Grains of sand tumble like those in an hourglass. Yet, a single grain halts mid-descent, suspended in time. Suddenly, it bursts forth, birthing a new universe that weaves itself into the fabric of the vast multiverse. Naturally, the denizens of this newborn cosmos are yet to grasp the reality that theirs is not the sole existence.
"Having liberated the Hourglass and become Keeper of Time, my next task was to restart history." Liu Kang explained. "Not beholden to past events, I was free to craft a new era. It was with humility and restraint that I approached this blank canvas."
Thus, a new universe starts to take shape, a fresh genesis of life and creation from scratch. As he resets everything, aiming to craft a different finale from what he once witnessed, he ponders altering their fates to avoid old pitfalls.
"After careful preparation, I began work. Painting over the darkness. After eons passed, I sketched out the realms. After eons more, I brushed them in with life."
"In my new era, all beings will have the opportunity to find peace. Whether or not they do, will be their responsibility. For my power only permits me to begin this endeavor. It is the duty of mortals to finish it."
Images of symbols start to emerge in his thoughts: an emblem of a crescent moon, a swordsman with his blade resting on his back, a man whose heart is iron, and another with metallic claws, and others. "These visions soon turned into full pictures where I saw the lives of these heroes and villains and from that point on I knew what I had to do." These visions dance before him, signaling the dawn of new legends.
"These beings I didn't recognize but I knew they were special especially the one who swung using webs and who showed that his heart was as strong as his physical strength. In the end I gave them the chance to finally live up to the potential that was taken from them. It is up to them to show whether or not that was for better or worse. I hope I made the right decision."
EONS LATER:
The Bar With No Name was a dimly lit, dingy establishment in the heart of New York City. On a rainy night, it was particularly quiet, save for the sound of the rain tapping against the windows. Sitting alone at the bar was a man, his face obscured by the hood of his sleeveless purple hoodie. Underneath it, he wore green armor, giving off an intimidating aura. He growled softly to himself, keeping his face hidden from the few patrons in the bar.
The man was visibly bruised and beaten, evidently from a recent altercation. He had entered the bar to drown out his pain and anger with a drink. His name was Norman Osborn, a wealthy and powerful man who was currently reeling from a recent encounter with Spider-Man. The superhero had given him a beating, leaving Osborn humiliated and infuriated.
As he chugged down his drink, he looked up at the television screen mounted above the bar. The news anchor was showing footage of their fight through the city, reminding Osborn of the humiliation he had suffered. He gritted his teeth, trying to suppress his anger and frustration.
"And in recent news, Spider-Man had been seen in the middle of a fight between himself and the Green Goblin. The battle ended with the Goblin escaping, but not before the two exchanged a few blows that ended with-"
Norman had enough of the scene as he pointed his finger and zapped the television immediately. He was getting irritated by the constant times he would fight Spider-Man and it would always either end with him being beaten, or getting thrown in jail, or both of them being beaten down and retreating to recover. They were stuck in a constant loop that seemed to be never-ending.
As he was sitting alone, someone came over and stood beside him. She resembles a human female with piercing blue eyes. She has no hair but adorns her scalp with a piece of gold metal. She wears a black, white, and gold dress along with matching armor and heels. Parts of her body have a blue, ethereal glow. She looked at the bar as if she didn't care that Norman was there. Not that many people there did seem to care that he was there. But then she decided to talk to him.
"Hello, Norman." She greeted him.
Norman eyed her in anger. "Who are you?"
"I am the kind of person that can help you." She tells him.
"Look, lady, I want to be left alone," Norman tells her.
"You think that you were meant to just be the pawn in someone else's story?" She questions.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Norman was only getting more lost as he faced her "Who are you?"
"I am someone who can tell you that you were being conspired against long before you stepped into that chamber that gave you your powers." She informed Norman, only giving even more questions to him. "You were conspired against by those who would fear what you were capable of."
"And how could you possibly know this?" Norman asks. "Who are you?"
"Your deliverer." She said as she held a hand for Norman to take. "Come with me, Norman Osborn, and you will have not only Earthrealm but all the realms at your feet. You will become like a god."
Norman couldn't help but express his interest in the offer before him. A smile crept across his face, blossoming into a chuckle at the thought of possessing god-like powers and bringing everything to its knees especially Spiderman. Gradually, his chuckle swelled into a maniacal laugh, booming through the Bar With No Name and startling several patrons with its intensity.
MORTAL KOMBAT
RISE OF CHAMPIONS
TWO YEARS LATER:
A comic appeared out of nowhere and landed on an imaginary table, showing a new Spider-Man with a sort of dragon behind him.
"Alright, let's do this one more time."
Peter placed his mask on while he was standing on top of a building and strolled over towards the edge. The suit's design is based on athletic wear and compression clothing. The most prominent aspect of the suit that distinguishes it from other Spider-Man suits is the white spider symbol. The suit has a light-red-and-black color scheme and features large white spider emblems on the chest and back instead of the smaller, traditional designs. These spiders have much longer legs, and the one on the chest ends at the thin blue piping of the suit. The shoes have also been modernized, now featuring a sneaker-style design instead of knee-high boots.
"My name is Peter Parker."
Then there is a flashback to when Peter was bitten by a spider.
"I was bitten by a radioactive spider. And for the last ten years, I have been the one and only...Spider-Man. I am pretty sure you know the rest."
There are shots of Spider-Man swinging through the city of New York, trying to save the city constantly.
"Then I saved a bunch of people."
Visuals of Peter fighting and defeating his greatest foes came across the screen.
"Fell in love..."
Shots show Peter and Gwen on the Brooklyn Bridge as they kiss passionately.
"Then I saved the city again."
One was when he fought Otto Octavius. Dr. Octopus.
Another where he's fighting against Curtis Connors. The Lizard.
"And again."
Peter fights and defeats Venom, Kraven, Thanos with the Avengers, and Morbius, all of his greatest foes.
"And again."
Fighting Trapster, Wizard, Thundra, Chameleon, Rhino, Green Goblin, Vulture, White Rabbit, Shocker. Sometimes with the help of other heroes, and sometimes on his own.
"And I...I did this."
Then there was the time Peter was possessed by the alien parasite soon to be known as Venom that was attached to him and he was doing some strange dances in the middle of the street.
"We don't talk about that."
"I broke my back."
Peter is shown being thrown across the city and slamming into the street where he broke his back.
"I buried Gwen and her father about a year or so ago."
Peter is seen at a cemetery looking over the grave of the love of his life he lost to the Green Goblin.
"But I handled it like a champ!"
Peter is seen crying in the shower of his apartment.
"That mostly sums up my life in recent times. Now, this is the day that I met...this guy."
Peter was swinging his way through the city as the sun was setting and was trying to wrap it up for the night. As Peter turned the corner, he felt his senses alert him as he landed on the nearest building. He then looked where he then saw three masked men breaking into a local convenience store.
"Ugh, let's get this over with," Peter sighed as he leaped down and interrupted them. "Hey, guys. Let me guess, you forgot your keys?"
"Spider-Man!"
One of the assailants noticed Peter and swung a crowbar at him with full force. Peter's quick reflexes kicked in, and he dodged the attack with a swift leap. In a split second, he countered the attack by shooting a web directly into the attacker's face. The momentum of the impact caused the crowbar-wielding man to stumble into his accomplice, who was trying to break down the door.
Seizing the opportunity, Peter quickly spun a web, securing the final intruder against the wall. The burglar tried to struggle but to no avail. Peter calmly approached the criminals, ensuring that they couldn't escape until the police arrived. Despite the danger he faced, Peter felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that he had prevented a crime from taking place.
"That takes care of them," Peter stated as he sighed. "You know, guys, if you spent this much time and effort into getting an actual job, you wouldn't have to be criminals."
After sending a message to his friend Yuri Watanabe in the police force, Peter departed, leaving the criminals to await police capture. Unbeknownst to him, his usually reliable senses failed to alert him to a figure observing from a nearby building. As Spider-Man disappeared into the distance, the onlooker's face remained concealed within the shadows, further obscured by the dimming light of the setting sun.
Peter sighed as he managed to get changed and then made his way to the nearest place where he could get some food this time and that he could afford. He made his way inside Stan's Diner and made his way inside. He then fixed his jacket as he just took it from his bag and made his way over to the diner barstools. When he made it inside, he noticed there weren't that many people there and a small tv on the wall showing the trailer of Johhny Cage's upcoming new movie. Made sense with how late it was, and the only other people he did see were there was some guy with his back facing one of the windows in a booth, and Peter could see his face was actually being covered by a hood. This was the same person from earlier, who had tracked down where he was going.
He took a seat at the bar and called Stan over, a personal old friend of his who he knew through his aunt. His aunt May worked for the F.E.A.S.T. Shelter, helping people after she took it over from her boss Martin li who turned into the infamous Mr. Negative.
"Hey, Stan." Peter said as Stan approached him. "How's it been?"
"Ah, nothing changes around here." Stan tells Peter. "How's your aunt?"
"As crazy and stubborn as ever." Peter chuckled.
As they were just chatting, Stan bringing Peter's food so he could regain his strength, a strange sense came from his spider senses as a group of men entered their establishment. Peter could have told they were bad news without his spider senses. They were strange men that wore masks that he has never seen before. He noticed Stan scooted away to talk to them alone, away from Peter so he couldn't hear not knowing about Peter's heightened senses.
"Lee. The Lin Kuei await your answer." Their leader who had a mask that looked like a gas mask and silver hair tells Stan.
"Lin Kuei?" Peter's never heard of them before.
"I have been working, Smoke." Stan says.
"It is a simple proposal." Smoke tells him. "Pay for our protection, or risk harm to this establishment of yours."
Peter knew exactly what he had to do as he then dropped a spoon, giving him a reason to sneak out. He ducked under the bar and started to sneak his way over towards the bathroom to change into his Spider-Man attire.
"You'll get nothing from Smoke." Said Stan while standing his ground
"That is unfortunate." Smoke said as he turned to his men.
They then stared to trash the establishment by taking chairs and smacking them against the counter and flipping tables. Stan started to try and fight when he grabbed a mop and smacked it against Smoke, only to not do much damage, and getting Smoke to then turn and smack Stan backward and knock him out.
"Hey!" Peter cried as he shot out a web at Smoke, disorienting him for a quick moment. Peter then came in and webbed two men, leaping across the pathway to then yank the web, smacking the two men against one another. "That is not how you treat your elders!"
"You dare cross the Lin Kuei? You will regret that!"
"Buddy, if I had a nickel..." Peter sighed as he then prepared to fight against the remaining enemies. And the Smoke character broke free of the webbing, ending with him sending smoke in the area, spooking Peter. "Oh, Smoke. I get it now."
Peter then shot out several webs to catch the Lin Kuei ninjas. He leaped onto the ceiling where several of them went to strike, he moved out and allowed them to knock each other out.
"You know, one of these days, someone's gonna get wise to that move." Peter said as he dropped down and looked around for Smoke. "Now, if I were a guy who could turn into smoke, where would I be?"
Then his senses alerted him just before Smoke appeared behind him, going to strike. Peter spun around, going to try and punch him, but Smoke managed to disappear once again. Peter just stayed in the middle of the room, waiting for him to reappear.
"Come out, come out, wherever you are." Peter sang.
Then Smoke revealed himself while Peter was looking away, grabbing Peter and throwing him backwards into one of the tables. Peter groaned as he leaped back to his feet and was looking around for Smoke once again. Smoke revealed himself, going in for another strike, but his fighting style reminded Peter much of the way Electro fights, and he used that to his advantage.
Smoke revealed himself and went to strike, but Peter managed to grab him, webbing his face before he then punched Smoke and sent him flying and even crashing through the window in the process. Peter ran over and used his suit to scan to see that he was alive, and barely even injured.
"Wow, what is this guy made out of?" Peter asked as he backed up, wanting to check on Stan.
But the moment he turned around, he saw two new guys. They had similar attire to the outfits that the others were wearing. They appeared with the traditional palette swap look the other ninjas had, except they had a orange and blue color palette on their uniforms.
"What, did you guys just spawn in here?" Peter asked them. "I know ninjas are stealthily, but that's-"
Before he could finish his insult, the guy in blue shot a blast of ice that barely missed him. The blast of mist then hit one of the booths, shocking Peter when he saw it. But then he got over it and turned back over to them.
"Cool, I have a friend who can do that." Peter told them.
"Freeze where you stand!" He tells Peter. "You interfere with Lin Kuei business. Leave or face our wrath."
"Well, I've done worse." Peter shrugged and prepared for a fight. "So, what does he do?"
Peter then felt something wrap around his leg, getting him to look down and see the orange one wrapped a wire around his foot. "Get over here!"
"How about you do that?" Peter asked, spinning around and yanking the line that send the orange one flying towards him.
When Peter went to try and kick him, the orange one managed to strike back by releasing the wire and punching Peter in the chest. Peter landed on the wall, leaping out of the way to avoid a shot from the one shooting ice. He constantly tried to strike Peter as he leaped around the diner. There was still one other person in the diner, but he didn't seem to be concerned non the fight that was happening.
Peter then shot a web that hit the blue one in the face and then sling-shotting into him, rendering him immobile. The one in orange was surprised by this and was distracted and allowed Peter an opening to smack him in the face, followed with two webs that hit his shoulders. Then Peter yanked the webbing, sending the one in orange to go flying across the diner, and smashing into the kitchen.
"Well, that happened." Peter sighed as he ran over to check on Stan. "One night. One night that doesn't end in my suit covered in someone else's blood and spit." He then ran over to Stan. "Hey, Stan? You okay?"
Stan then surprisingly stood up and laughed when he saw Peter finished them off. "Well, you finished them off sooner than expected."
"Stan?" Peter was lost. "You're okay?"
"Right as rain, Peter." Stan promised, shocking Peter even further. "Yes, I know. I've known for a while."
"I..." Peter was at a lost. "What is going on here?"
"You can come out now." Stan said behind Peter.
Then the stranger in the hood stood up and Peter looked over to see him approach and remove his hood. When his face was revealed, Peter was shocked when he saw his eyes glowing. He had black color but has also grown out past his shoulders. He has an open white shirt with gold decorations and a black rear sections. He sports glowing tattoos on his arms and an aura of blue and orange fire around his arms. And yes his eyes were glowing, which was spooky to look at.
"Told you he was ready for this." Stan tells the man with glowing eyes.
"I must say that I'm impressed, Peter Parker." He said and it scared Peter to see someone else knew who he was.
"It's okay, Peter. Liu Kang can be trusted with your secret." Stan promises Peter.
"I was impressed by your selflessness and skills in protecting this place." Liu said as he looked around at the minimal damage done as the major damage came from the broken window with Smoke outside.
"Your eyes are glowing." Peter took notice of.
"I am Lord Liu Kang." He introduced himself, giving a salute of respect by bowing. "God of Fire and Protector of Earthrealm."
"Earthrealm? God of Fire?" Peter asks. "You mean you're a god, like Thor?"
"Stan Lee here says that you're ready for this moment." Liu didn't explain much as he stepped forward. "Today, you have proven worthy of joining my champions."
"This was a test?" Peter asked, looking at the destruction.
"Of your ability and character. Yes." Liu Kang confirmed and turned around at the unconscious forms. "Bi-Han. Kuai Liang."
The guys in blue and orange were the first to stand as Smoke and the rest of them stood up as well. They made their way behind Liu Kang and stood by his side.
"So...you aren't thugs?" Peter asks while the blue one grunts
"The Lin Kuei is a century old clan dedicated to Earthrealm's defense." Liu Kang explained.
"Don't you mean Earth?" Peter asks.
"Earth is only a part of Earthrealm." Liu Kang explained. "Earthrealm is one of many realms. Together they create the whole universe."
"The other realms are fierce, and there are many others that wish to see harm to our home." Stan said as he started to wipe down the counters.
"Time draws near for the gran martial arts tournament between Earthrealm and the realm of Outworld." Liu Kang continues to explain. "Held one each century, it allows the realms to show their strength. While at peace, there are some who would prefer us at war. Our victory in the tournament...will temper their zeal. In time other champions will join you."
"Okay, but why chose me?" Peter asks.
"I've been watching you for some time, Peter." Liu Kang stated as he saw Peter's concern even through the mask. "All your battles. I believe you are capable of becoming the champion of Earthrealm."
"Me as champion?" Peter didn't believe in himself. "Look, I know a few other guys you might be interested in, and actually might deserve this. I... I'm not a big believer in saying I'm a champion."
Liu Kang seemed to understand what he was referring to. "No hero can protect everyone, Peter."
Peter was shocked when he heard this guy knew of his guilt.
"Yes. Gwen and George Stacy lives were lost in this war...but I believe that incident only proved why you should be champion." Liu Kang stated, only getting a confused look from Peter. "Others would give up. Others have given up because of times like that. But you pushed forward. Continued to protect this city even though there are some people who blame you for those failures. You're a true hero. You are so much like your parents. I believe your service could change the arc of your life."
Peter was surprised that this person knew about his parents as he leaned on the counter. "But I'm still needed here. This city needs me."
"Earthrealm needs you, Peter." Stan stated. "New York can survive without you for some time and besides, Liu Kang can get you here and back if there is an emergency." Said Stan while Liu Kang nodded
Peter wondered about what he was being offered and sighed. He could do with some time out of the city and some time to get his mind off things. Not to mention most superpowered villains were locked up.
"When do we leave?" Peter wonders.
Sometime later:
After Peter told his aunt, Yuri, and his boss Max Modell that he will be going away for a bit he met Liu Kang at the harbor. Liu Kang then brings Peter to a huge temple/academy of sorts as he was then given a quick tour around where he saw many monks training and was then led to his room where he would be staying. He was dressed in his casual attire with a backpack with his essentials and his costume. He had to say that while it wasn't bigger than his apartment in New York, it had a nice feel to it and he also wasn't being expected to pay so that was a huge plus.
"This is where you will be staying." Liu Kang tells Peter. "You can rest. Meditate. Do what you wish to pass the time. Tomorrow we will begin your training."
Peter then sees Liu Kang hold out a piece of paper in his hand. Peter took the card and looked to see what it said: "Flawl3ssV1ct0ry". He had no idea what that meant, but it looked to be some sort of code.
"What's this? My mantra?" Peter asks.
Liu Kang eyed the paper and back to Peter and softly chuckled. "It's the Wi-Fi password." He stated as he headed for the door, preparing to close it behind him. "We're not savages."
Liu Kang then closed the door and left Peter alone as he strolled over to the balcony passing the orange robes that were hung up and saw the entire area. He took a deep breath just to smell the clean air not intoxicated by the smell of the city. It felt nice to be out of the city, but he knew this was going to be a challenge he was going to have to endure to protect his home.