CHAPTER TWO - MORTAL KOMBAT KOMMENCES
"Stupid, stupid, stupid…" Sonya muttered angrily to herself as the masked guards released her from her restraints in the palace corridor. Now, she would have to prepare for her first match in the tournament- a tournament she didn't even want to be in and, arguably, wasn't supposed to be in.
Figuratively kicking herself for being so foolish, Sonya was facing an eclectic mix of emotions- embarrassment, anger, guilt. Mostly guilt. If her actions had only placed herself in danger, she would be able to accept her situation to a greater extent. As it is, she had now endangered the lives of her unit. Hardly actions befitting a lieutenant, she thought to herself.
Sonya's fighting skills extended only so far. True, she had proven herself to be an exemplary model for others in the Special Forces to learn from, but Special Forces training only goes so far and, without any guns at her disposal, relying on her hands and feet alone would be essentially all Sonya could do. But what good would that do, she considered, against a man- if indeed that thing was a man- standing over eight feet tall and with four arms and a body practically made of muscle?
But she had an Ace up her sleeve. The Special Forces weren't "special" for nothing. The members of the military faction were privy to advanced technology that, to anyone without the right level of classification, were pure science-fiction. But this science was very much a work of non-fiction and Sonya was glad for it. She glanced at her wrist. They hadn't damaged it. This was good. This was very good for Sonya.
Sonya's electronic wristband was one of the most incredible pieces of equipment that she or anyone she'd ever worked with had ever seen. It may have been small but, in terms of practicality, its use was immeasurable- unlimited, even. Not only did the device act as a two-way communication module, it also held some pretty interesting weaponry. It could shoot all manner of disruptive, offensive and defensive projectiles.
Or, it could when it was fully functional.
Upon closer inspection, Sonya noted, a number of red crosses were appearing on the wristband's display screen. This was bad. This was very bad for Sonya.
She scanned the menu to see what was working. Flamethrower? Offline. Particle beam? Offline. Nerve relaxant? Offline. She couldn't figure it out- what on Earth could possibly be causing this? Finally, she reached the end of the menu and breathed a sigh of relief. Her Sonic Manipulator was fully operational and the fireball device (which she dubbed the "Kiss of Death" due to how the fireball was launched- by blowing it as gently as you would blow a kiss) was also functional.
"Oh, thank God for that," Sonya said to herself, suddenly much less tense.
"You're welcome," came a response from a deep voice.
Sonya turned to see who was speaking and was met by the sight of a man who appeared to have no pupils, wearing a straw hat and white clothes. He was a giant, standing in the range of seven feet tall. And he had a build to match. Surely, then, he was not someone for a tired and emotional Sonya to be crossing. She decided to play things safely.
"Might I ask who you are?" Sonya enquired.
"My name is Raiden, Sonya Blade, and I am God of Thunder and Protector of Earthrealm. Your presence here is indeed unfortunate for you and your associates, but it is no coincidence. This is in the wishes of the Elder Gods, who have decided that you will participate in Mortal Kombat in order to fight for the safety of Earthrealm," Raiden noted Sonya's blank expression, "You seem confused. All in good time. Though, for now, I would warn you that the reason much of your equipment is failing is due to the magic of Shang Tsung"
"Magic?" Sonya raised an eyebrow, clearly reluctant to believe what Raiden had told her, "Look, Raiden, you seem like a nice enough guy but I'm having a real hard time taking in a damn word you're saying. Now, since I've arrived on this hell-hole, I've been accosted by lance-wielding goons, taunted by some freakish old guy, seen some…monster who has four arms and now I meet you, the God who tells me the reason this thing…" she looked at her wristband, "won't work is because of magic. Well, I…" Sonya trailed off as she realised she was alone, the slightest breeze being the only thing to accompany her.
She held her forehead, "No. Come on, now, girl. This is just the stress getting to you, you're seeing magic men. Snap the hell out of it and think. First things first, I gotta get in touch with Jax, tell him about this island and send my co-ordinates so he can come rescue me". Sonya opened the communicator module on her wristband only to be greeted with the words "NO SIGNAL" in blinking red letters.
"Just great," she said to herself.
Some time later, Johnny Cage asked, "So tell me, Liu Kang, what's the deal with this tournament?"
"The Mortal Kombat tournament is no mere fighting contest, Johnny Cage. It is sanctioned by the Elder Gods in order to determine the balance of power within the realms. Unluckily, the balance is very much uneven"
The two were performing stretching exercises in order to cool down following their matches in the tournament, both of which had taken place in one of the many rooms of Shang Tsung's palace, under the eye of one of Tsung's head guards. Needless to say, both had been victorious. Liu Kang had managed to knock his foe out with a flurry of punches and kicks to advance and Johnny Cage had used his Forceball and Shadow Kick to bring about victory.
Johnny Cage felt that, if he was to compete in the tournament, he may as well know about its past and his newest friend seemed to have all the information necessary. To this end, he had been questioning Liu Kang about everything the young monk knew about the tournament.
"A victory in the Mortal Kombat tournament helps unbalance the furies that keep realms separate. Creating compete imbalance in the furies makes the dimensional boundaries indistinguishable- in theory, the victorious realm has made the losing realm a part of itself"
"Uh huh…I have no idea what any of that meant, but do go on"
"What happens next is one of two things depending on the ruler of the victorious realm- either the newly expanded realm will be governed fairly and prosper…or, as is increasingly likely, it will be turned into a desolate wasteland"
"Yikes," Cage looked aghast, "So, basically, we don't want that to happen, right?"
"Well, not really, no"
"'Cause, I gotta say, I'm a Hollywood movie star, I'm used to the good things in life. Living in a wasteland doesn't really suit me, you know?"
Liu Kang smiled, "You seem an ideal warrior for the forces of good, Johnny. Talented and pure, but never allowing it to destroy you and make you become too serious"
"Hey, thanks for the compliments, especially the one about me being talented! I'm sure my ex-wife would disagree," Cage laughed, "So, what's the current deal with these furies? How does Earth- or Earthrealm as you said it's truly known- currently stack up?"
"Not so well. The realm of Outworld has defeated Earthrealm's forces nine times in a row. If Goro defends his Mortal Kombat championship successfully just once more, Earthrealm will be lost and merged with Outworld. And, believe me, that's very much a bad thing"
"Well, then," Cage grinned, "Too bad he's not gonna defend it, right?"
Liu Kang smiled, "You seem very receptive to these ideas, Johnny. Most people would be sceptical of what I am saying"
"Hey, today I've seen a guy with two arms too many. I think I'm about ready to believe anything!"
"That's probably a good thing," Raiden interjected, appearing as from nowhere behind a startled Johnny Cage.
"What the-- hey, buddy, what's the big idea, sneaking up on me like that? Matter of fact, how did you sneak up on me?"
Liu Kang bowed, "Master Raiden, I am honoured by your presence"
"Do not feel the need to humble yourself in front of me, Liu Kang, you may rise"
"Wait, you know this guy?" Cage asked Kang.
"This is Raiden. He is God of Thunder and Earthrealm's protector"
"A God?" Cage seemed taken aback, "Well, this is really getting interesting. Laser-eye guys, four-arm guys, God guys…lotta weird guys here"
"Master Raiden, what brings you to the tournament? Have you been sent by the Elder Gods to watch the events unfold?"
"Though it may stun you, Liu Kang, I will be competing in the tournament"
Liu Kang seemed confused, "But the Gods are bound by a strict policy of non-interference in mortal affairs- unless I am mistaken, you may only behold actions, not make them"
"Do not be perplexed, Liu Kang. I have received invitation direct from Shang Tsung himself to compete in the tournament. This allows me to compete in the tournament and the Elder Gods are open to as much. I also doubt they would decline any help in preventing Shao Kahn gain dominion over another realm. Asking a God to play these little mortal games, however, seems foolish of Shang Tsung when such a great prize as Earthrealm hangs in the balance. In addition, you were indeed correct to note, Liu Kang, that underhanded moves like capturing innocent people is to be expected of Tsung, one that has increased the pressure on at least one participant in the tournament"
"You overheard me say that?" Liu Kang questioned.
"I was behind the two of you in the crowd"
"Damn, he's good at this sneaking thing," Cage commented.
"I see the two of you are already becoming friends. This is good. We need as many allies as possible to help aid our cause if we are to have any chance of defeating Outworld. I have spoken with the woman you saw earlier- Sonya Blade. She will prove an invaluable ally. I would also suggest you track down the Lin Kuei warrior known as Sub-Zero. Acquire his help and you will have at your disposal an individual with fearsome power."
"How will we track him down?" Liu Kang asked.
"His first tournament match begins in five minutes in the courtyard. Head there now and, when he wins, speak with him"
"Wait, when he wins?" Cage picked up, "Don't you mean if he wins?"
Raiden smiled wryly, "Believe me, Johnny Cage…I mean when".
Sub-Zero was a tortured man. While the effects of Scorpion's terrible promise were not visible to any onlookers, the anguish and fear at the back of Sub-Zero's mind was intense. He closed his eyes to concentrate. After a moment's blackness, he saw a vision of a flaming skull, which seemed to speak to him, "Your time on this mortal coil is reaching its end, Lin Kuei. Closer…and closer…cloooo-ssser…"
Sub-Zero jerked his eyes open in panic as a hand was placed on his shoulder. But it was no grim visage of death, instead it was one of Shang Tsung's masked guards who gave him the news he had been waiting for, "Time to go, Sub-Zero. Your match is starting now"
The Lin Kuei warrior may not have known much about spectres haunting him from the grave, but he knew more than most living beings when it came to fighting. He walked out onto the courtyard where his match would take place, the loud cheers and cries of the crowd all around him. Shang Tsung was sat in a throne. The sorcerer rose.
"It is time for the next fight!" Tsung declared, "Representing Earthrealm, Sub-Zero!"
Sub-Zero was greeted by various cheers and boos. Given much of the audience was made up of fighters who would compete in the tournament, he had no difficulty believing the majority of the boos were emanating from the Outworlders present.
"And, representing Outworld," as if to confirm Sub-Zero's thoughts, the volume of cheers and boos now seemed to reverse, "Bavgon!"
Typical Outworld name for a typical Outworld fighter, Sub-Zero thought to himself, as he eyed up his opponent, Looks to be about seven-foot-six, three hundred-plus pounds… His eyes narrowed, This will be over in a moment.
Bavgon advanced on Sub-Zero with a grin on his face. Outworlders were essentially humanoid in appearance, though there were so many sub-species of the realm that there was no one "definitive" look. Bavgon, as it happened, was a huge, muscular fighter, with markings all over his body.
"Today," the impressive specimen announced, "Your blood will be spilled in the name of mighty Shao Kahn"
Sub-Zero, unfazed, retorted, "Those are strong words from a strong-looking man. However, words do not win battles. When fighting one as experienced as I, you would be wise to…keep your mouth shut"
As fast as lightning, Sub-Zero thrust his hands in the direction of Bavgon's face and froze the air molecules around the brute's mouth, sealing it in ice. The Earthrealm inhabitants in the crowd roared approval.
Bavgon stumbled around, trying to break the ice off his face. Sub-Zero called to him, "You seem to be having problems, friend. Perhaps if you were to stand still…?"
Just as quickly as before, Sub-Zero froze Bavgon's feet to the ground. Then, purely for effect, he encased his foe in ice and turned to Shang Tsung, "Must I entertain the insane notion that this man is my equal in fighting skills? Or may I take my leave until the next round of competition?"
Shang Tsung laughed and then replied, "Finish him!"
Thinking nothing of it, Sub-Zero launched a brutal roundhouse kick that shattered his frozen foe. The whole crowd- Earthrealm and Outworld- responded so intensely in favour of this incredible move that not one of them noticed a green glow escape from Bavgon's broken body and into Shang Tsung's chest, as Tsung smiled to himself. Another soul stolen.
Suddenly snapping back to events, Tsung stood once more and addressed Sub-Zero as the crowd listened intently, "So, Sub-Zero! It appears you have caused yet another fatality to add to the increasingly lengthy list of this tournament's deceased!"
The crowd cheered wildly as Tsung continued, "I remember when I was first informed of you. Your powers of cryomancy seemed incredible, fantastic, almost unimaginable. I see my decision to invite you to compete in this tournament was no mistake. Sub-Zero wins!"
As the crowd cheered, Sub-Zero thought to himself, Believe what you will, sorcerer. But inviting me here was the biggest mistake you shall ever make.
In the crowd, Liu Kang and Johnny Cage watched as Sub-Zero walked away and some masked guards removed the remains of Bavgon. The two briefly looked at each other before Cage managed to blurt out, "Wow".
Liu Kang nodded, "He appears to be in peak physical condition and his freezing powers are spectacular. He would indeed be a valuable asset to our cause"
Sub-Zero walked through the palace, hoping to find some small corner in which to gather his thoughts. Bavgon had been but an inconvenience. There were two much more important things on his mind right now. First, his mission to assassinate Shang Tsung, which had been given to him by the Lin Kuei. The clan had been paid handsomely by a wealthy enemy of Tsung's who wanted nothing more than for the sorcerer to be slain. It was extremely convenient, then, that the Lin Kuei's finest warrior had himself been invited to fight in Shang Tsung's tournament.
Some would believe it to be a trap, but Sub-Zero had no reason to think that way. Shang Tsung had personally invited Sub-Zero to enter the tournament, even daring to show up at the Lin Kuei temple two years previously to deliver the invitation. In hindsight, though the moment is one Sub-Zero could have seized to kill Tsung had he known he was wanted dead, to make an attempt on Tsung's life then would have been futile- one mistake and Tsung would destroy everyone in the Lin Kuei temple. Besides, where would the financial gain for the Lin Kuei be then? No, Sub-Zero had been right to wait until now. When the moment arrived, he would strike and he would kill Shang Tsung.
The second thing on Sub-Zero's mind was his own mortality. All too often he had taken the lives of others- more often than not innocents. This was purely down to the fact he was an assassin. He killed. It was his life. But Sub-Zero had been told two years previously by Raiden himself that he had tainted his soul and, should Sub-Zero die, he would end up in the Netherrealm. Raiden had said that only Sub-Zero himself could do anything about this. Only Sub-Zero himself could change his ways and remove the evil taint on his soul.
Now, with Scorpion's threat hanging over him, Sub-Zero realised it had been a long time since he'd done anything good.
"Sub-Zero!" the voice brought Sub-Zero out of his thought. He turned to see Johnny Cage and, behind him, Liu Kang.
"Correct. Do you gentlemen wish to speak with me? Because I'm afraid I'm not in the mood for talking"
Liu Kang interjected, "My name is Liu Kang and this is Johnny Cage. Master Raiden said we should seek you out"
Sub-Zero's eyes widened, "Raiden? The Thunder God? He is here? Then perhaps he can help me keep Scorpion at bay…but, first: what is it you wanted me for?"
Realising they now had Sub-Zero's captive attention, Cage spoke, "Look, Sub-Zero, I don't understand half of what's going on here. But I do know there's a lot more to any of this than meets the eye. Shang Tsung is a dangerous man and if his Outworld realm wins this tournament--"
"Then we're as good as dead, yes," Sub-Zero interrupted, "I am well aware of the implications. I am afraid that, though I may seem equipped for the task, I have no intention of tangling with Goro unless I absolutely have to. It is an unnecessary risk to my person. My mission is to kill Shang Tsung. That is all I intend to focus on"
"Well, then, why not join us?" Cage asked, "We could…I dunno, form an alliance? A friendship?"
The Lin Kuei assassin smiled to himself, "Friendship?"
Liu Kang whispered to Cage, "Ooh, bad choice of words, there"
"Why?" Johnny whispered back.
"In the Lin Kuei…" Sub-Zero spoke softly, "Friendship is strictly forbidden. Most would be startled; call is foolish, perhaps. Friendship, they would say, is harmless. Beneficial. Wonderful"
"And, lemme guess, you guys in the Lin Kuei don't think that, right?" Cage asked
"No. We believe friendship is a sign of weakness. It is a vulnerability. It is raw emotion that can be turned against us in the tide of battle. You kill a man's friend, perhaps he becomes sad…perhaps he becomes angry…perhaps he goes insane. He becomes exploitable! As easy to take down in combat as a man made of straw! By forbidding friendship, the Lin Kuei remove these weaknesses before they can be given the chance to emerge. It is a step towards us becoming the perfect warriors"
"But, surely…there must be some of you who feel that's wrong? That it's too much to ask?"
Clearly vexed by Cage's line of questioning, Sub-Zero snapped, "Don't impose your values on me, American! Friendship is your way of life, not mine! I chose long ago to walk the lonely path of solitude in the name of my beloved clan. I will not deny there are…exceptions to our rules…" Sub-Zero clenched his fists, as if the matter was hitting very close to home for him, "But they are weak! And if my br--" a pause. Sub-Zero regained his composure, "If those Lin Kuei warriors choose to break our strict code on friendship, then they shall bring about their death on the battlefield!"
Sub-Zero began to walk away, "Know this, monk and actor- the enemy of the enemy is your ally. And I will gladly serve as an ally to help save Earthrealm in any way I can. But I am not your friend and I will not hesitate to snap your necks if we meet in the tournament"
As the Lin Kuei assassin stalked off deeper into the palace, Cage commented, "Well, he sure gave us the cold shoulder…" before realising what he had just said and cracking a smile.
Raiden's voice spoke from behind the two fighters where he had just appeared, "I should have known Sub-Zero would be unreceptive to the idea of joining forces with you. I apologise. The Lin Kuei are especially well known for working alone. I should have considered this more strongly, but I thought the greater threat would bring you together. I was mistaken."
Raiden walked in front of the two, "Nevertheless, he claims he is an ally, inasmuch as he also desires Shang Tsung's defeat. I know Sub-Zero. I know he is capable of seeing this tournament through to the bitter end, as long as he isn't stopped by Scorpion"
"Anyone who can beat Sub-Zero has gotta be tough," Cage pointed out, "Maybe we should ask this Scorpion guy if he's up for joining us?"
"While I appreciate the notion, Johnny Cage, I strongly advise against it. Scorpion also has the mentality of the lone eagle, though he would not phrase it to you quite as eloquently as Sub-Zero did," Raiden replied.
"How would he phrase it?"
"By slitting your throat"
"Oh. Doesn't sound very nice"
"This Scorpion, Master Raiden," Liu Kang enquired, "Is he an evil being?"
"Scorpion," replied Raiden, "is neither good nor evil. In life he was a Japanese ninja of the Shirai Ryu clan. He was their finest assassin, just as Sub-Zero is the Lin Kuei's. He was a good man. He had a wife and son and he loved them both very much"
"So what makes a guy go from all-round family man to somebody who'd slit my beautiful throat?"
"Death. Everyone Scorpion knew died. Murdered by the evil sorcerer Quan Chi. The entire Shirai Ryu clan was wiped out. Scorpion's wife and child were also slain. And the only reason for this was Sub-Zero had defeated Scorpion in a fight"
"So, what, victor takes all or something?" Cage asked.
"For all intents and purposes, yes. The Lin Kuei and Shirai Ryu clans hated each other. The Shirai Ryu were wiped out as a favour to the Lin Kuei when Sub-Zero defeated Scorpion- both of whom had been picked by Quan Chi himself for his own nefarious purposes"
"Wait a second, you said the whole Shirai Ryu clan was destroyed. How can Scorpion be here?"
"Because he had already died."
"…yeah, okay, now you've lost me"
Raiden explained, "When Scorpion lost the fight with Sub-Zero, he begged and pleaded for mercy. Sub-Zero showed him none and brutally murdered him. As Scorpion had died a coward's death, one without honour, he descended into the Netherrealm. It was here that he learned of the murders of his family and clan- but not the man who had performed them. Filled with rage, Scorpion made a pact with his demons to allow him the chance to return to Earthrealm in order to kill Sub-Zero, the man who had defeated him. He believed Sub-Zero had led an attack on the Shirai Ryu and his family and would stop at nothing to see him dead"
"So, hold on," Cage once again stopped an increasingly frustrated Raiden, "You know all this- why can't you just tell Scorpion? I mean, you're a God, you can-- oh, right, the whole 'don't interfere' thing"
"Now you're getting it, Mister Cage. To reiterate, Scorpion is not an enemy, but he is not a friend. Consider him neutral party to all of this- he has no interest in whether or not Outworld wins the tournament, he only wishes Sub-Zero dead. Think no ill of him for it for, if you stay out of his way, he will stay out of yours"
"Master Raiden, since Sub-Zero isn't open to the idea of joining us, who should we consider next?"
As if to answer Liu Kang's question, an angry blonde lieutenant walked into the room, shouting at her wristband, "This is ridiculous. Come on, you stupid hunk of junk! Why won't you work?! I already had to kill one guy who probably didn't deserve it in this stupid tournament, let me make a call to Jax so I can show a little mercy!"
Raiden spoke up, "I already told you, Lieutenant Blade, your wristband is jammed thanks to magical interference from Shang Tsung"
Sonya looked up, "You again?!"
Liu Kang recognised Sonya from before, "You're Sonya Blade- the one the guards captured"
"Ugh, don't remind me," Sonya replied.
"How are you holding up?"
"Fine. Just had my first tournament match. Had to give some bozo the old Kiss of Death for making a crack about me being a dumb blonde…hey, come to think of it, he did deserve it!"
"Mm, I like a woman who's feisty!" Cage grinned, "Why hel-lo there, Lieutenant Blade. Or may I call you Sonya? Johnny Cage. Though you probably knew that already. This here's my boy Liu Kang. And the man in the hat is--"
"Raiden, God of Thunder, yeah, great isn't it?" Sonya rolled her eyes.
"You already knew? Oh, that's right, he said he'd been speaking to you"
"Look, pal," Sonya blazed at Raiden, "just who the heck are you, anyway?"
"I am who I say I am, Lieutenant Blade. If you would like some proof, then I suggest you watch me closely"
"Oh, not this again. So, let's see. I turn around, like this," Sonya turned around, indignantly, "then I turn back and 'poof'," she turned back and Raiden was gone, in his place nothing more than a breeze, "….you're gone!?"
"Clever, isn't it?" Raiden said, from behind Sonya. She turned around, startled.
"How the hell does he do that?" Cage pondered aloud.
"If you require further proof, I expect there's always this…" Raiden said gently. Suddenly, unexpectedly, he turned raised his arms and shouted a mystical incantation as a burst of lightning shot from his hands towards the ceiling, where it dissipated into nothingness.
He turned to face Sonya, "Now. Is that enough, or would you like to see some more cheap parlour tricks?"
Liu Kang spoke to Sonya, "He speaks the truth, Sonya. At my temple, he is worshipped as our God, Lord Raiden"
"Yeah," replied Cage, "And I have no clue what's going on but I'm pretty happy to worship a man who can shoot electricity"
Sonya shook her head, "This is just crazy. My whole world has been turned upside down in a matter of hours. I wind up trapped on this island with monsters, mutants, monks, madmen, Gods and, for some reason, a Hollywood movie star"
"Thanks," Cage smiled.
Sonya considered what she'd just said. In context, Raiden didn't sound so crazy any more, "…okay, I believe you. I'm sold. I mean, a God isn't more ridiculous than that four-armed freak, right? Raiden, you have to tell me…what the hell is going on here and how can I save my colleagues?"
"Thank you for giving me your trust, Sonya. I assure you it is not misplaced," Raiden began. "The three of you," he continued, "are Earthrealm's finest chance at survival. Perhaps…its final chance. Now it is time for you to learn of the history behind Shang Tsung and his evil scheme and, more largely, of my role as Protector of Earthrealm"
