Episode 2: Upon Arrival
All of the kombatants did not know what to make of what they were being told, but still they continued listening. Each one of them with a specific goal to complete, the only reason they entered this strange tournament, only Raiden and Liu Kang knew what Shang Tsung was talking about, he figured ever since The Great Kung Lao, Kung Lao's great ancestor had been defeated almost five hundred years ago that he would be the one to restore honor to the wu shi academy and become the protector of Earthrealm alongside Raiden. Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade exchanged looks of confusion as Shang Tsung continued, however Johnny Cage took a second glance at the Special Forces agent and admired her figure, and her bust as well as the actor looked up and down her figure.
"Hey beautiful Johnny Cage, you know the guy you bumped into, and you are?" Asked Johnny smugly.
"Not even remotely interested" Shot back Sonya.
"Ooh that's a mouthful" Joked Johnny.
"Fuck off" Said Sonya.
"It'd be best if you stopped looking at her like a piece of meat, Mister, believe me she could drop you in millisecond" Jax threatened.
"Oh please, a good looking honey like that, I mean she's good, but no one can handle or resist Johnny Cage" Johnny Cage said slipping on his signature sunglasses.
"The fuck you trying to say, Mr. A list, I'm gonna rip your mouth open and use your tongue as an ashtray for my cigar" Jax said getting in between Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage.
"No, there will be no combat, before we reach the island, you will restrain yourself Jackson Briggs, and you will keep your remarks to yourself Johnny Cage" Raiden said appearing in a blue light between the two just as they struck fighting positions.
"Yes, the thunder god is right, there will be no fighting until we reach my island, and fights will be appointed by me not started over petty squabbles, each of you will fight and if you defeat all of your opponents you will face me in Mortal Kombat" Shang Tsung said
"Really, you're the final challenge, just let me defeat everyone here and then give me the prize cause taking you down will be a piece of cake" Johnny said smugly.
"Hit me" Shang Tsung said to Johnny Cage.
"What?" Johnny Cage asked in disbelief.
"Hit me as hard as you can" Shang Tsung said.
"Are you kidding me, I'm not gonna hit you, if I did I'd probably kill you" Johnny Cage protested.
"Perhaps I was wrong about your abilities Mr. Cage, maybe I was wrong to give you that letter to participate in my tournament, perhaps the media is right maybe you are just ...a fake" Shang Tsung taunted.
This pushed Johnny Cage over the edge, as he threw a punch at Shang Tsung's face with lightning speed, to which Shang Tsung dodged by merely stepping to the left. Johnny realized what had happened and tried to correct his mistake by using his front foot to regain his balance and spinned around with a reverse roundhouse kick aimed at Shang Tsung's head, but to Johnny Cage's surprise Shang Tsung had jumped above his reverse roundhouse. Once Shang Tsung landed he sweep kicked Johnny Cage's leg from under him making him fall on his back knocking the wind out of him, but Johnny Cage soon found Shang Tsung's boot gently press against his throat.
"This is not some street brawl mister Cage, this is a tournament, professionals only, you are lucky we are not on my island, otherwise your soul would be mine, now it would be wise to keep your remarks to yourself" Shang Tsung said lifting his boot off of Johnny Cage's throat.
"Ok I get it, I'll behave" Johnny Cage said raspily.
"Good, now prepare yourselves, the tournament begins tomorrow" Shang Tsung said as he floated to the top of the ship with green aura surrounding him.
Once Johnny Cage had caught his breath, he saw Sonya Blade extending her hand out to him as she knelt down.
"Sonya what are you doing?" Jax protested.
"I'm helping him up, I think he learned his lesson" Sonya said.
"Ugh, thanks, but seriously if you ever wanna get that dinner just give me a call" Johnny said reverting back to his cocky nature.
"Why you son of a-" Jax started before Sonya cut him off with her hand.
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind the next time you need an ass kicking" Sonya replied and walked away from Johnny Cage with Jax giving Johnny a "I'm watching you" look.
It was getting late, and the rest of the combatants had gone to their quarters for the night, the ship was called the Nethership and was very decrepit, the beds were that of another century, no one was going to have a comfy sleep. All the combatants except Liu Kang, and Johnny Cage the two were standing over the side of the ship in silence for the majority of time until Johnny's need for talking started to take effect.
"That old geezer sure was a slippery little bastard wasn't he?" Johnny said trying to start up a conversation.
"You would have been wise not to challenge him, he is more than what he seems, he is a powerful sorcerer, and constant threat to Earthrealm" Liu Kang explained.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Johnny asked.
"Weren't you listening Cage, this our final tournament to determine Earth Realms fate, if we lose Shao Khan will merge his realm with ours and we will be under his rule" Liu Kang explained further.
"Your not telling me you actually buy that stuff right?" Johnny asked with a chuckle.
"I have been raised and trained my whole life for this, I will defeat Shang Tsung and free Earthrealm from his tyranny" Liu Kang proclaimed with great vigor.
"Ok I can see you've boarded the crazy train as well, so yeah I'm just gonna let you.." Johnny Cage was cut off
"Hey your Johnny Cage right, mind if I get your autograph" Came a strong Australian accent.
"Huh?" Johnny Cage said startled as he turned around to see Kano in front of him.
"Well this is great, I'm finally getting the praise I deserve, Where do I sign buddy?" Johnny Cage asked.
"Right here" Kano said as he pulled out his large raptor knife and lightly tapped Johnny's chest with the knife.
"Ah shit" Said Johnny.
Johnny Cage realized the predicament he was in, was he just a crazed fan or an assassin. Kano laughed lowly before lunging at Johnny Cage with his knife, Johnny dodged the strike, Johnny tried to respond with a hard jab to the face only to be blocked and Johnny receiving a hard front kick to his chest sending Johnny Cage back a few feet. Johnny jumped back up instantly and once Kano grew closer Johnny jumped in the air and performed a spinning back kick landing on Kano's face. Following Johnny's spinning back kick landed two punches to Kano's face, but after Johnny tried to land a third Kano grabbed Johnny's arm, twisted it and rammed his shoulder into Johnny's chest sending him flying back into some crates at the other side of the ship. As Johnny tried to get up Kano kept knocking Johnny down with almost bone crushing punches to the face. Kano kept laughing as he kept Johnny cage down with his punches. One final punch was enough to wake the rest of the participants who rushed to the deck, the combatants formed a crowd around Johnny Cage and Kano, in an act of desperation Johnny charged at Kano and attempted to tackle Kano only to have Kano trip Johnny Cage almost mockingly.
"C'mon Cage, say it" Kano said before punching Johnny again.
"You got caged" Kano said mockingly
"Seriously stealing my worst movie line?" Johnny asked.
"Alright he's had enough, leave the actor be" Said Liu Kang.
"Who the bloody hell are you?" Asked Kano aggravated.
"My friends call me Liu Kang, you are not a friend" Said Liu Kang standing up.
"You want some too, be my guest" Said Kano as he struck a fighting pose.
"I usually don't enjoy fighting, but for you I'll make an exception" Said Liu Kang not backing down.
Kano moved at great speed a he tried to hit Liu Kang with a powerful right hook, however the Shaolin merely blocked the blow before sending multiple fast but equally strong blows to Kano's gut. Two hooks smashed against Kano's face before Liu Kang kicked Kano's hamstring from under him leaving his face wide open for a hook kick. The mercenary shook off the attack and with a roar he charged Liu Kang catching the monk off guard he opened with a side kick to Liu's face, a momentary setback, as Liu just smiled, Kano again charged Liu only to be caught by a hard uppercut sending Kano on his back.
"You quick little bastard" Sneered Kano after spitting up blood.
"You're finished Mercenary dog, at the tournament you will not be so fortunate" Said Liu Kang helping up Johnny Cage.
"Alright Kano hands where I can fucking see them" Sonya said stepping out from the crowd that had gathered with her pistol drawn.
"Hello, love it's great to see ya again, just let me finish up with pretty boy here, and I'll be sure to escort you back to my chambers where we can have a more private conversation" Kano said laughing.
"Why you son of a-" Sonya was about to say before Kano spun around and kicked her in the face knocking her on her stomach.
"I said you'll wait for me bitch" Kano said.
"Hey asshole, anyone ever teach you not to hit a lady" Johnny Cage said as he grabbed Kano by the shoulders followed by two punches to the face but when Kano anticipated a third punch and threw his arm up to block it, Johnny did the unthinkable, in a split second Johnny dropped into a splits and drove his fist into Kano's crotch.
The pain was instantaneous as Kano dropped to his knees grabbing his sore genitals, hearing a few snickers from the rest of the contestants. Sonya was getting up from the kick Kano had delivered and just as she was heading towards Kano, Johnny used his shadow kick to hurl Kano overboard of the ship into the icy waters of the South China Sea. Liu Kang smirked and approached Johnny Cage with new found respect for the Hollywood actor. Liu Kang's first impression of the actor was not in high regard, at first he seemed vain and arrogant but deep underneath was the heart of a warrior.
"You fought well Mr. Cage" Liu Kang said.
"Thanks but call me Johnny, who was that guy anyway, he asks me for an autograph then pulls a knife on me" Johnny wondered.
"His names Kano, he was gang leader in the black dragon organization, big time arms dealers, a lot of our guys got killed because of him, and I was going to take him into custody that is until you kicked him off the boat" Sonya explained as she approached the two.
"I wouldn't worry Sonya, chances are he's probably dead, there a lot of sharks in these waters, not to mention unpredictable currents, storms etcetera, so we may not have been able to capture but maybe he got what he deserved, I just wish I could have been the one to do it" Jax popped in.
"But either way he's probably dead anyway, and thats alot better than was gonna happened to him, thanks Cage" Jax said as he shook Johnny's Cage's hand.
Shang Tsung suddenly appeared in a flash of green light.
"Mr. Cage did I not specifically state that there would be no combat on this ship" Shang Tsung said.
"It was self defense against that maniac, who may I add was representing Outworld in the fight, trying to sabotage the tournament before it even begins, I expect better even from a common criminal" Raiden said looking directly at Shang Tsung.
"Very well, but know this thunder God, you are here to merely monitor the tournament" Shang Tsung started.
"I know the rules sorcerer, unless directly challenged I cannot participate" Raiden went over the rules of Gods in the tournament.
Shang Tsung disappeared in a green light.
"Listen what you're about to face, is vastly more important than your ego, your enemy, or your quest for personal triumph, you have embarked on a sacred mission, everyone on this boat has been chosen to defend Earthrealm in a tournament called Mortal Kombat" Raiden explained as Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Jax, and Nightwolf gathered around the thunder god
"Defend it from who?" Sonya asked.
"The emperor of Outworld, Shao Kahn, he uses his sorcerer Shang Tsung to monitor and compete if he chooses in the tournament to aid his emperor in winning the tournament" Liu Kang interjected.
"Correct Liu Kang, your realm Earthrealm is one of many, Outworld ruled by the emperor Shao Kahn desires to conquer Earthrealm as he did with the realm of Edenia, but in order to conquer another realm it must win ten consecutive Mortal Kombat tournaments, and for the past five hundred years they have won nine, this being the tenth is the most important tournament in its history, the fate of billions rests on all of your shoulders" Raiden explained further.
"Well, that seems easy enough, now please direct me where I can get off of this boat" Asked Johnny Cage before he tried to walk away.
"I'm sorry Johnny Cage, but once you arrive on this boat you're in for the whole trip" Said Nightwolf putting his hand on the actors shoulder.
"Wait a minute hold on, I don't know if you've noticed but I'm just an actor, and yeah I do my own stunts but I'm not ready for this kind of responsibility, you heard what Raiden said, the fate of billions, billions dude" Argued Johnny Cage.
"That's only if we lose" Said Sonya sternly.
"And we ain't gonna let that happen" Said Jax.
"You guys are fuckin crazy, the only reason I'm here to gain some recognition from my already dying career" Revealed Johnny Cage.
"Your motivations matter not, the gods have already decided your fate, and it is to participate in this tournament" Nightwolf tried again.
"There are people on this boat who wanna kick my ass or rip my head off I'm in a hostile environment, I am completely unprepared I mean c'mon man it's just like being back in highschool"
"Listen to me Johnny Cage, I have sensed in each of you that you are all destined for greatness and that fate has brought all five of you here for this reason, you cannot turn your back on your destiny, no matter how fast you run it will always catch up with you" Said Raiden trying to convince Johnny Cage.
After a short pause Johnny Cage finally relented.
"Alright Raiden, I'll compete, man I shoulda listened to Chuck and signed that contract with Jackie Chan" Said Johnny Cage relenting.
"Alright so tell us what we need to do to win this tournament Raiden" Said Sonya.
"For the moment nothing, we must wait until we reach Shang Tsung's Island, only from there you will only have one objective and that is too fight and survive" Said Raiden.
"And prey that if you lose that your opponent is merciful" Said Raiden grimly.
"You should all get some rest, the tournament will begin tomorrow" Said Raiden.
"Yeah that's a happy note to end on" Said Johnny Cage to Liu Kang as they departed for sleep.
As the other fighters disbanded for the night, Raiden then approached Sub Zero of the Lin Kuei clan of chinese Ninja's.
"Bi Han, it is good to see you again" Raiden greeted.
"What do you want Thunder God?" Sub Zero asked hostile in tone.
"I merely ask that you do not fulfill your contract to assassinate Shang Tsung, if you kill him early it will not free Earthrealm, Shao Kahn will take it as a personal attack and attack Earthrealm without mercy" Raiden said trying to reason with Sub Zero.
"My loyalty is to the Lin Kuei and the grandmaster, I will do as I am told" Sub Zero said.
"Your clan's ignorance and greed will cost this entire realm" Said Raiden folding his arms.
"You would be wise not to mock the Lin Kuei thunder god, we have taken on being more powerful than you" Said Sektor sizing up Raiden.
"I merely ask that you do not assassinate him, defeat him in Kombat if you must, killing him before his defeat will only strengthen Shao Kahn's desire for this realm" Argued Raiden.
"The Grandmaster has made the Lin Kuei great, under his leadership every decision he has made has benefited the Lin Kuei" Said Cyrax jumping in the argument.
"Just like the massacre of the Shirai Ryu" Said Raiden, a look of regret instantly came over Cyrax's face, Sub-Zero and Sektor however seemed unfazed.
"You didn't just kill your rival assassins, you caused the death of women and children" Raiden said almost scolding the three.
"You sound like my brother, and I'll tell you what I told him, the Shirai Ryu got what they deserved, if they were given the chance they would have done the same thing" Said Sub-Zero pointing his finger at Raiden.
"You fought the Netherrealm armies of Shinnok and Quan Chi to defend Earthrealm, you are a superb warrior, Sub-Zero, but only you are in control of your destiny, not even the gods can alter your chosen path of life" Raiden said attempting to reach out to Sub-Zero.
"Your words mean nothing to me" Said Sub-Zero before walking away.
Sektor just shot Raiden a dirty look and soon followed behind Sub-Zero however Cyrax still reflected on what Raiden had said about the Shirai Ryu. Before he could walk away Raiden put his hand on Cyrax's shoulder.
"I sense doubt in you Lin Kuei" Said Raiden.
"I am not the only one, there are others who feel the Lin Kuei has traded its honor for a centuries old feud" Said Cyrax.
"Indeed however if you say and do nothing, the Lin Kuei will turn into a group of thugs" Said Raiden.
"What worries me is the Grandmaster has been grooming Sektor to take over the Lin Kuei, he shares the same views and same way of conducting Lin Kuei business, I worry for the future of the Lin Kuei under his command" Said Cyrax regretfully.
"Perhaps it is time for a new chain of command" Implied Raiden.
"My loyalty is too the Lin Kuei and I will not start a civil war inside the clan" Said Cyrax before walking away from the Thunder God.
Early in the morning the ship arrived at the Island Shang Tsung was talking about the night before. The ship docked and the combatants walked from the dock and started inward towards the island only to come across a large fortress filled with luscious chinese gardens and all around just a beautiful place. The combatants were led to an arena inside the fortress with a chinese dragon symbol in the middle of the arena. Shang Tsung floated towards his throne to monitor the coming tournament, the combatants then heard battle drums being beaten as shaolin monks took their seats in front of the arena as the audience.
"It beings" Shang Tsung said waving his hand as the combatants fighting for Outworld came forward.
