Netherrealm woke up to the sound of someone banging on the door. "Netherrealm!" The voice of an older man exclaimed. He kept banging on the door. Netherrealm mouthed 'fuck' as he slowly got up. He tiptoed to the screen door that led to the fire escape. Until his foot hit a can of soda. Causing a clatter, and Netherrealm looked down at the can. His face is one of disappointment and annoyance. "Huh?! I heard that! I know you're in there and awake Netherrealm!" The older man exclaimed.

He groaned and walked over to the door. Unlocking it and opening the door. Outside is a balding, middle aged man with a sweater, slacks, and loafers. "Yo, Viktor," Netherrealm greeted. He yawned as Viktor stared up at him. Viktor leaned to the side to see the state of Netherrealm's room. He shook his head and then pinched the bridge of his nose. "Where's my money, Netherrealm?" Viktor asked.

"Look, Viktor, pal. I don't got your fucking money. My winnings were scalped! By the goddess damned collectors!" Netherrealm said, starting to raise his voice. Viktor scrunched his face and looked Netherrealm in the eyes. Not intimidated at all.

"Don't you take that tone with me, boy. Better men than you have tried to weasel their way out of this. If you did some Guild work, then you might have put a dent in your rent!" Viktor scolded and Netherrealm shook his head in annoyance.

"Well the Guild are a bunch of stiffs. The debt collectors will take my reward money anyway! I'm sticking with what I'm good at. At least there I'm guaranteed to win," Netherrealm replied and Viktor crossed his arms.

"Am I interrupting something?" A smarmy voice asked. Netherrealm sneered at the voice. He looked to see a man walking down the hallway. With his hands in his pockets and his posture relaxed. His features were somewhat rounded, a few wrinkles on his face. Shades and a pompadour, with a maroon pinstripe suit. A black dress shirt slightly unbuttoned to show off some chest. Viktor shook his head. "No, I was finished," Viktor said to the man.

"Here's the real deal Netherrealm, don't say I didn't warn you," Viktor harshly whispered to his tennant. The landlord stomped off and the new man watched him go. He lowered his shades for a second to show his hazel eyes. Looking Netherrealm up and down. "Netherrealm! Old buddy, old pal," he said as he walked next to the towering fighter. Putting his arm around Netherrealm's shoulder. Before dragging him into his room. Closing the door behind them.

"Yeah, nice to see you again McDowell," Netherrealm said. Knowing damn well what he's after and that the pleasantries are a game. McDowell looked at the messy room for a second. "Ai-yai-yai Netters. This room is a pigsty. Why aren't you keeping things clean? When you have frequent guests over?" McDowell asked with faux concern.

Netherrealm clicked his tongue. "Anyway, you know why I'm here. Where did you hide the interest?" McDowell asked in a bored manner. Netherrealm grit his teeth and glared at McDowell. His fists clenching hard till his knuckles turned white.

"You guys took it," Netherrealm grumbled. "Oh right, those winnings of yours. It isn't enough Netters, the due date is coming up. If you can't pay it, the Muspel Family can have Gauss Cannon pay you a visit," McDowell said, his voice becoming lower and more cold. The air becoming thick at the mention of Gauss Cannon.

Netherrealm looked at McDowell in befuddlement. "That might work on someone who isn't knee deep in the underworld. But pal, I know your family won't send Gauss Cannon to shake someone down. I heard he doesn't like his time being wasted like that," Netherrealm countered with his own veiled threat. The two stared each other down.

"Alright Netters, one more week, that's all you have left until the family pays a visit to collect what they owe, due date's soon," McDowell reminded. Netherrealm nodded and McDowell now had a friendly smile. The air became normal again as the pressure lessened. McDowell pat Netherrealm on the shoulder. "Alright! Looks like we got everything settled!" McDowell said and went to the door of Netherrealm's apartment. Giving a salute as he left. Leaving Netherrealm alone in his apartment. He left his room and closed it. Locking it behind him.

"I need to go shopping," he sighed. A woman in her early fifties looked out of her door. She has brown hair in a bob cut. "Are you doing okay Netherrealm?" She asked. Netherrealm looked at the woman. He nodded and clicked his tongue. "Yeah, I am. Thanks Mrs. Lovett," Netherrealm said with a defeated tone.

"That's good dearie, you said you're going shopping? Can you pick up my groceries?" Mrs. Lovett requested. Netherrealm nodded and Mrs. Lovett thanked him. Then he walked down the hallway. He went down the stairs and into the reception room. The lights flickering and a man sleeping at the desk. "Hey Don," Netherrealm greeted as he passed by. Leaving the building.

Netherrealm walked into the grocery store and began picking out the few things he could buy. He reached the self checkout and made sure to pick up Ms. Lovett's groceries on the way out. As he was walking out of the store. Someone bumped into his cuirass and fell down. Netherrealm stumbled back at what bumped into him. He looked down to see the girl that nearly choked him out stumbling back the other way.

"Nep-Nep! Are you okay? Did you get your memories back?" Compa fretted as she ran up. Netherrealm looked down at her. She still has innate strength if she can push him back.

"Well, look who it is…" Netherrealm said with a sneer. The girl got back up to her feet, patting down her legs and parka. "Tch, rude. The name's Neptune, main heroine of this story." Neptune introduced herself. Pointing her thumb at her chest with a look of pride.

"Hi Netty!" Compa said with a wave. "Netty?" Netherrealm asked with a raised brow. Compa nodded and told him how his name is too hard for her to pronounce. So she's calling him Netty. Neptune shrugged then held her hand out, "Nice to meet ya Netty!"

Netherrealm shook her hand reluctantly. "Alright, now if you excuse me. I got groceries to take back," Netherrealm said as he started walking home. However, Neptune and Compa are just behind him. Netherrealm's brow twitched as he looked behind him. The two of them acting casual while whistling. Netherrealm turned back around and continued walking.

"You know, if you have something to say, say it," Netherrealm said as he turned around to look at Neptune and Compa. Compa walked up to him. Looking up at the towering fighter. "Umm… Netty, we need your help. Nep-Nep, is missing her memories and we think you can help us!" Compa requested.

"Help you? Why should I?" Netherrealm asked as he looked down at Compa. His face is one of amusement. Compa pouted and Neptune scratched the back of her neck. "Because you found Nep-Nep first! And why should people need a reason to help? If you can help, help!" Compa replied.

"Nothing is free, not even help. That's especially expensive," Netherrealm said as he turned right back around to his apartment building. Compa and Neptune followed him into the projects. Compa looked around in caution while Neptune had a disappointed look on her face.

"Why is this place so run down? Shouldn't it be better? Like, equal to everywhere else?" Neptune asked. Netherrealm scoffed at her naive question. "Because someone has to draw on the short end of the stick. It's called a hierarchy, stupid ass amnesiac," Netherrealm explained.

They entered the apartment building. "Hey Don," Netherrealm greeted the sleeping receptionist as he passed by. "Sup Don," Neptune said as she passed by. "Hi Mr. Receptionist," Compa said as she passed by. They all got into the elevator together. Then they reached Netherrealm's floor. He placed his groceries at his door before heading to Mrs. Lovett's door. He delivered the groceries. Then walked back to his door while munching on a chocolate chip cookie.

He opened his apartment door and took the groceries in. While Neptune and Compa looked around. Both of them had looks of pity. They watched as Netherrealm put the groceries away. Once he did so, he sat down on his mattress. "Welcome to my apartment. Pretty shit, huh?" Netherrealm asked. Neptune nodded and Compa just frowned.

"So, how do you make money? Are you a Guild member?" Compa asked. Netherrealm laughed at her question. "No, no… I'm not a stiff. I'm a goddamn urban legend. Took out the Vanir Family all on my own," Netherrealm bragged. Compa gasped at the information. Netherrealm could've sworn Neptune's eyes flashed once with a faint light and she hesitated before asking, "Who are the Vanir Family?"

"Drug dealers mainly, but they were one of the biggest crime families in Planeptune. They made the mistake in crossing me, so I crushed them," Netherrealm summarized. "Did you kill them?" Neptune asked. Netherrealm had a surprised look for a second. "Yeah… I did…" Netherrealm said, a smile on his face. It was shaky and phony.

The room was thick with tension. Netherrealm grows a sinister smile on his face. "I'm not some weak boy. I've made waves here. You got it? Better not mess with me," he threatened. Neptune and Compa were unfazed. Neptune looked disappointed at the threats, while Compa had a determined look. "...Try harder." Neptune said as she checked her nails.

Compa and Netherrealm looked at Neptune. "...Yeah, I don't think you even got a body count," Neptune said. Netherrealm leaned back in shock.

"I- I think, anyway. I don't know where this came from. It's… It's scary," Neptune said as she shivered a little. Netherrealm growled at her audacity anyway. "Nep-Nep, you should head back to my place now, some rest might be good if you're starting to remember a thing or two." Compa insisted. Neptune nodded, and Compa promised to not be far behind her as she walked out of the room. She then turned back to Netherrealm once the door closed, "Mr. Netherrealm, I think I know who you are. You're an underground fighter. I live near this area so I've heard of you," Compa said and Netherrealm chuckled with a cocky smirk.

Compa continued, "See, I feel really bad for Nep-Nep. She's doing okay now, but deserves to remember her past. And besides, depending on what caused her to fall like that she may still be in danger."

Netherrealm didn't need to hear the rest to know what was gonna be asked of him, "Not happening. Feel free to help her, but there's absolutely nothing in it for me."

Compa sighed then suddenly brightened again, "I have an idea! We can decide this over your next fight!" "You wanna fight me?" Netherrealm chuckled. "Nope, here's the deal. If you win, I'll help you with some of your money issues." offered Compa, as she pointed at Netherrealm's stack of unpaid bills. "And if I don't, I've gotta help you out." assumed Netherrealm. Compa held out a hand, and Netherrealm didn't hesitate to shake it.

He told her to leave him alone. Netherrealm now happy at the thought of what was gonna be free financial assistance, given his record in the ring, of which Compa is clearly unaware of. He had a fight coming up in a few days. So he better get ready to rumble.

It was only one day, his next fight ended up getting moved up. No trouble though, he still had plenty of time to get ready. He passed by the cheering crowd. The arena was circular and a cage hung above it. "ARREEE YOU REAAADYYY?!?!" The announcer asked the crowd. Who cheered in response. "WELCOME TO THE OPENING OF KONSOLE WARS 2!!!" The announcer said.

"THE PREVIOUS KONSOLE WARS OWNERS DISAPPEARED YEARS AGO! LEAVING THE PROPERTY DEFUNCT! NOW IT'S BACK ON BABY!!" The announcer explained. Floating cameras floated around the arena.

"UNLIKE OTHER RINGS, KONSOLE WARS AND KONSOLE WARS 2 ARE INTERNATIONAL!! PEOPLE BET THEIR MONEY FROM ALL ACROSS GAMINDUSTRI!! TIME TO FUEL THE FIRES OF WAR!" The announcer finished explaining and got ready to announce the contestants.

"PLAYER ONE! ON THE LEFT, HE IS A MAN YOU ALL KNOW WELL! HE'S COMING BACK TO KICK SOME TAIL! THE KING OF FIGHTERS! THE BLACK DRAGON OF PLANEPTUNE, NETHERREALM!!" The announcer introduced Netherrealm who walked onto the arena. Wearing black gloves, shorts, and shin guards. The crowd roared in hype as the urban legend was in person.

"PLAYER TWO! A NEWCOMER AND UPSTART! CAN THEY TAKE ON THE DRAGON HIMSELF?!" The announcer asked as someone wearing a hood and concealed by shadows walked into the arena. Netherrealm could make out a white and purple parka, it took a moment to click though They threw the hood off before the announcer could reveal their name, and Netherrealm's eyes widened.

Standing in front of him was Neptune. Netherrealm's shock was morphing into anger. She was just wearing her parka, stockings, and shoes. No fighting gear on her. Netherrealm felt insulted at her lack of dress code. Neptune kissed the back of her hands, hopping up and down while turning. Smiling yet tuned out from the crowd.

The two stood off in front of each other. As the cage began to lower down around them. Trapping the two. There is no backing out now. "Well, well, well, didn't think we'd meet here," Neptune said jokingly. Knowing full well they were going to meet. "So many ways to break you, so little time. It's payback for the Virtua Forest," Netherrealm replied with a cruel smile.

Neptune wasn't the least bit intimidated, but she did frown at the mention of Virtua Forest. "This your persona? Kinda bland if you ask me," Neptune quipped and Netherrealm snarled. Leaning forward and glaring at her.

"Yeah, definitely a persona. You're way too different outside of the ring to fool me, friendo," Neptune giggled. "I'll wipe that smile off your face and leave it bloody on the floor," Netherrealm threatened. Neptune shrugged and told him to try.

"LET'S SEE THOSE ODDS FOLKS!" The announcer said as the monitors above showed that Netherrealm was favored nine to one. Netherrealm looked up at the odds then back at Neptune. "Time to show you why the odds are in my favor," Netherrealm chuckled malevolently. Cracking his knuckles and then his neck. "Never tell me the odds," Neptune replied as she licked her lips.

BGM: The Naked Panther (Kurohyou)

Neptune ran at Netherrealm, much to his shock. She jumped up and landed a right hook to his cheek. Causing him to stumble back. Neptune gave him a cheeky grin and Netherrealm responded with a knee to the gut. She also stumbled back. They reeled their fists back and their knuckles collided at the same time. Their feet shuffled back as their arms quivered. The crowd roared at the exciting exchange.

The Mysterious Star

Neptune

They pushed off each other and Netherrealm got into a karate stance. Neptune stood in what could barely be considered a fighting stance, shaking her hand to try to get rid of the slight pain. Then she ran at Netherrealm again. She jumped up and spun in the air. Ready to kick him in the cheek. However Netherrealm grabbed her ankle then spun. Tossing her at the cage.

She twisted in the air and planted her feet on the cage. A magic circle appeared and kept her stuck to the cage wall. It glowed green and she flew at Netherrealm with a burst of air. Her knee slammed right into his nose. Breaking it with a splatter of blood and a loud crunch. "FIRST BLOOD IS NEPTUNE?! LOOKS LIKE SHE'S GOT WIND MAGIC!" The announcer exclaimed.

She used his chest as a springboard and backflipped off of him. She landed while smirking at Netherrealm. He grabbed his nose and hissed. With a snap, he righted it and huffed out blood from his nostrils. His face is one of pure fury. "Sorry big lug, but you ain't fast enough to touch this!" Neptune taunted. Netherrealm grit his teeth before rushing at Neptune like a speeding train.

She gulped as she realized that Netherrealm is in fact swift and agile. As he planted his foot down in front of her. He got low and swept kicked Neptune off her feet. He then grabbed her by the parka collar as he got up. He reeled his free hand back and got one punch on her cheek.

She grabbed his arm and pulled her legs up. Wrapping it around his neck and bringing Netherrealm to his knees with an armbar. He let out strangled yells as Neptune squeezed his neck harder. A dark aura leaked off of Netherrealm. Then two black arms came out from the ground. Grabbing Neptune by the hood. Netherrealm's shadow rose up from the ground and pulled Neptune off of him.

The shadow tossed her up and Netherrealm jumped up for a dropkick. Sending Neptune flying into the cage. Netherrealm landed on all fours while coughing. He got up and rubbed his neck. Before staring at Neptune, who was also getting back up again. "Alright, time the warm up ends?" Neptune asked with a cheeky smile. Netherrealm and his shadow barreled towards her.

The shadow ran in front of Netherrealm. Dropping down and baseball sliding towards Neptune's legs. She jumped over him and her face was met with Netherrealm's foot. Sending her backwards. The clone caught Neptune and spun her around before tossing her at Netherrealm. Who was ready to clothesline Neptune while she was in the air.

However she twisted in the air and grabbed onto his outstretched arm. Swinging off his arm like a trapeze. Then she landed behind Netherrealm. Quickly jumping up and elbowing the back of his head. Causing Netherrealm to fall forward. She jumped off his back as he fell and roundhouse kicked the clone in midair as it charged at her. Netherrealm came up behind her and push kicked at her back. Which Neptune whipped around and caught just in time. She fell on her back and threw Netherrealm over her. Sending him into the cages this time.

The clone kneed Neptune in the back when she looked at the crumpled Netherrealm for a brief second. She began to weave around his attacks with near blinding speed. Then Netherrealm came from behind and put Neptune in a chokehold. The clone landed gut punch after gut punch. Until she kicked the clone's hand. Causing the arm to splatter into a black substance. Then she kicked back, hitting Netherrealm in the crotch. Causing him to let go of Neptune.

Neptune breakdanced as she fell to the floor. Knocking Netherrealm and the clone off their feet. She kicked up to her feet and crossed her arms. She raised her foot up to stomp the clone. However the clone rolled to the side and grew back its arm. Netherrealm got to his feet and charged Neptune. Tackling her and crashing into the cages.

He grabbed her by the face and slammed her head into the cage again. She bit his fingers, drawing blood and causing him to let go out of reflex. Neptune gave him a good gut punch and a swift kick to the thigh. Making the bones in his leg crack under the force. She ran up the cage and flipped off. Flames came out as she kicked downward. Netherrealm moved back to avoid the flaming kick. Her foot hit the ground and a blast of fire came out from underneath her foot in all directions, giving Netherrealm a minor burn on the leg.

The crowd had gone silent at the sight. Netherrealm took a few steps back in shock. In all of his time watching or taking on fighters from across Gamindustri, he had not once encountered someone like this, only heard of them online. "NEPTUNE IS A MULTI-TYPE!" The announcer exclaimed and the crowd cheered at the back and forth of the competitors.

Neptune continued dodging attacks from the shadow and Netherrealm at the same time. Netherrealm dove forward, which Neptune jumped over. She looked up to see a portal right in front of her. Netherrealm came out of it and tackled Neptune to the ground. Her back scraping against the floor. Then Netherrealm pinned her down by sitting on her torso. He reeled a fist back. However, his punch was blocked by Neptune catching his fist. Neptune felt something hum inside of her, Purple sparks of energy crackled off her arm as her eyes glowed. But then the purple was joined by bright blue arcs quickly flashing between her hand and Netherrealm's, he collapsed to the floor twitching for a moment.

The crowd absolutely roared, the announcer could barely even be heard over it now, "THREE TYPES, JUST HOW MUCH IS THIS GIRL CAPABLE OF?!"

Both of them rolled to their feet. Neptune ran at Netherrealm and readied a charged uppercut. Netherrealm jumped back into a portal. His clone coming out of the portal in his place. The clone taking the shot to the gut. Making it explode into black goo that slowly vaporized into black smoke.

A portal opened below Neptune and Netherrealm jumped out of it. Uppercutting Neptune in the jaw. Sending her up into the air as he flew out of the portal. The two exchanged a couple of blows while in the air, Neptune's fists burning. She then palm-struck Netherrealm and a gust of strong wind sent him quickly into the floor. Electricity came off of Neptune and she came down fast on Netherrealm, turning into a flaming rocket. He rolled out of the way as she struck the ground, and tried his best to protect any parts of his body vulnerable to the flames that nearly engulfed him for a moment as a large blast came from the impact.

He was thrown into the opposite side of the cage and fell forward on his stomach. Neptune fell to one knee, breathing heavily. She tried to stand back up, but a shadow clone appeared behind her and kicked her in the head. Neptune rolled across the floor and grabbed a foot coming for her face. She groaned as she held it back, her arms emitting many purple sparks. With one good shove, she launched the clone with wind magic into the top of the cage, following it up by grabbing a bar and giving it a good shock, which was sent right into the clone, causing it to explode.

She fell onto her back, at the opposite end of the arena. Both Netherrealm and Neptune were unable to get themselves to stand again.

BGM End

Netherrealm sat in the infirmary, his leg in a cast, his other injuries have healed. He hadn't had a challenge like that since he first started. The last challenge he had was Hodr. Since then it has been easy to squash others. He looked at his hand. He didn't enjoy the fact he got challenged. He hated it, this wasn't how it's supposed to be. He's supposed to be invincible, not some vulnerable, weak boy. However a small part of him did enjoy the fight as well. It was easy win after easy win for a while. This time he had to push himself. His conflicting feelings made him even more angry as he didn't know how to process it.

He clenched his fists as his rage festered. The owner of Konsole Wars 2 entered his room. "Netherrealm, my boy, that match was spectacular!" He said with a smile on his face. He began tapping his phone before giving Netherrealm a wink. "It was tense with lots of, well, very different magic! We had no idea who was gonna win! Then the outcome was something no one expected!" The owner recounted passionately.

"You're definitely getting a bonus for that match my boy! Perhaps there is some hope yet for these new blooded fighters. Things were so much more exciting when your fathers owned Konsole Wars. The other arenas were also at their peak… Then Hodr was beaten and retired. The last of the old guard in this community of arenas," The owner sighed and gave Netherrealm a solemn glance.

"I am sorry for what happened to Ed and Toby, they were good men. Raised a fine young fighter," He said as he gave Netherrealm a pat on the shoulder. "Considering how much they raked in with the Console Wars, it was bound to happen. The Goddesses are prideful after all, everyone knew that examples were gonna be made. Just, don't end up like them too early," The owner advised. Before leaving Netherrealm alone as he looked down at the bed sheets. He shook his head from the thoughts of his fathers.

"Gotta reach the top, it's what a dragon would do," Netherrealm muttered. Before laying down on the bed. As the hours ticked away.