Chapter Fourteen: Enter the Dragon

Liu Kang waited until the lion statue spewed out its raging flames before carrying out a counterattack. The Shaolin monk simply gathered the fire into his hands and launched it back at the statue in the form of a fireball. The moment the fire came into contact with the statue, it exploded on impact, a few pieces of its stone remains sliding across the floor and stopping by Liu's feet. "I am sure that will not be the last of these traps."

"Maybe." Kung Lao managed to say while catching his breath. "But it looks like we are safe. For now at least."

Liu Kang nodded. "It seems that way. Wait." The monk pointed to a pair of doors at the end of the hallway they were currently standing in. "That is the only way forward. But who knows what is on the other side."

"Nothing the two of us cannot handle. Isn't that right, cousin?"

Liu Kang rolled his eyes, but he smiled at his fellow monk. The duo then proceeded down the hall towards the heavy stone doors. They each grabbed onto one of the doors and pushed them open, revealing a huge space much like the grand hall they had seen when they first entered the Temple of Argus. At the end of the room, there was a large altar with four staircases leading to the top. Behind it was a marble slab with images of two swords, which were crossed over one another, and above the weapons were two dragons circling each other.

"This must be the main chamber." Liu Kang stated, and he slowly made his way down the corridor until he reached the altar. It was there that the monk could also see two podiums that were similar to the one by the entrance gates. Placing his hand atop one of the podiums, Liu was not surprised when nothing happened. "I wonder who these are for…"

"Maybe the brothers?" Kung Lao suggested and shrugged. "You know, Argus' sons? That is the reason Daegon and his Red Dragon clan are here, right? Maybe Argus left something here for Daegon and Taven to find."

"Hmm…." Liu Kang thought for a moment about what his cousin had said. Had Argus hid something within this Temple? Something only his sons were meant to find? But before Liu could think further on those questions, the monk felt the hairs on his neck stand on end. Liu Kang leaned towards Kung Lao and whispered. "...We are being watched."

Lao nodded and his eyes darted across the room, searching for anything out of the ordinary. Suddenly, he removed his bladed hat and slashed an incoming arrow in two just before it could hit its mark, which happened to be Liu Kang's back. The angle he cut through the projectile caused it to split in two and the pieces flew on either side of Liu's body. Kung Lao smirked. "You are quite welcome."

Liu Kang scoffed. "I would have caught it."

"Of course. Whatever helps you sleep at night." But their relief was short-lived when a multitude of archers appeared on each side of the area from the platforms above. They all had red and black uniforms with the Red Dragon symbol on their backs. Kung Lao sighed and shook his head. "So much for being safe."

"Unfortunate, but not unexpected." Liu commented while dropping into a fighting stance, his hands igniting as he did so. Kung Lao followed suit, replacing his hat back on his head and going back to back with his cousin. The two were prepared for the incoming battle.

"If it isn't the Champion of Mortal Kombat." A deep voice suddenly echoed within the room. Liu Kang and Kung Lao looked among the archers to see if one of them was the source of the voice, but that did not seem to be the case. Not long after, the booming of footsteps could be heard coming from the entrance. The floor literally shook with each step like multiple earthquakes were occurring consecutively. Who, or rather what, was headed their way?

Liu Kang stood tall and faced the entryway. "Yes, I am. And who, may I ask, is addressing me?"

The newcomer said nothing until he stopped just outside the entrance doors, his hulking form consumed by shadow and glowing yellow eyes piercing through the darkness. "You know of me, Earthrealmer." The figure suddenly grunted in pain and he placed a clawed hand on his chest. "Now…we finally meet. Face…to face." His hand moved from his chest to his face and he took a step out of the shadows. "But I suppose this face…is not entirely my own."

Liu's eyes widened when he looked upon the stranger's face. It appeared as though his visage was struggling to keep itself whole, as if it was torn apart and poorly stitched back together. There was even a large scar running diagonally from the top of his left eye to the right side of his jaw. It, too, looked like it was coming apart and the stranger winced in pain as he forced the scar to close, a stream of blood flowing from it as he did so. Despite the newcomer's suffering, he smiled widely to show all his sharp, pointed teeth.

Kung Lao, who was unimpressed by what he believed was the stranger's attempt at intimidation, smirked and patted Liu Kang on his shoulder. "Liu, why don't you stay back and let me handle this?"

"Kung Lao, don't—" But before Liu could even finish his sentence, Lao sprinted across the room towards the entrance to face the new foe. "Kung Lao, WAIT!"

Lao ignored his cousin's words, and he soon made his way to the entry doors where the unknown figure stood with Liu chasing after him. But as the distance closed between Kung Lao and his would-be opponent, the figure opened his mouth wide and roared as a mass of flames spewed from it. Kung Lao had expected such an attack, but fortunately for the hatted monk, Liu Kang came to his rescue. He rushed to Kung Lao's aid at the last possible second, and protected his cousin from the stranger's flames. He raised both of his hands up before him to block the fire while Lao stood behind him.

"Liu Kang!" Kung Lao shouted when he saw Liu Kang's entire body be consumed by the flames. Even so, Liu stood firm and continued to hold off the fire until the stranger finally stopped his assault. When the fire cleared, the monks' attacker was surprised to see Liu Kang was unharmed. Even his clothes had remained in one piece.

"How is this possible?" The stranger growled at Liu Kang.

Holding up his fist, which was steaming from the intense heat of the fire, Liu Kang scowled at the shadowed figure as he responded to the question. "I, too, wield the fire of a dragon."

Kung Lao frowned, clearly confused by what his cousin said. "Fire of a dragon? Wait, is he one of those dragon hybrids Tomas warned us about!?"

"No… he is something more, Kung Lao."

Laughing, the stranger finally stepped out fully into the light and the monks were able to see his full form. His body was covered in hard scales, mostly brown but there were hints of green such as with his face and chest, and atop his head stood two, large horns. The stranger also had hoofed legs and his hands had three clawed fingers on each. With his incredible height, this massive being, this creature, towered over Liu Kang and Kung Lao and he stared down at the two warriors as he began to speak once more. "Something more, yes. Despite my…current state, I am still more powerful than those pitiful abominations the demi-god has created."

Clenching his hand into a fist, the dragon-like creature watched as his claws pierced into his skin and thin trails of blood streamed from the palm of his hand. "But once I'm at full strength, I will make them into proper warriors. Soldiers that will aid me in reclaiming my throne. And once my army is revived…Outworld's Kahnum will not be able to stop me. "Mileena" is her name, is it not?" The creature scoffed. "A child of that traitor is not worthy of Outworld's throne."

"Enough!" The archers, who were standing quietly on the upper levels as those below spoke, had no time to move before huge gusts of wind hit them out of nowhere and they were sent flying to the floor below. Fortunately, the fall was not too high for them to be killed, but it was enough to injure most of the archers and it would take some time before they would be able to get back up. Looking behind their current opponent, Liu Kang and Kung Lao could see two familiar faces walking into the room with the one in front looking not so friendly at the moment. But the beast did not even turn around before addressing one of the newcomers.

"Lord Fujin. It has been a long time." The dragon let out a chuckle. "I must say, I was not expecting to see you outside of the temple. Has your brother finally released you from your cage?"

Drawing his sword, Fujin aimed his weapon at the creature's back and his scowl deepened, which was a scary sight for Johnny who was standing behind the wind god. "Wow. Now I can REALLY see the family resemblance."

"Johnny Cage." Fujin's voice was low as he spoke to the actor. "Do you know who stands before us?"

"Uhhh…?" Cage scratched his head while he looked the beast up and down. "Another one of those dragon things? Only bigger? And…uglier? If that's even possible…"

"I am being serious, Johnny Cage."

"Trust me, so am I—"

"You fool." The creature quickly grew tired of the conversation between Fujin and Johnny. "Do you not understand that before you stands a being of royalty?"

Johnny shrugged. "Well, I'm best friends with a smoking hot princess and her mom, so I'd say—"

"They are NOTHING!" The dragon shouted as he suddenly charged at Cage and Fujin was quick to defend his champion. He did not attack, however, and he glared down at the two warriors. "I am the true ruler of Outworld and soon to be ruler of all that exists! I am—!" Suddenly, the creature roared and from his back, a pair of huge, black wings ripped through his flesh, blood splattered all over the appendages. Even Johnny winced at the sight and could only imagine how painful that simple action must have been.

"I…am…" Through ragged breaths, the beast spread his dark wings and growled. "The Dragon King! And I…have had…" Cracks started to form beneath his feet and blood again oozed from the scar on his face as it fought to keep itself closed. "ENOUGH!" With a roar, flames exploded from the dragon's body and the room was filled with burning fire. Not even the Red Dragon's archers were safe from the fire and they were soon nothing but ashes. Liu Kang again shielded Kung Lao from the fire while Fujin deflected the flames away from him and Johnny Cage using strong currents of wind.

"Umm…Fujin?" Despite the situation they were in, Cage could not help but say something.

Fujin grunted as he glanced over his shoulder at the actor. "Yes, Johnny Cage?"

"That's…Onaga." It was not a question. Johnny had finally put two and two together. Fujin said nothing and he quickly grabbed Cage's arm. He then used the wind to fly to the upper floor with Johnny in tow. Once the actor was out of harm's way, Fujin focused on getting to the two monks. But when he turned back to the battle at hand, the god noticed someone standing on the upper level on the other side of the room. The figure stared back, his eyes sad as he looked upon Fujin.

"...Daegon…"

A roar from below drew the wind god's attention away for a moment and he saw that the fire had cleared. Now Liu Kang and Kung Lao were battling the Dragon King, Onaga, and Liu's own hands ignited to fight against the beast. The monk's fist collided with that of Onaga's, and a circle of flames burst from the clash. Lao soon joined in by throwing his bladed hat towards Onaga's head, but the dragon blocked the attack using his tail. Even so, Kung Lao did notice he was able to make a scratch on the beast. This, too, did not go overlooked by Fujin.

"Onaga must still be weak due to his resurrection. And his body—" The god observed Onaga's movements, noticing how the creature seemed to have difficulty controlling his form. His motions were sloppy and uncalculating, which was not like Onaga at all. Not only that, but the body itself was unraveling, as if it would break down any second. "The body he has possessed will be incapable of holding his spirit for much longer if he continues exerting so much power."

Johnny took a moment to process what Fujin had said. "So, wait…if we can get him to use up more of his power—"

Fujin knew exactly where the actor's train of thought was going. "—Then Onaga's soul will be forced out once the body is destroyed and he will have no choice but to move on to the afterlife without having a form to cling to."

Smirking, Cage cracked his neck a few times and let out a breath. "So, all we gotta do is hold him off until that happens. Piece of cake!" The moment the words left his mouth, something flew past the actor and crashed into the wall behind him. When he looked back, Kung Lao was lying face down on the floor and Cage poked the monk in his back to see if he was still alive. "Hey buddy…you okay?"

Lao grumbled something, but Johnny was unable to hear him. Nevertheless, Cage was just happy his friend was alive. He turned back to Fujin and gave him two thumbs up. "He's good!"

Fujin shook his head, but he could not help but smile a little at Johnny's behavior. The god then looked to the other side of the room again, but Daegon was nowhere in sight. Was it just his imagination? Either way, it was probably for the best, because Fujin needed to focus on Onaga right now. "Remember to be careful, Johnny Cage. He may be weakened, but that does not mean he is any less dangerous."

Cage nodded. "Got it! Let me at 'em!"

"As you wish." Fujin smirked at the actor, and that concerned Johnny. This was a sinister smirk if he ever saw one.

"Fujin? Why are you smiling at me like that?"

Chuckling, the wind god waved his hand and currents of wind surrounded Johnny Cage like a tornado. Cage was slowly lifted into the air and he started to panic. "F-Fujin? What're you doing!?"

"I am "letting you at him", as you say." Fujin then commanded the tornado to toss his champion from the upper floor and Cage screamed as he was sent tumbling down.

"THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEEEEAAAAANT!"

While being distracted by the monks, Onaga was not aware of something coming at him from behind until Johnny collided with his back. The dragon stumbled for a second and then reached for whatever had clung to his back. "What in the name of—OFF WITH YOU!" The beast twisted his body around in vain attempts to throw Johnny off, but the actor held on. That was until something wrapped itself around Cage's ankle.

"Ha, ha! Just try and catch me, mother—uh-oh." A shout left Cage's mouth as he was pulled off by Onaga's tail. The actor was now hanging upside down just a few inches from Onaga's face, which was distorted into an expression of disgust.

"These are Earthrealm's champions? I expected more."

As he fought to free himself from Onaga's grasp, Johnny was offended by the creature's words. "Hey! I'll have you know that I helped beat Shao Kahn! Sure, I…wasn't the one who killed him—" Cage whispered the last part. "BUT I played a vital role in taking him down! Isn't that right, Liu?"

Liu Kang sighed. "Yes, Johnny. You were very much needed during our fight against Shao Kahn."

Cage smiled widely. "See!? And that's coming from the Mortal Kombat champ! That counts for something, right?"

Staring at the actor, Onaga let out a chuckle. And that chuckle soon turned into full-bellied laughter. "You Earthrealmers may be pathetic, but…I do find your antics amusing." Johnny then felt the tail tightened around his ankle. "Even so, I cannot risk any of you pests interfering with my plans any further." Raising his hand, Onaga brandished his claws before Johnny Cage.

"Oh no, you don't!" A buzzing sound could be briefly heard before something cut through Onaga's tail and Johnny fell to the ground on his side. The dragon cried in pain due to his torn appendage and from above, Kung Lao pumped his fist into the air triumphantly. "Yes! I just needed to throw it really, really, hard!"

Nodding, Fujin was sure that Onaga was now weakened enough for his champions to finish the dragon off for good. The god looked to Liu Kang. "Finish him! NOW!"

Liu Kang wasted no time raising his flaming fist and prepared to throw the final decisive strike at Onaga. But the monk had barely moved an inch before a wall of fire erupted between him and the Dragon King. Thinking it was a last attempt from Onaga to escape his fate, Liu was simply going to walk through the blazing flames, but that was when Johnny caught sight of someone sneaking up behind the monk. Liu Kang was so distracted by Onaga that he did not sense another presence within the room. Cage sprinted as fast as he could to his comrade called out to Liu Kang. "Liu, watch out!"

Hearing his friend's warning, Liu Kang quickly spun around, but he could only watch as a sword made its way to his chest, aiming straight for his heart.