Chapter 5: A “Shocking” Turn of Events
Author's Note/Update: thank you for all the support for this story cause it's literally my first g/t story ever. In honor of me finally finishing all my finals for this semester (my last one was today at 5pm), here is the long awaited next chapter! As of rn, this is all I have that's prewritten, so you'll have to give me time to come up with future chapters! (also fair warning, this is not edited)
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Just as Airlea processed Liu Kang’s words, her gaze fell to her tiny feet, and a sudden realization hit her. If they were about to leave—especially at the speed Liu Kang was moving—there was no way she’d be able to keep up.
She called Johnny’s name causing him to glance down. “I, uh, hate to break it to you, but if we’re going anywhere fast… I’m gonna need a lift. There’s no way I’m getting there on my own.”
Johnny’s face lit up as if she’d just given him the best news he’d heard all day. “Wait—are you saying what I think you’re saying?” His grin widened mischievously, excitement practically radiating off of him. “You want me to carry you again?”
Airlea rolled her eyes with a small smirk. “Well, it’s either that or you leave me behind, and let’s be real—I'm not risking getting stomped on.”
Johnny didn’t need another word. In an instant, he swooped her up, cradling her in his hands like she was a VIP guest on his latest movie set. “Boom—front-row seat to all the action. Now, this is even better than the movies! Who else can say they’ve got a size-shifter sidekick?”
“You know you’re enjoying this way too much, right?” Airlea teased, though she couldn’t help but laugh at his enthusiasm.
“Hey, what can I say? I’ve always been good at lifting spirits—and apparently, tiny people.” He winked, giving her a playful bounce in his hands as he jogged to catch up with Liu Kang.
“Just don’t drop me, Cage, or we’re gonna have a problem,” Airlea warned, her voice carrying a mock seriousness.
“Are you kidding? You’re in good hands—literally!” Johnny beamed, holding her closer as they prepared for whatever danger lay ahead. "Plus, if Shang Tsung shows up, I’ll just throw you like a ninja star. It’ll be awesome!”
Airlea chuckled, shaking her head. “You throw me at anyone, and I swear, I’ll make sure your next red carpet is a disaster.”
“Noted.” Johnny winked as he jogged to catch up with Liu Kang, who was waiting by the door.
As Johnny jogged down the path, Airlea felt the familiar rush of exhilaration mixed with a hint of vulnerability. At her tiny size, the world around her seemed enormous, every sound amplified, every movement a new adventure. With each step Johnny took, she had to hold on tight to the fabric of his shirt, her little fingers gripping the material like it was a lifeline. The rhythmic sway of his shoulder felt like riding a roller coaster, and she couldn’t help but giggle at the absurdity of it all.
“Hey, are you okay up there?” Johnny called out, glancing up at her with an amused expression.
“Yeah! Just… hold on a second!” she laughed, feeling the world sway beneath her as he ran. “It’s a little bumpy up here!”
“Bumpy? Come on, this is a smooth ride!” he teased, adjusting his stride to be a bit steadier for her sake. Airlea appreciated the effort, though the motion still made her feel like she was on a ship navigating choppy waters.
As they approached a clearing, Liu Kang stood waiting, his presence commanding under the moonlit sky. He focused intently, channeling his energy as he prepared to open a portal. “We don’t have much time,” he said, his voice steady and serious. “We need to get to the Shaolin Temple so you all can train.”
With a flourish, Liu Kang opened the portal, and a swirling mass of energy erupted before them, shimmering like a mirage. Airlea peered into the glowing vortex, the colors shifting and pulsating, making it look like a gateway to another world. The air buzzed with anticipation.
“Ready?” Johnny asked, glancing back at her.
“Just don’t drop me!” she replied, laughter bubbling in her throat. She felt both exhilarated and terrified at the prospect of stepping through the portal, but with Johnny’s reassuring presence, she felt more courageous.
“Never!” Johnny declared, carefully positioning her to hold on as he took a step toward the portal. “Let’s do this!”
With one last look at Liu Kang, who nodded his encouragement, Johnny leaped through the portal, Airlea clinging to him tightly as they were engulfed in a kaleidoscope of light and sound. The sensation was surreal—like being wrapped in a whirlwind. She felt the rush of wind against her face, her heart pounding with every beat.
When they emerged on the other side, the vibrant colors faded to reveal the serene landscape of the Shaolin Temple, surrounded by majestic mountains and ancient trees. Airlea looked around in awe, the temple’s stone structures towering over her, their intricate carvings a testament to the artistry and history that thrived here.
“Welcome to the Shaolin Temple,” Liu Kang said, his voice echoing with pride. “This is where you will learn to harness your abilities and find your strength.”
time skip (it doesn’t specifically say, so for this story we’ll say a few months) -
As the sounds of monks training echoed through the temple grounds, Airlea perched on Johnny’s shoulder, feeling the vibrations of his every step as he strode across the courtyard. The sharp thwack of wood being hit and the soft sifting of sand underfoot filled the air, mixed with the unmistakable clash of Raiden sparring with the warrior monks nearby. Airlea watched in awe as Raiden’s lightning-fast movements struck through the training dummies with precision.
“That is not a good idea,” Raiden said, his calm tone belying the intensity of his movements.
“It is genius, Raiden,” Kung Lao countered, confidently. “The next time we see Sub-Zero, I will have to thank him for inspiring it. Ow!”
Raiden didn’t miss a beat. “See? It won’t be effective.” He tossed his hat, and it sliced effortlessly through another training dummy. “Maybe it’s too effective.”
Johnny shook his head with a grin, feeling Airlea tighten her grip. “You seeing this? Kung Lao’s getting schooled by his own trick,” he whispered to her. Airlea couldn't help but smile, though her focus was split between the fight and holding on.
“We just need to get on with it. We’ve been cooped up here for months. I can’t base a cinematic universe on Outworld’s monsters and magic if I don’t ever see them.”
“That’s why you’re here?” Kenshi asked, raising an eyebrow.
Johnny nodded. “Liu Kang said this gig would change the arc of my life. That’s how it gets done. My ex’ll rue the day she gave up on me. Plus I’m here for Tiny Tim over here too.”
Kenshi smirked. “So selfless.” Airlea rolled her eyes at the new nickname, even if she’d tell him not to call her that, he’d do it anyways.
“Oh please, Tattoo. You’re just here to get your sword back.”
Raiden, ever the mediator, stepped in. “We all have our reasons for being here. Some better than others. But we are not here to fight among ourselves. We are here to fight for Earthrealm.”
The low ring of a gong echoed through the courtyard, catching everyone’s attention.
“It’s about damn time,” Johnny muttered.
Liu Kang entered, his expression as steady as always. “And today one of you will be chosen to fight for Earthrealm at the tournament.”
Raiden frowned. “Only one of us, Lord Liu Kang? Isn’t Outworld fielding several champions?”
Liu Kang nodded. “The tournament’s rules give the host realm that advantage. And it is Outworld’s turn as host.”
Johnny, always curious, asked with a laugh, “You know, I don’t know why I’ve never asked this, but... uh… what’s our record at this tournament?”
Liu Kang’s voice was calm but firm. “Earthrealm and Outworld have long been evenly matched. But Outworld is gaining strength. Should it win, its more militant factions will be emboldened.”
“I thought you admired Outworld,” Raiden said, raising an eyebrow.
“It is a place of great knowledge, wealth, and beauty. But our realms do not share goals and beliefs. We coexist peacefully because Outworld respects our strength. Should we show weakness… our rival will become our enemy.”
“I will not lose, Lord Liu Kang,” Kung Lao said confidently.
“First, you must win the right to represent us. Whichever one of you outlasts the others will be chosen. Raiden, step forward.”
Johnny chuckled, shifting slightly so Airlea wouldn’t lose her balance. “Good call. Call the weak first.”
“You shall face him, Johnny Cage.”
Kenshi smirked. “Ready for your close-up?”
Johnny puffed his chest out, full of bravado. “All right, let’s do this. But remember, farm boy, I’m a global martial arts icon. I don’t think you can handle this much boom.”
Raiden, ever calm, replied, “I am ready, Johnny Cage. My mind and spirit fight as one.”
Before Johnny stepped up to fight, he looked to Airlea, still on his shoulder, and grinned. “Hey, tiny fan, I’m about to knock Raiden out of his sandals. Need to stash you somewhere safe.”
He reached for his pocket, but Airlea, already wary, held up her hands. “Oh no. Not again. You are not stuffing me in your pocket.”
Johnny hesitated, then looked at Kenshi with a mischievous grin. “Hey, Kenshi, can you watch her while I fight?”
Airlea crossed her arms, giving Johnny a look. “That ain't happening either. Just put me down, Cage.”
Johnny sighed dramatically, setting her down gently on a nearby ledge. “Alright, alright, down you go. But don’t say I didn’t offer you front-row seats.”
As Johnny stepped up to face Raiden, Airlea settled herself on the ledge, legs dangling over the edge as she watched intently.
The fight between Johnny and Raiden was quick, with Raiden's skills clearly overpowering Johnny's flashy moves. After Raiden’s victory, he stepped back and offered Johnny a respectful bow.
“This fight was an honor,” Raiden said.
Johnny, never one to lose gracefully, responded with a cocky grin. “You’re welcome.”
After Johnny's defeat at Raiden’s hands, he slowly picked himself up from the ground, brushing off his ego as much as the dirt on his pants. Airlea, sitting comfortably on the nearby ledge, couldn’t resist.
"So, that was the knockout you were so confident about?" Airlea quipped, crossing her tiny arms with a smirk. "Big talk, Cage. What happened to ‘too much boom’?"
Johnny, still rubbing his sore jaw, shot her a half-hearted glare but grinned. “Yea, yea, tiny fan. Everybody’s a critic.” He stepped over to her, scooping her back up and placing her on his shoulder with ease. “Let’s just pretend I let him win, okay?”
Airlea held on tight as she settled back into her spot, chuckling softly. “Yeah, sure. Keep telling yourself that.”
Johnny rolled his eyes as Kenshi stepped forward to take his turn, the sarcasm still hanging in the air between them.
Liu Kang moved the match along. “Kenshi Takahashi, you are next.”
Kenshi, drawing his blade, looked at Raiden. “You have skills, Raiden, but you’re inexperienced.”
Raiden kept his composure. “Whatever experience I lack, I make up for in heart.”
Kenshi’s smirk widened. “It’s nerve, not heart, that wins fights. I should know. I’ve been in hundreds of them.”
Once again, Raiden triumphed, his victory earning a respectful nod from Kenshi.
“Do you still question my nerve?” Raiden asked.
Kenshi shook his head. “I do not. Yours was a well-earned victory.”
Liu Kang approached the group. “You may rest, Raiden. This evening you will face your final opponent.”
Johnny, still recovering from his earlier defeat, smirked. “Fifty bucks says Kung Lao wins.”
Kenshi chimed in with a challenge. “Make it interesting. Bet me Sento.”
Johnny shook his head with amusement. “Ha! Not on your life.”
Liu Kang turned back to Raiden and Kung Lao, his tone grave. “Raiden. Kung Lao. The winner of this match will represent Earthrealm against Outworld. It is a grave duty, not to be undertaken lightly. You may step back now and suffer no dishonor.”
Raiden, resolute, stepped forward. “I choose to fight, Lord Liu Kang.”
Kung Lao, ever confident, nodded. “As do I.”
“Then may the best person win,” Liu Kang said.
Kung Lao laughed, readying his stance. “Concede, Raiden. You have never beaten me. That won't change today.”
Raiden stood tall. “No? If the monks have taught us one thing... it's that the only constant in the universe is change.”
The fight was intense, but Raiden, true to his growing strength, finally bested Kung Lao.
“There is a first time for everything, Kung Lao,” Raiden said, offering him a respectful nod.
Liu Kang, impressed by Raiden’s display, stepped forward. “Although you have all trained well, Raiden has excelled. This outcome does not surprise me.”
Kung Lao, still in disbelief, managed a respectful nod. “How could I have… Congratulations, Raiden.”
“For the tournament, you will need this,” Liu Kang said, his hands glowing with electricity as he summoned forth an ancient relic. “Forged by the Elder Gods, it gives the wearer power over lightning and thunder. Go ahead. Try it.”
Airlea watched from Johnny’s shoulder, amazed by Raiden’s growth and the weight of what was about to come. Though she had chosen not to fight, she felt an unexpected pride in the path her allies were forging. With Earthrealm’s fate hanging in the balance, she knew they all had a part to play—even if her role was yet to be fully realized.
Johnny Cage exclaimed, "Holy Ark of the Covenant!"
Raiden gazed at the amulet in Liu Kang’s hand, his voice carrying a hint of skepticism. "It is incredible. But is it necessary?"
Liu Kang nodded. "The Outworlders you will face possess not only great strength but also powerful magic. The amulet will help balance that."
Kung Lao, ever cautious, added, "You must be careful, Raiden. This could be dangerous. Even deadly."
Liu Kang shook his head calmly. "No participant has ever been seriously injured or killed during Mortal Kombat. I wouldn’t send you into battle unprepared. We depart for Outworld’s capital, Sun Do, in seven days. The tournament will take place at Empress Sindel's Palace. Outworld may seem both alien and alluring to those from Earthrealm. Do not let it distract you. Stay focused on the mission."
On Johnny's shoulder, Airlea sat, her tiny form almost blending in with the folds of his shirt. She wasn’t used to hearing about inter-realm battles and deadly tournaments. As Liu Kang's words sank in, the reality of what they were about to face hit her harder than she expected. She gripped Johnny’s collar tightly to steady herself, feeling every slight sway of his movements as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
Her gaze flicked toward the others—towering warriors with their centuries of experience—while she still struggled with the very basics of her newfound abilities. The size difference wasn’t just physical; it felt like the gap between them and her was impossible to bridge. And yet, she was here. Part of the team. Liu Kang’s words lingered, hanging in the air as the group prepared for their next steps, each one burdened with their own silent thoughts.
