DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to either Mortal Kombat, or Ultraman. Mortal Kombat belongs to Netherrealm Studios and Warner Bros Games. Ultraman belongs to Tsuburaya Productions.
Chapter 2: The Tournament Begins
(Earthrealm, Wu Shi Academy)
3 long months have passed since their training began. Each of the champions learned more during their time at the Academy, about Gomora, Litra, and any other kaiju warrior like them. The realms that are outside Earthrealm. The powers that a few managed to awaken. Johnny's enhanced shadow abilities made him faster than before, while Kung Lao's chi abilities made him quite formidable in battle. Kenshi and Raiden have yet to reach that stage, but their skill in combat has increased during their time at the Academy. They were being personally trained by Gomora and Litra as their training was harsh, but filled with wisdom in their experience with fighting.
Gomora watched as Raiden was surrounded by a group of monks as they attempted to attack him. Raiden deflected one monk's attacks and punched his torso. Another monk attempted to attack him as Raiden parried his attacks and kicked him in the face as he redirected one other monk's punches and hit him in the face a few times as he kicked him away. He stepped back as the monk's circled him till he stood up and exhaled to relax as the monk's bowed to him and left. A smile formed over Gomora's face as he walked over. "Nice job, Halfpint. Keep this up, and you may get even stronger." He told him.
"Thank you, Gomora. It is an honor to be trained by a great warrior." He complimented his teacher, till he noticed Kung Lao approaching with his customized chakram hat. Gomora noticed it as well as it made him roll his eyes and groan while he pinched the bridge of his nose. While Raiden had an unsure look on his face as he looked at Kung Lao. "That is not a good idea." He told him.
"It is genius, Raiden! The next time we see Sub-Zero, I will have to thank him for inspiring it." He stroked his fingers along the brim of the chakram hat, only to cut himself. "OW!" He yelped from it as he held his fingers.
"See? It won't be effective." Raiden told him as Kung Lao took his chakram hat and threw it towards a training dummy while Johnny was recording it in the background. They watched as the head of the training dummy was sliced off and the chakram hat returned to Kung Lao as he caught it just in time as it spun around on his finger and he put it on his head, surprising Raiden and Gomora. "Maybe it's too effective." He admitted.
"Yeah." Gomora agreed with him with his arms crossed.
Meanwhile, Johnny sighed as he put his phone away and approached them. "We just need to get on with it. We've been cooped up here for months." He reminded them as Litra walked up with Kenshi who was rolling his shoulder. "I can't base a cinematic universe on Outworld's monsters and magic if I don't ever see them." He complained.
"That's why you're here?" Kenshi asked him in disbelief.
"Liu Kang said this gig would change the arc of my life. That's how it gets done." Johnny replied as Kung Lao rolled his eyes in annoyance of his explanation. "My ex'll rue the day she gave up on me." He boasted.
A scoff came from Kenshi as he looked at him. "So selfless." He mocked him.
"Oh please, Tattoo. You're just here to get your sword back." Johnny reminded him of his purpose here.
"Would you two knock it off?" Litra asked them as she sighed. "Seriously, you act like children." She scolded.
"We all have our reasons for being here. Some better than others." Raiden gestured between Kenshi and Johnny. "But we are not here to fight amongst ourselves. We are here to fight for Earthrealm." He reminded them.
"And if you don't like that, you can go back to your miserable lives before you came to this academy." Gomora warned them as they stayed silent.
That was till the gong finally rang as Johnny looked towards it. "It's about damn time." He muttered.
From the gong, Liu Kang approached them to give his announcement. "And today one of you will be chosen to fight for it at the tournament." He told them, which surprised them.
"Only one of us, Lord Liu Kang? Isn't Outworld fielding several champions?" Raiden asked.
"The tournament's rules give the host realm that advantage. And it is Outworld's turn as host." Liu Kang explained.
"You know I don't know why I've never asked this, but… uh…" Johnny let out a small laugh. "What's our record at this tournament?" He asked.
A snort came out of Gomora as he stepped up alongside Litra. "Earthrealm and Outworld have long been evenly matched. But Outworld is gaining strength. Should it win, its more militant factions will be emboldened." He explained.
"I thought you and Lord Liu Kang admired Outworld." Raiden remarked.
"It is a place of great knowledge, wealth, and beauty. But our realms do not share goals or beliefs." Litra explained.
"We coexist peacefully because Outworld respects our strength. Should we show weakness… our rival will become our enemy." Liu Kang told them as he walked with them to the courtyard. "They will even have Kaiju Warriors, like Gomora and Litra." He said as Gomora let out a snort.
"I will not lose, Lord Liu Kang." Kung Lao said proudly and eagerly.
"First you must win the right to represent us. Whichever one of you outlasts the others will be chosen." Liu Kang informed them as he looked towards Raiden. "Raiden, step forward." He ordered as the junior monk stepped up.
He bowed as Johnny let out a chuckle. "Good call. Cull the weak first." He said as Raiden gave him a look, while Gomora growled at him.
"You shall face him, Johnny Cage." He said to him as he smacked his tail on the ground, causing everyone to back away as Kenshi leaned towards him.
"Ready for your close-up?" He asked mockingly as he walked with Kung Lao to the other monks.
While Johnny smirked and looked towards Raiden. "Alright, let's do this. But remember, farm boy. I'm a global martial arts icon." He declared as he stood in his fighting stance. "I don't think you can handle this much boom." He told him with a confident smirk.
"I am ready, Johnny Cage. My mind and spirit fight as one." Raiden declared as he stood in his fighting stance.
Seeing the two were ready, Gomora swung his tail and smacked the gong, ringing it. "FIGHT!" He yelled as Johnny went to shadow strike Raiden with his elbow. But Raiden used superior speed and skill to avoid this strike as he landed a few palm strikes against him and threw a high kick, slamming it against his head as Johnny screamed and fell to the ground. "OHHH!" Gomora chuckled upon seeing it. "Bet he didn't see that coming." He commented as Liu Kang smirked and watched.
Johnny let out a groan as he glared at Raiden for it. "Okay, not bad…" He muttered angrily as he got up. "But now you pissed me off." He said as he went to punch him, while Raiden deflected and parried his attacks as he landed a few strikes against him. Johnny avoided the next punch while landing a strong kick to his side and going for an elbow strike, causing Raiden to lean back as he flipped around and kicked Johnny against his chin.
This caused the action star to groan and stumble as he almost lost his footing. He shook his head to shake the daze off as he glared and readied his signature shadow kick. Raiden prepared for it as Johnny charged as he thrust his leg, attempting to shadow kick him. Raiden managed to catch his leg and use his momentum with his torso to knock Johnny away. He fumbled on his feet a bit as he tried to remain standing, much to Gomora's and Litra's amusement as they watched.
The action star growled angrily as he turned towards Raiden and stepped towards him, one he got up in his face holding a glare, he swung a right hook at him. Raiden ducked from it as the two blocked each other's attacks in close quarter combat. Each warrior evading and blocking one anothers strikes as they did manage to land a few good punches, while Raiden began to gain the upperhand but slamming his palm against Johnny's chest, and landing a solid kick against him.
This caused Johnny to buckle over and cough harshly as he fell to his knees and groaned from it as he held his stomach. Raiden backed away as he bowed respectively. "This fight was an honor." He expressed as he extended his hand.
Johnny took his hand and stood up with his help as he looked at him. "You're welcome." He said to him as he rubbed his injuries.
"Kenshi Takahashi, you are next." Liu Kang announced as Kenshi brandished his sword and stepped forward.
Johnny watched back to the other monks, quickly noticing Kenshi giving him a smirk as he predicted he'd lose. He turned his attention towards Raiden as he approached him. "You have skills, Raiden, but you're inexperienced." He warned him of his flaw.
"Whatever experience I lack, I make up for in heart." Raiden argued.
"It's nerve, not heart, that wins fights. I should know. I've been in hundreds of them." Kenshi warned him as he stood in his fighting stance and gripped his katana.
Seeing the two ready for combat, Gomora smacked the gong with his tail again. "FIGHT!" He yelled as Raiden lunged a kick towards Kenshi who stepped back as Raiden flipped towards him attempting to kick him with both legs. Kenshi avoided it as he took his sword and slashed at Raiden, he narrowly ducked from the slash as Kenshi landed a kick against him and forced him back. Raiden held where he was kicked as he held in his pain and got up. He stood up and stood in his fighting stance.
Kenshi smirked as he went to attack him with his sword, Raiden moved to his left and avoided his strike as Kenshi attempted another strike and slashed at his midsection. Raiden leaned back and bent over as the blade slashed above him, while he flipped around and kicked Kenshi in the face. The former Yakuza stumbled from it as he shook his head while he went to attack Raiden, the junior monk caught his arms and pulled his arm behind his back, making Kenshi groan in pain as Raiden knocked his sword out of his hand as it pierced into the nearest training dummy. Kenshi threw a punch at him as Raiden blocked and parried his punches as he saw Kenshi go for a kick, he deflected his kick as he slammed both palms against his chest and crashed his elbow in the same spot, knocking him down.
Seeing Kenshi hit the ground, Johnny burst out laughing as he saw how humiliated he looked. "Oh man, I wish I caught that on camera." He said as he snickered, only to get smacked over the head by Gomora's tail. "OW!" He cried out as Gomora growled at him and looked to the fight as Kenshi got back up, he yelled as he went to hit Raiden. The junior monk blocked his attacks only to get an unexpected punch to the side as Kenshi landed a few good punches against him. Raiden was in a tight situation as Kenshi tried knocking him out.
The junior monk managed to regain his composure and block his next punch and landed a few good punches as he kicked him three times at his feet, knocking him off balance as he launched himself in the air and kicked him hard in the face. Kenshi tried to regain his balance, only to get struck by Raiden as he left him dazed and he grabbed him by his head. Smacking him against his temples and punching his stomach as he landed a roundhouse kick against his face, knocking him back down as Kenshi hit the ground and groaning as Raiden stood on his feet. "Do you still question my nerve?" He asked him.
Exhaling as he got up, Kenshi acknowledged Raiden as he looked at him. "I do not. Yours was a well-earned victory." He told him as he and Raiden bowed to each other respectably.
"You may rest, Raiden. This evening you will face your final opponent." Liu Kang announced as he and Raiden looked towards Kung Lao, who smiled confidently due to his winning streak against Raiden.
Later that evening, both Raiden and Kung Lao were kneeling in front of each other. They felt that the time drew near as they stood up on their feet, preparing for combat as everyone watched. While Johnny leaned towards Kenshi to make a comment. "Fifty bucks says Kung Lao wins." He placed a bet.
"Make it interesting. Bet me Sento." Kenshi suggested.
This suggestion only made Johnny laugh as he looked at him. "Not on your life." He refused as he looked towards Gomora. "What about you, big guy? You look like a betting man." He said to him, while Gomora rolled his eyes.
"If I want to make a bet, I'll gamble with my life, never my money." He replied.
Meanwhile, Liu Kang stood up from his seat and approached the junior monks. "Raiden. Kung Lao. The winner of this match will represent Earthrealm against Outworld. It is a grave duty, not to be undertaken lightly. You may step back now and suffer no dishonor." He told them.
Raiden stepped up feeling determined. "I choose to fight, Lord Liu Kang." He told him.
"As do I." Kung Lao said with a confident smile.
"Then may the best person win." Liu Kang said to them as he stepped back and bowed to each of them as they bowed in return.
The fire god returned to his chair and sat down, while the junior monks looked at each other. Kung Lao let out a small fit of laughter as he looked at his friend. "Concede, Raiden. You have never beaten me. That won't change today." He told him as he felt confident.
Gomora watched as he looked towards Raiden, hoping he would exploit that overconfident ego of his. "No? If the monks have taught us one thing… it's that the only constant in the universe is change." Raiden told him as he and Kung Lao stood in their respective fighting stances.
Seeing that they were ready, Gomora smiled as he used his tail to ring the gong one more time. "FIGHT!" He yelled as Kung Lao wasted no time in trying to attack Raiden, he weaved past Kung Lao's punches as he redirected one of his punches and smacked him in the face as he threw him over. Kung Lao rolled across the ground as he looked at Raiden surprised as his friend held his fighting stance, he narrowed his eyes and charged at Raiden in an attempt to kick him.
Raiden sidestepped to avoid his kick as he dodged a left swing from Kung Lao's left arm, he punched him in his side as he landed a couple elbow strikes against him as he kicked him away. Kung Lao collapsed to the ground as Gomora smirked upon seeing how bruised his ego was at this point, even Litra was pleased about it. Kung Lao got back up as he started fuming, he grabbed his chakram hat and threw it towards Raiden. This made his eyes widen as he recalled the training dummy from earlier as he fell back, avoiding the razor sharp edge of the hat.
The hat flew past him as it came back around and returned to Kung Lao as he caught it and sliced at Raiden, who managed to avoid it as he attempted to kick Kung Lao. But he used his chakram hat as a shield to block his attacks and kicked Raiden hard in the side as he sliced at him with the hat. Raiden avoided it a few times as he pulled back when Kung Lao thrust the hat at him in an upward motion and attempted to strike at him again. Raiden pulled up a staff and blocked it as the chakram hat bounced out of Kung Lao's hand and pierced into the ground.
While Raiden swung the staff around him and landed a few good strikes against him, each strike landing a good hit as he thrust it against his stomach and threw him over, slamming him to the ground as Johnny and Kenshi winced in pain from seeing how painful that looked. Kung Lao however, was not out of the fight yet. He got up and glared as he summoned a torrent of chi energy and charged at Raiden to finish the fight. Gomora watched as he looked at Raiden, who crouched down and hoisted himself into the air with help from his staff as he lunged down towards him and kicked Kung Lao in the face.
Upon impact, Kung Lao was sent crashing into the ground as he slid across it and groaned in pain from it. A proud smile formed over Gomora's face as he crossed his arms in satisfaction. "Way to go, Halfpint." He told him.
Raiden smiled as he looked towards Kung Lao. "There is a first time for everything, Kung Lao." He told him as Liu Kang approached him with an item in his hand.
"Although you have all trained well, Raiden has excelled. This outcome does not surprise me." He admitted as Kung Lao looked down in defeat as he got up.
"How could I have–" He paused as he looked towards Raiden, accepting that he won fairly. "Congratulations, Raiden." He congratulated him as he bowed.
Raiden bowed in return as Gomora patted him on the back. "I told you you had what it took to be a great warrior, kid." He told him with a proud smile. "And I couldn't be any prouder of any of my pupils." He said with his head held high.
Giving a nod to his trainer, Raiden turned towards Liu Kang who held the item in his hand. "For the tournament, you will need this." He opened the box which contained the Lightning Amulet, which amazed Raiden upon looking at it. "Forged by the Elder Gods, it gives the wearer power over lightning and thunder. Go ahead. Try it." He offered it to him.
Raiden looked upon the amulet and reached in and picked it up, lightning began to crackle and intensify to his presence. He held it in his grip as he looked towards one of the statues and blasted lightning from it as the bolt of lightning trailed along the statue. Johnny was recording the whole thing as he was stunned. "Holy Ark of the Covenant!" He exclaimed as Litra smirked at how impressed he was.
Raiden ended the demonstration as he looked at the amulet. "It is incredible. But is it necessary?" He asked the fire god.
"In addition to possessing great might, the Outworlders, and Kaiju Warriors you will face also wield great magic. The amulet levels the playing field." Liu Kang explained.
"Which is why Litra and I prepared you for such an endeavor." Gomora told him.
"In case you ever face any of our old foes. Like Redking or Gomess." Litra informed him.
Growing concerned for his brother, Kung Lao grabbed his arm. "You must be careful, Raiden. You could get hurt. Even killed!" He expressed his concerns.
"No tournament participant has been grievously injured or killed." Liu Kang assured him as he touched Raiden's shoulder. "I would never send my champions unwittingly into Mortal Kombat." He told them as his champion looked at him. "We leave in seven days for Outworld's capital, Sun Do. The tournament will be held at the Palace of Empress Sindel." He announced as his warriors nodded at him.
Seven days later, everyone was prepared for their journey to Outworld as Liu Kang began to open up a portal for them to enter. "Outworld can be both alien and intoxicating to Earthrealmers. Do not become drawn in. You must focus on the task at hand." He told them as his champions prepared for what was ahead, while Johnny was recording with his phone as Liu Kang entered the portal. Gomora and Litra followed with Raiden and the others, while Johnny followed while recording Kenshi just to get on his nerves. Which was working as he shoved his phone out of his face.
(Outworld)
Upon arriving, the Earthrealmers stepped through the portal as they entered Outworld, within the Capital, Sun Do. Johnny looked around as he continued recording with his phone. "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." He pulled a Wizard of Oz reference as he immediately noticed the daughters of Sindel themselves, Kitana and Mileena, waiting for them as they approached. "Oh my. Are those…" Johnny attempted to ask.
"Empress Sindel's daughters, yes." Liu Kang answered as he walked towards them.
While Johnny looked towards Raiden with a playful smirk. "They do not disappoint." He commented.
"We are Earthrealm's ambassadors, Johnny. We'll show them respect… not unwanted attention." Raiden told him as Johnny gave him a playful wink as he and the others approached the princesses.
"Lord Liu Kang, welcome." Mileena greeted him.
"Thank you, Princess Mileena." Liu Kang replied.
"You remember my sister?" She gestured to Kitana.
Which he nodded in response. "Of course. Princess Kitana." He bowed to her as she bowed in return. "May I introduce Johnny Cage, Kung Lao, Gomora, Kenshi Takahashi, Litra, and Earthrealm's champion… Raiden." He introduced his champions and their tutors.
"I hope you're prepared, Raiden. Our champions are determined to win." Kitana informed him.
"None more so than me. It's been too long since we've known victory." Mileena said as she was eager to win.
A chuckle came out of Gomora as Mileena looked towards him. "You might find this little Halfpint to be up to the challenge, your highness." He assured her.
Much to Mileena's amusement when she heard it, Tanya approached her. "Princess Mileena… We should be on our way. Empress Sindel awaits." She informed her.
"Thank you, Tanya. Follow me, please." Mileena gestured to the Earthrealmers as she led them to the carriages, while Litra spread her wings and took flight, surprising the members of the Umgadi as she landed on the roof of the carriages, sitting comfortably. Causing Mileena to smirk as she looked towards Gomora. "Your friend is quite the spectacle." She told him.
"Litra can be a handful. But she is a skilled warrior." He informed her as his eyes soon met the eyes of another Umgadi, Eleking. She stood by the carriage as she smiled at him, much to his amusement as he smiled and stepped into the carriage with the others as they were on their way.
As they were being transported through the streets, a Shokan was ahead of them beating the drums and having a fun time doing it as it gained the attention of everyone around them. The Earthrealmers looked through the crowds seeing humans, Centaurians, Naknadans, even Shokan amongst them as they celebrated. Johnny captured amazing footage of the crowd to get every detail of them as Raiden looked through them. "Those are Centaurians. And Shokan!" He exclaimed in amazement.
"The six-armed beings are Naknadans." Mileena pointed out to them.
"The monks described them. But seeing them in person…" Raiden couldn't help but feel amazed.
A chuckle came from Gomora as he shook his head and nudged him. "Easy, Halfpint. I know you're excited, but don't forget that some of them will be your opponents." He advised him.
"I see that Her Majesty once again spares no expense on the festival." Liu Kang pointed out the festivities.
"Should she not? It commemorates my late father." She reminded him.
"I admire, Princess. I do not judge. As did all of Outworld, I valued greatly Jerrod's fellowship." Liu Kang assured her, till he heard a whistle and looked out.
Mileena turned around and saw a crowd of constables in the way, escorting a group of people out of a building as she knocked on the carriage, causing Tanya to stop it as she stepped out to confront a familiar face. "First Constable!" She gained Li Mei's attention as she looked towards the princess. "Our route was to be clear. This couldn't wait?" She asked her.
"Should I allow Tarkatans to infect the city, Your Highness? Those arrested were harboring some here, rather than report them for quarantine." Li Mei informed her of the situation prior, which gained Gomora's attention.
"The Earthrealmers cannot be privy to our secrets, Li Mei." Mileena whispered to her, scoldingly. "As Sun Do's First Constable, you must show better judgment. Perhaps that's too much to expect." She said as she walked away from her, much to Li Mei's sadness in regards to her past with her.
Raiden watched curiously as Mileena left Li Mei to her duties. "Princess Mileena doesn't seem to like her very much." He observed.
"Li Mei used to lead the Umgadi, the palace guard. It was on her watch that the Princess's father was murdered." Liu Kang informed him.
"It was hard for Mileena, as well as Sindel. They blame Li Mei for what happened." Gomora added to the info.
A moment later, they arrived at the palace as they awaited their host. Gomora meanwhile was looking through the crowd till he spotted Eleking amongst the other Umgadi members. She looked at him with a smile as her Umgadi sisters giggled and gossiped as she tried to shush them. Much to Gomora's amusement as Johnny leaned over and smirked at him. "Uh-huh… looks like someone's got a crush on the Umgadi." He teased him.
"One more word, Cage, and you'll find yourself hurled out the palace." Gomora warned him as the action star backed away.
Meanwhile, Raiden grew nervous as Liu Kang approached him. "Worry expends energy for no purpose, Raiden." He advised him.
"But the tournament. If I lose.." He hesitated to bring up the outcome.
Litra nudged him to get his attention. "Focus on your actions, not the outcome. It is all you can control." She advised him as he nodded his head to her.
Suddenly, Johnny noticed someone moving through the crowd, and noticed just how massive he was as his eyes widened. "Red alert. Incoming stock villain." He pointed out as Liu Kang looked to see who he was referring to.
"General Shao." He mentioned his name as he looked towards Raiden. "Do not let him goad you." He told him as he turned to see Shao approaching.
He walked up and observed Raiden as he let out a dark chuckle. "Is it me, or is Earthrealm's champion scrawnier than usual?" He asked only to get under Raiden's skin.
His words might not have gotten under Raiden's skin, but they certainly got under Kung Lao's as he glared at the general and stepped up to him. "Would you care to test his strength? Raiden will-"
"Will prove himself soon enough." Liu Kang interrupted him to keep him from fighting the general.
"Have you still not told most Earthrealmers that Outworld exists?" Shao asked him.
"It is safer that way, General." The fire god replied.
A low growl came out of Shao as he looked at him. "I suppose so." He leaned close as he got into Liu Kang's face. "Your people's frail minds couldn't handle the truth." He said with a dark tone in his voice.
That was when Gomora stepped up as he growled at Shao, glaring at him as the two of them were equal in height and muscle mass. "You presume them frail, General? Should you… given how frequently they win this tournament?" He asked him as he growled at him.
Shao treated this as a challenge as he glared at him. "We will destroy Liu Kang's champion, Gomora. He will taste no victory. And were you champion, I would take pleasure in ripping your horns off." He warned him as he stormed off.
Much to Gomora's anger as he clenched his fists, growling at the impulsive General. Litra walked up as she patted his back. "Easy big guy, don't let him get to you." She advised him.
"Little late for that." He commented till he heard the sounds of trumpets sounding off as he and the others within the throne room saw Sindel and her daughters walking into the chambers, moving with beauty and grace towards the thrones.
Everyone admired them as they walked towards the thrones and made themselves comfortable. "Welcome, members of the royal house. Welcome, our esteemed Earthrealm guests." She welcomed them in kind as they bowed respectably. "We gather once again to honor my late husband's legacy. To continue the tournament that he founded with Lord Liu Kang in hopes that it would foster peace among realms. May Jerrod's soul watch over us with pride from its resting place in the Living Forest." She said as she looked towards Liu Kang as he approached. "Lord Liu Kang." She greeted him.
"Empress Sindel." He responded in kind as she smiled. "It pleases me to once again be your guest." He expressed this to her.
"Here, you, Gomora and Litra are always welcome." She assured him as the Kaiju Warriors bowed to her in respect. "Now. Let us meet your champion." She said eagerly.
"Earthrealm's champion is Raiden, Your Majesty." Liu Kang stepped back and gestured to Raiden. "He has earned his place by embodying the very best qualities of Earthrealm's people. And with proper training from Gomora and Litra of course." He expressed.
"Gee, give yourself all the credit, why don't ya." Gomora muttered as Sindel looked towards Raiden, observing him thoroughly.
"You seem nervous, young man." She observed.
"I'm a stranger in an unfamiliar land. Here to compete against its greatest fighters. Yes, I am nervous." He admitted to her.
"As you should be. You have a difficult path ahead." She warned him as she stood from her throne and held out her arms. "It has begun!" She announced as she lowered her arms. "As tradition requires, Outworld's initial competitor will be Sun Do's First Constable… Li Mei." She said as Li Mei entered the room. "May she defend our realm's glory as well as she preserves our capital's order." She prayed.
Li Mei approached and looked upon Sindel. "Your Majesty. I will honor both the royal house, and all of Outworld, with my kombat." She expressed as she saw Sindel approach her.
"If so, you will vastly exceed my expectations. Remember. Were it not for Jerrod's tradition, you would not be here." She told the First Constable, reminding her of her failure to protect her husband all those years ago.
Raiden saw this as Li Mei stepped down and prepared herself, while Liu Kang approached him. "All you need do is your best. The rest will take care of itself." He advised him.
"Yes, Lord Liu Kang." Raiden replied as the fire god returned to the crowd as he looked towards Li Mei.
She approached him as she was prepared to fight him. "Shall we see what you can do?" She asked him.
"Hopefully, this will be the first of many victories." He replied feeling confident.
"I will prevail, Earthrealmer. This fight is more important to me than you can ever know." Li Mei informed him as she and Raiden took on their fighting stances.
"Fight!" Sindel called out as Li Mei was the first to attack, lunging at him with her knee raised as she landed it against his chest, causing him to grunt as she landed several punches against him. Each punch set off fiery sparks like fireworks, upon the last punch, it sent Raiden flying across the room as everyone groaned from the unexpected attack.
"OOF!" Johnny exclaimed when he saw it. "That was dirty." He complained.
"She's tough, hopefully he's got what it takes." Kenshi muttered as Raiden shook his head from the attack and looked at her as Li Mei cleaned her head of the sparks, he narrowed his eyes as he got up and stood ready. Li Mei smirked as she charged and thrust her kicks at him, he deflected her kicks as he landed a few good palm strikes and thrust his leg up, landing an electrical kick against her as she cried out from it.
She hit the ground and groaned from it as she felt the power of Raiden's amulet and turned towards him as she got up, unwilling to give up as she went to attack him. Raiden teleported through lightning and appeared behind her as he saw her go to strike him. He parried her attacks while avoiding a roundhouse kick from her as he landed two kicks against her. She painfully grunts from the kicks as she tries to hold her own against him by blocking his next attack and punching his face and torso, kicking him away as he stumbles back.
She yelled and attempted to land a fiery punch against him, causing Raiden t reach out and grab her wrist as he forced her to twirl around as he smacked her against her temples as he flipped over and kicked her as he landed on the ground and sent a stream of lightning to her feet, electrocuting her body as she screamed from it and fell to the ground feeling stunned. He stood ready in case she wasn't done, and given her eagerness? She wasn't out of the fight yet.
Li Mei shot at him with her fireworks, while Raiden summoned a lightning elemental to shield himself from the fireworks as he formed five orbs of lightning and shot them at her. She deflected three of the orbs, only to get shot down by the remaining two as she yelped and hit the backed up. He charged lightning around his body and dashed towards her, tackling her down as he slammed her against the ground, incapacitating her completely as she groaned in pain from the attack.
He stood up calmly as he looked at her. "Thank you for the match, First Constable." He said to her, expressing his gratitude. Li Mei saw his kind gesture and took it to heart as she bowed and walked away, believing she disgraced the royal house.
"My compliments, Raiden on a well-fought match." Sindel said to him as he turned towards her. "We'll see how you fare in the next. General Shao." She turned towards him. "Whom have you chosen as our next competitor?" She asked him.
Gomora looked towards him as he let out a stern growl as the General stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I have chosen Reiko, my second-in-command." He gestured out as Reiko walked into the room. "As a boy, Reiko was orphaned during the Kafallah War. Though captured, his spirit remained unbroken." He explained as Raiden looked towards Reiko. "He scratched, clawed, and survived. After the war, I took him in. Molded him into the perfect soldier. Few others are as well versed in the ways of war." Shao finished the backstory of Reiko.
He stood before Raiden as he demonstrated his fighting skills, trying to intimidate him. But Raiden remained composed, showing no fear towards Reiko as he finished his demonstration. "In whose army have you served? In what wars have you fought?" He asked the thunderer.
"I have done neither." Raiden answered honestly.
"Then you are woefully unprepared, Earthrealmer. This will be your last battlefield." Reiko warned him as he and Raiden stood ready.
"Fight!" Sindel called out as Raiden saw Reiko threw a set of shurikens at him, He flipped back as he narrowly avoided them as some managed to cut through his clothes, while the shuriken pierced into the wall, narrowly missing a few pedestrians as they gasped while Reiko lunged a knee at Raiden. Raiden used his whole arm to block the attack as he slid back a little while Reiko attempted to punch him. He blocked his attacks as he redirected his punch as he elbowed Reiko in the face and pushed him away.
The soldier shook his head as he glared at him for the attack, he slid towards Raiden and attempted to trip him over. The young thunderer avoided it as he landed a few kicks against him, Reiko let out a grunt as he blocked his attack and struck at him, landing a few punches against his side and kicked him away. His friends watched how brutal Reiko was in his ways of kombat. "Relax you three, Raiden can handle a warbound soldier." Gomora assured them as he watched the fight between them.
"Are you kidding? This guy is a total War Horse! He's gonna turn this fight into a bloodsport!" Johnny made a reference to one of Jean Claude Van Damme's films as he watched the fight, Raiden blocked Reiko's attacks and went to strike him, Reiko ducked down as he wrapped his arms around his waist and lifted him up. He slammed Raiden on the ground and pounded his face with his fists. He attempted to land one last punch, only to get blocked by Raiden as he kicked him hard in the chest as he teleported through lightning and appeared behind him and formed a dome of lightning, stunning him as he blasted him away.
A smirk formed over Gomora's face as he crossed his arms. "Push him hard enough, and he'll become more than a timid monk." He said as Reiko yelled and went to hit Raiden with all his might, but the young thunderer blocked his attacks and struck him a few times to knock him senseless as he punched him hard. He landed a couple of kicks and formed three orbs of lightning and blasted him away, knocking him down.
Reiko slid across the ground as he groaned from the bolts, but all the pain he was enduring only made him stronger as he got back up and yelled as he attempted to finish him. Raiden wasn't going to let him win as he struck him with lightning and used that flow of lightning to stun his legs as Reiko yelled in pain from it. Raiden finished the fight by blasting him with a whirlwind of lightning as it knocked Reiko back down, knocking him out completely. Raiden stood calmly as he looked at the fallen soldier. "Felled by a simple farmer." He said as Shao glared in disgust and growled and walked away, while Raiden looked towards Sindel. "I am ready for my next opponent, Your Majesty. Whom shall I face?" He asked her.
"Patience, young man." She told him as she stood up from her throne. "We are adjourned until first light. I hope to see you all at this evening's banquet." She told them as she walked away with her daughters.
Later that night, everyone was sitting together during the banquet as they were enjoying a bountiful feast. Kung Lao was enjoying it more than everyone else as he ate some fruit, drank some wine, and ate the meat that was served. He was earning disapproving looks from both Shao and Reiko as they sat next to him, seeing him stuffing his face, while Litra shot a scowl towards him. "Must you eat like a pig?" She asked him.
"What? I'm hungry." He replied to her as he continued eating, making her groan in annoyance as she heard him burp.
Meanwhile, Johnny was engaged in a conversation with Kitana as he was literally dumbfounded by what he learned. "I'm sorry. You're ten thousand years old?" He asked her as she shrugged her shoulders to his reaction and smirked. "Talk about aging gracefully." He complimented her.
Meanwhile Gomora was looking towards Eleking who was keeping guard, but couldn't help but steal a glance towards him as she smirked at him. He smiled at her as Raiden looked towards Liu Kang curiously about Johnny. "What do you see in him?" He asked him.
"He is a hero, Raiden. Though he may not yet know it." Liu Kang informed him as he looked through those present in the banquet. "Do you recognize everyone here?" He asked him.
Raiden looked through them as he recognized those he learned about. "Most, yes. From your descriptions." He said as he looked towards the High Mage, Rain. "Except for him." He pointed out.
Liu Kang looked towards him, knowing Raiden never got the chance to know about him. "That is Rain, the High Mage of Outworld." He said as he looked towards Raiden. "Not his given name, but one earned due to his mastery of water magic." He explained.
As they ate, Gomora noticed Mileena having stomach problems as Tanya approached her feeling concerned. "Are you unwell, Princess?" She asked her.
Trying to hide it, Mileena looked to her to ease her concerns. "I am fine, Tanya." She assured her as Gomora watched, wondering what she was hiding.
"I know I'm to fight Mileena, but will I also face Tanya?" Raiden asked curiously.
This gained Gomora's attention as he looked towards him. "By tradition, you should not. If you did, you would be tested." He informed him.
"Why?" Raiden asked.
"Umgadi, like Tanya, are warrior priestesses. Selected from the first born daughters of Outworld." Liu Kang started explaining as Raiden looked at him. "From infancy, they are trained to defend the royal family." He informed him.
"Outworld must see much conflict, if the Empress needs such protection." Raiden surmised.
"Its past has been difficult." Litra informed as Raiden looked at her. "Though the last thousand years of Empress Sindel's reign have been a true golden age, the memories of that strife still linger." She explained as she looked towards Sindel, who stood up and held a glass of wine.
The music and singing in the background stopped as all fell silent to her presence. "My husband Jerrod believed that the future of our realms lay together. Let us move forward in open dialogue, letting no secrets tear our bonds asunder." She said to the guests as Raiden took his glass of wine and stepped forward.
"Your Majesty. It's an honor to be here and to meet your people. I can already see there's more that joins us than divides us." He expressed, much to Sindel's delight.
But to Shao? He felt offended as he let out a snarling laugh. "Our peoples could not be more different, champion." He mocked his title as he stood up.
Much to Gomora's anger and Raiden's confusion as he looked at him. "Excuse me?" He asked.
"You heard me. Earthrealmers are devoid of all-"
"That's enough, General." Sindel immediately stopped him as she scowled at him.
Shao watched as he calmed down. "My apologies, Your Majesty. Perhaps I've enjoyed too much of the excellent wine. With your permission…" He paused, awaiting her word.
"You may go." She ordered as Shao stormed off and shattered a glass of wine on the ground, leaving the Earthrealmers stunned as they watched him leave with Reiko.
"What is his deal?" Johnny asked curiously.
"He's a prejudiced bastard, can't stand being second-best." Gomora commented as he crossed his arms.
"I apologize on his behalf. I will speak to him later." Sindel apologized.
"It is not your fault, Empress." Litra assured her as she folded her wings. "Personally, I'd like to claw his eyes out for being so disrespectful during this feast." She expressed her grievance.
"Believe me, Shao can have that effect on most people. But leave him to me. I will deal with him momentarily." Sindel said as she walked off, while Kitana and Mileena looked towards each other, feeling concerned about what would happen.
In a private room, Sindel sat across from Shao as she contemplated all that happened earlier that evening, she shot him a stern scowl for his arrogance. "It's bad enough we may lose to the Earthrealmers. But then you go and drunkenly insult them?! You needlessly stain my honor and your family's proud military tradition!" She scolded the General as he stood firm.
"May I speak freely Your Majesty?" He asked her as she walked past him.
"Again with this?" She asked as she sighed as she walked a few feet from him. "If you must." She said, wishing she didn't acknowledge his request.
"We must act on the sorcerer's prophecy. He warns that Liu Kang will conquer Outworld." Shao reminded her of a certain prophecy.
"And his predictions are usually impeccable. But I've no proof of Liu Kang's ill intent. His interventions have kept Outworld at peace for centuries." She reminded him of the good deeds Liu Kang had accomplished.
But Shao saw them differently. "He herds us into compromises, shackles our independence. If we could meet our enemies in battle… We'd take-"
Sindel turned towards him glaring. "You would consign us to endless war!" She yelled.
"Better that than to be Liu Kang's lapdog." Shao growled in anger.
Sindel did not approve of this one bit as she walked towards him. "If I see evidence of the prophecy's accuracy, we will act. But only then and only at my command. Did not your illustrious father teach you that war is the last resort, not the first?" She asked him.
Shao stood silently at the mention of his father. "He did, Your Majesty." He answered.
"Do not forget that, General." She told him as she heard a knock at the door. "Come." She ordered as Shao walked towards the door as it opened, while Kitana and Mileena entered the room, seeing him storm out.
"You asked to see us?" Mileena asked as she looked towards her mother.
Who stood silently for a bit till she answered. "I saw what happened this evening." She informed her.
Mileena tried to hide it as she remained calm. "That was nothing. Something I ate." She assured her.
"Was it?" Sindel asked as she looked at her. "I can't chance it, can I? If you fight tomorrow, the symptoms of your disease could manifest. Kitana will take your place." She informed her, much to Mileena's shock when she heard it.
"What?!" She asked, feeling dejected. "There are already whispers that she should replace me as your heir. This will make them screams!" She exclaimed.
"Your illness is your fault. Why you left the palace that night unattended is still beyond me." Sindel said as she turned away from her.
"I just need time alone, away from all this. I never thought that-"
"That's your problem, Mileena. You never think." Sindel said to her, while Mileena took that as a painful insult.
Kitana immediately stepped between them as she looked at her older twin. "Mother is only trying to protect you, sister. If your disease becomes known, you will be banished to the Wastes. For you to hold the throne, we must keep your secret." She told her as Mileena shook her head and stormed out of the room, while Sindel looked down believing she may be driving her daughter away more so than ever.
Elsewhere, the Earthrealm champions were preparing to rest as they were in the guest bedrooms. "This was quite an eventful day." Raiden commented as he fixed his sheets.
"You said it, Raiden. But that General…" Kung Lao scoffed as he turned towards him. "The way he spoke to you, if I were champion, I would-"
"You would get your ass pummeled into the ground, bro." Johnny interrupted him, earning a look from Kung Lao. "I mean, did you even look at the size of him?" He asked.
"As much as I hate to admit it, Cage has a point. You might not last two minutes against the general. Even with the power you have." Kenshi commented.
"Now hold on-" Kung Lao was about to make a point.
"Just let it go, guys." Litra told them as they looked at her. "Just get some sleep, we have a long day tomorrow." She reminded them.
"She's right. I won't win any fights if I keep talking to all of you all night." Raiden told them as he laid down in his bed to get some sleep, suddenly he realized someone was missing as he looked around. "Wait, where's Gomora?" He asked.
Elsewhere, Gomora was walking along a river stream in the Hanging Gardens as he admired the garden's beauty. He knew being out past curfew was against the rules of the tournament, but he knew that if anyone messed with him, he'd easily crush them. He stepped close to the water and kneeled down and looked at his reflection, despite being different from most Earthrealmers, he grew to care less about it.
Suddenly a tail started coiling around him slowly as he felt the smooth skin of it wrapping around him as someone touched his shoulder and he turned around to see Eleking standing over him as she smirked at him. "It is illegal for you to be out this late at night, Earthrealmer." She told him.
"Funny… that's not stopping you from being out." He told her as she smirked and used her tail to turn him around and face her. "You haven't changed a bit, Ele." He said to her as he removed her tail from around him.
"And you're still charming as ever." She replied as she kissed him on his lips, much to his delight as she pulled away. "I'm surprised you weren't Earthrealm's champion." She admitted to him.
"It wasn't my fate to be its champion. I serve better being a guardian, than a champion. Just like how you serve the royal family." He told her.
She chuckled in response as she wrapped her arms around him. "But it's so boring… and the Umgadi have so many rules. UGH! Don't even get me started with Tanya." She expressed as she and Gomora chuckled together.
"Well, at least she is caring towards Mileena. I saw the way she looked at her during dinner." Gomora recalled before Shao's unexpected rant.
A sorrowful look soon formed over Eleking's face as she looked at him. "But you saw it… the way she was clutching her stomach. You know she has Tarkat disease." She said as she knew he already figured it out.
Gomora lowered his head as he and Eleking sat together on a bench. "I had my suspicions… but for Sindel to go to these lengths to hide it, I think I can understand why." He said as he felt sorry for the princess.
"I even heard that they're having her out of the tournament. Kitana will be taking her place against Raiden." She informed him.
"Easy to understand why… but… how is it that she's showing no signs of Tarkat?" Gomora asked curiously.
"I don't know… but whoever discovered a way to suppress it did a very good job of it." Eleking complimented.
Nodding his head, Gomora turned towards her as he grasped her hand. "Ele, I know home is here for you. But Earthrealm can also be your home, if you give it a chance." He said to her as Eleking looked down.
"As tempting as that would be…" She paused as she looked into his eyes. "I cannot accept. Not with the rules hanging over my head. But…" She reached and fingered his pectoral muscles. "It doesn't mean we can't stop seeing each other in secret." She said with a flirtatious smirk as she pulled him into another kiss, the two held each other as they were lost in romantic passion.
The next day, Raiden had won many fights against several kombatants, both Outworlder, and Kaiju Warrior. Leaving the empress impressed by his display. "You continue to surprise, Raiden. Among others, you have defeated Kotal, Redking, Motaro, Neronga, and Sheeva. Only two fights remain. Are you ready, Earthrealmer?" She asked him.
"I am, Your Majesty." He answered her as he prepared for who will be next.
"Then next you face my daughter… Kitana." She announced as Raiden was surprised as he looked to see Kitana approaching him, steel fans in hand.
Liu Kang watched in surprise as he stepped up. "Your Majesty, this is unprecedented." He expressed his concerns to her. "Raiden's next opponent should be your heir."
"Mileena is unavailable. She's away on pressing imperial business." Sindel said, and Gomora saw it as a false lie for he knew the truth as he stepped up.
"But I have not prepared him to battle Kitana. Liu Kang and I prepared him for the others, except her." He informed her.
"He's already demonstrated great skill. Can he not improvise?" Sindel asked them.
Both Liu Kang and Gomora wanted to protest against this, but Raiden quickly stopped them. "Do not worry, I can do this." He assured them.
A deep sigh came from Liu Kang as he looked at him. "Very well." He said as he stepped away with Gomora.
The moment everyone went to their places, Kitana looked at Raiden with a determined look on her face. "I will be no easier to fight than my sister, Earthrealmer." She informed him.
"I suffer under no such delusion, Your Highness." He replied.
"I will win this fight. For her, my Empress, and all of Outworld." She declared as she unfolded her fan and stood ready, as did Raiden as he prepared himself.
"Fight!" Sindel called as Kitana lunged and thrust two kicks at him, causing Raiden to block her attacks as he blocked two more kicks from her only to get kicked in the face by her as she flipped backwards. He shook his head from it as she struck at him a few times, forcing him to go on the defensive from her assault. He blocked and deflected her attacks to try and survive against her, but she moved so fast, it was hard to keep up with her.
She knocked away his defense and kicked him hard in the chest, forcing him to slide back as he groaned from the impact. "So far, Earthrealmer. I'm not impressed." She unfolded her fans and threw one of them at him, Raiden quickly ducked under and saw it coming back as he stepped out of its path as it returned to Kitana. She yelled and charged at him as she slashed at him with both her fans.
He blocked her attacks and as he read each of her movements, keeping up with her with accurate speed and agility as he caught her next attack and kicked her as he landed an electric punch against her chest, pushing her back as she grunted from it. "You caught me off guard then. But I won't let it happen again." He assured her as she smirked behind her mask and threw a tornado beneath him as it launched him into the air as he let out a grunt.
She leapt at him and struck him a few times wild in mid air and knocked him down to the ground as he slammed against it. He groaned and shook his head as he saw her land, smirking behind her mask at him as she held her fan. "Are you certain about that?" She asked as she went to strike him while he was down, but Raiden quickly teleported through lightning and appeared behind her as he slammed a few palm strikes against her the moment she turned around. He soon landed a strong kick against her as she screamed and hit the ground.
Johnny watched as he let out an exhale. "Those two are really going at it." He commented as Kitana yelled as she slashed at him with her fans, he quickly avoided her steel fans while deflecting her strikes. He maneuvered around her as he took her arm and threw her over as she slammed on the ground. She yelled as she swung her leg at him to get her arm free, he quickly moved away as he stood ready for her next move.
She charged at him as she folded her steel fans closed and slashed at him with them, Raiden slammed his fist into his palm and caused a flashbang effect against her as she shielded her eyes from it. She groaned from it and saw that he was gone, she looked around as Raiden appeared behind her, gaining her attention as she turned sharp and attacked him. Raiden stepped back as a lightning elemental took his place, she slashed its head off as it disappeared and she kicked at him.
Raiden deflected her kicks as he punched her in the cheek, kicked her at her shin to throw her off balance, and slammed his elbow against her chest to incapacitate her indefinitely as she rolled across the ground and groaned. Raiden stood up as he smiled kindly at her. "You fight well, Princess." He complimented her on her skill.
She groaned as she stood up and looked at him. "Aso do you, Earthrealmer. Surprisingly so." She admitted, as much as it hurt her pride.
"I hope we meet again. Under different circumstances." He replied to her as Gomora approached and grabbed him.
"Back away, Raiden. Back away." He told him as he backed away with him, much to Raiden's dismay as he rolled his eyes.
While Kitana only smirked behind her mask at the amusing scene. Almost like an older brother looking after his younger sibling. "It's time for the final match." Sindel announced as Kitana walked to her seat beside her mother. "It's a testament to your abilities that you've made it thus far. But now you must face General Shao." She told him as she looked to see Shao in his battle mask and holding his giant battle axe as he approached. "Victor of the Tevarian War. Conqueror of the Kuatan Plains. Defender of the Navala Coast. As has his family for generations, General Shao defends us with zeal and tenacity. All of Outworld is grateful for his service." She declared.
But Gomora snorted as he glanced towards Litra. "She forgot to mention "Maniac with an Ego"." He whispered to her as she giggled.
Meanwhile, Raiden watched as he approached him. "That's a notable list of accomplishments, General" He complimented his achievements.
"It is a mere fraction of them. A full recitation would take days." Shao informed him as he stood ready for kombat, Raiden did the same as he narrowed his eyes at him.
"Fight!" Sindel called out as Raiden stepped back and dashed at him, tackling Shao as he slammed him against a tree, causing him to grunt in pain as Raiden leapt back and landed on the ground. Shao shook his head and glared as he roared out and charged at him, swinging his axe at him as Raiden avoided his attacks a few times and avoided a thrust from his next strike and grabbed the axe, sending a stream of lightning around it as it stunned the General.
He groaned as he released the axe as it almost dragged Raiden down with it, allowing Shao to land a few good punches against him. He backhanded Raiden in the face as he flew across the gardens and hit the ground. He groaned as he heard Shao roaring and saw him charging towards him with his axe, attempting to crush him with it. He avoided it as he kicked him against the back of his knee, making him buckle and grunt as Raiden leapt and kneed him in the face.
This attack made Shao stumble back as he held his jaw and popped it back into place as he growled, much to Gomora's amusement as he recalled teaching Raiden how to handle an enemy that was bigger than him. Raiden stood ready as Shao roared out as he leapt and went to stomp on him, causing the young thunderer to roll away from his assault and launch three orbs of lightning at him, striking him against his back as Shao yelled out in pain from it.
Growing tired of his tricks, Shao charged his energy into his axe and roared out as he slammed it against the ground, sending the energy towards Raiden as it caught him off guard and blasted him. Shao snarled as he went to strike him down further into the ground, but Raiden rolled back as the axe almost cleaved him in half. He looked up as Shao used telekinesis to raise his axe and slam it on the ground again, causing it to shake and throw Raiden off balance as he struggled.
Seeing an opportunity, Shao snarled as he swung his axe and threw it towards Raiden. Seeing it coming, Raiden immediately teleported through lightning. He reappeared behind Shao and conducted electricity into his back, making him scream in pain as he was held into the air and Raiden slammed him down to the ground. But the General was not out of the fight yet, he growled as he stood up and glared at him.
Raiden charged as he attempted to strike him, only to see Shao charge and ram his shoulder against him as he knocked Raiden to the ground. He groaned as he heard Shao roar and attempt to crush him with his axe, Raiden avoided it by moving to his left. Shao attempted another crushing blow as Raiden moved to his right as he avoided the next strike. The General lost his patience as he raised it up again, unaware he left himself exposed as Raiden pulled a move out of the Johnny Cage handbook.
He quickly and swiftly kicked Shao in the groin, causing him to gasp in pain as his eyes dilated and he dropped his axe behind him. He groaned in pain as he held his groin and cried out while Johnny cheerfully punched Gomora in the shoulder. "YES! Haha!" He cheered as Gomora gave him a disapproving look, making him shut up. "Sorry." He apologized as Raiden got up, while Shao was still in pain as he charged up a lightning attack and blasted him away.
The general crashed on the ground as he was completely incapacitated, leaving Raiden as the victor as he stood up. "It's over. I have done it!" He cheered as Liu Kang and Gomora nodded in approval.
Sindel stood up from her seat and looked at the young champion. "Congratulations, Raiden. Earthrealm wins." She announced as she and Kitana left with the royal court, while Raiden looked towards Shao who was still groaning from the pain he was enduring.
He approached him as he lent him a hand. "May I assist you?" He asked him as Shao smacked his hand away.
"Stay away, Earthrealmer." He snarled at him as he growled and stormed off.
Raiden watched him leave as he saw Liu Kang approach him. "Well done. You have exceeded my greatest expectations." He said to him, feeling proud.
"Thank you, Lord Liu Kang." Raiden replied as Gomora approached.
"Because of you, Halfpint. The Outworlders who would disrupt the peace will once again be held at bay." He told him as he patted his shoulder. "I'm proud of you kid." He said to him as he smiled.
"Come. Let us bid our hosts farewell and return to Earthrealm." Liu Kang suggested as he, Gomora and Raiden walked to the others as they bowed to him for his victory.
"All right, yeah!" Johnny cheered for him as he patted his shoulder.
"You did it!" Kenshi congratulated him.
"That was fantastic, Raiden. You really showed those Outworlders how it's done." Kung Lao said to him as he walked beside him.
"That was great." Johnny commented.
"Very impressive!" Kenshi added as he walked alongside them, while Gomora stopped and looked towards Eleking, who stood where she was and smiled at him as she blew a kiss at him. He smiled and accepted it as he waved goodbye to her as he walked away to follow the others back to Earthrealm.
(Earthrealm)
Back in Earthrealm, Liu Kang was meditating alone, peacefully as he sat before a fire in front of him. Till suddenly he sensed something and opened his eyes, seeing sand swirling in front of him as it formed a figure, revealing himself to be Geras, the Guardian of the Hourglass. Liu kang smiled upon seeing him. "Geras, my old friend. It's been eons. It is good to see you." He said to him kindly.
"Likewise, Lord Liu Kang. I have watched you with the Hourglass. You are relishing your role as Earthrealm's protector." He said to him as Liu Kang stood up and approached him.
"It suits me far better than being Keeper of Time ever did." He admitted as Geras approached him. "I never wanted to replace Kronika. Being history's architect drove her mad. I had no wish to share her fate. Which is why I am forever grateful that you volunteered to safeguard the Hourglass. Despite my having relinquished its power, the new era has unfolded as it should. Even Kaiju Warriors have adapted well to it." He said, feeling proud of what he created.
Geras solemnly nodded as he approached the Jade Jaguar the Great Kung Lao gave to Liu Kang and lifted it. "You created me in your own image. Duty is my highest calling." He said to the fire god.
"While I am glad you are here, you are not one for social calls. Is there trouble with the Hourglass?" Liu Kang asked, feeling concerned.
Geras nodded as he set the Jade Jaguar down. "With something it has shown me." He informed him.
"What, Geras?" Liu Kang asked, eager to know what it is.
"When you restarted history, you altered the destinies of certain malefactors to neutralize them. At least one of them is defying that destiny: Shang Tsung." Geras brought up his name, much to Liu Kang's anger at the very mention of it.
"Go on." He ordered.
"He has escaped his meaningless life and is on his way to becoming a powerful sorcerer. He has already infiltrated Sindel's court." The Guardian informed him.
Liu Kang thought back to the tournament as he didn't recall seeing him anywhere. "I saw no sign of him during the tournament. But if that snake is in Sindel's ear-"
"Your vision of peace may already be compromised." Geras said to him, much to the dismay of the fire god.
"I appreciate this warning, Geras. I will investigate. Please return to the Hourglass and see what else you can learn." He ordered as Geras nodded and vanished as Gomora stepped into the room, gaining Liu Kang's attention as he looked towards him. "Gomora, gather Kung Lao, Johnny Cage, and Kenshi. I have an assignment for them and Litra." He informed him, for this will be a mission of grave importance.
(Author Notes: Hey Guys, Leonidas1994 here. Here is the second chapter, and boy did I try to make it long. But not all fights are meant to last super long, but I'm sure you'll understand. Anyways, yes, Gomora will approximately be roughly the same muscle and size as General Shao. God I miss calling him Shao Kahn. Anyways, I'm curious, who do you guys picture being with Raiden the most? Li Mei, or Kitana? Because I thought Li Mei would be a better pairing. What do you guys think? Let me know what you think. Enjoy the chapter.)