Goosebumps grew all over your body as the blade of Kenshi's sword cut through the air and made metal vibrate.

You had to admit, it was impressive how well he could wield his weapon. But not well enough to be considered a serious threat.

Relaxed, you jumped back to avoid being cut in half. Hands dangled at either of your sides, fingers caressing through the air.

Your eyes followed each and every move of your opponent.

Kenshi was a good fighter, you knew that as well as anyone else. But he was stiff. And that was what made him vulnerable.

His guard opened for barely more than a moment but all of a sudden there was nothing between you and him. Two quick steps and you were close enough to punch him in the face.

He groaned, his dark eyes turned watery.

Kick to his guts.

Kenshi stumbled. His head fell low.

A kick to his face.

He threw his chin up, taken by the force.

All at once you were right in front of him. All your strength gathered in your dominant hand to place a kind of uppercut that swept Kenshi off his feet.

Blood splattered all over the place as the swordsman crashed to the ground with a groan, teeth clenched. His fingers lost grip on the sword.

Metal slithered over stone.

With a soft sigh of defeat Kenshi remained motionless.

"That... was quick.", Johnny noted with his eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Are you alright?", you asked and offered Kenshi a hand.

How much could a man's pride be hurt?

The answer wasn't clear but what was clear was that Kenshi's pride wasn't hurt. It was crushed.

As his eyes flickered open again he looked at you in a way in which he usually only ever looked at Johnny whenever he made one his stupid jokes.

Blood poured from his nose.

A wave of guilt washed over you.

"I'm sorry.", you said and insisted on helping him up.

His fingers wrapped around yours. He was heavy, needed quite some support to manage it back to his feet. A long, heavy breath pressed out between his clenched teeth as he straightened his back to face you as he always would.

"Yours was a well earned victory.", the Japanese bowed to you with respect.

Although his words were honest there was still this shimmer in his eyes. He would have liked to come out at the top.

You wouldn't have minded though it seemed like loosing was a lot harder than you had expected. Perhaps Mortal Kombat really did flow in your veins.

It was hard to tell but you still struggled to make a choice. There was one side in you that wanted to be the winner of them all. And another who felt like it was but a burden through blood.

A sigh made your chest feel heavy.

Your gaze fell onto Kung Lao. He was the only one who hadn't fought yet.

"Do not worry, child of champions.", Liu Kang said and did a gesture to allow you to step aside. "This is not a fight you must succeed in. Friendship is an honourable thing to possess. But they must face each other."

"I will not loose.", the smirk on Kung Lao's face was so broad that it seemed like he had already won.

How much confidence could a man have?

Sure, Johnny showed an unhealthy amount of it as well. But you knew better than anyone else that, most times, this confidence was just an act.

He loved to entertain people, make them laugh. Both on and off screen. It was a bit part of his personality to be smug and always quick to comment on something but he wasn't all that confident at all times.

He was good when it came to pretending.

As confident as Kung Lao was going into the fight, it didn't save him from losing. It was no secret that he had been resting on the fact that Raiden had never beaten him before for far too long.

But you knew very well that Raiden had been the better student. He had worked on everything from fast martial arts to balance and his balance. Besides you, he was the only one who could keep a group of monks at a distance without breaking a sweat.

You could tell he would be a good opponent for the final fight. But as you watched him prove himself against his childhood friend without batting an eye, you began to have doubts.

He wasn't necessarily better at fighting than you. But Raiden had something you still had trouble with.

Trust.

He trusted in the mission Liu Kang set. It wasn't blind, but it was unshakeable. Raiden believed that Liu Kang was doing the right thing.

You weren't even sure if it was wise to trust in yourself. Insecurity had been something that haunted you your whole life. Not that you didn't trust in your own abilities. That was out of the question.

But you doubted your own motives and even now, as the show was coming to a climax, you weren't sure if you wanted to play the lead role.

A loud gasp suddenly snapped you out of your thoughts. Kung Lao had fallen to the ground. Sweat glistened on his forehead.

Unlike Johnny or Kenshi, he hadn't sustained any injuries from the fight. And it didn't seem like he wanted to. His hand went up to ask for a break.

Raiden pulled back.

Maybe he was better suited than you. You'd kick someone who was down if it meant coming out of the fight victorious.

He was a better person than you. More honourable. You would make a good fighter for Earthrealm. But Liu Kang needed a champion, someone noble to whom children could look up to.

You weren't like that. And you didn't want to be either.

Suddenly, hands slid under your arms from behind and gripped your waist. Warm breath stroked your bare neck and ears and made you tremble.

"Looks like you've found your last opponent.", Johnny whispered in your ear. "I believe in you."

The pride that filled his voice made something inside you quiver. Nausea crept up your throat.

"I believe I need some time first.", you muttered.

"Rest.", Liu Kang said with a glance at Raiden and then at you. "Tonight you shall face your final opponent."

Your eyes jumped to Raiden. He nodded respectfully.