Author's Note: End of the road for this arc! Strap in readers, it's a long one!
-Chapter 14: The Tournament - Final Kombat-
Sprinting through the darkness, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and Magnus Shadrix hurried towards the other temple, the aging building built into the slope of a jagged mountain. The air felt thinner the further they travelled, indication just how high up they were. "What will we find at this temple?" Magnus questioned.
"The Temple of Balance is behind Shang Tsung's Great Hall. We can use it to return." Liu explained.
"And then challenge him and Goro to Final Kombat." Kung Lao added. Magnus fell silent and the prospect of what was to come caused his heart to pound.
"How do we know someone else has not beaten us there?"
"Legends say all the surviving kombatants are gathered to witness Final Kombat. Shang's big display of showmanship as Goro rips into whoever it is." Kung Lao elaborated. Liu shot him a sideways glance. "Uh, no pressure." The other monk looked back ahead, his silence tense and awkward.
"We will take them as they come." Magnus stated. 'Goro or not, I would like nothing more than to challenge Shang myself. My family must find justice.'
Together they reached the foot of a stone staircase that reached to the upper level of the Temple. Torches lined the steps, inviting them onwards up into darkness… where victory and defeated awaited all who took the gamble. Liu continued to leave, moving purposefully with a stoicism that Magnus found akin to Raiden's. Kung Lao followed him, the razor edge of his hat gleaming in the torchlight as Magnus brought up the rear. The stairs passed and the air grew cooler and sharper. It was mountain air.
The three reached a large landing, big enough to host a dozen average human bodies standing together. With a clatter of armor, two guards suddenly appeared from the gloom in front of them. The three humans froze.
"I don't like this," Kung Lao murmured.
"Me neither," Magnus agreed.
Two more guards appeared, coming up from the very stairs the three had ascended. Another two emerged from the darkness covering the landing, stalking out of the corner not lit by torches. "There's only six of them. That's two apiece for all of us." Liu determined, hands raised in a Jun Fan stance as Kung Lao assumed his Wing Chun form. Magnus unsheathed his axes and looked at the advancing guards.
"Shang Tsung looks to keep us from arriving?"
"Undoubtedly." Liu affirmed. "Even here at this final leg of the tournament, he's unwilling to go down without throwing everything he can at us."
"Then let us prove his efforts to be in vain." The Norwegian replied, rolling his shoulders in preparation for more kombat. The three champions took defensive stances in a tightly-knit cluster, feet widely spaced, hands curled in loose fists.
The guards circled the group. Kung Lao and Liu turned with them until the three humans stood in an open triangle, all of them facing outward in different directions. Armor clattered and clacked. Only the guards' eyes were visible behind their grotesque bone helmets.
Two of the guards split off to confront Liu. One of them took a stance in front of Kung Lao. The others arranged themselves in front of Magnus. "I think we can forget the rules of single kombat." Kung Lao remarked.
"Yes, our host feels he is above the rules when it comes to his own protection." Magnus rumbled. As the order was decided, Kung Lao struck first by throwing out his hat. But the guard across from him, in a display of surprising athleticism, spun on his feet to the right to avoid the assault. The chakram hat grazed his shoulder armor, sending sparks flying, as it whistled ahead and became embedded in a wall of rock.
Moving as one, all of the guards attacked, their dragon lances spinning in circles above their heads.
Kung Lao watched his opponent rush in, thinking quickly. Without his hat, only his skill as a kombatant could save him now. And Wing Chun had never led him wrong. He counted slowly, 'one, two, three.' On three he jumped straight up, arms extended. He grabbed the guard's lance just below the head in both hands as he spun overhead in a vertical somersault.
The guard kept his grip on the lance even though the Shaolin in front of him had vanished. Then Kung Lao came down from his somersault, still holding the lance. He had twisted in midair so he was now facing the guard's back. Using his momentum to carry him, he rolled away, pulling the guard over as he fell on his back.
With both legs he kicked up, taking the guard in the spine as he went down. The armored creature lost its balance and its grip on the lance and fell. His legs caught it and pushed it away. It flew over his head into the darkness.
Kung Lao completed his roll back to his feet, captured lance in hand. As part of the same motion he leapt in the direction in which his guard had fallen. He used the lance like a vaulting pole to send himself flying feet-first to the where the guard was coming to its feet in a defensive stance. It swept his legs with its left arm in a circular block that forced Kung Lao to drop to the stone ground. He barely missed smashing into the guard's face with his boots.
"Fast," the monk remarked, "but not fast enough."
He whipped the end of the lance forward, chest-high, using all the force of his shoulders to punch it toward the guard.
In another part of the main room Liu dropped to the floor, catching himself on his hands as the first attack pressed home. Spinning on his hands, he scissored out his legs, catching the legs of one of the guards who faced him. The guard fell, and its momentum lifted Liu back onto his feet.
Liu sprang into the air, coming down heels first on the back of the fallen guard, his legs snapping straight down in a vertical kick at the moment of impact.
The guard had been trying to lift itself to its hands and knees. The force of Liu's attack dropped it straight back to the floor, the wind driven from its lungs.
Liu jumped again, straight up, using the body of his fallen opponent for a trampoline as the lance of his second foe passed whistling through the place where his torso had been a fraction of a second earlier. At the top of his leap, Liu fired a snap kick at the second guard's face and connected.
He kicked again and again, five times in rapid succession, each kick smashing into the guard's armored faceplate, before he hit the ground again. Without a moment's hesitation he sprang backward, his body forming a perfect arch. He caught himself on his hands, then continued the leap backward to regain his feet.
The guard's lance swung down at him as he jumped away. Only sheer nimbleness kept Liu from being cut in two by the swinging steel head of the lance. The guard recovered its balance and took a slow step forward.
As Liu and Lao fought their opponents, Magnus took a slow step to the side, dropping his center of gravity, being very careful not to cross his feet as he moved. The three guards who faced him were moving, too, forward and to the sides, trying to get him into the center of a triangle. Once he was surrounded, Magnus knew, they would attack.
'No reason to wait for them.' He did a fast jump to his right, closing his range to the guard on that side and hooking the creature's leg out from under it with his axe. The guard grunted in pain but didn't lose its balance, that would be too much to hope for with such a simple move, but the maneuver did change the rhythm of the contest and gave the initiative to Magnus.
Now, instead of his reacting to the guards, they would have to react to him.
'Their pain tolerance is high. Even the most basic of cuts may not be sufficient to down them.' His mind processing this new fact, Magnus planned accordingly. Using the same motion he had used to sweep the first guard's leg, Magnus spun around and brought up his right leg in a flying roundhouse kick to the second guard's head. Even that guard wasn't Magnus' main target. He continued to spin, drawing closer to the third guard as he executed Nan Chuan roundhouses. Once he got in range, his left axe whipped out to hack into the creature's left wrist.
The creature faltered with a bellow as black blood spurted from the cut while Magnus pulled and twisted himself, using the guard's mass to alter his momentum, until he was standing behind and to the guard's left, the Outworlder's left arm extended across his body in front of him. Magnus kicked with his right leg, a fast circle to the back of the guard's knees. At the same time he smashed his right fist in hammer-hand position, guarded by the bladed edge of his axehead, into the middle of the guard's chest. The warrior fell backward.
Magnus went down with it, going to one knee, his left thigh parallel to the ground. The guard's left arm came across Magnus' thigh, and its own falling weight broke its elbow.
Magnus let go and rolled to the right, and to his feet.
His wounded opponent rolled until it was facedown, then used its good arm to rise. A glittering knife appeared in the guard's good hand. Magnus' other two opponents circled wide, getting on opposite sides of him.
Magnus raised his axes above his head, holding them in a blocking position. He parried a blow which had been meant for his head. But he didn't dare linger. The other guard was thrusting in at Magnus' unprotected stomach. He swung his axes down and only barely managed to knock the blow aside. The barbed steel head of the lance missed his body by a fraction of an inch.
Kung Lao, not twenty feet away, felt the handle of his lance tingle in his hands with the impact of its head on the side of his guard. But the armored creature didn't seem to notice the blow. It stepped forward, hands moving as it sought an opening in her defenses. He whipped up the butt of the lance, hoping to take the guard in the groin, but it twisted so that the weapon struck it on its armored side. The guard stepped forward again, seeking to grapple with him.
Kung Lao braced for the attack.
Not far away, Liu Kang eyed the guard in front of him. He paused for a moment to judge the range, then rolled forward, lance in hand. His guard swung its weapon down at him, but the lance head struck the floor and not his rapidly moving body. Sparks flew as the steel hit the stone pavement.
Liu stopped himself by slapping the floor with both hands. He jumped up, his open hand angled upward to catch the guard under the edge of its helmet. The guard moved its head aside, but Liu swung his arm and struck a blow which spun the Outworld fighter halfway around.
Magnus was too busy to pay attention to what Liu was doing. The Yngling watched the progress of his three opponents warily. One of them was wounded, but they were all still dangerous. He rushed towards them, axes gripped tightly. He hacked his weapons with all the force he could muster, cutting deep into its armor but not breaking skin as the guard stumbled back. The creature stopped, confused.
Kung Lao choked up his grip on the lance he held, holding it close to one end. Then with a wild yell he jumped up and over the guard who faced him, landing on his feet behind him. He passed the lance in front of the guard's throat, then grasped the free end of the weapon in his left hand, with his arms crossed behind the guard's head. Then he put his knee in the small of the guard's back, and pulled.
The guard arched backward under the force of Kung Lao's attack. The center of his lance forced itself up under the guard's helmet, tight against the creature's throat. The guard tried in vain to break the hold. Kung Lao evaded its grabs and kicks and held the lance in place until its struggles slowed. Then he reached out with one hand and summoned his hat from the wall. Spinning through the air, it struck the floor and spun in place like a buzzsaw as the Shaolin lept off his guard and dropped its body onto it. The chakram blade scythed through armor and flesh as its head and upper torso were split in two. Recalling his hat, Lao set it atop his head with a smile. "Flawless victory." He remarked.
Liu Kang had seized the discarded lance of his first opponent. He held it out with both hands in front of him parallel to the ground. The metal shone at both ends, blade and spike, with the center of the lance made of polished wood. Liu sprang upward, his right knee rising as he smashed down with the lance, and the wooden shaft broke across his thigh. Then he tossed the broken pieces upward, allowing them to spin, and caught them again, one in each hand, holding each by the wood close to the splintered end.
He had a weapon in each hand now, and he spun them in fast figure eights before him, the air whistling with the speed of the movements. Grinning, he fixed his eyes on the eyes of the guard, and took a springing step forward.
Magnus Shadrix tossed his head to throw the sweat from his eyes. He feinted at the nearest guard, then drove his axe into the forehead armor of the next, splitting it open as blood poured from the wound. Magnus spun again, looking for his third opponent, when he saw that one fell backward seemingly on its own. A lance had smashed across the backs of both of its knees. As it fell, the lance head smashed into its faceplate and split through it, taking it in the head. The guard hit the floor hard, and lay still.
There stood Liu, grinning.
Magnus spun again, and saw another guard, who until that moment had been fighting him, now lying on its back on the floor, beheaded. Kung Lao stood beside it, running his hand along the bloodied brim of his hat. "My thanks." Magnus proffered. "I will finish this one."
He hooked one axehead into the shoulder of the guard, splitting open skin and cloth. He dragged the creature out of position, then suddenly reversed the direction of his swing. The blade of his other axe struck the guard beneath the point of its jaw, where the helmet joined the body armor. Blood gushed from the open wound as Magnus pulled him close and hammered both axes into the sides of his head, cutting deep. Hooking each blade in deep, Magnus unleashed a push kick and the guard flew backward, crumpled, and lay still… his severed face in the bladed clutches of Magnus' axes.
Magnus straightened up and looked about him. The torches around the staircase were still burning, but now only the three humans remained standing.
"Just how I like them," Kung Lao remarked, surveying the damage. Six guards lay dead on the ground, their blood flowing like a waterfall down the stairs. "Dumb and ugly."
"Old Chinese proverb: Never fight an ugly man. He has nothing to lose." Liu cautioned with a glint in his eyes. Kung Lao chuckled.
"Then the same can be said of them." Magnus rumbled, pointing towards the rising stairs behind them. He his fingers guided into the shadows higher up. The monks followed the gesture. The darkness was alive with moving reflections of torchlight… and with more guards, dozens of them, all bearing lances and encased in organic armor. Just as they assumed kombat stances, one of the guards raised a crossbow and opened fire, two darts loosed in quick succession. They struck Kung Lao in his hip and side, collapsing the monk where he fell.
"No!" Magnus cried, kneeeling to his aid as Liu Kang unleashed a fireball that took out the crossbowman. Blood was spilling from the wounds, staining Kung Lao's robes darkly. Liu knelt beside them.
"I can staunch the bleeding for now." The monk said. "But he needs proper attention to have the darts removed." Magnus looked up. His mind travelled back to the start of the tournament and the moment Major Briggs' life had been saved.
"Raiden. He can heal him." He decided. Liu Kang nodded and quickly enveloped both hands with chi fire. Pressing both against the wounds, Kung Lao cried out in agony as his wounds were cauterized, saving his life. Job done, Magnus looked to the advancing guards. "Clear the way forward. I will carry him." He stated, leaving no room for debate. Liu rushed to do as told as Magnus lifted Kung Lao across his shoulders, keeping his wounded side up and towards the air.
With one axe in hand and his other hand keeping Kung Lao steady, Magnus rushed up the steps hot on Liu Kang's heels.
The Shaolin slammed into the guards with a dragon kick, using his fire to ignite the area and send several of their number tumbling down the stairs. He pushed ahead to handle the rest, driving hard-hitting punches into the armor and knocking them down with spinning hook kicks. With axe in hand, Magnus cleaved through their necks and beheaded them as he moved, taking the stairs two at a time as Kung Lao held on for dear life.
"Behind you!" The Shaolin cried out as several guards recovered and pursued them with lances raised. Magnus swung backwards to deflect a spearhead as the guard closed the gap, tossing his weapon into a reverse grip as he swung again, aiming for his head. The blade connected and sank deep into metal, Magnus giving it a harsh tug to rip the guard's head in one direction and causing it to the crumple to the steps. Another approached on his left but Kung Lao proved his usefulness. Removing his hat, he warded off a spear thrust before tossing his weapon out, beheading the guard before his hat returned to his outstretched hand.
"Well done." Magnus complimented as they pushed ahead.
Liu Kang ripped out the throat of one guard with a neck pinch, superheating his free hand to drive a punch clean through the chest of another as chi fire licked at his flesh. They both fell dead as Liu sprinted upwards, parrying another spear thrust before spinning the weapon around with a snap kick to send it slamming into another guard. The one with the spear swung again and Liu ducked, leaping up to grab another by the back of his head and thrust him forward. The two guards met in the middle, impaling one another one their spears.
Kicking them aside, the monk launched a firey flip kick that tore the head of another guard clean off. He was driven to keep going, to clear the way to ensure his cousin lived past this tournament.
Magnus was just as determined, he and Kung Lao forming a formidable defence as they cut down surviving guards the beset them on either side. One charged Magnus from the front, a knife in its hand. But Magnus raised his foot high and caught its face, throwing the guard to the stairs on the downswing. The metal of its helmet crumpled under his weight, as did the guard's skull as Magnus trampled it underfoot.
A barrage of fireballs cleared the way forward as Liu Kang noted the Temple's entrance not far above them. Between them was a singular guard, dressed differently from the others. It took Liu a second to realize this was the captain of the guard, here at the behest of Shang Tsung himself. 'The demon knows we come this way. So be it.'
The Outworld fighter was shorter than Liu, but far more powerfully built. Thick ropes of muscle lay on his arms and legs, and his abdomen was flat and hard above the simple twist of loincloth he wore. Without pause or warning, the captain began his attack.
The shorter man flung himself forward at Liu, coming to rest on his hands, feet in the air. Those feet began to whirl with blinding speed, kicks coming from right and left at Liu's head, torso, and legs. Liu blocked the first blow, but the rest came too fast. To evade them Liu jumped high above and over his opponent, landing beyond the man's reach further up the stairs. He threw himself down and spun, his legs scissoring out to take the shorter man's arms.
But the Outworld fighter hadn't remained in one place. He fell toward Liu, seeking to pin him beneath his weight. Liu rolled aside, then performed an elbow strike as his opponent came near.
The Outworlder didn't appear to feel the strike. To Liu, it felt like he had struck a concrete wall.
Once again, the Outworlder took his odd position and began to kick. 'If that's the way he wants it, I can stay out of his reach long enough for him to tire himself.'
Liu swayed forward, attracting a vicious flurry of blows, then leaned back, allowing them to miss. But the Outworlder was clever, too. He rolled toward Liu, leapt into the air, and made a forward snap kick at Liu's head. Liu blocked with his crossed wrists before him, trapping the other man's ankle. Then he grabbed the extended foot and twisted it before the other could withdraw his leg.
The Outworlder fell to the ground, catching himself on his hands, and sprang backward at Liu with a reverse fist strike.
Liu ducked and drove the heel of his hand into the other's elbow as the blow flew by.
The two closed. Liu's high punches were blocked by his opponent, but his reaping circle kick landed. The Outworlder grunted with pain.
"Ah, so you can be hurt," Liu mused. The Shaolin's superior training and endurance were becoming important now. The other man was still flinging kicks and punches with great force, but he was noticeably slowing down.
Liu delivered a one-two-one combination of kicks to the man's chest and belly, retreating before the counter-attack could come.
The Outworld fighter was slowing, but he was still formidable. He came to the attack, springing hand over hand in a blur of motion. Liu was forced to retreat, unable to punch or kick effectively.
Yet if Liu was unable to attack effectively, he could still block, so none of the other man's blows landed. The attack ended with the Outworlder facing down towards the approaching Magnus ad Kung Lao. Liu reached in and grabbed the fellow's wrist, jerking it sharply downward. He smashed a knee strike to the small of the other's back at the kidneys, then a heel strike to the man's throat.
The Outworlder fell on his back. Liu leapt up and landed on his knees on the other's chest.
The fight was over.
Liu retreated, staying in stance, eyes alertly scanning to left and right for other opponents. There were none. The Shaolin relaxed for a moment as Magnus arrived on his step with Kung Lao across his shoulders. But were splattered with blood but neither were worse for wear.
"Well met." Magnus said.
"Come. This way." Liu urged and Magnus followed him to the top of the stairs where they entered the Temple.
Throwing open wide the doors to the Great Hall, Liu Kang entered with shoulders squared and head held high, eyes brimming with confidence. Behind him came Magnus, helping Kung Lao hobble along. "Shang Tsung!" Liu called out, spying the sorcerer on his throne, with Raiden standing to his right and Quan Chi to his left. The thunder god smiled faintly at their presence, pleased by their efforts.
Shang Tsung folded his hands together, watching blithely while reclining on his throne. "Ah, I'm impressed, Raiden. You were right. They have great spirit."
"And even greater skill." Raiden added.
Shang scoffed. "Please. We both know yours is a lost cause." The sorcerer stood as the three champions approached. "It appears only two of you are in good health. That will suffice." He mused. "I will make you a deal: yield to Outworld and Shao Kahn will grant you all mercy. You can come to Outworld. Live as a king. We shall show you every pleasure…" Liu Kang frowned.
"Is that how Shao Kahn got you to betray your realm?" He questioned. "We are not as weak as you, Shang Tsung."
"Oh… so unwise." The sorcerer said. "Now you will face the might of Shao Kahn's favoured. And you will die."
"Did Shao Kahn also favour the champions sent against us?" Magnus retorted. "If so, he is as pathetic as they are." Shang Tsung laughed.
"Such fire. I will enjoy watching Goro snuff it out underfoot." He mused with a sinister gleam in his eyes. "Go, leave your invalid by your thunder god. Final Kombat will commence at dawn." Ignoring the sorcerer's barbed remarks, Magnus helped Kung Lao over to Raiden and eased him to the floor.
"He was shot by a crossbow." The Yngling explained. "Two bolts. One in his side, the other in his hip." Raiden knelt beside the Shaolin and conjured electrical magicks between his hands. He eased them onto Lao's wounds, invoking healing chants in a language none of them understood. Slowly but surely, the damage began to fade, blood vanishing as the darts were disintegrated by Raiden's powers. Even the blood began to recede from Kung Lao's robes until he appeared to be in perfect health and untouched.
"Thank you, Lord Raiden." Lao breathed. "I need only a moment to get my strength back and then I can fight."
"No." Raiden responded with a slow shake of his head. "This battle is not yours to wage."
"But I am fine! I have not failed in any way except for getting shot!" The Shaolin protested.
"Unfortunately that also counts as a loss, Kung Lao. Only Liu Kang and Magnus Shadrix may participate in Final Kombat."
"But-"
"We must abide by the ruling of the tournament host." His expression falling, Kung Lao stood and glanced back and forth between Magnus and Liu.
"I hope one of you shows him the error of his ways." He said bitterly.
"He will reap what he has sown." Magnus said.
They turned as the sorcerer summoned his magicks, a brilliant golden glow forming in the palm of his hands. Moments later, columns of light appeared within the Great Hall as Shang Tsung teleported the surviving kombatants left on the island back to view the spectacle of Final Kombat. There were scant few remaining, hardly the massive throng that had been present at the onset. Several Tarkatans, an Osh-Tekk, a Kytinn, Kitana, Jade, Tanya and other Outworlders could be counted, as well as the Netherrealm wraith Scorpion. From Earthrealm, only the four Lin Kuei elite returned, bloody and haggard, with Sub-Zero being supported by Hydro as Cyrax and Sektor reappeared with quizzical looks on their faces. The same could be said of Johnny, Jax, Mileena and Sonya, who had been leaving the Temple of the Dragon one moment only to find themselves here in the blink of an eye.
The confused murmuring died down as Shang Tsung spread his arms wide. "Kombatants! Final Kombat has been declared! Of all the many great champions to arrive, only two have progressed further than the rest and survived to issue a challenge on behalf of Earthrealm!" The sorcerer announced. He turned, dark eyes fixed on the two Earthrealm champions standing by his dias. "Liu Kang! Magnus Shadrix! You are the sole Earthrealm warriors to progress to this final stage of the tournament. Are you ready to bear such a heavy burden? Earthrealm's fate is in your hands. It has been centuries since any Earthrealm warrior has progressed this far. But the reigning champion is far beyond your abilities." Neither said anything but chants and shouts began to rise from the onlookers, many of them eager to witness more bloodsport.
Liu Kang and Magnus stepped up to the dias, standing tall above all others. "Both of you will be permitted to engage in kombat… one at a time. Only one Earthrealm champion may fight, there will be no alliances or more than two kombatants involved in a match at any given time!" Shang proclaimed for all to hear. He leaned forward slightly, smiling darkly. "Should even one of you fall, it will be declared a victory for Outworld. That will not matter, however, for Goro will happily kill you both."
"We are ready, sorcerer." Liu Kang retorted in an even voice, refusing to give in to his goads. Shang simply continued to smile and looked off to the side.
"Goro!"
His shout was answered by the thunderous boom of drums. The huge drums beat in slow cadence as a massive shape darkened the door of the hall. From outside, his head nearly touching the top of the portal, Goro entered the Great Hall. His crimson cape ruffled in the breeze as he strode into the light and towards Shang's dias. At last he stopped in front of Shang Tsung. The giant bowed to the sorcerer, then turned and removed his cape. The crowd gasped as he stood there, muscular body revealed, his four arms stretching out to the ceiling with each clad in a thick metallic bracer.
"Is it time?" the prince asked. "So soon?"
"Yes," Shang replied. His dark eyes flared with bottomless flames. "We've let these humans win enough."
Goro's eyes flashed with expectation. "At last," he said to Shang Tsung. "Now you will have yet another realm with which to play." The half-dragon champion didn't bother waiting for an answer, but strode closer to the waiting Magnus and Liu, towering over them.
Behind him, Shang Tsung merely smiled.
Magnus leaned over to Liu. "I will go first, if you want." He offered.
"You have my thanks. But this is the moment I have trained my entirely life for," Liu responded, "it is my destiny." Magnus nodded and stepped back, letting Liu Kang to face the mighty Shokan alone. The mighty Goro cracked his huge three-fingered knuckles, his biceps as thick as Liu Kang's head.
"I did not expect to fight in this tournament. But eventually even the Order of Light produce a warrior worthy of a Shokan." The prince said, speaking very politely. "I will give you a warrior's death." He promised, stretching out his four arms to block out the torchlight behind him. Liu Kang crouched in his shadow, tensing as he entered a Pao Chui stance. The crowd bellowed their encouragement, chanting Goro's name as the eager shouts of Johnny, Jax and Sonya were singled out by Liu Kang. Shang Tsung sat upon his throne, making himself comfortable before beginning the match.
"FIGHT!"
Liu and Goro circled one another slowly and cautiously at first, each sizing the other up. Then, without warning, Liu gave a cry and launched a full attack, kicking and punching. The huge Shokan warrior didn't bother to block or respond, taking the punishment. Liu dropped back and resumed a defensive stance.
"Liu Kang! Liu Kang!" Johnny shouted. Several in the crowd picked up the chant, cheering Liu on as if pitying the Shaolin to see what he might manage to accomplish before Goro killed him.
Again Liu moved to the attack. He leapt, spinning, into the air and lashed his leg out in a terrific kick. His foot took Goro in the center of his chest, staggering him, driving him back a step, making him bend over.
Goro bellowed with rage, his voice shaking the rafters. Then he crouched, and moved to the attack. Liu was hard-pressed to block the quadruple attack of the Outworld champion's four fists. They seemed to be coming from everywhere at once. He attacked again, but Goro's massive arms and legs blocked him. The four arms, moving almost too fast to see, were all around him. Liu took one step back, and then another.
Now Goro was stalking Liu, following him as he gave ground. The crowd grew silent, watching fascinated as Goro moved, huge yet graceful, not hurrying, yet not letting Liu get a moment to rest or to regain his stance.
Liu seemed to hesitate, then launched another kick like the one which had staggered Goro before. But it was too late. Fast, blindingly fast, Goro's lower arms snaked out and caught Liu Kang in midair. Liu struck out with his own arms, trying for Goro's eyes, but his reach was too short. Goro threw the Shaolin to the floor, battering the ornate tile with his body before hurling Liu into a nearby pillar. It cracked under his weight and Liu loosed a pained gasp as he hit the floor.
"Poor Raiden!" Shang Tsung cackled. "It must be awful to watch your beloved 'Chosen One' die and be unable to do anything about it." He sneered. The god of lightning did not even regard the sorcerer, speaking plainly and clearly,
"The fight is not over yet."
The Shokan prince lunged but the Shaolin was long gone by the time his four fists came crashing into the ground. Where Goro had strength and force, Liu Kang possessed speed and agility. He could stay out of Goro's reach and he would have to, for just one punch from the Shokan would be enough to shatter his skull.
Whipping around behind his foe, Liu struck the back of Goro's knee with a low kick, dropping him low enough to land a lunge kick to the back of his head. The Shokan pitched forward and rolled to his feet as patches on his back glowed red. He lifted his head and opened his mouth, a bolt of fire erupting forth that narrowly missed Liu Kang. The Shaolin retorted with fire of his own, two fireballs leaping from his palms that struck Goro's raised arms.
With powerful muscles, the Shokan launched himself into the air, intending to stomp down hard on Liu Kang. The mon dove for the floor, rolling away as Goro's heavy body came slamming into the ground where he had lain. Turning on heel, Liu struck with rapid-fire high kicks, slamming Goro with just enough of an assault to keep the Shokan on his toes. Backflipping away as Goro swung his heavy fists, the chanting of the crowd had risen beyond the noise of kombat. Liu centered himself, staying nimble on his toes while Goro came after him with heavy swinging fists. "Come now, Liu Kang! Surely you can do better than that!" Shang Tsung's sneering voice called out above the crowd.
Liu Kang ignored him as Goro's fists slammed into his crossed arms, leaving bruises in their wake. The fluttering light around him drew his eyes to one of the silken banners hanging from the ceiling and the resourceful monk quickly tore it down. When Goro threw out a leaping punch, Liu spun the cloth in his hands around Goro's extended wrist, trapping him in place for a moment. Liu Kang pummeled his face with a barrage of hammer kicks, beating Goro back and forth across the jaw until a tooth sprang free amid the assault. Whipping the banner around some more, Liu effectively blindfolded Goro and staggered the Shokan, allowing him to land two blows to his torso and then a kick flip that pitched Goro onto his back.
Goro loosed a mighty shout, draco fire spraying from his mouth to incinerate the banner as he hurried to his feet. But Liu was waiting, his feet coated with chi fire, and lunged forward into a double-dragon kick that struck the Shokan with enough force to fracture his ribs. The final kick flip that followed proved hearty enough to send Goro flying back where he crashed clean through a pillar, earning shouts of awe and amazement from the crowd.
"Well done! Truly I underestimated you, Liu Kang!" Shang Tsung called from his throne. "But… I am bored now." The sorcerer rose to his feet, hands behind his back. "Goro! Playtime is over!"
Heeding his summons, the Shokan bolted to his feet and rushed Liu Kang with a chest lunge. Totally unprepared for his burst of speed, Liu was caught up in the assault as Goro grabbed Liu with his lower arms and hoisted him up. Then Goro struck with his upper arms, driving the huge fists into Liu's head again and again. The monk sagged in Goro's grip as the Shokan threw him down, Liu Kang stumbling as Goro marched forward, punching the monk as he walked with a battering barrage of two-handed blows.
Shang Tsung grinned as blood flew from Liu Kang's mouth. "Soon Earthrealm will be Shao Kahn's and his destiny will be complete." He said giddily. He turned to the warlock at his side. "Quan Chi, fetch goblets. Let us toast to our emperor's impending victory!"
"Splendid idea." The pale demon agreed.
Grabbing Liu Kang, Goro threw the monk down with enough force to bounce him on the floor, where the Shokan plowed into him with a powerful uppercut that pitched Liu across the dias. The Outworlders increased in volume as the Earthrealm champions looked on horrified. Magnus seemed aghast at the way Liu Kang was being manhandled by the crown prince of Kuatan. At first the monk seemed to be on even ground with Goro, until the apparent flip of a switch proved Goro's might all at once as he beat Liu Kang senseless. But the Yngling had been watching, learning the way Goro fought, understanding the giant's reliance on his arms.
Suddenly, a bloodied Liu Kang was back in Goro's arms. He turned toward Shang Tsung and looked up expectantly.
On the balcony, the sorcerer had risen to his feet. He looked at Goro and at Liu Kang hanging like a rag doll in the giant's arms.
Shang smiled. "Finish him!" He bellowed.
Like sickly déjà vu, the mighty Shokan grabbed Liu Kang's arms in two hands and his legs in two more as he held him aloft and began to tug. Threatening to rip the monk limb from limb, the fate that awaited would be far more horrible for Liu Kang than it was for Jax. The Shaolin loosed a scream of pain that echoed around the room. The Earthrealmer's stood rooted, desperate to do something but unable to intervene.
For the first time since the tournament began, Raiden's stoic expression fell as he realized to his horror that Liu Kang could very well lose.
But Magnus wasn't about to let that happen.
"No." He growled, unsheathing his axes and striding forward. "No!" The Yngling lunged, axes raised high, and sank both blades deep into the exposed flesh of Goro's arms. The Shokan howled as Magnus ripped one axe free and plunged it into Goro's lower arm, shredding muscle and chipping bone. With a shout, Goro threw Liu Kang aside and whirled on Magnus, the Norwegian barely avoiding a backhand as he rolled to a safe distance. He held out his axes, a fire in his eyes. "You will not take Earthrealm lives this day!" Magnus vowed.
Mileena's eyes widened as Magnus faced off against Goro. She'd seen what the half-dragon champion had done to both Jax and Liu Kang. The Yngling didn't stand a chance. "Magnus!" She whispered in horror.
Goro paced steadily forward. He reached out to grab Magnus, to take him and crush him, but the Norwegian's axe snapped out and struck Goro in the knuckles, biting deep and drawing thick blood. Magnus stepped away, even as Goro pulled his hand back with a grunt of pain. "I'm going to enjoy dismembering you." The Shokan said softly.
Goro rushed at Magnus, all four arms moving at blinding speed to strike his human opponent. Magnus rolled to the side, springing back up with an uppercut to leave a bloody trail across Goro's two opposite arms. The Shokan growled and swung a vicious backhand that caught Magnus on the shoulder, sending him spinning to the ground. Goro pounced, slamming four fists into Magnus back with enough force to knock the wind from his lungs. Then the giant took to the air, looking his full weight down upon the Yngling and break him in two.
But Magnus rolled out of the way in the nick of time, his body sent tumbling from the shockwave of impact that followed. The Yngling scurried to a crouch as Goro pursued him with a left hook. He ducked and lashed out with the axe in his left hand, springing around to strike Goro's upper right arm. A bloody gash was left behind and Goro turned and stalked toward Magnus with murder in his eyes.
Magnus stood his ground as Goro lunged at him. Then suddenly he rolled under the strike, and his axe found purchase in Goro's right calf. Magnus dug deep as spilled more blood, wrenching his weapon and whipping around to drive his other axe into the Shokan's thigh, rich red blood spilled freely as he used his leverage to rip Goro's leg out from under him. The Shokan fell.
The giant caught himself on his hands, rotating his body in an attempt to bring himself back to his feet. But Magnus pounced and landed an axe strike right between his shoulder blades. Goro bellowed, his voice shaking the air, and reached down with one of his lower arms. He grabbed the axe buried in his flesh, yanked it out of Magnus' grasp, and threw it away where it skittered across the floor.
Goro got to his feet, and took a slow step toward Magnus. "Human…" Goro said, his tone low and dangerous, "I have weapons too." Flexing his arms, the metal bracers around each wrist suddenly unleashed a sharp thin blade as Goro sprouted his dragon fangs.
Magnus threw himself backwards as Goro swung, metal whistling through the air as his dragon fangs came within inches of his body. The Shokan opened his mouth, loosing a fireball that nearly caught Magnus in the feet. The Yngling slipped, loosing his balance and Goro quickly capitalized. He grabbed him with two hands and lifted him into the air, stabbing him repeatedly with his free fanged-hands. Sufficiently rending his prey, Goro grabbed Magnus' arms and tugged. "You will die. As will your friend." Goro promised.
In response, Magnus chuckled. "We all die someday." He remarked.
Twisting his hands as best he could, he gripped the Shokan's wrists and unleashed his electrical arcana. Goro howled as his body twitched untrollably, lightning passing through his veins as he was electrocuted. With whatever coherency remained, he threw Magnus to the ground and stumbled back. The Yngling assumed a Nan Chuan stance.
"Well now, aren't you full of surprises?" Shang Tsung snickered from his throne. "You do your family proud, Magnus Shadrix." The Norwegian shot him a sidelong glare.
"Unless you wish to keep your teeth, old man, I suggest you be silent." He growled. Shang frowned and looked to Outworld's champion.
"Goro. I want my tribute. Now." He stated.
Baring his teeth, Goro rushed Magnus, whipping around to rake his dragon teeth across the Norwegian and cut him down. Quick to duck and roll, having learned Goro's strategy, Magnus lashed out with a chop and struck a pressure point in the Shokan's side before he drew his seax knife and plunged it into the giant's left thigh. He tore it free, blood spilling across the floor, and darted away as Goro's massive arms swept for him again.
Leaping into the air, Goro sprang down from above. Magnus barely evaded the huge, hurtling body but even then, he wasn't fast enough to evade the backhanded blow that Goro delivered to his chest. The dragon fangs cut deep, slicing through leather and flesh. Magnus flew across the open room and smashed into the body of another column.
Magnus got to his feet, holding his side. The blow had driven the breath from his body, and perhaps broken some of his ribs. He remained bent over while Goro approached him with death in his eyes.
"Magnus! Get away from him!" Mileena cried.
Magnus turned and lunged for the air as a heavy Shokan fist obliterated the stonework where his head had once been. Whipping around with fists electrified, the Norwegian landed three jabs in quick succession to Goro's torso. The giant didn't even flinch. Another swing, another miss as Magnus rolled and plunged his seax knife into the giant's hip, channeling enough electricity that he roared in pain. Full of rage, Goro came inexorably on.
A moment later, Goro snapped another punch to Magnus' body. The Norwegian reeled backward, blooding spilling from another stab wound. Goro punched him again. Magnus crumpled forward, clutching his bloodied chest. The Shokan reached out, grabbing him by the head and hoisting his body off the ground. But the minute he reached Goro's eye level, the human fighter came suddenly to life, twisting and exploding outward in a powerful overhead hammer fist and struck directly between Goro's eyes.
Staggered by the force of the blow and by surprise, Goro loosened his powerful grip for an instant, and Magnus tumbled free. As he rolled to the ground he grabbed the long ponytail of the kneeling Shokan. He looped the rope of hair around Goro's thick neck and pulled back, using all the leverage of his body to increase the strangling force.
Goro surged to his feet, but Johnny's weight on the loop of his hair only made the situation worse. The Outworld champion's face reddened and his tongue stuck out. He clawed at his neck, trying to reestablish an airway. Adding insult to injury, Magnus channeled his power into his hold, electrocuting Goro again. Spinning around gurgling cries of pain escape the Shokan, Goro threw himself against a wall. Magnus loose a shout but held on. In a desperate effort, Goro flung himself on his back, trying to crush Magnus with his weight. Magnus knew he had to let go and sprang free. Goro smashed backward, sprawling full-length on the ground.
The Shokan prince lay wheezing for a moment, trying to regain his breath, as Magnus steeled himself and got back up to lay into his opponent again. But the half-dragon champion spewed a column of fire from his mouth, preventing Magnus from drawing any closer. "I have suffered you enough!" Rushing forwards, his beefy chest slammed into Magnus as Goro snatched him off the ground and wailed on his face with successive punches. But just when he thought he had Magnus battered, the Yngling whipped out his knife again and plunged it through Goro's wrist, using his leverage twist and break the bone with an audible CRACK.
Roaring as fresh blood spilled down his arms, Goro threw Magnus to the ground only to pick him up and uses his body like a whip, slamming him into any surface he could find. With craters left in his wake, he threw Magnus away and the Yngling tumbled to a halt where he lay still.
Tearing the knife out of his wrist, Goro's shout shook the hall as the Outworlder's cheered him on. The Earthrealmer's focused on Magnus, their eyes full of anxious anticipation. But still the Yngling did not move. "Is he… dead?" Johnny wondered.
"Magnus…" Mileena whimpered, hands over her veiled face.
Kung Lao turned his face aside, looking away from the kombat. Raiden stood beside him, eyes barely visible beneath the brim of his hat. As always, the god's face was like a mask, revealing nothing.
"Lord Raiden," Lao asked, "what will happen?"
"Not even the Elder Gods know that," Raiden replied, and Lao turned back to the duel.
Ever so slowly, Magnus began to rise, heaving pained breaths as blood dripped from his mouth and nose. He hurt all over, his body wanting to quit. The distant thunderous footsteps of Goro heralded the end. Magnus knew he needed to keep going, but he questioned how he could persist. Earthrealm was counting on him and Liu Kang to survive this…
And then, in the quiet of his mind, the words of Raiden from hours ago were spoken anew. "Unless you find the strength within your soul to focus on your own survival, you will never reach your goal." His destiny was made abruptly clear when a single thought pounded after.
'I cannot avenge my family if I am dead.'
Earthrealm no longer mattered. The tournament no longer mattered. Goro no loner mattered. A fire was kindled as Magnus found the strength to keep going, to chase his destiny by denying his enemies his death. An oath was needed. A promise to endure. A debt he would forever owe until he could repay it.
"Jeg vil hevne familien min." He growled, forcing himself to his hands and knees. "Jeg vil bringe rettferdighet til min stamme." His chant continued as he rose to one knee, a fire lit in his veins that refused to die as new strength welled up from his very soul. "JEG VIL DREPE DEN ANSVARLIGE!" He roared, pounding the ground with an electrified fist that crackled louder than ever before.
At once, the Njordborn sprang to his feet with a powerful look in his eyes. What's more, the electricity surrounding his hands began to glow brighter and more abundant. It curled along the length of his forearms and stopped at his elbows, enveloping him with vibrant electricity as he assumed a Nan Chuan stance.
Kung Lao took notice and looked on in surprise. "Lord Raiden… what is happening to him?"
"Magnus Shadrix has taken command over his soul." The thunder god answered, voice rising in pitch as he realized the powerful truth. "He has discovered the true power of his arcana!"
Goro rushed in again, roaring furiously as he drew back all his arms to strike. Magnus stood still, watching, waiting, timing his moment…
When Goro's next step finally reached close enough, the Yngling launched a snap kick that connected with the Shokan's knee, snapping the bone in his extended leg and shattering the joint beyond repair. Goro howled furiously as he fell to his feels, bleeding profusely as bone fragments protruded from the back of his broken leg. His dark eyes met the furious blue of Magnus' own as the champion drew back his arms and his lips curled open in a snarling shout.
Throwing his fists forward, Magnus pummeled Goro's face with an electric windmill punch, battering his skull like a speed bag as blow after blow fractured the Shokan's skull. With Goro dazed, Magnus landed three palm strikes in quick succession, shattering Goro's nose with a squelch of blood before he reared back and struck with a lunge kick, lightning coating his boot as he came crashing into Goro's head.
The force of the blow sent Goro flying into the foot of the dias, his body coming to rest as Shang Tsung bolted to his feet with a livid look in his eyes. Magnus went through the motions of a kata, lightning webbing between his fingers and pulsing back and forth between his open hands as raw arcana power flowed through him. Goro attempted to rise, noseless and bleeding as he barely managed to lift his head. With all he mental strength he could summon, Magnus called upon the arcana flowing through him as he lifted his electrified hands.
"MÅ STORMEN TA DEG!" He bellowed, throwing out his arms as bolts of lightning erupted from his hands. They struck Goro in the head, the Shokan crying out as he tried to ward off the stunning, shocking assault. Magnus refused to let up, targeting the Shokan's mind and senses to put Goro down. The combined pain he had already endured coupled with his inability to fight back and waning strength proved to be Goro's undoing as a final almighty howl of defeat escaped his lips and the lightning knocked him out cold.
His power dissipated and Magnus bent over, hands on his thighs as he inhaled and exhaled, the only sound to fill the silent hall. Champions of both realms looked on in shock to see, for the first time in 500 years, Goro defeated. Still breathing heavily, Magnus straightened up and his gaze met Raiden's, the thunder god offering him a silent nod of approval and appreciation.
A slow clap filled the room. Shang Tsung rose, goblet of wine forgotten, as he fixed Magnus with a steady gaze. "A historic victory, Magnus Shadrix. Never has anyone bested Goro in Mortal Kombat before." He said. "But now… only one fight remains." Stepping onto the dias, the sorcerer's arm shot out and Magnus felt himself being pulled in by arcane magicks. His body was not his own, control completely lost as he was brought to his knees before the sorcerer. Shang Tsung smiled, his other hand drawn back as a green fire bloomed within it.
"Magnus! No!" Mileena cried.
"Unhand him, sorcerer!" Raiden boomed, looking to advance. Shang Tsung shot him a sharp look.
"You know the rules, thunder god! If your champion can defeat Goro, then they must face me in order to win! Goro is beaten… therefore I will have to do what he cannot!" Shang spat. His dark gaze turned back to Magnus and his smile returned. "And if even one of you dies, it will be victory for Outworld. Victory for Shao Kahn!"
A sound started in the room, low at first, then growing rapidly louder, a swirling, screaming noise, like thousands of creatures crying out in horror and pain. The torches in the Great Hall flickered and bent as a wind swept through. Tiny swirls of dust danced on the floor.
The dissonant chorus grew louder, the moaning almost too much to bear. Some of the fighters from Earth covered their ears to shut out the sound. The very stones of the Great Hall seemed to vibrate.
Shang Tsung lifted his hand above Magnus' face, emerald light appearing between clawed fingers. "All of your efforts, all of your struggles, all to come and face me!" Shang cried, his voice rising even louder than the chorus of the damned. "But in the end it was worthless. You cannot avenge your family and tribe. You cannot win the tournament for Earthrealm. All you have done is placed yourself at my feet. In the end…" The sorcerer leaned forward, grinning broadly as sinister flames flickered at the back of his gaze.
"Your soul is mine!"
The words that had haunted Magnus for decades ran in his ears as he Njordborn loosed a shout of furious rage and desperation as Shang Tsung made to consume his soul.
But then…
"SHANG TSUNG!"
A fireball lashed out and struck the sorcerer across the face, pitching him to the floor and throwing Magnus from his clutches. Shang instantly righted himself, looking livid. "Who dares?!" He demanded with a roar.
"I do." Liu Kang replied, brow knit as he assumed a Jun Fan posture.
Despite his beating by Goro's hand, the Shaolin was on his feet and looking primed for kombat. Just as Magnus didn't let him die at the hands of Goro, the monk himself would not let the Yngling die by Shang Tsung's dark magic. Amazed by his sudden return, Shang hardened himself and assumed a snake stance with both arms poised to chop.
"Very well. I will take both of your souls!" He snarled, lunging for a quick strike.
Liu Kang was ready for him, battering his stabbing hands aside with quick parries and deft blocks. Shang Tsung was remarkably fast and incredibly skillful, his aged appearance but another lie to beguile unsuspecting kombatants. But Liu Kang was young and capable, his speed equal to that of the sorcerer's. But where Liu had physical prowess, Shang Tsung had many centuries of arcana power at his disposal.
In the blink of an eye Shang Tsung changed form, his body shifting into the appearance of a man in a samurai's armor, sword raised over his head. But before he could even swing, Liu struck him with two hop kicks and then a hook kick, which he converted into a flying dragon kick that pitched Shang Tsung to the floor. The visage of a samurai receded and the sorcerer picked himself up, eyeing Liu Kang with the suspicious gaze of a veteran schemer. "What power is this?"
"The will of Earthrealm's champion." Liu retorted as he stood his ground. He pointed his finger at Shang Tsung. "You said it yourself, sorcerer; only one more battle remains!" He cried. "Face me in Mortal Kombat!" For a long moment Shang stood looking at Liu's outstretched arm. "Remember the penalty for refusing a challenge, sorcerer." Liu said, and the observering champions in the hall stirred uneasily. Shang Tsung closed his eyes.
"I shall." He said at last.
The sorcerer rose to his feet as Liu offered a glance towards Magnus, the Yngling helped out of the way by Raiden himself. Their eyes met and Magnus offered a soft nod in understanding and recognition. He was too winded to partake in this fight, his spirit drained from Shang Tsung's magick. "Kick his ass, Liu." He breathed. "Kick his ass."
Liu nodded and returned to the battle at hand. Without waiting for another word, the sorcerer raised his hands. The doors of the Great Hall flew open. A wind howled through the room, making the torches bob and flare. Liu's hair whipped about his face. A sound began, faint at first, then rising, louder and louder, ever more painful to the ears.
Liu and Shang stood alone in the center of the dias, facing each other. The screaming discord of a thousand voices, all in torment, made the stones of the floor vibrate. The noise whirled around them in a deafening crescendo.
The sound was of the souls of a thousand dead warriors crying out in anguish.
Liu took a defensive stance and began to advance toward Shang. The Shaolin attacked first, a right punch followed by a right front kick. Shang blocked, his reflexes rapid, his technique excellent. Liu punched again, then spun a reaping kick toward the sorcerer's head. Shang blocked, but the force of the blow was so great that it smashed through the defense, rocking the sorcerer back, forcing him to take a step to maintain his balance. Shang kicked, a beautiful flying leap, but Liu was faster, a cross-arm block redirecting the force of the blow and breaking Shang's rhythm.
Liu said, advancing a step. "See me and see your doom!" He took another step and poised to make the final assault.
But as Liu came within range, Shang jumped up, levitating, flying across the dias to land on the far side, facing Liu.
Liu turned toward the sorcerer and again began to advance. "You can't run," Liu said, his voice calm. "Only one of us can win this. Your magic is useless against me."
"You fool," Shang spat scornfully. "I have within me an army of souls to fight you. I don't need to run." The sorcerer swept down with his arm. Instantly six warriors rose from the tires of the floor. They were gaunt-cheeked and hollow- eyed, but they moved with limber grace. They encircled Liu and began to move in toward him. The drum beat, and the supernatural howling of the enslaved souls grew louder.
Liu reacted quickly. He kicked out toward the warrior closest to his right hand. That man retreated. But Liu's move was only a feint, a false attack designed to distract attention from the real assault. Liu leapt forward, tumbling in midair to land behind the warrior directly ahead of him. He grabbed that one's left arm and pulled it up and out. Then he smashed down with the edge of his hand on the man's shoulder.
A second warrior launched a flying kick at Liu's back. Sensing rather than seeing the attack, Liu ducked and rolled away. The kick connected with the warrior Liu had first struck.
After that, the fight grew faster and more difficult to follow. Even Johnny, who had an appreciation for the finest martial arts fighting, was hard-pressed to keep up with the action. No matter how rapidly the phantom warriors attacked, Liu blocked and turned their attacks against them.
The sounds of terrific blows and feet slapping the stone pavement were the only noises in the room, but even those were all but drowned out by the screaming of Shang's army of enslaved souls.
Liu punched again and again, driving the ghostly fighters before him. His hands and feet were a blur of motion. Sweat poured from his body so that his black hair hung wetly from his head, but he did not tire. With each blow he delivered he seemed to grow stronger. His form and technique were flawless. Even as he fought the ghostly warriors, Liu kept his main goal in mind. He was intent on reaching Shang Tsung. The phantoms blocked him, ringing him in, but Liu slipped by them all. Every step brought him nearer to the sorcerer.
Then one of the conjured warriors fell to the ground and lay still. His body began to dissolve into mist. A second fell, then a third. Liu was conquering the undead spirits Shang had sent against him.
At last Liu had defeated them all. The howling of the enslaved souls grew mute, as if they too waited to see the outcome of the match between the sorcerer and the descendant of Kung Lao. Liu stepped forward and addressed Shang Tsung. "Send your slave warriors, sorcerer!" Liu shouted. "Send more! Send them all! Your conjurer's tricks have no power over me."
"Liu Kang," Shang said, his voice heavy with portent, "I can see into your soul. You will die!"
To the collective surprise of all, Liu put his hands on his hips and began to laugh.
"Why, so I will!" Liu shouted back. "And so will you, and so will every man. What of it? Perhaps you can look into my soul, but that doesn't mean you own it!"
Shang Tsung frowned and growled, crouching low into a mantis stance. He seemed to glow with an inward fire. Shang snapped out a side kick that Liu blocked, only to stumble when a swipe of Shang's hand conjured magic to strike his feet. It appeared like molten metal, glowing in the air as it attacked Liu's legs and tripped him up. Shang bridged the gap, sliding forward as sparks erupted from his feet, ramming a green-cloaked fist into Liu's sternum.
"You are mine!" Shang growled. He reached out his hand. Long, talon-like claws grew from the tips of his fingers. He was reaching for Liu's heart. He was reaching for Liu's soul.
They were too close together, and Liu was out of position. The human fighter could never block in time.
The sorcerer's hand came up fast, reaching for Liu's heart. But faster still, Liu Kang's hand shot forward, grasping Shang's wrist. The sorcerer's talons nicked Liu's skin, but they could go no farther. Liu held him in a grip of iron.
The chorus of the damned howled, swirling around the room. The anguished cries of the captive souls, enslaved by Shang's arts, were deafening in Liu's ears.
Shang reached down, grasping his own hand, and twisted it up and away from Liu's grip. The demon stepped back, taking a balanced position as he settled into snake stance. Liu also took a Pao Chui stance.
The two fighters looked deep into one another's eyes. Flames burned within Shang's, while Liu's were hard and glittering with determination. "All those souls and you still don't have one of your own." Liu said. "I pity you, sorcerer."
Shang looked sharply up. "Pity, is for the weak!" He snapped.
"Your slaves have failed you, demon. Your dark magic is worthless. You've lost, Shang Tsung. Surrender. It's over."
"No!" Shang shouted. His features seemed to age visibly. His masterful gaze dimmed to dull confusion. But he did not hesitate. He snapped forward out of his crouch with a flying sidekick aimed at Liu's head. Liu ducked and rolled beneath the kick. Shang sailed above him, to land on the very edge of the dias. He whipped around… but Liu Kang was already upon him.
With a cry, he Shaolin took to the air and battered Shang Tsung with a bicycle kick, pounding his face with his feet over and over again. He finally landed when Shang tumbled back, the sorcerer rising to his feet as his hands began to glow. With an angry snarl he thrust his hands upwards, prompting meteorites to erupted from the floor. Liu backflipped away, avoiding each one, only for Shang to bring his clawed hands together and lash out to spew more fire his way, their arcane properties taking the shape of a screaming skull.
Ducking low and spinning around, Liu retaliated with a fireball from both hands as the skull sailed overhead. It struck Shang in the chest, knocking the mandarin down with his silken robes singed. Rolling back to his feet with a growl, Shang Tsung summoned soul magicks to conjure an orb that struck Liu with the force of a punch. The sorcerer attacked boldly, a tiger-claw strike followed by a low jab that he accented by summoning fire from the ground and air to strike Liu Kang. A falling claw hand struck him in the skull, a low kick rammed into his shins, and a rising claw powered by lava-like magic sent Liu Kang flipping end over end. "It is foolish to resist me!" Shang growled.
"It is never foolish to fight for change!" Liu Kang retorted. He lunged forward into a double-dragon kick, knocking Shang Tsung silly as his toe connected with his chin. A dragon punch fractured the sorcerer's sternum and then Liu launched forward to execute a hurricane kick that knocked Shang back to the ground. The sorcerer spat blood from his mouth, taking a long time to rise as a deathly quiet overtook the room. The crowds were watching with rapt attention… the fate of a realm was on the line.
"Concede." Liu demanded. Shang shot him a defiant look, rising on shaky legs.
"Never!" He retorted and rushed to attack.
Liu Kang took him head on, pounding his chest with rapid-fire strikes that riddled the sorcerer enough to make him cough up blood. Executing a cartwheel kick that clubbed him across the head, Liu then landed a fiery uppercut that pitched Shang straight up into the air. He fell in much the same way, and Liu was waiting for him.
Time seemed to slow as Liu held out a hand, fingers fully extended. Shang fell before him, tumbling end over end… as soon as his chest became perfectly level with Liu's hand, the Shaolin executed a fiery one-inch punch that blasted Shang Tsung across his dias and right back into his throne, ornate wood splintering on impact.
The sorcerer slumped over, gasping for breath as his blood stained his facial hair. Liu stood before him, looking kombat-weary but still standing tall. His eyes glittered with the same sense of determination. "Concede." He demanded again in a firm voice.
Shang spluttered, leaning forward but lacking the strength to rise. The fire in his eyes had dimmed. "You will have to kill me." He retorted. Liu considered that possibility for a long moment.
"No." He said. "You will return to Outworld, to your emperor… and learn that there are fates worse than death." Chi fire enveloping his hands, Liu Kang threw them to the ground in a crouch as a tempest of flame sprouted behind him, growing taller and reaching up to the rafters as it swirled and churned into an organic shape. It formed the body and head of a dragon, jaws open wide in a roar that resounded like the opening of a blast furnace. Liu's chi dragon rushed towards a wide-eyed Shang Tsung, jaws biting into his flesh as a rush of flame consumed the sorcerer.
It ended as quickly as it began, leaving Shang Tsung limp and blackened on his throne. The sorcerer loosed a groan and fell forward, falling onto his hands and feet before Liu Kang. The monk straightened up. "Concede! Say it!" He demanded. The sorcerer was many things, beguiling, crafty, skillful, intellgient, even powerful in his own right…
He wasn't stupid enough to continue fighting when his body could not.
"I… concede." He relented in a weak voice.
A wave of emotion rolled over the onlookers. Relief and joy from Earthrealm's champions, shock and loss from Outworld's warriors. The tournament was officially over and after ten rounds of Mortal Kombat, Earthrealm had finally won. "It is finished." Raiden announced. "Liu Kang has defeated Shang Tsung and saved Earthrealm." As if on cue, a bright golden light shone down from above, illuminating Liu Kang. In the windowless hall, there was undeniable proof it was not sunlight but the blessed acknowledgment of the Elder Gods themselves. Their ruling made the outcome incontestable.
Earthrealm had won.
The light faded and Earthrealm's champions rushed forward to congratulate Liu Kang. But amid all the back slaps and arm pats, he singled out Magnus and shook his hand. "If not for you, I would not have survived Goro."
"If not for you, I would not have survived Shang Tsung." The Njordborn answered.
"I am sorry I took your place. I know how much you wanted to avenge your family…"
"That can wait. You have earned us something far greater today." Magnus replied, pulling Liu close as the two hugged in a display of brotherly camaraderie.
On the dias, Shang Tsung managed to struggle to his feet, his eyes beholding the celebrating Earthrealmers with disdain and vengeance. His emotions overtook him and he reared back a hand, conjuring a flaming skull to throw into their midst-
A thunderous cry broke the silence as raw electrical power slammed into Shang Tsung, Raiden flying the sorcerer across the room where he executed a forward flip and slammed Shang into the ground with enough force to leave a crater behind. The sorcerer coughed, blood spewing from between his lips as an empowered Raiden loomed over him. "The tournamnet is over, Shang Tsung." He growled, eyes flashing with divine power as lighting rippled across every inch of his 7-foot body. "I am no longer bound by rules of noninterference." Shang knew a threat when he heard one and stayed on the ground even as Raiden stepped back. "You will return to Shao Kahn and tell him of your failure." He commanded.
Shang Tsung crawled to his knees, rising very slowly as he clutched his chest. "You are making a mistake, Lord Raiden." He seethed. "Emperor Shao Kahn will not stop until he has claimed Earthrealm. You think this tournament was his greatest show of strength? He will send armies after you!"
"I am counting on it." Raiden retorted, unafraid and unmoved by the sorcerer's threat. Seeing as he no longer had the power over the situation he once possessed, Shang conjured up a portal and promptly stepped through it, beating a hasty retreat.
One by one, the surviving warriors of Outworld took their leave through the same portal, several of the Tarkatans carrying the unconscious Goro through with them. Last to leave was Kitana, who threw one last searing glare over her shoulder at her traitorous sister celebrating with the Earthrealmers before she too departed, flanked by her Umgadi bodyguards. Quan Chi and Scorpion returned to the Netherrealm in a burst of fiery light. Soon all that was left were the warriors of Earthrealm, alone in their victory. Mileena strode close to Magnus, wrapping one arm around to help him stay upright while another slipped around his wasit in a soft hug. He returned it to the best of his ability.
Raiden approached them, meeting Liu Kang's gaze as the Shaolin bowed respectfully and Raiden returned it. "I have nothing further to teach you, Liu Kang." He placed a fatherly hand on Liu's shoulder. "You are indeed the Chosen One."
Author's Note: And that wraps up the tournament! Hope y'all enjoyed this arc of the story. More yet to come!