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2802mi · 1 year ago

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How I would make an adaptation of MK1 (1992) that would not stray from its original direction

INTRODUCTION

Upon seeing story mode of the recent MK reboot (2023) , somehow called MK1, I started thinking more and more about my favourite MK story, which is original MK from 1992. I asked myself, what does MK 1992 have that further games and movies depicting the Earthrealm Tournament did not have? The answer is actually simple, but I don't think many people are aware of what made MK 1992 so distinctive.

When you pay attention to the original story of Mortal Kombat 1992, you actually realise, that original MK is a standalone story. MK2 and further show us heavily modified version of how events of Earthrealm Tournament played out, including the existence of Outworld and changing it from secret tournament that you hope to leave alive to a game between two dimensions where you fight not for yourself but Earthrealm or Outworld. Also, you get characters like Jax, Sektor, Cyrax or Sheeva included in the Earthrealm Tournament, which does not feel right. The proper adaptation of MK 1992 story should focus on basics I present below, which are:

-The only characters are the original 7 player characters + Goro + Reptile + Shang Tsung, so no Cole Young, no characters from sequels or Mythologies.

-No mention of Outworld, no mention of Netherrealm, the only place of action is Shang Tsung's island, maybe some locations in Earthrealm showing the invitation of our heroes.

-Characters have limited abilities, no further than their special moves in games and fatalities, both censored and uncensored versions of the game. Which means no Avengers stuff like Sub-Zero freezing entire area or Johnny Cage surviving falling from >50m of height.

-Characters depicted have their stories and motivations based of their bios and endings in the game and not their sequels or prequels, so no retcons like Sub-Zero working alongside Scorpion to kill the good guys or Raiden suddenly loving Earthrealm and defending it despite his arcade ending being launching Armageddon.

-Adaptation would be either as a comic book or animated series. Characters' and stages' appearances based strictly off the arcade game, so The Pit does not look like its counterpart from MK2, as depicted in MK9. In case of animation, the voice actors for characters would be: Sub-Zero -> Steve Blum, Scorpion -> Patrick Seitz, Sonya -> Tricia Helfer, Johnny Cage -> Andrew Bowden, Kano -> Michael McConnohie, Shang Tsung -> Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Goro -> Gary Anthony Williams, Raiden -> Richard Epcar, Reptile -> Steve Blum, Liu Kang -> Tom Choi

Now I can start the story and show you how I would depict the Earthrealm Tournament based solely on MK 1992.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

The first scene would be the writing of the invitation to the Mortal Kombat Tournament on the ancient scrolls, taking place soon. After that, we see Sub-Zero reading it in the Lin Kuei headquarters, with his gaze totally cold and unaffected. We can only hear a voice, reminging him, that 'he must stay focused on his mission, for which he will be rewarded with a bounty exceeding all the previous'. Next scene is Johnny Cage, returning home from his film award ceremony, noticing the scroll on his table, wondering, how did it ever get there, but upon reading what was written, he decides to take that chance. Later Raiden holding his scroll with invitation with his face showing total indifference, as Mortal Kombat tournament is nothing unusual or exciting to him. Scorpion and Sonya and Kano were not exactly invited and they will arrive to the island through pure coincidence like Sonya and Kano, or by sheer hatred and hunting Sub-Zero (Scorpion's case).

Liu Kang, however, is seen among other members of White Lotus society, holding his invitation with a serious, somewhat worried and anxious look on his face for he is actually acknowleged with the gravity of his situation: he is heading off to Mortal Kombat Tournament, which was originally held by Shaolin Monks, whom he belongs to, but centuries ago Kung Lao was defeated by Goro. The tournament then was taken by Shang Tsung, who corrupted it. Liu Kang knows it's his task to win the tournament and defeat the evil Shang Tsung and Goro, the undefeated champion as for now. Yet he accepts his fate as the best fighter among his Shaolin peers and after bitter-sweet goodbye, he is sent off to represent the Shaolin Order.

Liu Kang, Sub-Zero and Johnny embark the same ancient, wooden ship, which will take them to the mysterious island. Johnny is the center of attention: he is not yet aware of how dangerous his next days are going to be. He tries befriending other kombatants, who usually do not recognise him, even though he is a talented and awarded actor. He notices Sub-Zero on the deck, standing totally still, speaking to absolutely no one, staring at the ocean. After he tries speaking to him, the mysterious Lin Kuei assassin punches his stomach and throws him across the deck, his eyes turning from numb to cold anger. Cage was wondering if he will die by Sub-Zero's stare alone. Liu Kang runs up to the actor and lifts him off the ground, asking, if he is okay. Johnny is surprised by Shaolin's hospitality. They befriend each other and spend the following hours just by talking. Cage was happy to see that Liu Kang was actually a fan of his movies, despite living in the isolation. Kang was very curious about life in Hollywood, the mindset of movie star and the career in overstimulating society. Sadly he realised that his new friend is not aware of the true nature of the tournament - he will know later, and scream in fear.

The ship fianlly reaches its final destination - the island, which was very beautiful and full of colors and life, with plants and trees seen nowhere else in the world. The only thing that was odd, was that two motorboats, one civilian, one military, could be seen crashed on the beach.

Some kilometers away, a man can be seen running away from armed soldiers, led by their leader: Sonya Blade, who knew it was now or never to finally catch the man, who's alias was Kano. However, she and her team was ambushed by Shang Tsung's private army, which made her doubt her perception of reality. They were surrounded by men wearing oriental clothes and armor and aiming at them with very outdated weaponry. After quickly analysing the situation the team has gotten into, Sonya decided not to throw their lives away in vain and they surrendered.

This chapter/episode ends by Raiden casually descending from the sky and heading directly towards the host's palace. The last shot/panel depicts Scorpion jumping off the ship and following footsteps on the beach, further hunting for his prey - Sub Zero. He has found him - and now he will do everything to kill him.

CHAPTER 2: THE TOURNAMENT BEGINS

This chapter begins by the official inauguration of Mortal Kombat tournament. The host is dressed very rich, with his blue robes covered in gold and diamonds, much to Liu Kang's disgust of this display of vanity, confirming what his superiors told him about the host. He introduces himself as Shang Tsung - although no one can really be sure if that is his real name or just a nickname. His appearance is plain disgusting: balding, with thin white hair on his head, saggy skin and creepy looking face he announces that 'it has begun'. Asked about the prize which comes after victory, he only utters with a really unpleasant voice 'your continued existence'.

Kang and Johnny after the inauguration decide to train, as the following day, the fights begin. Cage has been heavily underestimated - having thought of him as living in another world, unprepared and inferior to Shaolin martial arts, Kang was bested by Hollywood star by simple leg sweep. Even though Liu Kang was the best among the Shaolin and chosen by the Secret White Lotus society to wrestle the tournament back from corrupted Shang Tsung, it mattered not in the face of having lost just the friendly sparring by being too relaxed and not taking the opponent seriously. The sudden realisation hit him harder than any fist could: he can actually lose. Even worse, he may actually die by the hands of fearsome Sub-Zero, who gave off the feeling of a killing machine. Or anyone else. It clouded young man's mind for a while with anxiety and fear, but he knew that to win, he must be in control of himself. So after few moments, he asked Cage to continue their training. It was a really constructive lesson for White Lotus' chosen, as Johnny Cage has trained with many martial arts masters, who taught him really well. Despite seeming like an unserious person who is just an actor, kombat revealed his true talent and skill as a disciplined fighter.

Sonya's team and Kano have been transported to some unknown location. Shang Tsung waited for them. The host informed them that he will not let them go - some abstract concept like international law or human rights was something foreign for him. In fact, hearing about 'human rights' from Blade, he laughed out loud unpleasantly. They were his property now - if they wanted to be free, they had to fight in the tournament. Tertium non datur. Kano with no problem agreed - Sonya after speaking with the rest of her team decided that she will fight and win the freedom for them all, asking for one more thing - fight with Kano and with her winning, taking him away to prison. Tsung agreed to that, hoping for more bloodshed in his tournament.

Sun has finally set. Everyone went to better or worse sleep. Except one man - heavily focused on his mission, Sub-Zero left his designated tent and immediately started infiltrating the island. Armed with short dao, he was sneaking around the palace and looking for ways to enter. He memorised every single one - as well as the tracks which host's armed guardians were using. When the time comes, they will prove useful to him - after finishing the task and escaping from the island. During his return to the tent, he was grabbed by his throat and thrown into the ground. The demonic voice only seethed 'MURDERER'. It narrowed very little in Sub-Zero's mind. He killed too much people to remember every single one of them, much less care about them. Yet he recognised the robes and the deformed face - it was Scorpion. He could not believe it. Did he kill him? If yes, did he come back to the living? Is he undead? Too many questions, and as no clear answer could be given, Lin Kuei assassin decided to be sure this time his past target was eliminated for good. He reached his dao and waited nervously for Scorpion's move. Quickly the fight broke up between the two, with one being totally quiet, and second screaming about finishing him, taking off his head, burning him alive, for all he has done. This time there were no fatalities - the fight was interrupted by Shang Tsung himself. Not pleased with another intruder on the island, he quickly examined him and sensing the pure hatred in his heart, directed towards Sub-Zero, he offered him a chance to challenge the cold-blooded killer in Mortal Kombat - in return, Scorpion is forbidden from even touching his object of contempt.

CHAPTER 3: BLOODSHED

Sonya did not want to talk to anyone in the Kourtyard - everything pissed her off, everyone was a rival or a potential obstacle to her freedom. Especially the sight of Kano, whom she wanted rotting in prison after all these years of chase, was making her angry. She was stressed very much, knowing that her and her teammates' freedom depended entirely on her.

Suddenly, the drums started playing. The very first pair of kombatants entered the arena. It was the first time Raiden could be seen - a seven feet tall, with glowing blue eyes his dominating presence could make anyone run away. But it was too late for his unnamed opponent, who despite his effort, lost both round very quickly and beaten thoroughly, asked for mercy. There was none. Raiden raised his hands and shouting some irrecognisable words, which sounded like 'GIMMIMAMONEYYYY' he shot a spark from his palms, resulting in loser's head exploding.

'Raiden wins', said Shang Tsung, watching this spectacle with much delight.

'Flawless Victory.'

'Fatality.'

The host raised his right hand and closed his eyes, with his face becoming relaxed and losing a couple of wrinkles. Raiden, rumored to be a god of thunder, looked at him with contempt, as if he knew something about this elderly man that others did not. With a disgust on his face, he cleaned his white clothes from blood. Decapitated body was taken off the arena, as new fight took place. An unfortunate fighter from Middle East, at least he looked like it, lost his fight with Sub-Zero. The Chinese assassin also killed him, ripping his head off. With spine. That was too much to bear for Johnny, who realising that he dies if he loses, threw up. His life is in danger, he might die on some weird island no one knows about and no one will ever solve the mystery of JC's death. Kano, the kombatant of the third fight, ripped a heart off his rival on arena. He looked directly in Sonya's eyes as he did it, hoping to intimidate her. Now it has truly began.

'The next is Johnny Cage! A disciplined and famous around all the world actor, who will surely show his skills on this arena against his opponent and not die like the previous ones!' Shang Tsung laughed and started clapping his hands. Johnny, now wondering if he lost his mind, entered the arena, thinking of how that old prick knew of him and even worse, if that old man can read his mind. 'There is something truly terryfying about the host', he thought. Nevertheless, his opponent looked even more stressed than he was, so he decided to be calm and win his survival, at least for now. When the fight ended in Johnny's favor, Tsung yelled

'FINISH HIM!!!'

Cage looked at his defeated rival, who's eyes watered and were begging for mercy, even though his mouth was deadly silent. Johnny Cage had his mind in pieces, about what he should do now. He decided to do the right thing in the end. He kicked the loser in the chest and shouted back to the host 'I will not kill him!', which enraged the old man, who only said in return 'Johnny Cage wins.' After descending from the arena, he felt like he will faint from all the stress. Liu Kang approached him and placing his hand on his shoulder, he only said to him 'You are a good man. And a hero, even if you don't know it yet.'

CHAPTER 4: THE LEGENDARY SEVEN

The Shaolin was right. Johnny's act was indeed heroic, saving that man from death. It was the first act toward cleansing the corruption of this once noble tournament. Even more, it was the first time, when someone openly defied the intimidating Shang Tsung, who despite looking physically weak due to his age, presented a very threatening aura. He only smiled seeing kombatants lose their lives, repeating this weird gesture of raising his hand and closing his eyes. When someone was not killed however, the old man looked at the victor with pure hatred. Liu Kang became seriously worried. Could it be possible that there was some kind of ritual in play? Is it just the way this man seeks pleasure from looking at carnage and death? Is he cursing their dead bodies? Does he defile their souls? Or even worse, does he steal them? White Lotus members shared rumours of some dark magic taking place during the tournament, but these were just rumours which were unconfirmed, as surely there would be some kind of visual sign of sorcery. Maybe that gut wrenching feeling that everyone got when they saw Tsung raising his hand after each fatality could be the sign of it? He came up to Johnny sharing his worries, to which Cage just replied 'just like Hollywood. These soul-sucking execs and producers sometimes too get too drunk on their power and--' he did not finish as Kang looked at him with some kind of grave disapproval. Hollywood's prodigy quickly realised why, and corrected himself, explaining that it's just the atmosphere of working with producers and the show business. 'When this ends, I invite you to the Shaolin order. It is of no use for someone like you to waste himself on these charlatans', ended their conversation Kang.

They came up with a plan - that whatever Shang Tsung is doing with the dead, it's surely something horrible and is used as a means to spread corruption to this tournament. Which is why they have to convince everyone else to refrain from killing their enemies, no matter how much they cared not for them or hated them. After the surprisingly rich and pompous dinner the host organised for the remaining seven kombatants, which were Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Kano, Raiden, Cage and Liu quickly went to enact their plan. They decided to come up to Sonya first.

'What do you want from me?' She quickly and laconically asked, seeing two men approach her. Her guard was already up, fearing confrontation.

'Relax, babe' said Cage, in his nonchalant manner, but upon seeing her face flush with red, the Shaolin quickly stated their business.

'We ask you not to kill Kano tomorrow if you win the fight. And anyone else for that matter.' Her eyes were now unnaturally big, looking at him with sheer disbelief. 'You expect me not to kill him? That scumbag? Do you know how many people he killed? How many women he raped? What if I have no choice but to put down this dog for good--' but was interrupted by Cage, who replied with 'Bend this motherfuckers knee backwards if you want to eliminate him for good' Sonya smiled at this suggestion, but listened further to what this handsome, although kind of giving an immature vibe guy had to say. 'Whatever shit is happening here, me and Liu-Liu are sure only Shangsy is benefitting from it. I mean, not to sound like some kind of conspiracy theory wack, but have you seen his face, looking at fatalities?'

'You believe in fairies and wizards with magic hats, Cage?' Sonya asked.

'Maybe? I am not an expert. But his pleasure alone of staring at death like it's Marilyn Monroe herself on the bed is disturbing, so just spare Kano's life just to spite that old creep.'

After hearing this argument, Sonya finally truly smiled for the first time since she had started pursuit of this dangerous criminal. Her posture became relaxed, her face stopped being stiff with anger and revealed that she is in fact a beautiful woman. Seeing that hers and theirs interests align, but also they are genuine, honest men, she decided to stick with them and aid them. After a short consultance among them, they decided to go to Sub-Zero, as speaking to Kano was not an option, Scorpion may be hard to talk to, and Raiden obviously looks at them with contempt and disdain so they will decide if speaking to Japanese ninja and thunder god even makes sense.

They waited for the Lin Kuei near his tent. Seeing that he returns and is constantly looking around him, seeking danger, they approached him openly and firmly, after Johnny said to Kang 'I knock you speak', as if they were going to principal's office in school. Liu started to enjoy his humour, Sonya had yet to get used to it.

'Sonya Blade.'

'Liu Kang.'

'Johnny Cage!'

After this short and direct greeting, Sub-Zero, the menacing assassin who killed at least 6 people here since the start, quickly looked at them and analised if they are armed and if they were working with Scorpion. No marks of the Japanese clan could be seen on them and Kang's face looked Chinese, so it calmed down the Lin Kuei a bit. He crossed his arms and standing in complete silence, he waited for what they had to say. After quick glares exchanged between the trio, Sonya decided that she will speak to him.

'Sub-Zero, we know that professionally you are an assassin. We ask you firmly that you kill no one else in this tournament.' The only answer was one eyebrow raised by him, which was enough for Blade to read it as listening what she has to offer.

'I know that you are not here to win this tournament. Whatever you are here for, I don't care about it at all. I am here against my will and as you saw how this tournament looks, you know it's rigged and mainpulated. Shang Tsung wants you to kill people so he benefits from it. How exactly, we don't know. The most important thing is, that he serves only himself and we must defeat him if we want to get what we want. However we don't want to cross your path and for you to stay in our way to our goals. Can we agree?'

Finally, they heard Sub-Zero utter his first words.

'Stay in my way and I will kill you. Otherwise, I agree to the deal.'

Blade has not seen the former sentence as the threat, only as the insurance for the Lin Kuei assassin. It was the latter that mattered.

Later, having approached Scorpion, he listened carefully and they thought he would agree, but he could not be convinced of not killing Sub-Zero. That is why he is here for. When he was speaking about the Chinese warrior, his eyes looked dead inside. Johnny seeing the 'blue one' and the 'yellow one', as he codenamed Sub-Zero and Scorpion in his head, could not ultimately decide which one was more intimidating.

Liu Kang decided to speak with the Thunder God. Having approached him, he said in unsusual for him, cocky manner

'Raiden. We ask you to stop killing your opponents in the tournament.'

'Consider to whom you speak, mortal. Who do you think you are, that you do not call me Lord Raiden and bow to me? Why should I care whether more or less of you die?'

Liu smirked and looked at Johnny. Cage knew that this face meant. 'Watch me', he could read from Kang's smile. The Shaolin's chosen continued.

'We are here on equal footing, during this tournament. You are here no more and no less powerful than we are. Which means, you are vulnerable to death. It is entirely in your interest that we agree on not killing each other.'

'You speak like you could actually win. I have met many arrogant men like you - all dead by my hand, in mere seconds. This tournament is no exception.'

'Your victory is not guaranteed. You are in your human form, which could be damaged or destroyed, and in this rigged tournament, I would not risk it making me your mortal enemy. All I ask is we fight on a fair ground when the time comes, and whoever wins, spares the opponent.'

'You are not in any position to demand anything from me, you pathetic weakling. I will kill you after I punish you for your stupor in the kourtyard.'

Liu Kang knew that it is his last chance in life to wrestle the tournament back - if he dies, he dies. Failure was not an option.

'Then may the best man win.' Liu said it to the god's face, and they have gone to train Sonya for her fight tomorrow.

CHAPTER 5: THE LADDER

The fight between Sonya and Kano will take place in palace gates. The beautiful scenery will soon be dirty from blood and sweat. Sonya hoped that it will be mainly Kano's blood and not hers. Liu Kang teached her that during tournament fights, what matters the most is the balance and avoiding relishing in anger and hatred, which betray you ultimately. After both she and criminal got introduced on stage, she set her guard up and waited patiently for announcement. Which was hard, as Kano tried to psychologically throw her off the balance, yelling at her, 'BITCH I WILL KILL YOU. I WILL RAPE YOU. I WILL RIP YOUR HEART. I WILL HOLD IT AT IT WILL STILL BEAT. I WILL WIPE THE ISLAND WITH YOUR ENTRAILS'.

'FIGHT!' happily announced Shang Tsung.

Kano screamed as loud as he could and ran to Sonya, hoping to take her down to the ground and make advantage of their weight difference. Kano was behaving like a rabid dog. He threw punches in blind berserk rage, hoping for one lucky blow that will knock her unconscious and then he will humiliate her. He has landed several blows on her, so round 1 was in his favour. Things have gotten very bad for Sonya. Is she loses, she dies. However, her nemesis seemed to lose the steam. He was not as fast as in previous round and his blows were not as hard. She took advantage of his weakness and impressively ended the round two, smacking his face by throwing him using her legs while handstanding. Even Sub-Zero, watching this fight, nodded in approval. Round 3 was all or nothing - Kano regained some of the energy, however his nose was broken and he is losing blood right now. He ran and jumped like a cannonball, pushing Sonya to the ground. He grabbed her by the throat and started choking her and slamming her skull. She has mere seconds to do something or she dies, with the man she hates on top of her. Nothing could be more humiliating for her, and perhaps that thought alone made her fight for her life - she put a finger in his eye and his hold of her dropped. She quickly started punching his face just so his balance is thrown off and regaining vision is impossible. Then, the unexpected happened - Kano grabbed his knife and tried to slash her. Fortunately for her, his show off backfired, as he threw the knife at her and missed. It was time for her surprise - she activated the blaster in her gauntlet, knocking the criminal to the ground.

'FINISH HIM!'

Sonya hesitated. It was her chance - he would kill her. Or maybe, he would rape her on stage and Shang Tsung would force everyone to watch. The thought of that alone created a conflict in her head whether she should just kill him and not risk any further encounters. Finally, having heard Johnny's 'BEND THAT MOTHERFUCKERS KNEE BACKWARDS', she smiled and stepped on. With full force, she twisted her boot on Kano's knee and watched as he squirmed and yelled, with helplessness this time, 'FUCKING PSYCHO BITCH WHORE CUNT I WILL--', after he passed out. Blade quickly checked if all her teeth are still intact and with utter contempt, she spat at defeated opponent.

'I have defeated the challenger, Shang Tsung! I demand you give him to me and give back my freedom!'

'You will demand NOTHING! Freedom is granted only after you defeat everyone!'

Sonya quickly realised that she may be trapped here forever, as even if she defeats Liu Kang and Johnny, then she might not win against Raiden - who will pop her head like a bubble gum. Her satisfaction with the victory was very short-lived.

It was too much for her. She went to the beach and did not want to talk to anyone - sitting alone she could let her emotions out - she started crying, hoping that waves will deafen the pathetic in her opinion, sign of weakness. She wanted just few tears out - but she could not control it. Maybe she is truly so pathetic that she does not deserve freedom?

'Miss Blade, maybe we can negotiate', she heard.

She didn't turn her face to him - even though it was Shang Tsung, who could backstab her or have his men abduct her, she didn't care. As long as he didn't see her face covered in blood and tears, everything was fine.

'What do you want from me? I am your bitch anyway, I know you will never give me freedom. So fuck off.', She told him.

'Yes you are.' Even though she never heard him swearing, that confirmation that he indeed sees her as his property made her even more angry. Shang Tsung continued, 'I am here to offer you freedom. As you see, our interests align, and a deal could be done. I just need you to do me a favour, if you are interested of course.'

'Cut the bullshit and tell me already. I have no time for your elaborate introductions.'

'I need you ma'am to defeat Liu Kang.'

'He's just a Shaolin boy, are you scared of him? I thought a man so powerful like you could handle him himself.'

'I like my life as it is now, ma'am. Mr Liu seeks to defeat you - never trust these boys from the Shaolin order. Do you think yours and his goals are the same?'

'We want you to fuck off and that's all, creep. You will not get into my head.'

'He was sent here to depose me - and he is focused on his mission alone. All you have done - your ridiculous agreement is only because that little boy is afraid of dying. If the Shaolin told him to kill you, he certainly would. I think they even taught him that specific technique of theirs, where you cause as much pain as possible before killing. Are you certain that he actually has any honour? I would disagree. He only cares about his order - about you, not at all. I, however, want to prevent him from causing you further pain - if you defeat him and send him home, be it alive or dead, I will grant you freedom and for your men.'

'How should I know you will keep your part of deal?'

'I hold all the best cards already, Miss Blade. You can disagree, but you still fight Liu Kang tomorrow. Then, even if you win, you would have to face many more challenges, and I don't think that Mr Sub-Zero, or Mr Scorpion will hesitate to kill you. They were born killers.'

'I can handle them.'

'Or be it Lord Raiden. Have you seen a man win a fight against a god? Because from what I see, he is really enjoying this tournament - as he knows that no one can challenge him. Not even that snotty Shaolin who is arrogant beyond belief.'

Shang Tsung saw the change in Sonya's mood - he has broken her. She finally agreed to fight Liu Kang and not yield, in exchange for her freedom. Which may finally not be obtained at all, as she didn't trust Tsung - but she had no choice. When the host disappeared, she felt that weird feeling that she feels no pain and body damage, at least physically. Psychologically, she was ripped to pieces.

The fight took place in Shang Tsung's palace, full of ornaments and red carpets and columns. He preferred it that way - he wanted to be sure that she and Kang won't plot against him. Fight between them was bitter - both knew that they are fighting for their people first, and that their friendship was perhaps something temporary. Sonya however, could not force herself to brutalise Liu like Kano - even though she fought for freedom since she enlisted in the Special Forces, she valued friendship - she also saw that Liu is conflicted in his soul and certainly pulls his punches. Seeing no further sense in her life, Blade made the decision - she set herself to recieve a punch in the jaw from Liu Kang. Angry Tsung, seeing that she failed him, yelled to Shaolin that he must finish her. Sonya started begging the victor to do it - as she feels empty, broken and without any honour left, having made a deal with that 'old psychopath'. Liu Kang stared at her with utmost shock - she betrayed him, yet she looked at him with utter shame and resembled not the Blade he has met earlier, full of pride and determination. Frustrated enough, the host grabbed his sword and pulled it out, saying only 'I will finish you myself then.' Unexpected happened. That 'snotty, arrogant boy', hugged her and replied to him 'I WILL NOT LET YOU KILL HER', as if he wanted to get slashed by the sword instead of her. Shang retreated and ordered the guards to take her away. Sonya returned the hug, telling to Liu that 'Thank you. You are my good friend. Please defeat him.' She looked like she would sob in any second.

'I will save you. I will beat him and I promise you I will wrestle your freedom back. Be strong.' he assured her. Then, the guards went in and took her away.

CHAPTER 6: THE LADDER, PART II

Although the fight did not end in the old man's favour entirely, the results were satisfying enough - he has seen the Shaolin's chosen with a conflict in his heart. He is not as strong as he considered himself to be. That conflict was certainly a chance to exploit and break him before he poses any further threat. Shang Tsung also thought about Johnny Cage - he is also dangerous, but others don't see it, which amused the host. Johnny's aura suggested that he has a true warrior's heart - despite behaving like an immature manchild. There was also something unusual about his aura itself - it manifested some kind of 'green energy', whatever that was. Shang immediately realised what must be done - he has to pit Liu Kang against Johnny Cage so he has only one threat to deal with against of two. He knew that Scorpion and Sub-Zero were not that much of a threat - and also knew that Raiden can be dealt with. In fact, he needed Raiden the most. If only he could kill him - and take his soul - the soul of the god - then he would become a god himself. He would ascend to the pantheon of gods and have a greater influence than ever. That would come with a risk, of course. Taking a god's soul could be too much to bear for Shang Tsung, and rip his body to pieces. But risks are to be taken if you want to have what you want.

The host approached Sub-Zero when he was meditating and started analising his soul - something was not right about him. He needed to investigate immediately. Could it be that this man had his special abilities? After all, his nickname, 'Sub-Zero', indicated that he was a cryomancer, a very rare type of human. The Lin Kuei clan surely have to be proud of him, although considering he is a thief and an assassin, they can't boast about him too much, even though there are legends around all the world about this 'Sub-Zero'. Shang Tsung started talking to the cryomancer and offered him a life of luxury and riches and all he would wish for - in exchange for abandoning Lin Kuei and service to Tsung. After all the elaborate arguments and depicitons of what the assassin could have - the only reply was

'My loyalty is to Lin Kuei only.'

Even though that reply angered the host deeply, as Sub-Zero could be a very powerful asset, it was only a ploy to read his mind - something Shang could easily do with others, sensing their auras and using them against people. But cryomancer's souls are harder, much harder to read - the only thing that could be sensed was that something is very off. Did he choose to side with Liu Kang? Why exactly is he here for? The Lin Kuei surely are not that stupid enough to send their best assassin into a tournament which they know is rigged by its host. Whatever Sub-Zero and the Lin Kuei are plotting, it is for the best that he is dealt with.

'Tomorrow you will fight Scorpion. If you take my offer, I can rig the fight so you win easily and don't die.'

Having heard no reply at all, be it verbal or nonverbal, Shang Tsung vanished. Sub-Zero however, despite being always cold and calculated, knew that his mission must be done quickly - the sorcerer is very powerful and even worse, he suspects him. He thought about this snake's offer - would it be truly worse than what he wanted, which was a retirement and peaceful life? After a few moments, he made his choice. He will complete his task, flee the island and end the life of an assassin.

The fight took place in the kourtyard. The choice was not a coincidence - Shang Tsung knew that Scorpion wanted to kill Sub-Zero. Not only kill, but humiliate him also, so everyone sees the fall of the legendary Lin Kuei. Scorpion, seeing his nemesis on stage, almost leaped at him before the fight even started - he had every reason to hate him. Some time ago, the Lin Kuei marked the Japanese ninja to be murdered. They wanted be sure that the job was done, so they sent Sub-Zero after him and ordered the decapitation of the rival's clan member. Scorpion now roams the Earth as an undead spirit of vengance - he is here only to kill that blue bastard who separated him from his loving wife and child, who he will surely never see again - he is not a human anymore. He is a dead man walking, existing to avenge his death. Which can be done now. After the host calls the fight to begin, Sub-Zero stands calmly and waits for his clearly unbalanced emotionally foe. He tries to read his moves. When there is a chance, Sub-Zero strikes at Scorpion with his slide attack, which takes his enemies by surprise - but this time, the surprised one is the Lin Kuei assassin himself, as yellow ninja completely disappears, like he was made of ash. Blue warrior gets hit in the back of the head by teleporting enemy, which makes everyone awe. The fight is now balanced, as both kombatants have their supernatural abilities. It worries Sub-Zero deeply - what else can Scorpion do now? After bloody fight between the two, Scorpion reaches his Kunai and throws it, targeting his enemy. He yells 'GET OVER HERE' and starts pulling the string, hoping to pummel him to death. The last chance. With the rest of his power, the cryomancer shoots an ice orb into the spectre - and freezes his body so he can't move. With his last breath he kicks Scorpion in the jaw, knocking him out and winning the fight. This time, Shang Tsung does not pressure the assassin to rip the spine off - he needs the undead for his bidding and who said that Sub-Zero can't later 'accidentally' meet Scorpion who will gladly slit his throat? The Lin Kuei looked at Liu Kang and Johnny - he had a deal with them. He will surely fight both of them or one of them soon. They are not to be underestimated. But they seem like honorable men, who defied the host earlier - so he spares Scorpion now, and they spare him in case he loses the fight. Having made his choice, he stops choking his rival and raises his fist with pride, signaling to his for-now allies, that the deal is still in effect.

Next fight is now between Liu Kang and Johnny - taking place in The Pit. Shang Tsung certainly knew what he was doing - he pitted them both here, so they fight on a narrow bridge with spikes below, which must result in death of either movie star or the Shaolin. Before the fight, Johnny winks at Liu. Also, he notices something strange on the moon. Looks like Santa Claus. Not that it matters now, but it was very funny to him. As a surprise to Liu, he beats his friend effortlessly, leading to a double flawless victory. Not wanting to throw Cage off the bridge, sending him to a dishonorable death by spikes already dirty with corpses, he tries to punch him so that he falls flat on bridge. Unfortunately, Cage slips. Liu quickly grabbed him and even though technically it would be a fatality, he pulled him back on the bridge. He knew what Johnny did - he yielded the fight, but didn't tell anything to his friend. Needless to say, he did it perfectly. 'No wonder he has won so many acting awards', Kang thought, but didn't admit it. He said to Johnny

'You are a hero and a friend for sure, but a dumb one.'

Johnny just winked. 'I already did everything what I wanted in life. You however, have that saggy bony ass to kick - for your Shaolin bros. Don't fail it!' he winked again.

'Mr Liu, I think that fight has been done unfairly, very unfairly. You jeopardise my tournament and make mockery of it. I think that a punishment is in order.'

As the punishment, Kang was sent to the bottom of the Pit. The smell of rotting corpses there was unberable, so unberable that he almost puked. He noticed easily the way out - the door leading to stairs. Dumbened by the odor, he tried to escape - only to get kicked in the stomach and flying few meters. He has never seen that guy before, not before, not during the tournament. He looked a bit like Scorpion and Sub-Zero, but... green? Liu was trying to focus, trying to figure out whether this ninja is not one of them, but he only yelled

'YOU HAVE FOUND ME'

'NOW PROVE YOURSELF!!'

He was unlike anything before. Never has Liu Kang fought someone so fast, so strong, so unpredictable. He had to watch out for both Kunai attacks as well as slides similar to those used by Sub-Zero. The mysterious warrior could also disappear and appear somewhere else, just like Scorpion. In fact, he could be both of them at the same time. Could it be so improbable, after everything they saw here on the island? But the time for thinking was later. For now, he had to defeat his opponent, who could be victorious. Shaolin count on Kang. Johnny and Sonya count on Kang. Liu Kang counts on Kang. Failure is not an option. The teared skin on chest and back brought much pain to our Shaolin - he had to focus, use that pain and not panic. After a battle against much skilled, faster, stronger, unpredictable fighter, Liu somehow emerged victorious. How? He does not know himself. Could it be the importance of his quest? Could it be the power of friendship? Could it be sheer luck? He thought on luck as the most probable, considering that his skin is full of wounds by the sharp nails of the green ninja and is out of breath. He has proven himself just like was asked by the mysterious man. He came up to him, bowed and asked 'I defeated you, even though you proved to be a serious challenge. I want to know your name.'

'You have defeated Reptile.' the ninja said and tried to stand up, but could not because of sprained ankle.

CHAPTER 7: ICE AND THUNDER

Having returned from the Pit, everyone was shocked to see Liu Kang so wounded and struggling to move. Raiden smiled. He relished in the thought of killing the kombatant soon. He already knows how he will do it - he will use his powers to reduce him to ash - so that every single human bows to Lord Raiden as they should. He was bored with the tournament - as the god among men, he defeated them without any trouble. Why should he be limited to humans, when he could just depose Shang Tsung himself and make a tournament for gods? For him, the sorcerer was a waste of breath who tries to appeal the thunder god, surely because a god taking part of a tournament raises the prestige of the event.

Kang was angered to hear that he will fight Sub-Zero very soon - this time, it's the first challenger of the seven kombatants, who is not his friend - it's up to debate whether the assassin will honour his part of the agreement and not just slay him. Also, he was a very skilled, adapting fighter - but also he is here clearly for something else rather than victory in the tournament. He decided to go to Johnny, asking whether he could train him further.

'Have you seen Ninja Mime?' asked the actor.

'Does it have anything with fighting? Because if not, then stop'

'Yeah it does. Can you please let me finish? Besides, you should watch it when you come back from the island, maybe show your Shaolin bros'

'Why for? I don't get it. You are already popular in America. You want to export yourself to Chinese Market?'

'Liu-Liu, don't take this as an offence, but you are like a book when you fight. I can read you easily.'

'So what? I have won every fight so far!', Liu Kang now became unreasonably cocky.

'I beat your ass fair and square China Boy', Johnny became irritated by Liu's ignorance, especially because he knew that even if Sub-Zero spares him, Raiden will not. Shang Tsung will not.

'During the sparring. That does not count.'

'Dude you want to win? Then take my advice. In my movie, the titular Ninja Mime was unpredictable - he did what everyone thought he would not do, and presented himself as wacky and goofy, and yet kicked everyone's ass. Why? Because his enemies underestimated him and thought of him as not a threat. Be like water, just like Bruce Lee said. You kinda look like him, you know?'

'But how do I become unpredictable?'

'Be like me.'

The fight between two Chinese men in the palace was a torture to watch for Shang Tsung. Looking at them, both waiting for the other one to do something, was boring. It was tiring. Tedious. Frustrating. They both stood still and have not moved one bit. Then Liu Kang started stepping slowly forward. He also learned about other martial art, called 'the drunken fist', but as he did not want to embarass himself, he started to pretend that his leg is hurting very much and that he is immobile. He put all of his heart in the act - making Sub-Zero believe that he can strike, only to have this round won by Liu, who surprised him by casting a flame from his hands. Next round Sub-Zero got the upper hand by waiting so much time that Liu lost his temper and tried to knockout the assassin. It resulted in round 3 lasting without a single punch for two hours, as both of them knew that patience is the key. They stood still, both with their guard up. The breaking point was when they both fired their orbs, resulting in vapor covering the room. This was when both of them fought fiercely, ultimately leading to Liu Kang's victory. To his surprise, the Lin Kuei assassin got up and bowed to him. Sub-Zero knew that now Shang Tsung now will have to focus on rigging the tournament to eliminate Liu Kang and that gives the Lin Kuei the time and space to do what he was sent here for, as now no one can challenge him to the fight.

Few days later, it was finally announced that Liu Kang will fight the god Raiden. Johnny was very worried about this fight. Even though he believed in his friend, he knew that Raiden is no joking matter - even for someone who laughs about everything. The fight will take place in the Warriors' Shrine - where every kombatant got his statue. In the middle, there was a statue which depicted a giant muscled man with four arms. Liu Kang, having looked at the statue, thought 'I haven't seen him before. That must be the legendary Goro, who defeated Kung Lao. I better be prepared for him.'

Raiden arrived to the fight an hour late - he knew he will not be disqualified as Shang Tsung needs him, so he did not need to bother. Kang bowed before the fight as always to show the respect to the thunder god who will now kombat him - in return, he got none of that respect back. The fight started poorly for Liu Kang - a god in human form who was taller than him by about a feet (around 35cm) wiped the arena with him by just flying and tossing him around. Raiden toyed with him like a sadist who tortures bugs before frying them with sunrays. Round 2 was in favour of Liu, who pretended to be afraid and scared and waited for Raiden to fly to him so he could grab him and use his weight against him, tossing him to these statues. One of these tosses hurt thunder god's back badly - he was now struggling to walk and kick and every punch he threw made him fell pain. Shaolin then ended the round by punching Raiden's chest as hard as he could. Something cracked in Raiden's psyche - during round 3, he started teleporting whenever Liu tried to punch him. Liu Kang decided than to change his tactic, as he is dealing with a god - a cowardly one for sure, but still powerful. He started to stand still, hoping for Raiden to try his flying-yelling gimmick once more so he can throw him to the ground and defeat ultimately. Raiden however, started walking slowly to Shaolin, trying to make advantage of being much taller and having further arm reach. It's now or never - Liu Kang pointed at his chest and asked loudly 'HEY WHAT'S THAT ON YOUR CHEST?!' and when Raiden looked down and leaned forward, he was hit with an uppercut to the jaw - so fast and powerful - that he made few steps back and collapsed. Knowing it's the time, Kang quickly ran and placed his foot on god's throat.

'I told you about the risk of arrogance - I could kill you now just by crushing your throat. Yield.'

'FINISH HIM!!!' Shang Tsung screamed so loudly it pierced everyone's ears. He knew that now even though totally unexpected, this outcome is now even more beneficial. Liu Kang kills Raiden, Shang Tsung steals Raiden's soul and becomes a god. That boy just needs to push his heel further down.

'Yield. SAY IT!!! You challenged me and you lost, I won.'

'I... I y-yield.' exclaimed defeated Raiden. He lost. He has lost. He has lost. He will go mad soon.

'I want you to remember this fight forever. Just so you remember that you are not invincible. That if you ever come back to corrupt this tournament, I WILL beat you into submission again.' After making this threat, Liu took the heel from the throat and bowed respectfully after the fight. Raiden just went up, took his hat and put it back on his head, and flew away, humiliated forever.

'Send me to the Mortal Kombat current champion, Shang Tsung. I defeated all the challengers and by the rules, I DEMAND YOU GIVE ME GORO!' Kang started talking to Tsung with voice full of determination.

'You will not fight him yet. You have a next fight in three days.'

Johnny immediately ran up to his friend and told him 'You are now truly unpredictable warrior, Liu-Liu. You showed that jobber god his place. Though I never thought I would see a god defeated by gimmick I used in 'Ninja Mime', I am talking seriously'.

'I learn from the best' replied the Shaolin and smiled.

Meanwhile Tsung checked the underground of his palace to examine if the surprise he has for the kombatant soon is ready. Looked like it was. He hoped that it will kill him, or at least cripple him. That boy became too dangerous.

The next fight took place in the Kourtyard again, with everyone nervously awaiting that secret kombatant. Everyone was shocked. It was a mirror match, although no one could explain, how is it possible to have two Liu Kangs on the same arena. The original proved better than a copy, which resulted in copy laying on the ground and turning into dust. Who knew if that was the only sorcery made by Shang Tsung? Can he make the clones of other kombatants? Could he make a clone of himself? Now his magic abilities were confirmed, only making him more menacing as both the fighter and schemer. And yet, Liu Kang was not given a fight with Goro yet. He has three other challenges coming up before he has a chance to try to defeat the giant.

CHAPTER 8: RIGGED TOURNAMENT

Next fight was postponed very greatly, although no one knew, why. No one even bother to ask the host of the reason. Meanwhile night before the fight, much more happened. The guards started dropping dead - someone killed them. Whoever did it, made it flawlessly. No footsteps could be found, but the fact alone that someone breached the palace without noticing was very worrying for Shang Tsung. He realised that he is being hunted. By whom exactly? He hoped that it's not Raiden, no matter how delighted he was by seeing him defeated. Maybe these Special Forces came for Sonya? Maybe the Lin Kuei? Their Japanese counterparts? Now not only the lavish luxurious lifestyle was endangered - but the sorcerer's life itself. He has to solve it before something truly terrifying happens.

He runs quickly to the Warrior's Shrine, patiently waiting for his armed men to come. His breath was heave, heart pummeling, skin full of sweat. Then, he felt a chill on his body. To be more exact, all his body was now frozen to the bone. A punch shattered his body and frozen head taken. Sub-Zero now knew he has to run. NOW. He completed his task - he assassinated Shang Tsung, as ordered by one of his wealthy enemies. Now it's time to escape, while he has time. Unfortunately for him, it ran out.

'I have always heard the legends about the assassin cryomancer', said Shang Tsung. He somehow is in a jump distance from Sub-Zero, grinning devilishly as never before. 'I know you are the best of the Lin Kuei - and needless to say, you performed very well, both on the Kourtyard, and now, enacting a flawless assassination. The problem is, I have survived every single one assassination. Had you taken my offer, you would have lived peacefully. Maybe under my heel, but you would be safe under my influence. Now that I know you were sent here to kill me, I hereby end my hospitality I had for you. Shame on you, Sub-Zero.'

After this monologue, Tsung snapped his fingers, ordering Reptile to kill the cryomancer. The fight was now to the death - even though the assassin proved to be a very formidable warrior and fighter, he was bested by sorcerer's bodyguard.

Reptile looked at Tsung, waiting for an order.

'Let him go.' said the old man and again snapped his fingers, making Sub-Zero completely unable to move. He was now stiff like these statues. 'I know Scorpion is somewhere here. He will soon find you, bore you to death with his monologue about vengance and then, finish you for good. Have a nice day.' Shang Tsung laughed loud and left with Reptile. As he said, soon after Scorpion came up to his nemesis, handed to him on a silver platter. He walked around him, thinking of best way to enact revenge. Should he use his spectre powers and burn him? Or maybe he should rip his head with his spine? Or just torture him, mutilating his body? Suddenly, Sub-Zero punched Scorpion and tried to run away, seemingly breaking away from the spell Shang Tsung cast on him. Scorpion though reappeared in front of Sub-Zero.

'To the death.' said calmly cryomancer and reaching for his short dao, he fought to death with his nemesis one last time. Severely wounded after previous fight, he was bested this time and waited for Scorpion to kill him. The spectre took off its mask, now revealing that there was only a skull under. Scorpion exhaled a huge flame at Lin Kuei warrior, burning him to death. His revenge was now complete. Unfortunately for him, he will never rest again.

Liu Kang was shocked to face a duet of Sub-Zero and Scorpion, always having thought of them as mortal enemies. But, as the kombat further proved, they were clones, just like his mirror match was. Next fight, with quasi Sonya-Kano duo only proved that further. The third endurance match was something he feared greatly - he knew that Tsung will pit him against Cage-Raiden clones duo. He didn't know if he will beat them - he knew that no tournament would allow clones, but that is now that psychopath's event - he freely does whatever he wants, playing with other people's lives like they are toys.

When that fight came, it was clear that the host uses psychological wafare against Liu Kang. He brought Sonya Blade, now in chains, looking like she didn't eat for a week. It angered the Shaolin and thought of beating the sorcerer with a stick. The clones came to the palace, much to the Johnny's disappointment that his clone looks so ugly. He hires better body doubles than whatever was now standing in front of Kang. The fight was very tough, even though a cloned Raiden was much weaker than original. Also the cloned Cage did not have not only his charm and looks, but the original had skills and talent that the doppleganger did not. After emerging victorious, Liu Kang just stood and stared at the sorcerer, speaking firmly

'I think Goro is hungry for a fight. Either allow me to fight him or yield the tournament!'

Shang thought carefully before he said anything. His gimmicks were now limited. He lost kombatants, his clones. He has no other choice.

'You will fight Goro. TOMORROW AT THE DAWN!'

The perspective of fighting the Goro himself made Liu Kang very anxious. The Great Kung Lao was bested by him - so why should he, Liu Kang, a 24-year old Shaolin boy be any different? Even though he won every fight in the tournament, he knew that nothing was guaranteed.

Suddenly during the night, both he and Johnny were surrounded by men in dark clothes, who reached for their daggers. Among them, one had red glowing eye - it was Kano.

'Son of a BITCH' whispered Johnny.

'How are you even walking?' asked Liu Kang.

'Well, the Shangy knows somethin' 'bout the Chinese medicine, mate' Kano laughed. 'Allright boys, KILL THEM'

Both Liu and Johnny knew that their best option was to escape, as fighting bare-handed against multiple opponents armed with daggers is going to end in their deaths. By pure luck and clear mind, they escaped, knowing that now they will be searched for. Friends decided to hide and pick the assassins one by one, having no chance in open fight. Liu Kang was barely controlling his anger. By now, he wanted to slit Shang Tsung's throat open, for making this island a living hell, despite how beautiful it was. Torturing Sonya, making up rules just to remain the host, sending clones to fight, it was all disgusting to the Shaolin. They defeated the assassins by surprise, leaving only Kano.

'It's me and you boys', he smiled, as he attacked them both with his knives. They had to be careful - one successful slash could kill them. Kano was also stronger and faster than usually - not only he has his knee miraculously healed, he looks younger than he used to and his muscles are more defined. Now it was Johnny's time to shine - he came up to Kano, and punched his testicles so hard, that Kano collapsed on the ground and couldn't move. Johnny pummelled his face - out of sheer anger that because of this scumbag, Sonya is now tortured in Shang Tsung's palace. That he tried to kill them. He spat at him, as he detested him completely.

CHAPTER 9: THE FINALE

It was the dawn, finally. It angered Tsung to see that Shaolin brat alive - what he didn't know was that Cage went to free Sonya from imprisonment. Even if he knew, he wouldn't bother - he will lose the tournament soon, if Goro fails. Walking with Liu Kang to the Goro's lair, he started talking.

'It will be great honour for you, Liu Kang, to be ripped to pieces by him. He is hungry for you.'

'How could you know?'

'Your Shaolin masters never told you how Goro defeated Kung Lao? Of course they wouldn't tell you, otherwise you would never come here'

'So? How did he die?'

'He tore all his limbs, slowly and ate him alive. Goro told me that Lao cried for mercy and begged to be spared, like a pathetic weakling he was. The legends are not true. Your hero Lao was a weak man, both in heart and the body. You are no match for him'

'You are afraid, Shang Tsung.'

'Of you?'

'Yes. You are afraid that I will win. That sending clones against me was not sufficient and your assassins failed. That no matter who I fought, I won.'

'Nobody who has challenged Goro, has lived after.'

'You are afraid that I will. You cannot hide it.' said Liu Kang, looking Tsung in his eyes. He knew that he has to be sure of himself, if he intends to win.

Finally, he entered the Lair. The sorcerer was right. Many bones were thrown around, although it was not sure if these were kombatants or just Goro liked to eat human meat. Finally, Goro and Liu Kang met. After bowing to Goro with respect, he told him

'Goro, I am here to challenge you in Mortal Kombat. You will be defeated.'

'I am very pleased to hear that.' exclaimed Goro. Even though he was a monster, an ancient human-dragon hybrid, there was something noble and high-class about his manners.

'Before we fight, I want you to ask one thing. You fought with King Lao himself. How did the fight end?' Liu hoped for an honest answer.

'He was a great warrior. He had been fighting fiercely and honorably. Even though I finished him, he looked me in the eye when I snapped his neck. He was brave till the end.'

'Why did you kill him?'

'Shang Tsung asked me to.'

'Five hundred years ago?'

'Exactly.'

It made Liu Kang feel uneasy, fearing that Shang Tsung may end up even harder to beat than Goro. What ultimately matters now, however, is defeating Goro.

'Worry not, Shaolin. I will give you a warrior's death.'

For Liu, it mattered not whether he died or not. If he fails now, he can die anyway. He started casting flames at Goro, which only angered him. Halfdragon tried to stomp him to the ground, without much sucess. Liu knew that fighting Goro in close distance means death - he is even taller than Raiden by a huge margin, he also has four arms, rendering many techniques he learned useless. But then, Shaolin saw the giant jumping. When he landed, the ground trembled and Kang fell on the floor. He was grabbed by the throat and was told 'It is fine. When you die, you will be remembered as the Great Liu Kang, who progressed that far in the tournament.' He interrupted Goro by casting a flame targeting his eyes. Monster screamed in pain, holding his face with one hand, and using three others to hit the man. Liu attacked his knees, knowing that if he manages to do that, then he will make Goro immobile. When one of the knees popped, Liu started casting fireballs at him, hoping to enrage the monster, who is now partially blind and with only one leg working. However, Goro hit him in his head with backhand - Liu is now feeling dizzy, trying to hold himself on both feet. He finally gathers all strength he has and using the Flying Kick, he kicks Goro's jaw. Goro is defeated.

In the same time, Johnny Cage is now the action man - not just playing one of these. After taking away Kano's knives and equipment, he sneaks to the palace and fights off the remaining guards one by one, using his skills from the movie sets. He proves himself capable by his skills in use of naginatas, bows, and arts of distraction. He found her. Releasing her from hostage, he tells her

'Liu Kang is fighting Goro now. If he makes it, then Shang Tsung is defeated for good.'

Sonya has smiled for the first time in many days, as she is tortured in both physical and psychological ways. When freed, she however quickly returns to life and her former self, telling Johnny

'I am not your damsel in danger. We both go and free my men. You up?'

'Hell yeah I am!'

They go to the dungeon in which Sonya's men were held and they both prove themselves to be a really working team, despite looking like from two different worlds. He turned out to be a mature man, who can be serious and practical when the time comes, she on the other hand has a sens of humour, even when they are fighting Tsung's guards.

In the Lair, Tsung is surprised to see Goro laying unconscious on the ground. Liu Kang looks at him with a stare full of passon and desire for that final confrontation.

'Shang Tsung!' Liu yelled. 'I have defeated all your kombatants. You are alone now. No one can fight your fight. Be a man, and face me in Mortal Kombat!'

It was a very dangerous move to make. He was directly after his fight with Goro and was hit in the head - he is certainly not in the best condition to fight him. On the other hand, it's now or never. If he does not fight him now, that coward will certainly make more clones. Send more assassins. Heal Goro and throw him again against him. He can't let that happen.

'You are sure? You cannot win this fight. I have the sould of Great Kung Lao - of all other great fighters and warriors - their souls only make me more powerful. You will become one of them. I will use your soul to kill more Shaolin. It's your last time to yield, boy.'

'I am sure. You enslaved my friend. You sucked the soul of Kung Lao. You tried to kill me in dishonorable ways - only because you are a coward, who is afraid to fight! Why would you need all these souls if you have no bravery of any of them!

When Shang Tsung tried replying, Kang interrupted him, saying 'No more talking. FIGHT!'

'So be it.' replied Tsung and summoned a fire skull, directed at Liu Kang. It was so fast that Shaolin couldn't dodge it - it knocked him on the ground. Sorcerer laughed loudly, although with uncertainity in his voice. 'The supposed champion, who loses to an kind, elderly man? Are you sure you do not want to yield?' Hearing that Liu says something, but very quietly, he decided to approach him, hoping for his opponent to yield, even though on his knees and breathing heavily. Which was a mistake on his part, as young man only faked his condition - he got up on his feet quickly and punched the sorcerer in his face with great force.

'Nice one, child. You are not the only one with tricks though.' said the host, changing his appearance to Scorpion.

'What?!' asked Kang, fearing what his enemy could also do. He became even more determined to defeat him. His hopes of shapeshifting being just the facade have failed - Tsung copied abilities as well, so he constantly teleported as Scorpion, much to Liu's frustraton. He didn't fight Scorpion in this tournament, so he cannot use tactics from the fight. He has seen how Sub-Zero defeated Scorpion however, so he stood and patiently waited for that cowardly sorcerer to finally attack. When there was an occasion, he kicked Tsung in his stomach with full force. That unfortunately, didn't make him lay on the ground. He changed his form to Raiden, hoping that if he uses his quasi powers, then he will toss Kang to the ground and kill him. That also failed, with Shang changing his form to other kombatants, sometimes in the middle of the blow. Managing to strike the Shaolin's prodigy a copule of times, he changed into his basic form and started summoning fire skull one after another, so Liu gets killed by them. However now with Kang knowing of these skulls, he actually managed to dodge them.

'You see, you can't win! Surrender and I will spare you, boy!'

'You are sweating.' calmly replied Liu Kang, throwing the sorcerer off the balance. He knew he can win. He knew that he must win.

Then, Tsung changed his form into Goro. Liu hoped that it was the best he could do and not turn into some demon form.

After a long fight with gimmick using Shang Tsung, they both realised that this is the end and one of them ends up defeated. The host changed his form from one to another, but he could not decide which should he use. Liu Kang however decided that it's now or never - and by the Flying Kick he knocked Tsung on the ground, barely conscious.

'SAY IT! YIELD!' yelled at the defeated.

Victor noticed that sorcerer's body is convulting and shaking - at first he thought that he damaged his brain, but then he realised that the trapped souls escape the body - among them, the one of Kung Lao. The ancient warrior manifested himself in a form visible to Kang and saying not one word, he bowed to him, and spread into air.

Liu Kang then found Johnny and Sonya, who managed to apprehend Kano and contact with a ship near the island - the trio was finally saved, and the tournament returned to the Shaolin. Shang Tsung died of old age - as he lived more than five hundred years, these souls were his life support. Raiden was not seen around mortals ever again, and there were rumours about Scorpion being seen in Japan. Kano ended up in max security prison. Sub-Zero's loss was mourned among other Lin Kuei assassins, who pledged to hunt down Scorpion and avenge their brother. Sonya was promoted in the army. Johnny Cage has made a movie 'Mortal Kombat', with many successful sequels. Liu Kang studied the previous Mortal Kombat tournaments, restoring pride and honour they had once.

THE END

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redrikki · 6 months ago

Text

2024 Pride Month Masterpost

I've written a bunch of queer stories in a bunch of fandoms. Enjoy!

Agent Carter

Because Girls Love Girls (The Soulmate City Remix) - There’s something in the water and the next thing Angie knows, she’s waking up with the name Margaret Carter wrapped around her wrist. (Angie Martinelli/Peggy Carter)

One Last Kiss (The Final Storm Remix) - You never forget your first kiss with your nemesis. Dottie won’t forget her last either. At Howard Stark’s funeral, she puts a few things in the ground. (Peggy Carter/Dottie Underwood)

Avatar: Legend of Korra

Girl, Gotten (The Heroine After Remix) - As long as Asami’s the hero, Korra’s okay being the love interest. (Korra/Asami Sato)

Leaves on the Wind - Korra, Asami, and the next Avatar (past Korra/Asami Sato)

Ten-Thousand Words (Which Once See the Light of Day) - A series of short stories about the ladies of Legend of Korra. (bisexual Asami Sato/Mako, various het pairings)

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Playing with Fire (The Dubiously Consensual Remix) - People didn’t tell Azula no. (Azula/Ty Lee)

Battlestar Galactica

Persephone on New Caprica - It’s winter on New Caprica and they’re all Persephone here. A collection of short stories. (bisexual Felix Gaeta/Eight, various het pairings) Trigger warning: non-con/dub con

Batwoman (TV)

Trapped in the Closet - Kate was never afraid to come out to her father, but she is now. Episode tag to the season 1 finale. (lesbian Kate Kane)

Pride - A small army of Batwomen marched at Pride. Ryan should be marching with them. (lesbian Ryan Wilder)

Black Lightning (TV)

Comic Book Life - Comic book Thunder’s boyfriend knew what his woman did, so why couldn’t Anissa tell her girlfriend? (Anissa Pierce/Grace Choi)

Truth Will Out - Anissa’s in the closet about her superhero life. Three times she thought about telling Grace and one time she actually did. (Anissa Pierce/Grace Choi)

Maybe Baby - “Ever think about what kind of power’s you and Grace’s kids would have?“ Jen asked, raising possibilities Anissa had never considered before. (Anissa Pierce/Grace Choi, Jennifer Pierce)

Sleeping Beauty - Grace had been in coma for over a month now, but Anissa still couldn’t help thinking each visit that this would be the one where she woke up. Maybe today it would be. (Anissa Pierce/Grace Choi)

Cat Lover - When your wife was a deadly jungle cat, it paid to be cautious but Anissa meant to get eaten. (Anissa Pierce/Grace Choi)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Short and to the Mr. Pointy - Collection of drabbles set across all 7 seasons. (Willow Rosenberg/Tara McClay, Willow Rosenberg/Kennedy, Willow Rosenberg/Oz, Larry/Xander Harris, various het pairings)

Cobra Kai

Make a Wish - Tommy has a different confession in episode 2.06 "Take a Right." (Tommy/Johnny Lawrence)

Queer Eye for the Karate Guy - “Our hero this week is Sensei Johnny Lawrence,” Karamo read off the pad. “He’s a 53-year-old, 6-foot-tall master of karaté.” Queer Eye/Cobra Kai crossover. (Queer Eye cast)

DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (TV)

The Beast You Made of Me - The Waverider’s resident shapeshifters compare notes. (Mona Wu, Genderfluid Charile)

Neither Should You (The Real People Remix) - Rescuing her clones was the right thing to do. They deserved the right to live their lives and make their own choices. Ava just wished they’d stop sleeping with Gary. (Ava Sharpe/Sara Lance, Ava Clones/Gary Green, implied Gary Green/John Constantine)

Army of One - Sara Lance was dead. Sara Lance was a clone. Sara Lance was going to need a minute to process. Tag to "Bishop's Gambit," episode 6.06. (bisexual Sara Lance)

Downton Abbey

The Hedgehog’s Dilemma - Thomas Barrow’s daemon is a hedgehog. Five warnings, four relationships, and one revelation. (Thomas Barrow/Duke of Crowborrough, Thomas Barrow/Edward Courtney, Thomas Barrow/Jimmy Kent)

Snakes and Lions - Hogwarts AU. In Thomas, Jimmy finds that courage isn’t exclusive to Gryffindors. Now if only he could find some himself. (Thomas Barrow/Jimmy Kent)

Genius Loci - Downton Abbey consumes people and it won’t let Thomas go. (gay Thomas Barrow) Trigger warning: referenced canon suicide attempt

When the Wolf Comes Home - Buggery is legal in the army, required even, for wolf-brothers. Bates, Lord Grantham, and their wolves have a certain history. Thomas can't help thinking about it. Fusion with A Companion to Wolves by Sarah Monette and Elizabeth Bear. (Thomas Barrow, past Robert Crawley/John Bates)

Kipo and the Age of Wonerbeasts

Dream Girls - On the surface, Mulholland had given Wolf everything she had thought she wanted: her and Kipo, the two of them buff and tough and together. Her guilt had kept her from really enjoying it, but it hadn’t been why she fought back. (Wolf/Kipo)

The Hero Was You - Benson likes Troy and Troy likes Benson. Great! Now all Benson has to do is figure out what to do about it. (Benson/Troy)

A Post Post-Apocalyptic Romance - It was kind of wild when he thought about it. Benson and Troy had fallen for each other super fast, but, between the rescue and the other rescue and all the running around with HMUFA, they’d never really gotten to know each other. Luckily, without Scarlemagne and Dr. Emilia trying to capture and/or kill them, they finally had the time to get to know each other as Benson introduced Troy to the city. (Benson/Troy)

Miraculous Ladybug

Better Than Ice Cream - Orange, mint, and raspberry could be a tasty combination. The solution to every love triangle should be polyamory, but sometimes it’s just not that simple. Spoilers for Love-Eater. (Marinette Dupain-Cheng/Adrien Agreste/Kagami Tsurugi)

The Old Guard

Take What the Water Gave Me - Quynh drowns and wakes and in between are Booker and Andromache. She would take his life if she could. So she does. (Quynh/Andy)

Orphan Black

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Girl - There’s something magical about Uncle Felix’s flat. Maybe it’s all the art. (Kira Manning, gay Felix Dawkins, lesbian Cosima Niehaus)

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

She-Ra (Modesty) Shorts - Three very short Catra/Adora stories. (Catra/Adora)

Parting Strands - Looking out for each other had been their thing, but Adora’s starting to suspect that’s over. Her thoughts during that scene in "Promise.” (Catra/Adora)

Sick Leave - Back when they were kids in the Horde, they used to hide when they got sick. It’s a hard habit to break, but things are different now and Catra really should be in bed. (Catra/Adora)

Another First Kiss - Five times Catra thought about kissing Adora and one time Adora kissed her. (Catra/Adora)

Spider-man (Ultimates verse)

Queen of Lower Chelsea - Jessica Drew may not be a real girl, but she’s trying to build a real life. (gender-queer Jessica Drew)

Fingertips That Might Ignite - Peter is straight like a straight thing. Jessica isn’t sure what she is. (Jessica Drew/Johnny Storm, Jessica Drew/OFC)

We Were Orphans Before - The first time Jessica ran into Peter after the Wave she grabbed him into a hug. (gender-queer Jessica Drew, Peter Parker)

Gonna Share My Tin Man Heart - Kitty moves in and Kitty moves out. Jessica falls in love somewhere along the way. (Jessica Drew/Kitty Pride)

Star Wars

For Amidala - Her handmaidens had all poured so much of themselves into Amidala, it was like they were part of her now. Padmé didn’t know if she had the strength to let one go. (Padmé/Her Handmaidens)

Dateline Felucia - Embedded with the troops on Felucia, a reporter from HoloNet News paints an intimate portrait of the men of the 212th Attack Battalion. (Obi-Wan/Cody, Waxer/Boil)

Tag - Sabine and Ketsu, bounty hunters extraordinaire, argue about how to sign their work. (Sabine Wren/Ketsu Onyo)

When I Was Your Age - Kanan, Ezra, and the fruits of a misspent youth. (Pansexual Kanan Jarrus)

Stranger Things

Date Night - Everyone and her mother seems to think they’re together and Robin’s getting pretty sick of it. (lesbian Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington)

Umbrella Academy (TV)

Iconic - When Vanya learns Klaus is gay from a magazine, she’s angry for more than just one reason. (queer Vanya & Klaus Hargreeves)

White Collar

Eyes on the Target (The Solid Ground Remix) - Peter asked Diana to keep an eye on Neal for him while he’s stuck in jail. It could be going better. (lesbian Diana Barrigan, Neal Caffrey)

#my fic #pride month #pride 2024 #pride month master post

2 notes · View notes

1morey · 2 years ago

Text

Every known Rainbow operator past and present (and NIGHTHAVEN operators)

GIS

Adriano “Maestro” Martello (2018-Present)

Antonio Maldini (1999-2012)

Aria “Alibi” de Luca (2018-Present)

GIGN

Alain DuBarry (1999-2012)

Emmanuelle “Twitch” Pichon (2015-Present)

Gilles “Montagne” Touré (2015-Present)

Gustav “Doc” Kateb (2015-Present)

Julian “Rook” Nizan (2015-Present)

Olivier “Lion” Flament (2018-Present)

1º Batalhão de Forças Especiais

Alejandro Noronha (1999-2012)

Spetzgruppa “A”

Aleksandr “Tachanka” Senaviev (2015-Present)

Genedy Filatov (1999-2012)

Lera “Finka” Melnikova (2018-2022 (defected to NIGHTHAVEN), rejoined in or before 2025)

Maxim “Kapkan” Basuda (2015-Present)

Shuhrat “Fuze” Kessikbayev (2015-Present)

Timur “Glaz” Glazkov (2015-Present)

AFEAU

Ana “Solis” Valentina Díaz (2022-Present)

Special Air Service

Andrew Burke (1999-2012)

Eddie Price (1999-2012)

Geoff Bates (1999-2012)

James “Smoke” Porter (2015-2022) (Defected to NIGHTHAVEN)

Mark R. “Mute” Chandar (2015-Present)

Michael Walter (2008-2012)

Mike “Thatcher” Baker (2015-Present)

Paddy Connelly (1999-2012)

Peter Covington (1999-2012)

Scotty McTyler (1999-2012)

Seamus “Sledge” Cowden (2015-Present)

Steve Lincoln (1999-2012)

National Task Force

Annika Lofquist (1999-2012) (Under ONI)

NIGHTHAVEN

Anja Katarina “Osa” Janković (2021-2022)

Apha “Aruni” Tawanroong (2020-2022)

Charlie Tho Keng “Grim” Boon (2022-Present) (NIGHTHAVEN only)

Håvard “Ace” Haugland (2020-2022)

Jaimini Kalimohan “Kali” Shah (2019-2022)

Ngũgĩ Muchoki “Wamai” Furaha (2019-Present)

Belarusian Ground Forces

Arkadi Novikov (2001-2012)

Mossad

Ayana Yacoby (1999-2012)

David Peled (1999-2012)

Sharon Judd (2010-2012)

APCA

Azucena Rocío “Amaru” Quispe (2019-Present)

United States Army Rangers

“Bishop” (Unknown-2012)

United States Navy SEALs

Brian Armstrong (Unknown-2012)

Craig “Blackbeard” Jensen (2016-Present)

Meghan J. “Valkyrie” Castellano (2016-Present)

Miguel “Mike” Chin (1999-2012)

Garda Emergency Response Unit

Brianna “Thorn” Skehan (2021-Present)

FES

César Ruiz “Goyo” Hernández (2019-Present)

707th Special Mission Group

Choi Byoung-Ryang (2003-2012)

Choi Jae-Hoon (2003-2012)

Choi Youn-Suk (2003-2012)

Chul “Vigil” Kyung Hwa (2017-Present)

Grace “Dokkaebi” Nam (2017-Present)

Hong Min-Hyun (2003-2012)

Jung Park (2009-2012)

Jung Sang-Yub (2003-2012)

Kim Jae-Ho (2003-2012)

Kim Sung-Gun (2003-2012)

Kim Yu-Jin (2003-2012)

Lee Won-Ho (2003-2012)

Lee Youn-Jung (2003-2012)

Pak Suo-Won (2001-2012)

Seo Young-Lan (2003-2012)

United States Secret Service

Collinn “Warden” McKinley (2019-Present)

FBI Hostage Rescue Team

Daniel Bogart (1999-2012)

United States Marine Corps

Daniel "Bear" Malloy (1999-2012)

GSG 9

Dieter Weber (2001-2012)

Dominic “Bandit” Brunsmeier (2015-Present)

Elias “Blitz” Kötz (2015-Present)

Jorg Walther (1999-2012)

Marius “Jäger” Streicher (2015-Present)

Monika “IQ” Weiss (2015-2022) (Defected to NIGHTHAVEN)

CIA

Domingo “Ding” Chavez (1999-2012)

John Clark (1999-2000 (as operator))

Beredskapstroppen

Einar Petersen (2001-2012)

GEO

Elena María “Mira” Álvarez (2017-Present)

Ryad Ramírez “Jackal” Al-Hassar (2017-Present)

FBI SWAT

Eliza “Ash” Cohen (2015-Present)

Jack “Pulse” Estrada (2015-2022) (Defected to NIGHTHAVEN)

Jordan “Thermite” Trace (2015-Present)

Miles “Castle” Campbell (2015-Present)

JW GROM

Elżbieta "Ela" Bosak (2017-2022) (Defected to NIGHTHAVEN)

Kazimiera Rakuzanka (1999-2012)

Zofia Bosak (2017-Present)

Delta Force

Erik “Maverick” Thorn (2018-Present)

George Tomlison (1999-2012)

Hank Patterson (1999-2012)

Homer Johnston (1999-2012)

Julio “Oso” Vega (1999-2012)

Logan Keller (2005-2012)

Mike Pierce (1999-2012)

Renee Raymond (1999-2012)

United States Army

Fred “Freddy” Franklin (1999-2012)

Mortimer “Sam” Houston (1999-2012)

Royal New Zealand Air Force

Gary Kenyon (2010-2012)

BATF International Response Team

Gerald Morris (1999-2012)

1st Special Operations Wing

Harrison (1999-2012)

Royal Air Force

Jack Nance (1999-2012)

GSIGR

Jalal “Kaid” El Fassi (2018-Present)

Sanaa “Nomad” El Maktoub (2018-Present)

Unit 777

Jamal Murad (2001-2012)

CSIS

Joanna Torres (2010-2012)

Jaeger Corps

Karina “Nøkk” Gaarddhøje (2019-Present)

EKO Cobra

Karl Haider (1999-2012) (under GEK Cobra)

MI5

Kevin Sweeney (1999-2012)

ELDYK

Kure Galanos (2001-2012)

Pyrotechno GmbH

Lars Breckenbauer (1999-2012)

Special Duties Unit

Liu “Lesion” Tze Long (2017-Present)

Siu “Ying” Mei Ling (2017-Present)

DGSE

Louis Loiselle (2001-2012)

Special Assault Team

Masaru “Echo” Enatsu (2016-Present)

Yumiko “Hibana” Imagawa (2016-Present)

STAR-NET Aviation

Mina “Thunderbird” Sky (2021-Present)

Metropolitan Police Service

Morowa “Clash” Evans (2018-Present)

COT

Nayara “Brava” Cardoso (2023-Present)

REU

Neinke Meijer (2020-Present)

Special Forces Group (Belgium)

Néon “Sens” Ngoma Mutombo (2022-Present)

Joint Task Force 2

Roger McAllen (1999-2012)

Sébastien “Buck” Côté (2016-Present)

Tina “Frost” Lin Tsang (2016-Present)

NSA

Sam Bennett (1999-2012)

Fourth Echelon

Samuel Leo “Sam” Fisher (2020-Present)

UEI

Santiago Arnavisca (1999-2012)

40 Commando

Shawn Rivers (2010) (KIA)

BOPE

Taina “Caveira” Pereira (2016-Present)

Vicente “Capitão” Souza (2016-Present)

Inkaba Task Force

Thandiwe “Melusi” Ndlovu (2020-Present)

FBI

Tim Noonan (1999-2012)

Paul Bellow (1999-2012)

SASR

Max “Mozzie” Goose (2019-Present)

Timothy Hanley (1999-2012)

Tori Tallyo “Gridlock” Fairous (2019-Present)

LAPD SWAT

Tracy Woo (1999-2012)

MI6

William “Billy” Tawney (1999-2012)

Unaffiliated

Kana “Azami” Fujiwara (2022-Present)

Saif “Oryx” Al Hadid (2020-Present)

Santiago Miguel “Flores” Lucero (2021-Present)

Unspecified

Brody Lukin (2010-2012)

“Deimos” (Unknown-On or Before 2012)

Emilio Narino (2001-2012)

Gabriel Nowak (2005-2010) (Defected/KIA)

Harry (1999-2012)

Kan Akahashi (2010) (KIA)

Monroe (2005) (KIA)

Directors

John Clark (1999-2010)

Domingo “Ding” Chavez (2010-2012)

Aurelia Arnot (2015-2019)

Harishva “Harry” Pandey (2019-2023) (KIA)

Unknown (2023-)

#tom clancy #tom clancy's rainbow six #rainbow six siege #r6s #rainbow six

32 notes · View notes

tukang-translate · 7 months ago

Text

TCF Buku 2 Chapter 250

[Itu benar, setelah kamu mengatakan seperti itu berakhir kamu muntah darah atau pingsan!]

Selanjutnya, FOD AP menanggapi kata-kata Super Rock, tapi Cale sekali lagi mengabaikannya. Sebaliknya, dia memikirkan situasi di mana saat dia menggunakan kekuatannya.

‘Saat kami bertarung hebat di Xiaolen… Aku pergi ke garis depan beberapa kali. Dan di Central Plains-’

‘Itu adalah pertarungan...’

Namun, Cale mampu menyadari di mana kekuatannya lebih terfokus.

‘Mana Mati!’

Sejauh ini yang menjadi fokus Cale selama bertarung di Central Plains dan Xiaolen adalah memurnikan atau memblokir mana mati. Dan ketika dia mengerahkan upaya terbesar dia….

‘Tsunami yang mencoba menyerang Hainan….’

Akibat usaha naga keluarga Purple Blood, setelah menekan Blood Demon, tsunami besar melanda Blood Cultist dan seluruh pulau. Lalu saat memblokirnya, Cale harus menggunakan kekuatan yang sangat besar.

Tentu saja berkat itu, dia bisa mendapatkan bibit World Tree untuk Apitoyu.

‘… Artinya sekarang aku belum benar-benar bertarung dengan sudut yang tepat, kan?”

Dimulai melawan White Star, sepertinya terjadi banyak hal terjadi sampai dia berada di garda depan.

Selama ini, meskipun dia hanya berada di belakang atau di garis depan, anehnya dia pasti pingsan atau muntah darah dari pertempuran.

[Ha ha ha ha ha!]

Namun saat ini, Cale berjalan sambil mendengarkan suara tawa murni Water AP.

Sisko.

Seseorang diyakini menempati posisi tengah di antara 10 dewa naga.

Naga dengan Atribut Pertarungan dan pengalaman bertarung paling banyak di antara naga yang dikenal. Oleh karena itu, Cale menjadikan Sisko sebagai acuannya.

‘Karena menurut info naga di dunia ini lebih kuat dari naga biasa.’

Saat melawan Kendall, naga terakhir dari 10 naga, Rasheel mengalami luka parah.

Meski sejauh ini Cale sudah beberapa kali melihat pertarungan dengan Rasheel, ini pertama kalinya Cale melihatnya terluka seperti itu.

Walau pada akhirnya dia menang.

‘Tetapi kemenangan itu meninggalkan luka yang dalam.’

Bagaimana Cale yang menyukai pertarungan hebat, terpikir olehnya bahwa akan sulit melawan Hunter Blood Apitoyu ataupun Purple Blood.

‘Hmm’

Tiba-tiba, wajah ketua tim Sui Khan dan Choi Jeongsoo muncul di benak dia.

‘Ck.’

Dia mendecakkan lidahnya dalam hati.

Sejauh ini, kedua orang tersebut belum pernah tampil menonjol di Apitoyu.

Ada juga hal seperti itu karena mereka mengurus hal-hal kecil.

‘Wanderer. Dan dewa perang. Mereka menjadi sibuk ketika kedua makhluk itu keluar.’

Dan dia akan menjadi lebih sibuk di masa depan.

Karena hanya merekalah yang bisa mengetahui tentang Dewa Kematian dan situasi di Alam Dewa.

“Ugh-”

Cale berhenti berjalan. Dan kemudian dia melihat ke bawah.

Bang!

bang!

Delapan ular putih dan rantai putih terjun langsung ke taringnya dan menggali dalam-dalam.

Krrtttt!

Dengan Naga Sisko yang kondisinya terikat.

“Uh!”

Tubuhnya jatuh ke lantai.

Tepatnya, dia terjebak.

Sshhaaa---

Rantai lembut mengikat anggota tubuhnya dan menyeretnya ke tanah, mengubur sebagian besar tubuhnya. Cale melihat ke bawah ke tempat kejadian.

Tapi Sisko tidak memperhatikan hal ini.

Dia tidak punya semangat untuk melakukan itu.

Crumble--

Kekuatannya belum berkurang.

Dia masih memiliki kekuatan.

Tapi sulit untuk bernapas.

Rantai yang merobek dan menyerbu wilayahnya tidak putus tidak peduli seberapa keras dia meninju dan mencoba memutuskannya.

‘Ini-’

Itu seperti kekuatan air yang ‘dia’ gunakan.

Orang yang menciptakan tsunami yang lebih hebat dari alam!

Naga yang sekarang menguasai lautan!

Dewa penjaga laut yang memerintah laut tempat paus menghilang.

Dragon Lord.

Jika dia adalah makhluk tertinggi di antara Sepuluh Dewa Naga, tiga dari Sepuluh Dewa Naga bisa dikatakan sebagai penguasa berikutnya setelah Raja Naga.

Satu untuk laut, satu untuk darat, dan satu lagi untuk-

Sisko merasakan kesejukan sesaat dan mengangkat kepalanya.

Dia melihat rantai besar datang ke arah dia.

Seolah berhenti memikirkan hal-hal yang tidak berguna. Rantai kedelapan mendekatinya perlahan dan akhirnya.

"Brengsek!"

Sisko memutar seluruh tubuhnya dan menggunakan seluruh kekuatan yang dimilikinya. Rantai mengalir tanpa meninggalkan seinchi pun.

Namun wilayahnya tidak berkembang.

Sebaliknya, wilayahnya menjadi lebih sempit.

Grumble-

Sebaliknya, ia menjadi kental dan terkompresi.

Cukup untuk menutupi permukaan kulitnya.

Grumble--

“Heok.”

Sisko akhirnya bisa bernapas sedikit lebih mudah.

Dan,

Ttrr-

Rantai di kulitnya sedikit melemah.

"Lakukan!"

Kalau terus begini, ada kemungkinan!

‘Saat ini, larilah!’

Lari di luar jangkauan orang bernama Cale itu.

Melarikan diri. Meskipun itu adalah kata yang tidak sesuai dengan Atributnya, Sisko tidak ragu-ragu.

Karena,

‘Melarikan diri itu wajar.’

Alasan dia bisa bertahan selama masa perjuangannya adalah karena dia pandai melarikan diri.

Itu sebabnya dia berbeda dari Kendall.

Perjuangan dan kemenangan itu berbeda.

Tentu saja, setelah Masa Kekacauan itu, tidak banyak yang bisa kita hindari.

Tidak, tidak ada sama sekali.

Karena tidak ada orang yang bisa membuatnya bergairah seperti itu.

10 dewa naga. Mereka tidak bisa saling membunuh.

Itu adalah peraturan yang ditetapkan oleh Raja Naga.

Selain itu, tidak ada orang yang cukup kuat untuk membuat mereka melarikan diri. Mereka ada di sana tetapi dia tidak bisa melihatnya. Semua Dewa naga itu bersembunyi.

Jadi untuk pertama kalinya setelah sekian lama, dia berpikir untuk melarikan diri.

Pada saat itu.

“Haruskah aku berbuat lebih banyak lagi?”

Dia mendengar kata-kata dengan nada datar.

Dan,

Ssrrttt-

Kekuatan rantainya menjadi lebih kuat.

Sisko, yang terjepit di tanah, mengayunkan tangannya sekuat tenaga ke arah rantai yang datang ke arahnya.

kwaaaang!

Suara keras terdengar.

Bang, bum, bum!

Suara keras yang terdengar silih berganti tanpa henti.

Tapi wajah Sisko menjadi berubah.

"brengsek!"

Brengsek!

Tidak peduli seberapa banyak dia menyerang tanpa henti-

‘Kamu masih baik-baik saja!’

Rantai itu lebih kuat dari sebelumnya.

Tanpa disadari, Sisko melihat ke arah dimana suara itu terdengar beberapa saat yang lalu.

Cale.

Seorang manusia menatap dia.

Mata itu menatap datar. Tapi dia sudah terbiasa.

"ah.’

Sisko tahu apa arti mata itu.

Saat mengevaluasi kekuatan orang lain,

Itu mirip dengan matanya sendiri saat itu.

‘TIDAK.’

Mungkin tampilannya semakin dingin...

Berkat itu, dia menyadarinya.

‘Orang itu terlalu santai saat ini.’

Dengan kata lain, ini bukanlah kekuatan penuhnya.

Dia masih punya lebih banyak waktu luang.

‘Masih banyak!’

Energi yang sangat besar terpancar darinya. Dia belum melihat Atribut sebenarnya dari kekuatan dia yang melanggar batas wilayah tersebut. Jika dia menuangkan energi sebanyak itu ke dalam serangan sungguhan~

‘Aku sekarat.’

Tidak, mungkin itu melampaui kematian Sisko sendiri-

‘...Mungkin saja untuk melawan Raja Naga-’

Manusia itu mungkin layak berada di medan perang melawan Raja Naga, makhluk yang berada di atas Dewa.

Dia melakukan kontak mata dengan Cale.

"Oh."

Cale berseru kagum.

“Kamu memiliki mata yang bagus.”

Ada pandangan aneh di matanya.

Meskipun dia adalah musuh, Dragon Sisko dengan jelas menyadari bahwa dia pasti kalah sekarang. Meski begitu, tidak ada keraguan di mata itu.

Sorot mata seseorang yang tidak pingsan meski situasinya dikalahkan.

Dan setelah mendengar perkataan Cale, berbagai ekspresi muncul di wajahnya.

Kemarahan, kesia-siaan, kekaguman, keputusasaan,

Berbagai macam emosi berlalu hingga dia mengira itu adalah wajah acuh tak acuh, namun pada akhirnya, hanya satu yang tersisa.

kecemburuan.

Sisko membuka mulutnya sementara seluruh tubuhnya diikat karena cemburu.

"itu menjengkelkan."

Seharusnya seperti itu.

Dia tidak bisa lagi melihat Cale.

Sebuah rantai besar datang ke arah dia...

Akhirnya, rantai yang mendekat secara perlahan bergerak sangat cepat.

bang!

Dan kemudian dia memukul bagian belakang kepalanya.

“Uh!”

Begitu saja, dia kehilangan kesadarannya.

Sebenarnya, dia tidak sepadan dengan levelnya.

Bam!

Pukulannya sangat keras hingga kepalanya menyentuh tanah.

Sedemikian rupa sehingga tersangkut di tanah yang membeku.

Tanah di sekitarnya bergetar.

"Hmm.

Cale menelan air liurnya.

‘Aku hanya berniat membuatnya berlutut.’

[Kepala naga itu sepertinya terbuat dari batu? Aku pikir kepalanya akan pecah, mengingat kamu memukulnya seperti itu, tetapi yang terjadi dia hanya pingsan]

Cale berpikir sambil mendengarkan suara Water AP.

“Aku kira aku benar-benar lebih kuat dari yang aku kira?”

Akibatnya, dia salah mengendalikan kekuatannya dan membanting kepala dan tubuh Sisko ke tanah. Cale menatap Sisko dan menggaruk pipinya, merasa gugup karena suatu alasan.

Sebelum dia menyadarinya, delapan rantai besar telah menghilang saat menembus tanah.

Akibatnya tanah menjadi basah hingga berubah menjadi lumpur seperti rawa, dan Sisko masih terkubur di dalamnya.

"Ha."

Archie, suku paus, yang melihat ini dari jauh, menghela nafas.

Bukan itu saja. Setiap orang yang melihat adegan yang diciptakan Cale tidak bisa menyembunyikan ekspresi bingung mereka. Khususnya, personel tempur yang menunggu di dekat penghalang es merasakannya juga.

‘….Komandan kamilah yang mengalahkan White Star dan menghentikan kedatangan Dewa.’

Archie teringat prestasi Cale yang sempat dia lupakan, atau lebih tepatnya, sudah lama tidak terpikirkan karena terlalu sibuk.

"Hehe."

Archie kaget dan menoleh, lalu matanya membelalak.

Cloppeh Sekka. Orang gila ini sedang tersenyum. Memegang perangkat komunikasi video di kedua tangan.

(tl/n : Definisi sasaeng yang sesungguhnya T.T)

Archie, yang mencoba mengatakan sesuatu tentang ini, menyerah begitu saja.

“Kalian semua gila.”

Archie, yang akan keluar berperang karena tuannya Witira terlihat marah, tidak jadi melanjutkan misinya, berakhir dia hanya berdiri diam menyaksikan Cale menghancurkan musuh dan, khususnya, melemparkan naga itu ke tanah.

Bukankah mereka harus menangkap semuanya, apa pun yang terjadi?

Saat itulah pemikiran seperti itu muncul di benak Archie.

Kwaaaaa----

Raungan lain terdengar.

Tatapan Archie beralih dari Cale.

Dia menuju sedikit lebih dekat.

Dimana salju dan debu bercampur dan terjadi ledakan.

‘Di sana!’

Tempat dimana sekutu dan musuh, kecuali Cale, bercampur menjadi satu. Ini adalah tempat dimana naga kuno dan Mixed Blood Dragon bertarung beberapa saat yang lalu.

Flap flap.

Sesuatu yang sangat besar membelah awan debu.

-Manusia!

Cale juga menonton ini.

“…Apa?"

Dia membuka mulutnya dengan hampa, mengucapkan kata-kata tanpa menyadarinya.

Bum bum.

Sesuatu yang besar menembus debu dan salju dan membubung ke langit. Ya, itu-

Itu seekor naga.

Dan Cale belum pernah melihat naga sebesar itu seumur hidupnya.

Naga kuno Eruhaben juga lebih kecil dari naga itu.

Naga merah marun itu sangat cepat untuk ukurannya. Namun, naga raksasa itu mengalami memar hitam di sekitar matanya.

Melihat Naga yang Humanoid telah menjadi Naga asli, Cale merasa seperti mengetahui keberadaan naga itu.

“Naga itu-”

Bukan, naga itu Mixed Blood Dragon.

“uskup ke-3?”

Saat Cale bertanya-tanya, suara Raon terdengar.

-Manusia. Manusia!

Raon berkata sambil mendekat.

-Mixed Blood Dragon itu tiba-tiba berpolimorf!

Cale belum pernah melihat Mixed Blood Dragon berubah menjadi naga sebelumnya.

Kalau dipikir-pikir lagi, Mixed Blood Dragon dari Black Castle juga berbentuk humanoid sebelum mengambil tubuh naga aslinya.

-Manusia! Kakek Goldie mengatakan ini!

Suara Raon diikuti oleh suara naga kuno.

-Seharusnya Mixed Blood Dragon tidak bisa menjadi Naga murni sebesar itu! Dan itu juga dalam bentuk naga utuh! Begitu katanya!

-Cale, Mixed Blood Dragon itu agak tidak biasa. Meski tidak memiliki atribut khusus, namun tubuhnya telah tumbuh lebih besar dari Naga asli.

Saat Cale menyadari hal ini.

"Hmm?"

Manusia itu melakukan kontak mata dengan bajingan itu.

Apakah ini ilusi?

-Manusia! Aku datang!

“Ini…”

Tapi itu bukanlah ilusi.

Mixed Blood Dragon, yang memiliki tubuh besar bahkan ketika masih manusia, yang sekarang berubah menjadi naga dengan tubuh besar yang belum pernah kulihat sebelumnya dan terbang menuju Cale.

Shhaaaa---

Angin bertiup melalui sayapnya.

Karena ukurannya yang sangat besar, ia dengan cepat mencapai Cale.

Dan membuka mulutnya.

Melihat Cale dengan tepat.

-Cale.

Suara naga kuno terdengar.

-Itu nafas. Karena dia memiliki tubuh yang lebih besar dari Naga asli, dia harusnya tahu cara menggunakan nafasnya.

“ah.”

Meskipun Cale tidak memiliki Atribut, dia menyadari mengapa Mixed Blood Dragon itu kuat.

Napas.

Salah satu serangan terbaik yang bisa digunakan naga.

-Aku yakin dia mencoba menyelamatkan naga yang kamu tangkap. Itu akan menjadi rencana untuk melarikan diri bersama naga itu saat dia menyerangmu.

Paaaats!

Cahaya terang muncul di sebelah Cale.

“Aku akan menghentikannya.”

Naga kuno itu tiba dalam sekejap.

Dan ada lampu platinum di sekelilingnya.

“Manusia, aku juga melakukannya!”

Raon, yang menjadi tidak terlihat, juga mendekat dengan semburan mana hitam.

Naga-naga muda dan gemuk sedang terburu-buru.

"Hmm."

Tapi ada sesuatu yang halus pada ekspresi Cale.

Ketika Eruhaben ragu-ragu,

“...Kenapa kamu terlihat seperti itu?”

Cale membuka mulutnya dengan ekspresi kebingungan.

“Apakah kamu yakin ingin menggunakan nafas?”

Dia sedang melihat wajah Mixed Blood Dragon. Naga besar itu terbang menuju Cale dengan mulut terbuka. Namun, sepertinya dia tidak mencoba menggunakan nafasnya.

Mulutnya yang terbuka.

“Kaaaa!”

Jeritan terdengar dari sana. Dan kemudian, mulut Raon terbuka.

"Hah?"

Naga muda itu memiringkan kepalanya. Dan saat itulah naga kuno itu berhenti.

Bam!

Seekor naga besar dengan cepat turun di depan Cale.

Saat tubuh besar itu turun ke tanah, tanah berguncang begitu hebat hingga Cale tidak bisa menjaga keseimbangannya.

“Manusia, aku akan menangkapmu!”

Tentu saja, kedua cakar depan Raon, yang tidak terlihat, meraih lengan Cale.

Tapi Cale tidak punya waktu untuk bereaksi terhadap Raon.

"Apa?"

Apa yang sedang dilakukan Mixed Blood Dragon itu?

Mulut Cale terbuka.

Bam!

Mixed Blood Dragon besar itu membenturkan kepalanya ke lantai.

Dan kemudian dia menurunkan tubuhnya sebanyak mungkin.

Mixed Blood Dragon, yang matanya telah berubah menjadi kastanye, berteriak dengan keras dalam postur rendah hati yang tidak dapat dilihat oleh siapa pun.

“Aku mengkhianatinya!”

“Hah?”

“Aku, Horns. Aku ingin berada di pihak yang sama denganmu!”

“Hah?”

“Aku, Horns, ingin berada di pihak yang sama denganmu!”

Saat dia berteriak dengan anggun, Cale ragu-ragu sejenak sebelum membuka mulutnya.

“...Sisko ada di bawah badanmu.”

Sisko terkubur dalam lumpur. Mixed Blood Dragon besar meluncur turun, tidak hanya menutupi bagian atas tetapi juga tanah di dekatnya.

"!"

Mata biru Mixed Blood Dragon raksasa itu sedikit bergetar.

TBC

#cale henituse #trash of the count's family #tcf novel #kim rok soo #choi han #alberucrossman #raon miru

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consumeronionbulletin · 1 year ago

Text

Doona! / Lee Doo-na! (2023)

The silent, hangry, chain-smoking, giving-no-f-ks version of Bae Suzy that I didn't know I needed.

This series felt like a lighter version of Something in the Rain with a much better soundtrack, which is how I found myself spending most of my weekend watching it.

The show is an extremely no plot, just vibes, slice of life type of thing. I liked that, but I know it'll be slow going for some people. I haven't read the webtoon this is (allegedly) based on, but I can already tell writers for the show took more than a few liberties with the material.

What Worked

Bae Suzy's performance as a sad, jaded, burned out, misunderstood idol worked. This feels like something Hollywood has already done to death. Kind of a cable TV version of a pop star (male or female) who's slumming it with ordinary people and ends up finding their voice again. Along with true love.

The reason why this never felt cliche is because Suzy made you believe in it, and because the directors and cinematographers were so good at their job that you just had to believe in it too. I was willing to suspend disbelief, because I wanted to just live in the moment with them in that beautiful fantasy.

What Didn't Work

Look, Yang Se-jong had great chemistry with Suzy, and with most of the cast, but it is a complete fantasy that an ordinary, decent, hardworking guy would have that many women chasing after him. It works in a webtoon because you know what kind of story you're in for. It kind of worked here, but there were moments when I had to just actively accept the premise and move on with it. It was okay since there were only 9 episodes, but if we'd had 20, I think it would have been too much.

The Performances

Bae Suzy as "smoking idol" Lee Doo-na. Whatever they paid Suzy, it wasn't enough. She was willing to put her dignity on the line to get a good performance. There are like three other idol / actors that maybe could have made this script work, and I still think she would have beaten them out if they had open casting. I know there are people who loved her in Start-up, but this is the performance from Suzy that I'll remember most.

Yang Se-jong as "Gary Stu" Lee Won-jun. I really want to read the webtoon just to figure out how many liberties the TV show took with this character. I liked this actor in Still 17, and I enjoyed his performance here. I liked how this was (in some ways) a gender-flipped version of the sweet caretaker love interest girlfriend that you'll find in so many other forms of media. I just had trouble believing that guy could grab as much attention as he did in the real world.

Shin Ha-young as "Fake High School Girlfriend" Kim Jin-joo. The actor did a good job with what she was given, and I liked the fact that she's the same age as the two leads, but the character was just not given enough to do in the story. In a longer drama (with maybe a different actress like Roh Yoon-seo) they would have made her a viable option for Won-jun. As it is, we spent 1/3 of her time dealing with her backstory (which was mostly just to make Won-jun look good), and 1/3 of it having her pine after Won-jun and ultimately get dumped. It just felt like a waste.

Park Se-wan as "Fake Grade School Girlfriend" Choi I-ra. The actor was entertaining as heck in this show. I liked her love-line in the background and she brought some good moments of comedy to the show. But the character definitely felt like something from a webtoon (for good and bad).

Kim Sun-young as Doo-na's mother. I'm always happy to see her on my screen, but why didn't they have her do more? It's a waste of top notch talent. She could have been a menacing record executive, or the fun landlady who messes with (and secretly looks after) the young cast. If they were gonna cast her, they should have been given more than a few scenes where she yells at Doona and steals all her money (off screen). What a pity.

Everyone else. They managed to bring in alot of extras and fun little side characters that made the show feel bigger than it was, and I enjoyed that.

TL; DR:

This show is all mood and very little plot. If you like the first episode or so, then you'll probably like the rest of it. Otherwise, you might want to skip it.

#my kdrama notes #doona #bae doona #bae suzy

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reveriescope · 1 year ago

Text

nicholas wasn't there

read the previous part here.

Kim Mingyu as Nicholas Wangsa. Jung Chaeyeon as Arabella Alamsyah.

Special Apperance: Cha Hakyeon as Julius Wangsa. Choi Seungcheol as Nayaka Clinton Zhao, Joshua Hong as Agah Martana Kaunang, Xu Minghao as Paris Prabangkara, Chae Hyungwon as Xavier Wangsa.

Special Mention: Bae Yubin as Pingkan Radita Kaunang, Ju Jingyi as Natyara Cordelia Zhao.

---

Hari yang paling ingin dihindari Arabella tiba. Meski berat baginya bangun dari rebah pagi ini, segalanya harus dilewati tanpa cela barang sedikit pun.

"Ingat, kasih kesan baik ke mereka," kata Jadug Alamsyah sebelum meninggalkan ruang rias.

Sambil menarik napas, perempuan itu menyaksikan ayahnya berbalik kemudian menghilang dari pantulan cermin. Setelah mengulas senyum sejenak pada penata rambutnya, Ara menatap pantulan dirinya.

Arabella tumbuh dengan frasa "harus sempurna" terpatri di kepala. Seumur hidup Ara disetir oleh kesempurnaan, baik untuk dirinya maupun keluarga. Sehingga hanya kalimat pujian dan kebanggaan yang ditujukan pada Ara.

Sepanjang hidupnya, Ara memahami bahwa pernikahannya akan berdasarkan perjanjian yang sama-sama menguntungkan. Mengingat apa yang akan diwarisi namanya kelak, perempuan itu telah berhati-hati untuk tidak terjebak hubungan tanpa arah. Setelah sebuah kesalahan, Ara memutuskan diam setidaknya sampai saat Jadug menyebutkan nama calon suaminya.

Perjodohan di kalangan atas bukanlah hal aneh. Keluarga Wangsa mengincar putri Alamsyah satu-satunya pastinya bukan tanpa alasan. Ada perjanjian di belakang punggung Arabella yang hanya diketahui setan dan dua kepala keluarga terkait. Perempuan itu hanya diberi tahu bahwa perjodohannya telah diatur dengan Julius Wangsa dan mereka diminta saling mengenal. Apapun itu, Ara memastikan bahwa yang ditawarkan keluarga calon suaminya tidak main-main.

Dengan kepala penuh asumsi, Ara memilih mengambil ponselnya kemudian melakukan pencarian untuk “Keluarga Wangsa WE Group”. Hasilnya? Tidak banyak terlihat. Hanya putra kedua mereka, Xavier Wangsa yang kerap muncul di artikel-artikel dunia maya.

Siapapun dari keluarga konglomerat tahu bahwa Xavier berhubungan dekat dengan violinist sekaligus sosialita Natyara Oetomo. Mereka berdua dijodohkan sejak lahir dan pertunangan mereka akan digelar dalam waktu dekat. Keluarga Alamsyah mendapat undangan dari Keluarga Wangsa.

Menurut yang Arabella dengar, Julius memutuskan tertarik pada perjodohan dan mulai mencari perempuan yang cocok karena pertunangan adiknya. Kabar burung menyebutkan bahwa Julius tidak ingin Xavier menghasilkan penerus lebih dulu. Membayangkan pria asing itu menginginkan seorang anak laki-laki darinya membuat Ara bergidik.

“Kak, boleh minta yang minimalis aja?” pinta Ara pada penata rias.

“Non Ara bisa telepati ya?” penata rias yang dikenalnya dengan nama Mbak Jamila itu tertawa. “Muka Non Ara memang nggak perlu lebih banyak permak. Dijamin calonnya nanti kelepek-kelepek.”

Mendengar jawaban semacam itu, Arabella tersenyum kikuk. Saat melihat pantulan dirinya di cermin, sanggul sederhananya tampak begitu cantik dan mempertegas garis lehernya. Arabella ingat, Nicholas bilang dia punya leher indah.

“Nicholas…,” batin Arabella. “Apa dia akan datang juga malam ini?”

---

“Pertemuan resminya malam ini.” Suara Clinton seketika terdengar begitu Nicholas memasuki lounge sambil menenteng map berisi laporan.

“Apa?” Nicholas menyerahkan map di tangannya kepada Clinton sebelum duduk di sofa terdekat.

“Mawar hitam lo segera dipetik, malam ini mau ketemu pembelinya,” gumam Clinton seraya membuka laporan dari Nicholas.

“Oh…, calon kakak ipar gue,” kekeh Nicholas.

“Bawa ke rapat kita lusa.” Clinton meletakkan map terbuka di atas meja sebelum mengentuk kertas laporannya dengan telunjuk, “Semuanya harus tau. Perbanyak.”

Titah Clinton membuat Mega, satu-satunya asisten Tritunggal Arctics bergerak. Perempuan muda itu mengabdi pada Agah, namun jasanya kerap diperlukan yang lain pula.

“Ada pesen dari adik gue,” yang satu ini Agah berbicara. “Arabella memang harus diamankan dari si sulung Wangsa, dia setuju.”

Sebelum melanjutkan ucapannya, Agah menatap Clinton sebelum melanjutkan, “Tapi tolong jangan bikin dia terluka. Selain gue, Pingkan cuma punya dia. Dan adik kecil gue itu bisa melakukan segalanya demi Arabella.”

Nicholas menanggapi ucapan Agah Kaunang dengan tawa lirih. “Seperti gue yang akan melakukan apapun demi Clinton,” ujarnya.

---

Acap kali mendengar nama keluarga Wangsa, Nicholas selalu menahan diri untuk tidak memutar bola mata. Sebagai anak yang lahir di luar pernikahan, ia sudah kenyang dengan perlakuan tidak adil hingga cenderung semena-mena.

Berbeda dengan Julius dan Xavier, Nicholas lahir dari rahim seorang sekretaris pribadi. Hanya karena jenis kelaminnya laki-laki, Benedict mengambilnya dan membesarkan Nicholas bersama kedua kakak tirinya, Namun semua orang tahu, anak simpanan tidak akan sepenuhnya diterima.

Sama halnya keluarga konglomerat lain, Wangsa cenderung menjaga lingkar pergaulan terdalamnya tetap kecil. Anak-anak mereka hanya diizinkan bergaul dengan sesamanya. Mereka bahkan mengenyam pendidikan di kelompok belajar yang diciptakan Wangsa turun temurun.

Anak-anak Zhao, Natyara dan Clinton mulai dikirim ke kediaman Wangsa sejak mereka masih begitu kecil. Saat Nicholas datang, kakak beradik Zhao sudah ada di sana. Yang lebih tua tampak mudah membaur dengan anak-anak lainnya, bisa dibilang Natyara adalah favorit dari kedua bocah lelaki Wang. Sedangkan Clinton menjaga jarak.

Di mata Nicholas kecil, Clinton adalah sosok kakak sesungguhnya. Meski tidak pernah mengatakannya, Clinton jelas kentara tidak menyukai bocah tertua Wangsa. Bagi orang di luar konflik samar mereka, Nicholas menyadari Julius menemukan sosok pesaing dari diri Clinton yang lima tahun lebih muda daripada dirinya.

Sama-sama terasing, Nicholas menjadi dekat begitu saja dengan Clinton. Mereka mulai membangun ikatan ketika Clinton menghalangi pukulan bat baseball Julius padanya hingga dahinya bocor. Meski selisih paham dan baku hantam sering kali terjadi, tampaknya Julius menganggap sikap Clinton membangkang. Namun, siapa yang akan tetap bersikap baik terhadap otak di balik pemerkosaan terhadap kakak perempuannya?

Benar, Nicholas ada di sana ketika para lelaki dewasa itu menjadikan Natyara budak nafsu bejat mereka. Nicholas menyaksikan Clinton dengan putus asa menggedor pintu di mana kakak perempuannya dipermalukan. Bukan iba, Nicholas sama marahnya dengan Clinton kala itu.

Salah satu alasan Nicholas masih belum ditendang ayahnya karena Natyara juga menyukainya. Selama Yara memperlakukan Nicho dengan baik dan menaruh minat padanya, baik Julius maupun Xavier tidak akan menyentuhnya. Jika ditanya siapa cinta pertama Nicholas, jawabannya adalah Natyara Cordelia Zhao.

Itulah mengapa Clinton menitahkan Nicholas, bahwa harus dirinya yang mengacaukan perjodohan Julius dan Arabella.

Salah satunya karena… “Nick, Rosa Nera mirip Cece gue, ya?”

Tatkala mendengar ucapan Clinton, Nicholas hampir saja tersedak. Suatu malam di akhir minggu setelah Nicholas pulang dari Paris, mereka membicarakan kemungkinan Arabella bisa direnggut dari cengkeraman Julius.

“Powerful woman, indeed,” jawab Nicholas enggan.

“Gue nggak semata-mata nugasin elo karena balas dendam. Kayaknya lo bisa have fun sama yang satu ini sekalian kurangin beban lo dari urusan Arctics. We are bigger now.”

Senyum samar menghiasi wajah Nicholas. Hanya sedikit yang paham mengapa Nicholas setia kepada Clinton, salah satunya karena perhatian seperti barusan.

“Ya. kita memang makin besar,” gumam Nicholas. “Apalagi Kalantara, he formed his own soldiers.”

“You’re remarkable, Nicholas. Nggak akan ada yang ragu meskipun lo nambah kaki tangan baru. Paris bisa, lebih dari mampu. Tapi rencana kita panjang, lo semua harus ada di sana saat kita berhasil. Just recruit more people and train them. Lebih banyak yang seperti Megatruh, lebih baik.”

Clinton berbicara panjang lebar sementara lawannya mendengarkan dengan seksama.

“Ton, setelah ketemu Arabella in person, gue udah memutuskan lanjut tanpa harus lo yakinin ulang. Cuma, gue akan melakukannya pakai cara gue sendiri.”

---

Meski penyandang nama Alamsyah hanya tinggal dirinya dan sang ayah, kediaman mereka jauh dari kata sepi. Tanpa acara khusus seperti ini saja, si kepala keluarga gemar mengundang koleganya untuk makan malam atau sekadar kumpul-kumpul jika sedang senggang. Malam seperti ini hanyalah salah satunya, walau punya maksud berbeda.

Hubungan antara orangtua dan anak sudah lama sekali renggang. Arabella bahkan lupa kapan terakhir kali bertukar obrolan dari hati ke hati dengan ibunya. Ara sendiri disibukkan dengan kegiatan peagant begitu juga dengan urusan agensi milik keluarganya.Yang kedua sering kali dibuat samar dengan “mengurus pusat pendidikan keluarga”.

Maka perempuan itu bungkam sementara tinggal menunggu waktu saja dipamerkan di hadapan pria yang ingin mempersuntingnya. Saat memasuki ruang makan kediaman Alamsyah, Arabella senantiasa memamerkan senyuman. Lengkung bibirnya tak jua hilang kala anggota keluarga Wangsa satu per satu diperkenalkan padanya.

Benedict Wangsa, Harlina Wangsa, Xavier Wangsa, kemudian...

"Arabella, ini Julius. Julius, Arabella."

Keduanya berjabat tangan sambil bertukar senyum ramah di depan orangtua mereka.

“Julius.”

“Arabella.”

Berikutnya, Arabella membalas tatapan langsung Julius dengan ekspresi bersahaja. Detik-detik itu mereka gunakan untuk saling mengamati fitur dan garis wajah satu sama lain. Lebih tepatnya menggali maksud tersembunyi di balik senyuman mereka. Agaknya, keduanya menyadari intensi satu sama lain.

Arabella bukan tidak menyadari Julius mengubah persepsinya terhadap si gadis kecil Alamsyah. Dari pegangan tangannya, sorot mata, dan garis senyuman Julius kini menunjukkan sedikit kewaspadaan dari semula yang memancarkan kelembutan.

Sedangkan di mata Julius, Arabella memperlihatkan aura tanpa gentar. Si sulung Wangsa itu tidak melihat sedikit saja tanda terintimidasi. Perempuan ini cukup percaya diri, sosok bunga tangguh yang lama tidak akan merangkak padanya.

Setelah suasana di sekitar terasa hening dan sorot mata semua orang mengamati mereka, Julius menarik tangan Arabella mendekat ke wajah. Sejurus kemudian, Julius mengecup punggung tangan Arabella.

“Nah, makasih. Akhirnya kita nggak harus kelaparan malam ini,” suara Xavier mendadak memecah keheningan yang kemudian disambut tawa seluruh anggota keluarga.

---

Alamsyah menyambut Wangsa dengan jamuan Rijsttafel, sebagaimana tradisi gastronomi mereka selama ini. Sementara seluruh anggota keluarga duduk, pelayan silih berganti berjaga di dalam ruang yang sama dan menjalankan tugas.

Sepanjang makan malam, Arabella menyisir wajah satu per satu keluarga Wangsa. Hanya ada empat orang. Arabella tidak salah dengar, ‘kan? Nama pria yang dijumpainya di Paris adalah Nicholas Wangsa. Namun malam ini, wajah yang dikenalnya tidak ada di sana.

“Anak saya ini dulu pada nggak mau dijodohkan. Kaget dong saya, habis Xavier bilang mau menikah sama Natyara, nggak lama si sulung minta dicarikan jodoh.”

Benedict bercerita tentang perjodohan yang kini kebanyakan ditentang anak muda, termasuk Julius.Disebutkan juga mereka kesulitan menentukan kandidat yang dikehendaki Julius sebelum mengambil langkah selanjutnya.

Obrolan dua keluarga bergulir begitu saja. Meski tidak seceria Xavier, Julius juga banyak bicara. Belum banyak hal pribadi yang dipertukarkan. Percakapan di tengah Rijsttafel tidak perlu melibatkan hal yang terlampau pribadi. Alih-alih, mereka membicarakan tentang bisnis keluarga.

“Papaku kebiasaan.” Julius yang duduk di depan Arabella mengatakannya dengan gerak mulut.

Perempuan itu mengangkat kedua bahunya sebelum lanjut bersantap. Saat ini pikiran Arabella terbagi, bertanya-tanya di mana salah satu keluarga Wangsa lainnya dan mengenai kesannya terhadap Julius begitu juga dengan keluarganya.

Seseorang yang mengincar Arabella Alamsyah lewat jalur keluarga seperti ini sudah pasti memahami seluk beluk sisi dunia yang tidak banyak dibicarakan. Jika dilihat dari luarnya, Alamsyah bukan hanya bergelut pada perkembangan teknologi, melainkan juga upaya mereka memeratakan pendidikan. Keluarga ini memiliki jaringan lembaga pendidikan swasta yang tersebar di pulau-pulau besar di Indonesia.

Selebihnya, di balik itu semua ada Salvatore, sebuah badan sekaligus pelatihan intelijen swasta berbasis Singapura dengan Asia Tenggara sebagai cakupannya. Melatih ribuan agen bekerja di bawahnya, banyak di antara alumni Salvatore telah menyusup ke pemerintah. Agensi, seperti yang dibahasakan keluarga Alamsyah, menerapkan sexpionage untuk pertukaran informasi. Klien mereka beragam, mulai dari pejabat, konglomerat hingga organisasi kriminal.

Karena yang satu ini tidak boleh lepas dari genggaman garis keturunan Alamsyah, Arabella dibentuk untuk meneruskannya. Karena hak istimewanya, Arabella tidak harus berkelana menebar jebakan madu seperti para agennya. Sambil menerapkan ilmu yang dipelajari, ia hanya perlu mengangkat citra keluarga sambil melakukan hal-hal yang disukainya.

Arabella menduga jika seorang pria sudah diterima ayahnya sampai ke jamuan makan malam pribadi seperti ini, Julius tahu banyak tentangnya. Hal itu bukan tidak mungkin, Nicholas saja bisa menemukan dan menjebaknya di belahan bumi lain. Padahal sepanjang waktu ia selalu berusaha menghindari orang-orang kiriman entah siapa.

“Arabella, habis makan malam temani Julius jalan-jalan, ya?” Jadug mengusulkan di depan semua orang, mustahil untuk ditolak.

Sambil mengangguk dan mengulas senyum, Arabella setuju, “Boleh. Ara juga mau tunjukin sesuatu ke Julius.”

Perempuan itu mampu menangkap kilat antusias di mata Julius. “Jadi nggak sabar,” pria itu berkata.

“Hmm, kamu suka labirin?”

---

Pertanyaan Arabella rupanya bukanlah basa-basi semata. Kediaman Alamsyah punya taman labirin dengan kolam dangkal dan gazebo di atasnya pada bagian tengah. Salah satu tempat favorit Arabella, meskipun ia lebih menyukai kamarnya atau bengkel seni pribadinya si salah satu paviliun.

Tempat yang punya arti personal ini akhirnya Arabella bagi bersama sosok tak terpikirkan sebelumnya. Saat mendengar Julius menyukai teka-teki termasuk labirin, maka rencana Arabella berakhir sempurna. Perempuan itu hanya ingin menghindari tatapan mata ingin tahu ketika berinteraksi dengan Julius. Baginya, seorang pria akan terlihat aslinya jika ada berdua saja.

Khusus malam ini, taman labirin diterangi lentera-lentera pada sudut tertentu sehingga memungkinkan mereka untuk tetap menemukan jalan dalam gelap malam. Peraturannya sederhana, siapa yang tiba lebih dulu maka akan mendapat hadiah dari lawannya. Karena Arabella tuan rumah, ia mulai lima menit lebih lambat. Lagipula ada banyak cara untuk tiba di tengah taman, namun jalur utama berupa satu garis lurus sudah ditutup oleh pengurus rumah.

Baik Julius maupun Arabella akhirnya tiba nyaris bersamaan. Sehingga diputuskan kali berikutnya bertemu, mereka akan bertukar hadiah.

“Seru juga ya, jadi pengin punya satu di rumah,” komentar Julius ketika mereka tiba di gazebo.

Mereka duduk berhadapan, tempat ini rupanya sudah dipersiapkan lengkap dengan sampanye, jus, air hingga camilan. Semua orang di rumah ini agaknya paham menemukan jalan keluar labirin cukup menguras tenaga.

Julius menuang air ke dalam gelas bersih di hadapan Arabella. Perempuan itu tengah mengatur napas sambil mengamati sikap Julius.

“Ya, aku cukup sering main-main di sini. Makasih.” Arabella mengambil gelas yang bagian luarnya sudah berembun.

“Are you okay to bring me here? Siapa tahu tempat ini terlalu pribadi.”

“Private, indeed. Cuma aku mulai merinding, semua orang mau tau apa yang kita obrolin.”

Mendengar jawaban Arabella, Julius terkekeh. “Oke, kalau gitu aku kasih kesempatan tanya dua kali,” ujarnya.

Arabella mengangkat sebelah alis sebelum balas tertawa, “Irit banget?”

“Disimpen buat ketemu lain kali. Karena, Arabella, kita bakal sering ketemu.”

Ucapan Julius lantas membuat bulu kuduk Arabella meremang. Jika didengar sekilas, kata-kata lawan bicaranya memang tidak terdengar berbahaya. Namun perempuan itu menangkap sedikit getar ancaman dari intonasi Julius. Sengaja ia loloskan tawa untuk mencairkan perasaannya sendiri; mau bagaimana pun ia tidak boleh membiarkan dirinya dengan mudah terbaca.

“Oke, silakan Julius tanya duluan. Sebagai tamu.” Arabella masih mencoba membangun obrolan mereka.

Berikutnya, pertanyaan Julius benar-benar jauh di luar perkiraan. Lelaki itu menanyakan, “Taruhan, tempat ini bukan sudut rumah paling favorit kamu?”

Sementara tangannya mengambil gelas sampanye dari meja yang sudah terisi, Arabella tersenyum tipis. “Katamu, kita masih banyak waktu buat ketemu. Pelan-pelan, kalau kita beruntung ada ruang-ruang lain yang menunggu.”

“Gadis pintar,” ujar Julius sebelum menyodorkan gelas sampanyenya ke arah Arabella.

“Makasih,” sahut Arabella disusul dengan denting kaca yang beradu. “Giliranku. Kamu bisa aja nggak menjanjikan pertemuan lain, jadi apa aku sesuai bayanganmu saat kamu minta semua ini diatur?”

Julius menyesap minumannya dengan tatapan terpaku pada Arabella. “Bayanganku…” sengaja ia memberi jeda sambil mengernyit.

“Biar kita baru dikenalkan, lingkungan ini sempit. Aku selalu bisa dengar, banyak yang bilang Arabella Alamsyah trophy wife material. Bukan berarti kamu nggak pernah berpikir begitu.”

Atas ucapan Arabella, Julius seketika menyadari bahwa perempuan di hadapannya ini tidak akan memakan umpan berupa rayuan. Permainan pikiran dengannya akan jadi sempurna, pikir si sulung Wangsa.

“Waktu aku minta papa atur pertunangan kita, aku memang butuh istri pajangan. Kurasa seenggaknya penerus Salvatore bukan orang tanpa otak. Sekarang bisa dipahami, reputasimu berbanding lurus dengan nilai dirimu,” terang Julius tenang.

Saat menyimak ucapan Julius, Arabella mengulum bibirnya sambil mengangguk. Pertanda lelaki di hadapannya ini murni tertarik padanya. Hanya sekejap Julius memahami Arabella dan preferensinya saat berkomunikasi.

“Besides, ada satu rumor lagi tentang kamu yang harus kucari kebenarannya sendiri.”

Mendengar “rumor”, Arabella sontak terbelalak sebelum menanggapinya dengan tawa. “Kurasa aku bisa tebak,” gumamnya.

“Kita lihat nanti.” Julius mengerling usai menjawab.

“Satu pertanyaan lagi, Julius,” Arabella mengingatkan.

“Seberapa dekat kamu dengan Pingkan Radita Kaunang?”

Begitu nama sahabatnya disebut, Arabella hening sejenak. “Kami panggil satu sama lain ‘istriku’, kami gede bareng kayak kamu dan teman-temanmu. Hanya saja, kami cuma berdua dan kadang ada kakaknya Pingkan.”

Sejujurnya, Arabella penasaran mengapa Julius menyeret nama Pingkan dalam percakapan mereka. Namun tanda tanya yang muncul dibiarkan mengendap di kepala tanpa dilisankan.

“Menarik,” ujar Julius.

Saat tiba di pertanyaan terakhir, Arabella rupanya mampu membuat suasana hangat di sekitar mereka menguap.

“Di antara Wangsa, siapa itu Nicholas?”

Satu saja pertanyaan, Arabella berani sumpah jika senyuman Julius memudar seketika perempuan itu menutup mulut.

Julius mencondongkan tubuhnya ke depan, menghujam Arabella dengan tatapan tajam. “Jadi, adik kecilku itu memperlakukanmu dengan baik, ‘kan, Arabella?”

Perempuan itu membuang napas pendek lalu memamerkan senyum kemenangan. “Gotcha! Keluar juga aslinya,” batinnya.

“Dia ramah.” Arabella mengangguk, sebelum kemudian menuang sampanye ke dalam gelas Julius.

Entah apa yang ada di kepala Julius, hingga tangannya meraih pipi Arabella hingga tubuhnya terlalu condong ke depan. Lelaki itu mendekatkan wajah mereka, hingga tinggal beberapa senti saja.

“Aku janji, pertemuan kita setelah ini, dia akan ada di sana,” ikrar Julius.

( to be continued )

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