Dragon's Bloodline
By StraightedgeWingzero
Summary: Two years after the events of MKX, Liu Kang and Kitana along with the other Revenants leave the NetherRealm, and are offered a chance to start anew, by becoming family to Shinji Ikari.
I own nothing.
Chapter nine
(Lin Kuei temple a week later)
"How can this be?! The entire Shirai Ryu clan is dead?! How is this possible?!" Tomas Vrbada demanded of the two ninjas kneeling before him.
"It is unknown grandmaster. Our scouts reported that the entire village was shrouded in a thick fog. When it lifted, all in the village were dead. Men, women children, the elders' everyone. " The ninja said keeping his head low.
"Once more, history repeats itself," thought Tomas thinking back to his old universe when the Shirai Ryu was exterminated by Quan Chi disguised as Kuai's brother Bi-Han, leading a contingent of their fellow Lin Kuei to slaughter their village.
He found out after reading Quan Chi's personal journal. The truth was all there. At the order of Shinnok, the mad god, Quan Chi made a deal with the previous Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei, Sektor's father, to annihilate the Shirai Ryu on the Lin Kuei clan's behalf. This led Hanzo Hasashi, AKA Scorpion to mistakenly kill Bi Han the previous Sub-zero, out of blind vengeance, but it also allowed Quan Chi to remake his soul, into his dark wraith Noob Saibot.
Quan Chi had it all planned from the beginning, the Shirai Ryu's slaughter, their clan being indebted to Shinnok, Bi Han, Kuai lang, and even Scorpion and his family were all sacrificial pawns. Now and again, it was happening here.
"This indeed is troubling news. Most will think that Lin Kuei was responsible since we've found ourselves at odds with them for a time. I had intended to meet with their Grandmaster, to build peace between our clans. Now it is impossible."
"What are we to do grandmaster?"
"We must work to find the real culprits behind this treachery." the grandmaster said.
"Sir?"
"There are few major ninja clans hidden in the known world, Death strike, Red Dragon, Shirai Ryu, ours, and the Inazuma clan. For as long as I have established the Lin Kuei, we have prided ourselves on our honor. If the other clans suspect we did this, it would stain the name Lin Kuei."
Tomas began pacing the room in contemplation fully digesting the information, as another ninja raised his head to speak.
"Grandmaster there was something else."
"Speak," Tomas ordered.
"A trail leading from underneath a destroyed shrine, someone crawled from underneath its remains."
"A potential survivor? Are you certain?"
"Yes, grandmaster."
This brought some relief to the grandmaster, but his face became troubled instantly. If there was a single survivor of the massacre, they would go into hiding. If Lin Kuei were to search for the survivor, the individual would go deeper into hiding, even still attack out of blind vengeance. But the ones who destroyed the Shirai Ryu, may also looking for survivors. With that, in mind, Tomas made the decision.
"If there is a survivor we must find them first," he said walking out the door leading to the temple gardens.
Tomas proceeded down to the training grounds where young students were deep in the midst of their training under the watchful eye of various masters trained by Smoke himself. Intensely sparring with one another, weight training, weapons training, stealth training. He observed intently, with a hint of pride, passing on the ways of Lin Kuei, to those of this world.
He wouldn't take the same path, as his old grandmaster, who was cyberizing the Lin Kuei turning them into mindless machines abandoning their humanity and honor. It was important to adapt to the times, but always keep traditions alive too. To push limits above and beyond, to grow. To never allow a moment of complacency and maintain their honor.
Reaching his destination, Tomas found himself in a lower-level training area, where a class of young initiates dressed in Lin Kuei training uniforms all colored silver, all training in synchronization under the watchful eye of an aged master ninja as he observed circled around his young trainees practicing various punches and kicks. He was a muscular man, with shoulder-length white hair, and had heavy scars on his wrinkled face. He was dressed in gray Lin Kuei-colored garb.
"Master Tao," spoke Tomas getting the man's attention.
Tao called for his students to cease, turn to their grandmaster, and quickly bowed.
"Grandmaster," Tao replied.
"I am sorry to interrupt your session,"
"No, trouble Grandmaster, how may I serve the Lin Kuei?" asked Tao.
"I am in need of one of your students for a mission. One who is adept at tracking"
"Ah yes, Sagara!" Tao called.
A boy of fourteen dressed in a training Gi stepped forward and bowed respectfully to the master, he was of average height mixed of Japanese descent, he had tan skin, he had medium brown hair and strange golden eyes.
"Sagara has proven to have certain abilities that make him an efficient tracker. Though he requires experience outside the temple, to realize the extent of his abilities" explained Tao.
Tomas looked at the young boy who was quite nervous himself standing in the presence of his grandmaster, learning from instructors within the temple can only get you so far. Experience can be a better teacher for the students of the clan. With that in mind, he nodded.
"Very well, young Sagara, you will accompany me, to the Shirai Ryu Village, will that be a problem?" the grandmaster inquired.
"No grandmaster, I humbly look forward to serving wherever I am needed," Sagara replied quickly bowing.
"Then grab what you require and meet me at the gate in one hour."
"Yes, Grandmaster."
Tomas quickly departed, while Tao approached his student.
"It is a great honor to be chosen to accompany the grandmaster on a mission. Be grateful for the opportunity Sagara, learn all you can from him." Tao stated.
"I intend to, master Tao I just..." Sagara trailed off.
"You fear he'll discover what you are," Tao said.
"Yes, Master, none of the other students or masters know of my true nature and I wish to keep that way."
"I understand that Sagara, but you must understand this: The truth always comes out, no matter how hard you bury it."
Sagara could only give his master an uncertain look.
"In due time you'll understand, Now go get ready," Tao ordered.
Sagara nodded as Tao went back to oversee the rest of his students' training,
An hour later, As instructed, Sagara met with his grandmaster at the gate, still changed into a fresh training attire, he had yet to finish his training, such he hadn't yet earned the right, to don the full Lin Kuei garb. Tomas stated that they would only be gone a day, and immediately set out, Tomas waved his hands, and a large cloud of dark smoke engulfed the pair and vanished. After about fifteen minutes, they appeared in an unknown forest, somewhere in Japan.
"We have arrived," Tomas said looking ahead.
"Which way to the village Grandmaster?" asked Sagara a bit shaken
"This way, towards the east, stay close and remain on your guard," Vrbada instructed.
"Yes, Grandmaster."
"And one other thing, on this mission, you may refer to me as Smoke."
"Yes, Master Smoke."
The pair set off, unaware that there was a set of eyes upon them, Smoke having scouted the routes toward the first time he visited, knew the fastest way to the Shirai Ryu village. Sagara not wanting to disappoint his grandmaster followed suit while looking around warily. Sagara began sensing something unnatural all around the trees as they walked.
"Sagara" Smoke spoke.
"Yes Grandmaster," answered Sagara.
"What do you sense?"
"Master?"
"Can you feel the evil aura in the forest?"
"The evil aura?"
"If you don't know, you will in due time. Out here you must learn to trust your instincts, your senses, and be quick to react, you must be mindful of your surroundings."
"Yes, Grandmaster Smoke, how far are we?"
"We're not, far but watch for traps hidden by the Shirai Ryu, in defense of their village."
They entered a much thicker part of the forest, with trees melded so closely together, and the very much thicker unusual plants, looking as if they concealed something, Smoke narrowed his eyes, darting all around the area. He briefly glanced at his student, behind him as he kept his senses on alert. He was young and nervous, but this experience would be good for him. Smoke stopped mid-step, halting his student. Picking up a rock, Smoke tossed it forward, and
SLICE
"Like I said, be mindful of our surroundings. Surely you could have sensed it with your unique senses." Smoke started causing Sagara to look at Smoke in surprise.
"Sir?" Sagara
"I know what you really are Sagara, I know you are part demon."
"I..,"
"You do not need to explain to me, I sensed your demon energy when Tao first brought you to our doorstep, Let's keep moving, there are more traps as we go along."
"How...?"
"You concealed it well from your fellow Lin Kuei, but not from me Sagara,"
"I... grandmaster!"
A group of masked figures leaped out from above the trees, they were clad in black, were armed with swords and kunai.
"Identify yourselves!" Smoke ordered readying himself.
"Death to the Lin Kuei!" one of them declared.
The assailants began to attack, Smoke struck first using his powers, and Sagara began to fight his assailant blocking his attacks, then suddenly his eyes glowed he cracked his knuckles his nails turned into sharp claws, and from his mouth fangs began to elongate, and his hair turned a sliver white.
"Ragh!" he snarled as he leaped at his enemy.
"Now we see." Smoke thought looking at the boy while fighting off his attackers.
Sagara went on the attack his newly revealed claws clashing with the attackers' weapons, quite viciously, and his strength increased from normal human levels. His opponent clearly shocked and overwhelmed, did his best to block Sagara's animalistic strikes, but eventually, he broke his guard and stabbed him in the chest with both claws.
"Ahh!"
This shocked the rest of the assailants and provided Smoke, with the opportunity to kill them all with a tremor technique (mk9 fatality).
WHOOSH ZIP
And the bodies of their attackers fell on the ground dead. After it was over Sagara began to revert back to his human form. He turned shaking away from his master.
"That's your demon form?" Smoke guessed.
"Yes, Master Smoke, my blood is that of an Inu, a dog demon. My ancestors are descended from a great dog demon general, from my grandfather's side my father's father." Sagara explained.
"I see, so your demon heritage came from your father's side? Was he part demon as well?"
"The demon gene skipped my father, and it was passed to me. Only for certain instances, it's come out almost randomly. Like when I feel extreme stress. I was nine when my demon blood first awakened, it was during a fight with bullies, I exhibited strength far outclassing any normal man, and severely injured the other kids, then the fangs and claws came next."
"That much I already knew." Smoke said.
"Y-You did?" asked Sagara.
"I was observing your training you have a difficult time controlling your strength. Under Tao's teachings, you are beginning to master yourself. Now come along, it'll be dark soon, and most likely there will be more stragglers to deter us."
Smoke quickly took point, while Sagara followed closely. The forest grew denser and dense but soon, enough they reached a stone pathway, but it was littered with the corpses of dead Shirai Ryu, apparently, the ones who stood guard. By the looks of it, they were taken out swiftly before they had time to react. Smoke motioned for his student to follow closely, they reached the entrance, which was decorated with a traditional Torii that was torn down. The pair's eyes widened at what they saw, the entire village was in shambles, buildings and homes were broken into and ransacked, and men, women, the elderly, and even children lay dead on the ground. The Lin Kuei moved carefully throughout the village, seeing nothing but death and carnage around every corner.
"Who could have done this master?" Sagara whispered in a low horrified voice.
"I do not know, throughout the centuries, I've seen my share of massacres Sagara. The images of needless death and destruction never leave your mind." Smoke replied as he walked.
The rustling of dead leaves echoed throughout their pathway. On every corner, they found more dead bodies and birds gnawing on the corpses. It wasn't until they came upon a destroyed shrine, that they saw signs of battle.
"I sense something was kept here." Smoke said kneeling down and inspecting the ground, then he saw an imprint of a body on the ground, or rather a shadow of ash stained on the soil.
"Something, ancient, something powerful, and familiar was here."
"Grandmaster!" called Sagara to his current position.
Hurrying over to his student, Smoke saw what he saw, the body of a young child, upon closer inspection the child was familiar, and then the realization dawned on him.
"I know this boy." Smoke said.
"You do?"
"Yes, he was the only son of one of the village's best warriors, Itami Hideo,"
"You knew him?"
"Yes, Chen and I fought him in combat many years ago, his skill rivaled that of Liu Kang himself."
Smoke could only look down at the child in pity, as he died so young, he reached down and closed his eyelids. Which caused Smoke to become distraught, being surrounded by all this needless death, Who or what could have caused it? Examining the shrine, further, he saw fading footsteps from underneath the shrine. Someone had crawled out of the shrine, there was a survivor, but they had been long gone. Sighing he addressed his student.
"Sagara, we are done, there's nothing else here. Let us tend to the fallen then we'll return back to the temple." his master stated.
"Y-yes grandmaster, do you really believe there was a survivor?" replied Sagara.
"I do, we won't find them now, but they may yet come to us." the grandmaster said sagely.
"How do you know?"
Smoke looked to the side into the darkening sky as the wind blew his way.
"Because vengeance is a powerful motivator."
(With Shinji and Liu Kang,)
Aboard his luxurious private jet, sat Liu Kang with his great-grandson Shinji who was sound asleep next to him. It was the tail end of the summer, and Liu Kang was taking Shinji to his home in Beijing China to meet Kitana his grandmother. She hadn't seen him since he was a baby, and that was four years ago, her very last contact with Yui.
She was completely against her choice of husband in Gendo as was he, knowing what vile man he truly was, no different than Shao Khan or Shang Tsung. It was only fortunate that he never found out her true lineage, neither he nor Kitana would ever bless any union within their family unless the potential candidates were strong enough. Regardless of status rich, poor, or middle class, certain requirements needed to be met to marry into the family. Some had passed, earning Liu Kang's respect, others had failed exposing their inadequacies and sometimes greed.
Knowing who Gendo Ikari really was, an intelligent man, a manipulator, a womanizer, a greedy opportunist, having no shred of decency, compassion, or honor. Yui was foolish to think she could ever change him. Whatever change, she thought she made in Gendo was just smoke and mirrors. When she died, Gendo revealed his true colors, when he abandoned Shinji. And the Kang held family sacred, next to honor.
To have him be a part of the family would be a stain on their reverend and respected name. The pilot announcing their approach to their destination, broke Liu Kang from his musings, looking down on Shinji and smiling reminding him of his firstborn son, Fei how small he was. The jet began its descent to a private runway owned by Liu Kang, Slowly and safely the jet landed rolling to a gentle stop.
("We have arrived Mr. Kang.") the pilot announced.
"Thank you, Captain Len," replied Liu.
Liu slowly unbuckled Shinji from his seat gently put him on his shoulder and walked out of his private jet to the stairway leading down. There lined up on both sides stood a row of armed guards. Liu Kang's protection detail, on the streets, were parked some sleek Mercedes Benz and SUV on both ends of Liu Kang's stylish Escalade, and in the middle of the walkway stood a well-dressed Chinese man in his twenties stood attention near his SUV. (A/N Think Lau from black butler)
Making Sure Shinji was still comfortably on his shoulder, the former Mortal Kombat champion made his descent slowly down the stairway.
"Welcome back Mr. Kang," the man said bowing respectfully.
"Thank you, Sanyu I trust everything is secure?" Liu Kang asked getting a nod.
"Yes Master Kang, we have run dozens of security sweeps around the airfield, up and down, we have mini drones circling the air, we have swept the ground for explosives, and we have men combing outside the airfield," Sanyu reported walking alongside him.
" More secure than the American president, I'd expect nothing less from the head of my security Sanyu,"
"After what happened with Mrs. Kang, we're covering every square inch of the area. No surprises, no stone unturned sir. Is this the boy?" Sanyu asked.
"Yes, he my great-grandson Shinji. Yui's son." Liu answered.
"I see, he-"
"Let's get a move on, Kitana is waiting."
"Yes sir, move out!"
Liu gently put Shinji in a car seat right next to him, and he climbed right in as the driver closed the door. The car began to drive off, Liu looked outside the window with a thoughtful look on his face, glancing at a sleeping Shinji and sighing, he did not yet know what awaited him, his destiny, and the dangers that lay ahead.
"Is this how you felt Raiden? I did not truly know what lay ahead for me during the tournament, yet you risked it all on me before foolishly trusting the elder gods, now it feels as though I am doing the same." thought Liu watching the passing scenery with a thoughtful look on his face.
"I am placing so much on him, but he is the chosen one of this earth. Perhaps he can succeed where I have failed in mine."
"Sir," called Sanyu from the passenger side.
"Yes," Liu replied quietly.
"A message from the Bejing police department, an Officer Li Shang. He says he's got a lead in the training hall murders." Sanyu said.
"He does?"
"Yes, he has a lead on Baraka's whereabouts, but he needs to act soon if he intends to arrest him."
Liu Kang pondered this information, before responding.
"Send a response, I'll provide assistance personally," Liu stated.
"Sir?!"
"You heard correctly Sanyu, you know this "reclusive billionaire businessman" is a facade. I am and shall remain a Shaolin warrior at my core."
Sanyu didn't bother to argue, he was trained by Liu Kang himself. He knew his master, wasn't one to be idle. He fights his own battles, he'll fight for any of his students, especially for any of his family. After about another twenty minutes, they reached their destination. Liu Kang and Kitana's home, Liu smiled as he gently shook Shinji awake.
"Shinji, we are here." Liu softly spoke.
"Hmmm." the boy stirred awake.
Shinji looked to see, a very massive house as his great-grandfather took him out of the car and gasped as got a closer look at the house it was almost bigger than Granny Sindel's house. This was more like a temple, than a palace, surrounded, by vast lakes and such. The former Earth realm champion, smiled at the boy's reaction as he took him to the large double doors, opening them Liu Kang and Shinji were both, greeted by a row of maids.
"Welcome home Master Kang." greeted one of his servants.
"Thank you where is Kitana, is she home yet?" asked Liu.
"Yes sir, she's in the central gardens reading her favorite book."
"I am not surprised, are you ready to see your great-grandmother Shinji?"
"Yeah!"
"Alright, take Shinji's belongings to his room," Liu ordered.
"Yes sir."
With that, Liu placed Shinji down took his little hand a traveled the vast hallway, There Shinji became enamored, at the statues and paintings across the walls collected throughout the centuries. Even paintings of unfamiliar places, (Edenia, Outworld) The pair reached the garden areas, and there underneath a beautiful dove tree, a young woman sat with long raven hair, wearing a beautiful navy-blue long cheongsam dress, barefoot, reading a book.
To Shinji she didn't look old, no signs of aging, no gray hair, or a wrinkle like granny Sindel. Liu moved slowly with Shinji following closely thinking he could surprise his darling wife, but she had already sensed his presence. A small bird landed near her, making her seem like a princess from another time.
"Your stealth skills need work dear; I dare say you're slipping," Kitana said without looking away from her book.
"That might be, I may need to return to the Lin Kuei temple for training." her husband chuckled.
Standing up she noticed the little boy hiding behind her husband's legs shyly. Kitana merely smiled,
"Are you m-my great-grandmother?" Shinji asked getting a light laugh from the woman.
"Do I look old to you?" Kitana playfully asked kneeling at his level
"No," Shinji answered moving from behind Liu Kang
"You have your mother's eyes, "
"You knew my mom?"
"Of course, she was our treasure, our little lotus."
Memories of Yui began to fill Kitana's mind, she used to love bringing her here, to her gardens, as she did all of their children. Shinji inched closer to the woman as he took her hands in his, they proceeded to walk around vast gardens, and then Liu's phone rang.
RING RING
"Yes."
("Master Kang, this is Li Shang. I apologize for the sudden call." ) Shang said.
"It is fine Shang, now what can I do for you?" the man replied.
("You wished to know about Baraka's whereabouts, somewhere in Wuhan. I-"
"Kung Lao and I will be there," Liu said loosening his tie.
("What?! but-)
"I understand this is your job Shang, and I do not wish to interfere in police business. But these are our students, we built those Kwoon to help and protect children, train them to be strong, like you. We failed to protect them. Their blood is on our hands,"
("I understand master, I knew I wouldn't be able to stop you even if I tried.")
"Good, we'll meet you there later tonight,"
Liu hung up and watched as his wife along with their great-grandson explored the gardens, oblivious to the situation. That's how Liu Kang wanted it, he had intended to begin Shinji's training early for what was to come but that was for later, let him enjoy his time with Kitana. Stripping off his tie, he walked briskly back into the manor.
(Wuhan Later that night)
In an abandoned alleyway, near a noddle stand stood, Li Shang, awaiting the arrival of Liu Kang and Kung Lao. He began to wonder if he had made a mistake in contacting Master Kang and Lao, they were both revered respected, and well-known martial arts masters, throughout all of China, even the current ruler and those in political power, feared and respected them. Here He was chasing down a madman, with blades surgically inserted into his arms. While he was grateful to have help, if anything were to happen to them, it would be devastating throughout the entire nation.
"Li Shang." a voice called to him breaking him from his musings only to see no one.
A hand reached out to touch his shoulder only for Li to grab it instinctively only for him to get countered and wound up on the ground. Looking up he saw a familiar face underneath a razor-rimmed hat, smirking at him.
"Master Lao." Li groaned.
"Looks like you haven't been keeping up with your training Li. Has sitting behind a desk softened you that much?" Kung Lao asked helping him up.
"I am sorry Master, I've been spending less time on the field, cause the department has me constantly stuck doing paperwork while stretching our manpower thin. I took the case hoping to make a difference and save Wu Shi Kwoon's reputation. Doing so would also help me make detective or put me closer."
"I see, and there no other capable officers to help you?"
"Only a few but they're on other assignments, that's why I called both of you and Master Kang. Speaking of whom, where is he?"
"Already ahead of you Li." Liu Kang said appearing from the shadows dressed in civilian attire with his long hair untied and reaching to his shoulders (Robin Shou's attire from the 95 MK movie )
"Good to see you made it down from your high tower Liu Kang." Kung Lao said in a jovial manner.
"Not from my office building, from my home, Shinji is there, and I am eager to begin his training," Liu replied.
"At last, the great Sindel relinquishes the chosen child."
"It took a lot of convincing, but more on that later. Baraka is an underground illegal fight club as we speak, we must move if we are to catch him, Li you will lead the way." Liu said.
"Master?"
"This is your case, you found Baraka, so you lead, and we will follow."
"Yes, master." Li nodded in response.
Li took point into the alleyways while Kung Lao and Liu Kang followed closely. The trio went around every corner of every empty and condemned building passing by the homeless along the way. Liu Kang's heart ached at the sight, despite Kitana and his best charitable efforts, poverty in China is still just as prevalent. He tossed money down for the homeless woman and her child.
After about ten minutes they reached an old warehouse that was obviously bustling if the load noises were any indication. At the front entrance stood two large men dressed in dark suits on guard also taking large amounts of money from spectators and allowing them inside.
"Two men, at the front. we can take them." Li said while Liu Kang put a hand on his shoulder stopping him from rushing in.
"There are alternatives to fighting, " Liu Kang stated.
"Liu Kang is right, we have the element of surprise and must not lose it." Kung Lao said.
"What do you suggest master?" Li said seeing Liu, pull his hair back into a ponytail and slip on dark aviator shades.
"You know if Johnny Cage were here, he'd never let you live this down." Kung Lao chuckled much to the confusion of Li
"Do not remind me. I would never hear the end of it."
"Who?"
" An American we once knew, he talked a lot, very annoying."
Liu Kang went to the front entrance in front of the two burly men, and he flashed large amounts of Yuan (Chinese money) to the two men, they took the money and allowed him inside.
" Liu Kang may not care for it but, being rich has its uses. Come let's find another way inside."
(Inside)
Liu Kang walked around the wild and rabid crowd, surrounding a large ring surrounded by a large cage. Even though he is a powerful known and respected figure in high society in Asia. He kept himself mostly reclusive, out of the public eye, never having any interaction with the media, Kitana was more of the public figure, she knew better how to deal with the media and people saw her more than him, which was fine. However, it did not stop certain rumors from circulating about their marriage, since they've been seldom seen together. The media loves to create speculation and gossip. He found an empty spot in the stands and sat down waiting to see if Baraka would appear. Staying on alert, his eyes darted everywhere observing the area from top to bottom, seeing armed guards, the hired help the clean-up crew, and someone up top who was observing the scene from a seated area.
"Hmm." Liu Kang hummed his eyes settling back on the ring.
A bald man wearing a red robe walked into the ring holding a microphone.
"Well folks wasn't that last match spectacular?!" he asked as the crowd cheered in approval.
"Now I've only got one question. Are you ready?"
They cheered very loudly.
"No, I said: ARE YOU READY!"
The volume of the cheers increased, save for Liu Kang, who kept himself focused blocking out the noise.
"For our main event! May present to you! THE REIGNING DEFENDING UNDISPUTED CHAMPION! BARAKA!"
On cue the deformed man appeared from behind the curtain on stage, posing for the crowd as he basked in their cheers as he made his way to the ring. Meanwhile, Kung Lao and Li Shang made their way inside slipping through the bathroom and snuck behind the stage.
"There he is, there's our man," Li growled.
"Or monster to be precise." Kung Lao added.
"And his challenger Han-Yō!" the announcer call
Everyone looked to the stage to wait for the current challenger to face Baraka. But he had not appeared, the announcer called his name age. Liu Kang narrowed his eye suspecting was wrong. His suspicions were confirmed when someone ran out and whispered something in the MC's ear.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I regret to inform you that the current challenger Han-Yō will not be joining us for the rest of his life, so-"
SNATCH!
Baraka snatched the mic, to address the crowd.
"I hunger for combat! I hunger for BLOOD!" he growled much to the delight of the crowd.
"If he wants a fight, I will be happy to oblige. " Kung Lao walking towards the ring
"Master Lao." hissed Li
"It's fine Li, call your department now and tell them to get here quick, I'll keep him busy."
"I accept the challenge!" Kung Lao stated loudly.
"By the gods, even, after a millennium of life, he is still as impulsive as ever." Liu groaned shaking his head.
"Yes! Yes! I will rip the flesh from your bones! " The deformed man salivated.
"You're welcome to try!" Lao shot back getting into a fighting stance.
"Wait I know who you are! You're the Wu Shi's Grandmaster!"
"That's right! And I know it was you who's been killing my students! And I am going to make you pay!
"Prepare to join them in hell!"
"FIGHT!"
DING
Baraka rushed forward only to be met with a swift flip kick to the chin, sending him flying. Baraka came back quickly with a dropkick and then unsheathed his blades which were smeared with blood, indicating that he did kill his original challenger, Kung Lao blocked a stab with a quick spin kick, then followed it up by tossing his hat skillfully, bouncing off corners of the cage.
You missed! Gha!"
"Did I?"
As the hat hit Baraka from the back returning to its wearer. Baraka growled and increased the ferocity of his attacks striking true, putting Kung Lao on the defensive, Liu Kang watched on anxiously, he knew his friend. After centuries of a second life, he still tended to get full of himself. Zi Yuan had reigned him in somewhat, but not completely. Baraka was exerting more energy than already had, Kung Lao, was smart for once, a reduced his speed, using light movements, He tossed his hat again, but this time Baraka deflected it, but it was only a distraction as Kung Lao slid underneath, and hit back kick then a windy palm much to the amazement of the crowd. Kung Lao thought to end this fight now, dodging his opponent's wild strikes. Kung Lao hit a jump kick knocking him to the ground followed by a series of quick ground punches. And one good heel stomp on his head for good measure knocking Baraka out.
"For my students!" Lao declared.
The crowd cheered at the results of the fight, but that mattered little to Kung Lao glaring hatefully at his student's killer. Picking him up by the scuff of his tank top.
"As much as I would love to take your head! I want to know who the hell you're working for!" Kung Lao yelled in fury.
Baraka coughed up blood, in response.
"Like hell I'll talk he'll kill me if I do!"
"And you think I will not! Now talk damn you! Who are you-"
BANG!
A gunshot suddenly rang out, causing the crowd to disperse. Kung Lao looked in shock to see a bullet in Baraka's head, and he was dead.
"What?!" Kung Lao looked around in shock.
Liu Kang quickly entered the ring from the frenzied crowd, both Shaolin looked around to see where the shot came from. Looking up they saw a well-dressed man on the upper level, with a gun in his hand, smirking at the pair.
"Our time will soon come, Liu Kang," the man stated departing.
"Who was that?" asked Kung Lao
"I do not know, but I will find out." Liu Kang stated looking at where he departed.
"Master Lao Master Kang the rest of the force is on its way," Li said walking up to the pair.
Li Shang looked at the dead body of Baraka, and the bullet in his head. Knowing full well that neither Liu Kang nor Kung Lao didn't carry guns, he knew they didn't kill him but someone else did.
"Someone obviously didn't want him to talk. But who?"
"The mystery deepens, but for now we should go. " Liu said.
"Agreed, I'm not going to hear the end of this from Zi Yuan." Lao groaned looking at his injuries.
"Savor your victory, my friend, because it is the only one you are having tonight. "
"Very funny Liu Kang, you think you think you could've fared better?"
"I have no doubt I would, I still train even in my high tower."
"I'm going to call this in, thank you, masters," Li said very gratefully bowing with the Chinese fist salute
Liu and Lao returned the salute, while Liu Kang looked up at the spot where the shooter departed and narrowed his eyes before leaving the ring and the building.
(Back in Liu Kang and Kitana's home)
Kitana had just finished putting Shinji to bed after reading him a story. She had received a call from her husband, that the killer of his students, Baraka, was dead. But not by his or Kung Lao's hand. He was killed by someone else, someone unknown. They didn't get a good look at the man, but at least the killer of the Wu Shi students was dead. Although whoever was the shooter troubled her husband, they would need a name to go with the face he and Kung Lao had seen. She chuckled at what else she had been told. Kung Lao impulsive as ever challenged Baraka and defeated him at a cost. He would have to explain his injuries to his wife and daughter.
"By the Gods, being an immortal is no excuse for recklessness. Kung Lao should know that. Liu knows this and he can still die. " Kitana said looking out her window.
"Kung Lao doesn't know his immortality can be taken from him, if he is not careful, Zi Yuan will be most displeased. She will show him no mercy."
Kitana smirked as she walked to her bedroom, imagining what her friend was going to do to her foolish gung-ho husband. Zi Yuan was a highly skilled martial artist but, in ancient times she was a powerful sorceress. Almost close to the level of Shang Tsung. Fortunately, she wasn't scheming and manipulative. Her goal was to protect sacred totems and artifacts she collected from around the world, for safekeeping. Guarding from various dangers that could appear.
Upon entering her bedroom Kitana began to feel something was amiss. But she didn't know what. Security was on sight patrolling the grounds, the doors were locked, and the alarms were active. So why were her warrior senses telling her something was strange in her home? She walked out of her door, to silence, her servants had retired for the night, and all was quiet in the house. The feeling began to grow stronger, and she looked from side to side as if something was pulling at her.
Her maternal instincts were telling her to go check on Shinji. Making haste across the vast hallway. The former Edenian princess shuffled quickly to her great-grandson's room, which had been his mother's.
Opening his door, to find him still peacefully sleeping on his bed She breathed a sigh of relief knowing he was fine. Gently closing the door, Kitana went back to her room, awaiting her husband's return. Meanwhile, Shinji stirred in his bed, loosening the covers from his body. Then a sudden flash of light appeared in the room. A feminine dull purple hand reached out and pulled the covers gently on the sleeping child, then stroking his cheek gently.
"The time is drawing near my dear chosen child." a soft voice spoke echoing quietly in the room.
End chapter
End notes: In Honor of MK1, I have updated Dragon's bloodline. The next chapter will be a time skip. Five years before Shinji heads to Tokyo-3. But he's going on his own little adventure before then. Don't worry Baraka will return, no one stays dead for long in MK(Except for Scorpion's family). And yes, like MK1 there will be a new Scorpion temporarily. I'm just making sure this remains tied to the plot. Sagara is a combination of Inu Yasha and Sosuke Sagara from Full Metal Panic (Thanks Gunman) Also, there is a poll on my profile regarding Mileena. She's a good guy now in MK1 spoiler! Next chapter she'll be undergoing a change, who should she look like? Anyway, that's it. I have other stories, that demand my attention, two are being held up. Read and review and stay prime.