"Lord Raiden." Began Liu Kang as he approached the Thunder God in his temple.
"What is it, Liu Kang?" Asked the God as he sat cross legged in meditation.
"I… I have doubts." He Stuttered nervously. Raiden opened his eyes before patting the mat next to him. Liu quickly took his place beside Raiden, and took a similar posture.
"Please elaborate, Liu Kang." Said Raiden before closing his eyes once again with Liu Kang joining in to meditate.
"I question my skills in relation to our enemy. Goro is the undefeated champion of mortal kombat. How can you be so sure that we'll be victorious? that I'll be victorious?"
"You are the chosen one, Liu Kang. It is your destiny to save earthrealm." Raiden answered, still showing no emotion.
"But how can you know that?" Liu continued.
"I just know." Raiden spoke. Liu clearly wasn't satisfied with the answer, so Raiden sighed before speaking again. "You've trained your entire life for this, Liu Kang. Do you believe you've done something wrong? Or maybe that we haven't been training you hard enough?"
"No, Lord Raiden. I just can't imagine myself defeating so many Outworld foes including Shang Tsung and Goro." He replied.
"You will not be facing this task alone. I've already begun gathering potential candidates for the tournament; Some of which I believe could make quite an impact." Spoke Raiden again. Sensing Liu still wasn't satisfied, he spoke once more. "I do not expect you to storm Shao Kahn's castle, Liu Kang. This task I've laid before you isn't unattainable. If belief in yourself isn't enough then learn to believe in those beside you. Believe in the training your shaolin masters provided, in your fellow earthrealm champions, and believe in me. Believe that I've made the right choice, and you will succeed."
"Yes, Lord Raiden!" Exclaimed Liu Kang without a shed of doubt.
That was one year ago. A time when Liu Kang only needed to prepare for the tournament, to work towards something that felt so far away. Far easier to think about then compared to when he was mere hours from stepping foot on Shang Tsung's boat. It would be soon that Shang Tsung would arrive to collect the earthrealm fighters. Then they'd be transported to what could be their final destination. Each battle presented the possibility of death, but moreover their failures could mean the deaths of everyone. Liu had done everything to develop his skills for the tournament. The shaolin had ensured he stayed in shape, knew how to fight, and survive. It wasn't until he was selected as a possible candidate for the mortal kombat tournament that he began training in the extremes. His body was in peak physical condition, he had superhuman agility, as well as being an adept pyromancer. He was confidently one of earth's strongest warriors, but he knew that meant nothing when traveling to a new world. His opponents sought to destroy earth, and take his head as a trophy. Everything Liu did was to reach this moment, but somehow he still wasn't ready. No one could be.
There was no backing out now. The fighters were gathered and awaiting transportation. Most knew nothing of what lay ahead. Liu was at least impressed with the warriors provided by Raiden. A good mix of trained killers and athletes. It was clear Raiden didn't look at experience and rather at pure talent. He recognized Art Lean almost immediately as his martial arts prowess had earned him fame and respect worldwide. Liu had heard that the warrior even trained with the Shaolin at one point during his travels, but had never met him nor could he confirm the rumor. However, for all the respect Art and every other fighter here had it didn't matter. They were all equal in the eyes of Goro, or any other fighter they went up against. Many would die early on. Liu knew this, and that if he wanted to make allies he'd need to be selective. There was no time to meet and remember every last earthrealm fighter. There were easily sixty. or more fighters representing earthrealm. Liu estimated that if there were exactly sixty fighters that forty to fifty would be dead by the third set of matches. Pessimistic maybe, but likely considering what they were up against.
Liu knew some of the other fighters already. He hadn't seen him in years, but Liu met Sub Zero once before. The Cryomancer broke into the shaolin vault to steal shinnok's amulet. At the time Liu had only just begun his training with Raiden and Bo Rai Cho. Sub Zero had raided the vault with his partner Aqua. The duo had no problem fighting through dozens of Shaolin including Liu and Kung Lao. A battle tested assassin like Sub Zero would be invaluable. Raiden had once even admitted that it was completely possible Sub Zero could win the tournament himself. Raiden rarely gave such praise.
Next was Nightwolf who'd made several appearances at the Shaolin temple. He never stayed long, but acted as a kind of mentor to white lotus members including Liu Kang. The short time they'd spend training together always seemed enlightening as Nightwolf had knowledge not even Raiden had access to. His abilities came from the great spirit, or so that's what he'd told Liu. Raiden had little knowledge of this great spirit. He'd certainly never spoken to it or seen it himself. Yet, the Thunder God trusted Nightwolf not only as a fighter, but a close personal friend.
Liu had already noticed Art Lean in the crowd. His fame was echoed in the circles of martial artists. He didn't double as an actor like Jackie Chan or Jet Li to make his name more widely known. Art Lean was a true tournament fighter. Making his name known with gold trophies, medals, and hard work. This also meant he had very little to no experience with death. Something he would become familiar with. Liu spotted several fighters here just like Art in that regard. They were different, sure they may be just as skilled in every way, but Liu could tell who'd known death and who didn't just by looking into the eyes of the fighter. Art surely did not know death. Liu assumed most of the fighters like Art wouldn't last very long. Very few professional athletes did well in the mortal kombat tournaments of the past, but the few that did always made it far. Liu hoped someone like Art could make an impact.
The final warrior Liu recognized was Kenshi. They'd never met, but Raiden had spoken of the swordsman multiple times before. Liu was impressed by his innate ability to absolutely infuriate Raiden. He could recall several instances of Raiden returning to the temple in a less than negotiable mood. The Swordsman had a very one track mind. From what Raiden had said, the swordsman only cared about killing Shang Tsung. Raiden knew Kenshi had talent, and hoped to recruit him to fight for earthrealm. Kenshi initially declined, opting to find his own way to Shang Tsung. Then after multiple failed attempts to kill the sorcerer he came to Raiden asking for a place in the tournament. Raiden was unfortunately forced to reject him knowing Kenshi would put earth in danger by attacking Shang Tsung out of turn. However, Just before the tournament Raiden would have a change of heart and allow Kenshi to participate. Liu recalled the Thunder God telling him to keep an eye on the swordsman. Liu couldn't quite understand the point of recruiting him, but trusted Raiden as he'd learned to do over the years training together.
Liu made a quick mental note to have a chat with Kenshi, and decided to wait to find his known associates until he boarded the boat at least. He'd need to meet at least a few new faces if he were to trust any of them to have his back. Just as he prepared to approach Art Lean, a loud crash could be heard from the market just above the docks.
"Oh yeah!" Exclaimed a Caucasian man before doing a front flip with his arms crossed.
Several feet in front of him another Caucasian man picked himself up from a pile of knocked over boxes before spitting a wad of spit and blood.
"You're gonna pay for that, Hollywood!" Threatened the Australian man. A crowd gathered quickly with Liu among them. He was quick to notice the Australians metal plated eye. He wore a tank top with cargo pants which undoubtedly held several weapons. The other man was obviously unarmed as he wore only a bright blue suit and a pair of expensive sunglasses…. At night.
"Well ring the bell son!" Said Johnny Cage with an extremely cocky attitude and giant grin. Kano rushed the actor flying into a spinning backfist. Johnny caught the attack, drove an elbow into Kano's face then followed it up with a right hook. He connected with a few more hooks and jabs before grabbing Kano and sack tapping him. Kano clutched his groin painfully as Johnny spun around to deliver a kick to Kano's back. The Australian went tumbling from the market down a set of stairs onto the dock. Johnny followed of course.
By the time Johnny had reached Kano, the merc had already recovered and lunged at Johnny with a flying knee. It connected right with the actor's stomach. The actor hunched over just enough for Kano's uppercut to be devastating. Johnny nearly went unconscious, but countered quickly with a spin kick that sent Kano right to the ground. He returned with a tackle that sent the duo rolling as both wrestled for control. Johnny Cage quickly gained control and proved to be the superior grappler. Something Liu hadn't expected from him as thus far he'd been focusing completely on his strikes. It was clear Kano didn't expect it either as he found himself in an arm bar rather quickly. The fight should've ended there with Johnny either breaking something or Kano just flat out submitting. However, Kano had tricks of his own.
"That's It!" He shouted as his eye erupted a fiery red beam. It flew into the night sky before he began to turn his head towards Johnny. The actor quickly kicked Kano in the head and released his grip. The head kick led to Kano's head snapping in a different direction. The beam cut right through a shipping container at least fifty yards away.
Liu was just relieved it didn't kill one of the bystanders.
"Oh shit." Said Johnny as Kano returned to his feet with his eye charging up once again. The actor was frozen, so Liu quickly put himself between the two just as the weapon fired. This time Kano fired a much quicker, more accurate blast at the actor, but Liu deflected the blast off his gauntlets right at Kano. The mercenary narrowly dodged the blast which traveled across the water behind him.
"You nearly killed me, you little shit!" Yelled Kano.
"It was your attack." Replied Liu Kang flatly. Kano was about to start yelling again when he noticed the crowd before had gone from excited to visibly angry. Some were passing civilians and others were contestants in the tournament, but they were all equally pissed at Kano for nearly lasering the entire crowd. He had not only found himself surrounded by now hostile persons, but drawing a rather large amount of attention. Something he'd intended to do as little as possible. The mercenary decided the best course of action was to bolt leaving Liu Kang with a crowd who were applauding his quick reflexes.
"You got a name, kid?" Asked Johnny as he approached Liu Kang.