Scorpion turned to glare at Shang Tsung.
"I have a won a battle in your tournament, sorcerer! I demand to face Sub-Zero!"
The sorcerer scoffed.
"You do not give orders here, specter."
Scorpion's eyes literally blazed.
"I will have the head of the man who slaughtered my family and clan!"
Spidey's eyes widened.
(*Gulps* Yeah, really wouldn't want to make that guy mad. And here I thought nobody had a temper like Hulk!)
Shang Tsung scoffed.
"Perhaps you will fight him, but first you must fight once again."
Scorpion's eyes narrowed, fists clenching. He slowly nodded. Shang Tsung chuckled.
Raiden and Liu Kang brought Kung Lao over to the others. Iron Fist knelt by the Shaolin's side.
"Raiden, you must heal him."
The god of thunder nodded and the electricity from his hands surged and raced along and through Kung Lao. Raiden focused his healing on the young Shaolin, but he had words to share with the others.
"Scorpion, I recognize that style of fighting. In life, Scorpion's name was Hanzo Hasashi. A member of the Shirai Ryu, a clan that broke off from the Lin Kuei then settled and thrived in Japan centuries ago. The Shirai Ryu were amongst the most deadly of shinobi or ninja in Earthrealm's history."
Spider-Man rubbed the back of his neck.
"And here I thought ninjas were just fodder for movie protagonists."
Raiden sighed, shaking his head.
"Often the portrayals mortals pose ninjas in your 'media' do not do them justice. Ninjas are as you mortals say: 'no joke', the Shirai Ryu were no exception."
Spider-Man raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean 'were'?"
"The Lin Kuei ambushed them in their home, the Fire Garden, and slaughtered them."
Spider-Man's eyes widened, along with some of the others present.
"But, if they were slaughtered, why was one of them raised from the dead to fight if they were slaughtered?"
"The Shirai Ryu were killed while they slept. But Hanzo Hasashi had been away and when he returned, he killed several of the Lin Kuei before eventually dying of his wounds."
Spider-Man sighed.
"And he wants to kill the man he holds responsible...we've gotta stop him."
Jax grabbed Spider-Man by the shoulder, hard and turned him around to face him.
"Going after and killing a man's family and friends, and you say he's got no right to avenge them? And you call yourself a hero."
Jax pushed him and Spidey skidded across the ground, eyes narrowed.
"I lost someone important too, but I decided to be better than the one who took them away."
Jax cracked his knuckles.
"You heartless little-"
Sonya grabbed Jax's arm as the man took a step towards Spidey.
"Let it go, Jax, he isn't worth it. Besides, we've got bigger problems. Scorpion probably doesn't even realize he's being manipulated."
Raiden stood after finishing healing Kung Lao.
"Agreed, Ms. Blade. Quan Chi is a manipulative demon and he reminds me of one who was the greatest enemy of all."
Liu Kang helped Kung Lao to his feet.
"But you, Fujin, and the Elder Gods imprisoned him long ago."
"We did...but it doesn't take away the similarities I see between him and Quan Chi."
"Raiden."
Raiden turned to Hilda.
"We need to talk."
"We will, Hilda. But I sense Shang Tsung has chosen Scorpion's next opponent."
Hilda sighed and nodded. They all turned to Shang Tsung. The sorcerer eyed the crowd carefully and decided on the revenant's next opponent.
"For the next fight, Scorpion shall face Nightwolf!"
Those gathered turned to Nightwolf, whose eyes narrowed before he walked to the other side of the arena. Scorpion turned to him. Nightwolf held the specter's gaze.
"I know of your pain, Scorpion. It is not dissimilar to the one I bare."
Scorpion's eyes narrowed.
"What do you mean."
"I am Nightwolf, defender of the Matoka. My people have suffered terrible injustices like yours."
Scorpion remained quiet, listening.
"Your rage is justified, your pain is one I understand. In this moment though, you must realize that your path of vengeance is being misdirected."
"You dare."
Scorpion's hands suddenly went ablaze as they clenched into fists.
"Listen to me-"
"No! You call me seeking the death of the man who led the attacks and slaughter of my family and clan 'misdirected'?!"
"Scorpion-"
"Enough! I shall deal with you then take the head of Sub-Zero!"
Nightwolf sighed.
"Then I am sorry."
Scorpion grumbled.
Shang Tsung smirked as he raised his hand. He chopped it down as he proclaimed.
"FIGHT!"
Scorpion snarled as he raced forward. Nightwolf's eyes widened at the speed of his opponent, but he held his ground. The ninja threw a swift jab, though it was aimed directly for Nightwolf's left arm. The Matokan sidestepped the attack, but Scorpion jumped up then struck out with a kick. Nightwolf grunted as ducked under the strike then slid a few feet to the side. The revenant quickly turned and lunged at him again. The Matokan warrior dodged the open palm strike thrown at his face, moving his head to the side.
Nightwolf turned to the side, swiftly striking at Scorpion's torso with his right elbow. The ninja ducked under the attack then quickly twisted to stand straight. Scorpion leapt at him and Nightwolf held his ground. The Matokan warrior blocked the punch aimed at the center of chest before pushing away a curved open palm strike aimed at his upper torso.
Spidey's eyes widened.
"He's good."
Raiden gave a knowing smile.
"You are surprised?"
"No, it's just...uh...uh...yeah...shouldn't have said anything."
White Tiger and Raiden chuckled.
Scorpion grunted as he quickly grabbed Nightwolf's left wrist with his right hand. He pulled his opponent's arm forward then slammed his open left hand against Nightwolf's chest. The Matokan warrior skidded back, one hand over his chest. He spit out a little blood then wiped his mouth of it. He inhaled and exhaled, eyes closed. Scorpion stood where he was having taken another fight stance. Nightwolf's eyes opened and he charged. Scorpion grunted as he raced to meet him. Scorpion leapt up, throwing a sweeping kick at his opponent.
The Matokan slid under the strike and around the ninja then threw a swift punch, hitting the back of Scorpion's left leg. Scorpions grunted as he landed on the ground, eyes narrowed on his opponent. The two rushed to meet one another again. Nightwolf slashed open handed strikes at Scorpion's face, but the ninja evaded or blocked the strikes. He returned with swiftly aiming flat handed attacks to the Matokan's chest though Nightwolf managed to push the attacks to the side.
The Matokan then slammed into Scorpion, left shoulder first and sent the ninja skidding back. But Scorpion quickly raced back at his opponent. Nightwolf blocked the jab to his solar plexus with his right hand then swiftly sent a low uppercut with his left fist that struck Scorpion's right side just below the armpit. The ninja grunted as he quickly pulled back his right hand then jumped up, throwing a sweep kick. The blow landed against Nightwolf's lower torso and sent him skidding back.
Raiden watched intently, his eyes never leaving the battle even though some of those beside him spoke up. Liu Kang's eyes shook slightly.
"Scorpion is most deadly. We had heard of the Shirai Ryu in the temples. The monks would speak of the ninja's skill in both assassination and in battle."
Kung Lao grunted as he slowly circled one arm.
"Tell me about it."
Yuki's eyes widened a little as fires burned from Scorpion's eyes. The ninja roared as he threw punches at Nightwolf.
"I've never seen just aggression before."
White Tiger growled under her breath.
"Losing family will do that to you."
Yuki nodded before turning back to watch the fight go on. Fujin was almost as emotionless in visage as his brother. A faint hint of a scowl was on his face.
"Scorpion being used like this is cruel, even for Quan Chi."
"And being forced to fight someone who can understand and sympathize with him...the irony here is not lost except on Scorpion."
White Tiger turned to Raiden.
"You think Nightwolf can reach him?"
"He is trying to, though the fight has a great degree of his focus now."
The Matokan pushed aside a jab aimed for his face, moving with the punch. He slid behind Scorpion. The ninja turned quickly, eyes narrowed.
"Scorpion, your pain and rage is being led down a path you're not seeing."
Scorpion's eyes narrowed, eyes blazing.
"I have the chance to avenge my dead! How can you not see my path?!"
Nightwolf grunted as he sidestepped the kick that the ninja launched as he leapt forward. Scorpion growled as he lunged forward, throwing several swift punches aimed at Nightwolf's face and upper body. But the Matokan pushed aside or blocked each strike. He quickly grabbed another punch from Scorpion and quickly blocked an uppercut from the ninja's other hand. He laid both hands against one another.
"Quan Chi is using you! He-"
"Enough!"
Scorpion quickly struck out with his foot, the blow landed on the side of the Matokan's leg. The blow forced Nightwolf to lose his grip and the ninja slid back.
"Quan Chi brought me back from the dead to avenge my family! I will not dishonor my family and clan by not taking their killer's head!"
Nightwolf grunted as he stood back up and sighed. Both charged at one another once again. Scorpion grunted as he struck out with his a swift strike to Nightwolf's face, which the Matokan caught. But Scorpion quickly landed a flat handed full finger strike to Nightwolf's lower torso. Nightwolf grunted, placing a hand over the area where the ninja had struck. Despite this, he couldn't help but chuckle.
"Like a scorpion's sting. You deserve your name."
Despite the pain he felt, Nightwolf meant what he said. He had studied how swift and deadly Scorpion fought. Though he didn't expect Scorpion to winningly let an attack to be caught as a feint. The ninja stood where he remained.
"You're hurt, surrender."
Nightwolf chuckled.
"I am deeply sorry for your loss. But I cannot surrender."
Scorpion sighed and nodded.
"You have courage and honor. I will finish this quickly to spare you anymore pain."
Nightwolf chuckled.
"Was about to tell you the same."
Everyone gathered thought they heard the faintest of chuckles coming from Scorpion. Quan Chi's eyes narrowed as he scowled.
"Finish him, Scorpion!"
The revenant sighed. Nightwolf held his ground as Scorpion raced forward. Scorpion threw a swift punch aimed for Nightwolf's face, but the Matokan warrior pushed the strike up with his free hand then threw the one holding his pained area forward. The blow clawed up into an uppercut with a pained snarl. Scorpion grunted in shock but twirled in the air and landed on his feet.
Nightwolf panted, staying on his feet.
Spidey gulped, but subtly prepared to lunge at any moment. Scorpion rushed forward. Nightwolf let out a battle cry as he leapt throwing a vicious haymaker. The blow landed, sending Scorpion reeling.
Spidey's eyes widened and he jumped up.
"Way to go, Nightwolf!"
Nightwolf turned from gazing at the cheering young superhero back to the ninja. The revenant slid past Nightwolf and struck out. A few fingers struck the back of Nightwolf's neck and down his spine. Nightwolf gasped, not out of pain but shock, as he dropped. Scorpion stood over him and bowed. Nightwolf coughed but nodded.
Shang Tsung sighed despite his small smile.
"Scorpion is the victor!"
Quan Chi grumbled, arms crossed. Shang Tsung turned back to the crowd.
"The tournament shall resume in a moment, I must take care of a matter first."
Shang Tsung walked off with Quan Chi following him. The Lin Kuei carefully moved to follow them without notice, except a few noticed them.
Nightwolf looked up at Scorpion.
"What...was that?"
"A disabling move. Best used when the opponent is tired and unable to react quickly."
"I...I don't feel any pain where you hit me."
"The strike also blocks the flow of chi in your body, you will not feel that pain until the effect of the technique is finished."
Raiden walked over and knelt beside Nightwolf. As with Kung Lao, Raiden used his electricity to heal him. Nightwolf sighed as he stood up. Scorpion's eyes widened at this.
"Or have that done."
Nightwolf cracked his neck.
"I failed, Raiden, I'm sorry."
"You fought well, Nightwolf. Return to the others."
Nightwolf nodded and walked over to the others.
Scorpion sighed and started to walk off.
"Scorpion, or is it Hanzo Hasashi?"
Scorpion's eyes narrowed slightly.
"How do you know my name?"
"I am Raiden, protector of Earthrealm and god of thunder. I caught word of the slaughter of your clan too late. When I had arrived, you all were slain."
Scorpion grumbled.
"Then you know what I must do."
"Perhaps. But the Lin Kuei are here, undoubtedly tasked by Shang Tsung to target and kill the defenders of Earthrealm."
Scorpion turned to study the group Raiden spoke of before turning back to the thunder god.
"What are you leading to?"
"I mean to subdue the Lin Kuei, preferably by having them protect their realm."
Scorpion's eyes blazed.
"You would trust them?!"
"To at the very least to protect their clan? I would. Their grandmaster is preparing to employ a ruinous tactic upon them that some of the clan are speaking out against it."
"I will have Sub-Zero's head."
"If I'm to understand what I know, he is one of those speaking out against it. As much as it may pain you, do not kill Sub-Zero. If you do not, I will go to the Elder Gods and implore them to return the Shirai Ryu to Earthrealm, alive."
Scorpion's visage went from burning to shock.
"Another chance at life."
Raiden nodded. Scorpion's eyes were wide and he almost began to cry. He nodded. Raiden smiled and nodded. Scorpion disappeared in a flame that rose from the ground then vanished. Raiden returned to the others.
"Scorpion may be of help to us. I made him a promise, one I intend to keep."
Fujin nodded. Spidey scratched his head.
"What promise?"
"To implore the Elder Gods to return his clan to Earthrealm if he spares their killer."
The three young heroes not from this reality flinched in shock. Spidey's eyes were wide.
"They can do that?!"
"Yes, I just hope Scorpion listens."
"He'd be an idiot not to."
"I have the sense he isn't. But first, I must prepare to bargain with the Lin Kuei."
Spider-Man's eyes narrowed.
"If what you say about them is true, you can't. They're killers."
"Killers, yes. But I doubt all of them would so readily make it easier for their realm to be conquered."
"Taskmaster sold out his realm."
"Yes, but there are those among the Lin Kuei who I'm aware may follow a path not led by their mad grandmaster."
"No, I won't work with them."
"You will if any of them agree to help protect their realm and yours from Shao Kahn."
Spider-Man put a finger on Raiden's chest.
"Listen-"
Liu Kang grabbed Spidey's hand and started to bend it back.
"You dare?!"
Spider-Man grunted, the man's grip was stronger than he thought it would be. He pulled his hand back and rubbed his wrist. Hilda walked to stand beside Raiden.
"Did you see? The Lin Kuei?-"
"Yes, they followed Shang Tsung and Quan Chi. I suspect to negotiate who their targets in the tournament are."
"Do you have a plan?"
"At least two of them I know have the possibility of being reasoned with."
Spidey scoffed.
"Yeah can't expect to trust the word of killers?!"
Raiden turned to him, eyes narrowed.
"I have killed, Spider-Man. And yet you came here to fight for Earthrealm and your own realm. You trusted my word."
Spider-Man's eyes widened.
"I...you didn't tell us you killed!"
Yuki sighed.
"Spider-Man, do you think this is something that's pleasant? I spared Skarlet because I saw a victim in her. But if I were to face someone like Shang Tsung, I would take his head for knowingly aiding in my realm's subjugating and slaughter."
Spidey shook his head.
"No, not even he deserves to die."
Kung Lao put a finger on Spidey's chest.
"If the only way to save our realms is to end Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn, you would doom us all!"
"Enough! This bickering and infighting only serves Shao Kahn. We must be united to defeat him."
Raiden's words quieted down the group, but Spider-Man still glowered at those gathered who spoke up in favor of taking a life. The god of thunder turned to Spider-Man.
"Each kombatant ends their match in their own way. You may spare your opponent's life. But what the others do you cannot interfere with."
Spider-Man raised a finger, preparing to speak. But White Tiger put a hand on his shoulder.
"Spidey, you may end up being the one who wins the tournament. You would spare their life and our world and theirs would be free without taking the final enemy's life."
"I know, but-"
"Enough. The sorcerers have returned."
Fujin's interjection made everyone turn around. Shang Tsung sat back in his seat and Quan Chi stood at his side. The Lin Kuei were not in immediate view though.
"The Lin Kuei are here, just watching. As is Scorpion."
Shang Tsung grinned.
"The next match shall begin! For the first kombatant: White Tiger!"
The heroine's eyes narrowed. Iron Fist put a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Be careful. I know you can win."
"Thanks, Fist."
She turned to Spidey, who grinned under his mask.
"Got get'em, Tiger."
White Tiger smirked under her mask, nodding. She stepped into the arena. The crowd grinned and chuckled, some nodding to the fierce heroine. She glared at Shang Tsung.
"Who or what is it going to be old man?!"
Shang Tsung chuckled.
"You have spirit, good. Better to have it and be crushed by Shao Kahn's warriors."
"Bring it!"
The sorcerer laughed.
"As you wish. Your opponent will be: Sheeva!"
A war cry rose out as a figure leapt from the crowd and landed in the arena across from White Tiger. The heroine's eyes widened then narrowed at her opponent. The figure rose, a tall and muscular feminine form with form arms protected by ornamented plated pale grayish brown armor. Horns curled from the top sides of her head to face up and surrounded a dark red mohawk of hair. Her right hands punched into her left hands, cracking her knuckles. A red sash wrapped over one shoulder and wrapped tightly around her waist. A shield was latched onto her back.
Spider-Man's eyes widened.
(*Alarmed primate sound* Whoa, whatever she is, her body is like how I was when I...'went savage'.)
"Raiden! What is that!"
"A Shokan, they are among Shao Kahn's fiercest and strongest warriors."
Sheeva scoffed.
"Not 'among', are, thunder god."
Her voice was low, commanding. Spider-Man gulped. Sheeva approached her opponent, arms crossing.
"You made a firm statement before the tournament. You had better live up to it during this battle, little tiger."
White Tiger grumbled, eyes narrowed, and claws extruding. Sheeva nodded.
"Actions, not words, good."
Shang Tsung chuckled.
"Don't drag this out, Sheeva."
Sheeva scoffed, arms thrown out and hands clenched. Shang Tsung raised his hand and slashed it down as he yelled.
"FIGHT!"
Sheeva roared as she raced forward, all four fists flying towards White Tiger. The heroine slid under the strike, launching back her claws slashing at Sheeva's side but the Shokan warrior caught her hand in one of hers then threw her forward. The heroine backflipped and landed on her feet with ease. Sheeva bellowed as she leapt forward. She threw her right fists forward, but White Tiger jumped up and onto her top right arm then lunged forward. Her left knee slammed into Sheeva's face. White Tiger landed on the ground behind her. The Shokan warrior chuckled turning to face her opponent.
"Good move, but it won't be enough."
White Tiger snarled as she raced forward. Sheeva chuckled as she threw her left fists forward, slamming into and cracking the ground below. But her opponent leapt up, sweeping one leg and her foot struck the Shokan's face. The heroine flipped back once as Sheeva stood up. The Shokan smirked then snarled, opening her mouth and shot a ball of fire forward. White Tiger gasped and ducked under the fire.
"What the hell?!"
"We Shokan have dragon blood, little tiger."
Sheeva shouted as she charged. She threw her lower right fist forward then quickly followed with her lower left fist. White Tiger pushed each strike past herself then threw her right claws forward. But Sheeva caught her hand with her upper left hand. Her lower right hand flew forward and sent White Tiger tumbling back with an open palm strike. Spider-Man's eyes widened.
"You can do it, Tiger!"
White Tiger grunted as she got back onto her feet. The Shokan warrior jumped up and fell to the ground. The heroine leapt up as Sheeva's feet slammed into the ground, cracking it once more. White Tiger landed a small distance away. Her eyes narrowed on her opponent. She raced forward again as Sheeva turned to face her. The heroine snarled as her claws flew forward. Sheeva pushed aside the strikes with her lower hands then shot her upper right fist forward. White Tiger ducked under the punch before pulling her arms back then kicked out with one foot. The blow landed, but Sheeva didn't budge.
The Shokan then threw a swift backhand with her lower left hand. White Tiger growled in surprise and pain when the blow landed, sending her flying back. She managed to land on her feet, but shook her head in pain from the strike.
"Stronger than you look."
"Humans always doubt the power of other species."
White Tiger grumbled. Sheeva grunted as she raced forward. The Shokan threw her lower right fist forward, which White Tiger ducked under then threw her right claws forward. They struck Sheeva's left leg as the heroine slid under the Shokan's legs. Sheeva growled as she turned, slamming her two right fists towards her opponent though she only struck the ground as White Tiger had slid out of the way.
Spider-Man sighed at this.
"Come on, Tiger! Take that four armed loser down!"
Sheeva scoffed, not turning to face the young superhero's direction. She lunged forward, slamming her two loser fists onto the ground where White Tiger had backflipped from just a moment before the Shokan's fists could hit her. The heroine snarled as she rushed forward, Sheeva still not having had pulled her fists up yet. White Tiger shouted as she lunged, kicking out with her right foot which struck Sheeva's face. The Shokan grunted as she turned around throwing out her right hands. The lower hand grabbed Tiger's ankle while the upper hand grabbed her wrist.
Sheeva bellowed as she slammed White Tiger against the ground. Spider-Man and Iron Fist's eyes widened as they cried out in unison.
"Tiger!"
White Tiger grunted in pain.
"Like fighting a four armed She-Hulk."
"I don't know who this 'She-Hulk' is, but I can assure you no warrior battles like the Shokan."
Sheeva grunted as she threw her left fists forward, which struck struck the ground as Tiger had managed to move the side not held by the Shokan away just in time. She grumbled.
"Yeah, getting that picture real clear. Now let go!"
White Tiger snarled as she threw her free hand forward, the claws slashed the hands Sheeva was holding her with. The Shokan grunted in pain, pulling her hands back. The heroine slid away. Sheeva grumbled.
"Your claws are sharp, but let's see how strong they are."
White Tiger shouted as she rushed forward, throwing out her right claws. But Sheeva had pulled out her shield, blocking the strike.
"Are your human made claws a match for a shield of the Shokan?!"
White Tiger snarled, claws gleaming.
"Let's find out!"
The two raced at one another. White Tiger snarled, throwing her claws forward. Sheeva blocked with her shield. Faint scratch marks were made from the claws. Sheeva scoffed at this. With the shield in hand, she tried to bash it against White Tiger. But the heroine slid under the attack and slashed out with her left claws, which scrapped up against Sheeva's breastplate only to leave faint marks. The Shokan bellowed as she slammed the shield down, but Tiger backflipped a few moments before.
Sheeva snarled.
"Attacking and retreating?! You call this a fight! You have no honor!"
White Tiger scoffed.
"Says the one fighting to conquer and ravage two worlds!"
Sheeva screamed, leaping up and slamming the shield down where White Tiger was before leaping away.
"Conquest is the fire of the dragon that burns in every Shokan! We are warriors and conquerors!"
Sheeva's war cry invigorated her attacks. She rushed forward, slamming her shield or fists towards White Tiger, who evaded each attack by leaping away. White Tiger grunted, chest pounding.
"I can't just keep dodging! Any ideas, Web Head?!"
Spidey nodded.
"Try to-"
Liu Kang's eyes widened.
"Stop! You cannot interfere!"
White Tiger and Spider-Man cried out in unison.
"WHAT?!"
Raiden's eyes narrowed.
"You cannot try to strategize or physically intercede in a kombatant's battle. One of the rules of Mortal Kombat."
Spider-Man's eyes widened.
"What?!"
White Tiger turned around, seeing Sheeva lunging towards her. The heroine slid under the swift swipe of the Shokan's left fists. She turned, growling, and lunged. White Tiger shouted as she threw her fists forward, striking Sheeva's face repeatedly. The Shokan laughed and with both left hands backhanded her opponent. White Tiger shouted as she flew back and landed on the ground. She panted as she got onto her feet.
Spidey's eyes widened.
"Tiger! You can do this! You can beat her!"
White Tiger growled as she took a fighting stance, glowering at Sheeva. She raced forward. Sheeva threw her left fists forward, but the heroine leapt over them and threw her knee at her foe's face. But Sheeva quickly grabbed her with her free right hand then slung her across the arena ground. White Tiger grunted as she landed on her feet, claws scrapping against the ground to slow the momentum of the throw.
Sheeva scoffed.
"Did you really think I'd let you use that attack again?"
"Let me? I think the first time I did that without you having a clue as to what I was doing."
The Shokan's grumbled then bellowed as she shot another fireball from her mouth. White Tiger ducked under the attack and raced forward. But Sheeva bellowed as she shot a stream of fire from her mouth. White Tiger grunted as she leapt out of the way. Then lunged, her claws slashing against Sheeva's legs. The Shokan didn't fall though, only turning and grumbling as the fire stopping flowing from her mouth.
"You have the speed and agility of the tiger. But where's the strength?"
White Tiger grumbled, fists clenching. Sheeva pointed to the amulet that laid upon White Tiger's chest.
"That amulet gives you your abilities, or you would have fallen by now. Though you don't know have the total power it would seem. As you might make for a worthy opponent if you had all a tiger's abilities."
White Tiger grumbled.
Kung Lao turned to Iron Fist.
"Is she right?"
"Another once tried to use the amulet, but he couldn't control the power and he lost his mind. Tiger is the only one who can control it."
"Well she better learn how to get a tiger's strength, or the Shokan will kill her."
Spider-Man's eyes narrowed.
"No, I won't let that happen."
Liu Kang turned to him.
"If you interfere, you don't know what you will unleash if you go against the rules of the Elder Gods."
"But I can't-"
"Easy Web Head!"
They turned to White Tiger who stood tall. She inhaled and exhaled, the amulet shining a little. Her eyes were closed then opened which flew green for a moment.
"I've got this."
Sheeva chuckled at this.
"Something is different it would seem, good. Come then!"
White Tiger growled as she raced forward. The Shokan's fiery eyes widened slightly, her opponent moving faster than before. The heroine snarled as she threw her fist forward, slamming into Sheeva's face. The Shokan turned back to her opponent and raised a hand to her mouth. She saw her own blood on it. The Shokan grinned.
"Good, very good."
Sheeva roared as she raised all her fists then threw them down towards her opponent. White Tiger slid away from the strike as the Shokan's fist cracked the ground. The heroine shouted as he lunged forward, her claws flying and slashing at Sheeva's skin and drawing blood with each strike. Sheeva grunted as he threw her lower left fist forward, but White Tiger pushed it aside with one hand then struck the arm with her other fist. The Shokan grunted as the heroine climbed up, punching her higher left arm then threw out a kick, slamming into Sheeva's face.
"Now taste the ground!"
White Tiger flipped forward behind Sheeva, grabbed the armor plating of the Shokan's shoulder guards and then flipped her and slammed her into the ground. Sheeva grunted as she jumped onto her feet, aiming to bash the shield against her opponent. But White Tiger ducked under the strike as she moved closer, her right fist striking Sheeva's face. The heroine then leapt up and kicked out with her right foot, hitting the Shokan in the face again. The feline heroine grunted as she backflipped a few feet away from Sheeva.
"Impressed now?!"
Sheeva chuckled as she stood up, wiping the blood from her mouth.
"Now this was the fight I was hoping for!"
The Shokan bellowed as she charged. White Tiger growled as she raced forward. She leapt onto the Shokan's shield then leapt onto her left arms. Before Sheeva could react, White Tiger grabbed the shield and slammed it backwards into Sheeva's face. The Shokan grunted as she stumbled. White Tiger then kicked out with both feet, striking Sheeva's face again. The Shokan fell, but caught herself with her left hands then pushed herself back onto her feet.
White Tiger's eyes narrowed. The feline heroine rushed forward, her eyes and amulet shining again. The roar that emerged from her was not that of a human's war cry, but the paralyzing roar of a tiger. Many of those watching watched in shock as White Tiger threw a flurry of slashes, punches, and kicks. Sheeva grunted and panted as she stumbled back. The Shokan's eyes narrowed at the furious gaze of her opponent. She threw herself forward with a pained yet resilient bellow. White Tiger dodged the Shokan's left fists as they flew forward. White Tiger leapt with a roar, flipping around then striking out with a fierce right kick. The blow struck Sheeva' face.
The Shokan warrior grunted as her head flew back from the hit. White Tiger grunted as she landed on her feet and took another fighting stance. Sheeva grunted and panted as she started to walk towards her opponent. White Tiger readied herself for another lunge. But Sheeva groaned as she dropped to the ground. White Tiger walked forward. Sheeva moved onto her back.
"Finish it."
"I already did."
Shang Tsung's hands clenched into fists, his mouth quivering in fury.
"White Tiger is the victor."
Spider-Man and Iron Fist ran over, hugging her, as they cried out cheers. White Tiger blushed and grumbled as they hugged her. Raiden smiled, nodding to her. White Tiger nodded back. She pushed Spidey and Iron Fist off her.
"Thanks guys...but I think it's time Raiden healed me."
Iron Fist nodded while Spidey rubbed the back of his neck, blushing under his mask. They walked over to the others and Raiden began healing her with his electricity. Nightwolf smiled and nodded to the feline heroine.
"You used more of the medicine gifted to you. A wise move."
Spider-Man turned to White Tiger.
"That...that roar...did you-?"
"No Spidey. I kept control."
Hilda sighed. White Tiger raised an eyebrow at this, but didn't say anything. White Tiger sighed in relief as Raiden finished healing her. Sonya patted White Tiger's shoulder.
"That was one hell of a fight. If we win this tournament, you and I gotta spar."
White Tiger chuckled, nodding. Jax laughed.
"Never thought I'd meet a lady with just as much fighting spirit as Sonya. Good job. You set a good example for the rest of us during this tournament. You fought hard and won, made that old man lose his temper over there."
The feline heroine nodded.
"It's not over yet though."
Raiden nodded at this but then turned to Spider-Man.
"I understand your desire to help her. But the rules of Mortal Kombat do not allow for interference in a match. If done, it would be seen as a direct violation of the command of the Elder Gods."
Spider-Man shook his head.
"Where we're from, we ultimately don't let rules get in the way of doing what's right."
Raiden sighed.
"There perhaps. But this final tournament is being fought for your realm and Earthrealm's freedom. Even Shao Kahn and his minions have not directly violated the rules of tournament. Though they have found loopholes."
(*Spidey rubs his chin.* "Loopholes, huh? Hmmmm.")
Liu Kang turned to Raiden.
"We will not fail you, Lord Raiden. We will win the tournament."
Raiden smiled, nodding.
"I know you will."
White Tiger walked over to Spider-Man and whispered.
"And if we don't?"
"We will...but if by some fluke we don't, I'm guessing our world and their world won't take too kindly to invasion. I'm sure back home they're getting ready all the same."
To Be Continued...
AN: Going to be going back to the USM reality next chapter for either a full or half chapter. I hope everyone enjoyed these two fights. Please give Story's Shadow cheers as he worked really had on these fights. He did better than I could ever have done.