Violent Ken

Ken's eyes were shut, but his face squirmed and struggled in violent apprehension. Yet no matter how hard he tired to move he couldn't budge. He was trapped, unable to move or defend himself. Not from the intrusive new power that was holding him in place.

Ken was standing up and still, though it was not by his own making. A large taloned hand was hovering over his head, and seething from it covering Ken's head was a green aura. One that poured into his mind and tried to overtake his consciousness.

He had come all of this way to help Ryu after the dark warning of his master. Yet here he was separated from his friend now and just as vulnerable. The last thing he remembered was he was fighting alongside Ryu against two other worthy challengers. As the battle raged on the two of them got separated. Then Ken, all alone in the jungle and worn out from that fight had come upon two others.

And he stood no stance from them.

Bound in place by the green aura he tried to fight the control being put over him. But no matter how hard he did, he felt he was losing it, his willpower breaking. And the evil laughter ringing out from the outstretched arm didn't soothe his fears.

"Look at him struggle wife!" Shao Kahn laughed hideously as Sindel cackled beside him, her arms wrapped around his torso. Ken writhed in place as Shao Kahn's hand lingering above him turned, his finger's strumming in the air above his face. Looking like he would claw his face off, but instead the green glow emitted from his hand continued to flow downwards, drowning Ken in it.

"He has not the endurance or will for it." she laughed with him.

"But to have lasted this long.." Shao Kahn groaned "on his own.." he paused turning his hand the other way and Ken flinched beneath it.

"Aw.."Sindel cooed "the poor baby lost and alone." she pursed her lips.

"He is strong." Shao Kahn admitted "He shall serve my purpose well."

So that's what they wanted. Him to do their bidding, to become their new servant. If things looked as dark as Ken's closed eyes revealed, he could only imagine what Ryu had come across. What terrible fighter may try to convince him to forgo his friends and give into power. Akuma, that Chaosrealmer? The list could go on growing worse with each name he could think of. But Ken could no nothing for him if he was stuck here. He continued to resists Shao Kahn control as best as he could, fighting with all his willpower to do so.

"Yes." Sindel hissed as she let go of Shao Kahn to strut up to the struggling Ken "You shall make a good servant." she declared. The green glow that overtook Ken's face was cast on her now, her eyes gleaming as she saw him struggle beneath Shao Kahn's intrusive will. She then leaned in and ran her tongue across Ken's face, which he shivered at the feel of.

"Do you hear that slave?" Shao Kahn called out "You shall be my new warrior. My warning to my enemies." he said as he tightened his fist and Ken wretched beneath it, feeling like he was being crushed "Yesss. You shall serve my will. First!" he shouted and his voice echoed carrying through the jungle "You shall go to that fool Bison cowering in his tower. And tell him, a True Conqueror is coming for him!" he ended with a roaring laugh. One that Sindel beside the struggling Ken joined in on.

Ken began to buckle down and writhe even more uncontrollably under Shao Kahn's attempt at controlling him. Ken could see all the terrible images flash before his eyes. That of destruction, death, violence, and endless kombat. One where he forsook his friends for all the strength being offered to him. To do the bidding of the Kahn. To crush all those before him. The green energy around him began to glow brighter as his struggling became more visible. His grunting was louder, his teeth were grinding and his eyes were being crushed from the pressure of closing them that Ken thought they would pop and his teeth break.

Eventually with all this pressure building it had to be released.

He jerked his head back and arms out releasing a deafening scream. The green flow from the hand to his head was broken as he cried out erupting around him.

The force of it was so great that Sindel was flung back from him on a wave of green energy. She would have been discarded into the jungle if she had not been caught by Shao Kahn. Lying on his arm, both looked to see Ken standing in place in the aftermath of his scream.

Silence followed and Ken remained standing. That was until he fell limply and lifelessly to the ground below hardly registering a sound as a soft pat was let out.

It was clear what had happened. In Shao Kahn's attempts to control him Ken fought back. He may have fended him off, but at the cost of himself. There were no signs of life left in him. And that meant there was nothing left for the two of them now.

"Hm." Sindel turned her head up at the limp body on the ground as Shao Kahn set her back down. "Your new toy is broken husband." Sindel waved her arm and spoke pityingly at Ken.

"Then he was not worth it after all." Shao said before he brought his arm up wielding his hammer to set it on his shoulder. "Come Wife." he barked looking over to her. Sindel brought her hand up offering it to him. Taking it in his free hand tenderly the two of them moved in unison turning around putting their backs to Ken and began moving through the jungle. Their voices fading with them as they disappeared into it.

"We shall have to take Bison's stronghold by force." Sindel stated.

"There is no other way." Shao Kahn's voice rumbled.

"Spoken like a true konqueror." Sindel agreed. Their voices turned to more laughter before they soon faded as did the sounds of silence overtook the jungle. The darkness that was being fended off from the green light returned. All that remained was Ken who lying there in his red gi looked like it was a pool of his own blood. No one around would ever know what had happened here. They would only come across the lifeless boy of Ken Masters and wonder what fate could have befallen him. He was just another casualty to the merging of the realms.

That was until life came back to him.

One open hand clenched tightly into a fist. The other scrapped against the ground like claws dragging his fingers across it before it planted itself as a fist to push him up. His legs followed behind started limp like his arms but becoming hard and tense. But another change came over him as he rose from the ground. His skin began to darken, and his hair became lighter, almost ghostly white. Finally, he stood up on his two feet and his eyes which had been closed the entire time opened suddenly, revealing dark purple eyes that he cast darkly onto the world.

"To fight the strongest." Ken said, but his voice was different now. Lower and darker to match his new appearance. Rough and violent. "Is that what you wanted from me?" he asked to the Kahn who was no longer here "I'll do more than fight them." Another foot stepped forward "I'll kill them! I'll kill them all!" he shouted his voice breaking the silence that once filled the jungle. The change over him may not have bent him to the Kahn's will, but still managed to warp his mind and filled him with a darker purpose.

"I'll be the strongest. No matter what!"

No one would be able to stand before this new Violent Ken.

Hanzo Hasashi

Sub-zero had been one of the finest companions he could have asked for. Noble, strong, dutiful and vigilant. He was exactly the kind of person who he knew he could ask anything of and call upon him at any time.

That's what Scorpion had done.

But he was Scorpion no more.

Hanzo Hasashi had returned.

He could hardly believe it himself. He looked down in the clear water flowing from the great height of the fallen Forgotten Waterfall. Standing by the edge of the water he knelt down to get a better look of his face.

The water continued to rush past him, but it was still clear as day. Though the days are not as clear as they once were.

Hidden beneath the hood were two eyes. Not blank white like they once were, but regular human ones, black like coals. Raising a hand he flung the hood back which showed the eyes more clearly in the reflection of the water. But now it showed more. A black bearded face, with black hair tied in a bob.

He couldn't help but smile at the sight of it. His eyes seemed to shine as he regarded his own reflection. Reaching a hand down he touched his face in the water distorting it as the rippled grew outward. The cold feeling soothed his otherwise burning hands.

Brining his hand up, he put it to his bare forehead where the water's cooling sensation continued. Drops trickled down like sweat from accumulated from a long fight, but it was refreshing now. And there was still more fights to come. For Hanzo and everyone else.

He rose from his kneeling position and below his reflection mirrored his movements getting farther from him, but remained familiar.

A crack of thunder broke out high above him, sounding far away, yet it's echo reached him almost instantly. Hanzo took in a deep breath and released it. His brow furrowed and seemed heavy again as the cooling water droplets finally left.

Turning around he put his back to the waterfall and the small pool it created. It was hidden away and peaceful where he was, but just beyond his feet was something else. The merging of these realms. Bringing together all of the realms and everyone in them into kombat.

This dreaded calamity was ongoing, seemingly never-ending. Realms merged and all their occupants scattered to the wind battling each other for their own survival or to further their own goals. And those sucked into the vortex of Kombat had no way out. No different than he did. But he fought his way out. He would fight for them too.

Hanzo did not blink at the sight of this calamity but set his eyes on it to march right in.

He may have accomplished his task; to regain his humanity and become Hanzo once again. But a new one was before him. To go out and reclaim what was lost. That was what Scorpion had done, but what of Hanzo? He would do the same. Not for him, but for others. To help those who wandered off the path as he had been forced on.

Sub-zero would help Charlie with all his might, so he would do the same. To whoever needed it. Hanzo Hasashi would do good on his word to help them.

Fight Your Rival! Solar Eclipse

Hanzo had left the waterfall, passed through the jungle to come back into the open again. The sun shined down brightly on him, overtaking him so suddenly that he had to bring up a hand to block it's blinding bright rays like he was under attack from them. Readjusting to it, he lowered it to see what lay before him.

The thick dense jungle was behind him, but what was before him was something greater. The jungle ended and emptied out into a wide open savannah. As far as his eyes could see, looking like a realm all unto itself.

It didn't deter Hanzo from seeing it, as his eyes adjusted to the new landscape and light. Instead, it encouraged him onwards. So he began his march across it. From where he began it looked as if there was no one who would impede his crossing. But that did not mean he was the only one there.

As he began to make his way across, he realized he was not alone here nor was he the only one crossing the savannah. As he went so did birds in great flocks flew over head. He turned up to watch them pass by to follow their flight and following their lead on foot. Getting closer a shadow was cast over him of only for a brief time. Turning over to view it he saw it was not a tree, but a tall Giraffe that seemed to watch him move across the flatland. He saw many others as he pressed on especially when he got closer to the watering hole. Zebras lingering in the back, grazing on the grass. They all seemed to be crowding around the watering hole, which looked relaxing in the hot heat. It was already taken of course, by a trio of hippos who popped their heads up to watch Hanzo come along, watching him as he came by. The Hippos floated in the water flapping their ears sprinkling the others beside them. Then pressing on themselves they came out of the water as he came to the watering hole. Thumping onto dry land to come right up to Hanzo as he stopped before it. Hanzo gazed at the hippo who starred back at him. It's plump face and nostrils let out a huff in his face, but did nothing else except to remind him on this hot plain.

"Mind if I get some?" Hanzo asked. The hippo huffed again and Hanzo turned to the watering hole. He knelt down, wet his hand and put it to his hand right just as he had done before at the Forgotten Waterfall. Dampening his head again he looked up at all the company he had. And they all seemed very much interested in him. Ahead by the edge of the pool, a crowd of meerkats stood on a small rock. Each one peeking over to get a look at him.

Though these were all animals originating from Earthrealm, he even managed to find some that were not. One of which was in the tree above the meerkats was a was an Outworld Taigore, straight out from Shao Kahn's Throne room and lounging up in the tree and seemed to be at peace with the rest of the animals there. Yet the strangest addition of all, was what he saw was directly across from him on the other side of the watering hole. It was a jaguar, fit with stripes on his back, bracelets above his paws and most noticeably of all, a headpiece that was identical to Kotal's.

It amused Hanzo to see him here of all places. He continued to take in the marvel around him. Despite the few oddities this place seemed untouched by the fighting that went on. Even the animals seemed to enjoy the company of the others, despite their differences. This is what he hoped for. That inner peace, not only for himself but for others who struggled like him. This perfect assortment of animals relaxing on a hot day gave him a reprieve he didn't know he needed.

Yet from above he saw something inch it's way across the sky in an attempt to block out the sun. As if signaling a darkness to come a chill wind rushed over them. And a menacing voice was carried on it.

"Well what would you make of this?" it asked "Hippos, Giraffes, Zebras. " it continued on, and Hanzo turned his head to see a figure draped in red take a step forward from between the tree and the watering hole. As he appeared the Meerkats ducked for cover. The Hippos rushed back into the water, the Giraffe's and Zebras stomped uncomfortably in place and the jaguar roared.

With all out of the way the figure was revealed fully to him now though Hanzo could only see his left side that faced him.

"A scorpion would fit in well here." he continued before he turned to face him "Yet here you are instead." he finished his voice full of contempt and disappointment.

Hanzo's eyes zeroed in on him as he rose to his feet "There is no Scorpion. I am Hanzo Hasashi." he declared proudly.

"Tch." the angry man let out "Well, I guess I never faced him before... But he's never faced me either." he grinned, looking like he was bearing fangs of his own. Accompanied with his threatening voice and stance made Hanzo on edge.

Starring at him now, looking at his face the realization came over Hanzo that he not only recognized him, but that they had met before him.

This was Ken Masters! Scorpion and Sub-zero had faced him and Ryu when their paths collided. Yet here he was now, separated from Ryu. Looking more violent and deranged. His hair was whiter, his skin darker and his demeanor was violent.

From his word choice it seemed Ken recognized him, but the shock of it was lost on him, but not with Hanzo who was speechless.

"It's you-" Hanzo let out as he got up.

"Of course, it's me." Ken konfirmed "Who else could it be?" he asked arrogantly as his eyes flashed a shade of purple.

"You are here alone." Hanzo stated concerned.

"I could say the same to you." Ken pointed an angry finger at him "Where's your snow cone buddy?" he asked "Finally get kold feet." he laughed darkly at his own joke. The darkness in his laugh permeated through everything he did now. "If he's not strong enough to make it on his own then he's not worth my time." he said "Maybe that can save him from death."

"He is strong." Hanzo refuted him, defending Sub-zero when he wasn't here. He was too busy helping Charlie and even his own brother if he could. But Ken's words and newfound appearance disturbed Hanzo greatly. When the two groups left after their fight it was not on poor terms. Both Ryu and Hanzo wanted to fight for their humanity as he saw it. Ken and Sub-zero were there to support them in that endeavor. But only Ken was here now. "What happened to Ryu?"

"It doesn't matter what happened to him!" Ken snapped aggressively "What only matters is what's going to happen when we meet again." he pounded a fist into his open palm as a dark energy began to form around it. "He'll fall! Just like everyone else!"

"What?!" Hanzo exclaimed "What happened to you?!"

"I'm the strongest that's what!" Ken snapped back at him "I'm here to prove that to everyone! No matter what!" he declared "I've been reborn you could say. same as you, only there's one key difference." he continued before a pause, one that only caused more discomfort and concern to grow in Hanzo "I've been improved, perfected." Ken said sounding more like Noob Saibot now. "Unlike you." he mocked "That's what you fought for this entire time?" he chuckled evilly "Doesn't look like it was worth it."

Hanzo's face became stern and serious as his eyes focused on Ken. He had not expected to run into him again, let alone to hear this from him. Ryu may be tempted by his dark thoughts, but had yet to act on them. Hearing Ken now he sounded more like Akuma when he boasted in their battle at the Wu Shi Academy.

"You are being lead astray from your path." Hanzo realized stating it aloud hoping it would do some good.

"A path set by who?" Ken asked clenching a fist to Hanzo "A doddering old man and a disciple he favors. No!" he snapped furiously "It's my path to defeat him and prove I'm the better once once and for all! I'll prove it to him and everyone else out there." he said as he glared past his fist to Hanzo "So that begs the question of what to do with you." he said putting it down and chuckling "You've gotten what you wanted out of this." he waved it at him "But you look all the more weaker for it." he flashed a toothy grin at him "But..." he paused "To make this far alone you have to be strong. You have to be like me." he put his fists up "And that means I'll have to kill you." he pounded his fists together "Only this time, you'll stay dead."

His intentions were clear now. Dangerous as they were, though, Hanzo was nor frightened nor did he shrink from this challenge. The dark circle began to pass over the sun now, blocking it out completely and casting a shadow over the entire savannah.

"I don't know what happened to you. A spell or mind control." Hanzo lamented "But I will help you. It's what I am meant to do." he said easing into his own fighting stance. The animals all around let out roars, grunts and calls of approval for Hanzo.

"You lack the desire to kill! To Destroy! You won't have what it takes to put me down. But me-" Ken stopped suddenly as his fists trembled in deadly anticipation "I'll put you down like the animal you are!" he shouted lunging towards him with a killer intent.

He surged forward glowing like a purple flame. Yet in reply Hanzo began to burn bright like a fire himself. The shine from the two warriors brought some light back to the savannah from under the shadow of the eclipse.

Sub-Boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Violent Ken

He inspired terror and fear wherever he went. He was strong now, his purpose clear and he would achieve it with violent ends. Darkness lay over the entire savannah, but the purple light emitted from his eyes cast his glare upon it. He had just finished his battle with Hanzo, but he was not finished yet.

"Now that that's done." he grinned maliciously "There's still the matter of finding Ryu." he said clenching his fist "He can't hide from me. Not forever." he said.

It was deadly silent on the savannah. Not even the wind dared to move without Ken's control. Yet he heard something now. Something heavy and low to the ground making it's way to him. Glancing over he saw a dark red figure circling around the watering hole, where his purple shining shadow was relfected in. But this thing whatever it was looked like a wounded animal clinging to it's last moments of life as it tries to escape death. The other animals present in it's way seemed to part for it as they did with Ken.

But Ken noticed once he set his eyes on it, so did this new foe. Despite it's feral appearance it was not an animal. It had the shape of a man, with long red hair and a mangled body. One that had seen countless fights against strong fighters. One that Ken recognized and call out when it finally rounded the water to stand before him.

"You." Ken repeated and dragged the word "You're the one who gave Ryu all that trouble." he stated as it came to a stop. Necalli said nothing to him so Ken continued on "But if you're here for me now, then I must have something you want."

Necalli let out a breath and his voice sounded like a hiss "SSouullss. Stronnggg." he ended on a gaging cough.

"Then you are here for me." Ken konfirmed putting a hand up and waving it forward, begging Necalli to try to take it.

"Aloneee.. Defenslesss...Solitaryyyy."

"Stronger!" Ken snapped at him "You being here for me now proves it. I'm stronger now that I ever was. Stronger that Ryu, stronger than Hanzo, stronger than anyone. And to prove it." he paused to point at Necalli "I'll do what Ryu couldn't and kill you!" he cried out and then with murderous intent flew across the ground ready to deliver the killing blow to Necalli who welcomed the attack.

Sub-Boss Necalli Hour of Battle! Hanzo Hasashi

Despite the fierceness of their battle, the calm serenity of the savannah returned even as it remained under the shadow of the eclipse.

Hanzo could do nothing more after that battle, except hope that he had done enough for Ken.

"You will find peace if you seek it." Hanzo lamented "No different than I." he said casting his gaze back down to the water where he saw his reflection. Something he had seen quite a lot of recently, but never ceased to marvel him now. Still as the image of him in the water was, his thoughts remained on the battle he just had, and the ones ahead. "Ryu." he said aloud "If that is the battle you must have next. I hope you are both ready for it." he said his voice dying off at the end. It was overtaken by an abrupt snort of agreement from the hippos who were glad to be rid of Violent Ken.

But just because they were rid of him did not mean there was no others danger.

Hanzo set his eyes on his reflection in the water. Even under the darkness of the eclipse, he saw it darken like a shadow. He was almost unrecognizable in the water now. Then like his shadow came to life all itself it burst from the water with a hideous animalistic roar.

The tranquility of the aftermath of his battle with Violent Ken was short lived. The animals cowered when Ken first appeared to him. If they were startled then, they were outright frightened now. Only this time, none of them dared to make a sound. Only to bow their heads and move out of the way.

Hanzo, however, did not stir.

A flat wet foot stepped out of the water and another followed. They pulled a body out from it which slumped forward. Starting low, hunched over at first but rising up to stand opposite Hanzo who had not shirked from it like the other animals. Violent Ken did not frighten him, so neither did this creature. But just like with Ken it was one he had met already and recognized.

"You again." Hanzo said when his eyes locked on Necalli "Following me all the way from the Academy?" he questioned "Or were there others you terrorized in my absence?" he asked.

Necalli licked his lips "My hunnngaarr is insatiable." he grumbled.

"Can you only serve the needs of others creature? Can you not think and act on your own?" Necalli said nothing, but his body continued to writhe in place. Leering up high only to suddenly bend down low, bearing his teeth like any other animal at the watering hole.

"Sooullllss." he cried out to him.

"It seems you cannot change." Hanzo lamented.

"YYYooouourss hazzzzz." Necalli hissed "Soul has changed. But remains strong. Strong for meee."

"You did not take my soul when I was Scorpion." Hanzo prepared himself for another battle "You will not take it now."

Finally light began to peak out, from behind the black circle in the sky. The sun was returning to the savannah. Right in time to highlight another one of Hanzo's battles.

Violent Ken Ending

His newfound rage, drive and purpose was finally put to the test. It all came down to when he was reunited with the one he had been separated with. The one he had originally sought out and their journey began.

Ryu.

Only now he sought him out with a new intensity and purpose.

Ken's eyes were closed again, and he saw only darkness. Weakly he opened them and he saw the fractured sky around them. The calamity that brought this one was still going strong, but Ken felt dazed and weak. Not unlike how he felt when initially in Shao Kahn's grasp. Only this time, he felt not like he was descending into a nightmare, but waking up from one.

He let out a soft groan as his blurry vision began to clear. A figure was stooping over him. And though he couldn't make the face out exactly, he already had an idea of who it was.

"Ken." the cornered voice of Ryu called above him. A few more blinks and another groan, his vision cleared. The purple sky of Outworld, the hellfire of the Nethrealm, the murkiness of Chaosrealm and a regular blue sky was cast over head. But he was only focused on Ryu standing over him. "Ken!" he exclaimed softly. Ken did not respond even though it was clear he was awake now.

Ken then pushed himself off the ground, so that he was no longer laying on the ground, but sitting.

He felt wholly and entirely normal again. He felt like Ken Masters, U.S. Champion. But just as his eyesight and feeling came back to him so did his memory.

"Ken." Ryu said his name again "You're alright now." he stated, and Ken could tell he was still looking at him.

Ken couldn't look at his friend, though. His expression was mixed with both shock and happiness. Happy to be reunited with his friend, shocked to see him after being separated from him. But deep down mixed with those two emotions, feeling like a pit in his stomach was something worse than that. Regret, disgust, and shame. All at himself.

It all felt like a nightmare. One he had no choice but to watch play out and hope to wake up from it. But it all felt too real and too.

The last thing he remembered, even though he didn't want to think or act on it, was he wanted to punch a hole right through Ryu's face to prove once and for all he was the strongest ever. But he had missed that strike and Ryu shot up with a Shoryuken.

And then everything went black. And here he was now. Awaken from that nightmare.

"Maybe I am." Ken said not really buying into Ryu's talk "But I sure don't feel it."

Ryu took in a deep breath before releasing it calmly, knowing what ailed him. "It wasn't you back there."

"Sure felt like me." Ken replied continuing to look away "That power. That rage. That drive. That strength." he rambled on and then looked down at to clench his fist.

"That Darkness." Ryu added. There was a pause as a darkness passed between the two. In it Ryu could hear the faintest of cries calling out to him. An evil voice clamoring for more death and violence. By his hand. "I know it too well." he warned.

Ken let out a sigh "Yeah." he loosened his grip and his hands fell flat in his lap "You and me both." he said as if in defeat.

"That's why you came to me in the first place." Ryu reminded him of the beginning of this road "To help me with that."

"Wasn't much of a help was I." Ken replied "Tsch." he couldn't help but let out "Imagine that," he said half amused half ashamed "Here I came trying to help you with your demons. But you ended up helping me with mine." he turned his head down more "Guess I was just a nuisance."

A kind reassuring hand was put on his shoulder.

"No." Ryu refuted "We're here to help each other." he said "If you came to help me, then I can do it for you to." he said as his other hand came down now, open and offering itself to Ken.

Ken eyed it knowing what he meant. He saw it out of the corner of his eye and then for the first time since he felt like himself again he looked up to Ryu. A smile then grew on his face as he took his hand. Ryu helped his friend back to his feet even after he was the one who put him there.

"Well, at least you got an idea of what you're getting into." Ken said back on his feet and dusting himself off.

"I already knew." Ryu mused "It was a great power that came over you. There are ones just as great out there." he said looking out to the combined sky. Great powers wielded by great warriors.

"Yeah," Ken agreed "so what are we gonna do about it?"

"There's still danger." Ryu said flatly "From around." he looked to see "And within." he turned darkly back to Ken referencing not only the terrible power that had overcome him, but the one burning inside himself.

"You're telling me." Ken said putting his hands to his hips "But what are we gonna do about it?" he asked again.

"Face it." Ryu said without hesitation. He offered his fist out to Ken. Not for punch him, but in solidarity with him "Together." he said urging Ken on just as he did when he first reunited with him. When they decided they would go on this road together.

Ken grinned at the sight of it "Together." he replied knocking his fist into it himself.

Reunited, with a new drive but the same purpose the two turned together standings shoulder to shoulder. Ready to take on whatever these new realms and these new warriors had for them. To find the secret of the violence eating away at both of them and take it down.

Hanzo Hasashi Ending

Of all the places he had been on his journey so far, this was the last place he expected to be.

The Neatherrealm could almost be called home, the Fire Gardens his true home. The Lin Kuei temple, Special Forces Base, Outworld Palace, and the Sky Temple were all places he could count as friendly places. Even on their journey abroad the Kanzuki Estate had its own magnificence. The Exciting Street Scene could have been enjoyed on any other day if not for his perilous quest. The Marina of Fortune was as beautiful as it was relaxing even in the midst of battle. Even Metro City had a resolve he could respect and admirable.

But this place? He was at a loss for words. For how could his travels have brought him to a school.

Hanzo glanced over once again to read the name of the school again.

Gedo High School.

He was still in disbelief he was here.

But he was not the only one surprised by his sudden appearance. For standing on the other side of the school's courtyard were three youths standing side by side and eyeing him suspiciously.

The one to the far right was large and lumbering. He scratched his head curiously as he eyed Hanzo trying to understand this entire situation. Across from him was a boy just as youthful, but thinner and wiry, with tall blonde hair that let him lie about his height and pretend he was taller than he really way.

Between them was a another. Dressed in a black uniform he had spiky hair and scar across his right eye. Of the three he seemed to be the most composed, standing still with is arms cross as the other two bumbled aloud to each other and to him.

"Who's this here?" Gan asked stupidly from the right "Where'd he come from?" he droned on.

"The same as all the others." Edge answered him from the other side. The one in the middle remained silent.

"Yeah but..." Gan stopped suddenly trying to figure Hanzo out for himself "Where did they come from?"

"I come from somewhere far off." Hanzo answered "And the others.." he paused thinking of all the realms and how best to break this news to them. Especially Gan. "From even farther."

"Far off? How far?" Gan continued to pester him but didn't seem to know what else to say.

"Reminds me of Moloch." Hanzo mused to himself. Though his allies seemed to take better care of him than his own master.

"Doesn't matter where." Edge snapped at Gan "Only matters what gang he's affiliated with." he said in a voice as sharp as a knife. His eyes then zeroed in on Hanzo, piercing him with his eyes but marveling at the kunai draped on a chain "Who sent you here?" he asked to the newcomer.

"Sent?" Hanzo asked "I came of my own intention. Though I did not start my journey alone and here was not where I expected to be."

"Well, it's where you are now." Edge paused looking him over "What gang are you with?" he called out.

"Gang?" Hanzo repeated a bit confused. He had many allegiances both in life and death. Too many to list out now. "Many. Formerly the Netherrealm. Currently the reformed Shirai Ryu and Earthrealm defenders."

"Defenders? Whose he defending?" Gan asked.

"What kind of guy puts himself into so many gangs?" Edge asked aloud himself, thinking he caught Hanzo in a lie and making him all the more suspicious. The mystery of Hanzo'a identity seemed no closer to being answered. Each of the three remained fixated on him. But only Edge voiced his intention. "That knife." he mused to himself "I gotta have it."

Hanzo gripped it tighter though he was not in fear of losing it. Gan and Edge seemed ready for a fight. But the one standing in the center hadn't moved at all.

That was until his left eye opened to look at Hanzo as the right remained closed almost like the scar across it was sealing it shut.

"I thought perhaps you were from Gorin High." he mused aloud, his chilling voice keeping the two beside him at bay "But you're too old to be a student? Are they sending teachers for us now?" he asked.

"I have my own disciples." Hanzo told "But I am not affiliated with any you speak of."

"I see." Daigo said "Then what does that make you to us?"

"Not an enemy for sure." Hanzo told them. Gan and Edge didn't seem to buy it, but the one centered between them seemed more accommodating.

"Then what brings you to Gedo High of all places?"

Hanzo spoke boldly now "My journey began to reclaim what was lost. Now I off to aid those in need of their own."

"Hey! We don't need any handouts!" Edge shouted.

"Yeah!" Gan managed to agree, coming in a moment after Edge shouted out "We can handle-whatever this is on our own." The two stepped up blocking Daigo from Hanzo's view. But whatever abrasiveness and fearlessness they have was cast aside when Daigo got their attention behind them. The two then parted and Daigo stepped forward. Hanzo raised a brow unsure of what to expect.

"I would welcome that aid. And the challenge that comes with it." he said unlocking his arms and showing his fist.

"What is it you have to prove?" Hanzo asked.

"That I still have the drive to fight." Daigo said "The ability to lead my gang and.." he paused briefly "to protect my sister when she needs me." She was out there now, on her own adventure. And he worried about her constantly even if he didn't show it.

A hint of a smile came over Hanzo's bearded face. Daigo from his demeanor, to his scar, his leadership position and his desire to help his family, he reminded Hanzo of a friend he was separated from.

"He reminds me of Sub-zero." he said to himself "And what is your name?" he called out to him.

"I am Daigo Kazama." he introduced himself "And my challenger?"

"Hanzo Hasashi." he competed the introduction and took his own stance letting the kunai fall buy the chain beside him. The Gang leader and the Shirai Ryu eased into their fighting stances, ready to face each other. "Now Daigo Kazama. Show me your strength and Test Your Might!"

There was no malice in the one to be had, but it was one both fighters would cherish.