Author's Note: iiiiiiiiit's kombat time!


-Chapter 5: Blood and Thunder-

Dressing alone in her room, Mileena tied her sash tightly around her chest before taking a moment to fix up the lower trousers of her Shaolin attire. Her thoughts were all abuzz at the prospects another day would bring. But more importantly, she was just eager to see Magnus again.

She smiled to herself as she slipped her sais back into her belt, feeling just a little giddy about getting to spend another day beside the Norwegian. That said, her mind was at a crossroads as she second-guessed her desires. 'Is it just because it's been so long since I last slept with someone? Or is it something Magnus has that no one else has…?' None of her fellow champions were bad looking. Quite the contrary, in fact. However there was always one little thing about each of them that was a real turn-off.

Johnny was obnoxious and annoying, more than likely to brag about whatever they did together. Liu Kang was too sanctimonious for her taste, Kung Lao too aloof, Raiden was a god and had no earthly desires. And Sonya, well… 'To borrow the Earthrealm phrase… she's too bitchy.'

That left Magnus. A man who was friendly, kind-hearted, strong of spirit and stature, and even more along the lines of what she sought in a man. Rugged, tall, fearless, determined, Mileena bit her lip just thinking about his shirtless physique. 'Maybe it is because of him. I don't think there's ever been an Earthrealmer that's moved me like this.' Cinching her hand wraps a little tighter before running her hands through her black bangs, Mileena felt like she'd preened enough. Certainly moreso than she had since her arrival here.

Satisfied with her appearance, she took leave of her room to go find Ma-… er, her fellow champions.


Upon arriving at the outdoor training field, Mileena discovered everyone had gathered together but it appeared that Sonya and Raiden were engaged in a rather heated discussion.

"…I can't just be cooped up here!"

"You must learn control, Sonya Blade."

"Control? What I need is to get back out there and find my damn CO!"

Seeking out Magnus, the Outworld woman strolled up to his side and paused to watch the confrontation unfold. "At it again, is she?" She wondered quietly.

"You could say that." The Norwegian murmured in agreement. They both watched silently.

"Look, you promised me you would give me a chance to find my CO. I've been here for a month and there's been no search effort, not even a mention of him from you!" Sonya sharply accused.

"Where your commanding officer is located requires more than what your training covers." Raiden told her. "Those who stand against you would surely be your destruction if you challenged them as you are. I brought you here to prepare, to train, only by becoming a true champion of Mortal Kombat will you find the necessary strength and skill to save him."

"Then you know where he is? Were you ever going to tell me?" The blonde demanded.

"Your anger is misdirected, Sonya Blade." Raiden chided, crossing his arms. "I am not your enemy. I am here to prepare you for the foes who would easily destroy a soldier. Your army is powerless against those holding your commanding officer captive."

"Bullshit! You know how much damage a hellfire missile can do?"

"I'm sure it is very powerful in the mortal realm. But the forces at play here are beyond the means of your military." Raiden countered. "Their magic is beyond any technology at your disposal." Sonya frowned.

"We'll see about that." Turning on heel, she left in a huff, not caring if she made a scene or not. Raiden remained stationary, watching her go. Once the air seemed to clear, Johnny hesitantly stepped forward.

"Uh, look, not to try and dogpile on you, Rai-dude, but the Lieutenant kinda has a point." He said. "We've been here for a month and we haven't done any of the things you said we would… let alone the things you said you'd help us with." Raiden said nothing, tilting his head down to conceal his eyes behind the brim of his hat.

"The goals you seek are found at the end of a long, hard path. You must be prepared lest the journey break you." He stated sagely. Johnny shrugged.

"Hate to say it, but I am kinda beat already. My ex-wife took everything she could in the divorce… I've got nothing to look forward to unless this tournament thing pans out." The actor commented. "You promised me an opportunity to turn my life around, and while I sure am happy to have a place to pass out and get a decent meal in, it's not really turning my life around… you know?" Raiden did not answer him. Instead, his gaze turned up and landed on Magnus and Mileena.

"Do the two of you feel as they do?"

Mileena shook her head. "This is the first time my life has had a purpose in centuries. I am here because of you, Lord Raiden. Even if I did leave, there is nowhere else I could go." The thunder god nodded before his gaze turned to Magnus, expecting an answer.

"You promised me a chance to bring my tribe's killer to justice. You haven't told me who it is or how we will find and stop them." The Norwegian stated simply. "I have no intention of leaving… but I would like some answers." Raiden's head tilted low again, eyes concealed beneath the brim of his douli. He appeared deep in thought, contemplating the responses from them all.

"Kung Lao and Liu Kang will continue your training today. I will return before day's end." He said at length, walking away before summoning a thunderbolt to teleport him out of the academy.

"What? Just like that?" Johnny wondered.

"You would question the choices of a god, Johnny Cage?" Kung Lao responded.

"As Lord Raiden said, your training continues." Liu Kang continued, rounding the front of the group. "Kung Lao will work with Magnus and Johnny on the development of your arcana, Mileena will come with me and-"

A low rumble resounded in the distance, prompting everyone to look towards a sudden column of flame that erupted from the front of the academy. "What is that…?" Magnus wondered under his breath.

"Nothing good." Liu Kang surmised. "Hurry! Follow me!" The six followed after him, racing through the Wu Shi Academy as the sounds of chaos grew louder and louder. Other Shaolin monks were running to the scene, ready to respond however they could.

Upon finally arriving at the outer gates, the champions were shocked to find the monastary under siege.

Men in armored and armed with advanced model assault rifles had already pillaged their way across the forward grounds of the academy. With them were a vast assortment of characters who looked nothing like the other rank-and-file gunmen. "Who the hell are these guys?" Johnny wondered incredulously. With them, Sonya frowned.

"Black Dragon." She growled.

"I recognize two of them." Magnus noted as he and Mileena caught sight of their former alleyway assailants; Kira and Kobra, back for more. The brunette strode forward, unsheathing her long knives.

"There they are. Just like we told you, Jarek." She stated. The man in question, an ex-soldier who still sported the crewcut as well as a bronze set of armor, nodded as he hefted his hatchet in both hands.

"So you did, Kira. Looks like we'll definitely get our money's worth." He mused with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"You trespass on Shaolin grounds. I would urge you to turn back now, while you still can." Liu Kang called to them. Jarek chuckled.

"Thing is, kid, we're not leaving until we've got all six of your heads on a platter." He said darkly. "We're out for blood. We've been paid to do a job and we intend to deliver."

"It will take more than mercenaries to defeat a Shaolin." Kung Lao boldly stated.

"Maybe so… but we'll take our chances." Jarek responded, waving his hand forward. "Give 'em hell, boys. Bring me their heads!" At once, his crew rushed forward. The assembled Shaolin monks attacked the regular Black Dragon mercenaries while their elite moved against the champions.

Jarek assumed a Lung Ying stance, squaring off against Liu Kang as the young monk primed himself in a Jun Fan stance. Young and strong, Liu Kang was an experienced kombatant. But Jarek was ex-military and an expert in his chosen form of Kung Fu, they circled one another, pacing themselves as they sought an opening...

Kung Lao gave chase after a particularly wily-looking criminal. With a pale, gaunt body laced with holsters for improvised explosives, not to mention the chemical flamethrower in his hands, everything about him read trouble. More disconcerting was his expression… his nose and ears were missing, he had no hair to speak off, he looked like that of a ghastly horror. With sunken eyes and thin lips, he had no face… a perfect Mannequin. Kung Lao was determined to stop him before his wanton vandalism caused too much damage to the Academy…

With knives drawn, Kira made a beeline for Mileena and met the Outworld woman with a Chuojiao stance. "Time to finish what I started." She sneered with a maniacal grin. Mileena unsheathed her sais in retort.

"You will not succeed." She stated with teeth gritted.

Adjacent them, Kobra was ready to go, the kick-boxer spoiling for a fight. "Time to die!" Magnus rolled his shoulders, spreading himself out wide in a Glima position.

"This again?" He muttered, ready to renew their apparent rivalry.

A short distance away, Johnny Cage set his sights on a man who appeared to have stepped through time. Dressed in brown leather, his face concealed behind a mask and his eyes hidden by the brim of a cowboy hat, his persona was completely by the lever-action carbine on his back and the twin revolvers holstered on his hips.

The actor had no idea who he was and might've thought twice if he'd know this was Erron Black; criminal gunslinger and the deadliest marksmen in all the Black Dragon.

"Let me guess… Dirty Harry? The Magnificent Seven? Or, wait… The Searchers?" Johnny queried. "You strike me as a John Wayne kinda guy."

"You'll find out… when I shoot off that ten-gallon mouth of yours." Erron replied, his hand by his holstered pistols in a quick-draw position as Johnny readied himself for kombat. Erron was quick on the draw as he fired from the hip, Johnny equally fast as he launched forward in a shadow kick, the green aura surrounding him deflecting the bullets harmlessly as his boot collided with Erron's chin at top speed. Spun around by the blow, Erron wasted little time recovering and firing his pistol, the round grazing Johnny's hip and forcing the actor to flinch as Erron withdrew a stick of dynamite from his belt and lit the fuse, rolling it across the ground towards Johnny. Reacting quickly, Johnny lunged forward with a leaping punch as the dynamite exploded behind him. Erron quickly caught his fist, however, and landed two gut punches that knocked the wind out of Johnny before he grabbed his pistol and slammed the handle into Johnny's chin and then pistol-whipping him across the face several times before a push kick sent him tumbling to the ground.

Nearby, Sonya had chosen to face off against the more ragged of the Black Dragon goons. Dressed in a tattered long-sleeve jacket, his black hair pulled into a top knot, there was a vicious look in his eyes as he circled Sonya. The Lieutenant knew him well. "All by yourself, Kabal? I thought Kano held your leash good and tight?" She wondered with a curled lip.

"You don't know nothin' about us, blondie." Kabal retorted. "I'm in this for the money just as much as he is."

"Then you can give me his location after I beat it out of you." Sonya growled.

"Fat chance of that." Kabal sneered. "Maybe your ol' buddy Jax won't mind spilling such secrets… if we haven't spilled his guts first." He replied, reaching behind him for his hook swords. He was quick to dash in, giving Sonya no time to react, and send her spinning as his blades raked across her back, only to turn and scoop her up by the ankle and slam Sonya into the ground, getting in some easy first hits. Pained by the impact, Sonya now understood her disadvantage. Kabal's superhuman speed made him a quick and deadly adversary, especially since she didn't have her usual tech on hand. That made this an uphill battle, the only way to survive this was to fight and fight hard.

Chuckling at his seemingly imminent victory, Erron retrieved his carbine strapped to his back and loaded some fresh bullets into it as Johnny struggled to recover. "Say g'night... partner." Erron drawled as he took aim down his iron sights. Nowhere near finished, Johnny performed a kip up before launching into a backflip kick that sent the carbine flying from Erron's hands, following up by a rising elbow and knee combo that struck the cowboy in the chin and gut simultaneously. Johnny finished it off with a sideways shadow axe kick, his boot colliding with the top of Erron's skull. Now it was Erron's turn to be laid out as Johnny landed, sufficiently pleased with his recovery. The Black Dragon gunslinger was far from defeated, though, and rolled to his feet as he sent a glass grenade full of sand Johnny's way. A quick shot from the hip blinded the actor, giving Erron the chance to surge forward and attack with a dropkick, his twin boots smashing into Johnny's ribcage with a enough force to put the actor flat on his back.

Sonya was on her feet as soon as she could be, ready as Kabal attacked her again. She grabbed his incoming fist and punched his face with multiple hard blows before grabbing his head and slamming it into her knee. Sonya attempted to attack further, but Kabal was quick to recover and landed a hard punch followed up with a kick to her torso before he sent a spinning blade sliding across the floor the cut up her legs. Tripped up, Sonya was open to a sudden shoulder bash as Kabal dashed forward, knocking the wind from her lungs. Drawing his hook swords, he then buried them in her shoulders and moved so quickly he was on the other side of her, grabbing his blades and hauling her off her feet, over his head, and slamming her into the ground. Pushing herself back to her feet, Sonya was forced to contend with another shredding assault from Kabal as he struck with his hook swords once again, bloodied by the assassin's wicked weaponry and further proof of Kabal's deadliness and ruthless nature. But Sonya managed to get her hits in as well, grabbing Kabal around the neck and driving her knee into his gut multiple times before throwing him over her shoulder.

Picking himself up, Erron loaded a fresh cartridge into his pistols as he slid across the ground into the rising Johnny, knocking him off his feet long enough for Erron to unload four bullets, two from each pistol, into Johnny's back. The actor recovered quick enough, forcing his way past the pain as he picked himself up to face a waiting Erron Black. The stock of his carbine smashed across Johnny's face and then into his chin with enough force to catapult Johnny into the air. Erron then fired a single shot that knocked him down to the ground, a fifth bullet wound in the actor's side. Grimacing in pain, Johnny pushed on and got back up as Erron approached him, surprising the cowboy with a sudden axe kick that caught him in the gut. Pressing his advanatge, Johnny nailed him in the face with a punch before driving two knees into his gut and followed up with a spinning hook kick that knocked Erron back, gasping for air as Johnny came at him again. A left and right jab smashed into Erron's masked face as Johnny then struck with an overhead blow and then an uppercut, followed up with another shadow kick that spun the cowboy around.

Having had enough, a hard punch to Erron's chest crushed his ribs and Johnny then pulled his head under his arm and dislocated his shoulder, promptly turning and throwing Erron onto his back as he writhed on the ground in pain.

Kabal spun his blades around, Sonya moving her arms and feet to avoid as much as she could, several slashes sparking against her armored arms but sometimes cutting through her flesh. Just as Sonya recovered from his onslaught, Kabal lashed out with a hard double punch that sent blood flying from her mouth much to the crowd's delight. But as he made to strike again, Sonya turned and landed a hard overhead blow followed by a heavy uppercut that cracked his jaw with impressive force. All of a sudden, she was pouncing on Kabal, Sonya driving him into the ground with a flurry of blows as she started pummeling him further, driving both fists hard into his chest with enough force to crack his ribcage. Kabal howled in pain only to be silenced as Sonya rolled forward and purposefully drove her knee into his face, smashing his skull on impact. The successive overloads of pain were enough to take Kabal out of the fight, Sonya rising victorious over him. Johnny was on the scene shortly after.

"Damn, he moves quick." He remarked, having caught a glimpse of Kabal's superspeed. "Hey, what're the odds that's his arcana?" He wondered. Sonya shrugged.

"At this point, I won't question it."

The ground suddenly trembled, the two wary of what could possibly be coming next as the very rocks began to shift and move. Seemingly of their own will they merged together to create a column the same height and size of a man.

Then they fell apart… revealing exactly that in their wake.

Dressed in the brown gi of a ninja, his face concealed by a metal mask, Johnny and Sonya found themselves staring down one of the most powerful members of the Black Dragon. Having accurately deduced the notion that some of them possessed arcana, their new foe was no different… only vastly more powerful. This was Tremor.

His chest seemed to be made of cut stone, living rock that bent and curved to his every step. His hands were absolutely encrusted with the stuff from the elbow down, revealing his intense physique in addition to his power. "Johnny Cage…" He rumbled in a voice like gravel.

"You know me?" The actor responded.

"I enjoy your movies." Tremor stated. Johnny beamed.

"They're pretty good, aren't they?"

"I will enjoy this even more." Tremor rumbled, putting up his hands in preparation for kombat. Johnny loosed a satisfied sigh and grinned.

"It really is nice to be appreciated and always a fun time meeting a fan-"

"Cut the shit, Cage." Sonya snapped. "Hold him off and buy me some time." She darted off towards the monastery, leaving Johnny alone against Tremor.

"Hey! Where're you going?" He called after her. Receiving no response he huffed in annoyance. "Blondes, am I right?" He wondered with a jerk of his thumb. Tremor said nothing, advancing slowly and still primed for kombat. "So, which one of my movies is your favourite?" The actor queried, bouncing back and forth on the soles of his feet. "I bet it's Fatal Infinity, right? Or maybe The Temple of Katara Val? You look like an action-genre kinda guy." Tremor remained silent. The gap between them had closed significantly. "Okay, now you're starting to creep me out." Johnny promptly lept forward to land a flying punch. But Tremor saw him coming and conjured up a boulder from the ground, sending it shooting forward to smash right into Johnny's chest, knocking the air from his lungs. The actor was laid out flat, coughing and spluttering as Tremor approached, summoning rock to form a boulder between his two spaced hands.

"You will lie with the rubble." He rumbled, ready to smash Johnny's head in.

But, in the nick of time, Liu Kang flew in with a fiery dragon kick to send Tremor tumbling. The Shaolin helped the groaning Johnny to his feet. "Dammit that hurt…" He wheezed. "He threw a rock at me… outta nowhere! Just how powerful is this guy?"

"His arcana is that of an Earth Elemental, granting him immensely powerful geokinesis." Liu answered, able to see and recognize the power at play.

"Oh yeah… sure. Why not?" Johnny grumbled, trying to prop himself up. He stumbled as Kung Lao arrived on the scene and the Shaolin eased him to a seated position while clutching his ribs.

"Rest. We will deal with Tremor." Liu stated, sharing a brief nod with his cousin as the two moved on the Earth Elemental. Rising to his feet, Tremor loosed a growl as the composition of his body began to change. The stone encrusted against his skin began to darken, bright orange veins of magma roaring to life as he took on a more primal appearance.

"You are not my targets, Liu Kang." He grumbled. "I will deal with you after Johnny Cage."

"We will show no such distinctions." Liu retorted as he and Kung Lao prepared to fight. "You are all Black Dragon. Therefore, you are all our targets."

Liu attacked first with a hard punch, cracking Tremor across his mask as the enforcer casually blocked Kung Lao's punch with his arm. He then grabbed Liu and drove a stony fist into his gut before summoning a hail of rock from behind that rebuffed Kung Lao. As the made to rise, Tremor channeled his powers into the ground, generating a seismic burst that pitched both of them into the air. Generating a bundle of magma, Tremor unleashed a molten stream that pitched both of the monks back across the ground.

Lao and Liu sprang to their feet as Tremor conjured a boulder full of lava and steaming hot rock, bowling it towards the two. Lao somersaulted over and executed a tornado kick that stuck Tremor on the jaw, staggering him long enough for Liu to blast him with a chi fireball and then striking him with a double-dragon kick that knocked Tremor flat on his back. The Earth Elemental disappeared into the ground, reappearing further away as he trapped both of their beet in mounds of stone. Thinking quickly Kung Lao followed up with a hat toss that cut through Tremor's shoulder, ruining his concentration and freeing the monks.

"So he bleeds after all." Kung Lao mused as he caught his returning hat.

"We can use that to our advantage." Liu concurred.

Having recovered, Tremor hardened up as he turned his whole body to stone. "You will be broken against me." He threatened. Kung Lao moved up to test that theory first, swinging his hat furiously as the bladed edge sparked against Tremor's stony skin. Channeling seismic energy, a powerful punchsent Kung Lao tumbling as Liu Kang moved in with a bicycle kick. Tremor stood his ground, his firm body withstanding every kick, before retaliating with an uppercut made of rock. Liu was sent tumbling and Tremor stood tall, conjuring a series of monoliths from the ground that began to develope stalactites and stalagmites…

"Hey! Rocks-for-brains!" Tremor looked up, seeing Sonya poised on a rooftop. Around her arms were a pair of energy cuffs, brimming with indigo power. Two bolts of energized rings struck the Earth Elemental and staggered him, giving Sonya time to deploy an attack drone. Controlling it with some simple buttons on her gloves, an electric shock erupted from the nose turret to stagger Tremor, which gave Sonya time to drop down and throw a stun grenade that caught Tremor in the face.

It detonated with enough force to pitch the elemental back and Liu and Lao were by Sonya's sides immediately. "Well met, Lieutenant." Kung Lao complimented.

"It's like I said: magic power ain't got shit on army engineering." Sonya remarked with a confident grin. Across from them, Tremor was back on his feet, arms out stretched to summon some of his biggest boulders.

"I will break you all!" He growled. But, thinking quickly, Kung Lao threw out his hat. The razor rim ricocheted off a nearby wall before zeroing in on Tremor on its side. The earth elemental could not move fast enough to dodge and looked on in horror as both of his forearms were sliced off.

He roared in pain, stumbling back as magmatic energy spilled from his open wounds. They would regenerate in time, but for now he was powerless and defenceless against the champions before him.

Meanwhile, Mileena was engaged in a heated showdown with Kira, knives and sais meeting in a shower of sparks to the tune of a resounding clang of metal-on-metal. The Black Dragon brunette was vexing to say the least, but Mileena refused to give in to her taunts and jeers. Catching her knives, they clashed, struggling to overcome the other. "I'm surprised to see how skillful you've gotten." Kira remarked.

"I have always been skillful. I was going easy on you last time." Mileena retorted. Kira push-kicked her away, lashing out with her knives in a x-shaped pattern that cut through the backs of Mileena's forearms.

"Oops. Did I cut you?" Kira sneered.

Nearby, Kobra was giving Magnus everything he could, and he had a very distinct advantage. His kickboxing skills let him land many a hit before Magnus could close the gap and throw him. But the Norwegian powered on, enduring the blows in order to grab Kobra by the shoulders and throw him to the ground, winding up and delivering an electrified punch as his arcana kicked in. Kobra gasped as the wind rushed from his lungs, left staring up into the wild eyes of a battle-hungry Norwegian with power cloaking his cocked fist.

With a roar, Kobra's nose shattered under another punch, his head rocked by an electric shock that followed. "AUGH! Hrk, gah… wud duh fug?!" He cried out as his own blood splattered across his face, confidence replaced with fear. Magnus reared back to strike again, only to stop suddenly as a lasso wrapped around his hand and pulled him off of Kobra.

Jarek, looking bloody and bruised after his bout with Liu Kang, reeled Magnus in. "One of you is gonna die and I'm not picky who!" He growled. Springing to his feet, Magnus gripped the lasso and fought back against the tension created by Jarek tugged opposite him. His arcana coming to life, Magnus channeled an electrical surge through the lasso that hit Jarek hard and caused him to drop the lasso. Charging ahead, Magnus grabbed Jarek and threw him to the ground, punching him in the head over and over again.

All of a sudden, the wounded Kobra was on his feet and wrapping his arms around Magnus' own to pull him off and trap him in place. That gave Jarek the chance to get up and grab his hatchet, ready to cleave into the Norwegian.

"Magnus!"

Teleporting away from Kira, Mileena reappeared over Jarek and drove him to the ground with a dive kick. She then turned and threw her sais, spearing the kickboxer's arms and driving him off of Magnus. Mileena dove in to collect, executing a cartwheel kick that knocked Kobra onto his back. Together, Magnus and Mileena stood side by side, ready to take on all comers. Kira moved to try and attack her again, leaping high and ready to bring her blades down…

But that's when Mileena revealed the trick up her sleeve.

With enough concentration, she morphed her jaw into its Tarkatan form just in time to bite deep into one of Kira's knives, snapping metal with a chomp as her sai knocked her other knife from her grip. "What the actual fucking hell?!" Kira shrieked, stumbling back as Mileena snapped her jaws, still side by side with Magnus. They were soon joined by Kung Lao and Sonya, with Liu bringing up Johnny to complete their ranks. The Black Dragon also reassembled.

All of them were beat up. All of them had been through the ringer. Most of them were still on their feet and capable of going again.

"Maybe we oughtta pull back, hoss." Erron drawled. Jarek looked at him sharply.

"I ain't going anywhere until I have one of their heads to bring back!" He snarled. "First one to do so gets a big fat bonus." He added. The mercenaries liked that and made to advance…

All of a sudden, a violent wind pushed them back, holding them at bay as storm clouds formed overhead. The Earthrealm champions recoiled from the sudden aid and looked up to see a man descending amid the tempest.

He was dressed in white and grey robes with red trim that flowed and billowed in the wind. His long white hair was braided into a ponytail reaching down to his waist. In his hand was a thin kusinagi sword and strapped to his hip was a collapsible crossbow. He stood poised before the Earthrealmers, brimming with power and ready to defend them.

"You have enjoyed the calm before the storm, Black Dragon… now you face my gale." Fujin announced.

Coming back to their senses, the mercenaries looked on as Earth's very own god of wind made his presence known. "How many of these fuckers does this realm have?!" Kira demanded, tired of her fights getting interrupted by deities.

"Who cares? We've got him outnumbered." Kabal retorted. He took a step forward… and stopped suddenly as thunder rumbled directly above him. Deafening peals and blinding flashes lit the area as Raiden suddenly appeared on the scene next to Fujin.

"You befoul hallowed grounds, Black Dragon! Know that your trespass will not be dealt with lightly!" He thundered.

Erron Black cleared his throat and leaned over to Jarek. "About that retreat-"

"You a fucking coward, Black?!" Jarek snapped. "You have guns, fucking shoot them already!" But before he could, Fujin channeled a wind funnel that blew the Black Dragon into disarray… and one by one they were dealt with by Earthrealm's protectors.

Surging forward with a burst of electricity, Raiden's shoulder slammed into Erron Black with incredible force, the gunslinger's ribs breaking under the blow. Stopping dead, he channeled his momentum into an equally-powerful uppercut that shattered Erron's jaw. Sent reeling, the gunslinger fell prey to a palm strike that slammed into his chest, breaking whatever was left of his ribs and also delivering a nasty shock that sent rippling twitches throughout his body. Erron stumbled, struggling to stay upright, still standing but didn't look like he could aim straight.

Launching a flying knee that caught Erron on the chin and staggered him even further, Raiden landed and threw his hands forward, shooting out a bundle of lightning that shocked Erron where he stood, stunning him and keeping him in place long enough for the thunder god to leap up and execute a high kick that slammed into Erron's head and took him down.

Fujin shot out Kira's thighs with his crossbow, lunging forward with broad sweeps of his kusinagi before catching her up in a bladed tornado of his own summoning. Spun around and slashed left and right, a bloody Kira was thrown to the ground in a heap as Fujin summoned a fresh gale to bring Kabal towards him. His power overwhelming his superspeed, Fujin caught Kabal in a hurricane before driving his blade deep into his chest and hurling him towards Mannequin, the faceless mercenary bowled over by one of his allies.

Raiden moved in, channeling a bolt of electric energy that struck Mannequin hard. His power ignited not only the fuel tank on his back but also the explosives holstered across his body. Kabal realized what was happening too little too late and his panicked "No!" was drowned out by a thunderous explosion. Searing flames engulfed Kabal as Mannequin was blown to pieces, the mercenary set alight and screaming in pain as he stumbled into a retreat. Raiden then conjured a storm cell, lightning forming around him in an orb that caught up Kobra and Jarek. The two electrocuted Black Dragon were flung away before Raiden took off and roared after Kobra with a war cry. His thunder fly connected with the kick-boxer and slammed him into the remnants of a wall, knocking him out.

Raiden and Fujin reunited as the scattered and beaten Black Dragon struggled to their feet. "You will withdraw and return prizeless to your masters." Raiden commanded in a booming voice. "Persist and you will find no victory here."

"If you value your lives, you will heed our words." Fujin echoed. The bloody Kira didn't need to be told twice, racing off after the burning Kabal but not before she hefted an unconscious Kobra over her arms. Erron backpedaled alongside the armless Tremor, neither mercenary feeling very confident. Only Jarek stood against them.

"No… No we can't lose. Not now!" He gasped. Then he saw Fujin and Raiden turn away from them, returning to their champions without further regard for the Black Dragon. Ever the underhanded scumbag, he saw an opening and took it, no matter how foolish it might seem. Jarek lunged, hatchet drawn back, ready to cleave Raiden in half from top to bottom.

But the thunder god turned, a blossom of sparks in his hand forming a staff, and he struck back when Jarek was most vulnerable.

The end of his staff plunged into the Black Dragon's chest like a spear, Jarek spluttering in agony as blood burbled from his mouth. With godly strength, Raiden held him up in the air as lightning crackled around his forearms. With a shout he channeled his power into his staff, using its metallic nature as a current through which he delivered a high-voltage shock. Jarek spasmed, his whole body twitching uncontrollably as Raiden electrocuted him with a sharp look in his flashing eyes. Steam began to rise from his body as Jarek's hatchet fell from his grasp, his body still faintly twitching as Raiden's power surged unabated.

At last, the thunder god planted Jarek on the ground, his limp body going still with a vacant look in his eyes as scars from electrical burns crept up his neck. Twirling his staff around, Raiden planted his weapon beside him as thunder boomed overhead, cutting an imposing figure that further cemented the Black Dragon's need to retreat. Tremor and Erron Black fled, leaving Jarek behind, and did not look back.

Raiden's staff dissipated in a shower of sparks as his champions looked on, still awed by his display of divine power. "Woah… death by electrocution." Johnny murmured, looking at Jarek's sizzling corpse. "Remind me not to piss you off. Ever."

"My patience for most Earthrealmers is eternal, Johnny Cage. But I have none for the likes of the Black Dragon." The thunder god stated. "I apologize for my late arrival. But it appears this trial by fire has not been too trying for you all."

"Who's your friend?" Sonya questioned. At that, Fujin sheathed his blade and bowed in the traditional Shaolin manner.

"Lord Fujin. Protector of Earthrealm. God of wind." He stated in introduction. "I came as soon as I discovered the attack on the Wu Shi Academy. Fortunately, you all rebuffed their attack without our aid." Fujin noted with a pleased smile.

"Yeah, about that," Johnny winded from his position hanging off Liu Kang's shoulder, "They seemed pretty hellbent on our heads. Any idea why?"

"It is a threat I anticipated, but did not expect in such a manner." Raiden confessed. "The Black Dragon have been hired by Outworld to eliminate Earthrealm's champions before the tournament. Your deaths would have given Outworld the edge it needed to win."

The news was sobering to say the least. The six shared glances infused with concern and surprise.

"That is against the rules of Mortal Kombat!" Liu protested.

"So long as it is not Outworld warriors doing the deed, no rules have been violated, Liu Kang." Raiden replied.

"So now there's an even bigger target on our backs." Sonya realized with a grumble.

"It is unprecedented. Never in the past nine tournaments has such an underhanded method of preparation been employed." Fujin concurred. "It is a symptom of Outworld's desperation to win and Shao Kahn's willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed… even if that means cheating."

"Then they have proven themselves the lesser in their honourless activites." Magnus mused, crossing his arms. "But that also solidifies the necessity for our training. If we do not succeed, we could fail in repelling further attacks and not even make it to the tournament."

"You speak truly, Magnus Shadrix." Raiden agreed. "Today you have proven yourselves. Rest, heal, slake your hunger and thirst. Tomorrow we will continue and we will not stop until it is time for the tournament."


Later that evening, Magnus roamed the halls of the Wu Shi Academy, looking for Raiden. As with many of his fellow champions, the revelation of the motives behind the Black Dragon attack had inspired them all to continue training and push themselves to go harder and further than before. But for Magnus, today had prompted some soul-searching and a moment of reflection in the aftermath. It had concerned him, but what he saw prompted him to seek answers. 'I have done my utmost to cling to my heritage and lineage. As an Yngling and a Njordborn, I should have all I need… but in this unfamiliar realm of life, I find myself lacking. Too much for my taste.'

He found Raiden sitting in a shrine and Magnus knelt quietly before him, waiting to be observed. "You are up late, Magnus Shadrix. I sense your spirit is plagued with many thoughts." Raiden stated without looking up.

"Today has been very revealing to myself, Lord Raiden." The Norwegian said quietly. "I have… concerns." Raiden looked up, eyes glowing blue as he regarded his champion.

"Do continue."

"I fear I am at a disadvantage. Knowing Glima and Glima alone does not prepare me for those who can strike me before I strike them." Magnus said. "My people are a hearty, rugged outdoor tribe. We are rough and and we fight brutally. So far it has worked, but today I have discovered so many new layers of kombat that I find myself inadequately prepared."

"You are afraid you will not avenge your family and tribe." Raiden noted discerningly. "You do not wish to fail before you have completed that goal." Magnus nodded slowly. "The man who killed your family is Shang Tsung, the sorcerer in league with Outworld and master of the tournament. He harvested the souls of your tribe to collect their arcana for use in his foul machinations." The revelation ignited the fire in Magnus, the same one that burned as hotly as it had the day Raiden promised him a chance.

"Then I must be prepared to face him." He quietly vowed. "A task I cannot do alone."

"You need only ask, Magnus Shadrix." Raiden offered sagely. Exhaling softly, Magnus wondered if he should prostrate himself.

"Will you… teach me? Something, anything, just… a way to be better than I am now." He asked as humbly as he could. Despite his raging desire to fight Shang Tsung, he knew better than to enter anything half-cocked. Only Raiden could provide the means to do so.

The thunder god rose and Magnus did too. "Your elemental arcana can be likened to my own abilities." Raiden determined. "I will teach you the art of Nan Chuan as it is my choice for kombat."

"Your choice? how many martial arts do you know?"

"I have mastered over seven-hundred-and-fifty forms of jujitsu." His answer surprised Magnus and the thunder god smiled slightly at his reaction. "There is much I have learned in my lifetime, Magnus Shadrix, and there is much I am willing to impart to those who are willing to learn. Tomorrow I will begin your training. Now sleep… there will be much to learn."


Author's Note: So if you didn't quite figure it out quite yet, 'Mannequin' is the name I gave to the character 'No Face' who debuted in MK:Special Forces and cameoed in the Snow Blind movie. Bit of a nobody but I felt he could use a better name.