The jungles of Shang Tsung's island were deceptively large in size. A first time explorer could easily become lost in the thick brush. Kurtis Stryker learned this the hard way as he fought through the branches blocking his way. Sunlight beamed down from overhead as he fought through the foliage. The deacon city police officer stopped after finally finding a clearing where he could get his bearings. A quick survey showed nothing useful or of note in any direction. He was lost, and very much out of his element. You would think his years in the marines would have helped him with traversing different terrain, but Stryker had become accustomed to the urban lifestyle of a police officer.
Sweat poured down Stryker's face as he pulled out his canteen. The weather on the island changed drastically and often depending on the location. The area Stryker currently ventured through now could easily be compared to the rainforest. The island also had beaches, mountains, underground tunnels and other diverse locations to make for interesting battlegrounds that other fighters were currently using undoubtedly.
He took a moment to sit and reflect on his situation while gathering his stamina. The police officer couldn't help but feel as though he were in over his head. Gods, monsters, and the heat were all well above his pay grade. Given the choice he'd let someone else take his place and he'd be at home watching the game, or hitting the bar with Kabal. Stryker only just then realized Raiden hadn't been completely truthful with the fighters. He claimed they were the best that earth had to offer, but Stryker knew Kabal was a better fighter than himself. Stryker was good, but Kabal could do everything including guns, swords, bombs and he was probably the best hand to hand fighter Stryker had met at least before the tournament. Stryker to this point didn't know his new allies well, but he'd picked up on Sonya's hate for Kano and the black dragon clan. Stryker could only assume Raiden felt having Kabal here would cause problems with Sonya, being a former black dragon himself, and was forced to pick one of the two to fight for earth. To be honest Stryker would have preferred Kabal over her. Having someone you know to watch your back here was probably invaluable. Sonya was lucky enough to have two of her closest friends join her for the tournament. Meanwhile Stryker had been stuck with a bunch of Strangers.
Johnny Cage was an absolute idiot in Stryker's eyes, and thus far the two couldn't see eye to eye for even a second. Kenshi was almost as bad with his quest for vengeance being his whole personality. Honestly Stryker didn't care much if it got Kenshi killed, but he didn't really wanna lose the tournament because the swordsman took an early shot at the sorcerer. Although he did enjoy watching Kenshi bust Johnny's test of sight scam on the boat ride to the island. He let out a chuckle for the first time since getting to the island as he thought back to that event. Nightwolf and Sub Zero were both too quiet to get a read on. Art Lean seemed kind enough, and humble which was kind of surprising since he was pretty famous as well. Liu Kang was the last of his allies, or at least of the ones Raiden said would have a chance. He was kind, and well spoken, and most importantly he'd been watching out for the other earthrealm fighters since they met on the pier in hong kong. Liu Kang must have saved the actor's life at least three times by this point.
His thoughts trailed back to Sonya and her mission to eradicate the black dragon. What Kabal would think about it in particular. He had never looked back on his days in the black and red dragon clans fondly. He hated a lot of the things he did in those days, but Stryker could never be sure how he felt about his old friends. Whenever Kabal would mention Kano, which was rare, he couldn't be sure if Kabal wanted him dead or if he wanted to grab a beer with the guy. Stryker couldn't help but think that maybe Raiden was right to leave Kabal out of the tournament. Last thing anyone needed was for Kabal to pick up his old habits.
As the police officer prepared to leave he heard the screams of a dying man in the distance. Someone had lost and judging by the scream it was a human. Only about an hour had passed since he departed the courtyard and people were already dying. He opted to continue the search for his opponent when a rumbling in the trees grabbed his attention. He quickly drew his pistol ready to engage. Stryker remembered Raidens advice about how to approach each match and without hesitation unloaded his magazine into the unclear vegetation. His weapon clicked empty as a creature resembling a small wolf toppled out into view. Stryker moved closer to examine it seeing he'd successfully hit the target with every shot. Impressive enough, or lucky considering he couldn't fully see it for even a second.
"Just a weird dog." Said Stryker with a sigh of relief while giving the corpse a kick for insurance. It remained motionless and for a moment Stryker dropped his guard. Just as he lowered his weapon his eyes followed the blood trail. He caught a glimpse of what seemed to be a few drops of floating blood only a few feet away. Before the cop had time to react, acidic liquid hit him directly, throwing him back. The veteran quickly slipped out of his kevlar vest which was melting down to nothing before his eyes. Left with only his leather jacket for some minimal protection. The blood from the canine had landed on a camouflaged enemy.
A laugh of unknown origin echoed around him as he reloaded his weapon ready for battle. From the center of the clearing Stryker scanned the jungle in every direction looking for any clue as to his enemies location. Another shot of acid flew from directly in front of him and Stryker managed a dive roll to the side before letting a grenade go towards the origin. The explosion cleared the foliage as shrapnel tore away in every direction.
"Take that you fuck!" Yelled Stryker hoping his counter had killed the Outworld fighter. He quickly rushed to examine the area to find what seemed to be a bit of green blood in the crater caused by his high explosive grenades. Stryker quickly began searching the surrounding area. Whatever he was fighting was injured. The earthrealm warrior tracked the green blood hoping to get a drop on the creature. Stryker prepared mentally noting his ammunition. While much of his stock melted away with his armor he had plenty of bullets left. He also retained his taser and a collapsible baton. Stryker slowly crept up upon the end of the trail realizing it led to a dead end. Looking for further footprints or blood drops proved fruitless as he wondered where the creature escaped to. Ironically the answer to his question came when several drops of greenish liquid dropped onto his jacket from above.
"Mother…." Was all Stryker got out before the creature uncloaked and dropped from above hitting Kurtis with both feet outstretched. The former marine hit the dirt hard sliding away.
"Pathetic humans relying on technology to keep you alive." Insulted the Saurian as it prepared to attack.
"Of course, I get the ugliest opponent." Began Stryker.
"I am Tiamat, and I will be your end!" It threatened before hissing fearsly. Stryker took that opportunity to open fire with his Glock pistol. Tiamat quickly let out an acidic cloud from his breath which acted as a shield melting each bullet in the air. The Saurian grinned before spitting some more acid at the weapon disabling it.
"Fine then!" Said Kurtis angrily dropping his weapon. "Police brutality coming up!" He finished as the scaled foe rushed him. The Outworlders superior speed led into a sliding elbow that sent Stryker onto the ground. he quickly jumped up with his taser out. He fired it at the creature sticking him with ease.
"You will have to do better, Human." Stated Tiamat as the electricity had no effect on the warrior. Stryker tried to swap to the offensive and overpower the slender fighter. He attacked with a flurry of punches that Tiamat blocked before inevitably catching both of Stryker's arms and delivering a forward kick that sent him down again. This time Stryker waited for Tiamat to attack and countered with his extended baton. The marine smashed the creature across the face, knocking him back. Tiamat had little time before Stryker came back across his face with the weapon. Tiamat ended the assault after catching Kurtis mid swing. A quick flip left the earthrealm hero face up with a foot coming down at him. Stryker rolled between the Saurians legs and shot up to send the creature off of him.
"It's you and me freakshow!" Exclaimed Stryker ready for another round. His opponent angrily hissed once again before firing his tongue out at Stryker. He quickly reacted, catching the elongated organ. Stryker fiercely used it to pull Tiamat closer for a hard punch before hitting the Saurian with a flying knee. Stryker wasn't done as he still held the tongue, pulling Tiamat in close once again for a barrage of punches to his stomach, chest and face. When he was stunned enough Stryker pulled his knife out and cut the tongue off, still holding it as his opponent fell in pain.
"Spitting,sticking out your tongue. Bet your momma's real proud." Said Stryker standing several feet away from his injured opponent. Stryker expected the fight to end there, so he was rightfully surprised when Tiamat came at him with his claws and slashed at Stryker who put his arms up to take the hit. Blood spilled from his forearms as he tried to protect his vital spots from the flurry. Tiamat could only attack for so long before Stryker found his opening for a counter attack. Tiamat, injured and tired, couldn't protect himself when Stryker tackled him to the ground. They rolled, each struggling for a moment before Stryker came out on top. He pulled out his same knife from before and tried slamming into Tiamats chest. The reptilian creature held Stryker back with all his might, but the battle was taking its toll as Stryker slowly began overpowering him.
"Just… fucking…. Die…" said Stryker forcing the knife closer and closer towards the monster's chest.
Tiamat hissed violently as he made one strong push back. A good effort, but ultimately pointless as Stryker's knife began piercing the Saurians chest. It let some coughs and gurgles out, but was left motionless and speechless as Stryker's blade moved further into the creature's heart. Stryker turned away from the corpse victoriously to gather what remained of his gear.
His vest, pistol, grenades, and taser were all exhausted in this one fight alone. The only weapons he retained were his expandable baton and his knife. Hopefully Sonya Blade or her teammates had some spare gear. Eventually the warrior slumped himself up against a tree. He began examining his injuries when footsteps got his attention.
"Kurtis Stryker." Greeted Liu Kang as he revealed himself. "I see you were victorious in your first battle." He finished with a nod to the corpse laying feet away.
"Barely." Responded Stryker. "Raiden wasn't kidding about these guys. They fight to the last breath." Finished Stryker as he wrapped his cut open arms in parts of his shirt.
"Of course. This tournament is the most important yet." Explained Liu Kang as he began examining Tiamats body.
Stryker gave it another look as well to ensure his opponent was indeed dead.
"What was your fight like Liu?" Asked Stryker to change focus. "You've barely got a scratch on you." Liu simply smiled in response.
"I will tell you about it on the way. Many of the others have likely already made it back to the courtyard."
A/N Tiamat is not an OC and I do not own the character. He was a failed concept for a deadly alliance character. They used his design for Reptile instead. You can actually find his concept art in the krypt.