Crap, I Was Rifted

"Hey!" Riku said as she caught up to there left. Her talk with Raiden ended. Ruby decided to fall back and converse with the others for a bit. "So, we are heading to my place next right?"

"Yeah. Well back to Mass Effect then to your World." Azul said neutrally. "You want to change a lot of things I assume. This time with the memories you have things could be different.."

"Yes," Riku said demurely. "Your power with the Aeons.. I talked with Tifa. They want to do something there for Zanarkand. With your new abilities, you can most likely do what they want. Just... dont' wipe entire races this time."

"No promises." Azul shook his head at her. "I will do what I have to do. To keep some of that from happening the Guado must be reigned in somehow." On his body, Anima burned hotly. 'Hmm, are you ok Anima?'

'I.. have a way to stop the Guado.' The Aeon thought back to him. I just need your permission to deal with Seymour when we get there. While you slumber I will go out and take care of it.'

'Ok. But will you need some help?' Azul didnt see a problem with it. He figured she would be leaving permanently. Ariel as well with the chance to keep from becoming that sin spawn again. "You have a few others wanting to help you. What a popular person you are Riku."

'Yes, it would be nice.' Anima responded. The one that is on you right now, Onyx can help me.'

'I have no problem with this. I can do almost any kind of stealth ops.' Onyx replied.

"Thanks," Riku said as she looked away from him. Her hands tightened a little angrily. "There is a way around a lot of things from before."

"It will make it ..." Azul thought about reading her but passed. No point in banging against something that did want you. But he could be a friend still. If not just her User in name. "..everything will become more difficult. But if we get enough points here I can purchase a patch that will let them lived what you lived. Do you want to do that? You declined last time. But the second time around was not.."

"No! We will deal with it another way. Galtea said when we go there it will be during the time I find Tidius floating in the water still for you. I can work with that. For some reason, you will start somewhere else still." Riku looked at him a little in wonderment. "You will in up in Zanarkand again. I just know it. I purchased a lot of things to help my self control the Al Bhed better before I am born. With a little fragment of the World still in me, I can still influence things. Acquiring knowledge will work better now."

"Alright." Azul nodded at her. He conversed with Galtea and Alita about the changes so far from the information acquired. In an hour they made it to what he could only describe as a nexus point. A bridge connecting realms was there. Out World Shao Khan's domain, NetherRealm Shinnok and Quan Chi's place, ChaosWorld home he had no idea. They were just minor things to him actually. His personal info on the place lacking. OrderRealm a place that made a few communist countries cry if they went there. Edenia home of Kitana and King Jerrod. And Earth Realm which was the bridge he was on.

'So Galtea, you are telling me this is the same distorted world timeline-wise. On its countdown for destruction still?' Azul needed to know. He was a stubborn fool still and slightly optimistic that Mileena could still be here. Despite what they have told him so far. The bound he had with her still was strong. Even though they said it was because Jaina shared a part of her, it just didnt explain the sensation he felt. 'We are here earlier than last time. There has to be more to find. Even with the additional changes.'

Galtea: For the last time, it will not matter for you right now. This place is changing for the better, The others went to do several things that undid someone's work. It is pretty stable. You are worrying to much. Just compete well. Got it?

'Sure.' Not wanting to keep getting into it with her, Azul focused on the arena that was before them. The nexus bridge had an arena in the dead center. "So what do you think? Gale." Gale was Riku's code name here. He still found it fitting. She said it was belittling a little. Considering how Riku moved like the wind at times there was no reason to change it to him.

Riku grinned at him. "Not a problem Master Mist! When are you going to get better for you can actually use Ice properties?"

AzuI feined pain grabbing at his c.h.e.s.t. "Ouch so mean. I can not go that route. Which is fine anyway. With the fire it should make for a weird combo."

"Look at these guns." Riku pointed at her biceps. "Only babes that look like me can look this good and bench press a Krogan."

"Right." Smiling at her antics, AzuI couldn't help but stare at her. It lasted just a few seconds before he turned away. "This is not bearing well for them at all. Look at all the fighter's over there."

The place was packed to say the least. A few of the leaders from the factions walked forward to speak. An Elder God that Azul had know idea of was standing in the center. "The final competition to determine the fate of all realms shall begin. Your Highness Jerrod, choose your opponent realm." The referee said neutrally. He was a robed figure with no real facial features showing. His body looked frail from the robes really. Like they threaten to drag him to the ground from the weight.

Jerrod looked to his fighters smugly. Since his prized team was killed in the first Kombat. A lot of the other fighters did not even wish to participate. He called on an old pact with Earthrealm and asked for volunteers. The only ones to fight or answer the call were the Lin Kuei. Well that was about to change if Azul had a any say about it.

"Grandmaster, Sub-Zero what say you? Will you allow your people to fight on our behalf?" Jerrod asked with the respect of a King.

The Grandmaster watched for a moment before his eyes glazed over. Staring at Jerrod he felt confliction. Steeling his resolve, he answered after looking at Azul shake his head. "I am sorry but we will not." Not waiting to hear any statements. He stepped back towards Azul group. "We cannot ally with or fight on your behalf."

"What treachery is this?!" Jerrod asked suprised. In a second his face changed from outrage to a regal one. The snake of a man was good at his facial control. He turned to Sektor looking for answers.

Sektor stepped forward. "I do not know what came over the fake Lin Kuei," he said coldly. "But I denounce Sub-Zero, Tundra, Frost, Azul, Gale as false. They are not true Lin Kuei. Me and my brethren are."

King Jerrod looked towards Sektor bowing. Azul caught a slight smirk on his face. "Thank you for honoring my request." He didn't know what to do if this kept up.. his entire realm would be under the rule of the victor. His eyes looked to his wife and daughter. 'More than anything, if they could be used correctly everything will work out. My support will have to come through on it.'

System: Tekunin Group has turned hostile. Defeating them earns respect for self and Lin Kuei.

"You can have your name back, brother." Kuai Liang said. "I wish to focus on helping our clan rebuild the right way. As for fighting you are still the more deadly warrior. My emotions might get in the way of my decisions here."

"Are sure about this Master?" Frost said next to him. Seeing him nod her brows furrowed only slightly. You wish to.. focus more on internal affairs. Because of what the outsider said."

"Yes. I know you are angry. But I could not just focus on you. That is not how things work." Kuai Liang said as neutrally as he could. "I will teach how to get more in touch with yourself. My brother can help you hone your martial skill. Of course, you will still have to share with Sareena."

"Thank you, Grandmaster." Frost bowed her head in acceptance. A biotic strand floated over to Azul. She was happy for his inference. But would never tell him so. She still had her pride.

"Very well." The referee said breaking there talks up. "Grandmaster Azul and his Alliance v.s. Edenian and the Tarkata.

"Your people can fight first," Azul said. "I want my people to get a feel first."

"Tundra you go first," Bi-Han said authoritatively. He was very confident in his younger brother's victory.

"As you wish," Tundra said smoothly. His cheekbones could be seen having risen a little. He was definitely happy for this chance to show off in front of his brother. 'Hmm you need more time to get back to normal. Let me show you more of what I have learned over the years."

"You got this!" Frost cheered with excitement. Realizing her current company she piped down immediately after. Riku just snickered at the girl.

"Hehehe still his cheerleader after all these years." Tifa joined Riku in her taunting.

"Yeah, his personal cheerleader."

"Shut up!" Frost said quickly. "Your one to talk Storm. I see the way Azul looks at you. Bet you one give him a go."

"Pft yeah in the ring. I am ready to fight toe to toe all out against him." Tifa grinned from ear to ear. "In fact, I may get a fight in with him soon as we have a break."

Stepping into the arena, Tundra bowed to his opponent. His opponent did not return his greeting. It was a Tarkata look to be Baraka. His clothing was thick with a weird energy coming off him.

"Sub-Zero, you may want to tell your brother to be careful," Azul said to the man sensing the weird presence. "Something is weird with that Tarkata. They are hunters not whatever this guy is."

"He knows. Give my brother some credit. Look at his stance. He already has his ice sheet up. The fight has not even started and he increased his attack and defense up." Bi-Han responded.

"Tundra v.s. Baraka!" The referee said before stepping out. The Elder God he may be, but stupid he was not. Both of the fighters were extremely dangerous. "Fight!"

With a charging strike, Tundra's opponent swung towards the latter's midsection. "Schink, schink!" Two spikes extending out. They were metal and a weird dark black. With a block with his palm, Tundra stabbed down at the assailant's forearm. "Ching," sparks flew off as a small thin line of ice energy travel outward.

"Crrkk crkk," Baraka's arms and blades were quickly frozen. Launching forward he opened his mouth trying to bite Tundra. "Chomp, chomp, chomp," teeth not connecting as a small ice column left out of Tundra pushing him back.

"Swish," Tundra stepped forward and delivered a strike directly towards Baraka's arms. "Thwap, thwap," his speed was to fast for a dodge.

"Ughh," He gurgled a little. Saliva dripping from the side of the mouth. Baraka's arms dangled lifelessly to the side. With a quick palm thrust to the c.h.e.s.t, he stopped moving.

"Bzzzt!" A strange electric left his body. As a device exploded on his c.h.e.s.t. Tundra jumped away a little out of the way.

"Kuff, kuff," Baraka coughed trying to get up. He was having trouble breathing. Standing halfway up, he was then knocked back down from a leg sweep from Tundra. "Arrgg, where.. where.. am.. I?"

In a second a small ice sword was pointed at his neck. "Yield!" Tundra said coldly.

"I yield!" Baraka said quickly before scampering out the arena. He ran to the other Tarkata still confused. He was murmuring to them asking questions. However, none spoke. Two Tarkata's completely covered from head to toe, grabbed him and pulled him into the crowd. "Ahh!" A scream was heard.

"The winner Tundra!" The referee said to small applause from the Edinian's side.

System: Perception Check 32 Pass

"Tch," Azul flexed his hands and pulled the soul towards himself. He caught sight of a few faces turning upset. He was not the only one who knew Baraka was killed. He just gathered the soul faster. Separating one of his minds to deal with the soul and find out information would be difficult considering how he had died. "Even dead you were confused. What is happening here?"

Riku jumped into the ring. "I am next! Let's do this."

An Edinian man with dreadlocks walked into the arena next. He stared at Riku before his eyes started to glow with electricity. "I am going to enjoy breaking you girl!" He said quite angrily if I had to say so. "I am Koyat."

"Heh, bigger and better than you have tried. Yet here I am still standing." Riku said tauntingly. Her hood covered her head as her mask rose up covering to her eyes. "You came just in time, I needed to try something." Sliding her left foot back behind her, I couldn't tell what pose she entered. But it would be formidable I hope. "The name is Gale."

"Ready... Gale v.s. Koyat begin." The referee said stepping out quickly. He moved further from Riku. He could feel the power roll off her.

'Master Riku has beaten this man before yes?' Onyx asked.

'Yeah very nicely. She is more experienced so she should be fine.' Azul stated as he watched the fight.

'She is distracted.' Onyx replied. 'But I think she will win still.'

"You are quiet Azul." From his side, Kasumi spoke up. "I think it best if you fight a little more in the fights. Just my opinion. The others are not used to this brutality. War yes but killing with there b.a.r.e hands no."

"I have taken it into advis.e.m.e.nt," Azul said not looking at her. "However they made the choice to come. we will see what happens." Kasumi linked her arm into his as she leaned into him. "My friend you must not do this to yourself. It may have been only a few days.. but if Mileena is not here, promise me you will keep moving forward."

"I promise." Azul gave her a smirk and gave her a slight head rub with his own. "This worked better in our animal states."

"Hahaha yes, it does." Kasumi laughed heartily. "We will find away again. The future is endless for us after all. I am going to do some other missions. I will take some of the others with me."

"Happy trails." Azul murmured. He felt a few of his people leave his immediate range.

Koyat charged out with a side karate chop. Riku moved to the side and struck at his wrist. She then tapped at the elbow. Small squirts of blood came out. It dripped onto the dirt forming little droplets. Riku then stepped behind him and struck for his exposed ribcage. Her strike was extremely slow for some reason. But a bit of magic left her palm.

Koyat pivoted on his back heel. His other foot kicked off the front and turned into a knee strike. His knee caught Riku in her palm.

"Krack," someone's bone broke. It was Koyat's by the expression on his face. Hoping back a little he stood wobbly. "What are you made of girl?!" He said indignantly. When the strike touched, it felt if he hit solid steel. A small current of magic traveled up his body that he didnt notice.

"Not telling," Riku said. Despite the mask, several people could hear the humor in her voice slightly. Taking a step forward she stopped. She flexed her hand before shaking it off. Next thing she knew a sandy whip came out the ground grabbing her leg. 'Right on time at that.' Her wind magic wrapped her leg giving her a little more defense. "What the heck?!" She said alarmed. She pulled her foot a little before she looked to see Koyat swinging at her with a blood whip with his good arm.

"Hyah!" Koyat screamed when his whip came around. In a split second, it splits into multiple lashing around and arcing in a snake pattern.

"Splat," the bloody wh.i.p.s broke apart on Riku. Scattering all over the ground. It did little to no damage. Besides her clothes, she remained uninjured mostly. Mostly because she looked offended in a way. With squinted eyes containing mirth. Koyat looked as if he was staring at a monster.

"How... how did that do nothing?!"Koyat looked shocked. 'Even with the help I still am coming up short! I should never have returned to Edenia1'

Riku flexed her energy along with her wind power. The energy pushed the blood up, while the wind diced it apart. In less than three seconds all the blood in the area was gone. Now freed she floated above the ground about an inch.

Koyat realized his mistake in stopping the attack. Running his hand along his dangling forearm, he cut it open letting out more blood. Something about Riku scared him more than before. He looked closely at her ready to defend at a moment's notice. Spotting the flickering light in her eyes, he took a step back in fear.

King Jerrod was not pleased from his seat. With a nod of his head, an under-ling moved away to the side.

System: Perception Check 31 Pass

Feeling slightly off-put by this, Azul released his Pather power. Taking in the biotic strands from the different people in the audience. Slannesh appeared on his waist excited for some fun.

A slight hum ringing out from it drew the attention of Frost, who stared at it before looking back at the fight.

Riku appeared behind the man before striking his spine. "Haa" She exhaled breathing a strong breath through her mask.

"Krackkk," the sound of bones breaking in the arena could be heard. Followed by a bunch of noise from the crowd.

"Gasp!" How powerful is she a bunch of people said.

"So fast! Oh! my heroine, I have found!" A person from the Order Realm said.

Tifa caught sight of Shao Khan's side appraising Riku. A lot of them had started to get weird ideas in their heads. "What a bunch of dumbass on them anyway."

Stumbling forward, Koyat turned onto his back breathing in pain. His c.h.e.s.t heaving up and down slowly. "Please.. dont... I have .. a family." He begged.

"Didn't you say you were gonna break me?" Riku said dangerously as she floated over to him. A trace of her old self coming forward. "She reeled it in quicky enough. "Well?"

"I... was bluffing." He said, in an almost whimpering voice. She didn't believe him for a second. The man was lying no doubt about it. Riku then landed on the ground and walked past him. Koyat smiled and lifted his good arm up.

AzuI felt a strange increase in the magic within the crowd. Seeing the attendant eyes from earlier glowing he fired at his direction. The aquatic missile flew up, and over the barrier of the arena. Striking the man in the c.h.e.s.t. On contact, it exploded blasting a hole in his c.h.e.s.t.

"Boom!" The Edenian dropped dead. To the side, Aurora and Kasumi had appeared behind two others who were casting magic. With blade in there backs, they were silenced before finishing there spells.

"Riku!" Tifa yelled.

Riku turned to see a large wave of bloody wh.i.p.s come at her. Each of the strikes moved deadly fast. Eliciting a strange sound as if ripping the air apart. Riku's body disappeared in the various strikes. Her image could no longer be seen.

Staring at King Jerrod Azul snarled. "You cheating bastard!" He just grinned at his response. Azul was reminded of how much a d.i.c.k a self-assured king could be. He actually starting to really dislike him now. Looking back at the arena, Azul watched as the attack finally settled down. Only thing left a piece of Riku's clothing. Frost tensed next to him. Tundra balled his fist but released the tension quickly. He nodded his head to Frost assuring her that Riku was fine. Sub-Zero stood calmly.

"Hehehe," Koyat cackled. "Stupid girl honestly think I was done with." Standing up, he spits on Riku's clothing remains. His body morphed with blood and returned to normal. "Should not have dropped your guard."

"You are right. It is dumb to drop your guard. I was just giving you a chance." Riku's voice could be heard. But she could not be seentill she rose from the ground. slowly the wind formed togethor till it made her image. She looked out of breath. "Huff.. huff.. that took a lot out of me. But not enough for me to lose."

With a curve of her hand, she swung down. A large part of Koyat's c.h.e.s.t ripped off. The man screamed bloody murder this time. "Aaaaahhh! I yield. I yield!" He said. Riku stepped back watching him.

The referee called the match. King Jerrod then stepped up smacking his chair. "Kill that coward! Finish him!" He said in uncontrollable anger.

Riku looked to Azul then towards the man. Her eyes sparked a bit before she stepped forward. She grabbed him by the mouth and threw him in the air. She then walked to the end of the ring and stopped. She stared at King Jerrod and closed her fist.

"Whhheww," the wind whistled. Koyat body fell to the ground. But before touching it, his skin ripped off from invisible blades. Then his muscles started to tear apart. His bones followed suit with nothing remaining. Riku stopped and looked at Azul.

He smiled at her. "Good fight. You ok?" She smiled and then collapsed against him.

"Just really tired. Really sleepy." Riku yawned cutely. She grabbed him even tighter. "Let's go home. I don't trust these Edinian's."

"I cant make that call. But if it gets dangerous I will send you and everyone away." Azul was surprised at her. As if she realized her stance she tried to stand before Tifa and Frost helped her up.

"We are going to be fine. Right?" Jaina asked.