he was, even Kenshi could understand the risk in all of this.
It seems they would have their work cut out for them this time. But it wasn't just the usual offenders this time. Warriors from all over the world traversed it freely now. New ones who were just as dangerous as any old foe they crossed.
Where it all started, they weren't sure, though they had leads. Kenshi stood before the monitor waiting patiently as Sonya prepared him for the mission ahead.
"We're still waiting for Interpol." Sonya said "But we can't all be idle here."
"I agree." he nodded calmly. "It's not just us we have to worry about this time." he told. Silently she nodded.
"There are a lot of variables this time." she told warily as if even she feared even the slightest thing.
"The world has changed for the worst. All six of them unraveled into one. There may be countless refugees." he spoke thinking of the countless faces of the vulnerable people of all the realms. Listening closely, he could hear cries as well. Not of the people he imagined, but the voices of his ancestors who called out warning to him from the sword along his back. Despite their many cries that only he could hear, he continued to listen as Sonya continued on.
"But there's one in particular we're having a hard time keeping tabs on." she said.
Kenshi mused on that silently. They knew Shao Kahn had left his fortress while M. Bison stayed within his. Of their own allies, Raiden and Fujin were the first to warn them and the first to go missing. Liu Kang and Kung Lao followed soon after. When they reached out to Outworld and it's new Kahn, it was Kotal and Jade who answered as she had already left to solve this problem on her own. Yes, there were too many variables. Too many dangers. He thought naturally Sonya's thoughts went to Kano.
With Cassie and Jacqui gone, it made sense she'd send someone like Kenshi after someone like him, even if she wished it could be herself. But even he was surprised when a picture showed up of his intended mission. A red garbed ninja surrounded by a green mist.
"Ermac." Kenshi said acknowledging who worried Sonya so much, but him even more. He had encountered him before, long ago. Wandering aimlessly without a life or purpose and without a master. Seeing him there, it was Kenshi who broke him free of his endless journey. With a new purpose in him now Ermac saw the world differently. And in gratitude taught Kenshi the telepathic slam, a power that had become so handy within his years with the Agency. If Ermac like so many others were in trouble now, then Kenshi out of more than his duty again would be the one to find him. The dreaded warning from his sword only got louder to him.
"He's one of the many that has gone missing and is unaccounted for." Sonya told.
"We've had sightings of the others here and there." Jax told as he stepped forward as Sonya turned to him, but Kenshi's stare though it remained covered by the red garb over his eyes and his blindness kept his attention towards Ermac "Liu Kang, Kitana, Raiden. Even Shao Kahn. But him..." he motioned his metal arm to the screen, his arm looking green tinted from all the lights shining on his metal arms " It's like he up and vanished."
"Could be a problem if he ends up in the wrong hands." Sonya said looking up from the computer and to Kenshi with Jax. Kenshi understood what was at risk. For Ermac to gain his freedom, only to lose it again. No, he could not let that happen. But before he agreed to the task another voice did.
"Then we shall do it." a cold metallic voice agreed. Though it was robotic and distant, it still spoke with a human inflection of sincerity. Taking his focus away from Ermac, Kenshi turned now as a yellow robot took its place next to him.
"Cryrax." Kenshi greeted him. Cyrax nodded his head to him.
"He will accompany you." Sonya said as both turned back up to her "With so much going on, we can't spare any manpower. But we can't let you go it alone either." she told as Jax stood beside her.
"I welcome it." Kenshi smiled beneath his blindfold before he turned to the yellow robot.
"It was you who searched for me once." Cyrax reminded him "Now I must do the same, only by your side."
"Then nothing will get in our way until we find him." a determined Kenshi declared.
"Of course." Cyrax agreed, but there was an influx of emotion in his hollow metal voice "Perhaps by helping him, I can be helped as well."
"Hm?" Kenshi let out.
"This merging has affected the balance of all realms." Cyrax said as he looked down to his hands "Perhaps there may even be a way to revert me to my true form." he said raising his robotic hands, moving each digit of his fingers though he only heard the wiring of metal and electricity flowing through them.
"We shall do both." Kenshi said putting a hand to Cyrax's shoulder. Cyrax looked up from his hands and to Kenshi seeing the sincerity in his face and voice they were ready to do this together.
Fight your Rival! Drum Arena
Kenshi and Cyrax walked side by side. Kenshi had his sword held out before him, not to wield it but to guide him. Beside him, Cyrax seemed to be doing the same, only instead of a sword it was his arm, which opened up at the forearm revealing small radar revealing a layout of the area. He could make nothing out just yet. He rotated his head up to see Kenshi doing practically the same thing. They found themselves centered in the dusty arena as tall buildings overshadowed them from behind and drum sets with no drummers lined the way. Finding themselves here now, the two felt not only lost but no closer to getting where they needed to.
Cyrax's head rotated on his head before he turned it towards Kenshi and his sword "Getting any reading off of that?" Cyrax asked.
"Sento guides me." Kenshi told "We're on the right path, but there's nothing to be made out just yet." he said as he seemed to sense all around him with the sword aiding him. And if that wasn't enough the beady eyes of the Blanka-chan dangling from his sword sheath on his back would help, or at least watch his back.
"Hm." Cyrax let out sounding slightly amused "Nothing can compare to radar I suppose." One of the many advantages of the cyberization as the old grandmaster once saw it.
"Oh, you'd be surprised." Kenshi grinned at him. But he stopped short when a tiny blip was heard off of Cyrax arm. They both went on alert. Kenshi looked to Cyrax but saw that he looked at where the blip was heading.
Towards them.
"Something approaches." he warned. Looking over they turned towards the buildings embedded into the side of the mountains. Emerging from it, they saw two large men walking together towards them. One massive man was hairy wearing red trunks with scars on his body from no doubt many battles, while the other just as large with red skin and glistening as if sweating. But the two at the moment were more focused on each other than what was ahead.
"I am telling you comrade; they were not worth the effort." he told. Clearly, they had just come off a fight of their own. Against two minions of the Kahn "How can I prove to the children they must be brave, when I cannot have a challenge to truly overcome." the burly man lamented.
"My many children need no motivators from you." the red man scolded back to him. Taking notice of them Cyrax and Kenshi watched on.
"So, it's them." Cyrax said on edge "But who are they?" he asked.
"Zangief and Hakan." Kenshi answered. Confused Cyrax looked over to him as he continued to hold the sword out before him. "Some things radar can't tell you." he replied cheekily.
"Hm." he hummed robotically "Very well" Cyrax paused "Do you think we should ask them if they have encountered Ermac?"
Kenshi mused and looked to his sword before answering, seeming to converse with his sword before answering Cyrax "It may be worth it. Let's find out." he said before they turned back to look at the two approaching.
They seemed to notice them right as they had, and they came to a stop. They paused a moment to take it in. A warrior brandishing a sword with a cloth over his eyes and a yellow robot, quite the sight. And perhaps the challenge.
Zangief waved his arms "Oh look at these two." he said before pointing.
"How interesting." Hakan ran a hand over his chin setting his eyes on Cyrax "A robot must run on something." he said before he broke away from Zangief to march towards them "Tell me, friends!" he called loudly though he only got closer to them "What brings you all this way?" he waved his arms before he came to a stop.
"Important business." Kenshi replied as the two of them stopped themselves.
"One that does not require delays." Cyrax added.
"Then I will not keep you," Hakan told before turning to focus on Cyrax "but I must know what can keep one such as yourself moving." he asked giddily as Zangief approached from behind.
Cyrax's face couldn't show emotion but his voice still harbored uncertainty.
"Naturally." he answered as Hakan began to bend over to look at his sides before flipping to lean on his other side to view Cyrax from a different angle "But your concern is unnecessary." Cyrax said and then Kenshi followed up with their questions.
"We search for a warrior, one called Ermac. Have you encountered him on your travels?"
"Hm." Hakan brought a hand up to rub his chin. Zangief who arrived at his side to join the two, crossed his arms to think himself "Is he a masked man?"
"Yes." Kenshi asked enthusiasm growing in him.
"With an old man's gray hair?" Zangief asked rubbing his own head.
Kenshi's enthusiasm faded "No." he answered dismally.
"Then he is not known to us." Hakan crossed his arms now as Zangief leaned over his shoulder, conforming the twos massive figures into one.
"Is he strong?" he asked intrigued.
"Yes." Kenshi told though he was uneasy doing so.
"Then I must find him too." Zangief declared "And you" he said looking the two over "Must be strong as well to try to find him."
"I would welcome the help, but the task falls to us alone."
"Then we wish you good luck on your journey." Hakan bowed "But we cannot let you pass like this." he said turning back to look at Cyrax "Accept this parting gift."
The cyborg gazed at him with a blank uncomfortable silence "I do not require gi-"
"Here you are friend! This should help you!" Hakan said amicably. Before Cyrax could refute, or Kenshi realize what was happening, Hakan had opened a massive drum above him and poured its contents all over Cyrax. But instead of revitalizing him, it only seemed to weigh him down. The slick thick oil ran down his entire metallic body, causing him to shift and bend down low slumping in place.
"Cyrax?" Kenshi said concerned as Cyrax seemed to power down and his torso hung limply over the ground.
"There." Hakan said wiping his hands before he crossed his arms proudly "Now you are ready to continue your journey." he said puffing his chest out and talking excitedly though none shared his current enthusiasm.
"Uh." Zangief let out as he watched the whole thing play out. He tapped a finger to Hakans shoulder "I don't think that helped."
"What? You still doubt me?" Hakan said before he uncrossed an arm to wave at the depowered Cryax. "He's a well-oiled machine like me. He'd be a perfect oil wrestler."
"That's not-" Kenshi began but was cut off. Cyrax suddenly snapped his torso back up, whirled it around spattering the excess oil on him everywhere else. He continued until he was dry and faced the two wrestlers again. But there was something different. More robotic and calculated about him.
"See!" Hakan said happily. But the red glare in Cyrax's once green eye showed differently.
"Safety's disabled combat mode engaged." he said dangerously.
"What?" Kenshi asked.
"What?" Hakan let out.
Cyrax then surged his chest out, and it opened to shoot out a green webbing of net. Hakan was instantly grabbed in it, entangling himself further as he fell back. Zangief was caught as well, his arms flailing above him beneath the web.
Yet in one sudden motion he let out a loud patriotic cry and ripped himself from the green net.
"Nothing can contain true muscle!" he declared as he flexed. He then set his eyes on Cyrax. "Horasho!" he shouted as he lunged forward towards the robot. But suddenly a sword, free of any wielder spun towards him. Zangief halted his approach as the tip of the blade pointed at him. Then coming from around Cyrax was Kenshi holding out his hand as if gripping the sword though it still lingered in the air without aid of his hands. "Ah!" Zangief let out "A warriors mind must be strong." he let out agreeably "But his muscles even stronger." he flexed.
"Bigger doesn't mean better. I prefer the middle ground." Kenshi said with his arm and sword outstretched and unconnected.
"Then let us test our might against each other!" he pounded his fists together "A true battle for the ages." he declared and then sized Kenshi up "Mind against Muscle. Metal against Iron."
"You're only getting in our way." Kenshi said warily as his arm remained outstretched and the sword remained between the two ""Sento didn't give me a heads up on this." he groaned under his breath.
"Ah, but if I am to battle the strongest and you are strong yourself then we must fight!" Zangief replied before easing up from his fighting stance to point to him "A nice color comrade. You fight with a great stance. Yet to fight with a blindfold, very impressive still." he complimented before he smacked his chest with each meaty fist "You shall make great sparring partner for the Red Cyclone."
"My ancestors aren't really impressed by wrestling." Kenshi said aloud "Neither am I." he said dismissively. But that was the wrong thing to say, for Zangief once sportsmanlike appearance changed after his compliments were spurned.
"You doubt me?! As my supposed equal" Zangief let out as Hakan free of the net came back to his side. His footsteps matched the beatings of the drums that had begun. From the sidelines a crowd began to for to watch and Konga the greatest drummer of them all, began to beat his drum louder.
"It seems they still do." he said grinning at the prospect to come.
"Then they shall taste defeat." Zangief declared. Glancing to Cyrax who was poised to fight Kenshi opened his palm and his sword returned to his hand. They were ready no different than Zangief or Hakan.
"Ah" Hakan let out a breath "The sound of battle commences." he said, and the beating of the drums grew even more furious and violent as the does charged.
Sub-Boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Zangief and Hakan
"Ah" Zangief said as he tapped his foot on the ground "This is good ground for fighting." he said as they had just finished that bout with Kenshi and Cyrax "Reminds me of the ring!" It was just the fight he was looking for, one to test his strength and to warn all others of his approach. But whatever warning he gave only seemed to invite challenge.
"If it's another fight you are looking for," Hakan's voice called out and Zangief turned to see him standing adjacent to him, but ready for more just like him "Then you need not look any further." A grin began to break through Zangief's beard "You may have fought many warriors by my side, but you've yet to impress me or prove your fighting style is better than mine." Hakan declared. As he did Zangief's grin grew wider and to match the beating of his heart, the drums began to sound again. Zangief then shifted his stance to turn and face off against Hakan. The small crowd that formed to watch their fight with Kenshi and Cyrax was about to leave but stayed to see where this would lead next. Hakan and Zangief sized each other up, ready to continue this bout that began but never finished. But as each one was about to take a step towards the other a hideous wail was let out. It caught both of them off guard and made many in the crowd freeze with fear.
But Hakan and Zangief did not. They rotated their heads to the other end of the arena to the fence threat prevented you from falling from the cliff. And perched on the fence, like a gargoyle was a hunched figure, whose lone hair trailed over hiding its image from them further. But they could see peeking through were two terrible eyes. A hiss followed and then it leapt up reaching high into the air before slamming onto the ground between them. The ground shook and briefly the two lost their balance before finding it again and faced off on each side of this new threat.
"What is this?" Hakan asked aloud. The hiss from Necalli turned into a voice and answered him.
"I have cooommee." he declared in a voice like deaths come to life "For the strongest soullss.. they shall be minee." he said as he rose up to his full height and his eyes rolled to each side at the two of them.
Despite his chilling declaration Zangief reared his head back and laughed.
"If its souls of the strongest you seek you have come to the right two." he said as he eased back into his fighting stance. That boast made Necalli turn to him, but another one from his other side got his attention.
"Another one to prove my skills to!" Hakan said as Necalli saw him preparing for a fight as well. Necalli's head lashed from one to the other, snarling like a predator who found his prey.
On the sidelines the drum began to beat again, and the crows waited in eager anticipation.
Sub-Boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Kenshi and Cyrax
Kenshi wiped his arm free of dirt. He then brought that arm up as the other came to wipe it clean of oil. Beside him, Cyrax finally was free of the last drop of oil, which dropped from the bottom of his chin and fell like a raindrop to the ground. And with that the dangerous redness in his eyes turned green and he was back to his usual self, or at least his usual cybernetic self. his human side would never have been programmed that way.
"Well.." that was a distraction we didn't need."
"No." Cyrax agreed simply. Not only did they have to battle against both Hakan and Zangief, but when it seemed their bout was a tie, Konga the largest drummer of them all challenged the four of them, the battle only became more chaotic with the more warriors who joined in it "I'm sure the others have faced similar dilemmas."
"Undoubtedly." Kenshi paused as he brought his sword up before him "And still no closer to finding Ermac."
"yyouu search for him toooo." a hollow voice droned suddenly. It sent shivers down their spines. Startled they looked to the source of the voice which seemed to seep across the ground. It was there that they saw something. A shadow moved up the edge of the cliff casting itself across the arena they fought in.
The drums that once sounded went silent as this haunting figure drew closer, like a crow following the scent of death for a meal. As unnerving sight as it was, the two could not let it stop them.
"A new threat." Kenshi said as he turned to face it. Though he didn't know who or even what it was, he could sense its intentions were malicious.
"Necalli." Cyrax said. Puzzled Kenshi looked over to him. He saw the yellow robot looking out to the approaching figure. Seeing Kenshi's confusion, Cryax cleared the air "We have intel that your sword doesn't."
"Hm." Kenshi let out amused before turning back to Necalli "Then let's take care of this." he said as Necalli came closer to them "What do you want with Ermac?"
"His soul.. soulsss" Necalli said and then corrected "I will have them all.. I will have him."
"No you won't!" Kenshi snapped "Not without going through us first!" he shouted stepping forward with sword in hand and Cyrax moved with him. Their threat didn't faze Necalli who didn't move a step back from them. He remained hunkered down by the ground where he was, but his focus did change now. His eyes locked onto the sword Kenshi held, entranced by it.
"That sword." his voice cracked as his eyes zeroed in on it "The sword contains souls, countless soulsss."
"Those of my ancestors!" Kenshi snapped.
"The sword will be mine. The souls inside will be mine!"
"You will have neither!" Kenshi said bringing his sword up to face him.
"He's after Ermac. We can't let him pass."
"Then let's get rid of him." Kenshi said as Cyrax faced off with Necalli.
"You have no soul for me to devour." Necalli said disappointed.
"I shall prove you wrong. Cyrax shouted, but before they could strike Kenshi said one last word.
"I pity this creature," Kenshi said remorsefully, looking to him as had Ermac all those years ago "but pity will not save it."
Zangief and Hakan Ending
Zangief let out a breath and saw just that. Of all the reminders and reminiscing he had along this journey, be it of the ring, re matches or new fighters reminding him of old nemesis, this one was his favorite. It reminded him of home.
"Haha." he let out a low unruly chuckle that swelled turning into a great booming laugh that echoed into the snowcapped mountains all around them "This is cold?!" he asked "Reminds me of the motherlands." he said proudly as he spread his arms out to show his wide bare chest and how at home he truly was here. Amused as he was the man standing across from him was not, despite being just as one with this place.
He stood along the roadway on the bed of ice blocking any access to the temple behind him, having taken over guard duty from his pupil who left her post, proving she was not up to the task.
"This is the Lin Kuei temple." Sub-zero told sternly as he grilled him down "And you have no business here."
"Hohoho" Zangief told "But I do comrade." he laughed "My business is you!" he said zeroing in on the grandmaster. Sub-zero's own eyes peered beneath the brim of his own mask and concealed face to look back at the Red Cyclone. Sub-zero's natural hue blending into this place while Zangief, was home as he may have felt stood out amongst it. The only red that ever was seen here was the blood-stained snow and ice. Beside Zangief, but not matching his enthusiasm was Hakan.
"My oil!" Hakan shrieked "It's frozen solid!" he cried as he raised his tub over his head only for his oil now solid ice to fall onto his head landing with a heavy thud as any punch would have "How is this possible?" he fretted.
Zangief let out a hearty laugh from Hakan's distressed side "You see comrade." he told looking back to him "You are out of your element. But here!" he raised his arms and flexed "Only pure muscle and strength can last!" he set his arms back down and his sights on Sub-zero "And that is surely what you have. And what I must face!" he declared.
Unamused by the prospect but seeing it develop before him, the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei readied himself for battle. But before he could plunge himself into it a hand was placed on his shoulder.
Turning over Sub-zero saw Guile there.
"Hold it." he said as he rounded him. Sub-zero looked to him, but then stopped as from his other side Charlie stepped up to him, the two of them now flanking him. "You saved my friend." Guile told "Let me return the favor."
"This is my home." Sub-zero told harshly, for he was ready to defend it.
"Then let us defend it for you." Charlie told. From across from them Zangief only laughed.
"Do whatever you please! Three on one is good odds for the Red Cyclone!"
"Bbrr." a Hakan's thick voice waved as he shook his face "And here I thought fire was my only foe." he said as he broke out of the frozen ice that encased his body. Free from that he the first thing he did was spread his feet, slamming one to the ground and then the other "Very well," he said taking his place beside Zangief "Three on one may be good odds for you, but four is even better for me! For I must battle the elements! To handicap me is the only way to defeat me!" he said as he and Zangief readied themselves for another, and this time final bout.
Kenshi and Cyrax Ending
They had come this far, but their journey was finally over. For standing before them in a long red robe, interlaced with black was a tall, hooded figure.
The city was in pure chaos all around them, no doubt due to the several invaders who clashed amongst its already cluttered streets. Broken down cars, overturned statues and billboards had overtaken the streets, vendors cart left turned over and empties. It was sadly what to be expected from such an occurrence. Yet the ray of hope that they had found their target amongst all of this destruction, meant there was still the chance to rebuild this.
"Ermac!" Kenshi called out to him. The figure standing in the middle of the street, was completely still but stirred at the sound of his name. And when he turned around, they saw a black hood covering a red masked face. A bright green gem was centered on his chest, and it matched the glow of his eyes. There could be no mistake. It was official. It was him.
Ermac.
Yet he was distant. When they called his name, all he did was turn to them and then he went back to being completely still, like a statue in the middle of the street. With no movement coming from him, Kenshi and Cyrax approached him now side by side.
""Ermac." Kenshi said again as they closed in "We have been looking all over for you." Kenshi told. Still Ermac did not respond. "Are you alright?" he asked concerned. Still no answer was given or even the semblance of recognition.
Sensing his uneasiness Cyrax spoke to alleviate all concerns "But it doesn't matter," he said and now that he had spoken for the first time Ermac seemed to acknowledge it, but only his head titling to the side slightly to view him now that he spoke "now that we found you." he said as they took another small step towards him.
"Mission accomplished." Kenshi added as they stopped before them.
Yet Ermac still said nothing. Instead, he seemed to stare blankly at the two of them as if regarding them as strangers he had only met for the first time. Then they saw the edges of his mask turn up as if he was smiling. But beneath that mask was a malicious sneer.
"Fools!" a deep bellowing voice shouted out from beneath the mask. Yet they could hear clearly that it was not the usual voice of Ermac; that of many voices speaking as one. No, this was someone else. Startled Kenshi and Cyrax backed away from him. "That whelp is no more. I!" he shouted and raised his arms up "Bison!" he declared his name for all to hear "Have taken this body for my own. This soulless pit shall serve me for years to come." As he said that the green glow of his body began to change. A purplish hue began to rise up, overtake and intertwine with the usual green glow "And I will take the souls that nourish it." the grin grew wide beneath the mask, so much so that they thought it would break it to reveal its ugly form. The eyes they could see no longer lifeless but were power hungry and full of malice.
"That body is not yours!" Kenshi shouted.
"It seems Sonya's fears proved true." Cyrax said. Seeing their rescue mission before them, but a new foe in its place they knew what they had to do.
Together the two charged him yet all Bison did in reply was wave his arms to the side and the two were overtaken by a green flash. Knocked away from the blow scattering them across the ground. As they tumbled across the street and back to the sidewalk, Cyrax slammed into a hot dog cart as Kenshi back was flung into a street pole. In reply, Bison's mad laugh echoed from Ermac's body. With those two discarded he crossed, Ermac crossed his arms and began to rise to float above them, looking down on them as if they were ants for him to stomp on. As he floated in the air, crossed his arms and reared his head back as Bisons voice continued to laugh at their efforts against him.
Looking above the two seemed powerless against the strengths of the two great fighters merged into one.
Then they saw something. Amidst the gray mesh of destruction in the city was another gray spec, falling down from high above a ruined building to come down on top of Bison. They thought it was just another piece of debris or rubble from the ever collapsing state of the city, but as it fell it became clearer. A long red ling followed it and a leg sprouted out to kick at the floating Ermac from behind.
But it was easily evaded as he moved his head to one side and then snatched the outstretched leg with his hand over his shoulder. With her in his grip, he flung his arm out and hurled her down to the street below with Kenshi and Cyrax. But despite her sneak attack going noticed, she managed to rebound from the attack he had made and landed on their own two feet before Kenshi and Cryax. Kneeling on the ground before Kenshi she came to a stop. She didn't acknowledge him as he lay behind her, but he was taking notice of her as was Cyrax who looked to him. But she was too focused on Bison.
"Is that your best?" he asked unimpressed.
Crimson Viper rose to her feet. "So, it's too late." she stated coldly "He's already gotten the body." she turned her head up more to view him "So that's Ermac."
"Yes." Bison's voice hissed as "And your time has come now too. To die." he said as he raised his clenched fist which glowed purple and green. Beneath him Viper readied for a fight.
"Not alone." she heard a voice say. She then looked to her sides to see that Kenshi gripping his sword had taken up arms with her. A clanking sound was heard as Cyrax joined beside her. Her eyes went to him first even as he arrived second.
"What kind of battle suit is that?" she asked.
"It's not." he said abruptly.
"Lin Kuei." she sighed "So rudimentary."
"Enough of that." Kenshi snapped as the three turned their focus back to the challenge at hand. "We have to beat him..." he said as he looked to the floating figure of death over them "and save him if we can." he admitted bitterly, as if expecting it was already too late.
Ermac opened his arms green and purple flashing brightly as it flowed all around them.
"We'll take it one step at a time." Viper said and the three charged him.