-Raiden's Sky Temple, almost an hour later-
Those gathered already at the temple greeted Raiden, Nightwolf, and the two with them after they exited Raiden's private chambers.
Liu Kang and Kung Lao bowed to Raiden and his brother. Liu Kang greeted them first.
"Lord Raiden, we are ready. Lord Fujin, it is an honor to see you."
"We wondered if you'd return to the Sky Temple."
Fujin bowed to them both.
"Thank you, Liu Kang, Kung Lao. My travels have served me well, but it's good to see you both. How is Bo' Rai Cho?"
Liu Kang and Kung Lao chuckled.
Spidey scratched his chin.
(Apparently that's the guy who trained them both. We haven't met him, but apparently he's kind of Drunk Style kung fu master.)
Liu Kang chuckled.
"He is doing fine. But he's taking time to drink to calm his nerves for the tournament to come."
"He is participating?"
Liu Kang shook his head.
"No, he's just worried."
Raiden turned to his brother.
"My friend has trained them well. But his worry is understandable...he thinks of Liu Kang as a son."
Fujin nodded.
"We all worry about this...but we believe in you, Liu Kang. And with the others my brother has chosen."
Kung Lao rolled his eyes, having turned his head to look in another direction. Spider-Man saw this.
(Poor guy...really is unhappy about not being chosen...living in the shadow of another...that's never easy.)
Liu Kang turned to the woman with them.
"We are honored to have you with us."
Hilda nodded to him.
White Tiger turned to look at her. Something about her, something Ava couldn't put her finger on attracted her attention. Then she saw Hilda turn to her, the woman's eyes on her amulet.
"I see you have more than just one tied to natural forces, Raiden."
Raiden nodded.
Hilda turned to her again and her friends.
"You are...of this other Earth?"
White Tiger nodded.
The woman rubbed her chin.
White Tiger raised an eyebrow under her mask.
"Something wrong?"
"I feel something...conflicted within you. Great power and passion, but not free."
White Tiger crossed her arms.
"That isn't your concern."
Hilda simply nodded and turned back to the gods. White Tiger rubbed her chin. Iron Fist and Spidey walked over to her, with the second speaking first.
"What is it, Tiger?"
"Something about her...I'm not sure yet."
Iron Fist spoke in a hushed tone.
"What do your instincts tell you?"
Tiger narrowed her eyes at him.
"I don't know...but you know I keep that in check...but still...something about her is...different."
Spidey rubbed the back of his neck.
(White Tiger keeps the tiger power under control. She has some of its power, but she doesn't have the full raw strength Kraven had when he wore it. But when he did, he was no longer himself. The tiger had taken over. I shudder to think what she'd be capable of if she couldn't control it.)
They turned to see her talking with the gods.
Raiden eventually turned to the others.
"Gather what you must, it is time for the tournament."
Many went off to different parts of the temple. Raiden turned to Liu Kang, who simply meditated before them. Hilda turned to the brother gods.
"He's your Chosen One I'm guessing?"
"Yes, but each of you are champions. Liu Kang was raised and trained by the Shaolin since he was a boy. He has dedicated himself to serving Earthrealm and stopping Shao Kahn."
Fujin added his voice.
"We shall soon leave for the tournament. Shao Kahn will throw all his deadliest warriors against you. And everyone here is prepared to fight them."
"As you say. And these are all who you've gathered to fight?"
"You will see."
Hilda sighed and nodded.
Not long after this, those chosen returned to the meeting place. Raiden stood before them.
"Let us be on our way."
The thunder god moved his hand into the air, lightning engulfing the group. They stood before a humble ship, styled in ancient Chinese fashion.
Raiden walked up to it.
"Come, to Shang Tsung's island."
To Be Continued...