Disclaimer: I do not own Mortal Kombat or any of its characters. All rights belong to Ed Boon, Nether Realm Studios and Warner Bros.
Dark Wu Shi temple, Okinawa, Japan...
After a few hours on a flight from Hong Kong to Okinawa, Kurai and Drake return to the Dark Wu Shi temple in the early morning just as the sun was beginning to rise in the sky.
Yawning, Drake shakes off his sleepiness and stretches to wake himself up a little more. "Don't get caught doing that when you talk to Master Han. You're in enough trouble as it is when you left the temple to attend the tournament without permission." Kurai tells him earnestly as they both walk up to the temple gate and present their Dark Wu Shi temple medallions to the two warriors standing guard at the gate. The guards nod and allow them both to walk into the temple grounds
Drake sighs deeply and nods. "Yeah, don't remind me. And hey, I had an invitation with me before I came to the island. So, I had permission to be there, Kurai." He tells the Edenian prince with a grin.
Kurai snorts amusingly and looks over at the blonde fighter. "You gave yourself an invitation, Drake. Which you STOLE from the temple vault. While Master Han isn't as bad as he used to be with his punishments, you're still going to be punished for stealing from the temple, leaving the temple without permission, and attending a tournament where you might have been killed, if you weren't a gifted or talented fighter. All without permission." Kurai explains to Drake, who nods, knowing he had no ground to argue with all the points Kurai was making.
"No matter how much you want to try and get yourself out of a punishment, buddy, you're not going to. So just suck it up, and deal with it like a real warrior would." He tells Drake with an amused expression, causing Drake sigh in frustration as they walk up the stairs leading to the main temple.
Walking up towards the doors leading inside, Kurai and Drake could hear angry yelling and shouting coming from inside. One of the voices they both could instantly recognize as the Grandmaster of the Dark Wu Shi temple. Grandmaster Han.
The other voice was also one they could recognize from an individual they knew all too well. Kurai and Drake both look at each other with looks of annoyance and exhaustion. It was way too early in the morning for them to deal with this person.
"Silva." They both said with annoyance as they both walk into the temple, the two anger filled voices much more clear as they walk in.
"Damn it, Han, you allowed one of your students, a damned orphan, one with barely any experience as a fighter, to go into the temple vault and steal an invitation to attend the Mortal Kombat tournament! On top of that, you allowed Kurai, who comes and goes to and from the temple as he damn well pleases, to attend the tournament as well! If that doesn't show fucking favoritism, I don't know what does!" A man, Percival Silva, stands in front of Grandmaster Han while shouting at him accusingly as Kurai and Drake walk down the main hall of the temple.
Han, who was kneeling down on a soft pillow with incense all around him while his eyes were closed, inhales deeply before sighing. "Mind your tone, Percival. I do not show favoritism with any of my students. Kurai, however, has earned the right to come and go as he wishes. He has contributed much to the Dark Wu Shi temple. So, he has earned that right to do so." He says calmly to Silva, who angrily paces back and forth in front of Han, as he continues.
"Now, regarding Drake, I do not know how he managed to sneak into the temple vault, but this will not go unpunished. Kurai is coming back with Drake, when they get here I will deal with him accordingly. And I will not hear a word of it from you, Drake." He says to Silva while also calling out to Drake, causing Silva to turn around as Kurai and Drake walk up and bow to Han respectfully as the Grandmaster slowly opens his eyes.
Percival Silva, one of the temple masters, is a tall middle aged man with olive tone skin, long platinum blonde hair, a light beard stubble, bright blue eyes, and is currently wearing purple karate gi pants, a purple karate gi top, with a black belt, black leather braces, and black leather karate greaves.
Silva stomps towards Kurai and Drake with an angry expression while pointing at Kurai. "Why is he in here? Drake's punishment should be in private without the company of his best friend." He says to them, walking towards them to grab Drake, but Kurai puts his hand up, stopping the temple master.
Angrily, Silva walks straight up to Kurai and gets up close to his face. "I am a temple master, Kurai. You would do well to get out of my way." He threatens Kurai with clenched teeth.
Kurai doesn't back down and just glares at the platinum blonde man. "You're only a temple master because I turned that position down, Percival. You may be a master, but you don't command any respect around here like you think you do. Not like the other masters or sensei's do. You are nothing but a sad, pathetic little boy, who was given a position of power, but abuses it for his own benefit just because he can." He says to Percival, who, with an infuriated glare, raises his fist from the insult to strike Kurai.
"STAY YOUR HAND, MASTER SILVA! I WILL NOT ALLOW VIOLENCE HERE AMONG MY STUDENTS AND MASTERS!" Grandmaster Han shouts with authority, causing Silva to freeze at Han's sudden change of tone. He shakes with slight fear as he continues to glare at Kurai, who matches his glare with his own, as Silva lowers his fist and lets out an exasperated sigh.
Not wanting to anger the Grandmaster any further, Silva slowly lowers his fist while still glaring at Kurai before turning around, gives a quick and brief bow to Han, then turns back around to walk and exit the main temple. All with an enraged and infuriated expression on his face.
Sighing deeply, Han disappointedly shakes his head as Silva leaves the temple before looking at Drake to address him. "Drake... why don't you go on ahead and head to your room? We shall discuss a punishment for you soon." Han suggests to Drake, who nods with a respectful bow.
"Yes, Grandmaster Han." He answers simply then with a quick glance to Kurai, turns around and walks down the main hall to exit the temple.
After Drake leaves the temple, leaving only Kurai and Han in the main hall, Kurai gives Han an exasperated expression. Sighing deeply, Han rub the bridge of his nose. "Kurai-"
"Han, I know I've voiced my thoughts on this before, and even on Silva himself, but why? Why of all people, did you give HIM the position of a temple master when you know how power hungry he is?" Kurai interrupts Han with a frustrated tone.
Han sighs and brushes a few ashes off his robes before looking at Kurai again. "Unfortunately, he was the only one qualified to be able to take another position of a temple master, due to his experience. If you had taken it yourself, he wouldn't have got it." Han explains to Kurai, who looks at the Grandmaster skeptically.
"I turned down being a temple master for a reason. And seriously, Han? The only one? The ONLY one? What about Kouken? Or even Senshi? Hell, why not even Akuma? The man is brutal, no denying, but he's not as power hungry as Silva is. Now, of course, he trains himself daily, but only to better himself as a fighter, and not just gain more power for himself, but for the temples protection and the students inside it. He's one of the best fighters in the temple. Not like Percival Silva. Who contributes little to the temple, and sends many of his own students to the infirmary on a daily basis. Sometimes even on a weekly basis. On top of that, he's been after the position of Grandmaster since he first got here. And that was BEFORE he was even taught to fight." He rants before pausing for a moment as Han listens.
"Silva genuinely believes that to gain power, you must take it. Well, being here and being out in the world as much as I have over the years, that way of thinking is severely misguided and wrong on all counts. If one wants power and respect, you must do your absolute best to earn it. Not take it because you feel entitled to it or because you think you deserve it. Silva, despite his talents, has not once earned the respect of the temple or the people inside it, Han, even though he thinks he does when he doesn't. That's why, I am asking you to rethink your decision and consider another for the position of a temple master." Kurai continues to explain to Han, who closes his eyes and nods as Kurai makes all good points. He thinks for a moment before speaking.
"I agree with you, Kurai. I do. Truly. Senshi, Kouken, or even Akuma would have been better for the position of one of the temple masters. However, Senshi is far too serious, and pushes his students too far and is too firm. Kouken is... well, he's laid back. While that's not the worst thing for a temple master to be, he produces... I'm sorry to say, not the best warriors. Not the worst either, but none of his fighters would have survived the tournament if they had received an invitation. Akuma, while strong, fair, and firm, is too frightening for the students. He would produce excellent warriors, that much is certain. But no one will want to train with him." Han explains his reasoning as Kurai rubs his face slowly in frustration as he groans out.
Then he sighs deeply before shaking his head slowly. "Senshi is too serious, Kouken is laidback, and Akuma is too frightening. And you genuinely believe that Percival is any better? Sending his own students to the infirmary on a daily or weekly basis while calling them weak and unfit to be Dark Wu Shi warriors? How many fighters has he produced since you named him a temple master last year compared to Senshi, Kouken, Akuma, and the other sensei's? All masters in their own right, but unlike Silva, they're not temple masters. And yet they produce promising results with young warriors. So, go ahead and tell me, Han. How many warriors has Silva produced in the last year, and how many of his former students have requested to be taught by a sensei or another temple master?" He asks Han with real seriousness in his tone.
Han doesn't answer. He just closes his eyes, sighs deeply through his nose, thinks for a moment then nods. "Alright. I'll reconsider Percival's position as temple master and take into consideration the 3 you mentioned." He tells Kurai, who nods with understanding.
"Even though I recommended Senshi and Kouken, I actually highly recommend Akuma." He admits to Han, who looks at him curiously.
"Why Akuma specifically, Kurai?" He asks him, causing Kurai to look at the Grandmaster with a serious look.
"Because while you said students find him frightening, maybe that is exactly what's needed to keep students in line and have them take training a little more seriously. Drake included. And no one takes training seriously enough like Akuma does." He informs Han, while hinting at what should be Drake's punishment. Training with Akuma. This causes the Grandmaster to seriously think now about Kurai's recommendation.
"Hmm, perhaps you're right. Alright, Kurai, I'll take your recommendations into consideration. Especially Akuma's." He tells the Edenian prince, who nods, before leaning forward slightly. "Now, then, regarding your participation at the tournament. Have you found the answers you seek?" He asks Kurai curiously, causing Kurai to finally kneel on his knees in front of the Grandmaster.
"Some. I had an opportunity to find my answers in Outworld, but I refused. I wasn't going to trade one life, or even multiple lives, and Earth Realm itself just to find the answers to my questions. I'll get my answers another way." Kurai informs Han as he lowers his head, who looks down with disappointment. Not with Kurai or even that he didn't get his answers, but more so at himself for thinking that the Mortal Kombat tournament would solely provide him with all his answers.
Which was foolish to think so, even for him. Kurai then looks back up at Han with a hopeful expression. "But I am slowly beginning to remember things." He continues to explain, making Han's eyebrows rise with surprise.
"Oh?"
"Yes. I haven't had the opportunity to meet my sister yet, nor my mother, but I did manage to meet two people. Jade and Tanya. Two of my friends that would look after me in Edenia." He tells the Grandmaster, whose eyes narrow when Kurai mentions Tanya.
Noticing this, Kurai looks at Han curiously. "Han? What's that look for?" He asks the grandmaster inquisitively as the elderly man sighs.
"I don't know how to tell you this, Kurai, but... Tanya is one of the reasons for Edenia's fall." He explains to the Edenian prince, whose eyes widen in shock, when he suddenly remembers what Tanya said to him before she disappeared.
"Kurai, I... I hope that when you regain all of your memories... I hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive me. Forgive me... for what I had done all those years ago."
He remembers her words to him. Even though Han just told him that she was one of the reasons that caused Edenia to fall, it was her tone the first night of the tournament, and how she acted towards him made her seem remorseful and saddened at what had happened.
If so, then why did she do it in the first place? What happened that day and what changed in the last 9,000 years? Why the change of heart after causing Edenia's fall? At the moment, it didn't make sense to Kurai.
Kurai looks up at Han, who waited for him to answer. "Grandmaster Han. Tell me everything that you know about the fall of Edenia." He demands with a serious tone and expression, causing Han to nod.
Later that evening, Main Temple, with Percival Silva...
Silva had been summoned to the main temple by Grandmaster Han, he headed for the main temple immediately after he'd been summoned. He had been hoping to discuss a punishment with the Grandmaster for Drake Lee.
Drake has gotten away with much during his time at the temple, but stealing from the temple vault? That was something that couldn't go unpunished. And Silva is hoping that the punishment is severe.
Walking through the doors leading inside the main hall of the temple, which was now lit with many candles, Silva could see two figures standing in front of Han. One was Drake, who had a look of fear on his face. The other was Silva's rival at the temple, Akuma.
A middle aged man with dark skin, light brown eyes, jet black hair tied up in a high ponytail, wearing a dark blue karate gi with a black belt, and blood red leather braces and karate greaves.
Confused, Silva walks up to the 3 individuals in the main hall and bows to Han. "You summoned me, Grandmaster Han?" He asks the elderly man, who nods calmly as he motions for Silva and Akuma, as well as Drake, to kneel before him.
"Yes, I did, Percival. We shall get to you in a moment. First..." He begins then pauses as he looks at Akuma and Drake. "Drake, for your transgressions, Akuma, Kurai, and myself have discussed a punishment for you." He explains then stops to shoot a stern glance in Silva's direction to stop him from interrupting.
Silva backs down, which allows Han to continue as he looks back at Drake. "You will no longer be training with Kouken, Drake. While he is a great sensei to his students, it seems he has not disciplined you enough for you to take the rules of this temple seriously. Because of that, you snuck into the temple vault, stole an invitation for yourself, and attended the Mortal Kombat tournament. Which, from what Kurai has told me from our conversation, you barely survived. Especially the fight with this one called Rain." Han explains as Drake held his head down and nodded to every word that the Grandmaster was saying.
"It is because of that lack of proper discipline and severe lack of training that Kouken will no longer be your sensei. So, instead, your punishment shall be a transfer to a new class that is held by Akuma here. And even after the punishment is over, you will still continue your training with Akuma. Kouken seems to have been a bad choice on my part for you, Drake. Kouken is a great teacher and sensei, but it seems you have not taken many of his lessons to heart. With Akuma, you'll learn proper discipline and get stronger from his teachings." He informs Drake, causing the blonde warrior to glance over at Akuma, who says nothing and does not even look in Drake's direction. He just listens to the Grandmaster.
"Grandmaster Han-" Drake tries voice his disagreement with the choice, but Han stops him before he could even begin by holding his hand up to silence him.
Drake remains silent as Han continues. "While we're on the matter of Akuma." He begins again, this time looking in the direction of Silva and Akuma. "Silva, it is my understanding that you are... too harsh with the training of your students. You've sent many to the infirmary on a daily, and sometimes even a weekly basis. Many of your students have even requested transfers from your class to another temple master or sensei." He informs the temple master, who, with a stoic expression, says nothing to the Grandmaster.
"What is your response to this, Master Silva?" He asks the man curiously and tenderly, waiting for an explanation from Silva to see if Kurai's judge of character was correct.
Sighing deeply, Silva responds. "I only accept the best in my class, Grandmaster Han. Nothing less." He answers with a straight face, which causes Ham to feel disappointed that Silva isn't even going to give a reason for why he pushes his students way too hard.
Han sighs and shakes his head. "Only the best, Master Silva? How can you expect your students to be the best that they can be, if you won't even allow them to grow, and at their own pace? Your qualification standards are far too high, Percival. Almost all of your students have quit your class, and have either requested a transfer to another temple master or sensei." He explains to the platinum haired man, who scoffs.
"If that is the case, then maybe they don't deserve to be in my class, let alone in the Dark Wu Shi academy. If they can't handle my class, then they're too weak to be warriors, and they don't deserve to be here." He answers the Grandmaster in a derogatory tone, which causes Han to look at Silva incredulously.
"Anyone who wants to be here has a right to be, Silva. I remember that you weren't one of the most strongest or gifted students when you first came here. It took you quite some time to be on the level you're on now." Han reminds Silva of his earlier days at the temple, causing Silva to frown at the thought of his early academy days. After a moment of silence, Han sighs deeply and shakes his head when he comes to a decision.
"Percival Silva, it has become clear to me the despite your talents, gifts, and experience as a fighter, you have proven that you are not yet ready to be a temple master. You're too harsh and demanding of your students. The same students that you call weak and unworthy had enough sense to request transfers away from your class and you. These requests shall be granted and you shall also be stripped of your title of temple master while Akuma here will take your place as a temple master." Han explains to the men, while Drake looks on with shock as well as Silva. Who now looks infuriated that he has just been stripped of his title.
"What? No... NO!!! You can't do that! Why Akuma?! He hardly has any students because of his brutality! You're replacing me with him as a temple master?!" Silva angrily asks Han, who remains stoic at the mans tone.
"Despite Akuma's brutality, he has not actively sent his own students to the infirmary, Percival. He is firm, fair, but also patient. Something you, clearly, are not. So, yes, I'm replacing you with Akuma as a temple master. You shall be demoted back to a sensei and you can continue with your classes, but-" Han explains, but is suddenly interrupted by Silva, who stands up with an infuriated expression.
"Don't fucking bother, old man! There are no students good enough to attend my class! And there are none that are strong enough to understand my teachings! Let the orphan train under Akuma if you want, and you can keep Kurai around for all I care! I'll take talents and use them elsewhere! Fuck you, and fuck the Dark Wu Shi temple!" He shouts in exasperation as he storms out of the temple while some of the candles off their pedestals before he exits.
Han sighs deeply and gently rubs the bridge of his nose before looking at Drake. "Drake, please clean that up before you head to your room." Then he looks over at Akuma, who patiently remained silent the whole time with a calm expression. "Akuma, you can go ahead and head back to your room for the night. You shall be officially named a temple master tomorrow morning and you shall have your pick of students you want to train. Just remember that Drake will be one of those students you train for his punishment. And he shall continue to train with you even after the punishment is over." He explains to Akuma, who nods whole Drake quietly sighs. He was not looking forward to training with Akuma. But it was either him or Percival Silva. And that man, from what all Drake had heard, has damn near killed many of his students, not just sent them to the infirmary.
Both understanding what they were told, Drake and Akuma both bow respectfully to the Grandmaster. "Yes, Grandmaster Han." They both say before they rise to their feet and proceed to walk out of the temple, but not before Drake cleans up the mess Silva made as he stormed out of the temple just moments ago. Once cleaned, Drake bows to Han once more before exiting the temple.
Han sighs and shakes his head. He was disappointed in Silva. The man, when he was young, showed much promise. But one of the things Han should have taught him, is patience. Something Silva did not learn from his time at the temple. It's one of Han's greatest mistakes and regrets. He only hopes now that this does not come back to haunt him or his fellow residents at the temple. He sighs once again and waves his hand gently to put the candles before heading to his room inside the temple.
One hour later, with Percival Silva...
After discarding his garbs, packing his belongings, and exiting the temple heatedly, Silva storms down the streets of Okinawa, Japan feeling enraged.
"Replacing me with a brute. Allowing an orphan to do as he chooses. And even allowing another piece of garbage to come and go from the temple as he pleases. No doubt sleeping with as many women as he wants, grows bored, then comes back to the temple because he can. I'll use my talents somewhere else. I'll even open a dojo and start training my own students that will be more worthy to participate in the next Mortal Kombat tournament." He thinks angrily to himself as he looks for an airport to return back home to the States.
"Are you really so pathetic and weak, that you run away with your tail tucked between your legs?" A voice calls out to Silva, causing him to stop in his tracks and look all around him to find the source of the voice.
He finally manages to spot a silhouette in an alleyway walking towards him with their hands together. Silva turns towards the figure with a heated glare. "I highly suggest you watch who you call weak or pathetic, friend. It might not end well for you if you throw those words around lightly." He cautiously advises this figure, causing them to chuckle lightly as they step out into the moonlight revealing a smirking and youthful Shang Tsung. Long black hair tied in a ponytail, black goatee, and brown eyes.
"I highly agree with that sentiment, my friend." He says to Silva, causing the man to watch this mysterious character closely.
"Who are you?" Silva asks Shang Tsung curiously and cautiously as the now youthful sorcerer smiles.
He bows then looks up at Silva. "My name is Shang Tsung. And I have a proposal for you, my friend. One that I believe you shall enjoy." He tells him cryptically.
Dark Wu Shi temple, Kurai's room...
Kurai is currently lying down asleep in his bed as his body subconsciously turns over to get in a more comfortable position.
He suddenly feels an arm wrap around his waist, causing him to turn over and wrap his own arm around the waist of the person sleeping next to him.
"Ooh, my, Kurai. At least buy me dinner first." A sultry and feminine voice says to him in a teasing tone, causing him to open an eye to see Tanya in all her nude glory. His other eye shoots open and he backs away from her as he falls out of his bed and lands on the floor.
Looking up at Tanya, whose body is now even more exposed, she giggles lightly and stretches as she pulls his pillow close and hugs it tightly. She sighs contentedly then smiles and winks at him. "I remember that you hated when Jade, Kitana, and I would all hug you at the same time. It made you so red that even your whole body heated up. Hmm, I miss those days where I could make you blush. But now it seems like that this is nothing you've never seen before." She says to him, rubbing her body slowly, trying to tease him and make him blush.
Kurai sighs and gets up from the floor before sitting on the edge of his bed then nods. "You're right." He says pointing to Tanya's body. "It's nothing I've never seen before, Tanya. I've seen plenty in 9,000 years." He tells her, causing her to huff then pout.
"Aw, well, now I'm feeling a little depressed. I won't be able to have that effect on you anymore. Oh, poo." She says acting cute as Kurai chuckles and shakes his head.
Tanya laughs and points at him. "Ah, ha! Got a laugh out of you." She points out while giggling. Kurai chuckles and shakes his head again then sighs.
He looks at her with confusion. Now knowing what she did to cause Edenia's fall, he feels a little more cautious of her, but at the same time, is glad to see her. "What are you doing here, Tanya? How did you even get in the temple?" He asks her then pauses.
"Why did you betray Edenia? Why did you betray us?" He finally asks, causing her to fain a more serious expression. She sits up and holds the blanket against her, covering herself.
She puts a hand up to his face, but he instinctively grabs her wrist, causing her lips to tremble as she looks away from him. "You remember?" She asks him somberly.
Shaking his head, Kurai lets go of her hand. "No, but Master Han told me everything he knew that he's learned here over the years." He tells her as she nods, but doesn't say another word. "Why are you here, Tanya?" He asks her again.
She looks at him with a serious expression. "I came here to talk, Kurai. I came here to tell you the truth of what had happened in Edenia, and why I... "betrayed" everyone I love and care about. Including my best friends." She tells him remorsefully.
Kurai didn't look too convinced. But there are always two sides of every story. So, he decides to hear her out. "Alright, Tanya. Help me fill in the blanks. Start talking." He tells her seriously, causing her to nod.