Welcome back, to Wasted Plotential: Mortal Kombat (Original Timeline)! We're in for a bit of a long haul here, because it's time for the MK1 rewrite! This will be long as I will also be including the backstory for the tournament, elements from the comic, and the aftermath described in the MK2 prequel comic. The main goal of this one is to include elements in hindsight. If you go look at MK1's plot from just the game itself and the prequel comic, you can tell how much was retconned in later installments. So, let's get on with the Wasted Plotential!
Since the dawn of time, the MK universe has been divided into several different realms. These realms, once upon a time, co-existed peacefully for eons. But several unsavory louts would arise and threaten the balance of realms. Emperor Shao Kahn, ruler of Outworld, would invade and conquer realms, merging them with Outworld. He wasn't the first to do this, but slowly the number of realms lessened until less than 30% of the original realms remained.
In 958 BC, Shao Kahn invaded the realm of Earth and waged war with its inhabitants. He easily defeated the armies of humanity and it seemed like the end of Earth was inevitable. In desperation, the monks prayed to the Elder Gods to do something to stop this crazed warlord. The Elder Gods stopped Shao Kahn's invasion and announced the Mortal Kombat Tournament. This sacred tournament will be held every 50 years, between the best warriors of Earth and Outworld. The competition would be held on an island fortress in the East China Sea, taken care by the monks. Whoever wins the bracket will become the "Immortal Champion of Mortal Kombat" and will not age until they lose the title or they fulfill the goal. The Champion will then return to defend their title at the next one. If Earthrealm wins 10 tournaments in a row, Outworld must abandon the realm forever or face swift and merciless punishment by the Elder Gods. However, if Outworld wins 10 in a row, Shao Kahn will be allowed to legally invade the realm with no opposition from the Gods. Shao Kahn reluctantly agreed to these terms, alongside the monks. Thus, the first Mortal Kombat Tournament was held in 908 BC, beginning a struggle between the Earth and Outworld that would continue on for thousands of years. For a long time, it seemed as though no one would ever get the necessary 10 victories. The two always seemed to be evenly matched, neither getting a streak higher then 3. It looked like Earth and Outworld would be waging battle for all of eternity.
That was, until, the Mortal Kombat Tournament of 1042 AD. A mysterious young sorcerer by the name of Shang Tsung entered on the side of Outworld and decimated the Earthrealm warriors. Not only was he a master of magic and a great fighter, but he had a terrible power. Many years ago, Tsung took the soul of a fellow man. The Elder Gods punished Shang Tsung by cursing him, that he will be perpetually old and weak unless he consumes souls. At first, Tsung was horrified and hated this curse. But once he discovered that he gains the knowledge and abilities of the person he consumed, he sang a different tune. Shao Kahn eventually got word of this powerful man, made him his chief sorcerer, and recruited him to compete in the tournament. Tsung easily took the title of Immortal Champion, beginning the first domination of the tournament by Outworld.
Tsung was without peer, he would remain Champion for the next 450 years, accumulating a total of 9 wins in a row for Outworld. No one on Earth had been able to get close to defeating Tsung, he left no survivors either. It seemed as though at long last, Shao Kahn wins. The monks desperately sought out someone who as capable of defeating Tsung, but never found anyone for the longest time.
When all hope seemed lost, HE appeared. A monk, named Kung Lao. He was the most skilled warrior the monks had ever seen. Having grown up listening to tales of Tsung and Outworld, Kung Lao decided to devote his life to train for the Mortal Kombat Tournament, the next one would happen while he was still in his prime. He entered the Mortal Kombat Tournament of 1492, where he easily won the right to face off against Shang Tsung. The overconfident sorcerer was no match for Kung Lao's speed and strength. Lao soundly defeated him, took the title of Immortal Champion, preventing Outworld from getting their 10th victory. Kung Lao became a hero throughout China, and would become known as "The Great Kung Lao."
The next Mortal Kombat began with a startling revelation. One of the three Grandmasters that oversaw the tournament had passed away and they were replaced by none other then Shang Tsung. He was now old, from having consumed little souls over the last 50 years. He had also brought with the Shokan Prince, Goro. His speed was incredible, unmatched in strength. Although Kung Lao fought long and hard, he would ultimately fall to Goro and his soul consumed by Shang Tsung. This marked the beginning of Outworld's second domination of the tournament, as well it's corruption at the hands of Shang Tsung.
450 years later, the next tournament was quickly approaching. Liu Kang, a trained warrior and monk of 24, visits the chamber of Master Wu. Kang had won the right to represent the Shaolin in the tournament and Wu calls him forth to see if he is still up for the task. Kang assures Master Wu that he is fully prepared and Wu tells him his mind and body must work as one to walk the wind if he wishes to defeat Goro. Kang departs to make preparations to head towards Hong Kong, where he'll board a boat to Shang Tsung's Island. One of the other monks in the meeting is Kung Zhang, Liu Kang's grandfather who previously only appeared in the first movie and mentioned in the MK4 prequel comic. He expresses his wish for Kang would have never had to risk his life in the tournament, but it's too late to turn back now and wishes him good luck. Kang proclaims to his grandfather that he should not worry as he will not fail.
Liu Kang would naturally resemble his MK1 design and retain his moves from that game. He would be characterized as a monk who normally wishes peace, but recognizes that he must sometimes fight for that peace. Kang loves martial arts and is a great fighter, having spent 15 years training under the great Bo Rai Cho. He's an ideal hero, a nice guy with great morals. Rather then dropping it after the first game, Liu Kang's refusal to kill due to his Shaolin beliefs would stay and be a plot point. He can still have fatalities to a degree, since they are pretty much non-canon, but still be "Thou Shall Not Kill" in-story. He is also one of the last descendants of the Great Kung Lao.
As Kang heads out, he runs into Kung Lao at the Shaolin Temple Gates. Kung Lao is a descendant of the Great Kung Lao, like Kang, but is from the main bloodline while Liu Kang is from the branch family. Ever since Kung Lao could walk, he was trained in martial arts so that he could fight and compete for Earthrealm in the tournament. Initially, Lao wanted nothing to do with the tournament and wished for a peaceful life. He eventually had to come with terms that he can't have a peaceful life while Earth is under threat from Outworld and started taking his training more seriously. Several months ago, the Shaolin held a competition to determine who would represent them in the tournament. The final match came down to him against Liu Kang, the latter emerging the victor, much to Kung Lao's anger, but that will be touched more upon in a different chapter. (Shaolin Monks is gonna be a total rewrite by the way)
The two talk, with Kung Lao's dialogue having subtle references to having a slight resenment towards Liu Kang and the two have a sparring match. In the end, Lao wishes him luck and Liu Kang departs, telling Lao that he'll see him again after the tournament. As Kung Lao heads back to the temples, he says something about how it actually might be sooner then he thinks, foreshadowing his return later on.
Two weeks later, martial artist and famed actor, Johnny Cage is preparing to board the boat to the tournament against the wishes of his secretary and agent. They try to talk them out of it, also revealing in the process that most of the knowledge of the Mortal Kombat Tournament has been reduced to myths and rumors. Cage ignores the two and gets on the boat.
In another part of Hong Kong, a Special Forces van is chasing down a jeep through the streets. The jeep is being driven by the Black Dragon and Kano, who reveals he is going to the Island due to rumors of large amounts of gold and treasure. He climbs onto the van and we get to see it's interior. Inside, we see Sparky, Jake, as well as two other officers that I'm just gonna name Carlson and Steve, and Sonya. She witnesses Kano trying to give them the slip and jumps from the van alongside Jake to get him. Kano blows up some barrels and uses that as a distraction to jump on the boat just as it leaves. Jake is ready to open fire, but Sonya just manages to stop him so that they don't hurt the others on board. Sonya radios the situation back to Jax, who tells her to follow them to wherever there going and give him reports annually, before wishing her luck.
Meanwhile, Tsung arrives at Raiden's Sky Temple in the mountains of Rural Japan. He enters, the place appearing dilapidated and abandoned. He kneels by a throne and delivers his message to Raiden. He invites Raiden to compete in the tournament or does he fear the dangers of Mortal Kombat? A large lighting bolt blinds Tsung and the Sky Temple now appears much more in order. Raiden is sitting on the throne and declares he fears no mortal. He accepts the invitation, so that he may prove he is mightier than any mortal.
Raiden here, we are going to be doing something different with him. Rather then going with him always being MK2 Raiden, we are going to have him start out as the jerk MK1 Raiden and have him develop into the wise mentor role. His character development into this will be a major point in the MK1, MK2, and MK3 wasted plotentials.
Back on the boat, Johnny and Kano have gotten into a brawl. Cage gets his butt kicked, until Liu Kang steps in to help. The two are able to knock back Kano and his new pals. Kang and Cage talk and bond a little bit, with Kang hinting to him that there is more to the tournament then he knows. In the Crow's nest, Bi-Han is watching all this when, all of a sudden, Scorpion appears behind him. Bi-Han is shocked, having thought he killed him after their battle in the Netherrealm. Scorpion reveals that you can't kill a spectre, he just reforms in the Netherrealm and, as a bonus, his power increases. He will avenge his death and the deaths of his clansmen that he believes the Lin Kuei killed 2 years ago. However, he is an honorable man, and will wait to strike at the tournament. Bi-Han says letting him live is foolish, but you also get a sense of guilt and regret, showing how much his character has changed from the start of Mythologies.
The dozens of ships arrive at the Island and the various kombatants head for Shang Tsung's Courtyard. There, Tsung gives his speech about how this is the most important tournament, as Goro's victory will allow Shao Kahn to invade their realm. He also reveals that he captured Sonya and her unit, and that she'll have to compete if she wants to return home with them alive. After the speech concludes everyone piles out except Cage, Kano, Liu Kang, Bi-Han, Sonya, and Raiden, the latter having been silent this entire time. Johnny and Kano ask what the heck is going on and Liu Kang explains the backstory of the Mortal Kombat Tournament. Bi-Han, thanks to experiences in Mythologies, backs up Kang's story and possibly shares some info from his own adventures. Kano isn't going to have some stupid emperor take over the Earth when that's the Black Dragon's duty, and declares that he is going to take down that four-armed chump of a champion. Thus, Cage, Kano, Liu Kang, Bi-Han and Sonya agree to an alliance to ensure that Outworld does not get their 10th victory. Johnny notices Raiden just standing silently, walking over to him and asking if he would like to join their group. The Thunder God suddenly knocks them all away with lighting, loudly boasting his name. He is Earth's Guardian, Raiden, and he has entered the tournament for his own sake. To prove that the gods are mightier than any mortal. This angers Liu Kang, since he's...you know, supposed to be the Protector God of Earthrealm, but is pretty much showing disregard for their plight against Outworld. Raiden tells him that if the mortals were so good, they would have gotten their 10 victories and be done with Outworld already. He says they have no chance of winning, against Outworld or him. Kang responds that there is more to us mortals than meets the eye, after which Raiden disappears in a bolt of lighting, leading to a rainstorm. The others comment on Raiden being a jerk of a god, while Kang swears that he'll teach Raiden a lesson at the tournament.
After three days of practice, the Tournament begins. The opening match is Johnny Cage against Reptile in the Courtyard. During this fight we get an idea of how humorous and much of a snarker he is, doing some pretty silly maneuvers that make Reptile look stupid to the other kombatants. He then gets serious and shows of genuine fighting skills, managing to easily defeat him. Shang Tsung orders Cage to finish Reptile, which responds with a joke before the silence of him, the other Grandmasters, and the crowd realize that he is serious. Cage tells Tsung that he may be from Hollywood, but he's not a monster and choses mercy. Tsung leaves to oversee a match elsewhere while the crowd remains for the next Courtyard match. Johnny heads out in disgust when he is stopped by the others. Kang congratulates Cage for his performance and for sparing Reptile's life. Kano, Sonya, and Bi-Han question this since it would probably be best for them to kill Outworld's warriors since they are, well, evil. Cage defends Liu Kang, who tells about how being raised as a monk taught him to respect all life. This could be a point of contention between the group, throughout the tournament as Kano, Sonya, Bi-Han, and even Raiden finish off their opponents while Johnny and Liu Kang spare them.
We get a montage of Kano, Sonya, and Bi-Han's first match which they all win and we them use their respective fatalities on their opponents. That evening, we finally get to Liu Kang's match that he wins rather easily, landing a Flying Kick for the final blow. Goro, who had been watching in silence with Shang Tsung, remarks about how Liu Kang is different from the other monks who have competed in the past. Tsung, angry, tells Goro not to worry about him as the shaolin are spineless weaklings. But deep down, Tsung knows Liu Kang could be a threat to their victory. We also get a match showing just how powerful Raiden is as the God of Thunder and Scorpion, with Bi-Han telling the others an abridged tale of his and Scorpion's rivalry.
The tournament progresses until only 16 kombatants remain, with all the MK1 cast still in the competition. Sonya and Kano learn that there next match will be against each other, meaning the two will finally have proper confrontation after six years. While Sonya trains, she explains to Liu Kang and Johnny about her rivalry with Kano and how he murdered her partner back when she was a police officer. The night of the following day, Kano and Sonya head to the Warrior Shrine for their match. The two of them fight for several rounds, Kano eventually gaining an edge after he breaks one of Sonya's arms. When Sonya seems to be done for, she goads Kano into using his Kanoball, then jumps out of the way, which cause Kano to smash straight into one of the statues and he is knocked out. Shang Tsung tells Sonya to finish him, and she almost obliged, due to all he has done to her in the past. Kang tries to convince her to spare him while Tsung continues to push Sonya into killing him. In the end, Sonya choses Mercy, telling Tsung she won't stoop to his level anymore and as thanks to Kano for helping in their alliance against Outworld. This round concludes with the remaining MK1 characters winning their respective matches and advancing to the Quarter-Finals.
While Sonya is heading back to her room for the night, she overhears Shang Tsung and Goro talking with some guards. Tsung reveals that he has no intent on sparing Sonya's unit, especially after she embarrassed him at her earlier match. He orders Goro and the guards to torture, then kill her unit. Upon hearing this, Sonya rushes over to Liu Kang's room, where he is hanging with Johnny. He tells the two about this, and the three team up to go rescue the unit. They jump a guard and get him to reveal the where the unit is imprisoned, Goro's Lair. The trio make their way through to the lair, fighting guards and Reptile along the way. They locate the cell...only to find Sparky, Carlson, and Steve dead, while Jake is critically injured. Sonya tends to Jake while Liu Kang and Cage fight against an onslaught of guards. Eventually, Goro arrives and demands that they return to their rooms and leave Jake. Naturally, the heroes refuse and seem ready to fight Goro. He points out that fighting the Champion without earning the right through the tournament is against the rules, so they are screwed. Cage walks over and says they aren't gonna fight and all they need is one thing. Goro questions what that is, only for Cage to do the splits and his infamous Nut Punch on Goro, who falls overs. The three grab Jake and flee the lair, with Goro ordering the guards to chase them. They end up surrounded and Jake, through some means, sacrifices himself to kill most of the guards and save the three. The trio escape from Goro's Lair with their lives, at the cost of Jake's. This leads to Sonya having a breakdown over losing her unit and friends and about how she couldn't save them or her partner. Johnny and Kang comfort her, further strengthening their friendship.
Now, it is time for the Mortal Kombat Tournament Quarter-Finals! The next match-up is Sonya vs. Sub-Zero! Sonya mentions to him how he wish he they didn't have to fight, but Bi-Han tells her not to be concerned about that and give the match her all. He demonstrates some of his powers and how he's improved with his recent training, declaring he'll be the victor. Later that day, the two meet in at the Palace Gates for the match. They fight and although Sonya puts up a good fight, she ends up being no match for the assassin and loses. Obviously, Bi-Han does not kill her and congratulates Sonya on her performance, even giving her some advice. Scorpion suddenly appears and comments on how Bi-Han has changed much since their encounter 2 years ago, but that won't make him forgive his murder of him. He swears that the two will meet in the Finals and that Bi-Han will die.
That night, we move over to the Pit for another match, Liu Kang against Raiden. As the two warm-up before the fight, Raiden comments that the monk should just surrender now, but Kang retorts that Raiden first has to prove that he is mightier than this mortal. This fight begins and two clash, delivering a frenzy of attacks that they each dodge or block. Over the course of the fight, the two trade blows, dodge each others attacks, and Raiden is shocked at how Liu Kang seems to be actually making this an even match. At one point, Kang hits Raiden with a Flying Kick that cause him to fall of the bridge. Showing how honorable and kind he is, Kang manages to grab Raiden and save him from the spikes below. The Thunder God respects this and decides will use even more of his power, since Kang is actually a challenge. This causes Liu Kang to struggle against him for the next few rounds, but he manages to land an absolutely perfect blow against Raiden and narrowly wins the match. Johnny and the others congratulate Kang on his win, while Raiden remains on the ground. He is confused how a mortal, a young one at that, could defeat a god. As he ponders this over, Liu Kang walks over and offers Raiden his hand. It seems like he won't accept it at first, but he eventually does and Raiden remarks on Liu Kang's abilities and that he'll be eager to see his performance in the Semi. Thus the Quarter-Finals conclude with Tsung announcing the Semi-Final matches, Liu Kang vs. Sub-Zero and Johnny Cage vs. Scorpion.
We then get a montage of the four spending the next day training and sparring for their matches. All this time, Raiden is watching from secret, curious of the monk's abilities. In Shang Tsung's throne room, Goro is discussing the four remaining kombatants with Tsung. When Tsung asks if he views any of them as threats, Goro responds that any four of them could give him a good fight, picking out Liu Kang in particular as having the best chance of winning against him. Legitimately fearing Kang's victory, he sends out some guards and Outworld warriors to assassinate Liu Kang, who is currently practicing alone in the Courtyard. Kang fights against them, but is outnumbered. He ends up being saved when all of his assassins are mysteriously stricken dead all at once by lighting bolts. Tsung is shocked upon learning this, only for Raiden to show up and basically call him out for trying to cheat. The sorcerer remarks on how he though the thunder god didn't care for the mortals, only for Raiden to say that he is just doing it to ensure the kombatant's safety, a sign of Raiden undergoing character development.
The first Semi we see is Liu Kang and Sub-Zero, at the Warrior's Shrine. As the fight begins the two circle around the arena, bantering for a bit. Eventually, Kang launches a fireball and Bi-Han throws a iceball, which just cancels each other out. The two eventually realize using these powers is basically useless and they run forward and engage in hand-to-hand kombat. It's shown that Liu Kang is better then Bi-Han in close range kombat, while Bi-Han is superior in mid and far range. Bi-Han tries to get in the latter ranges, but Kang is fast and just jumps in with an onslaught of punches and kicks. He does grab and opening, slide kicking him and freezing Kang while he is still on the ground. Bi-Han grabs Liu Kang throws him into a pillar, breaking the ice and hurting Liu Kang rather badly. This gives Bi-Han the edge, leading to him pummeling on Kang for a bit. When Kang is not sure if he can keep up with Bi-Han, he thinks back to Master Wu's words about how his mind and body must work as one to walk the wind if he wants to win. Liu Kang focuses intently on Bi-Han's movements, and sees him going into his slide motion. Quickly, he launches into the air and lands a very fast Flying Kick against Sub-Zero. Bi-Han ends up being KO'ed, advancing Liu Kang to the Finals, much to Scorpion's anger.
Next is Johnny Cage vs. Scorpion at the Palace Gates. Kang, Bi-Han, Sonya, and Kano enter the audience, the first two warning Cage to be careful against Scorpion. Unfortunately, Johnny has gotten a bit cocky due to his performance and progress in the tournament, just telling Liu Kang that he'll win and then beat him in the Final, before kicking Goro's shokan butt. The match starts and Johnny fight more playfully, like he did with Reptile in his first match. Scorpion however, is having none of that, and proceeds to kick his ass. Johnny nervously quips like usual, only for frustrated Scorpion tell them to shut up before punching him right in the sunglasses, breaking them. This upsets Johnny immensely and he goes into serious mode, even more then when he went serious against Reptile. He proceeds to avoid all of Scorpion's moves and launches his full shadow power into all his attacks, leading to him doing the ass kicking now. It seems like Johnny will win, until Cage's ego gets the best of him and he starts insulting Scorpion and boasting to the crowd. While he is distracted, Scorpion spears Johnny to him, uppercuts, and roundhouse kicks Cage a couple yards. Reality ensues, as a spear to the chest does some pretty bad damage and Johnny ends up surrendering when he sees that, well, his spear wound hurts badly and won't stop bleeding. Kang and Sonya run over to help Johnny and tend to his wound, while Scorpion proclaims to Liu Kang that he will destroy him for robbing him of his fight against Sub-Zero. The two stare each other down as Tsung announces the final match, the winner of which will earn the right to face Goro and determine the fate of Earthrealm.
Liu Kang trains with Sonya and Bi-Han for the match against Scorpion while Johnny watches, still recovering from his wound. Raiden shows up and sits alongside Cage, with maybe some amusing banter between the two. When Kang notices Raiden, he disappears and wonders why he's been spying on him lately.
Scorpion meanwhile is training alone back in the Netherrealm, when suddenly Shang Tsung appears through a portal. He empowers Scorpion, in order to help him defeat Liu Kang. He tells Scorpion that if he beats and kills Liu Kang, he will bring Scorpion back to the world of the living and restore his memories. Scorpion accepts...before questioning what Tsung means by "restore his memories?" Alas, Tsung disappears through the portal without answer.
We return to the Courtyard for Liu Kang and Scorpion's match. The audience of monks and eliminated kombatants are buzzing with excitement, discussing who will win. The monk and spectre then arrive and kombat begins. This fight is one of the longest and hardest for Liu Kang, as Scorpion is relentless in his assault, but also careless. This carelessness allows Kang to score some good hits on the spectre, who only gets angrier and angrier. The two at one point exchange fireballs, with Scorpion's shown to be much stronger as it just blasts through Kang's. Eventually, the two are almost drained of all stamina after the long fight, when Scorpion throws his spear. Liu Kang dodges it, grabs the the chain, and pulls Scorpion to him and uppercuts him. Thus, Scorpion loses even with his additional power from Shang Tsung. The sorcerer begrudgingly announces Liu Kang's victory and how he has earned the right to fight Goro, which will commence in 2 days. The crowd cheers and chants for Kang, while Johnny and the others run over to congratulate him. Scorpion looks over and bows in respect to Liu Kang, who does the same. Goro speaks to Tsung about how he can't wait to fight the monk, with Tsung declaring Goro to not be afraid or even thinking about the possibility of losing. Goro chuckles and remarks to Tsung that he doesn't intend to lose, before returning to his lair for training.
Later that night, Liu Kang is in his room with Johnny, Kano, Sub-Zero, and Sonya. They are hanging out and discussing about his fight with Goro, talking about strategies to take him down. As they are talking, the door opens . Shang Tsung walks in with three guards and mockingly congratulates the monk for advancing all the way to Goro. Liu Kang and Johnny mock back to Tsung, and this eventually turns into a heated argument that ends with Tsung asking just who Kang thinks he is. Liu Kang remarks he is a humble Shaolin Monk and a descendant of the Great Kung Lao...who's soul Tsung carries. Shang Tsung is shocked, having thought his bloodline died with him. Him and the guards leave, but one of them gives a long look at Kang.
2 days pass, it's time for the match that decides the fate of Earthrealm. Liu Kang and Goro are escorted to Shang Tsung's Throne Room, as the Earthrealm crowd cheers for Kang and the Outworlders for Goro. Everyone, including Raiden, arrive to view the match. The two warm-up and the fight begins. The match doesn't go well at first for Liu Kang, who can't seem to keep up with Goro's speed and strength at first. During an intermission, Liu Kang analyzes Goro. He hasn't been able to do much damage to Goro's torso and arm area, they are way to big and muscular for him to do much damage against. This gets him an idea, the legs and head are the key to winning as they are nowhere near as developed as the other areas. Once the fight resumes, Liu Kang is able to land solid blows to Goro's head and legs, actually harming the shokan. Goro counters by predicting which one Liu Kang goes to attack, and is able to prevent Kang from striking for a while. However, Kang eventually counters this by doing fake-outs and being more unpredictable with his moves and pattern. The fight goes on, the two warriors coming up with counters to strategies the other comes up with. Unfortunately, Kang is starting to get exhausted and he realizes he needs to find a way to end this fight quick. He suddenly has a memory from about 10 years ago, during his training with Bo Rai' Cho. He recalls a particular blow that he showed him and Kang decides to pull it off. He dodges Goro's attack, leaving him wide open. Liu Kang, with the wind behind his fist, lands a punch square on Goro's heart. This disrupts his heart beat and stuns him. Kang then powers up his fist with fire, uppercutting Goro across his chest and head. Goro falls to the ground, unconscious. The gong is rung and the other grandmasters declare Liu Kang the winner of the Tournament and the new Immortal Champion. The audience go wild, Johnny and the others cheers, while Raiden is left stunned over the mortal having defeated the mighty Goro. Kang puts his hands together and bows to Goro, thanking him for the good fight.
Then things go very poor, very fast. A small earthquake shakes the room, Shang Tsung is outraged, kills the other Grandmasters, and delivers a mighty shout of anger that echoes throughout the whole island. He orders his troops to attack, the guards and Outworlders begin fighting not only the crowd in the throne room, but the monks and kombatants across the island. In the ensuing chaos, Tsung grabs Liu Kang and the two disappear through a portal in the ground that promptly vanishes. Johnny, Kano, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Sonya, and Raiden work together with the other kombatants to fight them off, but most of the generic kombatants end up getting killed. Reptile shows up with some more guards and attacks, it seems like the heroes will be outnumbered. Then, one of the guards slices Reptile's chest with a large hat. It's revealed this guard is actually Kung Lao, who had snuck onto the island towards the beginning of the tournament and was that guard who gave Kang the look earlier. At this point, the seven warriors head out of the palace and see the chaos across the island. Raiden decides to take charge and split the group into two. Him, Sub-Zero, and Scorpion will work to take care of Shang Tsung's army. Meanwhile Johnny, Kano, Sonya, and Kung Lao will work together to get the monks and other non-kombatants to the pier so they can escape the island.
Meanwhile, we see that Shang Tsung has dragged Liu Kang down to Goro's Lair. Tsung angrily remarks how, thanks to Kang, that 450 years of hard work have gone down the drain and that Shao Kahn is not gonna be happy with him. Tsung challenges Kang to Mortal Kombat who, despite having not recovered from the fight against Goro, accepts.
Back with the others, Bi-Han and Scorpion are doing surprisingly well working together against Shang Tsung's army, with Raiden helping greatly with dispatching a ton of the soldiers. Johnny, Kano, Sonya, and Kung Lao have gathered the surviving monks and non-kombatants and are leading them back to the pier. They reach the Pit and have gotten rid of the soldiers that were following them. Since it's a straight shot across the bridge to the pier, Kung Lao leaves them so that he can go find and help Liu Kang.
The three lead the others across the bridge, but before they can cross it, Goro drops in and blocks their escape. Johnny and Sonya aren't sure if they can take him on, but Kano points out that Goro probably is still hurt from his fight with Liu Kang and the three of them should be able to take him on no problem. Thus the trio begin fighting Goro atop the Pit.
In Goro's Lair, Liu Kang isn't doing too hot against Shang Tsung. Not only is the sorcerer rather powerful, but Kang is still dealing with the injuries and exhaustion from the Goro fight. Tsung insults Kang and the Great Kung Lao and it seems that Tsung is about to win when Kung Lao arrives and punches him across the face, boasting about how Kang isn't the only descendant of the Great Kung Lao. Tsung quickly recovers and throws his flaming skulls at Kung Lao, knocking him across the room. Liu Kang recovers from a daze and sees Shang Tsung trying to take Kung Lao's soul. This angers Liu Kang enough that he gains a second wind and shouts, Tsung turns around just as Liu Kang launches a lighting fast, Flying Kick, so powerful that it sends the sorcerer straight through a wall. Kang helps Lao up and the two jokingly banter, thanking each other for the help. Suddenly, the lair begins collapsing around them.
While flying in the sky, Raiden notices the Fortress is starting to fall apart. The army is pretty much defeated, so he informs the two ninjas that he is going to look for the others and tells them to escape as quickly as they can. He leaves and Sub-Zero begins heading towards the pier, only to be tackled by Scorpion. The spectre reminds Bi-Han that he said they would fight at the tournament and he is not leaving without that battle. The two begin fighting as the fortress is falling apart.
Back at the Pit, the three are still fighting Goro when Johnny hears the collapsing fortress in the distance. Almost immediately after, there is a huge explosion and the part of the bridge they were on falls apart. Goro, Kano, and Sonya fall into the darkness below while Johnny manages to grab onto what is left the bridge. Johnny tries to pull himself up, but doesn't manage it before the part he's holding onto breaks off as well. He starts falling, only to saved by Raiden. Cage, startled, asks just what the hell is happening. Raiden explains that Liu Kang must have defeated Shang Tsung and, in one last act of desperation, is using his magic to destroy the entire Palace. As they fly over the island, the two notice Sub-Zero and Scorpion fighting down below. Scorpion defeats Bi-Han who beg for his life, as a call-back to Mythologies with Scorpion even repeating Bi-Han's words from that encounter. The spectre removes his mask, revealing a flaming skull which he uses to burn Sub-Zero down to his bone. He then bursts into flames and disappears.
They arrive at the pier, where all but one boat has sailed away from the island. He drops Cage on the boat, with Liu Kang and Kung Lao arriving shortly after. Johnny points out that Kano and Sonya are still back there, Liu Kang saying they have to go find them. Raiden states it's too late and they have to leave now. The boat sails away from the pier, just in time as Shang Tsung's Palace is destroyed in a massive explosion.
Days later, a big celebration is being held at the Wu Shi Academy. An award ceremony is being held for Liu Kang, attended by Johnny, Raiden, Kung Lao, Bo Rai' Cho, Kung Zhang, possibly a child Kung Jin, and the monks. Kang receives the Champion Medal from Master Wu who declares Liu Kang the new "Immortal Champion of Mortal Kombat." Suddenly, a magic force channels through Kang's body. Wu explains that was the magic charm of the Elder Gods. As Champion, Liu Kang will not age until he either loses the title at a tournament or if he gets 10 wins in a row. We get one final applause and cheer from the crowd and Johnny decides to throw a party.
At the party, Liu Kang asks Bo Rai' Cho if they'll continue his training, but he tells him that he has nothing more to teach Kang. He suggests that he goes out on his own, see the world and train himself. Raiden bows to Liu Kang, expressing his amazement at his triumph over Goro and Shang Tsung. He announces his leave and disappears in a bolt of lighting. Kang is surprised at Raiden's behavior, considering his previous actions. Cage reveals how he helped them back on the Island and Kang wonders if he got through to him after all.
We then return to Raiden's Sky Temple, where Raiden is meditating when in walks Fujin. He asks how the Mortal Kombat Tournament went, which Raiden just says it went well. Fujin can tell there's something he isn't telling him and Raiden briefly goes over his experiences. Raiden wonders if there's more to mortals then he thinks, to which Fujin replies that only he can find out that answer. Raiden asks Fujin to join him in meditation and he does so.
Johnny departs the Temples to head back to the States, mentioning to Kang how he still feels distraught over the deaths of Sonya and Kano. Kang remarks that he doesn't think they're dead, that those two are tougher than they think. This manages to cheer up Cage a bit who makes his goodbyes. Liu Kang packs and prepares to go on his own journey, when he is approached by Kung Lao. The two have a bit of moment together, with Kung Lao being genuine in congratulations to Liu Kang for becoming Champion and avenging their ancestor. The main reason he came though, was to give him a gift. The Great Kung Lao's headband and gauntlets that were passed down to him, he wishes to give to Liu Kang. He is unsure about taking them, since they were meant for Kung Lao, but he insists. Liu Kang thanks Lao and accepts them, which helps set up his outfit change for MK2. (We're just gonna say he got the new martial arts pants somewhere between stories)
We end with Liu Kang, now wearing the headband and gauntlets, walking off onto a new journey. Waving goodbye to him are Kung Lao, Kung Zhang, Kung Jin, Bo Rai' Cho, and Master Wu. Thus, the credits roll and MK1 comes to a close.
Except for one last scene, after the credits. Back at the ruins of Goro's Lair, Shang Tsung's body is unearthed by two figures. The two remark on Tsung's failures and that he is apparently just barely alive. It's then revealed that the two figures are none other than the King Gorbak, Goro's father, and Kintaro. They take away Shang Tsung through a portal, and the story finally ends.
As you might be able to tell, I got really into writing this and I like how it turned out. The main goal was to flesh out MK1's story and make it fit more with the original continuity. There were certain elements I introduced to help add some additional lore to the series. Such as, going into the origins of the tournament in more detail and adding that Earth also gets something from winning 10 tournaments in a row. I hope you all enjoyed this, I had a lot of fun making this. Up next, of course, is Wasted Plotential on MK2!