The first attempt to swipe you off your feet came as expected. Raiden had this very particular move that he used whenever he wasn't sure how to start something new.

He'd drop to the ground and swipe his leg right along his opponents feet. Usually that was a good way to make someone stumble but you had expected him to start with that.

"I expected more of you...", you muttered, more to yourself than him, as you jumped over his leg to aim for his head with a kick.

It grazed his cheek, not in a concerning manner, but enough to force him to pull back and reassemble his strategy.

Teeth clenched, his steps echoed across the stone ground.

You could feel how he was nervous. Even though your attitude was about as laid back as Johnny's you had the fighting spirit of Kenshi and the skills of Kung Lao.

While all of the three were great fighters of their own they all suffered from some kind of flaw.

Kung Lao was too full of himself to make an unbearable fighter.

Kenshi was too stiff, too driven by pressure and his sense of duty.

And Johnny?

It almost made you feel bad thinking about it but he wasn't made of champion material. He was a great guy and a legend on screen.

But he wouldn't be fit to represent an entire realm.

You, however, combined all of their best qualities. What pulled you down was your own self esteem, the lack of drive.

For a brief moment you got lost in your thoughts.

Suddenly, a hit struck you right in the chest. It was so powerful that you couldn't help but let out an audible gasp. Taken aback, you stumbled a few steps before your mind could even realise what had happened.

Raiden was already so close again that he could have placed another attack. But he was slow. There was hesitation in his eyes.

Yes, he was dedicated, but there was something in him that made him falter.

He was soft. He felt bad about attacking you while being this vulnerable.

He'd truly make a better champion than you.

Out of reflex, your legs jumped aside. Fists rose, together with your knee and chased right into his guts as he was about to turn towards you again.

A gasp escaped Raiden's lips. His eyes widened, the shadow of your body fell over him.

Two quick punches, one placed to his chest and the other to his guts, made him stumble and he came crashing to the ground.

Your breath was heavy.

With your fists still in the air you went for another blow. Anything for the win. Anything to come out at the top. Even if it meant to beat someone who was already on the ground.

All of a sudden your body froze.

No.

This was exactly how you had been taught all your life. Anything to fulfil your legacy. There was no line that could be crossed since you've never had the permission to draw one for yourself.

But this was different. This was the chance to stop whenever you wanted to. Wherever you wanted.

Raiden was already on the ground. His eyes watched you, trembling with the expectation that you'd beat him black and blue.

But instead of pulling through you let your hands fall to your sides. Your shoulders relaxed and a strained breath made your chest quiver as you exhaled.

"You fight well.", with a smile you offered him a hand.

Confused, he eyed you for a moment before accepting.

"Is this round two?", he asked, irritated.

You shook your head.

"Sometimes there is no second chance in life."

"So you won."

A sigh rolled of your lips. You threw a glance at Liu Kang.

"Lord Liu Kang.", you bowed to the guardian of Earthrealm. "This was an honourable fight. I believe Raiden would make a suitable champion for our realm."

Mutters of disagreement and confusion filled the air. Surprise spread amongst the monks, some exchanged glanced to see how the god of fire would react.

With his lips pressed into a thin line, Liu Kang rose from his seat to meet you face to face.

"Is this your final decision, child of champions?", he asked.

You pulled a face.

"I have a name, you know.", you snarled with a sour grin. "But yes. I do not desire to be the champion of Earthrealm. It is not my destiny nor what would make me feel fulfilled."

You gave Raiden a nudge to the shoulder and stepped aside as he returned your friendly gesture with a nod of appreciation.

He bowed to Liu Kang.

"I am ready to defend Earthrealm, Lord Liu Kang.", he said. "If you'll have me."

"Although you have all trained well, it seems you are the best fit, Raiden. I see why (Y/N) has decided this way. You will make a fine champion for Earthrealm.", with a proud smile, Liu Kang offered Raiden a small tinned box. "This outcome does not surprise me."

"Congratulations, Raiden.", Kung Lao rushed to his friends side to wrap an arm around his neck.

"Hey!", Raiden pulled a face, although he did not fight against his friend.

He was already used to these kinds of shenanigans.

"For the tournament.", the keeper of the hourglass opened the box to show his new champion the charm made of blue glowing metal inside. "You will need this."

The crackling sound of electricity filled the air. It caressed the branches of the trees and made leaves and blossoms shiver.

With your arms crossed you joined Johnny and Kenshi.

Raiden accepted the gift. Careful excitement shimmered in those dark eyes of his.

But he did not back away as a small bold of blue lightning started to caress his fingertips.

"Forged by the Elder Gods, it gives the wearer power over lightning and thunder.", Liu Kang explained. "Go ahead. Try it."

The crackling intensified as Raiden turned his back on the ground to face a giant dragon statue made of stone. His hand rose and a bright beam of lightning came shooting out of it.

All giddy about it, Johnny pulled out his phone to film.

"Ho-ly Ark of the Covenant!", he gasped.

You could feel how goosebumps chased across your limbs. Somehow you felt relieved to not whiled such powers.