-Chapter 7: On the Kusp of Kombat-

As morning dawned over the Wu Shi Academy, many of its inhabitants were already awake and active going about their various duties. But two in particular remained in bed, lounging for a few moments longer as they basked in their intimate closeness.

Unclothed under the sheets, Mileena lay entwined with Magnus, gazing fondly upon her lover as her nails traced random shapes across his pectorals. Equally unclothed, the Njordborn held her contentedly, blue eyes meeting brown as they lingered in the tranquil silence. Mileena stretched, purring softly as she felt Magnus' hand caress her back. "Long have I hoped to enjoy something so divine." Mileena hummed.

"I've never heard of carnality referred to in such terms before." Magnus rumbled.

"Mm, call me naive, but part of me always subscribed to the 'princess meets her prince' story." Mileena said softly, her gaze turning distant as she laid her head against his chest. "I never liked the idea of a fling or a one-night stand, or even sleeping around for the rush and the pleasure. I never understood it, it… it repulsed me. Being intimate with one man, savouring a lifetime of experience with one man and one alone… that was what I wanted."

"Lucky for you a prince just so happened to be waiting for you in a bar."

Mileena chuckled, softly and fondly, as she remembered the moment she first laid eyes on him. "Little did I ever expect how my life would become so entwined with yours." Lifting her head again, she looked Magnus in the eye. "If… If it's alright with you… I would like nothing more than to do a little further entwining." She said, speaking cautiously. Sensing her hesitation and worry, Magnus cupped her chin.

"I have no regrets about last night and I will stand by our actions. Even if you get pregnant." He said, speaking in a low voice with a firm sense of confirmation. Hearing his words, Mileena begged to differ,

"I don't think that will be the case." She replied. "I've never once gotten pregnant since arriving here in Earthrealm. Starting to think either Edenian genetics are incompatible with Earthrealmers or I'm too much of a hybrid for anything to take root. I've also noted I have never suffered from any diseases either."

"Helpful." Magnus mused. "The last thing I'd want to do is make you sick."

"You're sweet." Mileena said with a smile. "But it would seem my genetics have you covered in that area. I've lived in Earthrealm long enough to have weathered the worst plagues and diseases your race has ever encountered. Not once have I contracted any of them." Magnus studied her for a moment.

"You must have been witness to much of history."

"I have seen both world wars unfold. I may not be of Earthrealm, but I am as much a part of it now as one who was born here." Mileena said softly. The Yngling nodded, his eyes beholding her with a newfound appreciation.

Magnus drew her in close and kissed her, starting out soft and tender as Mileena reciprocated. As she grew more invested, he rolled them over, pinning her supple body beneath his and tongues got involved. When his mouth moved away from hers, kissing along her jaw, Mileena struggled to protest. "Magnus… we can't…" She said breathily. Magnus said nothing, kissing down her neck and making her moan as he pressed his body against hers. Mileena knew what he wanted. She wanted it too. But the day was beginning and every day was always busy with things to do. If they lingered any longer, their disappearance would be noticed.

"I want you." He growled softly, nibbling on her collarbone and making her gasp.

"I-I want you too…" she confessed, biting back a whimper, "but not… n-not right now." Finding enough strength, she pulled his head up towards her. "We have duties to attend to… and I'd prefer it if the others didn't come looking for us." She stated between breaths. Magnus nodded slowly.

"You are right." He relented, rolling to the side as Mileena forced herself up and out of bed. The sheets pulling away from her nude form, she strode over to the pile of her clothes to get dressed again. Magnus paused, his eyes lingering on her beautiful body as she bent over and straightened up again. From her full firm breasts to her supple well-endowed bottom, every inch of her was the definition of perfection. Her head turning, she caught his gaze and smiled knowingly, a sparkle in her brown eyes.

"See something you like?" She wondered coyly, teasing him by running her hands down her sides as she twisted and rolled her hips just enough to show off her naked form.

"It is taking every ounce of self-control I have to not take you." Magnus confessed in a low voice that made her shiver. 'I would like nothing more.' Mileena thought to herself. If only they had the time.

"I will reward that self-control later." She promised, meaning every word.

Mileena dressed (albeit reluctantly so) and was the first to emerge from Magnus' room. She had every intention of returning to her own room in order to hurriedly freshen up before seeking out the monks. Her day, however, took a very unexpected and unwanted turn when she came face to face with Sonya as she was passing by.

The blonde abruptly stopped, turning and frowning as she pieced together the situation far too quickly for Mileena's liking. "Good morning, Lieutenant." Mileena greeted simply, trying to play it off. Sonya said nothing, slowly putting her hands on her hips. "Something on your mind?" Mileena queried nonchalantly, taking time to stretch her arms.

"Enjoy your night last night?" Sonya questioned in a low, borderline disciplinarian voice.

"Yes. Very much so." Mileena replied, rather unashamedly. Behind her, Magnus emerged from his room and stopped when he noted Sonya's expression.

"Is there a problem?" He wondered.

"I'll say." Sonya grunted. "You realize we're training for the fate of the world, right? You really think now's a good time to get distracted? By her of all people? This close to the tournament, you need to get your damn head in the game if youdon't wanna lose it when the rubber meets the road." She chided, jabbing a finger in his direction. The Yngling grunted unperturbed.

"If I couldn't tell you were an army brat before, I can now." He rumbled, crossing his arms. Sonya scoffed in disbelief.

"You think this is some sort of game?" She retorted.

"You overstep in your assumptions, skadedyr." Magnus growled. Sonya's glare intensified, but before any fists could be thrown or further verbal barbs traded, Johnny Cage arrived on the scene.

"Isn't it a little early for a staredown? The hell's going on here?" He wondered, both confused and intrigued.

"Nothing. Just a few over-assumptions." Mileena answered plainly before taking her leave of the scene and strutting off down the hall. Sonya, however, had an entirely different response.

"Magnus here is too focused on Mileena instead of on training for the tournament." She stated.

"What Mileena and I do together is not your concern." Magnus retorted. The blonde huffed in retort and stomped away, leaving Johnny to put together the sparse clues. However, a veteran of reality shows and Hollywood gossip, he figured it out in a heartbeat.

"Woah woah woah! Time out! You and her did the dirty?" He gasped. "Damn! I mean, on the one hand, congrats. But on the other hand, need I remind you about what they say about sticking your dick in crazy?" He asked, promptly earning a sharp look from the Norwegian.

"You had better have a very good explanation for your words." Magnus growled.

"I mean… she's got the teeth, man." Johnny said, miming a pair of fangs with two fingers. Magnus took a few steps forward until he loomed above the actor.

"Choose your next words carefully." He said in a low, threatening tone. Johnny swallowed nervously and held up his hands.

"Look… that's your thing. Not here to judge-"

"You have already done as such."

"Okay, okay, not my first screw-up. Just… Not my thing so I'll stay out and you do you, alright?" Johnny hurriedly excused.

"I will. And you would be wise to remember that, skald." Magnus retorted.

By the time the four champions made it to the training courtyard, Raiden, Liu Kang and Kung Lao were already present and awaiting them. If the thunder god knew anything about Magnus and Mileena's tryst he said nothing about it, simply noting all the side-eyes Johnny and Sonya were giving the pair as he spoke in his usual grave commanding tone.

"Tomorrow, we will depart for Yin Yang Island where the tournament will be held. Over the past two months you have all excelled in the development of your skills. Each and every one of you is a true kombatant, this outcome does not surprise me." Raiden told them all. "Today I will evaluate your abilities in single kombat and see how far you have progressed since your arrival." Sonya looked skeptical.

"Right. We're supposed to fight you. The god."

"Gods do not feel pain as mortals do, Sonya Blade. In order to prove yourselves in every way possible, I am the only logical candidate." Raiden answered. Now prepared, he looked them over one by one before choosing whom he would test first. "Johnny Cage. Step forward." With a cocky grin, the actor happily did so.

"Takes notes everybody. This A-Lister has gone big league." He stated aloud, earning looks of derision in response. "You're gonna like this, thunder man, I've been working out. That glowy green stuff of mine? Oh, it's a lot brighter now." Johnny told Raiden.

"Then let us see just how far your mastery has progressed." Raiden stated in response, charging himself with lightning. All of a sudden, he teleported behind Johnny Cage, executing two quick blows in rapid succession before a kick to the back of his legs caused the actor to stumble. Raiden then landed a palm strike, an elbow strike, and then unleashed a blast of lightning that pitched Johnny to the ground.

On the sidelines, Sonya snickered while Mileena set her hands on her hips and Magnus crossed his arms. Clearly Raiden was not holding back and would treat them all in a similar manner. "Your enemy will not give you the opportunity to get ready. You must be prepared for kombat no matter your present circumstances." He told them all.

Taking the hint, the actor clambered to his feet and promptly tossed out two forceballs; his newest ability in mastering his arcana. One glowing orb arced high and the other shot straight out, distracting Raiden long enough for Johnny to land a hard shadow kick. The actor then turned and converted his momentum into a hook kick that caught Raiden on the jaw, pitching his face to the side as Johnny then hit him with another forceball, the explosion of green energy pitching the thunder god back a few more feet. The actor attempted to press his advanatge, only for Raiden to counter with a sudden burst of electrical energy, stunning Johnny as electricity coursed through him before striking with three palm strikes, one after another, and then unleashing a bundle of lightning that stuck either enough concussive force to put Johnny flat on the ground.

Rolling to the side and springing to his feet, Johnny struck Raiden with an axe kick and followed up with a trio of hard kicks before executing a spinning hook kick that the thunder god all managed to block. A sudden burst of charged particles pushed Johnny back and Raiden steadied himself in anticipation of another attack. Johnny moved in to strike with a rising shadow elbow before coming down in a hard backflip heel blow that Raiden blocked again.

The thunder god moved to strike with a rising uppercut, cloaking his body with lightning. But Johnny quickly caught him on the chin with a swift uppercut and then an overhead punch before laying into Raiden with multiple left and right crosses until he finally sent him flying with with a shadow-powered roundhouse kick.

The moment Raiden got back up Johnny was on him again, landing another shadow kick and following up with two shadow bolts to put some distance between him and the thunder god. He threw another pair of forceballs to keep Raiden busy before he executed a shadow kick flip, smacking the thunder god on the chin and knocking Raiden to the ground.

The thunder god picked himself up as Johnny advanced towards him, summoning a thunderbolt that struck his feet. The hit put Johnny off balance as Raiden reared back and surged ahead, taking flight. The thunder fly move caught Johnny off guard and Raiden carried him into a somersault duplex that slammed him into the ground. Groaning where he lay, Johnny did not get back up as Raiden straightened. "You fight well, Johnny Cage." He complimented. "But your desire to be seen in kombat hinders your effectiveness. Audience or no, you must fight as if your life depends upon it."

The actor sat up with a wince. "You sound like my old acting coach." He grumbled, begrudgingly accepting the hand up.

"It would seem this 'coach' offers sage council." Raiden mused, sending him back to the sidelines. His glowing gaze scanned across the other three champions as he chose his course of action. "Mileena."

Heeding the simple use of her name, the Outworld woman approached, drawing her sais as she did. While quiet, her posture and expression exuded a simple readiness. "I will put your gift to good use." She promised.

"I expect nothing less." Raiden replied, assuming his own kombat-ready stance as he waited for Mileena to make the first move.

She began by hurling her sais towards him, Raiden deftly blocking by raising an electric field before him. Mileena teleported to her sais, hoping to get the drop on him until Raiden rebuffed her with an electrostatic blast that sent her tumbling across the ground. He followed up by summoning multiple lightning strikes that forced Mileena to roll and somersault away from him. Not to be outdone, Mileena jumped to her feet and was ready to move when Raiden attempted to blast her with a current of lightning. But, getting used to his technique, Mileena was gone and the reaching forks of lightning passed through empty air.

Sprinting in low, Mileena lunged with sais out, forcing Raiden to summon his staff to parry her. The points of her blades were quickly warded off by deft flicks and twists of his staff, metal meeting metal as Raiden defended himself flawlessly and promptly flung her away by channeling a storm cell. He then attempted to channel a bolt of lightning from an outstretched hand, but Mileena dropped down and vanished with a plume of violet flame. She reappeared above him, kicking Raiden in the head and repeated the maneuver twice more before she landed on his back and used her leverage to throw him to the ground. Mileena pressed her attack with a shriek, a cartwheel kick crashing into Raiden's head and opening him up for a leaping side kick that sent him spinning. But the thunder god turned about and swiftly caught Mileena's hook kick with one hand, turning and throwing her with godly might. He teleported behind her, a fist crashing into the spot between her shoulder blades with enough force to put her down on the ground.

A dazed Mileena struggled to get up, her vision blurry and her head ringing. That's when Raiden appeared above her, levitating in the air as he conjured a sudden storm around them. Threatening with getting struck by lightning, Mileena reacted quickly. Teleporting again, she disappeared into the ground only to drop down atop Raiden, landing a double kick before a final stomp launched her off of him, stunning the thunder god. Mileena pressed her advantage with two blows to his abdomen and then a spinning hook kick that knocked Raiden to the ground. Leaping ahead, she attacked feet-first and drove her feet into his back before drawing her sai. But Raiden was gone in a crackle of sparks, reappearing in an upright position with coruscating lightening webbing between his fingers. Mileena lunged with her sai only to be held at bay by Raiden. She struggled, willfully backing off when her current pursuit of him proved hopeless. Lunging forward in a ball roll, she knocked Raiden off his feet and sprang to hers only to turn around and land a scissor kick that pitched him across the fight line.

Without a moment's hesitation, Mileena attacked again, bolting forward at a dead sprint before dropping low into a slide that tripped up the thunder god. Now behind him, she promptly executed a whiparound roundhouse kick that spun Raiden sideways before he dropped back to the ground. Mileena paused, thinking herself either victorious or having gone too far, only for Raiden to teleport to a standing position where he summong his staff and slammed it into the ground, generating a current fierce enough to stun Mileena. Raiden sent his jo staff sliding forward, knocking the Outworld woman back before he teleported to his weapon and swung hard, smashing into her jaw with enough force to knock her on her back.

When Mileena stayed put, breathing heavily, Raiden allowed his staff to dissipate. "Your kombat is most honorable, Mileena. But you are holding yourself back." He told her. "Do not fear the abilities you have been given. By embracing them, you embrace yourself." His words veiled a hidden meaning, one Mileena understood most acutely. She nodded softly as Raiden helped her to her feet. The two exchanged a bow before she returned to the sidelines and the thunder god called forth his next champion. "Step forward, Magnus Shadrix."

The Yngling obeyed, unsheathing his twin bearded axes as he rolled his shoulders. "I see you are not scared of us using weapons." He noted.

"I fear only your inability to use them, Magnus Shadrix." Raiden responded.

"Well, that will not be the case." Magnus replied, huffing a laugh. He pounded his chest with one closed fist. "Kjemp godt." He declared, rushing Raiden full of power and vigor and swung his weapons in broad, sweeping arcs. The thunder god sidestepped or parried each, making his efforts seem childish by comparison. Raiden then attacked with a low sweep, Magnus jumping over his leg and striking with a downward swing from both of his axes. Raiden was quick to teleport to avoid them as Magnus turned and struck again with a hook kick, whipping around to strike at the appearing thunder god. Raiden blocked by grabbing his heel and throwing him to the ground.

Magnus grunted from the impact but hurried back to his feet, lashing out with his axes as Raiden summoned his staff to parry his blows. Gripping his weapons just behind the axehead, Magnus came charging in and launched his own flying punch which Raiden sidestepped, Magnus quickly moving to swing again with a backhand. But the thunder god countered by grabbing his arm and shoving him away, Magnus harnessing his momentum to strike back with his other axe.

Raiden sidestepped again and countered with twin palm strikes before he surged skyward with a rising shoulder charge that laid Magnus out flat. The Yngling recovered as his fists cloaked with electricity, seemingly undeterred, and stalked back towards Raiden. The prepared thunder god got in past the force of his blows, blocking with his forearms by striking Magnus' own. Raiden then summoned his staff, twirling it around and bashing Magnus multiple times with his blunt-force instrument. With the Yngling staggered, Raiden pressed his advantage by directing a series of lightning strikes through his staff, blue bolts of high voltage power slamming into Magnus as Raiden hit him high and low.

Staggered but not downed, Magnus watched as Raiden struck out with his staff, ducking low to avoid the blow so he could rush in and grab the thunder ground, hoisting him off his feet and throwing him to the ground. Magnus pounced, his axes clashing with Raiden's staff as the thunder god strove to hold him off. Despite the nimbleness of Magnus' weaponry, Raiden got the upperhand with his sturdier weapon and threw Magnus off in a display of godly strength.

Both of them clambered to their feet, circling one another the moment they were up. Magnus charged in at random, hoping to offset the thunder god. But Raiden responded with two spark bundles that knocked his axes from his grip just as Raiden's own staff dissipated in a burst of blue light.

The thunder god moved to the air, above the charging Yngling, keeping him at bay by summoning multiple thunderbolts to act as an advancing guard. Just as Raiden frontflipped and made to crash into Magnus, the Yngling allowed his own fists to be cloaked with lightning and landed two straight jabs and an uppercut to give himself the advantage. He jumped on the downed Raiden yet again, throwing out punch after punch that collided with his raised arms. At once, Raiden summoned his power to blast Magnus off of him, lightning rippling across the Yngling's form as he bought himself time to stand. Raiden then stomped the ground before him, summoning lightning bolt from behind to strike Magnus and knock him down.

Raiden then directed his powers down and into the ground, lightning shooting across the gap until it exploded in Magnus' face, striking him with a powerful electrical charge. But Magnus would not be deterred and was ready as Raiden came at him with two overhead chops. Magnus blocked his strike and countered with his own, a low sweeping kick that caused Raiden to stumble as Magnus followed up with two blows to his midsection and a high elbow that staggered him. But just as he wound up to deliver another blow, Raiden generated a powerful burst of lightning, the explosion knocking Magnus back and away where he fell to the ground.

Straightening up, Raiden folded his hands behind him, effectively calling an end to the test. "Your command of both Glima and Nan Chuan is excellent, Magnus Shadrix. However, I would encourage you to push yourself harder. You have yet to unlock the true depth of your arcana." He stated in report. "Search yourself and the depths of your soul. Find what drives you and channel it into your kombat." The Yngling stayed silent as he was helped up and spoke only after he had collected his weapons.

"Takk for denne kampen." He offered in parting, bowing to Raiden before departing to the sidelines. He looked to the blonde waiting with arms crossed.

"That leaves you, Sonya Blade." He stated. Without a word, Sonya proceeded to stand across from Raiden. Resting along her thigh was a rack of grenades and her power gloves remained strapped to her hands, charged and ready for use.

"Saving the best for last?" She wondered.

"I show no favouritism, only discretion." Raiden responded.

"I'd say that's smart but I've seen otherwise." Sonya retorted. "This army gal is full of surprises. Good thing for me you tired yourself out beforehand." Without another word, she struck with a triple roundhouse kick that Raiden deftly blocked only to follow up with two jabs and a spinning elbow strike before she lunged forward into a handstand and used raw leg strength to grab and throw Raiden with her lower limbs alone.

The thunder god scrambled back to his feet, turning and blocking her twin jabs as well as her hard-swinging backhand. Sonya then attempted a sweeping kick into a high kick, followed by two alternating elbow strikes and then a blow to his gut. But as she landed her punch, Raiden steeled himself and grabbed her arm, twisting her around into a submission hold where a burst of lightning sent her stumbling away. The thunder god pursued her, striking with a roundhouse kick and then an electrified palm strike to keep her off-balance before he summoned his jo staff and put her down with three quick jabs.

Sonya pushed herself to her feet, realizing that Raiden's jujutsu was proving more than a match for her tae kwan do and that he was the furthest thing from worn out. She would have to attempt something more advanced in order to succeed.

Priming one of the grenades on her hip, she tossed it out and a thermal explosion went off in Raiden's face. Sonya expected a snap kick and then a heel kick that spun him around where she tossed out another grenade that she promptly threw Raiden onto. The explosion pitched him into the air, where Sonya shot him down with an energy ring blast. The blonde closed the gap, seeking to execute a pair of back-to-back roundhouse kicks. But Raiden, enveloped by lightning, surged ahead to deliver a hard palm strike followed by a blow to her midsection and then a double-palm strike that opened Sonya up for a high kick that sent her spinning. Summoning his staff again, he channeled an electric current into the ground and a burst of sparks knocked her off her feet.

Sonya scrambled back up, only to turn and find Raiden looming before her, the thunder god landing a sweeping kick to her ankles followed by two more kicks that struck her torso and head in rapid succession. Thinking quickly, Sonya fired off another energy ring only for Raiden to retaliate with a thunderbolt that interrupted it. Sliding across the ground to strike her shins, he stunned her long enough before snapping out a fist to knock the air from her lungs. Raiden then hit her with an electrified thunder knee and then a heavy headbutt that drove Sonya right to the ground.

With a groan and a growl, Sonya forced herself back to her feet as Raiden stood waiting. She struck with wide roundhouse punches that Raiden parried, priming him so she could landed an energized blow to his gut that translated into an energy ring that blew him backwards. Thinking quickly, Sonya quickly lobbed her last stun grenade that detonated at Raiden's feet. The electrical field that followed simply dissipated as Raiden went unmoved by its effects. Recognizing her predicament, Sonya hurriedly primed her power gloves as Raiden hovered above the ground. The thunder god stormed forward, powering through Sonya's twin energy rings as he executed a chop kick and then cross-checked her with his staff before turning and swinging it high to knock her on the chin with an uppercut.

Pitched to the ground, Sonya could not find the strength to get up and massage her sore jaw. "Your reliance on technology is both a strength and a weakness, Sonya Blade. Do not depend upon it in place of your own skills. Your performance in kombat alone will determine victory or defeat." Raiden stated sagely. "Use it as the tool it is, but do not think of it as your only path to success." Humbled and feeling humiliated, Sonya quietly accepted Raiden's hand up and returned to the sidelines.

The thunder god looked to them all. "All of you have proven capable kombatants. You are ready for the Mortal Kombat Tournament." He declared.

"What would you have us do now?" Magnus wondered.

"Take this time to rest, prepare your minds for what is to come. Liu Kang, Kung Lao and myself will be available for consultation if you have questions or concerns." The thunder god said. "Know that I am pleased with your progress. I am confident you will succeed in what is to come."

Later that evening, the six champions found themselves seated at the same table, enjoying a sobering dinner together. Even the usual brevity brought by Johnny was missing, the actor apparently under the same heavy cloud that tomorrow was the day their training was put to a proper test.

"So… hat man, ever thought you'd see a modern day viking, actor, and army gal here in your monastery?" Johnny wondered. Kung Lao snickered.

"I suppose not. But one never knows what forms the champions of Earthrealm will assume." The monk replied.

"There was one American who trained with us long ago before your arrival." Liu Kang interjected. "But he left, unable to handle the duties and responsibilities of a Shaolin."

"Is it a hard life, Liu Kang?" Mileena inquired.

"Perhaps to some. Not everyone can walk the path of a Shaolin." Liu replied.

The heavy think of a mug hitting the table was followed with a satisfied sigh from Magnus as he finished chugging the rest of his rice wine. "I believe I have acquired a taste for this drink." He mused, glancing at his empty mug. "It still pales in comparison to the mead of my homeland, but it does the trick."

"You and Master Bo' Rai Cho would get along well." Kung Lao chuckle as he offered a fresh jar of the stuff. "More? To compensate that which wound up in your beard." He offered teasingly. Magnus chuckled warmly and accepted the jar, pouring himself another round.

"If you drank more slowly you would not spill so much." Liu Kang sagely proffered with an amused grin.

"That is not the way of the Ynglings." Magnus replied, downing another hearty swig. "We are a people who do everything in sizeable portions. Eating, drinking, fighting, it is how we have always lived."

"You're a man who appreciates good drink." Kung Lao noted. "Yes, I think you and Bo' Rai Cho should meet one day."

"If we survive the tournament." Magnus muttered, nursing his drink.

"Who's this Bo' Rai Cho?" Sonya wondered.

"A Shaolin, like us. Master of the Drunken Fist technique." Liu explained. "Something of a 'drunken master' if you will."

"Ohhhh, I've seen that one. More comedy than action but it's not bad." Johnny remarked. Sonya rolled her eyes.

"You have a movie reference for everything, don't you Cage?" Mileena questioned.

"There's a movie reference for everything." The actor replied. "Step into a cinema one time and you'll see what I mean." At that, Mileena snickered.

"I was there when Charlie Chaplin's films were first released. I am well aware of the culture, I just don't feed into it." She said, savouring the shocked look Johnny gave her.

"Aren't you the least bit concerned about what tomorrow's gonna bring?" Sonya demanded. "The fate of the world is at stake and you're out here making movie references!"

"Oh we're all thinking about it, princess. Just trying to brighten the mood a little." Johnny replied.

"Don't call me that!" Sonya snapped. "I should've expected this from some actor who's never had a hard day in his life?"

"Oh, I don't know what hard is?" Johnny retorted. "Getting divorce papers from my ex. That's hard. Forking over thousands of thousands of dollars to her lawyer, that's hard. Selling everything I own to make sure ends meet, that's hard!" He paused, trying to calm down as the intensity departed his eyes.

It was then that Sonya and everyone else suddenly realized that Johnny's persona, his bravado and overly-excessive nature, was just a shield for what was really going on in his life.

"When Raiden found me, I had no possible roles, no back payment due, not even a royalty cheque on the way. So when he told me that this would change my life, of course I said 'hell yeah' and followed him. Trust me, Lieutenant, I'm all about winning this. Just trying to make it more bearable in the meanwhile." Settling back into his seat, Johnny stared at the table in front of him as an uncomfortable silence ensued. "Hey, uh… you wanna pass the eggrolls, Lao?" He muttered quietly.

"Your story is not unique, Cage." Magnus suddenly piped up during the exchange between him and Kung Lao. "I lost my family when I was ten years old and spent who knows how many afterwards aimless and wandering. I was no one, I had nothing, until Raiden came and offered me something more. He said I was 'destined for greater things' and I did not believe him. But… after all we've been through so far, I am starting to think there may yet be truth to his words."

"I feel the same way." Mileena agreed. Sonya said nothing and just stared at her empty plate.

"Well… how about that. We're all just Raiden's Ragamuffins." Johnny remarked, leaning back in his seat.

"History tells us the greatest of warriors often have the most humble beginnings." Liu Kang said. "All of us come from some form of misfortune in one way or another. But I believe in Lord Raiden and his guidance for us."

"Easy for you to say, Chosen One." Kung Lau retorted, elbowing him. His choice of words brought a sudden quiet to the table, the other champions confused by his description.

"Chosen whatnow?" Johnny asked aloud.

"'Chosen One'?" Sonya repeated. "What's he talking about, Liu Kang?"

"It is nothing." The monk brushed it off with a dismissive wave. Kung Lao begged to differ.

"Oh no! It's something alright! There is a prophecy claiming that a Shaolin would one day rise up to defeat Shang Tsung and bring justice to the tournament, restoring the honor it has been robbed of." He described. "Many of the monks believe Liu Kang is that 'chosen one'."

"Aren't you the descendent of the guy who beat Shang to begin with?" Johnny asked, suddenly impressing everyone with his knowledge of history. "Why not you?"

"I've been asking myself the same thing." Kung Lao muttered with a roll of his eyes.

"This has not been spoken of until now." Magnus mused under his breath. "Who believes Liu Kang is the Chosen One?"

"Well-"

"Lord Raiden. Heard it myself when he was talking to Master Wen." Kung Lao revealed. "Apparently Liu Kang shows a proficiency no one else ever has before."

"Wait a minute… if you're supposed to be the one to win this thing, what does Raiden need us for?" Sonya demanded.

"Because Earthrealm needs champions." Liu Kang stated, speaking definitively. "Prophecies are just words on parchment. They are not guaranteed to be true. Besides, if Earthrealm placed all their hopes in me and I fell in the tournament… Shao Kahn might as well conquer us as soon as possible." He told them. "Chosen One or no, I do not care. All I know is that I cannot win Mortal Kombat alone." He added, glancing at the put-out Kung Lao.

"Yeah… well, talk about your cliches." Johnny commented. "Pretty sure ninety percent of the scripts that get pitched to me feature a 'chosen one' of some sort. I prefer you as a 'Bruce Lee-wannabe' anyway."

"Liu Kang is no 'wannabe'." Magnus interjected. "He is a genuine kombatant who has trained more than the rest of us have. If anyone deserves to win this, it is either him or Kung Lao for their dedication." He looked to both of the Shaolin at the table. "I trust your skills. If anything, I will do my best to ensure you make it to the end of the tournament." Liu nodded softly.

"Thank you, Magnus."

The Njordborn stood, mug in hand. "Whatever tomorrow brings, whatever this Shang Tsung has planned for us, if these two months have taught me anything it is that I would rather face it alongside the five of you over anyone else." He said, speaking with a genuine sense of commitment as he looked upon the five fellows he found himself bonding with. Despite their quirks and rough edges, the Yngling found himself seeking no other companionship.

"I agree." Mileena stated, rising alongside him. Liu and Lao also rose from their seats.

"Is this a toast? We doing a toast?" Johnny wondered, hopping up as Sonya was the last to rise. "So, what, 'to Earthrealm's champions'?" He asked.

"Magnus… have your people any words to mark an occasion such as this?" Liu Kang inquired. Magnus nodded.

"Before great battles, or to mark momentous occasions, my father, the chieftain, would raise his mead and say to us all… I dag spiser vi i Miðgarðr. I morgen spiser vi i Valhǫll! Skol!" He pronounced, raising his mug high. One by one the others copied him, sharing a hearty salute as the united champions of the realm.

"Skol!"

As dinner came to an end, one by one the champions departed to their rooms for the night. On their way back, Magnus and Mileena strode slowly side by side as they approached their respective rooms at opposite ends of the same hall. Pausing at the entrance, they shared a glance wondering what to do next. "I will not blame you if you wish to rest for tomorrow." Magnus stated. Mileena caught the hidden hook in his sentence.

"But?" She pried.

"But I would more than welcome your company in my bed again tonight." He said softly. Mileena smiled, appreciating his openness. It turned a little lustful when memories from last night resurfaced and her brain switched gears to delve into the erotic.

"I did promise I would reward your self-control." She mused with a purr, running a hand up the length of his torso. "And you haven't even so much as laid a hand on me today."

"If I had, I am certain there would've been a very different discussion at that table." Magnus replied, folding his hand around hers. Mileena retained her smile, a dark look coming over her gaze as she leaned forward and against him, reaching up until her lips ghosted his ear and asked in a breathy voice,

"Your room or mine?"

Author's Note: Alright folks, that wraps the prelude. On to the tournament!