Author's Note: No I'm not dead, yes I still love MK, yes your eyes do not deceive you; this is a brand new chapter! I'm throwing up an explanation for my absences on my main profile so read if you feel so inclined. Otherwise, enjoy as we embark on a fresh plot arc!
-Chapter 20: The Treasure of Zaterra-
Somewhere in Earthrealm…
The beach was surrounded by rocky cliffs, seemingly cut off from outside access by walls of eroded stone. Looking out across an endless ocean, the little beach seemed to be the perfect remote hideaway, undisturbed by society or the footprint of human activity. But that record was abruptly shattered when a portal flashed to life, its fire-like energy churning out a company of Tarkatans who stomped onto the beach carrying a multitude of materials necessary to establish a war kamp. The leading Tarkatan snarled orders to the others, urging them to begin setting up tents for communal purposes. The Tarkatans moved to obey, a small army working to establish themselves seemingly unbeknownst to human society.
But someone did know. Someone was very aware of their presence and intended to do something about it.
The sea began to churn and boil, frothing into a white foam that earned the attention of the Tarkatans. Shooting up, a bubble of solidified water blasted free and assumed the form of Suijin, goddess of water. The Earthrealm deity looked upon the Tarkatans with glowing eyes filled with fervor. "You are trespassing, Outworlders! I will give you this one chance to flee!" She declared to them all. Normally, one would have heeded the cautionary tone of a goddess. But, by stubbornness or sheer arrogance, the Tarkatans refused her offer.
"Draka un thrakar!" The leading nomad barked and his fellows brandished their blades to prepare for an attack. Suijin narrowed her gaze.
"So be it."
Stretching out her hands, high pressure blasts of water erupted from her palms and sliced through the ranks of the Tarkatans like knives, coring out bodies and heads and removing limbs with the precision of a surgeon. Blood splattered the beach, soaking into the sand as Suijin descended, conjuring a concussive blast of water that sent the Tarkatans closest sprawling. Those unaffected began to charge the water goddess as Suijin turned her attention to the sea itself.
The water receded, drawing far out and away from the beach by the command of Suijin. By the same command, it rushed back towards the beach in a massive tidal wave that slammed down upon them all, consuming the Tarkatans. Those not crushed by the sheer weight of the water were drawn out to sea by a fierce current conjured up by Suijin where they were left to a watery grave far out in the middle of the ocean.
Left standing alone on the beach, Suijin paused as silence filled the air, disturbed only by the gentle lapping of the waves against the beach. Satisfied with her work, the water goddess closed her eyes. To some it would appear as though she were basking in her victory. But in reality, she was deep in spiritual communion.
Lord Raiden, I bring news.
Tell me everything, Lady Suijin.
I discovered another Outworld invasion force comprised of Tarkatans. They were attempting to establish some sort of outpost in the southern regions. I have eliminated them entirely.
I see. Thank you, Sister. Your vigilance is incredibly helpful.
I will remain on guard with my brothers.
Please inform me if you uncover any more incursions.
Elsewhere…
Raiden's eyes opened as his telepathic communication with Suijin concluded. The thunder god surveyed his surroundings for a moment from atop the wall of Ying Fortress. The great stone construct had been built into the side of a mountain, with multiple battlements jutting out across a flat plateau. Dozens of Shaolin from the Wu Shi Academy were busy turning the old fortress into a functioning base of operations for Raiden and the Defenders of the Realm.
Within his immediate proximity stood Magnus Shadrix, Kung Lao, Liu Kang, and Mileena, as well as newcomers Kenshi Takahashi and Syzoth. The two teams had returned from their missions and were comparing results.
"…The Black Dragon menace us once again." Magnus rumbled, crossing his arms. "Should Sonya Blade return, she will be most anxious to go after them."
"Troubling though it may be, it is one front of this war that we can anticipate." Liu Kang responded.
"It is unfortunate that Blaze refused our offer." Mileena concurred. She glanced at the newcomers in their midst. "Fortunately, it seems you've made up for that."
"I'll need someone to bring me up to speed." Kenshi said. "This is a lot to take in."
"In time, we will do all we can for you, Kenshi Takahashi." Raiden stated, rejoining the conversation. "As it stands, your arcana is a welcome addition to our defences. With training, you may become a formidable kombatant." His electric gaze turned to the new Outworlder in their midst and Raiden took a moment to appraise him. "I sense your mind is troubled, Syzoth."
The Zaterran mutant lifted his head slightly to regard the thunder god. "Forgive me, Lord Raiden. It is just… The weight of my family's death has finally taken hold. In the chaos of escaping Shang Tsung's laboratory, I had no time to think of grieving. But now I can… fully comprehend their demise. And the pain is all too real." Raiden nodded in understanding.
"Shang Tsung will pay for all his crimes. I will see to that." He promised. It was of little comfort to the Saurian but he accepted it for what it was. The gesture of a god was certainly no small thing.
Mileena strode over to him. "I am sorry for your loss, Syzoth. If there is anything we can do for you," she offered, "I know we will attempt to meet your needs in full."
"Perhaps an opportunity to lay down. I… would like to be alone for a while." Syzoth replied. Mileena nodded and led him on his way.
As they departed, Johnny Cage arrived at the fortress with Art Lean in tow. The dark-skinned man took in everything with wonderment. He wasn't quite sure if this was better than a Hollywood cult or worse. "I know you told me, Cage, but it's-"
"Even more wild in person? Yeah, it's a lot to take in." The actor agreed. "Kinda nice to have another normal human around."
"From what you've told me, you're not exactly 'normal'." Art replied. "Punching out freaks from other worlds, summoning glowing green balls, not exactly run of the mill stuff." They drew closer to the group and Art's gaze shifted to Raiden. As a champion martial artist Art Lean had fought many men of varying sizes, from huge Herculean powerhouses to small nimble masters of precision. To see the thunder god in all his 7-foot glory ranked among the more surreal experiences of meeting an opponent for the first time.
The thunder god approached Kenshi. "Your sword, Kenshi Takahashi, may I see it?" The swordsman unsheathed his weapon, the blade glowing a subtle blue as he held it out for Raiden to see.
"It has been in my family for generations and, evidently, contains the souls of my ancestors." Raiden studied the weapon with a scrutinizing gaze for a moment.
"It's power appears intrinsically tied to your arcana." He noted. "Your power is not unlike Kung Lao's. There is much you may learn from him in order to unlock your full potential." Kenshi held the blade for a moment, his augmented sight allowing him to study the weapon with a newfound realization. Watching from a distance, Johnny could only quirk a brow as he overhead the development.
"Blind guys with magic swords." Johnny remarked with a slow shake of his head. He turned to Art, "Told you it was regular bullshit hours around here."
"And then some." Art mused, glancing back and forth at the other people he was supposed to be working with. Johnny, deciding enough was enough, beckoned Art onwards towards the fortress.
"Come on, I'll show you where we sleep."
Later that day, the Shaolin initiates patrolling the rampart walls of Ying Fortress announced the arrival of two unknown individuals. Still wary after recent incursions from Outworld, the Defenders of the Realm moved to investigate. Raiden, already aware of who they were, teleported outside to greet the man and woman approaching them.
"Sonya Blade. Jackson Briggs. I bid you welcome to Ying Fortress." He greeted.
"Helluva new setup. Took us forever and a day to find this place." The blonde lieutenant replied. Raiden nodded simply at her wording.
"Ying Fortress is a secure location should the forces of Outworld attempt to raid us. It has many defensive positions and strategic benefits, being built into a mountain."
"I can get behind that." Jax mused, looking over the massive stone construct that looked like it had jumped out of the pages of a medieval history book. As he did, the champions of Earthrealm slowly filtered out of the fortress to greet their returning ally.
"Welcome back, Lieutenant Blade. You as well, Major Briggs." Liu Kang greeted with a respectful bow. "I am pleased to see you are back in fighting shape and that your spirit has not been dulled."
"Not exactly the nicest thing to ever happen to me, but I lived. That's more than some soldiers can say." Jax replied, puffing on a cigar.
"Our story ran right up the chain of command. The top brass of the US army are putting together a tactical division to respond to Outworld threats. Last I heard they're calling it the 'Outerworld Investigation Agency'." Sonya stated to the group.
Johnn beamed, fishing around his pants for his phone. "I'm writing that down, has 'movie script' written all over it!"
"While I am loathe to involve potential innocents the aid is welcome, Sonya Blade." Raiden said.
"You don't gotta worry about us, Raiden, we can handle ourselves." Jax promised. "Me? I'm here lookin' for some payback." The sun glinted off his arms as he spoke, revealing mechanical prosthetics to replace the limbs torn off by Goro. Each was a complex interweaving of power couplings and exhaust ports, pneumatic actuators and cerebral-responsive circuitry. Metal plates, machined to resemble organic muscle, had been affixed to give his new limbs a somewhat human configuration. Like a robotic bodybuilder.
"Jax to the max," Johnny whistled, "those are some serious platinum guns."
"Yeah? You dig, Cage?" Jax remarked with a grin as he flexed his mechanical biceps. Sonya rolled her eyes. "Let's see that four-armed freak try to rip these off."
"You are welcome to join us, Jackson Briggs." Raiden offered. "Your brush with Outworld and firsthand experience of its kind have been a trial by fire but sufficient in informing you of the nature of our cause."
"Sounds good to me." The major affirmed with a grin.
"With your return, we should begin preparations to determine Outworld's next courses of action. If we can head off their attempts to raid us, it may deter Shao Kahn's plans." Raiden told the assembled group.
"How exactly are you going to plan for that?" Sonya wondered.
"Since we managed to make friends with someone who was in Shang Tsung's employ." Kung Lao told her. Sonya cocked a brow.
"When did that happen?"
"Much has transpired since your departure." Mileena stated simply.
"Come, we'll see if Syzoth is open to more introductions." Magnus offered.
Syzoth was up and about again, feeling a bit better after some time alone. The Zaterra found himself the centre of attention when Raiden and his defenders of the realm approached, desiring to learn what they could from him.
"You were in Shang Tsung's close proximity on a regular basis, Syzoth. With the sorcerer aiding Shao Kahn in his attacks on Earthrealm, we must try and capitalize on any details gleaned from the emperor's court." Raiden began. "Please tell us all you have heard. If Shang Tsung has mentioned anything regarding plans for Earthrealm, we must know about it." Syzoth's gaze flicked from eye to eye, noting all the kombatants encircling him. It was an intimidating gathering. But they were on his side. He was safe here, unlike in Shang Tsung's laboratory.
"He is dangerous. And he has plans. Some, I suspect, not even the Emperor knows about."
"Like what?" Liu Kang pressed.
"I can't say for certain. I've only overheard fragments. He seems to have taken a distinct interest in Zaterra."
"In what regard?"
"He pressured me to explain the history of the province, specifically the time just before it was conquered by Shao Kahn." Syzoth explained. "He wanted to know our artifacts."
"That's seems too specific." Kung Lao noted.
"Agreed. Shang Tsung is only interested in someone's past if he can glean something from it." Mileena concurred. "I have witnessed him tarnish legacies and tear apart heritages in the pursuit of arcane powers."
"Nothing is safe from him." Magnus rumbled, crossing his arms.
"But what's his endgame? If he's trying to learn something about this Zaterra then he must want something from it." Jax proffered.
"Jax is right," said Sonya, "maybe if we heard what he heard we can pick out the same details."
"An astute observation, Sonya Blade." Raiden agreed before looking to Zaterra mutant. "Syzoth, please recount for us the stories you imparted to Shang Tsung. Phrase them for us exactly as you did him."
"All Zaterrans, mutant or otherwise, know the history of our realm. It is our genetic heritage." Syzoth began. "Once, long ago, the province of Zaterra was ruled by King Tetsurri and his broodmate Queen Sytholin. They were shrewd and wise, always planning and calculating. They ran their kingdom like a business and it flourished. Unfortunately for them, one of their militant leaders, General Testudine, was an evil being with nothing but malice in his heart. He sought out dark magicks that would help him overthrow the king and queen and it increased his innate evil. By the time Tetsurri found out, it was too late to talk him down. Tetsurri and Testudine engaged in brutal kombat which killed both of them. In the aftermath, Queen Sytholin discovered that Testudine had been filled with so much negative energy that the black magick transformed his heart into a crystallized demon stone. She had it locked away, referring to it from then on as the Gem of Tetsurri; a testament to her late king's final triumph."
It was a curious tale that the Earthrealmers took note of.
"I am familiar with this object." Raiden announced. All eyes turned to him. "The Gem of Tetsurri is capable of darkening the soul and filling the user with the same innate evil that consumed General Testudine. But unleashing such profane magick would require the work of an extremely skillful sorcerer."
"So if it winds up in Shang Tsung's hands…" Kai trailed off.
"Nothing good would come of it." Kenshi decided, familiar enough with the sorcerer to arrive at such a grim determination.
"So where is this Zaterra? Should we… move the gem to keep it safe?" Art Lean wondered aloud.
"It is a province within Outworld; overgrown and storm-battered." Raiden answered. "If we are to move the Gem of Tetsurri, we cannot touch it. The negative energy magicks within would poison the soul of anyone who lays hands upon it. Gods included." The defenders fell quiet, pondering what course of action to take and believing wholeheartedly that the Gem of Tetsurri was Shang Tsung's goal.
All of a sudden, a monk burst into the room. "Lord Raiden! Forgive my rudeness, but Master Bo'Rai Cho is here with an urgent message from the Wu Shi academy." He explained, speaking quickly and quietly.
The news prompted action, Raiden, Liu Kang and Kung Lao hurrying from the room as the rest of the defenders followed them. "I'm sorry, Bo Jangles-who now? Do we know him?" Johnny asked.
"Just keep up, Cage." Sonya grumbled.
Led to a common area within the fortress, they happened upon a fat man dressed in the red-brown garb of venerated Shaolin masters, robes cinched together with heavy knotted ropes and jangling medallions. A thick black beard surrounded his reddened face and long dark hair was pulled tight into a Shaolin braid. A clay jug hung from his corpulent waist, matched only by an ornate flask that dangled from his opposite hip. He was sitting at a table, out of breath and winded.
"Master Bo'Rai Cho." Raiden called out. Despite his haggard state, the man picked himself up and hobbled over.
"Lord Raiden! The Wu Shi Academy… has been attacked again…" He reported between heaving breaths. His brow was slick with sweat. "I came… as soon as I could… Shao Kahn's warriors… they took prisoners… killed others." The monks shared looks of dismay.
"The Academy has been attacked?" Kung Lao whispered.
"I managed to track them a little ways…" Bo'Rai Cho explained, "they have been taken to the kove… there are two slave ships, destined for Shao Kahn's prison isles."
"Lord Raiden, we cannot let this go unanswered." Liu Kang insisted.
"I agree." The thunder god affirmed. "It appears our course has been made clear. We will divide into two groups to pursue our objectives." He announced to the group. "I will take Liu Kang and Kung Lao to retrieve the Shaolin masters. Syzoth, you must lead the others to the location of the Gem of Tetsurri."
The Zaterra bowed. "I will, Lord Raiden."
"Art Lean, Kai, Kenshi Takahashi. I wish for you three to remain and familiarize yourselves with your surroundings. Lord Fujin will be on hand to answer any questions you might have." Raiden commanded.
Later…
A thunderous portal disgorged the Defenders of the Realm into Zaterra; Magnus, Mileena, Sonya, Johnny, Jax, and Syzoth materializing courtesy of Raiden's magicks. They were greeted by sharp winds and overcast skies, as well as broad-leafed vegetation everywhere they could see. The rich greenery was surprising, especially for Magnus who had seen only the barren wastes around Shang Tsung's laboratory.
"Yikes! A little nippy!" Johnny complained, rubbing his arms for warmth. He had changed into a looser getup of a leather jacket and khaki pants, as well as a low-cut shirt that showed a hint of the stylized 'JOHNNY' tattoo across his chest.
"Reminds me of when I did a few tours overseas." Jax remarked.
"Give me a moment to discern our location. We must locate the ruins of the old palace treasury. The gem is stored in a vault." Syzoth called out to the group, stepping further ahead into the foliage. Mileena watched him go as Magnus stepped up beside her.
"Have you been here before?" He asked.
"No. I've only heard the stories from Shao Kahn's agent, Komodai. It is seemingly lifeless, but there are pockets of Saurians living underground in the Zikandur region." She responded.
"Would you count them as friends or foes?"
"Neither. Most Saurians want nothing to do with the Kahn's affairs. Only a few, the ambitious ones like Komodai, join the ranks of Outworld proper." Magnus nodded as Syzoth returned.
"We are close. There's a path that leads to the civil centre. Follow me." He urged as thunder rumbled in the distance. The Earthrealm champions fell in line behind their guide, Mileena taking point while Sonya brought up the rear.
"So… Syzoth… what's your story?" Johnny wondered aloud, trying to make conversation. "You're not like any Saurian we've been told about. Or fought. Or killed."
"That I could take human form made me a freak among my people. I was terrorized and run out." Syzoth replied, albeit halfheartedly.
"Is that how you came under Shang Tsung's employ?" Mileena asked.
Syzoth hummed and hawed over her question for a moment. "Not exactly. Starving and beggared, I joined a travelling carnival. Turned out there are many who would pay good money to see my 'gift'." He explained. "Back then I didn't think Shang Tsung to be any more than a harmless old man looking for entertainment. He made me an offer, to give me back my dignity in exchange for work around his laboratory. But he saw what I could do and wanted to study me."
"His serpent's guile got the better of you." Magnus deduced.
"Somewhat. I had my misgivings. Something about him… just didn't sit right. I declined initially but, when I did, he took my family hostage. Then I had no choice but to go with him." Syzoth replied.
"Less guile and more deception." Mileena concluded.
"I kinda figured this Shang Tsung guy was an asshole, but this takes the cake." Jax remarked.
"Apparently we don't know the half of it." Johnny chimed in. "Any chance there's more mutants like you?"
"Unlikely. When Shao Kahn conquered Zaterra he had as many purged as he could, fearing possible rebellion from spies hiding in plain sight." Syzoth responded. "I suspect I survived because Shang Tsung kept my existence a secret from him."
"Despite its hardship, your life has been blessed with sanctuary." Mileena surmised. Syzoth offered a non-committal grunt.
"Sanctuary in hell perhaps." He muttered.
Trailing the disused jungle path down into a valley, stonework and chiseled structures soon emerged from within the dense overgrown area. "This is the civic centre. We need to find what's left of the treasury. The gem will be underground in a vault." Syzoth announced.
"We are fortunate Saurians maintain an active oral tradition for their stories." Magnus mused. "Not unlike my tribe."
"Perhaps we should compare notes sometime." The Zaterran remarked. Magnus moved to step forward whenSyzoth spotted something alarming. "Wait! Stop!" He snapped out an arm, holding Magnus back. "Look there, in the ground. Do you see that black vein running through the stones?" He said, pointing to a crack in the distant stonework. At first glance one could be forgiven for mistaking it to be little more than a crack or a shadow. But a closer inspection revealed a mineral in the blackness. "That is coalstone. Incredibly conductive. When struck by lightning, entire veins can ignite with enough charged electricity to kill any who step on it."
"And we're on the verge of a thunderstorm. Peachy." Jax noted, glancing up at the ominous dark clouds overhead.
"Just step lively, ladies." Sonya insisted, urging the group onwards.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in Outworld…
The Kove was situated on the fringes of Outworld's immediate domain, roughly 10 miles from the edge of Z'Unkahrah. It was formerly within the borders of Bolgun province; a great merchant's domain where trade came and flowed based on the prodigious harbour granting access to ships from across the realm, bridging the likes of Kuatan and the Arnyek Islands. Now it was merely a staging ground for Shao Kahn's marauders and his warships.
Positioned near the edge of a distant pier, the trio of Raiden, Liu Kang, and Kung Lao crouched behind abandoned cargo as they observed orange-robed Shaolin monks being forced onto a vessel by armored Outworld warriors. They were not Tarkatans but rather members of Shao Kahn's very own guardsmen.
"It is as Master Bo'Rai Cho said. The Shaolin masters are aboard that ship." Kung Lao observed, eyes narrowed.
"Bo'Rai Cho said two ships." Liu Kang added.
"The other is disembarked. We need to determine it's destination." Raiden stated.
Kung Lao pounded his fists together. "They will talk. I will see to it."
"No extraordinary means, Kung Lao." Liu Kang cautioned. Kung Lao turned to him with anger burning in his eyes.
"They raided the Wu Shi Academy! Killed Master Wen!"
"Even with Tarkatans, there are boundaries we do not cross." Raiden sagely interjected, a stern look from the thunder god cowing Kung Lao's fervor. The monk bowed his head.
"Yes, Lord Raiden."
"I still cannot believe that Shao Kahn would order another brazen attack." Liu Kang commented.
"He has demonstrated Earthrealm's vulnerability. Shao Kahn believes he can force us into agreeing to a new tournament. He will utilize raids like these until he has exhausted us." Raiden said.
"Maybe we should. It's us he wants. Liu Kang defeated Shang Tsung. He can beat Shao Kahn." Kung Lao proffered.
"Our resolute defiance is to adhere to the original will of the Elder Gods, Kung Lao. By remaining firm, we will force Shao Kahn to do the same." Raiden countered. "For now we must undo his efforts and free the Shaolin." At his word, they moved towards the distant docks.
The Shaolin struggled vainly to free themselves, only to be beaten into submission by the Outworld guardsmen. Their methods were observed and approved by General Reiko. As the last of the monks were loaded aboard, Reiko was approached by a Kytinn woman. Her yellow carapace was faintly concealed by a tattered black cloak, although her chittering voice could be heard loud and clear by all in her vicinity.
"All are aboard? This One leaves with the tide." She asked.
"We are ready." Reiko affirmed.
"Shao Kahn demands the hostages remain unharmed." The Kytinn insisted.
"Their wounds are not fatal, D'Vorah." Reiko retorted.
"They had better not be. This One will not report any losses among the prisoners." D'Vorah countered. Reiko laughed.
"You may be champion of the Arnyek Hive, but you have not been a member of Shao Kahn's court for as long as I have. I know what will please him and what will earn his wrath."
D'Vorah strode closer, face turned up so their eyes met. "I would hope, General Reiko, for your sake." She stated in a cool, faintly-threatening voice.
"For yours as well." A new voice boomed, rolling like thunder in the mountains. Whirling around, the Outworlder's snarled as Raiden, Liu Kang, and Kung Lao approached them. "If you harm them, you answer to me!" The thunder god exclaimed.
Reiko wasted no time ordering his troops to attack, Outworld soldiers rushing the trio of Earthrealmer's without hesitation. Raiden dispatched them with ease, making them appear like children to the raw skill of an Earthrealm god. Swords and daggers were brandished meeting Raiden's fists as he pummeled them with swift, decisive blows, hurling soldiers into the water as he and the two monks continued their unstoppable advance.
"The elite guard of Outworld is defeated so easily?" D'Vorah wondered with a sneer. Not one to be bested, especially not in front of an unconvinced audience, Reiko folded a collapsible spear and approached Raiden head-on.
He struck with reaching stabs, Raiden ducking and sidestepping each one with a fearless expression on his stony face. Behind them, more Outworld warriors arrived to intervene and the duo of Liu Kang and Kung Lao met them head-on, throwing punches and kicks as they battered their way through the reinforcements to keep Raiden from getting jumped.
Reiko switched up his technique, spinning his spear around in an attempt to slam or cut Raiden with his weapon. The thunder god casually batted aside his strikes with ease before teleporting behind the exerted General. Reiko turned and swung his spear, only for Raiden to grasp his spear and send an electric jolt shooting through the metallic grip and into Reiko. The Outworld warrior cried out in pain before Raiden shoved him back, his weapon tumbling from Reiko's grip as the Outworlder stood bedraggled.
"Relinquish your fight before I purge it from you." The thunder god threatened.
"Empty threats, Raiden. You will not succeed!" Reiko retorted dismissively as he recovered. The two squared off along the narrow pier, knowing that a single wrong step could send them tumbling into the treacherous waters beneath them.
Reiko attacked first with a flying knee, Raiden deftly blocking and retaliating with two palm strikes to the chest, each landing with heavy THWACKs against Reiko's armored torso. A rising knee to his gut doubled Reiko over before Raiden's brow crashed into his in a headbutt that knocked the Outworlder flat on his back. Reiko forced himself back to his feet with a snarl, refusing to be undone so easily. Drawing a dagger from his hip, he lashed out with rapid slashes that forced Raiden on the backstep. Gliding just out of reach and forcing Reiko to overextend his arm, Raiden summoned his jo staff and drove it into the wooden ground, conjuring a blast of lightning that stunned the Outworld General. Surging forward with a lunging punch, Raiden grasped Reiko by the neck and lifted him off the ground, using his free hand to blast him in the face with a bundle of lightning.
Blown down the length of the pier, almost to where Liu Kang and Kung Lao were brawling with his warriors, Reiko forced himself up as Reiko advanced towards him, lightning crackling around his clenched fists. "This is the calm before the storm." Raiden harshly pronounced. Reiko picked himself up again, stubborn and determined. Throwing out a trio of shuriken, he raced towards the thunder god. Teleporting behind the General and avoiding his projectiles entirely, Raiden then caught Reiko with a vicinity blast that left him stunned. Landing two swift uppercuts followed by a high kick, that crushed Reiko's jaw on impact, Raiden cloaked his fists with lightning and delivered two roundhouse punches to the Outworld General before unleashing a zap of lightning that blew Reiko to the pier and left him unconscious. Convinced of his victory, Raiden relaxed his power slightly. "You will return to Shao Kahn with no prize." He thundered.
Stepping over Reiko's body, he made to approach the only being between him and the slave ship: D'Vorah. "Step aside!" Raiden commanded. D'Vorah's response was to attack, hands flying with left and right hooks easily parried by the thunder god. The Kytinn then sprouted ovipositors from over her shoulders, the spiked appendages, lunging and thrusting towards Raiden as he blocked each stabbing blow. Warding them off, he teleported in a burst of sparks as D'Vorah lunged with two more ovipositors, her spiked limbs striking nothing but air.
She turned at the crackle of power heralding Raiden's appearance behind her. Beady compound eyes narrowed as she bared sharpened teeth and opened up her chitinous torso. "M'tahk'u'fah!" She screeched, summoning a swarm of vile insects to barrage the thunder god. But, acting quickly, Raiden summoned a thunderbolt from above, sustaining the strike with his godly might as it evaporated the entire swarm long before it could touch him. Relaxing his power only once the last bug had been fried, Raiden straightened up to face his opponent as D'Vorah eyed him curiously.
"Such power… what are you, Raiden?" She questioned.
"I am of truth and light. I protect Earthrealm." He stated honestly.
"This One cares not for Earthrealm and worships no gods." D'Vorah hissed. Lunging for Raiden, two ovipositors dug into the wooden pier to propel the Kytinn forward in a dropkick. The thunder god sidestepped her and conjured up two orbs of electrical energy, channeling a direct current blast that caught D'Vorah in the middle. Stunned by the electric charge, D'Vorah was helpless as Raiden landed a hook kick to the head, an elbow between the shoulder blades, a palm strike to the base of her spine, and then teleported in front of her and threw her to the ground.
D'Vorah rolled and sprang to her feet, summoning one of her swarm to metamorph over her hand, forming an acidic spray nozzle. Raiden backstepped to avoid the spray of corrosive biohazard and summoned a pair of lightning bolts to strike D'Vorah and stun her again, allowing Raiden to summon his jo staff and send it flying forward, smashing into the Kytinn before he teleported to his weapon and grasped D'Vorah's torso and unleashed an electric current strong enough to cause her limbs to flail in a spastic manner. Releasing her with a thunderous blast, Raiden allowed his jo staff to dissipate as he concentrated his power. "Your fate was foretold!" He thundered, eyes flashing with stormy power.
D'Vorah crawled to her feet, summoning a swarm of Arnyek insects and unleashing them towards Raiden as she sprouted a pair of dragonfly wings and took to the skies. Spotting the two-pronged assault, Raiden took flight and met D'Vorah head on, grappling with her ovipositors in a heated exchange with the Kytinn. Teleporting them back to the pier, Raiden landed two blows before spinning around and unleashing a bundle of lightning from his combined hands, zapping D'Vorah into a stunned state she was struggling to recover from.
Seeing his opponent's state, Raiden moved to end things. Executing two overhead chops, both of which cracked her skull, Raiden swung out with a low kick that caused D'Vorah to stumble. Her defenceless state allowed Raiden to launch himself forward with a war cry, executing a thunder fly strike as he carried her down the length of the pier. Coming to his feet and plucking D'Vorah from the air, Raiden hurled her body back the way they came like she weighed nothing at all.
Teleporting in front of her hurtling form, Raiden threw out a swift punch that smashed into her skull and knocked D'Vorah to the ground, defeated and unconscious. "Only a fool accepts no higher power than his own." Raiden murmured as his power abated. His battle finished, he was joined by Kung Lao and Liu Kang, a pile of unconscious Outworld warriors on the dock behind them.
"They were not so vexing. All sneers and growls." Kung Lao smugly remarked while running a hand along the bloodied brim of his chakram hat. Raiden nodded approvingly.
"Let us free those aboard this vessel. Then we will find the second ship." He stated, urging them onwards. The monks started walking and their thoughts drifted to the matters at hand.
"Hopefully the others are having as easy a time as we are." Said Kung Lao.
"Given their skills, even an adverse situation would not delay them." Liu Kang replied.
"Of that I am certain." Raiden agreed.
Meanwhile…
The ground quavered as loose rocks tumbled and fell. The subterranean chamber trembled with a roar as grey daylight came flooding in, followed by whole chunks of the roof. Pouncing down into the cavernous space, the reptilian Komodai tasted the air with a long tongue. Crouching atop the stone debris, he crept forward slowly, claws clicking against the rubble. Behind him, larger pieces of debris floated into a series of steps as Shang Tsung crafted his own access with his magicks. Behind him followed a detachment of Outworld's warriors; armored mortals who were members of Shao Kahn's army, selected to aid the sorcerer on this excursion.
"Is this it?" Shang asked impatiently.
"Yes." Komodai hissed, straightening up. His long snout jutted like an arrow towards the darkened end of cavern. "The royal vaults lay ahead. I will breach the outer seal." Striding towards the dark, Komodai puffed out his chest and opened his maw before spewing out a stream of corrosive acids. At first, the thick gloopy green material revealed a previously hidden circular doorway cut into the stone as it clung to its chiseled masonry. But the acid then slowly dissolved the substance into little more than a puddle on the ground, steam wafting from the hazardous goo.
Shang Tsung stepped past him into the antechamber on the other side, revealing a trove of artifacts and treasures the Zaterrans once held in high regard. "Excellent work, Komodai. Your knowledge has proven infallible."
"I live to serve the emperor." Komodai replied.
The true object of their attention was revealed in the centre of the room; a dark red heart-shaped stone filled with a black energy within it, the Gem of Tetsurri! Pulsing like a heartbeat, the magick contained within seemingly desired to be released, but its gemstone prison remained strong and untouched by the ravages of time. It was seated atop a cylindrical pedestal, atop a great disc-shaped table; the crown jewel of Zaterra's priceless history.
Two soldiers stepped forward to produce a pair of satchels as Shang Tsung conjured his magicks to levitate the gem and its pedestal. "Handle with extreme care. If you touch it, the magic within will corrupt you beyond saving." Shang commanded. "I can't use you if you're dead."
Outside, listening in and maintaining a low profile, the Earthrealmers observed the unfolding scene with concern. "Shang Tsung has already found the gem!" Syzoth whispered.
"Which means we'll have to take it from him." Jax remarked, metal fingers curling into a fist.
"At least we have the drop on him. Doesn't seem like he knows we're here." Sonya noted.
"This is just like my movie Time Snatchers!" Johnny said excitedly. "The script called for us to move around the bad guy all sneaky-like while he was occupied with his-"
"We will not base our strategy around one of your movies, Cage." Magnus rumbled.
"The Gem of Tetsurri is a delicate thing to handle. You cannot allow your skin to come into contact with its surface, lest you be infected with the darkness of Testudine." Mileena cautioned. "Fortunately, it appears Shang Tsung has provided means of transporting it." Silence fell across the six as they planned their next move. Thunder rumbled in the distance and flashes of lightning illuminated the storm-wracked province.
"I have an idea," Magnus began, "but I will need some assistance…"
With the gem carefully bound within a satchel, Shang Tsung made to depart. "This had better sate the Kahn's needs, Shang Tsung." Komodai whispered. "Zaterra is not what it once was."
"Afraid of your native lands?' Shang wondered blithely.
"It has grown wild since the desolation. As though the death of Queen Sytholin changed the very nature of Zaterra." The reptile retorted. "As one who knew Zaterra in its prime and in its ruin, I do not wish to linger here."
"You have little to worry about." Shang sneered, approaching their entrance as the sensation of the brewing storm filtered through. He paused and looked to Komodai. "You need only be concerned about your continued usefulness to the emperor. Opportunities like this are rare, Komodai." The Zaterran's eyes narrowed.
"You do not have the sway you think you do, sorcerer. The emperor commands all, even you. I serve him, not you. It is not you I have to impress." Komodai retorted. The fire in Shang's eyes swelled, the discordant song of shrieking souls flaring for a moment as though he sought to strike Komodai for his insolence.
"The emperor holds my plan in high regard, therefore our wills are intertwined. Satisfying me satisfies him, you see. I would mind your tone going forward, Komodai." Shang whispered, his words crisp and precise, carrying an air of restrained malice behind them. "You should learn to fear me as you fear the emperor."
Before the exchange could persist, a flash of lightning bathed the pair in shadow as they suddenly grew aware of a new presence. Their gazes snapped to the surface where another lightning flash illuminated a human shape, his broad shadow encompassing both of them. "Going somewhere, sorcerer?" Magnus questioned. His stern features illuminated by another thunderbolt cracking the air. Shang glared at the Njordborn.
"Another thorn in my side. I do grow weary of your meddling." He remarked.
"Permit me to make this place your tomb. That should put an end to your troubles." Magnus retorted, unsheathing his axes.
"I have more pressing matters to attend to." The sorcerer shot back. "Komodai! Deal with this Earthrealmer." He commanded. The Zaterran lept to obey, scampering out of the cavern and into the open as he lunged for Magnus. His claws struck the Yngling's axes, sparks erupting as Magnus carefully warded off Komodai's swift slashes. He backed away, forcing the Zaterran to chase him as Shang and his guards emerged from within. True to Magnus' belief, the sorcerer was willing to lend a few moments to watch the kombat unfold.
He had Shang right where he needed him.
Lips curling into a smug sneer, the sorcerer drew closer. "Perhaps a demonstration is required of the gem's power." He mused, summoning his magicks to lift the stone from the satchel. "Bear witness as a strong Earthrealm champion is reduced to an insane berserker." Controlling the pulsating gem with his magick, Shang watched and waited for Komodai and maneuver Magnus into a position where he would be vulnerable to the gem.
But then…
"Heeeeeere's Johnny!"
Lunging from his hiding place enveloped by his arcana, Johnny Cage landed a shadow kick right to Shang Tsung's ribs, fracturing them and pitching the sorcerer across the ground. The gem fell to the ground with a clatter. "I'm sorry, ma'am, I didn't you see there." Johnny teased as his allies burst onto the scene. Energy blasts from Sonya's wrist emitters blew Outworld soldiers off their feet. A pair of sais speared another in the chest and Mileena teleported onto him, tackling the soldier to the ground. Jax hammered warriors with left and right hooks, splinters of metal, blood, and teeth flying every which way as he waded into them.
Oblivious to the melee behind him, Komodai barraged Magnus with beastial claw strikes as the Njordborn warded off his swinging hands with his axes. Just when he kept him at bay, Syzoth burst onto the scene and generated a slimy force ball between his hands, using the projectile to bowl Komodai over. "Go for Shang Tsung! I'll handle him!" He cried. Magnus nodded and moved to obey as Komodai picked himself up. Eyes narrowing at the sight of Syzoth, he sniffed the air and hissed, a low and dangerous noise.
"Mutant filth!" He sneered, stalking around Syzoth. "Your kind does not deserve to walk these lands!"
"You're no better, spilling Zaterra's treasures and secrets to tyrants!" Syzoth retorted, shifting into his reptilian form. His snout was more stubby and flat compared to Komodai, but he was much more bulky and muscular than his wiry opponent.
"You have no right to any of them!" Komodai snarled, rushing forward with his claws outstretched. Syzoth met him head on, lizard-like forms smashing into one another as claws and teeth tore at skin and acid spewed from between gnashing maws. Unlike Komodai, Syzoth possessed a thick tail he could control to great effect, using it to rip Komodai's footing out from under him and slam his foe into the ground. Tackling Komodai, Syzoth caught his thigh between his jaws and performed a death roll, smashing Komodai against the ground over and over again.
Magnus made a beeline for the recovering Shang Tsung, swinging his axes in an arc aimed for his neck only to have them blocked by the sorcerer's tekko-kagi claws. "Whatever you plan to do with that gem, we will not let you succeed." Magnus promised, brow furrowed.
"You are but a mere stumbling block, hardly a death knell for my plans." Shang retorted. He shoved Magnus away and generated a blast of soul magick to blind the Njordborn. Twisting away from the strike, Magnus' arcana electrified his axes as he hacked into Shang Tsung's claws with flashes of sparks.
Thunder rumbled overhead, accented by blinding flashes of lightning. Kombat raged across the grounds as Outworlders and Earthrealmers clashed in violent displays. All the while, the Gem of Tetsurri pulsed on the ground, red and black mingling and reacting to the violence playing out around it. Thunderbolts struck the ground around them, igniting veins of coalstone that cast a brilliant shade of electric blue across the land, making Zaterra seem alive with an otherworldly glow.
Gripping an Outworld warrior by the neck, Jax hoisted him off his feet and delivered several bone-crushing punches to his face, throwing the warrior aside as he grabbed another and pulled his face down into his knee, driving a pneumatic elbow into the back of his skull with a crunch that caused him to go limp. Nearby, Sonya landed nose-shattered elbow strikes and leg tackles that gave her the leverage needed to snap arms as she plowed through her own assortment of Outworlders. Johnny was doing much the same, pummelling the soldiers with crosses and hook kicks. Out of the corner of his eye, he spied the Gem of Tetsurri twinkling on the ground, abandoned and unguarded.
"Eyes on the prize, people! Let's wrap this shoot and head to the after party!" He exclaimed, lobbing a force ball that downed another Outworld soldier. Johnny raced to grab the gem only to be tackled by another Outworlder as a second warrior quickly bundled up the gem in a satchel. His shout did not go unnoticed by the others who moved to converge. Mileena teleported above the escaping warrior and landed a krushing dive kick that drove him to the ground and sent the satchel flying. Another moved to collect, only for energy rings from Sonya to put him down… and send a second satchel flying from his hands.
Noticing the twin bags on the ground, Shang turned and lunged for them, only to be halted as one of Magnus' axes was buried into his shoulder. Knocked down, Shang tried crawling towards the bags only for the Njordborn to draw his seax knife and bury it deep in Shang's leg. The sorcerer howled in pain and rage as he conjured his magicks, generating a telekinetic blast that blew Magnus off of him. Reaching for the satchels, both became enveloped in a green glow as they levitated off the ground. "Komodai!" He snapped.
The reptilian assassin rushed to lend a hand, only to be tackled by Syzoth in a mad bid to reclaim the bag first. Fangs pierced through the bone of his shoulder, Komodai loosing an undulating warble of agony as he thrashed against the bulkier Syzoth. "You're not going anywhere!" Syzoth growled, his tongue wrapping around Komodai's neck and drawing him into a crushing bear hug. The two Zaterrans clawed at each other mercilessly, neither of them making any gains in recovering the satchels.
Mileena moved to intervene, summoning her own arcana to rocket across the ground in a fiery roll that obliterated the legs of two Outworld warriors. Springing to her feet, she clutched at both bags. "Which one is it?!" She cried.
"Who cares! Grab both!" Johnny retorted as he executed a flip kick that broke a soldier's jaw. Mileena did so, darting back towards the relative safety of her allies. But Shang would not let her escape so easily, conjuring a portal beneath her feet that caused Mileena to fall through the ground and reappear in the air above him. Shang blasted her away with a burst of soul magick, both bags coming to rest at his feet. One of them fell slightly open, revealing a red glimmer from the gem within.
Magnus was back on his feet and hurtling towards the sorcerer. Shang grinned and brought his hands together, shooting off a trio of flaming skulls that slammed into the Njordborn. Magnus stumbled, retaliating with a burst of lightning only for Shang to absorb the blow with a hastily-raised soul shield. The sorcerer opened one of the phylacteries on his belt and sent a barrage of souls after Magnus, each green orb impacting with the force of a punch to drop him to his knees. "Your arcana is no match for my magicks." Shang gloated, approaching the kneeling Njordborn. "I will consume your soul, Magnus Shadrix, and finally put your tribe behind me."
The Njordborn, down on the ground, did not meet his gaze… for he was too occupied with noting the vein of coalstone both he and Shang Tsung were situated upon. "You hide behind mystical power." Magnus pointedly retorted. "I'd expect nothing less from a feeble old fool." Shang snarled, the demon fire in his eyes flashing violently as he conjured a vortex of souls around his person. "It takes more than raw power to win kombat… a sharp mind is just as deadly." Magnus continued with a smirk. Casting one axe aside, his fist crackled with electrical power as Magnus drove it into the vein of coalstone beneath him. The current of electricity flowed like water, the dark mineral suddenly glowing blue as it carried his charge. Shang, recoiling with a look of surprise, found himself violently electrocuted as Magnus' electrical charge blasted him from top to bottom. Other Outworld warriors standing on the same vein soon fell victim to the same fate, electrocuted where they stood until they collapsed as steaming heaps on the ground.
With a shout, Magnus lashed out his other fist and blasted Shang with a bolt of lightning, ending him tumbling across the ground. The sorcerer was blackened, his skin showing signs of electrical burns, his eyes bloodshot. Collecting his other axe, Magnus approached the downed sorcerer. He had every intention of killing him, granting his tribe the justice it was long overdue. But first, he grabbed the satchel from where the red glimmer shone and kept it secure in one hand. "Your protective wards are powerful. But not powerful enough to keep you from the justice my family is owed." Magnus thundered. He pounced on Shang glima-style, an axe raised above his head ready to split his skull in two…
A tongue snared his wrist, keeping it in place as Komodai intervened at the last possible second. Jerking Magnus back and off the sorcerer, the reptilian assassin rushed forward, aided by slimey secretions from his feet. He jumped on Magnus, biting into his shoulder as his claws dug into the Yngling's side and chest. Magnus thrashed as hot blood rolled down his flesh, attempting to shake Komodai off of him. Mileena came to his aid, spearing her sais into the Zaterran's arm and dragging him off. Syzoth jumped in to aid, shifting back to his humanoid form as he snatched up the satchel Magnus had dropped.
Across from them, Shang Tsung was already on his feet, a satchel in hand. "It's over, Shang! We have the Gem of Tetsurri!" Syzoth snapped.
"Fools!" Shang Tsung cackled. "Did you really think I would neglect my prize? I've got what I came for. Your destruction will come soon enough." Conjuring his magicks, the sorcerer summoned a portal to allow his retinue a chance to escape, the wounded Komodai offering a parting hiss before he disappeared through the swirling vortex.
Left alone, the Earthrealmers gathered themselves, licking their wounds as they met back together, seemingly victorious… if not for the cloud that hung over them from Shang's parting words. "Just like that he's gone?" Jax questioned.
"What did he mean by he got what he came for?" Sonya asked aloud. Magnus reached into the satchel in Syzoth's grip.
"Eh, don't mind him. Beowulf here grabbed the right bag, I saw it." Johnny interjected. "Probably just mad he lost, right? I mean, while else would he try to sound so pleased with himself?"
"Because he tricked us." Magnus growled. His hand withdrew from the satchel, clutching the pedestal the Gem of Tetsurri had once sat upon. Eyes grew wide in recognition.
"That doesn't look like a heart. Or a gemstone." Johnny said, stating the obvious.
"He switched them! Cast an illusion!" Syzoth realized in dismay.
"Dirty sonnuva bitch cheated!" Sonya cursed. Magnus threw the worthless hunk of rock to the ground in disgust.
"He played us all for fools, letting us think we had the upper hand while spiriting away the real gem disguised as the pedestal." Mileena muttered, kicking the ground. She looked to the crestfallen faces of her allies. "What now?"
"There is nothing more for us here. We should return to Raiden, tell him what happened." Magnus decided. It was collectively agreed upon and the Earthrealmer's moved out in silence, tromping back into the wilds of Zaterra towards their arrival point. After a time, an exasperated Johnny broke the silence.
"Am I the only one with the heebie jeebies? We said that this gem shouldn't fall into the wrong hands because of what a powerful sorcerer could do and now Fu Man Chu's got it!"
"Doesn't sit right." Jax agreed. "No telling what Shang's gonna do with the gem now… Any ideas what he could use it for?"
"The possibilities are long and worrisome." Was all Syzoth could offer.
"Whatever he's planning, it can't be good." Mileena concurred. "He's one step ahead of us now… we need to be very vigilant for whatever might come next."