Disclaimer: You know I don't own mortal kombat, so why do I have to do this?
"Are you absolutely sure that they're in there?" Asked Kabal as he as well as his partner, Kurtis Stryker, loaded their weapons.
"My source said they'd be meeting here tonight." Replied Stryker. The duo stood outside an old warehouse in the alley. The night was pitch black, and while downtown Deacon City was bustling at all hours they were miles away just inside the industrial district. The two officers stood in the center of the old industrial area which had mostly been abandoned buildings at this point as most companies had relocated to new locations.
"That's why I'm worried." Began Kabal. "You don't have sources. I have sources, and you usually follow MY lead."
"Well, what can I say? Just cause I haven't been a part of the criminal underworld doesn't mean I don't know how to get some information." Answered Stryker.
Stryker was of course referring to the time Kabal spent as a member of the red dragon clan before eventually helping to create the black dragon clan. Eventually the merc got tired of being a bad guy for reasons Stryker didn't pretend to understand. Kabal made a deal with some kind of special forces group to give vital information in exchange for his freedom. When Kabal fulfilled his end of the deal he decided to join law enforcement to help right some wrongs he may have been a part of. Originally no one was supposed to know Kabals true identity other than the captain of their station, but he eventually told Stryker some details after they'd worked together for a while. After that the two partners quickly built chemistry to be the best cop duo in the city.
However, while the two did become good friends, they still had plenty of problems with one another. Kabals history of law breaking wasn't something that could be completely turned around. He was still very lax about particular laws. He often attended parties with illegal drugs, owned illegal weapons, and wasn't much for protocol. So while he did turn over a new leaf; he still wasn't a law abiding citizen per say. Sometimes his connections from the past could still be useful though. Stryker could recall over a dozen instances where Kabal would merely make a few calls and return with vital information, or a witness, or video footage that would make all their problems disappear. Then again Kabal wasn't supposed to stay in contact with many of those people per his agreement, but Stryker figured he wouldn't tell anyone considering he was using their information for good.
On the other hand Stryker was one of the most well respected detectives around. He followed protocol, did paperwork, and attended meetings. The captain felt his most well disciplined officer would help balance out Kabals nature. And it did help, but Stryker picked up a few of Kabals habits as well. One thing the two officers agreed on day one was that Deacon city was flooded with crime, later Stryker realized nothing legal could fix that. However, Kabal could essentially track anyone down within city limits. They'd often take the law into their own hands when it came to the worst people.
On this particular night the two partners were searching for a pair of serial killers that had picked up some sick gimmicks. The first was a man by the name of Dr. Alan Zane. A plastic surgeon who'd lost his license when a surgery went horribly wrong ending the life of his patient. First fatality was considered accidental, however the next two dozen were not. He couldn't handle being a fatal surgeon, so he took the blade to himself. Piercings everywhere as well as ten inch steel blades implanted in his arms. He killed a few dozen in New York city before dropping off the map. His reasons for the disappearing act are unknown, but the real question is why he's come to Deacon City? And why he has taken a liking to hunting cops.
The second killer was much more grotesque. A baby born with a rare genetic disorder called Harlequin ichthyosis. It causes the child to be born with diamond plates for skin with dry cracks everywhere. Makes it hard for the infant to retain water. Life expectancy is usually extremely short. Miraculously this man is now in his thirties. He had a stint of child murders around the Las Vegas area. He liked to tear the heads off his victims and save them as a snack for later. He too went off the grid for some time before presumably returning to cause mayhem in Deacon city. This killer again had an unusually high number of cop kills.
The police have made very little in the way of progress to stop these two. They've been focusing their efforts on protecting their own officers. A wasted effort considering the two serial killers have nearly twenty cop kills between them since returning. In a big city like Deacon, that's a very small percentage. However, word gets around, and other officers don't wanna come to work knowing that they'll be targets for the two biggest serial killers the city has ever seen.
"Seriously… Where'd you get the info?" Kabal persisted.
"Anonymous tip. Some guy walked into the station yesterday wearing robes and a straw hat, and said he was looking for me." Explained Stryker. "Anyway, he told me they'd both be here today."
"Sounds like an escaped mental patient." Kabal Joked.
"Well, we'll take it slow, and if it turns out to be nothing then it's nothing. But if they're here…."
"Then we can't miss our shot. Trust me, I know, but why not bring some of the other guys on this one? Every officer in the city wants to bag these two."
"You really wanna get anyone else hurt? Plus I don't exactly wanna read these guys their rights." Finished Stryker as he loaded his pistol grip shotgun. Kabal nodded as the duo approached the double doors and entered the warehouse. Their weapons were concealed under their jackets as they looked around the empty building. It was large with some shelves, shipping containers and even some crates left behind.
"Place seems like it could be a hideout." Stated Stryker. Kabal looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Haven't you ever seen a movie before?" Stryker asked sarcastically. "Bad guys love this shit."
"Let's just split up and search this place. I have a date after this, and I don't wanna waste my night cause you got bad info." Said Kabal as he walked further into the warehouse.
Stryker followed Kabals lead and began searching the warehouse on his own. He kept his guard up even though Kabal assumed their targets weren't here. His caution was awarded when he noticed a chair flying at him. Stryker ducked under before firing his shotgun in that direction. He heard something resembling a snarl before someone started running through the racking towards him. Stryker kept firing his shotgun, but the man had been dodging between the shelves of the warehouse. When he finally shot out from the shelves at Stryker; he was greeted with a blast from the shotgun. Kurtis got a good look at his enemy and he easily identified his opponent as Frank Wright. His diamond disfigured skin was a dead giveaway. The man returned to his feet injured, but his diamond skin protected everything vital. Stryker went to fire his shotgun again, but the weapon clicked empty. He swapped to his sidearm before he heard….
"Stryker!" Called Kabal from somewhere in the warehouse. It became painfully clear that splitting up was a mistake.
Stryker needed to end this and help his partner. He fired the pistol several times, and although it was hurting him the 9mm wasn't piercing his opponents skin. Stryker holstered the pistol and tried his taser. Wright dodged the taser before rushing Stryker and tackling him to the ground. Then Wright punched him in the face a few times before attempting to take a bite out of his face. Stryker held him back before pushing him off then, from the ground, delivered a hard kick to Wright's jaw. As the serial killer stumbled away, Stryker jumped to his feet and got his baton ready. Wright rushed Stryker again, but Kurtis jammed the baton into his eye. Wright yelped in pain before Stryker hit him across the face with the weapon. Stryker swept his opponent's leg out before wrapping around him on the ground. He held Wright with his legs before dropping his elbow into his opponent's face several times. He wasn't putting up much of a fight as Stryker attacked.
It was obvious that Wright was abnormally strong and quick, but knew nothing about fighting. Wasn't a boxer, no military training, no martial arts, and he didn't carry any weapons. Stryker outclassed this psycho. However, Wright slipped out of Stryker's grasp with a strong push. They both returned to their feet before Stryker attacked once again. His opponent tried backing away but Kurtis caught him with a flying elbow that quickly dropped him to the ground. He began kicking and stomping on the serial killer as he tried to get back up. Stryker quickly equipped the shotgun once again. He loaded the shells with haste before pumping one directly into Wright's chest as he got to his feet. Blood splattered out as Wright flew off his feet. His body jerked on the ground a couple times before he took his final breath. The diamond skin was strong, and this guy was fast. He was clearly some kind of meta human. Kabal had told him about people he'd come across during his time in the black dragon with unnatural abilities, but Stryker never really believed it.
Stryker didn't have time to reflect on this as Kabal had already engaged Zane. Stryker sprinted through the warehouse before coming to a sliding stop in front of Kabal. His partner was pinned against the wall with Zane trying to get one of his arm blades into Kabals stomach. He held him off, but Zane was overpowering him ever so slowly. Stryker wouldn't risk firing with the spread of a shotgun, but he could be far more accurate with his pistol. The nine millimeter round went straight through Zane's leg causing him to cry out in pain. He turned to Stryker, completely ignoring Kabal, who fell to the ground, before rushing Stryker.
The leg wound had little effect as Zane ran at Kurtis with a flying knee. The detective caught the knee before pushing Zane off. He attacked with his blades next and Kurtis blocked the attacks with his shotgun, but the final slice split the weapon in two.
"Shit." Said Stryker. He went for his pistol, but a swift move cut the weapon right out of his hands leaving a gash on Stryker's palm. Once again Kurtis dashed back before pulling his taser out. This time he successfully hit his target, but Zane stood strong before continuing his push.
Stryker was forced to defend the next combo of attacks. He couldn't block the blades so he focused on catching Zane's arms before his strikes could connect. After a few well timed blocks he was able to counter and kick Zane's leg out before dashing away once again. This time he opted for his baton, and Kurtis went on the offensive. He rolled into Zane before coming up into an uppercut with the weapon. Zane stumbled, so Stryker attacked with a few jabs with the baton before a sidekick sent Zane rolling. He recovered quickly and Stryker attacked once again, but Zane blocked each blow before tackling Stryker to the ground.
Stryker landed on his back before wrapping his legs around Zane and grabbing his arms. He held them tight to the side so Zane couldn't get up or stab at him. Stryker was the superior wrestler, but Zane was stronger and faster so he was bound to break free. Acting fast Stryker shot up headbutting Zane and doing more damage to himself than his enemy. Zane then hit Stryker with a couple headbutts of his own before breaking his arms free of Kurt's grasp. He held Stryker to the ground with one arm as he raised his other to finish the officer.
Stryker locked onto his opponents eyes for just a moment as he hoped for a miracle. Regret, fear, pity,? Stryker saw none of these as he took what he assumed would be his final breath. Only bloodlust, his enemy had sacrificed their humanity long ago. The final blow never came as Zane's chest opened like a firework with blood covering Stryker. Kabal had recovered enough to line up a shot with his weapon and hit his mark.
Zane dropped his arms to his sides in an instant. Stryker wiped the blood from his eyes before noticing that Zane was still breathing. He reached for a pistol that he had tucked into his boot and pulled the smaller revolver out before shoving the pistol into Zanes forehead. Then with one last bang the fight was over.
(Hours Later)
"How did your mission go, Kurtis Stryker?" Asked Raiden as the police officer approached him.
"They were both there: just like you said they'd be." Answered Stryker. "We made sure they can't hurt anyone else."
"I knew you would succeed." Stated Raiden. "It did prove to be a good test of your skills. I am now confident that you can help me."
"How about you start by telling me how those two were so strong, or maybe how you knew about them?"
"All will be revealed in time, Kurtis Stryker." Stated Raiden
Raiden handed Stryker a gold medallion with the classic dragon logo. He also handed Stryker an envelope with the same logo. He examined the medallion and it appeared to be real gold, but Stryker couldn't say for sure. When Stryker turned his attention back to Raiden, the Thunder God had already vanished.
NO THESE ARE NOT MY VERSIONS OF REPTILE AND BARAKA. Just my way of shouting out the idea.
For anyone who has no idea what I'm talking about….. These are the two guys from the live action mortal kombat rebirth trailer. They were pitched as Reptile and Baraka in a gritty real world retelling of mortal kombat. Personally I thought the idea was interesting, but the community did not. Eventually that project was scrapped for the internet series titled mortal kombat legacy. I do wonder how the original project would've turned out….