"Sektor, we need to talk." Cyrax stated as he approached his Lin Kuei ally. The courtyard was filled with the remaining warriors as they awaited the next matches. "Shang Tsung tried to have me killed."
"You were conversing with the thunder god." Defended the sorcerer.
"You tried to have Cyrax killed over a conversation?" Sektor asked, annoyed.
"Your orders were to stay away from him during this tournament, and I was very clear when I said that." Continued Shang.
"We only take orders from the grandmaster, sorcerer. You would be wise to remember that." Threatened Sektor.
"Our deal will remain intact I presume?" Asked the Sorcerer, to which Sektor hesitantly nodded. "Good, then let combat test your loyalty. The next match will be Art Lean versus Cyrax!" Art Lean quickly stepped up to the stage ready for his match. Cyrax had taken note of this fighter. Art Lean to this point had the most victories in favor of earthrealm which spoke volumes about his skill. Cyrax was sure this battle would be hard fought. "Fight!"
Art's agility was commendable. His strikes came fast and hard. It almost seemed as though he was starting his next attack before the first would connect. Cyrax was more than impressed with the martial artist. Rarely were sport fighters so genuinely skilled to the point they could give an honest assassin a run for his money. Art Lean was clearly among the best of earth realms fighters. However, he was unarmed and at this point in the tournament he'd fought enough for everyone to know he had no powers.
Cyrax fired his net catching Art Lean by surprise. The martial artist got completely wrapped up. Cyrax rushed hitting Art lean with a double dropkick that sent him sliding on the floor. He followed it up with a combo of strikes as Art returned to his feet. Each strike found its mark as Art still struggled to get free of the net. Cyrax unleashed his saw, accidentally cutting Art free as he sliced across his arms. Art backed away, now free of the net, but Cyrax kept slashing. The spinning blade caused deep lacerations on the fighter.
Cyrax knew Art was talented, but he'd be lying if he said Art was more than a sporting challenge compared to him. The fighter had bested Typhoon and Cyclone but apparently that was a fluke. Or the actor had won them the fight. Cyrax could actually believe it considering he watched Sektor get swiftly defeated by Johnny in the first match of the tournament.
Art, with a burst of energy, got ahold of Cyrax's arm. He drove his knee into Cyrax's stomach and a headbutt continued the combo before a spin kick knocked Cyrax on his backside. The assassin returned to his feet ready to defend against Art's next attack. A flying kick that didn't connect as Cyrax through a flask at the ground before disappearing and reappearing on the other side of the arena.
"Did he just teleport with a bottle?" Asked Johnny on the sidelines.
"A potion." corrected Nightwolf. "The Lin Kuei have more tools at their disposal than I initially believed."
"Luckily Art is about to beat the last one of them." Stated Stryker.
They turned their attention back to the fight to see Art was attacking with everything he had. This was his last stand as he fired strikes so quick Cyrax could only block every other blow. He was taking calculated hits, truthfully, just waiting for his opportunity. The second Art Lean slowed down, Cyrax slapped him across the face with one of his explosives. Art was discombobulated from the hit, but the explosion that followed did far more damage. Art hit the ground with a thud with Cyrax standing above him. Art Lean was lucky to still be alive after that.
Cyrax grabbed Art by the throat, but just as he prepared to kill the earthrealm fighter Raiden caught his attention. A simple shake of the head from Raiden stopped Cyrax dead in his tracks. He looked back to the now defenseless Art Lean as he decided what needed to be done.
"I surrender." Spoke Cyrax. "Art Lean has won this fight." He said, releasing his grasp on the confused fighter.
"You cannot surrender. You won that fight." Called out Shang Tsung.
"I did not. My injuries were too great. Art Lean is the superior warrior." Cyrax lied, obviously submitting for other reasons. Art Lean meanwhile gasping for air.
"The grandmaster will hear of the Lin Kuei's many failures at my tournament, Sektor!" Called out Shang Tsung angrily. "We will resume the tournament at dawn!" He yelled to the confused crowd before taking his leave.
"Thank you." Spoke Art Lean. Cyrax nodded, before he was helped off the stage by Stryker and Johnny Cage.
"You made the right choice." Stated Raiden.
"I better have, Raiden. There are people counting on me to return." Spoke Cyrax.
"Bi Han had made a deal with me in exchange for safe Haven, for himself and other Lin Kuei. I will honor that deal. Return home, gather anyone that wants to be free and go to the shaolin temples. There you will be protected." Explained Raiden.
"Thank you Raiden." Spoke Cyrax. "But There is something I need to do first."
"Be swift, Cyrax. Shang Tsung will surely want your head."
Cyrax immediately went to Shang Tsung's gardens where he waited until…. "What were you thinking, Cyrax?" Asked Sektor. "Things are going to get worse for us now. The reason Shang Tsung has yet to order our deaths is beyond me."
"He already tried once, Sektor. Shang Tsung cannot be trusted." Cyrax replied.
"Why didn't you kill your opponent? Don't tell me you felt some last minute need to defend earthrealm." Questioned Sektor.
"Bi Han made a deal with Raiden before the tournament. Protection for all Lin Kuei that want it. I'm going to take it."
"So it's true, then. I heard the whispers, the rumors, but I told everyone that wasn't possible. That you were too loyal."
"I'm sorry, Sektor." Cyrax said honestly. "But the Lin Kuei have lost their way, and I won't give up my humanity voluntarily."
"Nor will I, Cyrax." Stated Sektor, shocking Cyrax. "I'm as against the initiative as someone can be, but I can't just abandon the clan, my father. I can still stop this from happening. "
"Your father is the one who is forcing this on us. You need to look out for yourself, Sektor."
"There are too many members of the Lin Kuei counting on us, on ME, to just run away. I can still stop this. My father will listen to me." Argued Sektor.
"And if he doesn't? How many does he kill? How long before he forces it on you?" Asked Cyrax.
"He's lost his way, but he's not insane, He's still my father."
"You'd take that chance? Knowing what could happen if you can't convince him?" Asked Cyrax.
"I know the risks, but I can't lie. It would make me a lot more comfortable knowing you had my back." Stated Sektor.
"You're my best friend, Sektor." Cyrax froze. "But if you're wrong…."
"Then we get as many out as we can." Stated Sektor. "Don't make me fight this alone." He Pleaded.
"Okay." Sighed Cyrax. "I will return with you, but we need to get off this island now. Shang Tsung has already tried to kill me once, and I don't think he'll be any happier after losing my match to Art Lean. Raiden made accommodations for a boat we can get a ride on." Sektor nodded in understanding. "You better be right about this, Sektor." He finished as the duo headed towards the docks.
Raiden watched from the sidelines unnoticed by the Lin Kuei. He wasn't happy with how recent events have unfolded for the Lin Kuei clan. The death of Bi Han, the cyber initiative, and their participation in this tournament. Yet, he felt hopeful that Sektor and Cyrax were on the right path. All he could do for them now was pray for their safety.