Love & War 3
Chapter 10: Truth and Light
In Edenia, a meeting was held at Queen Sindel's palace. Jade took part in the meeting. Sindel speaks, "Edenians, I have some terrible news: Earthrealm is in danger. I received reports that Shinnok has returned. My esteemed defender, Jade..."
Jade rises from her seat. "Yes, Your Highness."
Your husband, Chris, has been taken hostage by the revenants led by Shinnok."
Jade's body began to shake. Her beloved, abducted, possibly sentenced to death no doubt.
'I am sending to Earthrealm. I know you wish for a request, but there is no need. Your husband's life, as well as millions are at stake. I was told by the Freedom Fighters that Team S-F, led by this young lady, Cassie Cage, is en route to Raiden's Sky Temple. I will send you there. If you find Raiden, he must know that Chris was captured. If you meet up with Cassie and her team, help them. I believe they are searching for him as well."
"I accept this mission, Your Highness."
"Take the portal outside the courtyard. Go now, and may the Elder Gods watch over you."
Jade left the palace to take the portal to Earthrealm, but before she went in, she was stopped by a familiar voice.
"I hear your husband has been abducted. A shame he is going to die." It was Tanya.
"I don't have time for this, Tanya."
"I beg to differ."
They fight. In the previous story, Jade successfully killed her, but she was surprised that she has returned.
But even so, Tanya is once again defeated.
"Jade, please, not again..." Tanya began crying. Jade put her pole away.
"I need to rescue Chris. If I don't go to Earthrealm, he'll be dead."
Tanya looked at her and realized what she meant. If Chris died, Tanya would be the one to blame for Jade's delay. Tanya felt foolish and reached out her hand in respect. "Jade, both of us loved Chris at one point. We can't allow him to die. Let me join you in freeing him."
"I already have a task for you, Tanya. Go to Outworld and find Mileena. Bring her to Earthrealm. According to Sindel, Quan Chi is still alive but broken. With that, we can use his magic to restore Earth's fallen heroes, and Chris is the man to do it. Then meet me at Raiden's Sky Temple. We must hurry!"
Jade took the portal to Earthrealm, while Tanya travels to Outworld to search for Mileena.
We are now at the Sky Temple. There is a old warrior sitting down drinking out of his flask. He is Outworld's master, Bo' Rai Cho. Raiden appears.
"Raiden, my old friend!"
They both shake hands.
"Master Bo' Rai Cho, I'm pleased to see you. It has been many years."
"Too long," Bo' agreed." Us old warriors need to stick together."
"Most certainly. I presume recent circumstances have participated your arrival?"
"Yes, yes. I'm concerned that Shinnok may return. I feared the worst."
They walk into the temple.
"When Kano misappropriated Shinnok's amulet, he left behind a snare. Disabling it required that I travel to many strange realms. I must retire to the Jinsei Chamber. Regain my strength."
They approach the underground tunnels, leading into the Jinsei Chamber.
"You are close to recovering Shinnok's amulet?" Bo' asked
"I do not know. Disabling Kano's snare demanded my full attention. Once I'm rejuvenated, I will confer with General Blade."
"If only we could have destroyed Shinnok in the last war. If only he was mortal."
They both soon enter the chamber, basking in the cool light of the Jinsei.
"Such beauty. Like gazing upon the Elder Gods themselves."
"I hold out hope that we can turn this crisis to our advantage."
"How so?"
"Quan Chi's magic binds the souls of many that we hold dear. Capture him, and we can force him to release them."
As they talk, Jade arrived silently, overhearing their conversation.
"Restore Liu Kang and Kung Lao? I suppose it's possible."
"As long as Quan Chi lives."
Well, thanks to Chris, the sorcerer lives.
"I've long regretted losing our comrades' souls to Netherrealm's evil. Liu Kang and Kung Lao, they were like sons. I would move the Heavens to bring them back into the light."
"You still can."
Raiden and Bo' Rai Cho turned to the source of the voice: Jade.
"Jade! What are you doing here?" asked Raiden.
"Forgive me, Lord Raiden, but I was sent here by Queen Sindel to rescue Chris. He was abducted by the Revenants, but they are not here yet. I bring good tidings. Quan Chi still lives."
Raiden and Bo' was shocked at the news.
"Hanzo Hasashi, formerly known as Scorpion, spared him thanks to Chris."
"This is good news indeed, Jade," said Bo'.
"I must retire to the Jinsei. You have done well, Jade. Remain here once they arrive."
"Thank you, Lord Raiden."
Jade went back into hiding. It's only a matter of time before the Revenants arrive.
25 Years Ago
At the Kove, we see Shaolin monks being taken into a waiting ship by Tarkatans. Raiden in his MK1 attire is joined by Liu Kang and Kung Lao in their Tournament attires. This scene serves as a prequel to the second Mortal Kombat tournament in Outworld, more like a extra scene from Love & War.
"It is as Master Bo' Rai Cho said, The Shaolin masters are aboard that ship," said Kung Lao.
"He said 2 ships," Liu Kang said.
"The other has disembarked. We need to determine its location," said Raiden.
"They will talk. I will see to it."
"No extraordinary means, Kung Lao."
"They raided the Wu Shi Academy. Killed Master Wen!"
"Even with Tarkatans, there are boundaries we do not cross."
'Yes, Lord Raiden."
"I still cannot believe Shao Kahn would order such a brazen attack," said Liu Kang.
"It demonstrates Earthrealm's vulnerability. Shao Kahn knew we had no choice but to agree to a new tournament."
"Liu Kang defeated Shang Tsung. He will beat Shao Kahn."
"In good time, Kung Lao, but first, we free the Shaolin."
They head towards the docks. One monk gets punched in the face, the other gets his head smashed. D'Vorah apparently leads the force.
"All are aboard? This One leaves with the tide."
'We are ready," Baraka siad.
"Shao Kahn demands the hostages to be unharmed."
"Their wounds are not fatal," Baraka assured.
"I would hope, Baraka, for your sake."
"For yours as well," Raiden announced. "If you harm them, you answer to me."
Baraka orders them to attack. Raiden made quick work on some Tarkatans while Kung Lao and Liu Kang were holding their own.
"The Tarkatans are beaten so easily?"
Baraka charges Raiden, but the Thunder God would have none of it.
Even during this fight, Baraka was unable to withstand Raiden's assault.
"You will return to the Wastes with no prize."
Raiden walks toward D'Vorah.
"Step aside."
D'Vorah attacks the Thunder God, but Raiden countered with his own. D'Vorah tried to unleash her 'children' on him, but Raiden electricuted them all.
"Such power. What are you, Raiden?
"I am of truth and light. I protect Earthrealm."
"This One cares not of Earthrealm, and worships no gods."
Just like Baraka, D'Vorah even failed to overcome Raiden's godhood."
"When a god speaks, heed him."
Liu Kang and Kung Lao have finished dealing with the Tarkatans.
"They were not so vexing," said Kung Lao. "All sneers and growls."
"Let us free those aboard this vessel, then you will find the second ship."
"Where will you go, Lord Raiden?"
"The tournament begins soon. Join me as soon as you are able."
"We will succeed, Lord Raiden," said Liu Kang.
"Of that I am certain."
BAck to the Jinsei Chamber, Raiden is inside, rejuvenating. However, the chamber began shaking and rocks fall from the ceiling. Realizing something is wrong, Raiden looked at the ceiling to see Bo' Rai Cho trying to reach him, but gets dragged away.
"BO' RAI CHO!"
At the courtyard, Bo' Rai Cho is thrown into the ground and blasted by Shinnok's magic. Bo' cried in extreme agony. Raiden rushes to the courtyard, only to be surrounded by Liu Kang, Kung Lao and Kitana. D'Vorah stands next to Shinnok with Chris as hostage. Jade remains in hiding, waiting for an opportunity to get to Chris and rescue him.
"Yet another of your allies falls to me. When he dies, I will claim his soul."
"You know not of his power, Shinnok. His soul cannot be subjugated."
"Shall we Kill him, Lord Shinnok?" asked Liu Kang.
"Not yet. He will bear witness as I conquer his realm. Then I will imprison him as he did me.
Shinnok enters the chamber.
"I would not boast a victory prematurely."
'I have already won, Raiden."
The chamber closes. Raiden is surrounded by Revenants. What a disgusting sight to behold. They are pushing him like high school bullies, an heinous act of provocation.
And just like that, Raiden begins his attack. Completely at a disadvantage in a 1 on 3 situation. The Revenants got the upper hand and beat Raiden to the ground, stomping him. Kung Lao got him in a sleeper hold. The others watch with glee as Raiden struggles for breath. He was able to charge up with lightning, breaking free.
"Kung Lao, desist!"
"I serve Shinnok and the Netherrealm."
'Because Shao Kahn murdered you."
"Something YOU allowed to happen! I will not be so passive in your demise!"
Raiden may be hurting after the beating he took earlier, Raiden is still the God of Thunder and proves it by defeating Kung Lao.
"You deserved a better fate."
Right at that moment, Liu Kang attacks Raiden. Raiden never knew he'd fighting the one man who defeated Shang Tsung years ago, only to be murdered by him years later.
"This is not your destiny, Liu Kang."
"More visions, Raiden? Do you still see the future?"
"The visions are gone., but I know what should be."
"SHANG TSUNG MURDERED ME!"
"He is long gone as you were, which haunts me to this day!"
They fight some more. Raiden manages to land several strikes to Liu Kang..
"No, Liu Kang."
"You are Earthrealm's worst enemy."
"I'm sorry it has come down to this."
"The Elder Gods you serve blindly. I will help Shinnok end their rule!"
"So be it!"
Raiden continues fighting the former Mortal Kombat champion. It was quite possibly the toughest fight ever. Raiden barely manages to keep himself together as he defeats him.
"I regret our paths have led here."
Although Raiden is in great pain, he enters the temple.
Meanwhile in Outworld, Tanya began her search for Mileena. She went into hiding after seeing Kotal Kahn, his followers and the Osh-Tekk army ready to invade Earthrealm. It's bad enough that Shinnok is there already, but now an invasion? All hell is breaking loose! Time is running out!
Tanya found Mileena.
"Are you okay, Mileena?"
Mileena appears to be in bad shape. She looks like she hasn't eaten in days!
"Dearest Tanya..."
"Don't you die on me, Mileena! Jade sent me here to take you to Earthrealm."
"Kotal..."
"I know. He and his henchmen are on their way there now. Jade is waiting for us."
"I must feed..."
"Don't worry. Let me help you."
As Tanya and Mileena exited her tent, Rain shows up.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"Rain, Earthrealm is serious trouble!"
"Since when do you care of Earthrealm's safety?"
"My good friend Jade. She sent me here to pick up Mileena. She needs food. She can't fight on a empty stomach."
"Her situation or yours means little to me."
"Then you leave me no choice."
Tanya fights Rain. Edenians should never kombat each other. Although Rain is superior in his own right, Tanya manages to shut him up.
"You either with us, or against us?"
Rain realizes he cannot turn down Tanya's offer.
"Tanya, during our fight, memories of my father, murdered by Shao Kahn came to light. It was I who forced you to betray Edenia. If Earthrealm is in danger, we will fight until the end!"
"You have purpose, Rain. You don't need a army to prove your worth. Listen, Jade sent me here because Chris is in danger."
"Chris?"
"Her Earthrealm husband. We need to find him before it's too late."
Rain immediately shook Tanya's hand. Mileena holds both her arms out to her comrades. "To Earthrealm!"
Back at the temple in Earthrealm, Raiden sees Shinnok about to corrupt the Jinsei. He looked around for Chris, but he's nowhere to be found. Perhaps Jade rescued him in time.
Outside the temple, Chris and Jade kissed. "I missed you so much. Are you ok?" she asked.
"I'll live," Chris said. "What happened to D'vorah?'
"We took care of her." It was Tanya, joined by Mileena and Rain.
"What's going on here?"
"It's coming from inside the chamber," said Mileena.
"We have company," said Rain.
"Cassie," Chris said.
Inside the chamber, Shinnok was ready to corrupt the Jinsei.
"You will not defile the Jinsei, Shinnok!"
Shinnok raised his hand. A skull hand caught Raiden firmly. Shinnok tightens the grip, crushing Raiden's bones and and magic scorches Raiden.
"We have battled for ages, Raiden. Now finally, it ends."
Shinnok floats into the Jinsei. It took a few moments to absorb it and a horrific roar can be heard. The Jinsei turned from blue to red and a red cloud of corrupted Jinsei bursts through the roof of the temple and into the sky, covering it with each passing second.
At the Lin Kuei temple, Sub-Zero watches in horror as the corrupted Jinsei spreads in the sky like a virus, covering the mountainside. "Grandmaster, what is happening?"
"Shinnok! Everyone get ready. This may be our last war."
At the Refugee Camp, Special Forces and Outworlders take cover as the Jinsei spreads through like wildfire.
Inside the Jinsei, Shinnok begins to transform into something far more demonic imaginable. Shinnok has become just as corrupted as the Jinsei itself.
"YES, TREMBLE BEFORE ME, ELDER GODS, AS I ABSORB EARTHREALM'S POWER!"
"No, Shinnok. Even now...other come to defeat you..."
