Everyone's thoughts as "Annihilation" comes to an end. And a continuation, for all those who thought something should have been done about Johnny's death.
Liu
As Raiden takes his place with the Elder Gods, I can't help but wonder if it's really all over. That nagging feeling of doubt consumes me, but Kitana grabs my hand. Forgetting my previous train of thought, I grasp it tightly. I look at our little group, our family, and feel a slight pang. One of our own is gone. I glance at Sonya, but Jax is talking quietly to her. I see her face light up for a split second, before dropping into her customary mask. Kitana kisses my cheek and smiles at me.
"Can we go home, now?" she asks eagerly. I smile and nod, then walk her up to the temple to meet my grandfather.
Jax
This has been the strangest week of my life. Not to mention the damn waste of money on those enhancers. As I watch Rayden and his fellow Elders vanish, I wonder what will happen next. He called us a family, and so we are. I feel Sonya shift beside me, and I turn. She has a lost look in her eyes, and I lay my hand on her shoulder, realizing for the first time how much smaller she is than I.
"Hey, you alright?" I whisper quietly. I know how adamant she is about putting up a front to others, but I am one of the lucky few who have ever seen her let it all down.
"Yeah, fine," she says half-heartedly.
"I don't know about you, but a hearty steak dinner and a long shower is definitely in order about now." There it is, the smile. Then, just as quickly as it had come, it was gone. I sense Liu and Kitana leaving, and watch them from the corner of my eye. They are going back to the temple. I wrap an arm around Sonya's shoulder and begin to follow.
Kitana
Liu is troubled, I can sense it. Though victorious, an air of loss is around him. I don't think Liu will ever admit it, but Johnny Cage was becoming a close friend to him. I don't know how Sonya feels, nor will I ever want to. I grab Liu's hand, and am filled with relief when he responds by squeezing mine reassuringly. Awkwardness overwhelms me as I'm privy to a semi-private moment between Jax and Sonya. Smiling, I kiss Liu's cheek.
"Can we go home, now?" I ask, surprising myself at the playfulness in my voice. He smiles back at me, leading me up to the Temple of the Order of Light. I take a moment to glance up to where Rayden had been, and see a glimmer of light. Perhaps not all was lost.
Sonya
Raiden's gone. He called us a family, said we are whole now. But that's not true. A chunk has been taken from me, from us. Jax takes me aside and lays a hand on my shoulder. I barely register what is said to me, and my mask is set firmly in place.
"Yeah, fine." Fine physically, save a few bruises and cuts. Emotionally, I'm a wreck: but no one is allowed to know that, not even Jax. His small attempt at humor makes me smile a little, but I force myself to drop it. I feel his muscular arm slip around my shoulder as he leads me off to the temple.
All of a sudden, I find myself wondering what had happened to Johnny's body. Last I saw, it...no he was sitting atop an altar of some kind, before we were forced to leave him behind.
Raiden
I smile as I leave them, knowing they will be alright. I stay a moment longer, catching Kitana's eye, and I nod imperceptibly. But somehow, she knows, and I feel a great sense of hope. Just before I return to the Temple of the Elder Gods, I feel the others whisper.
Do not be afraid, mortals. All we be right again.
As they approached the Temple, Liu's grandfather rushed out to meet them. The young warrior embraced the old monk.
"Grandfather!" They let go, and the old man turned to the others. "Grandfather, this is Kitana, Sonya Blade, and Jax," Liu pointed to each in turn.
"May blessings fall on each of you," the monk greeted. He then stepped closer to Sonya, placing his hand on her shoulder, and closed his eyes. "Yes, I believe it is time." He let go and walked away, leaving the four confused.
"What the hell was that, Liu?" Sonya demanded. Liu shrugged and followed his elder, the others not far behind. As they walked closer to the temple, chanting could be heard from inside. Liu stopped in his tracks and turned to his companions. He stared blankly at Sonya, then sprinted into the temple. The others were stopped by monks from entering, but what they saw was enough to make them struggle more.
Johnny's body lay in the temple, surrounded by candles and praying monks. Sonya's face twisted in pain and confusion, but she forced herself behind her mask once more, berating herself for showing such weakness. Liu came out moments later to explain.
"I just talked to the elders. It seems the gods have granted them the knowledge we need to bring him back," he said quietly. Sonya felt her legs give way, but Jax caught her elbow and held her up discreetly. He knew how much she hated help, but also knew she needed it now more than ever.
"Can...can I see him?" she choked, and blinked back tears when Liu shook his head.
"No, we must talk with the council immediately. They will watch over his body until we retrieve his soul." Jax followed Liu, secretly holding up his partner and friend. They entered the chambers and sat down at the table. The council came in soon after, and took their places.
"Elders," Liu began, bowing respectfully. "We wish to quest for the soul of Johnny Cage," he proclaimed.