Mortal Kombat: Fire and Ice

Part 3: Chapter 9

PAGE ONE

Panel 1: Johnny lowers his shades.

Johnny: So we finally got one of you guys in pink? Took em long enough. You better have a cool name like the others. Do ya have one?

Pink ninja: My name matters not, Johnny Cage.

Johnny: Okay let's see...Pink. Pink Floyd. Got it! I'll call you Floyd.

Floyd: Shang Tsung was right. You do talk a lot.

Panel 2: Johnny's expression suddenly turns serious.

Johnny: What's your business with that snake? I'm guessing he sent you. And why do you have the energy of my friends?

Floyd: Even a simpleton like you will be able to grasp this. I'm his greatest creation. And he also gathered the powers, DNA and essence of the strongest fighters to exist in Earthrealm. I wield the powers of Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Ermac, Reptile, Rain, Noob Saibot,Tremor, Smoke, and even Raiden and Fujin as well as the monks. Not only that, I've meticulously studied their individual fighting styles in order to copy and mimic it.

Johnny: Of course he'd come up with something like that. What brings you here then?

Floyd: I have to test myself against powerful fighters in order gain experience.

Johnny: Alright then buddy. Looks like you're eager to get humbled in a fight by the great Johnny Cage.

Floyd: Prepare yourself! Despite your tendency to brag, you've proven to be quite strong. I can only hope that your reputation upholds.

Panel 3: They both take their stances. Floyd mimics Johnny's stance.

Johnny: I've already got stunt doubles. No need to copy me.

Panel 4: Johnny immediately launches a shadow kick that catches Floyd. He then lands his signature uppercut elbow that launches Floyd into the air. He proceeds to blast him away with green force balls followed by another shadow kick. Floyd gets up and is immediately hit with a backflip kick. Johnny follows up with a green energy infused lead uppercut followed by a head kick. Floyd gets up and is hit with a nut punch followed by another uppercut elbow. Floyd gets up again and dusts himself off.

Floyd: Good. I've got all the analysis I need now.

PAGE TWO

Caption: Shirai Ryu training grounds.

Panel 1: We see Scorpion and Akira training again. Amino is observing. Akira takes a deep breath and summons blue fire. He immediately goes to attack Scorpion. He attempts a double jab,cross to the body, left hook up top and a right knee to the body. Scorpion blocks all the strikes. Akira channels the fire into his leg and attempts a right body kick. Scorpion raises his shin to check it. Akira tries to land a right straight but Scorpion parries it and lands one of his own. Akira shakes his head and throws a right hand, left hook right kick. Scorpion blocks it all. Akira drops to one knee after, panting.

Akira: How...long was...that?

Amino: You did ninety seconds today.

Scorpion: Yesterday was eighty seconds. Good, you went up by ten. Remember, small steps. Don't rush anything, especially this. We'll do it again same time tomorrow.

Amino: I'm proud of you Akira. You continue to improve and progress everyday. Even if it seems small, you still apply yourself and continue to work hard.

Akira: Thanks. I feel myself getting used to it more every time I use it. But I'm nowhere near ready to fully use it.

Scorpion: It's also important to acknowledge your limits and know when to rest. Yes training is important but rest and recovery is crucial for both body and mind. In my opinion it's just as important when it comes to martial arts, strength training, whatever you do. Never listen to anyone who preaches such nonsense as constantly pushing yourself and not resting at all. Adequate sleep and recovery will only benefit you in your journey. Come now, let's rest and recover.