Hi there, MK fan! This fanfic takes place right after the end of MKX and involves some complicated things (e.g. parallel universes) but do not worry! Everything will make sense in the end... hopefully.

Before you continue any further let me tell you that the story will involve SubCassie, so if you don't ship them you should stop right here and avoid reading my fanfics. /also ask yourself 'what is wrong with me' if you don't like them :D/

That's all for now, I hope you enjoy my ideas! ^^

p.s. I apologize for any game related inconsistencies. Do correct me if you notice anything odd. Also, English is not my mother tongue (apparently), so bear with me.

The Portal.

Hanzo Hasashi was sitting on a big rock near the Shirai Ruy temple as he observed his students sparring and having fun under the setting sun. Proud of what he had achieved in the last few years, he allowed that secret smile to dance on his lips even if just for a second. He hadn't felt happiness in a long time but his hard work and dedication have finally paid off resulting in the successfully revived clan. He also acknowledged the fact that he was not alone – all these achievements were possible thanks to his comrades that have stood beside him in his darkest and most terrifying moments. Takeda, Kenshi's son, was one of them. Scorpion was thankful for having him in his life as he considered the boy a blessing – losing one son but having the chance to raise another. His relationship with the young man had made him also grow into a better version of himself – peaceful and balanced.

Kuai Liang, his rival for many years, was also someone who has helped the new Hanzo to surface. They both have had experienced great pain and loss until finally, united by their mutual understanding and respect, the warriors managed to overcome their differences and started anew. Sub-Zero had taken the first step to form this odd alliance when he showed Hanzo the memories of Sektor, thus revealing that it has been Quan Chi's master plan to destroy the Shirai Ruy all along and never The Lin Kuei's intentions.

Scorpion took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment, trying to recall what Kuai was like throughout the years. It was painful to admit that a great fighter such as Sub-Zero was lost forever. The fate of the Cryomancer resulted in an unbelievable and tragic death a few months back when fighting off the Outworld army away from Earthrealm. Some say the Lin Kuei turned against him and sabotaged the combat. Others speculate that the Dragon Medallion was making him weaker and the outcome was his demise.

Everyone had their own theory but nothing made sense to Hanzo who knew Kuai better than anyone else. Only Raiden would provide adequate answers to Sub-Zero's death but he was nowhere to be found. Last, he was seen entering an unusual portal that looked like a huge scar emitting blue light.

'If we can find him maybe he will have an explanation for all this.' The man spoke to himself quietly.

'Grandmaster! You have to come and see this!' one of Hanzo's youngest students was running towards him, seemingly distressed.

'Catch your breath first and explain to me what you've seen.' Annoyed with this sudden interruption, Scorpion stood up and went to aid the young man. Much to his surprise, the pupil was shaking and breathing heavily.

'What is it that you saw?!' spat out the ex-revenant as his patience was running short. So much for being a steady person.

'A portal... I saw a portal!' trying to maintain a normal tone, the boy went on 'Something came out of it but I was too scared to see what it was and I ran. I am sorry, Grandmaster.'

Many emotions ran across Hanzo's face as he was taking in the new information – anger, disappointment, shock. The student didn't know whether the thing from the portal was scarier or the weird faces his teacher was making. He wasn't sure what to expect, so he apologized again and bowed down.

'Where is this portal, boy?' Scorpion's mind was going crazy over the many risks this portal meant to him and his clan. Another Outworld attack? Demons from the Netherrealm? Or was it Raiden?

'In the forest to the south, right next to that old well…' the young man paused and with an uncertainty in his voice asked:

'Should I take you there?'

'No, you get yourself together and warn the rest of the pupils. Gather them in the big hall in the temple and be prepared to strike if an adversary appears. Do not leave the temple until I get back, understood?' The Grandmaster was already making his way to the forest, both of his hands holding the deadly blades, ready to take down anyone who tries to hurt his family. He has lost too much to pretend that a portal is not a serious matter.

It didn't take him long to get to that old well the boy was talking about. A few meters from it a blue portal was blowing chilly winds outwards, like a menacing warning to whoever decides to venture into it. Hanzo's eyes widened as he looked at the shape of the portal. 'Like a scar…' he said aloud, his heart almost stopped as his eyes traced a trail of blood leading to the well itself. One step at a time, the warrior was becoming aware of his surroundings, trying to comprehend the situation and to be in control.

'Raiden, that you?' his pace quickened when he noticed someone was lying unconsciously behind the well. Rushing to aid, he was taken aback as he slowly realized who this someone was. He put his blades aside, rolled over the body and saw a familiar face from many years ago.

'Kuai…'

Aaand, that's the end of Chapter 1. You're probably thinking 'How come Sub-Zero is dead but then alive at the end?' Well.. you'll have to wait for Chapter 2 to find out. :D

Any feedback is welcomed! Thanks for reading. ^_^