MORTAL KOMBAT®:

SCORPION©

CHAPTER III

- THE FIGHT BEGINS! -

Shang Tsung's Island.

Scorpion finds himself back in EarthRealm on a remote island. He appears to be on a beach. A foreboding sky looms overhead. Scorpion looks around and spots a tall palace in the distance. Red flags with black dragon symbols surround the palace, flapping in the wind. Scorpion decides to head there, concluding that it is the Mortal Kombat tournament. Using his Nether abilities he teleports into the palace undetected. He finds himself in a large hall with all the other entrants. An old man with balding long grey hair and beard was delivering a speech to the kombatants. Scorpion conceives this is Shang Tsung, host of the Mortal Kombat tournament. Shang Tsung seemed to be guarded by a female in blue, somewhat impractical, kunoichi attire and though invisible to the eye Scorpion could sense something else guarding Shang Tsung

"... my island will be your battleground. This being the tenth tournament of which we have won nine, it is you EarthRealm's warriors last chance to save your realm from Shao Kahn" Shang Tsung explains, he then smirks tauntingly "No pressure" he remarks sarcastically

Scorpion instantly took a disliking to Shang Tsung's manner.

Shang Tsung continues "The winner will have the honour of fighting our reigning champion – Prince Goro" he motioned to a dark doorway. Hard, heavy footsteps and growling could be heard. Two large hands shot out from the darkness and grip each side of the entrance. Two more hands shoot out and grip the entrance. All the kombatants gasp. Then a loud roar pierced through the darkness before the thing emerged. It was a terrifying sight. The 'monster' stood around 9ft tall and was a bulky mass of muscle and had 4 arms! A black ponytail hung from the top of his, otherwise bald, head

"I, am, Prince, GORO!" it said

Scorpion was aghast, "The thing talked?!" He was concerned for the EarthRealm kombatants. How could they defeat this – Goro? What would it mean for EarthRealm? And more importantly; what would it mean for Kara and Jubei?

"If you somehow manage to beat Prince Goro, then you will have the esteemed and glorious honour of fighting me" Shang Tsung smirked whilst posing.

Scorpion gazed through the kombatants – Shang Tsung's words trailing off as he did so. He spots Sub-Zero! His soul screams for justice. Scorpion wanted nothing more than to rip Sub-Zero to pieces, however, he was protected by a couple of Lin Kuei Ninja

"Coward!" Scorpion thought

"...the tournament will begin tomorrow morning. I suggest you all get a good nights sleep" Shang Tsung suggested bowing. He turned his back and headed off. He stopped and glanced over his shoulder "You'll need it" he remarks snidely whilst smirking evilly.

The guards motioned for the kombatants to leave. They were all shown where they could sleep. Scorpion however, used the power of the Nether to disappear from the palace. He returned to the beach. He sat in the sand and meditated. Being dead, he had no need of sleep. He thought about how easy it could be to kill Sub-Zero in his sleep but, honour would not be restored by such a dishonourable act. He knew he had to wait until the opportune moment. He wondered if there was a way to remove the Lin Kuei bodyguards? Scorpion meditated for a few more hours on whether he should make his presence known and help the EarthRealm warriors, before training to hone his skills in preparation for his fight with Sub-Zero.

Next Morning.

Scorpion disguised himself as one of the tournament guards and followed them into what seemed to be a courtyard. In the middle was a raised stone square with the dragon symbol emblazoned on it. The guards stood round the stone square. All the EarthRealm warriors stood on one side and all of Shang Tsung's warriors stood on the opposing side. Scorpion was a little surprised to see Sub-Zero and the Lin Kuei on Shang Tsung's side. Though it made Scorpion feel better about killing him if he was not fighting for EarthRealm. Scorpion suppressed his rage at seeing Sub-Zero as he waited for the right moment to strike. For now, he would observe the tournament.

Shang Tsung walked out, guarded by the female Ninja and the mysterious presence. He took his place at his throne that oversaw the stone square where the warriors were to battle. He motioned to the kombatants "The tournament has now begun. Which of you EarthRealm warriors is first to taste defeat?" he taunted with a smirk

A guy wearing basic black fighting pants with the word 'Cage' in blue running down each side of the leg, a pair of trainers and shades? Jumped up onto the stone arena, he proceeded to throw impractical punches, kicks and fancy flips to a sea of bemused and unimpressed faces. He threw his hands up and paraded round the arena "I know, I know. You're all in awe – but it really is ME, world famous actor – slash – martial artist extraordinaire, not forgetting incredibly good-looking, JOHNNY CAGE!" he declared to silence

Scorpion couldn't believe the misplaced arrogance of Cage. He shook his head in embarrassment for EarthRealm.

A Shaolin warrior turned to a guy in white and blue with a large straw hat "Lord Raiden. Are you sure he is capable of defending EarthRealm?" he asked doubtfully

"Yes. Behind his arrogance and bravado is the heart of a warrior. Like you Lui Kang, he has the potential to be champion of Mortal Kombat" Raiden informed.

Lui bowed in acknowledgement

"Mister Cage!" Shang Tsung interrupted Cage's showing-off "If you are finished embarrassing yourself, you may want to get ready for your opponent – Reptile!" he pointed to the stone arena at what appeared to be nothing

Johnny Cage looked around "Uh? Come on. Don't be shy. I promise to go easy on ya"

A human-like figure appeared opposite Cage wearing green Ninja attire.

Scorpion realized that this was the other bodyguard to Shang Tsung. The invisible presence he sensed earlier.

"Wowah?! How'd you do that?" Cage asked

Reptile hissed at Cage and adopted a fight stance

"FIGHT!" Shang Tsung shouted before making himself comfortable in his throne.

Cage removed his shades and motioned to a pretty blonde "Hey babe. Hold on to these for me would ya" he said offering her his shades. She scoffed in disgust and reluctantly accepted them "Thanks babe. This won't take long" he arrogantly smiled. He turned back to Reptile, swiped his nose and began jogging on the spot "Okay green. Prepare to be Cage'd!" he declared

Raiden closed his eyes and shook his head in disbelief at Cage's nonchalance

"Lord Raiden. How can he defend EarthRealm? He is a clueless idiot" Lui questioned

"Are you doubting my judgement?" Raiden challenged

Lui bowed apologetically.

Reptile ran past Johnny Cage with blindingly fast speed. As Cage turned round Reptile elbowed him in the face. Cage staggered back holding his jaw. Reptile tried to follow up

"Woh, woh, woh, woh!" Cage puts his arms out in front of him in a back-off motion "Wait a sec, time-out"

Reptile froze and looked at Cage inquisitively

Scorpion was astounded at Cage's ignorance

"There are no 'time-outs' Mister Cage" Shang Tsung informed

Johnny looked at Reptile and drew circles around his face "See this? This is money, dude. So what say we keep the hits 'below' the chin huh?"

Raiden facepalms "Urrhhgh! EarthRealm is doomed" he dryly remarks

Reptile snap jabs Cage in the face.

Cage recoils holding his face. He looks at Reptile "Not cool, dude. Not cool"

Reptile lunges at Cage who blocks Reptile's kick and replies with a straight punch to Reptile's chest. Reptile hisses in protest. It rips of its mask and spits at Cage. Cage moves aside just in time. He looks behind. A guard is struck by the spit and squeals in agony as the spit burns through his top and starts to burn his flesh.

Johnny mouths the words "What the fuck?" turns back to Reptile and smiles in delight "Duuuude! You've soooo gotta be in my next movie! That stunt was AWESOME!" he exclaimed "Must get your special effects guy's number" he remarked.

Reptile lunged at Cage, who, backflip-kicked Reptile. Reptile hit the floor but rolled backward up to his feet. Cage smiled and motioned for Reptile to bring it. Reptile and Cage began to trade blows and blocks until Cage delivers a sliding side-kick knocking Reptile back

"Oh yeah! My signature kick! And people think it's a special effect! Come oooon, you can't fake that! That was beautiful!" Cage comments to the guards and kombatants – who could not care any less than they all ready do.

Reptile was growing more and more frustrated at Cage. It ran past Cage with blindingly fast speed again. Reptile went for a strike, but, as Cage turned round he did the splits, ducking under Reptile's blow. He pulled his fist back then punched Reptile in the nuts?! Reptile's eyes bulged and it grabbed its crotch in agony as it collapsed on the floor writhing in pain.

Cage spun up to his feet and started appealing victoriously to silence "You've been Cage'd!" he proclaimed.

Everyone looked on in disbelief, speechless at what had just transpired.

Scorpion could not believe that such a dishonourable move was allowed. Surely that is against the rules?

Shang Tsung clutched the edges of his throne so hard in anger that his knuckles turned white. He grumbled preturbed "Finish him"

"Huh?" Cage stopped celebrating and looked at Shang Tsung "What?" he asked

"FINISH HIM!" Shang Tsung ordered in disdain

"Finish him?" Cage questioned with a raised eyebrow. He looked at the downed and twitching Reptile "I already have. Look at him" he replied

Shang Tsung sneered

"Lord Raiden-" Lui started

"YES LUI KANG! I AM SURE I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE IN JOHNNY CAGE!" Raiden snapped with frustration

"I... was going to say, I now understand why you chose him. His baffoonery is an act. One which puts his opponents off guard. Allowing him to gain an advantage" Lui disclosed

"I wouldn't be so sure that his 'buffoonery' is an act" Raiden replied

"Surely no-one can be that ignorant" Lui questioned

"Oh I don't know" Raiden said motioning for Lui to look over at Johnny Cage.

As if to validate Raiden's comment Johnny Cage whips out a signed photo of himself. He places it next to the collapsed Reptile "Here ya go dude. Don't be down hearted. Ya gave me a pretty good fight but, I'm Johnny Cage – ya didn't really stand a chance. No hard feelings yeah?" he pats Reptile on the shoulder "We'll talk movies when you've recovered, okay? Cool!"

Shang Tsung rose from his throne "The winner. Johnny Cage" he shuddered "Friendship"

Johnny front flipped off the stone arena and put his thumbs up at the EarthRealm warriors with a goofy, pleased with himself, smile. He went over to the pretty blonde and winked as he reclaimed his shades "How about you and me go for a celebratory dinner?" he asked

The pretty blonde groaned in disgust at the idea and walked off

"Oh come on babe!" Cage whined. He went to follow but was stopped by Lui Kang "You should be more concerned with this tournament than chasing a woman who clearly despises you"

"Excuse me? I don't remember asking for your opinion"

"THE FATE OF THE WORLD DEPENDS ON US WINNING THE TOURNAMENT!" Lui snaps

Cage looks at Lui with bemusement "Oh wait! Are you part of the show too?"

"Show? You ignorant-" Lui began

"Enough Lui!" Raiden cuts-off.

Lui backsdown.

Raiden looks seriously at Cage "Johnny Cage, you must understand, this is not some movie or show. This is the real thing. I suggest you stay and watch the following matches. Then you may understand what is going on here" he sternly suggests, his eyes flicker with lightning.

Cage ponders for a sec "Errh... okay? I'll stay and checkout my competition" he agrees

Meanwhile, some of the tournament guards help Reptile off the stone arena. Reptile staggers to his feet and gingerly walks back to Shang Tsung

"You idiot Reptile!" Shang Tsung scolds

"I am sorry Master" Reptile whimpers

"Beaten by an actor and clueless cretin – you have shamed me!" Shang Tsung stated in ire "I almost wish he had killed you" he added dismissing Reptile. He rose from his throne "Who is next?"

A Shaolin monk stepped up onto the stone square and threw a few kicks and punches

"Very well. Sub-Zero of the Lin Kuei, show these EarthRealm warriors what they are dealing with"

Sub-Zero slowly stepped up onto the square stone. He stood opposing the Shaolin monk

"FIGHT!" Shang Tsung shouted

The Shaolin monk bowed. Sub-Zero in an instant ice-slid to the monk and uppercutted him, taking advantage of the monk's guard being down. The monk landed hard on the stone arena

"HEY! THAT'S NOT FAIR!" Lui screamed in protest

"YEAH! WHAT HE SAID!" Cage added redundantly.

Shang Tsung ignored them.

Sub-Zero quickly leapt in the air and double foot stomped on the monks chest. The cracking and crunch of bones breaking could be heard and the monk screamed in anguish. Sub-Zero stepped off the monk

"FINISH HIM!" Shang Tsung shouted, smiling with glee

Sub-Zero grabbed the monk by his head

"THE FIGHT IS OVER!" Lui pleaded

Sub-Zero looked up at Shang Tsung who nodded at him. Lui Kang and Cage tried to intervene but the guards stopped them. Raiden motioned for them to stop.

Sub-Zero froze the monk's head. He looked out at the EarthRealm warriors and picked the monk up. He held the monk so he looked out at the EarthRealm warriors. The EarthRealm warriors watch on in horror. Sub-Zero pulled his fist back and held it there tauntingly for a few moments before punching the monk's frozen head. It exploded into dozens of chunks. Some flew out at the EarthRealm warriors

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Lui screamed as he collapsed to his knees

"Sub-Zero wins. Flawless victory. FATALITY! Ha ha ha ha haah" Shang Tsung announced.

Sub-Zero threw the monks body to the EarthRealm warriors and slowly walked out of the stone arena and back to his Lin Kuei brethren. Lui Kang rushed over to the monk's body

"Heh heh aha ha haah! Do you see EarthRealm warriors? You have no chance of winning. Aaha ha ha ha haah!" taunted Shang Tsung.

Lui Kang glared at Shang Tsung whilst cradling the monk's body. Lui then looked over at Raiden "Why did you not stop this?" he demanded

"You know why" Raiden replied somberly

Johnny Cage picked up a piece of the monk "Wow. This is a good prop. I don't know how they did that special effect - but it was AWESOME! Well, apart from bits of that monk in my hair" Cage starts to ruffle his hair.

Lui Kang marched over to Cage and punched him in the face!

"Ow! Duuude, not the face!"

"Is that all you care about?! One of my brothers has been murdered and all you worry about is your looks?" he questioned infuriated

"Dude, what is your problem? Your taking this a little too seriously"

Lui went to strike Cage again but Raiden grabbed his wrist "Enough Lui!"

Lui resentfully relented and returned to his fallen brother to say a prayer. Raiden approached Cage "You must understand. That was a member of Lui's Shaolin temple. A man he has grown up with. Trained with. Lived with all his life. How would you feel if someone you have known all your life was brutally murdered in front of you. Show some respect"

Cage furrows his brow "So ya telling me this tournament is a real life or death tournament?"

"Yes"

"But... a guy cannot really touch people and turn them to ice" Cage proclaimed

"Can't they?" Raiden questioned. He held out his hand electricity enveloped it. Suddenly he disappeared then reappeared behind Cage "You have been sheltered from the truth"

Cage jumped in surprise and turned round "How did you?"

"I am Raiden. God of Thunder. Sworn protector of EarthRealm" Raiden announced

"Riiiiiight?" Cage expressed unconvinced

Before Cage could comprehend what was going on Shang Tsung asked tauntingly "Who is next to die?"

Enraged at the unnecessary death of the Shaolin monk by Sub-Zero sent Scorpion's raging soul over the edge. He removed his guard disguise and jumped up onto the stone arena. Everyone looked at him curiously

"What is the meaning of this?" Shang Tsung asked perturbed.

Scorpion suddenly turned and faced Sub-Zero. He pointed at him "I challenge you, Sub-Zero to Mortal Kombat!"

Sub-Zero looked at Scorpion in confusion. Scorpion could tell Sub-Zero was trying to make sense of his appearance as he was wearing 'Lin Kuei Elite Ninja' attire, more precisely, very similar to Sub-Zero's own – only a mocking, cowardly, yellow! Sub-Zero motioned for his Lin Kuei brethren to stay where they were as he slowly stepped up onto the stone arena opposite Scorpion.

Scorpion felt excitement and nerves as adrenaline surged through him in anticipation, for he was finally face to face with his murderer! "Finally! I will get my VENGEANCE!" he thought

Tension filled the air as Sub-Zero and Scorpion continued to stare at each other in silence. Then finally, Sub-Zero broke the silent stare-down "You are not Lin Kuei!" he stated coldly

Scorpion narrowed his eyes

"You may wear our attire but, you don't fool me!" Sub-Zero continued coldly

"...I wear this to MOCK YOU! MURDERER!" Scorpion shouted.

"Okay. As a challenge has been made, the rules are it is to be accepted" Shang Tsung clarified "So FIGHT!"

Sub-Zero readied himself for battle

"HAHAHAHAHAHAAH! Oh how I've longed for this day! The day justice for me and my clan will be restored!" stated Scorpion

Sub-Zero frowned in confusion

"DO NOT INSULT ME COWARD!" Scorpion bellowed enraged "Only by your DEATH! Shall honour be restored" he states with a clenched fist

"I don't know you?" Sub-Zero said - still devoid of any emotion

"Oh! But you do! Hahahahahaah! You murdered ME and my entire clan! Without reason! Without provocation! You used your cowardly 'ice' tricks to beat me" Scorpion says staring at Sub-Zero with murderous intent

"Who are you?"

"I was leader of the Shirai Ryu clan, before YOU murdered them and ripped my head off!"

"H-Hanzo?... But that man is DEAD!"

"Yes he is – I was once that man – Hanzo Hasashi – But YOU tainted his soul when you murdered him in cold blood – in dishonourable kombat!" Scorpion stares at Sub-Zero intently"I AM SCORPION! I AM A SPECTRE OF VENGEANCE! I AM - YOUR – DEATH!" he declared with absolute conviction

Sub-Zero threw an iceball at Scorpion, Scorpion dodged it and replied by throwing his spear

"GET OVER HERE!"

Sub-Zero evaded and shoulder charged Scorpion who, sidestepped and spin kicked Sub-Zero in the back sending him stumbling forward. Scorpion charged towards him, Sub-Zero threw a punch, Scorpion blocked it with a cross block transitioning into a double chest punch followed by a bicycle kick. Sub-Zero stumbled backward icing the floor in front of him, Scorpion slips and slides, Sub-Zero dragon kicks Scorpion who falls to the floor. Scorpion does a corkscrew kip up swinging his spear keeping Sub-Zero at a distance, he jumps towards Sub-Zero who crouches to avoid the incoming punch, Sub-Zero tries a sweep – Scorpion hops over it kicking Sub-Zero in the face. Sub-Zero adjusts his mask only to be set upon with a volley of punches and kicks, he struggles to block all the attacks as the fury behind them is unimaginable – Sub-Zero manages to roll out the way of the attacks but, Scorpion's speed is unbelievable, Sub-Zero barely got to his feet before Scorpion sent him flying with a dragon dropkick, Scorpion nipped back up

"Hahhahah! You can't beat me hand-to-hand! You couldn't beat me back then without your ice tricks – I've had time to hone my skills in preparation for this fight!" Scorpion professed mockingly.

Sub-Zero quickly got to his feet, he threw an iceball at Scorpion while he was mocking him. Scorpion froze up. Sub-Zero walked over to the frozen Scorpion clutching his ribs, but, before he could finish him off the ice began to melt. Flames surrounded Scorpion – he was stood in a puddle of evaporating water. Sub-Zero's eyes bulge in disbelief. He quickly threw another iceball at Scorpion – it was engulfed by flames. Everyone was in awe at what was happening. Especially after witnessing what Sub-Zero did in his previous match

"FOOL! Your 'ice tricks' are useless against me!"

Sub-Zero was stunned. His legs started to quiver, Sub-Zero looked down sharply. He grabbed his legs trying to control the shaking. He looked up at Scorpion

"Hehehehahahhaah! I see it in your eyes!... Yeees!... FEAR! Hahhahahahaah!"

Sub-Zero fell to one knee.

Scorpion folded his arms "Now you know how I felt – fighting a hopeless battle – your hand-to-hand is not good enough and your ice tricks are just that – tricks!"

Sub-Zero looked down and punch the floor

"Your fate was sealed the day you murdered me!" Scorpion stated confidently.

Sub-Zero's Lin Kuei brethren gave-up their silence to offer some encouragement "You beat him before, you can do it again!"

"Do not let his tricks throw you. He is still inferior to the Lin Kuei"

Sub-Zero rose to his feet, took a deep breath and composed himself. He clenched his fists, Scorpion disappeared in blaze of fire, leaving a dusting of ash where he once stood – Sub-Zero got ready for an attack as he frantically looked around. His heart was racing as he prepared himself – suddenly, Sub-Zero felt his ankles burning, he looks down to see Scorpion's hands holding his feet then he felt himself being pulled down through the floor, he tried icing the floor around him but, the ice merely melted away! Slowly Sub-Zero was dragged further and further down – he scrambled to pull himself out – but again, to no avail! Scorpion leapt up and placed his right hand on Sub-Zero's head, finally forcing him into the NetherRealm!