It had taken Raiden many hours to gather all his greatest defenders but he was almost finished. Raiden had firstly acquired the services of Johnny Cage once more as well as his best friend Carlos 'Mokap' Persina from their previous discussions before Raiden truly learnt what was happening regarding the Red Dragon and the Netherrealm. Raiden also had Special Forces members Sonya Blade and Jackson Briggs who had been on a date with the Special Forces' top medic called Vera merely hours beforehand. He had returned to the base to equip his uniform and to be in charge of his comrades which was now a privilege that fell upon Hsu Hao.
Despite Jax feeling he should remain at the base, Hsu insisted that he watch over instead as Jax's bionic arms were powerful and he'd be required for any potential action as soon as possible. Hsu Hao had been told he would be given a command on when to send reinforcements through a newly made portal in the headquarters' very reinforced underground bunker that housed various portals that aided with both travel throughout Earthrealm as well as transportation to Outworld. The portal said reinforcements would be sent through would lead them to a well hidden cave by the bottom of the Sky Temple itself.
Sonya and Jax arrived alongside Jarek, Tasia and Tremor of their new alliance with the White Dragon clan. They were all transported to a balcony area on one of the highest points of the impressively tall Sky Temple. They had all been told to wait as Raiden gathered the other defenders to hold a meeting and reveal the Jinsei Chamber to them all.
"I could just break this whole place down if this Shinnok does show up." Tremor assessed as he looked down the balcony to see the over five hundred meter drop and how lethal it would be to crush the foundations at the bottom of the tower.
"Well I don't think Raiden would like that," Jax assumed.
Tremor gave a deep chuckle in response and uttered the words, "as if I care."
"Alright let's not try killing everybody as our first plan," Johnny suggested before turning to Mokap who was trembling with fear. "You alright, buddy?"
"I'm helping a Thunder God stop Earth from being corrupted," Mokap began processing aloud. "Whatever that means I don't know but I sure hate it!"
"You saved my life," Cage reminded him. "You'll be fine. You're just as natural as I am an actor."
"And why are we teaming with infamous criminals?!" Mokap pointed a wild arm towards Tasia, Jarek and Tremor which received intimidating looks from all three. "I saw the rock person on the news! And he actually has those powers?!"
"Want me to show you, punk?!" Tremor threatened.
"Please don't hurt me!" he begged.
"Leave him alone," Johnny instructed them.
"Or what?" Tasia butted in. "Going to punch me in my balls, Ninja Mime?"
"Probably jealous that yours are bigger than his." Jarek joked as Tasia began circling the actor and his friend.
"Firstly, that was the weirdest insult I've heard all fuckin' week," Cage told them as he kept an eye on Tasia. "Secondly…"
Cage suddenly pulled off the splits before slamming his right fist straight through Tasia's legs and connecting with her groin before shoving her away from himself and Mokap.
Tasia cried out in pain and yelled, "you little shit!"
"Still hurts doesn't it?" Cage asked with a smug grin on his face.
"Touch her again and I'll chop your hands off!" Jarek threatened as he drew a sword that he was using as a replacement for his axe that he was unable to retrieve after the Red Dragons confiscated it from him. The sword was entirely uniquely manufactured by specifically the Black Dragon and only a few of its members… or now former members possessed one. He was also merely wearing an old jacket with a worn out Black Dragon emblem that had been embedded on the back of it rather than his also confiscated armour. Jarek didn't mind the lack of equipment and was still ready for a fight no matter what.
"Hey!" Sonya finally had enough of the honestly amusing sight that she and Jax had been witnessing from a distance. "Back off!"
"Rushing to his defense, eh?" Jarek noticed. "I see what's happening here."
"Oh grow up," Sonya said as she dismissed his comments. "We need to stay focused here! Not kill each other before Shinnok even shows up!"
"Sonya's right," Jax backed her up. "You lot are behaving like children right now."
"Sorry…" Mokap apologized, thinking the statement also applied to him.
"Johnny are you sure Raiden got the right person?" Sonya asked with her eyes facing Mokap.
"Mokap's got telekinesis powers, Sonya," Johnny informed her. "And he saved my life. He's capable, just a bit anxious."
"Just a bit?!" Mokap snapped. "I've never been so scared in my life!"
"It'll be alright," Johnny tried his best to comfort him. "We'll protect you."
"Did somebody say protection?" Came the voice of Stryker and he, Kabal and Pedro suddenly arrived on the balcony thanks to one of Raiden's teleports. The three were in even stronger armour then beforehand and their weapons looked like they were in perfect condition.
"Fuck!" Tasia cursed. "More feds?!"
"Sryker! Kabal!" Johnny said as he came to greet them both. "I missed you guys!"
"Yeah it's good to see you too," Kabal replied as he and Johnny bumped fists.
"And that goes to all of you," Stryker added as he looked at Jax and Sonya who waved at him.
"Well… all but these three," Kabal's eyes behind his mask were glaring at his former Black Dragon comrades Tremor, Jarek and Tasia.
"Why are they here?" Stryker asked.
"They helped reveal what Shinnok has been planning along with another crime syndicate called the Red Dragon," Sonya quickly explained before another argument could occur. "We actually wouldn't be here had they not helped."
"Yeah so thank us for saving the universe," Tasia remarked.
"Only if we stop Shinnok," Jax said before turning to Stryker and Kabal. "How are you guys?"
"Fine, thanks," Kabal replied. "Or was until seeing these three."
"Shut your fucking mouth!" Tasia demanded loudly.
"You're the one yelling," Sonya pointed out. "Why don't you shut up?"
"Fine!" Tasia reluctantly complied. "Not like I want to talk to any of you!"
"I'm good… assuming we stop this invasion," Stryker gave his own answer once Tasia had finally silenced herself. "How about you?"
"Absorbing all this is less difficult when it's the second time around," Jax believed. "And sorry, hadn't realised you brought company."
"I'm Pedro," he greeted Jax as he looked at him.
They shook hands as Jax replied, "You can call me Jax, Pedro."
"Where'd you lads get the gear?" Sonya asked as she had noticed their upgrades. All three were wearing heavy riot armour that was primarily black like a traditional riot control armour, however, there was something different that Sonya couldn't put her finger on.
"Funny story actually," Stryker said as he recalled the events. "An Elder God came to me and well… summoned a bunch of better gear for my entire squad. I don't think it's magic but… it's uniquely crafted to aid against a lot of things that aren't native to Earth."
"How so?"
"Test it," Stryker said as he punched his protected mid section.
"If you say so…" Sonya said as she blasted her energy rings from the technology on her wrists which the armour practically absorbed. "How?!"
"I couldn't tell you," Stryker said honestly. "But all I know is that it's certainly more than just bulletproof."
"Not like anything will catch me," Kabal remarked jokingly as he himself was wearing a few less layers purely to prevent anything from slowing down his mobility.
"Well I guess the first invasion wasn't a massive surprise to you guys," Jax realised as he thought about Kabal's powers. "Since you always had Kabal with you after all."
"Oh no we did not see it coming," Kabal clarified. "Although my time in the Black Dragon made me learn much about Outworld and it's magic, and that research is how I got these powers to begin with, I still never expected something as huge and as dangerous as that invasion."
"Yeah," Stryker agreed. "That was some scary stuff."
"Well we'll be winning again," Jax assured them.
"Hope so," Pedro joined in the conversation. "I'm a bit nervous seeing that I'll be on the frontlines this time around."
"Don't worry," Johnny said as he overheard their discussion. "You're handling yourself much better than Mokap."
"Leave me alone, Johnny," Mokap said with a sigh as he sat on the base for one of the Sky Temple's grand statues and stared at the ground. "Now isn't the time for your jokes."
"First time learning about the magic side of the universe?" Pedro asked as he approached and knelt down in front of Mokap.
"Yeah." Mokap answered as he looked up at the officer.
"You'll get used to it," Pedro assured him. "And we'll stop this threat unscaved don't you worry."
"Yeah we've got this, everyone!" Stryker said aloud to keep everyone's spirits high.
"Why do we even have this coward here?!" Tasia questioned.
"He is skilled in a whole eight different fighting styles!" Cage informed her of the impressive fact. "And he's just learnt that he has telekinesis! More of a resume than you have."
"Oh yeah?" Tasia responded. "Well here's the difference: I can take lives whereas he doesn't have the guts. Why your precious Thunder God has dragged him into this is beyond me."
"We're defending our world," Cage reminded her. "Taking lives isn't a necessity."
"Oh but it's the best way to defend," Tasia argued.
"Besides, they're just monsters in the Netherrealm," Cage pointed out. "Right?"
"Not quite," Jarek replied. "Y'see… I met some Demons who didn't even appear monstrous and instead looked just like us. They acted similar to us too. They're people. Just serving the wrong idiot."
"Kinda like us with Kano…" Tasia realised.
"Exactly," Jarek said as he got in the face of Mokap. "If your nerves prevent you from doing the job then you best cry to Raiden to go home."
"Get away from him!" Cage demanded as he pushed Jarek back.
"Not this again…" Jax said after letting out a long sigh. "Where's Raiden?"
"Said something about going to the White Lotus next before teleporting us here," Stryker informed him. "I'm sure he'll return once he's assembled the rest of the team…"
Raiden again stood within the grounds of the Wu Shi Academy where the repairs after the attack that caused the final tournament to occur were finally complete and the academy as well as the other nearby Shaolin Temples. Training at the academy had resumed as the White Lotus immediately began training the next generation of fighters for any upcoming threats.
Raiden, like always, was immediately greeted by a familiar chubby face belonging to his close friend Bo' Rai Cho who instantly welcomed the Thunder God with a warm smile and a tight embrace.
"Back so soon?" Bo' said as he released Raiden from his bear-like hug.
"I am indeed," Raiden confirmed with a nod. "Unfortunately my return is not because of anything good."
"What is it?" Asked the Shaolin warrior known as Apep as he emerged from behind Bo' Rai Cho's wide frame as he had been in a training session with the Drunken Master. "Another mad invasion?!"
"I am afraid that your guess is sadly rather accurate." Raiden informed Apep and Bo' Rai Cho.
"So soon after the last one?!" Apep cried out in shock and dread. "Elder Gods… why do you not protect us?"
"I share your confusion," Raiden related, though held back from going on another rant regarding the Elder Gods.
"Who is the threat to Earthrealm this time?" Bo' Rai Cho wondered.
"I have told you about a being named Shinnok, yes?" Raiden asked his friend.
"You've mentioned him a few times over our many talks over some booze," he confirmed before suddenly chuckling a tiny bit. "Of course only I was drinking."
"You are always able to make light even in the darkest of situations," Raiden complimented as he cracked a brief smile. "Thank you for that."
"Thank you for finding some amusement in my jokes," Bo' returned the gratitude. "Anyway, what should we do about this Shinnok?"
"What we did with Shao Kahn," Raiden informed him. "We form an alliance."
"Of course," Bo' said with a nod of understanding. "Apep?"
"Yes master?" Apep asked as he stepped forth.
"Please find Liu Kang and Kung Lao and bring them to me," Bo' Rai Cho requested.
"Sure," Apep was willing to comply but wished to negotiate first. "Only if I can join this alliance too."
Bo' Rai Cho held back on giving an immediate response and turned to Raiden before asking, "how many of my students will you need?"
"I am uncertain of how large the opposing threat is," Raiden admitted as he considered it's possible strength. "Considering how long Shinnok must have been planning this invasion it must be rather large, so Earthrealm could use all the help it can receive."
"I was hoping you would say you needed very few…" Bo' Rai Cho confessed.
"Why?" Apep questioned his teacher. "Am I truly unworthy, master?"
"Goodness no," Bo' Rai Cho reassured him before clarifying what he meant. "You are one of my greatest students and I love you dearly. That is why I just can't bear to lose you like I lost Shujinko… and I know that feeling because you left for years trying to find him. I am fortunate to have you back here and to know that Shujinko is alive."
"Oh Master…" Apep was touched by Bo' Rai Cho's speech and struggled finding words to respond with so he opted to hug his master instead with Bo' immediately returning the embrace which was a feeling that Apep and anybody close to Bo' Rai Cho knew the feeling of.
"Thank you," Bo' Rai Cho said gratefully with a smile.
"I just want to do what you trained me well for," Apep explained to him, "and that is to protect Earthrealm."
"I know," Bo' Rai Cho understood, "and you should go and make me proud, which I know you can. Ignore me and my ridiculous anxieties."
"Then go have another drink," Apep jokingly suggested, "and let me and any other ready and willing monks to accompany me."
"I like the sound of that idea," Bo' Rai Cho praised. "Just one change though: I come along too."
"Sure," Apep replied. "What could go wrong?"
"Your aid is greatly appreciated, friends," Raiden said to express his gratitude for their help. "One last question: is my brother still here?"
"Why yes!" Bo' Rai Cho enthusiastically confirmed. "He is still present somewhere around the academy. I shall send somebody to locate him."
"Thank you, friend."
"Of course," Bo' Rai Cho responded graciously. "Fujin's powers have been of great aid when we were rebuilding our temples."
"That is great to hear," Raiden reacted positively. "We could use his aid also."
"Return to us in a few minutes and we will be prepared," Bo' Rai Cho promised his friend.
"Perfect," Raiden commented. "I still have more defenders to gather."
"I look forward to seeing them all again," Bo' Rai Cho stated.
"As do I," Raiden agreed as he began calling upon his teleportation lightning. "Farewell for now."
Raiden quickly teleported to Arctika, the land within Antarctica where civilization such as the Lin Kuei existed, and arrived in the entrance courtyard to the Lin Kuei Temple. He looked around the crowd of cyborgs before finding the distinctive yellow one named Cyrax who was standing while conversing with Smoke and an upset looking Kuai Liang who sat down on one of the steps heading up to the clans temple itself.
"Unbelievable," Cyrax complained, "First an Elder God disrespects me and now your brother is alive as a Wraith?!"
"Don't forget about that map he gave you too," Smoke reminded his lover. "And I'm really sorry, Cy. I outright told the Elder God that you wanted your cybernetics gone."
"I appreciate you trying," Cyrax informed him. "It was really generous of you to let me have your reward… even if it was not what I truly desired."
"At least you're stronger now," Smoke said in an attempt to look on the bright side. "And no worries, friend."
"I see why Raiden has his complaints about the Elder Gods," Sub-Zero commented. "I'll visit the marked point on that map when I figure out what to do with Bi-Han."
"I have no clue what to do," Smoke admitted bluntly. "We've researched Wraiths before but…"
"But only how to slay them," Sub-Zero recalled. "And I remember being taught that once the Netherrealm transforms you, you cannot go back to your original state."
"Nonsense," Smoke refused to believe it, "there must be a way."
"Why do you think that?" Cyrax asked. "There isn't even a way to remove these stupid cybernetics…"
"Positive thoughts, Cy," Smoke requested, "please…"
"Sorry," he apologised.
"It's fine," Sub-Zero assured him. "I just don't know what to do…"
"I may have a suggestion," Raiden said after overhearing part of the conversation.
"Oh!" Smoke cried in surprise by Raiden's sudden appearance. "Hello Raiden! We just mentioned you literally seconds ago."
"Greetings, Smoke, Cyrax and Tundra-" Raiden greeted back though was cut off after saying the last name.
"He is now Grandmaster Sub-Zero," Smoke made Kuai Liang's new title and name clear to the Thunder God.
"My apologies, Sub-Zero," Raiden corrected himself. "Taking your brother's mantle is certainly an honourable and respectful decision. I am sorry for your loss."
"I wouldn't be in this position were it not for his teachings," Sub-Zero informed him as he remembered his fondest memories of his brother. "He taught me of all the correct morals that I should try to follow despite our poor decision of being members of Oniro's Lin Kuei where we were meant to just be cold blooded assassins and nothing more. Thank God that Bi-Han was anything but the villain that Oniro wanted him to be."
"I recall him fending off the forces of Shinnok," Raiden remembered. "Which brings me to why I am here… The Netherrealm is preparing an invasion."
"On Earthrealm?!" Smoke questioned. "So soon after Shao Kahn's own efforts?!"
"It would appear so," Raiden informed him as he remembered what the criminals called Jarek and Tasia had revealed. "But other realms are potentially at threat also."
"Damn…" Cyrax commented as he processed the shocking news. "Do you need our aid?"
Raiden nodded, "indeed I do," he stated bluntly.
"Then you will have it," Sub-Zero promised.
"Thank you," Raiden said as he was once again grateful for so much support in defending Earthrealm and now maybe even the other realms too.
"You mentioned you might know how ro restore Bi-Han," Sub-Zero reminded him. "In return for the Lin Kuei's support, can you please tell me how?"
"Certainly," Raiden promised, "I shall show you once I bring you to my Sky Temple."
"Very well then," Sub-Zero replied. "Thanks."
"Are we leaving right now?" Smoke asked.
"If you are ready then I shall bring you to the other defenders," Raiden told the trio. "I could use as many of your forces as possible too."
"These are all victims to our former Grandmaster and his inhumane cyber initiative," Sub-Zero detailed to the Thunder God. "I think they've been through enough already. And considering the threat of Shinnok which Bi-Han told me about… I am sorry but I can only put myself at risk so that the clan may live on if something bad truly does happen…"
"What are you saying, Kuai?!" Smoke yelled in reaction to Sub-Zero's doubtful thoughts. "You aren't going to die! We survived the last invasion anyway!"
"I am just making sure…" Sub-Zero clarified to his lover. "I apologise."
"Y'know what?"
"What?"
"I'll come with you," Smoke insisted. "Ain't neither of us dying."
Sub-Zero smiled, "okay then, my love," he allowed it as the two embraced.
"We'll be fine," Smoke assured him.
"I understand your decision, Sub-Zero," Raiden said in complete understanding and he was already more than appreciative of Sub-Zero and Smoke's help on their own. "As I said before, if you are both ready I can take you now."
"I'm ready," Smoke said confidently. "What about you, my love?"
"The sooner I can save my brother and rid this threat of Shinnok the better," Sub-Zero concluded. "I am ready."
"I am always ready," Cyrax stated. "If you need my help too I shall come with you both."
"Please can you remain here instead?" Sub-Zero requested. "I need somebody to watch over the other cyborgs."
"As you wish, Grandmaster," Cyrax said in compliance, he wasn't going to complain about staying at home rather than fighting a war.
"I appreciate it," Sub-Zero said to his close friend. "Take us to your Sky Temple, Raiden."
Raiden gave Sub-Zero a nod before once more casting his teleportation lighting over himself and the two Lin Kuei lovers of Sub-Zero and Smoke who were taken to the Sky Temple in the span of mere seconds while the Thunder God himself decided to bring himself to the tribal grounds of the Matoka.
Coincidentally, Nightwolf had only just returned to the rest of the tribe after a long day working hard as a historian to help provide for his fellow Matoka. He headed over to a campfire where Zonta was helping prepare a meal.
"Welcome home, Akicita," Zonta greeted Nightwolf while referring to him by his real name before the Great Spirit gifted him the Nightwolf mantle. "How was work?"
"It went well, thanks," Nightwolf replied with a smile on his face seeing his close friend. "What are you making?"
"Buffalo stew," Zonta answered as she continued cooking the buffalo meat over the fire. "Just the way my father taught me."
"It smells delicious," Nightwolf complimented before looking past Zonta to see Raiden approaching the two. "Haokah?"
"Greetings Nightwolf," Raiden said as he stood by the fire. "I regret to inform you that I am once more in need of your assistance."
"Again?!" Zonta gave the reaction that Raiden had been expecting and had already witnessed himself. "What now?!"
"Calm down," Nightwolf instructed Zonta before speaking to Raiden. "I was told Shao Kahn had been executed and his alliance destroyed."
"It has been," Raiden confirmed. "But this time it is a different threat in Shinnok, ruler of the Netherrealm."
"No…" Zonta groaned. "Not again…"
"We stopped the last invasion," Nightwolf reminded her. "We'll stop this one too."
"You do not have to join me," Raiden clarified to the eager warrior, "I would just greatly appreciate your support when we inevitably confront Shinnok and his forces."
"I shall provide all the protection I can offer, Haokah," Nightwolf promised. "Zonta, in the meantime you should remain he-"
"No!" Zonta aggressively refused before her friend could even finish his sentence. "We're not doing this again!"
"The Great Spirit gifted me their powers so that I could fend off evil like this," Nightwolf reminded her. "I must help."
"That's not what I meant," Zonta told him before clarifying what she meant. "I meant that I am coming with you."
"Are you sure?" Nightwolf asked, surprised by the demand.
"Yes," Zonta confirmed firmly. "I can't stand staying here and stressing about you again… I hate that feeling."
"You could get hurt a lot worse going with me," Nightwolf countered.
"You know I can fight!" Zonta argued loudly. "You helped train me!"
"I know, but-" Nightwolf's attempts to give a response were immediately stopped.
"I'd rather get cut protecting you than get strangled from anxiety of the unknown," Zonta stated with it now clear that her mind could not be changed. "I am going with you."
"Fine," Nightwolf reluctantly gave in and granted her wish. "You shall have the backing of both of us then, Haokah."
"Excellent," Raiden commented. "Are you both ready?"
"We should eat first," Nightwolf decided. "Is your cooking nearly done, Zonta?"
"I'll check," Zonta answered. "But I agree with you, having a meal first would be nice. Care to join us, Haokah?"
"Thank you but no," Raiden politely declined. "I do not have the need to consume food nor do I really have the time."
"God stuff," Zonta noted, "I understand."
"I have one more trip to make and then I'll come to collect you," Raiden informed them both.
"Got it," Zonta noted as Nightwolf gave a respectful nod. "Thank you, Haokah."
"No. Thank you," he replied as a lightning bolt took him away as he was sent to his next destination: Kenshi's cottage.
The blind swordsman had company in his secluded yet cozy home. A woman had travelled by, soaking wet from the brutal rainfall from an ongoing thunderstorm. Kenshi spotted her through his window and kindly offered her shelter until the evil weather had passed, which she gratefully accepted.
"So," Kenshi began talking as she handed Suchin a cup of tea, a common offer he gave to most of his guests, "what is your name, miss?"
"Suchin," the woman replied before taking a sip from her tea. "Thanks for this, by the way."
"You're welcome," Kenshi said with a smile as he gestured for her to have a seat at his table which she accepted as the two sat down. "And it is nice to meet you, Suchin. My name is Kenshi."
"Kenshi?" Suchin recalled the name being familiar to her. "Kenshi Takahashi?!"
"You know who I am?" Kenshi asked, surprised to say the least.
"I was just visiting a town called Nabetsu," Suchin began explaining, "and your name was talked about a fair bit. It sounded like you were famous!"
"Famous amongst the locals," Kenshi informed her. "There was a time where I would partake in sword fighting as a sport and not to brag but I was considered the best in the town at it."
"Sword fighting as a sport?" Suchin repeated as she gave Kenshi a puzzled look. "What kind? Kendo? Fencing? Wushu?"
"Just a battle with swords," Kenshi clarified. "A test of swordsmanship. No specific form, just a fight between two people with blades."
"Isn't that a bit too dangerous?" Suchin questioned.
"Probably," Kenshi admitted. "But it's a part of tradition down there due to its history of being land belonging to generations of Warrior Kings."
"I heard of them," Suchin recalled. "One of the locals mentioned the House of Pekara, a place of worship above the tomb where the Warrior Kings souls apparently rest."
"That tale is true," Kenshi revealed to her. "Except… the souls are no longer present."
"Um…" Suchin wasn't sure how to reply to the blindman telling her of souls but chose to follow along, "any particular reason why?"
"Me."
"Sorry?"
"I said me," Kenshi repeated.
"What do you mean?" Suchin was now completely baffled.
"A soul sucking sorcerer from another world deceived me into releasing the souls for him to consume," Kenshi clarified but the absurdity of the tale did no favour to Suchin's understanding.
"I don't mean to be rude…" Suchin paused before speaking her next words, "but I don't think that truly happened…"
"You don't believe a blind man who can see?"
"You're very kind, Kenshi," Suchin complimented, "but... are you sure you're sane?"
Kenshi suddenly removed his blindfold which revealed his pupiless eyes and offered the blindfold to Suchin.
"What are you doing?" Suchin still didn't understand.
"Wear it," Kenshi requested. "To prove to you that it's not see through."
"Okay?" Suchin complied to the bizarre request and wrapped the blindfold around her head, gasping when realising Kenshi was telling the truth. "B-but how?"
"Because of this," Kenshi called upon Sento using his telekinesis once Suchin had removed the crimson blindfold and his sword flew into his grasp before her eyes. "Still can't believe me?"
"I've… been seeing some strange things lately," Suchin said as she was processing what just occurred. "This is the strangest of all.
"But do you believe me now?" Kenshi asked again.
"Yes," Suchin confirmed. "I… uh… thanks for sharing, Kenshi."
"It's my pleasure," he replied as he carried Sento to one side with his telekinesis. "I do not often get to tell these stories so I appreciate you listening."
"The fact that you were covering your eyes in the first place was already bizarre to me," Suchin confessed as she handed him back the blindfold. "Sorry for being judgemental."
"I can't blame you," Kenshi replied forgivingly. "My old friend Song would tell me such mental stories… it's only when you see the supernatural that you can start to believe all the other stuff."
"You have to tell me everything," Suchin begged as she was now fully invested in the swordsman's stories.
"If I told you everything we would be talking for days," Kenshi said with a laugh.
"I wouldn't mind that," Suchin admitted.
"Me neither," Kenshi said as the two smiled at each other.
"Cool katana, by the way," Suchin said as her eyes were now drawn to the peculiar weapon that now had cracks of a glowing blue energy seeping within thanks to the Elder God known as Zeraura. "I get some of my own training in sword fighting but you're clearly the expert."
"Maybe I can teach you sometime," Kenshi offered.
"That would be awesome!" Suchin enthusiastically commented. "I mean… I'd like that. Thanks."
"Well you're welcome here anytime you like," Kenshi said generously.
"That's very nice of you," Suchin praised, "but I'm not from around these parts. I'm a travel photographer. This is just another spot I've been asked to shoot some photos at. My home is actually back at Lampang, a city in Thailand."
"I've heard of it," Kenshi informed her. "I've seen photos of some lovely temples and wildlife."
"Maybe you saw some which were taken by me then," Suchin wondered as she recalled the photography work she had done back home. "But yeah, I've been travelling all around Asia and I've seen some beautiful sights of the years."
"Sounds fun," Kenshi commented as he too thought about the enjoyment of travelling that had only been heightened by the revelation of other realms like Outworld. "I guess you could say I work as a sort of defender nowadays."
"Defender of what?"
"Of Earth," Kenshi answered. "But enough about me. If you'd like to take a photo of my katana or anything else then feel free to."
"You've been so generous to me," Suchin pointed out. "Thank you so much."
"There's no need for the constant gratifications," Kenshi said humbly.
"I see," Suchin noted. "Can I ask you one more thing?"
"Go ahead."
"Since you know about this crazy supernatural stuff," Suchin spoke as she dug into her large rucksack before pulling out a photograph. "I found this in my bag… I don't remember taking it."
Kenshi sensed the imagery on the photo and gasped in reaction to what he was being shown. The photo was taken during the middle of the soulnado that Shao Kahn had ordered to be made to consume all Earthrealmers. Kenshi immediately concluded that Suchin must have taken the photograph before suffering the fate of being eaten by the soulnado and due to her lack of association to the Defenders of the Realm she must've had her memory altered as an act by the Elder Gods to prevent Earthrealm from descending into madness as the population was not yet ready to be familiarised with the magic that lay within the realms.
"What is it?" Suchin asked after having noticed Kenshi's concerned gasp. "It looks really realistic doesn't it?"
"It is real…" Kenshi muttered the revelation. "It's a soulnado… tornado made out of souls of the dead…"
"Seriously?!" Suchin dropped the photo as her hands began shaking. "But how did this get here?! I remember being at that place in the photo but never that picture and especially not that wicked thing!"
"I have answers," Kenshi admitted feeling that he may as well considering all that he'd revealed already. "Look… there's these other worlds in life called rea-"
Kenshi paused by the loud crackle of thunder and a lightning strike that sounded like it hit right outside his home, the sound startling both Kenshi and his guest.
"Weather's not getting any better," Suchin concluded.
"Yeah…" Kenshi said as the front door to the cottage was knocked. "I'll get it."
Kenshi was surprised that for the second time in such a short period of time he found the Thunder God Raiden standing on his porch. Assuming it was urgent, Kenshi immediately offered Raiden inside his cozy home.
"Come and have a seat, Raiden," Kenshi offered. "I do have a visitor by the way."
"Sorry," Suchin apologised as she overheard what was happening in the other room. "I don't mean to… be in the… way…"
Suchin's speech had slowed down as she watched the very unique looking Thunder God walk inside the living area standing at an impressive seven feet with his pupiless eyes matching Kenshi's but his glowed and had occasional tiny lightning sparks emit from them.
"My apologies," Raiden himself apologised. "I didn't mean to interrupt anything, Kenshi and…"
"I'm Suchin," she introduced herself. "Nice to meet you."
"What you're interrupting for is clearly important, Raiden," Kenshi confidently assumed.
"Is everything alright?" Suchin asked. "And… do you have lightning powers, sir?"
"I am Lord Raiden," he gave his own introduction. "I am the Protector God of Earthrealm."
"Holy shit…" Suchin mumbled as the day kept becoming more insane for her. "Oops! Sorry for the swear."
"You're alright," Kenshi assured her.
"I assume you are unfamiliar with the secrets of this realm," Raiden said to Suchin.
"Realm?" Suchin didn't know what he was referring to. "Kenshi here was just telling me about some things."
"A realm is the true word to use when describing our world," Kenshi continued to teach her. "This isn't the only one."
"Any chance I'd get some good photographs in these other realms?" Suchin asked with a curiosity of exploring these so-called realms.
"Absolutely," Kenshi confirmed. "I wouldn't want to publish them though. Or that photo of the soulnado. I don't think Earth as a whole is ready for this news."
"They likely never will," Raiden admitted. "Now Kenshi, the reason I came here was to inform you that-"
"That this Shinnok guy is planning an invasion," Kenshi finished Raiden's sentence. "I read your mind, literally."
"Well that saves us the time of an explanation," Raiden noted the positive of Kenshi's mind reading ability.
"Wait you haven't been reading my mind right?!" Suchin asked anxiously, her face blushing at the thought.
"I wouldn't want to be weird and abuse the power," Kenshi explained. "So no, I have not."
"Good," Suchin said as she let out a sigh of relief.
"Since you've already jumped to the reason why I'm here," Raiden once again returned to the point of why he was present at the cottage. "Would you be willing to aid me in stopping Shinnok?"
"I shall do all I can," Kenshi promised.
"Thank you," Raiden said as he turned to Suchin. "Are you capable of coming too?"
"Um… bit of a strange question," Suchin commented with honesty. "I don't know what any of this is or who this Shinnok is… but I kinda want to go."
"Why?" Kenshi asked with concern, especially considering less than an hour ago Suchin was none the wiser of any of the magical secrets that had been kept hidden from Earthrealmers. "It's going to be more dangerous than you could possibly imagine."
"I assumed so," Suchin said as she began reconsidering. "But… I'm just rather curious…"
"I understand that you now want to learn everything we know about the supernatural elements of this universe," Kenshi tried reasoning with her, "but it is too risky to witness firsthand."
"Do you have a spare sword?" Suchin asked him.
"Yes but-"
"Please may I borrow it?"
"No," Kenshi firmly refused. "This entire situation is out of your depth. You may stay here in the meantime while we deal with this threat."
"Give me the sword," Suchin demanded.
"Raiden, are you not going to back me up here?" Kenshi asked.
"Admittedly I did allow a man with a similar lack of knowledge and seemingly less skill than her an invitation to be amongst the Defenders," Raiden referred to Mokap. "Give her a weapon so that she may prove herself."
"Don't say I didn't warn you," Kenshi said as he went over to his weapon stand to retrieve an extra blade to hand to Suchin. "I do not mean to be rude but this is for your own safety as a citizen. A citizen who we go to battle for in order to protect them. We don't just throw them on the front lines!"
"Y'know how I mentioned my training?" Suchin asked as she received the sword. "You won't be disappointed with what I have learnt."
"Very well then," Kenshi said as he followed along with Suchin's desire to prove her skills and the two engaged in their fighting stances, "let's see what you've got."
Suchin ran at Kenshi with haste, swinging her sword forth as she came near him. The powerful swing was blocked as Kenshi turned his own katana in front of his chest in order to block the strike. Suchin continued pushing forward with her blade so Kenshi decided to step back as far as he could in the enclosed environment and thrust the tip of Sento at Suchin who slammed the sword down with a heavy downwards strike before dragging it towards her with a foot. Kenshi countered this by using his telekinesis to begin pulling Sento back to him but Suchin reversed the reversal by clenching a hand around the handle of the weapon. Realising she wasn't stronger than Kenshi's telekinesis, Suchin let go but before the sword could fly back into Kenshi's hands she had already dashed forward and ducked the flying katana before hitting a leg sweep on Kenshi. She then grabbed Sento as the telekinetic field around it was cancelled from Kenshi's sudden fall and stepped on her opponent's chest with the two katanas placed either side of his neck.
"I win," she gloated proudly.
"Maybe... maybe I underestimated you," Kenshi admitted as Suchin put the katanas on the table and offered him her hand. "Thanks."
"You're welcome," Suchin said as she helped Kenshi up to his feet. "Sorry about that."
"Sorry for doubting you," Kenshi himself apologised too.
"I get why you did and it was rather sweet of you to look out for me," Suchin stated before turning to Raiden who had been watching their brief battle unfold. "So can I come, Raiden?"
"You certainly can," Raiden confirmed as he was impressed by Suchin's skills. "Thank you both for your support."
"Anytime," Kenshi said as he handed the katana he had let Suchin use back to her. "Keep it. You've earned it."
"That's very generous of you," Suchin said as she accepted Kenshi's kind offer.
"You'll need something to defend yourself with anyway," Kenshi pointed out. "Anything else before we leave, Raiden?"
"There is actually," Raiden replied. "Where is Scorpion?"
"He… learnt of his family's killer…" Kenshi informed him with a sadness in his tone of voice. "Quan Chi is responsible…"
"Somebody killed that guy's family?!" Suchin reacted with horror. "What the fuck?!"
"You still have so much to learn, Suchin," Kenshi reminded her. "And yes… it is truly awful."
"Indeed," Raiden agreed. "May I ask where he is now?"
"Somewhere in the Netherrealm I think," Kenshi assumed.
"I shall have a brief look for him," Raiden told him. "I shall return to follect you both and I once again thank you for your help."
"You're welcome," Kenshi replied as Raiden teleported away to begin his search for the vengeful Spectre...