Liu Kang sat alone on outside of the palace. He was enjoying the peace and quiet. All was calm and peaceful, perfect for mediation and enjoying the scenery he couldn't quite make out the night before. His guide had ditched him at some point over the course of the night after hours of being tortured relentlessly by Johnny Cage's flirting. The actor had followed Marina, and hadn't been seen since. The man wondered if maybe she killed him. But for that matter, he hadn't seen Raiden since last night either. It had been storming all night, thunder and lightning. What if he had been putting up a fight? Then again, his powers were useless in this realm and it may have just been a coincidence. But if his powers were useless, he very well could've been overpowered. Earthrealm's champion rose from his spot and headed back into the palace, determined to find the god…. and maybe Johnny too, he guessed.

The Shaolin snuck through the palace in search for Raiden. He had no idea where they headed off to last night and there was so much area to cover. Everything was so quiet except for the buzzing of the neon lights that lined the corridors. As he reached the staircase, he heard footsteps and ducked out of sight as he waited for the source. When the footsteps got closest to him, he jumped out and was swiftly punched in the throat.

"What the fuck is with you, Earthrealmer?" scoffed Kaeda.

"Where are the others?" Liu Kang hoarsely demanded, rubbing his throat. This hoe may have been small but they packed a punch.

Kaeda shrugged and walked away. Liu Kang heard snickering and turned around to see Johnny.

"Having fun, little Liu-Liu?" the actor asked, offering him a hand up off the ground. "Y'know I don't think they like you too much."

"Yeah, well, looks like someone wasn't too fond of you either. What's with all the bruises?" Liu Kang asked, point at Johnny's neck.

The actor took off his sunglasses to look at the other man before bursting into laughter.

"Bruises? Oh man, I've got to have a talk with Kitana," said Johnny. The Shaolin looked confused. Johnny just put a hand on his shoulder. "I'll explain it when you're older, kid. So where's Raidude?"

"I was just about to ask you the same thing. I have not seen him since last night."

Johnny started smirking to himself, then shook his head no.

"What? Do you know where he is?"

"No, but I have a hunch," Johnny laughed and started walking up the stairs. Liu followed him up. The actor stopped at one of the first doors in the corridor and slipped in, leaving his companion out in the hall. A few minutes later he walked out again and headed down the hall to the very end. He knocked on the large ornate double doors and waited, still grinning. A few moments later, a door cracked open and revealed the Hoennian Supreme.

"Good morning, good lookin'! Hate to bother you, but we're missing a god. Have you seen him?" asked Johnny.

"Huh?" Surge yawned and rubbed her eyes, further smudging last night's leftover eyeliner. "Oh, oh, Raiden. Yeah, uh… Give me a minute…"

Johnny nodded and she closed the door.

Surge locked the door behind her and walked back over to the bed. She climbed back on the bed and cozied up next to the god occupying her mattress. Most of her conquests, as she considered them, weren't permitted in here, and if they were they had to be gone by morning. It pained her to admit, but Surge was a little fond of the god.

"You awake?" she whispered, wrapping her arms around him.

"Gods never sleep," Raiden said and pulled Surge close for a slow, lazy kiss. "Who was at the door? Marina?"

"Nuh-uh," Surge muttered between kisses. "Your Earthrealmers …"

"I suppose they're looking for me," he said, sitting up. The Hoennian nodded. "It looks like it's my time to go."

"You and your men are welcome to stay with us longer," Surge told him. "Like…. At least one more night?"

"I appreciate your hospitality, but I fear my prolonged absence would only invite trouble to Earthrealm," the god explained.

He rose from the bed in search of his garments. Surge knew he was right, and she was in the same boat. As long as he was with her, Hoennia was at a greater risk. It had to be done.

"They must've had some unfinished business," Johnny laughed as he leaned against the wall.

"What are you implying?" the Shaolin whispered, which made Johnny laugh more.

"Oh, I dunno. It's not like we're on Planet Strip Club right now," the actor said.

"You're so vulgar. You lack respect."

Liu Kang started to walk away but the door opened. Raiden and Surge emerged from the room together.

"Lord Raiden, you are safe!" the Shaolin said. "I admit the storm over the night worried me."

"There was no reason to fret, Liu Kang. Surge and her people are our friends," said Raiden with a smile.

"With benefits," Johnny added, nudging Liu.

"Yes, benefits that will protect both our realms." The term went straight over the god's head, much to Johnny's amusement.

The group made their way down the corridors and back to the entrance of the palace. Surge offered to walk with them back to the portal, but they politely declined.

"If you really must be on your way, Raiden, I hope you don't stay a stranger. I await seeing you again soon," the Supreme said, taking his hand. He smiled and place his hand on top of hers.

"I believe we will meet again sooner than later, if Shao Kahn has his way. Please take care in the meantime."

She nodded as he withdrew his hands. Then, Johnny shook her hand, ruining the little moment they had going.

"Hey," he whispered. "Give this to Marina for me."

"What the fuck is this?" she asked, looking at the little slip of paper he left in her hand.

"It's my business card. My numbers on the back there," said the actor with a wink.

"Uh, okay?" Surge said, looking at the card.

"I believe it's our time to depart Johnny," Raiden grabbed Johnny's arm and rolled his eyes.

Final goodbyes were said and then the group was off on their way back to Earthrealm. Surge watched the trio as they headed back where they came from and laughed.

"I hate to see him go, but I don't mind watching him leave."