Episode 3: Round One...Fight

The Outworld combatants equaled out to around ten, the first three were female and they took their places next to Shang Tsung's throne.

The first was clad in blue, she wore a blue laced up top that started around her neck and ended at her ribs, it wrapped tightly around her busty hourglass figure, her cerulean knee high blue heel boots almost looked as if they were meant to stab rather than for show, her bottom was covered by cerulean blue cheer shorts, her hair was long and ebony in a long ponytail that almost went all the way down her back, a tiara sat upon her head giving the impression she was of royal descent, lastly she wore a dark blue veil over her mouth and nose leaving only her beautiful brown eyes to be seen.

The next female had a more revealing outfit, she was clad in pink mixed with black, her hair was much shorter than the first female it was in a chopstick bun style, she had yellow eyes that looked almost like cat eyes. Her triple D size breasts were barely covered by her Magenta and black laced up corset,the lacing of her corset wrapped around her neck and formed a pentagram, she was obviously more sexually liberal with her clothing than the other females, her legs were covered with Magenta thigh high stiletto boots, the only thing covering her bottom half were some Magenta suspended cutout cheeky shorts. A golden tiara lay on top of her head, she was the sister of the first female. Lastly the bottom half of her face was covered by a veil with designs that looked like elongated teeth.

The third female was almost identical to the first female, except her hair was in a double bun same eye color, and almost same exact outfit, only she was clad in green and had darker skin, nevertheless her green skin tight outfit was almost as revealing as the second female's but was a bit more conservative, a little revealing but not by much. Her thigh high boots were different as well, they did not match her outfit, they were black and gold colors. Her lower half was covered by a black and gold long cloth. She had her hands on her hips to give a sassy and yet confident look.

"Combatants, may I present to you, Kitana and Mileena, princesses of Outworld, accompanied by Shao Kahn's most trusted strategist, Jade, they are known throughout the realms as the Sirens of Outworld, beautiful but deadly, if you progress far enough you will the honor of combating them" Shang Tsung announced.

"Dude, check out the one in the pink, she's freakin HOT" Johnny cage muttered to Liu Kang earning a small chuckle from Liu Kang who shook his head.

"You should keep your remarks to yourself Johnny Cage, the pink one, Mileena is the definition of overkill, she has a tendency to be…. vicious in battle" Raiden said trying to save Johnny Cage.

The three females took their places beside Shang Tsung's throne while the other combatants made their way to the arena.

The first was a bald headed, horrid looking humanoid creature, his eyes were the same as the second female, yellow and cat like eyes, his ears were pointed as if they were elf ears, his mouth was full of razor sharp teeth proudly presented as a show of intimidation. His white karate gi had two red punisher like skulls on each side only the skulls had razor teeth, his large forearms had multiple short protruding spikes showing.

Then came a peculiar combatant, his skin was a palish green and scaly, with reptilian eyes, his outfit was that of a ninja only clad in green, his hands were shaped more like that of a crocodiles, short and skinny but armed with claws, he went barefoot his feet being only three toed and scaly, needless to say this was not human. His mask was two piece that allowed him to growl at the Earthrealm combatants without taking his mask off.

"May I present to you Reptile, Shao Kahn's most loyal fighters" Said Shang Tsung.

Next came a black and red clad ninja, his face was covered by black wraps leaving only his eyes which seemed to glow green with a small green amulet placed on his forehead. His torso consisted of a red ninja vest with black designs giving him a sinister look. His bottom half consisted of a black sash with a small green gem in the middle of the sash, black and red ninja trousers, along with black shin guards over his black tabi boots, with green gems at the knees.

"Ermac the latest creation of Shao Kahn, he is many warriors, their souls fuzed into one being" Announced Shang Tsung.

Shang Tsung was then accompanied by an individual who took his place at Shang Tsung's side. His skin was white as snow making his red eyes more intimidating, along with red markings along his arms and along his bald head. His chest mostly not covered revealing his clean physique, along his chest encroaching was cuirass with three curved spikes on the left side. He wore normal black martial arts pants, he wore a black belt with a large round gold and green amulet in the middle.

"Quan chi, the emperor's greatest sorcerer second only to myself" Announced Shang Tsung earning a glare from Quan Chi.

An unnaturally red headed female contestant walked forward, her red hair was streak tied back in a low ponytail. Her eyes were gray as if they were dead. Her clothing was primarily red and black with very little white showing. She wore a tight ninja half-face mask from her nose to the edge of her collar bone. She had forearm and shoulder guards, and wore somewhat of a short loin cloth, revealing a bare midriff. She had red high heeled over the knee boots. She also had four kunai strapped onto her right leg.

"Scarlet one of Shang Tsung's deadliest of assassins" Said Shang Tsung.

The next combatant made Sonya and Jax's eyes widen, it was Kano along with Cobra, Kira and Tasia at his side. He had survived his encounter after Johnny Cage had shadow kicked him off the ship, as a show of intimidation pulled out three shark teeth and threw them to the ground with fresh blood on them, he pulled out his knife and pointed it threateningly at Sonya Blade and said to Sonya from across the arena.

"Hello baby, did you miss me, maybe sometime in the evening we go down to the beach and I see you my real combat skills" Kano said as he smirked.

"You bastard, after I'm finished with you, you're gonna wish you died in that ocean" Said Sonya heading straight towards Kano.

This pushed Sonya over the line and went to confront Kano but was stopped by Raiden before she could do anything.

"The tournament has not begun yet, whether you like it or not you are apart of this tournament Sonya Blade, and no combat can be declared before the tournament begins, now take your place with your fellow combatants, and prepare to represent your realm in this tournament" Raiden said to Sonya.

Sonya took a deep breathe and relented and took her place with the other Earthrealm combatants. Now that all of the combatants had arrived the tournament could now begin.

"Combatants the tournament can now begin, the rules are simple two combatants one from or representing Earthrealm the other from or representing Outworld, the two fighters will continue to fight until one of them is killed, unable to continue, or admits defeat, if one combatant is defeated they will have one more chance to compete after that if they are defeated they will be eliminated from the tournament, this tournament will decide Earthrealms fate, from this moment my island will be your battle ground" Shang Tsung announced.

"Seems easy enough, take everyone out including the old geezer, use my charm on the three babes, I got this in the bag" Said Johnny Cage said to himself.

"Our first match will be mister Cage versus Reptile" Shang Tsung announced as the two made their way to the arena.

"Watch yourself Johnny remember what I said on the boat" Liu Kang Said to Johnny Cage.

"Hey this is me we're talking about, nothing to worry about" Johnny said as he walked towards the arena.

"Dude seriously it's called deodorant, it's not that expensive" Johnny Cage said to Reptile as Johnny took off his shirt and tossed it aside revealing his name tattooed on his chest.

"You would dare approach with such insolence, filthy human" Reptile said.

"Despite the smell" Johnny countered with his usual wit.

"Killing you will be a pleasure" Reptile said striking a fighting pose.

"Nothing worse than a cranky frog" Johnny said with smile as he struck a fighting pose as well.

"Round one...FIGHT!" Shang Tsung shouts as the match begins.

Instantaneously Reptile spit a green like substance at Johnny Cage who was lucky that he was able to dodge the projectile at the speed it was traveling because as Johnny looked back the projectile was dissolving a whole in the ground. Johnny returned his attention to Reptile who had leaped very high into the air which made Johnny's eyes widen just before Reptile's clawed feet slammed into Johnny's chest knocking him to the ground as Reptile jumped back. Johnny had the wind knocked out of him for a second or two but then got back up and sprinted toward Reptile. Reptile intended to just simply trip the actor but to his surprise Johnny jumped slightly in the air and delivered a hard spinning kick to Reptile's jaw, the two then traded punches with each other both blocking each others fist until Johnny twisted Reptile's arm and delivered two hook punches to Reptile's chest then a front kick knocking him back a few feet. A fearsome growl could be heard coming from Reptile, he threw his arms up and suddenly disappeared, Johnny while pondering what just happened was met with multiple strikes to his face, and abdomen before breaking out of his invisibility. Next thing Johnny knew Reptile's slimy and elongated tongue wrap around his neck almost choking him, but instead was pulling him closer to Reptile, Johnny's face was inches away from Reptile's razor sharp teeth dripping with saliva, Reptile teeth made a clapping nose as he tried to chomp down on Johnny's face, who was using all his strength not to be bitten. Johnny only had one choice and that was to slam his knee in Reptile's stomach which loosened the grip of Reptile's tongue on Johnny's throat, enough for him to break free, and deliver a knee strike followed by two roundhouse kicks to Reptile's face, but as Johnny tried to punch Reptile in the face, Reptile blocked his attacks and grabbed the back of Johnny's head and gave a head but to Johnny's forehead, and then spin kicked Johnny away. Reptile then casually stepped forward to Johnny Cage who was still recuperating and prepared to finish him off, but just as Reptile raised his hand a strange thing happened. Johnny's body started emitting a green energy distracting Reptile who was then knocked back to the ground by Johnny's backflip kick. Round one belonged to Johnny.

"Okay, I have no idea what the hell just happened, but this I do know, I'm gonna use it to kick your reptilian ass" Johnny Cage said taunting Reptile.

Reptile countered with a jumping side kick, which Johnny blocked and answered with a sweep kick to Reptile who jumped to dodge only to be kicked in the face with a side kick from Johnny. Reptile backed away but only momentarily, Reptile then dropped to the ground and slid in Johnny's direction, tripping him, and kicking him while Johnny was still in the air. Johnny got up but was weary, Reptile grinned deviously, he leaned back and shot his tongue at Johnny hoping to ensnare him. However in a surprising move Johnny caught Reptile's tongue as it wrapped around Johnny's arm.

"Come here you ugly mother fucker" Johnny said pulling Reptile towards him, followed by a swift uppercut to the jaw.

Johnny picked up Reptile by the shoulders, gave two sift jabs to the face, a backhand to the crotch, then he swung around and kicked Reptile from behind making him fall on his stomach. Almost unable to get up Reptile got on his feet but swayed back forth drowsily.

"This is where you fall down" Johnny Cage said as he walked up to Reptile who was still swaying back and forth.

With green aura emitting from Johnny once again he hit Reptile with his shadow kick knocking him unconscious.

"Huff, huff," Johnny breathed hard he almost bent over.

"Impressive , now FINISH HIM" Shang Tsung announced.

"Yeah sure what am I gonna do rip heart his heart out of his chest while it's still beating" Johnny Cage joked.

"Kill him" Shang Tsung offered.

"Whoa whoa whoa whoa hold on there gramps, I never signed on to kill anybody" Johnny Cage stated.

"If that don't boost my career to an all time high I don't know what will" Said Johnny Cage as he made his way back to the Earthrealm side.

"Working up all that energy and that mouth of yours still moves a mile a minute, do you ever get tired of hearing yourself?" Said Sonya.

"Mmmmm no" Joked Johnny Cage.

"God your such an ass" Sonya said clearly annoyed.

"C'mon you know you love it" Johnny Cage said trying way to hard.

"Not as much as I'm gonna love this" Said Sonya before elbowing Johnny Cage in the stomach making him double over.

"Ok that was uncalled for" Wheezed Johnny Cage.

Raiden sighed "Like children" he commented to himself.

"The next match will be Kira versus Sonya Blade" Shang Tsung announced.

Both Sonya and Kira walked to the middle of the arena, Kira had twin knives almost identical to Kano's on her high heel combat boots, she took one of the knives out and licked the blade as a show of intimidation.

"After you honey, your boss is going down" Sonya stated.

"Your gonna fall like the rest of your team, did at Kano's trap" Taunted Kira.

"I'm better than the rest" Said Sonya tying her ponytail back.

"It's a shame your nephew couldn't be here to witness this, too bad you got him killed" Kira retorted.

"You fuckin cunt, I'm gonna send you to hell" Sonya said face red with rage.

"Begin!" Shang Tsung announced.

Kira rotated and tried to land a spinning roundhouse kick, as Sonya tried to dodge, the heel of Kira's combat boots actually cut the side of Sonya's cheek drawing first blood. With Kira's leg still in the air Sonya tried to counter with a back kick, Kira narrowly dodged it only to be caught in the face with a tornado kick making her stumble back. Sonya lunged at Kira trying to land two punches which Kira blocked both and drove her elbow into Sonya's stomach, Kira then proceeded to jump in the air with a sidekick which Sonya dodged and caught Kira with a hard uppercut knocking Kira on her back. Kira shot back up and charged Sonya, the two traded punches some landing, some being countered, eventually one of Kira's punches knocked Sonya onto her back, using the heels of her boots Kira tried to stab Sonya from above, eventually stabbing Sonya in her shoulder making her grunt with pain, Kira backed away seeing Sonya in pain made Kira smirk. That smirk was wiped off of Kira's face when Sonya jumped back up on her her hands and pushed off of her hands propelling her through the air coming down on Kira's chest. As Kira recuperated she hit the ground with her fist, before throwing one of her knives at Sonya, while Sonya may have dodged the knife with a black flip the knife still cut Sonya's ponytail making Sonya's hair fall down. The two combatants then ran at each other but Kira was caught off guard and Sonya continued to punch Kira in the face over and over again and again until Kira was swaying back and forth, Sonya then leaped a short distance and landed on her hands while she used both her legs to grab Kira by the waist and throw her over onto her back knocking the wind out of her. It was then that Sonya got on the ground with her legs wrapped around Kira's tight neck as she gasped for air.

"Finish her" Shang Tsung said with a devious smile.

"With pleasure" Sonya said gritting her teeth.

"No, no, please Sonya don't, I'll give up every member in the Black Dragon clan, name it Sonya please give me a break eh?" A desperate Kira begged.

"OK" Sonya obliged as she used her legs to snap Kiras neck.

"Fatality" Shang Tsung announced.

"Looks like you're up for a promotion Kobra" Said Kano

"Well done Miss Blade" Shang Tsung complimented Sonya.

"Its Lieutenant Blade" Said Sonya as she walked back to her side of the arena.

"Our last match for the day will be Liu Kang versus Ermac" Said Shang Tsung.

"Be wary Liu Kang he is unlike anything you ever fought before" Warned Raiden.

"Do not worry Lord Raiden I spent years learning about Shao Kahn's strongest fighter" Said Liu Kang before he walked forward.

Liu Kang made his way to the arena before Ermac floated with green energy around the red and black ninja's outline. Liu Kang looked into the eyes of Ermac they glowed emerald green and full of malice, Liu Kang didn't know whether he was fighting a person or a demon. As a show of intimidation Ermac formed a small orb of green energy in his palm only to crush it as Ermac looked straight into Liu Kang's eyes. The shaolin monk did not waver instead he welcomed the danger.

"We have heard stories about you Shaolin, you honestly believe you can match our great emperor" Mocked Ermac his voice deep and almost as if with an echo.

"I have also heard of you, and your time is up" Said Liu Kang as he struck a fight pose.

"Not while our Emperor still lives, we will destroy you" Said Ermac as he did the same.

"Begin!" Announced Shang Tsung.

Almost as if with ease Ermac shot a blast of green energy knocking Liu Kang onto his back. The monk quickly recovered and started throwing punches with two of them landing to Ermac's face. Ermac sweeped Liu Kang's legs from under him, Ermac tried to stomp down on Liu Kang but had rolled out of the way and back onto his feet. The demonic ninja tried to land a punch only to be blocked by Liu Kang who gave swift but powerful kicks to Ermac's chest before Ermac's green energy suddenly engulfed Liu Kang tossing him around, slamming the monk into the ground. Ermac grinned underneath his black mask as he finally released the monk, as Liu Kang went in for another punch, Ermac suddenly appeared behind him and had struck Liu Kang in the face with his own punch. The Red Ninja threw a kick to Liu Kang's face, Liu Kang grabbed Ermac's leg and thrust his foot into the side of Ermac's face, the kick was so intense flames followed behind it, while knocking Ermac on his stomach. Liu Kang blocked two punches thrown by Ermac once he got up only to be caught by two crescent kicks. It was then that Ermac shot a blast of green energy from his hands, Liu Kang much to everyone's surprise shot fire from his fists canceling Ermac's energy blast. Stunned in surprise Ermac left himself open for Liu Kang to kick him twice in the face and knock him back with a hard jab. Fighters from both sides could hear Ermac grunt in aggravation, he brought his fists down having his fists engulfed in his green energy, Liu Kang's fists were already engulfed in flames and just stared the ninja down. The two ran at each other, the two trading blows, a mix of green energy and red flames flashed again and again, as Ermac dodged another one of Liu Kang's blows he left himself open for a blast of flames from Liu Kang, Ermac quickly recovered and blasted Liu Kang with three energy blasts before using stretching out his hand lifting Liu Kang into the air and slamming him back on the ground, as Liu Kang wearily got up Ermac threw a front kick to his face knocking him onto his stomach. As Liu Kang prepared to get up he spat out some blood before collecting himself, he closed his eyes and drawed upon his chi energy to give him strength. Liu Kang opened his eyes and ran at the red ninja easily deflecting Ermac's attacks and countering with his own punches and low kicks flames engulfing both his fists and feet as they slammed into Ermac before beating him to his knees.

"Finish Him!" Commanded Shang Tsung

Liu Kang was perfectly capable of killing Ermac and deep down a part of himself wanted too, but Liu Kang only murdered those he believed deserved it. So Liu Kang performed a cartwheel kick followed by a hard uppercut so hard it launched Ermac into the air making slam with a thud to the ground.

"You didn't kill him" Said Shang Tsung.

"I didn't need too, he has been beaten" Answered Liu Kang.

"Mercy it is then, though be it a foolish mistake, the first stage of the tournament is finished, we will resume tomorrow at dawn, but for now we must reward the survivors with a feast, treat it as if it were your last" Shang Tsung said walking away his seat and too the temple.

"What that's it, but we just got here" complained Johnny Cage.

"But damn Liu I didn't know you could use fire man, I bet you could win this tournament yourself" Said Johnny Cage to Liu Kang who had rejoined his Earthrealm Warriors.

"There's a reason I was brought in to the White Lotus Society, ever since childhood I have been taught to suppress my talents, I am ashamed to admit it felt good to release my true potential" Said Liu Kang.

"Remember what Bo Rai Cho said about your pride Liu Kang, be on your guard just because the tournament is over for the day doesn't mean you are free from attacks" Said Raiden

"Shang Tsung senses as I have that you four have the possibility of defeating him, in doing so his emperor would destroy him" Continued Raiden.

"So why doesn't this emperor guy just compete himself if he's so powerful" asked Johnny Cage.

"He is much to prideful, he leaves his dirty work to his lackey's like Shang Tsung and his two daughters Kitana and Mileena" Answered Raiden.

"Is there anyway someone from the outside world can reach us, every time I try to reach the command center, I just keep getting static" Sonya blade said as she approached Raiden with Jax in behind her.

"I am afraid not, Shang Tsung's island is known only to him and to deities, not that it would do any good, the rules state that once you participate in the tournament you must participate until you are defeated or you win" Explained Raiden.

"Oh just perfect, so we what do you suggest we do then?" asked Jax.

"We let the tournament play out as it is, aside from the three Lin Kuei we are all connected to Earth Realms fate, I suggest we head to the hall where the feast is being held, Shang Tsung is an overseer who can only be challenged only if they defeat his champion" Explained Raiden.

"You mean Goro" Nightwolf answered.

"Correct Nightwolf, now I must ask something of all of you, Shang Tsung for the past three tournaments had compromised Earthrealms champions so it would speed up his emperor Shao Kahn's invasion, watch each other's backs, that sorcerer is wicked and conniving as his pointed beard" Raiden said.

"So why are you telling us, there are other fighters?" Asked Sonya.

"Because I have looked into each of your souls, one will have to face Shang Tsung in combat, it is unknown if you will defeat him" Answered Raiden.

"Come the tournament has just begun, you will need your strength for tomorrow, I sense Shang Tsung has yet to reveal a secret weapon, it is unknown to me what it is but I have sensed it, it has kept a close eye on the three Lin Kuei since we arrived on the island" Said Raiden.

"Attending the feast may give us more insight of the threat sure to come" Said Raiden as he led the Earthrealm warriors to the main temple.

The main hall in the temple was lit only by dozens of candles and had masked guards armed with Nagianta's presented the combatants with food. The food was actually amazing but almost no one had an appetite after seeing two individuals getting ruthlessly beaten and one getting killed. The Outworld kombatants however had no problem eating and enjoying themselves as if they had witnessed this kind of stuff everyday. Sub Zero and his fellow Lin Kuei Cyrax and Sektor had planned to fulfill their mission of assassinating Shang Tsung, they were planning on executing their mission in mere minutes. Sub Zero exchanged looks with his cohorts and looked at Shang Tsung as he talked with Quan Chi, as Shang Tsung clanked his glass with Quan Chi's glass they sprung their attack.

Cyrax was the one who struck first throwing three Kunai throwing knives, the knives missed Shang Tsung, Shang Tsung turned his attention to the three Lin Kuei ninjas. Sektor was the next throwing several bombs at Shang Tsung, the sorcerer used his table for cover against the blast of the bombs, the blast caused the rest of the table that the rest of the combatants were sitting at to be thrown across the the hall. Realizing the sorcerer was still alive Sub Zero jumped into action running only to be met by Shang Tsung, immediately instincts took over and Sub Zero found himself combating Shang Tsung, he started with three jabs followed by a sweep kick to which Shang Tsung jumped to avoid. Cyrax and Sektor jumped in to assist their comrade, as soon as Shang Tsung kicked Sub Zero back, he continued to block both punches and kicks from the two Lin Kuei without any effort, Shang Tsung jumped in the air and kicked both Cyrax and Sektor with both legs. Followed up by two swift jabs to the stomach and a uppercut to Cyrax and a back flip kick to Sektor leaving only Sub Zero, Sub Zero struck a fighting pose and lunged at Shang Tsung trying to land two hand chops, only to be dodged by Shang Tsung who delivered a hard knee strike to Sub Zero's chest. As Sub Zero clutched his chest Shang Tsung kicked his legs from under him but caught Sub Zero by the neck and continued to punch Sub Zero in the face. Sub Zero saved himself by freezing Shang Tsung's hand and headbutting Shang Tsung away, again Sub Zero darted towards Shang Tsung throwing two punches and a jumping spinning back kick, all to which Shang Tsung dodged and blocked, Shang Tsung side kicked Sub Zero's side, followed by Shang Tsung stomping down on Sub Zero's hamstring bringing him to his knees. As Shang Tsung was about to deliver the final blow he was stopped.

"Sorcerer stop, remember our deal" Proclaimed Quan Chi.

"Very well, but know this, I choose to spare you" Shang Tsung said letting go of Sub Zero.

After the commotion had calmed down, Raiden approached the three Lin Kuei ninjas battered and bruised.

"You know, that explosion could have killed all of the combatants including those of Earthrealm, it could have lead to the end of Earthrealm as we know it" Raiden scolded Sub Zero.

"As I said before thunder god my loyalty is too the Lin Kuei, and to the grandmaster, not to Earthrealm" Sub Zero retorted.

"Victory for Shang Tsung means the end of Earthrealm...and the Lin Kuei" Raiden said just as the three walked away.

However just as Sub Zero was leaving the main hall he heard a ghostly voice mutter one word.

"Murderer"

After their failed assassination attempt the three Lin Kuei members met inside of the courtyard, they were contemplating what to do next. The Lin Kuei had never failed a mission as they had done before tonight, the Lin Kuei had never suffered a most humiliating defeat. Cyrax and Sektor being inexperienced they didn't know what to do.

"He made us look us like fools, we cannot let this offense go unpunished" Said Sektor.

"We underestimated our opponent, he obviously more powerful then we expected, we need may need to resort to desperate measures, maybe it is time we ally ourselves with the thunder god" Said Sub Zero.

"Ally ourselves with the thunder god, he mocked the Lin Kuei" Said Sektor.

"Only through him may we fulfill our contract, we may have to work with him, out of all the fighters in this tournament he is the only one close enough to the sorcerer" Said Sub Zero.

"But the thunder god does not even wish to kill the sorcerer, he only wishes to send him back to his emperor, we cannot ally ourselves with him, knowing him he will beg us to spare the sorcerer's life" Argued Sektor.

"It's not a real alliance, we're just using him, we may not get a second chance to kill Shang Tsung, knowing that is our true intentions he will most likely send one of his assassins after us" Said Cyrax.

"Correct, it will buy us time to fulfill the contract and provide protection" Said Sub Zero

"Protection against what?" Asked Cyrax

"I don't know about the two of you but I have felt we have been being watched ever since we arrived on this island" Explained Sub Zero.

"We don't need protection, we can handle it ourselves, and are you sure you're just not paranoid Bi Han, or are you cracking under the pressure" Said Sektor with snicker.

"In case you hadn't noticed Sektor, we just got our asses handed to us, we cannot accomplish this task on our own, your letting your arrogance go to your head" Said Sub Zero anger rising in his voice.

"The only reason we have failed is because of you Bi Han, you thought your powers would make this an easy job, you talk of arrogance well maybe you should look in the mirror" Argued an aggravated Sektor.

"Your letting your status as son of the Grandmaster cloud your judgment as well as your lack of respect for rank Sektor, what you have in status you lack in skill" Said Sub Zero pointing his finger at Sektor.

Sub Zero and Sektor aggressively walked towards each other no doubt intending to settle their differences with their fists.

"Whoa, calm down you two, this is not the way the Lin Kuei operate, we don't fight each other" Said Cyrax putting his hands between the two.

We should go with Bi Han's plan Sektor, the Grandmaster appointed him leader of the operation for a reason, no doubt the sorcerer will have bodyguards on him twenty four seven, Raiden and the rest of his fighters can thin out the competition leaving Shang Tsung wide open" Argued Cyrax.

"Fine, I'll agree to it but this better not fail, we our putting our honor as well as our reputation on the line" Said Sektor before following Sub Zero and Cyrax.

In the courtyard Raiden and his five chosen fighters were sitting in the courtyard, they had been caught in the cross hairs of the assassination attempt. They escaped with very minor injuries just a few bruises, they were conversing with each other, still trying to get the full story on each other reasons for being at the tournament as well as strategizing. Johnny Cage in particular had questions for Raiden concerning where the green energy had come from when he faced against Reptile. This had never happened to Johnny Cage before so of course Johnny Cage had a thousand questions for the thunder God.

"So Raidude what the hell was that green energy stuff around me when I was fighting the lizard guy?" Asked Johnny.

"First of all do not call me Raidude, secondly I have seen this happen before but not by you, but by your ancestors" Answered Raiden.

"What do you mean?" Asked Johnny Cage again.

"You are a descendant from an ancient Mediterranean war cult that bred warriors for the gods" Explained Raiden.

"Dude that is sweet, so I'm like some secret bad ass" Said Johnny Cage with a smile.

"Oh great, he's back to his usual self" Said Sonya.

"Maybe you should've just said you had no clue Lord Raiden" Commented Liu Kang.

"Oh very funny" Said Johnny Cage said as he sat back down.

"So we've made it past the preliminary's what happens next Raiden?" Asked Jax.

"You will face even stronger opponents, opponents who directly serve Shao Kahn so do not underestimate them" Said Raiden.

"Hopefully we all come out alive but only one of us will be able to face the current champion Goro" Explained Nightwolf.

"What's a Goro?" Asked Sonya.

"The current champion of Mortal Kombat, he has held the title of champion for more than five hundred years, ever since Shang Tsung was defeated at the hands of the Great Kung Lao" Explained Liu Kang.

"Wait five hundred years old, he shouldn't be able to beat then" Said Johnny Cage.

"He's not human he is a Shokan of Draco lineage, they can live as long as Edenians which can last up to ten thousand years and still be in good shape" Explained Nightwolf.

"How do you know all this stuff?" Asked Jax.

"I've been friends with Lord Raiden since I was a boy, he taught me all that I know now" Said Nightwolf.

"So how do we fight this Goro we haven't seen him in the tournament" Said Sonya.

"You must defeat every Outworld opponent only then will one of you be chosen to face against Goro, Shang Tsung will only use him as a last resort and only if he feels threatened" Explained Raiden.

"So it's just the five of us against monsters and elite warriors?" Asked Sonya.

"No it is eight of us against them all" Said Sub Zero's voice.

"Sub Zero" Said Raiden walking towards the three Lin Kuei.

"Forgive me Lord Raiden but I was brash earlier, the Lin Kuei wish to seek an alliance with the Earthrealm fighters" Said Sub Zero bowing before Raiden.

"I see and may I ask why?" Asked Raiden.

"I have considered what you said to us earlier, and we have agreed the Lin Kuei will be destroyed and our honor would be stained if Outworld were to invade Earthrealm" Said Sub Zero.

"Our mission has changed from killing the sorcerer to saving our realm" Said Sektor.

Raiden smiled.

"I see you have come to your senses, I am grateful we would gladly use your help" Said Raiden as he and Sub Zero shook hands.

"Well this is sweet reinforcements have arrived" Said Johnny Cage.

"I know now we finally got some leverage against Outworld" Said Sonya.

Above on a cliff Shang Tsung and Quan Chi were watching from above, the alliance of the Lin Kuei and Earthrealm, could jeopardize their plans for the emperors take over. The Two sorcerer's then walked away to speak of their future plans and discuss a new strategy to destroy the new alliance.

"Hmmmm" Said Shang Tsung watching from a cliff above along with Quan Chi.

"And you said I should spare them" Said Shang Tsung to Quan Chi.

"If we wish to accomplish the emperor's true goal, at least Sub Zero must live at least for now, he's not ready to be released yet" Said Quan Chi.

"We must do something Earthrealm has not even suffered so much as a blow yet" Said Shang Tsung as the two Sorcerers walked along a gravel path of the island.

"Perhaps you should pit the princesses against them, they are after all Shao Kahn's finest" Offered Quan Chi.

"No not yet, it is too early in the tournament, we will see how they fair tomorrow, he should be ready by then" Said Shang Tsung.

"Yes he should" Said Quan Chi before walking away.