Obsession

Applying Forgiveness

My leg managed to heal after about a week and my arms were a lot tougher than they had ever been; I was ready to get moving. The upcoming half of my training that Raiden had mentioned to me had never left my mind and I continued to wonder who would lead me. I tried my best not to think about it when I was training with Liu Kang and Sub-Zero, and for the most part it paid off...but a great part of me still anticipated something exciting to happen. I had learned quickly how to attack any opponent, my bet with Smoke fueling every part of my body in to being tough so that I could kick his ass, my stubborn will refusing to lose.

"Very good, Ama. Left and right, keep it steady."

Liu Kang had allowed for me to punch his hands instead of using a standard punching bag; he told me that the punching bag didn't move and breathe as an opponent did, and I needed to learn how to fight with something that moves. I put all of my strength in to punching his hands, my own hands becoming stronger with every punch I threw. I wasn't bleeding as much as I used to when I started punching Sub-Zero's stomach...really, the bleeding had lessened, so I couldn't help but feel a little proud of myself.

"You're doing an excellent job, Ama. Excellent work."

I grinned as I continued punching his hands, my sweat dripping from all parts of my body as usual. Of all the things I was improving in, controlling my sweat wasn't one of them.

"Now kick. Remember, you want to leave an impact on your opponent at all costs, no matter how little. Even by tapping them slightly with your foot on any part of their body, your opponent will get confused and that welcomes the perfect opportunity to attack them with all you've got."

"Got it." I answered.

I tried my best to tap him, but he was too quick and disregarded it. "You have to be quick about it, Ama. Most of the fighters out there are experienced beyond belief and they'll know what you're about to do even before you even make a move. Be unpredictable."

"I'll try." I grumbled, raising my fists again.

It took me a while to even grasp the concept of the stupid tapping lesson. I groaned in frustration, wiped the sweat from off of my face, and crossed my arms. "Liu, can't you just...attack me or something?"

"...Pardon?"

"I just want to know what it is like, you know, in a real fight."

"You are too inexperienced, Ama. I can not fight you while you are inexperienced, it will only cause unnecessary damage."

"Scorpion goes all expert mode on me, and because of that, I've learned so much-"

"Yes, but he has also caused damage to your leg and arms."

"I know that, but-"

"I'll tell you what. I will throw a few intermediate punches and kicks at you. You must then block them and counter attack. Is that satisfactory?"

"Very much so-"

"Good."

He punched me right in the jaw and I flew back slightly. Whoa...that took me by surprise. I recomposed myself and shook my head gently. 'Stay focused, stay focused.'

He threw another punch at me, but I grabbed his hand and thrust my foot in towards his gut. He stumbled back slightly and nodded. I raised my fists, ready for another random attack. He tried to trip me, but I jumped up, elbowed his shoulder, flipped in to the air and once my feet touched the ground, I swept both of my legs under his feet, tripping him. He stood up and smirked at me, his amused look pissing me off.

"I know you're going easy on me, Liu. Show me what you can do."

He smirked playfully before cracking his neck and charged at me. I moved out of the way and watched as he concocted a ball of flame, its shape and figure the same as the Mortal Kombat dragon logo. I couldn't help but stare at it for a short while, my subconscious drifting in and out of my mind. I managed to move out of the way just before the thing came at me, experiencing a slight burn mark on my arms afterwards. I charged after him as well and he moved before I could deliver a flying kick, something that he had taught me a couple of days before. He jumped above me and attempted pinning me down, but was unsuccessful as I darted out of the way.