Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to any of their characters.

Zangief was on a stack of sticks slowly being cremated. Mika watched her hero as tears flowed down her face. Zangief had asked her to be his apprentice only the night before and now he was dead. He had only taught her his signature move the spinning pile drive. She came to this tournament just to meet Zangief now what was she to do?

"Keep training." A voice called from behind. Mika turned around and saw Rose coming from behind. "Zangief was dying when he came to this tournament. He chose you because he saw something special. You want to keep his memory alive master the technique he taught you." Rose soon stared at the body and remained silent in memory of the Russian hero. Mika bowed her head to her hero then left to practice.

Elsewhere Wolverine was cutting wood for the group suddenly he stopped sniffing the air. "What are doing Jade?"

Jade stepped into view wearing a pleasant smile. "Her majesty Queen Sindel would like you to join her for breakfast in two days."

"Just me?" Wolverine asked receiving a nod from the messenger. Wolverine looked at the woman not sure what to say. After a minute of silence Wolverine shrugged his sholders and replied, "Sure I'll be there."

"I will deliver the reply. Have a good evening." Jade said walking away.

About a yard down Jade met up with Kitana. "'You sure this a good idea?" Kitana asked looking at her friend.

"I have not seen your mother look at a man this way since King Jerrod. We should give your mother a chance at love."

"And what if it doesn't work?" Kitana asked.

"And what if it does? We can't let 'what if' stop us, stop your mother from happiness."

Kitana looked down at the ground unsure of what to say. It had been a while since her mother was in a true romance. Perhaps it was time for her mother to meet someone. "Seriously did it have to be the hairy midget?" Kitana asked receiving a laugh from her friend.

Next morning all the fighters were given the announcement of new arenas had been built to get the tournament moving faster.

Ken was called to one of the new rings at the monastery accompanied with Ryu and Chun-li to scout the new arena. Appearing at the front the three were led to a balcony where they could watch the fights. In the arena the three saw a floor with spikes popping attempting to impale the fighters. "Getting the tournament moving faster is right. They're trying to kill us."

"But why?" Ryu spoke up. "What would be the point of killing us unless there is an alternate agenda."

"It appears Bison is the least of our problems now."

Across the arena Jin Kazma decided to inspect the arena and increase his chances of survival. Jin had no way of finding a cure for his problem. Lately his concern had mainly been staying alive. Jin was normally a loner who stayed away to protect people. It appeared he needed stop being a loner and find someone to watch his back. His eyes wandered around until he saw Kazuya glaring at him. Jin clenched his fist tightly as he saw his father watching him with a glowing eye. Jin looked back to examining the arena.

After two more fights the shadow priest called Ken to the ring. The next fighter left Jin and Kazuya in shock. The priest called her Amazak but they knew her as Jun Kazama. Neither could move as their eyes watched her enter the ring.

Ken watched his opponent wondering what her moves were. What really concerned him was the wolf floating behind her. To Ken, Amazak was something similar to Akuma. Ken wasn't sure how to fight this opponent. Starting all out could be her death. Holding back could mean his death.

"Fight." The shadow priest.

Amazak threw a heel kick that Ken blocked. The impact of the kick gave Ken the answer he needed. Ken threw a return kick the Amazak returned with a forward punch striking him in the chest. Ken slid back before launching with a tornado kick. Amazak countered a cart -wheel kick knocking her opponent to the ground. From above Ryu and Chun-li watched their friend take a beating from the beginning of the match. Ken waited for his opponent to draw near then swept the woman's legs forcing her to the ground. The two quickly got up facing one another. The two rushed each other Ken throwing a high kick as Amazak ducked attacking with a heel kick that was blocked. Both warriors continued fighting like this for thirty seconds till Ken turned the tide of battle with an upper-cut following with a side kick from the left. Amazak flew to the side stopping with one hand as spike shoots up nearly grazing her front. Resetting herself the warrior quickly changed style as she began to move in a dance like motion. As Amazak closed the gap she soon leaped at Ken striking him with double kick. Ken shook his head before kneed in the back from a rolling attack. The American fighter realized the style was known as caperiro and quickly stood watching his opponents every movement. Amazak came in attacking with a low sweep following with a back hand. Ken stayed defensive waiting for his moment. Amazak lifted herself with one hand to strike with an overhead kick. Ken fell back sweeping his leg at the arm forcing Amazak to the ground. The two got up as Ken struck with a tornado kick. Amazak spun to the ground upset about the turn of events. The fighter got up changing her style as she bounced in a swaying like motion. Ken moved forward only to receive a flip kick knocking him into the air. After a hard land Ken attempted to get back up only to be struck with a hard kick in the chest sending him to the ground. As Ken sat up a spike shot up in between his legs forcing him jump back. The blonde warrior immediately stood up ready to end the fight. Putting his hands together Ken created a blue energy orb. "Hado-ken!" The warrior shouted throwing the orb. Amazak changed position as she charged her fist punching the attack nullifying it. Ken's jaw dropped seeing his attack crushed.

Amazak soon changed her position mimicking her opponent. "Hado-ken!" Amazak threw the attack into Ken knocking him into the wall rendering him unconscious.

"Amazak wins!" The shadow priest called.

Amazak started to leave the ring as Jin ran down to meet her. "Mother!" Jin called reaching her. Amazak turned quickly throwing a hard punch knocking Jin across the ground, before moving on. Kazuya stared at the fighter wondering if it had been his one love. The wolf floating behind her showed she was tainted by evil. Kazuya looked down at Jin knowing the devil gene was in him and now something happened to Jun. Kazuya felt a tinge of guilt thinking that he was responsible for her condition. However he seemed to shake off the guilt and walk away. Jin on the other hand watched Amazak walk away determined to find answers.

Outside the palace Shocker watched waiting for his moment. He wanted out and he was going to get out even if he had to kill the host. Shocker watched as Shang Tsung stepped out through the gate, with four guards two were spear in the front, and two tarkata in back. Shocker made a quick move firing his shock waves hitting the spear guards into the Tarkata leaving him alone with Shang Tsung. "I was crime lord in New York city. I have seen machines of all kind and symbiotes that tear people apart. But this place is a nightmare, and I want out." Shocker raised a gauntlet at the sorcerer. "Now."

"Afraid I can't." Shang Tsung replied.

"Fine." Shocker fired his gauntlet as the sorcerer gracefully dodged the attack. Shocker threw another blast that Shang Tsung leaped to the right throwing a fireball Shocker dropped left letting the attack fly past him. As he got back up Shang Tsung moved forward striking forward with an upper cut following with a hard straight kick knocking Shocker to the ground. Shocker got up on one knee firing with his gauntlet. Shang Tsung again moved left then started running as his adversary followed with his shockwaves. Shocker stood up firing his right Gauntlet. Shang Tsung quickly slides across the ground tripping his opponent to the ground. Shocker quickly turned only to have a hand on his throat.

"Enough. Now we can talk and come to an agreement or I can take your soul and leave your corpse on the ground.

Shocker thought about his choices before replying, "I would like to talk."

War kneeled before Apocalypse wanting to make a request of his next opponent. During his last matched he saw a warrior who refused to fear him or even acknowledge his existence. War wanted to kill the warrior leaving organs across the ring. "So your pride is hurt and you want revenge." Apocalypse asked glaring at his horseman. "Superman is very powerful are you sure you can defeat him?"

"I will do more than defeat. I'll obliterate him." War replied.

"And if you fail are you will to accept the punishment?"

War's eyes widened with fear as sweat began to appear. He knew the punishment would possibly be life threatening or worse if he failed. However War refused to fail. He would kill Superman. "I am." He finally replied.

Apocalypse smiled, "Very well, you shall have your fight."

Desert Wasteland

War stood in the middle of the new ring the desert. Only he, his opponent, and the shadow priest would be present. Superman flew toward the ring and circled it searching for any sign of foul play. After finding no sign of trouble the hero landed in the arena. Both warriors took there stance waiting to be giving the call to begin the fight.

"Fight!" The priest called. War immediately clapped his hands creating an explosion the knocked the hero across the sand. As Superman started to stand War clapped his hands knocking the hero down again. War ran over to his opponent kicking him across the face then kicked him in the ribs sending him across the ground. War clapped again burying his opponent satisfied the fight was over. War turned around to walk to the priest until he heard a sound coming from behind him. Superman stood up from the sand grave glaring at his opponent. War attempted to clap but was stopped as Superman quickly covered the distance between the two grabbing his opponents wrists, striking with a head slam. War pulled back dazed by the attack before being struck in the stomach followed up with a right cross to the jaw. With a hard spin War fell to the ground defeated.

"Superman wins!" The priest called using magic to transport him and War back to the castle where punishment was waiting.

Outworld palace

Shang Tsung awaited in a room to meet with Quan Chi about the intruder he had encountered. The creature that attacked possessed unusual power. Power that even countered his own soul stealing technique. He needed help on stopping the Ghost Rider and Quan Chi was powerful enough to possibly help.

"So you had a prisoner you wanted me to inspect and yet he got away."

Shang Tsung turned to the other sorcerer glaring at him. "What approached me was something powerful. When I tried to take it's soul I was knocked back by such intense fire. Whatever that thing is, it must be destroyed."

"Well the best way to destroy and enemy would be to learn all you can." Quan Chi replied. "I'm sure you would have thought of that had you not been so worried." With that as his final word the sorcerer left the room.

Outside the room Reptile was waiting, "You sssent for me?" The scaly ninja called.

"Yes I have a job for you. There is a young woman that has attracted my attention." The Sorcerer said creating an imagine. "Find out everything about her."

"You want a date. Get it yoursssself."

Reptile started to walk away until Quan Chi grabbed him. "Listen you fool. The woman has incredible power and I have a use for her. Now go do as I command!" Reptile hissed at Quan Chi but listened at the mission. "Now the woman is named Rogue. She is part of the group with the Mortal Kombat Champion. I want you to found any weakness she has. Any way I can use her. Now go." Reptile soon disappeared beginning his mission.

Court Yard arena

Shang Tsung sat in the chair thinking about his Ghost Rider problem. It also annoyed him that the blind warrior was involved. The sorcerer never thought the swordsman would have survived let alone come all the way to Outword to get revenge. He missed the first tournament when Liu Kang was his biggest problem. Now he had so many enemies it was ridiculous. He needed to lighten his load but the question was how? Suddenly the name Liu Kang came to him and who he had sent to kill him. His assassin Death Ninja claimed he wanted to see Ghost Rider and mock him. Perhaps his assassin was his answer.

Palace

Blackout walked around looking for Death Ninja. Ever since he heard about the Ghost Rider incident he's been searching for answers. Blackout had many encounters with the flaming warrior. Both had their victories until Ghost Rider finally left him hanging in the sun as the skin burned off. With him back and Ghost Rider alive this tournament would be the perfect rematch, especially now that Blackout has his weakness.

"Looking for me?" A voice called from above. Blackout looked up to see Death Ninja on a high stairway. The red ninja leaped down glaring at vampire. "What do you need?"

"Is it true? Ghost Rider is at the tournament?"

"Yes. It looks like the one we faced. He escaped with a blind ninja."

"A blind ninja? You let a blind guy beat you?"

"No I managed to beat the ninja before I was shot by the host of the rider."

"Danny. He is here too?" Blackout said with a surprise. "I suppose he would be. Well no matter, I'll kill them both."

"How do you plan to pull that off?" Death Ninja asked smugly.

"Oh I have a plan. I know his weakness." Blackout said with a wicked smile before walking away.

Armory Arena

A red haired warrior fought against a large black man is the new arena the armory. The armory was covered with new weapons available for fighters. Wielding an axe the black man cut his opponent in half.

"They really encourage death in this tournament." Airos watching many warriors cheer the slaughter.

"These tournaments have always enjoyed death. The bloodier the better." Sub-Zero replied.

"I wonder if the contestants knew how deadly it was would they have still come?" The wind warrior replied.

"Perhaps not as many but for such a prize the number would still be high." Liu Kang called watching the fight.

"Yeah well for me it ain't the prize it the title." Paul called out. "I'm aimin' to be number one and that is exactly wait I'm gonna be. Say what was it like in previous tournaments?" Paul asked Liu.

"Bloody. Their was a lot of pressure since the fate of the world was on our shoulders. Dangerous with powerful enemies. I remember the first tournament I fought Goro. It was no surprise he was Outworld's Champion. I barely beat him I had four broken ribs, a fractured arm, and my face looked like it went through a meat grinder. The fight certainly helped the sorcerer Shang Tsung. He was to old to match me physically but his power in sorcery almost destroyed me. After that another tournament was held in Outworld. Shang Tsung used sorcery to become young again and gave me a fight worse than Goro. During the semi finals I faced another Shokan Kintaro. He was easier to beat than the prince. Immediately after the fight with Kintaro, Shao Kahn stepped in and the fight began. I managed to beat Shao Kahn but I was in rough shape. My friends had to carry me out of the ring. If you really want to be champion, don't take this tournament lightly." The Shaolin warrior said glaring into Paul's eyes.

Across the arena Zemnas and Noob were watching the fights waiting for the wraith's turn. "So with Sektor gone I suppose I am the leader."

"Think again." The cyborg called.

"What?" Noob snapped.

"I said think again. I am next in charge of the Tekunin, and I posses the knowledge of creating cyborg soldiers. You can take a back seat."

"How dare you talk to me in that tone. If you didn't posses the knowledge I would scrap you right now!" Noob shouted furiously.

"Perhaps later you can have that chance." Zemnas countered. "Later we shall see who has the right to lead."

"Very well." The wraith agreed.

"Liu Kang Earthrealm one vs Cammy White Earthrealm three!" A guard called getting everyone's attention.

The Shaolin warrior stepped into the arena as a blond woman followed. Airos watched Cammy as his heart began to beat faster. The way her movements made her braids sway enamored the wind warrior. Next to him Sub-Zero smiled knowing the look on his students face.

Cammy and Liu Kang set themselves in a fighting stance waiting for the guard to make the call. "Fight."

Cammy launched forward shouting "Spiral Arrow." Her attack struck Liu Kang's shins. The Shaolin warrior quickly stood able to block a heel kick. Cammy let loose a series of punches that Liu blocked until she struck with a cannon spike. Liu fell to the floor rubbing his jaw before standing up. Cammy rushed forward as the Shaolin warrior countered with a flying dragon kick knocking Cammy in the wall. The blond warrior stood up staring at her opponent. Both immediatly closed the distance as Cammy threw a heel kick that her opponent ducked throwing forward fist strike. Cammy quickly blocked the attack before dodging another fist. The two kept the going till Liu managed to sweep Cammy to the floor. Cammy sat up quickly swinging her legs to sweep Liu rolled back before shooting a fireball in her face. Cammy rolled back stunned by the attack. Shaking it off the female warrior quickly stood rushing toward her adversary. Leaping into the air Cammy yelled, "Cannon Strike!"

Liu Kang saw the attack and leaped back waiting for Cammy to land before he struck with bicycle kicks forcing her through a pillar rendering Cammy unconscious. Airos wanted to move in and help her but was stopped by his master. "She'll be fine

"Next warriors. Airos from Earthrealm one vs Noob Saibot from the Neitherrealm." The guard called leaving Sub-Zero pale. His older brother was here and his student was about to face him.

Sub-Zero turned to Airos giving him advice. "Do not block dodge. Keep your guard up, his moves are tricky. If you have to surrender do so. I would prefer you did not fight him."

"Who is he sensei?" Airos asked not understanding his masters fear.

"He was my brother."

"Airos from Earthrealm one come to the ring!" The guard shouted harshly. Airos entered the ring staring at Noob unsure of who he was going up against. "Fight." The guard called.

Noob immediately disappeared before striking Airos in the back knocking him to the ground. The Lin Kuei warrior looked up in time to block a heel drop. Airos threw his opponent off before throwing an air blast. Airos rushed in attempting a diagonal chop that the wraith dodged by moving back. The Lin Kuei followed the a spear thrust that Noob blocked before attacking with a palm strike to the liver. Airos fell over in pain as the wraith struck again knocking his opponent to the ground. With a hard kick Noob sent the wind warrior rolling near the molten edge. Shifting quickly Airos shot himself feet first into a charging Noob. Both warriors stood as Airos caught dazed Noob with a forward high kick. to the jaw. The wind warrior attacked relentlessly until a shadow clone kneed him back. Another shadow clone appeared grabbing Airos from behind as Noob took control of the fight. Airos could feel his ribs breaking as his nose bleed. Taking every ounce of power Airos blew his opponents to opposite ends of the arena. The wind warrior fell to one knee as he saw Noob stand up. "I surrender." Airos shouted knowing he couldn't continue the fight.

"Noob wins by default." The guard shouted.

Airos left the arena embarrassed and defeated.

Camp ground

Reptile crawled around the camp attempting to locate the woman Quan Chi wanted. Personally he thought he was wasting time, however Reptile knew better than to question orders. The green warrior crept into camp careful not to alert the special forces. A young woman in a yellow jacket came walking by. Not having a clue where to go Reptile decided to follow her. She soon came to a man in a brown duster. "Hey Gambit, uh I was wondering if you could give me some advice."

"Oh. What subject? Gamblin' or love?"

"Love." Jubilee said shyly.

"It's about that boy you been trainin' with eh?" Gambit asked receiving a nod from the young woman. "The way I see it is you don't need any advice. That boy you crushing on likes you just fine."

"You really believe that?" Jubilee asked.

"I know what I'm talking about when it comes to romance." Gambit said as he spotted Rogue walking into the jungle. "Speaking of romance." Gambit began to follow Rogue.

Rogue sat on a grassy area looking up at the moon. With all the craziness of Shao Kahn and the possibility of him working with Dr. Doom. Course that was merely speculation there were a few others who have knowledge of magic and science, Red Skull, and Mandarin were good examples.

"A lovely moon light Cheri?" Gambit called.

"I was looking for some alone time Gambit." Rouge snapped.

"Oh and what good is being alone?" The card player said sitting next to the her. "Especially when you could be with someone you love."

Rogue immediately stood up and started walking away as Gambit quickly followed, "Cheri wait."

"Gambit We've been over this, I can't touch you with out killing you!" Rogue shout before tears started to flow. "So please stop playing with my heart." She said before flying off. Reptile immediately off to inform Quan Chi.

Palace Dungeon

War was tied between two posts as Holocaust continued electrocuting him. His arrogance cost him a win. The Superman was a curious opponent and War provided valuable information on what he could do. However the loss of their fighter was unnecessary and for that War was forced to be punished. After hours of torture Holocaust released War before kicking him to the ground. "I assume you've learned your lesson?" The torturer called. War remained on the ground giving a slow nod. "Good. Next time you fail you may not be so lucky."

Holocaust left to inform Apocalypse of his horseman's punishment. Holocaust made his way down the palace to the dungeon where part of it was converted to Apocalypse's private laboratory. Holocaust entered the room to see multiple flashes of light coming from machines working on a body. The machines halted as Apocalypse called, "Is their something you need?"

"I just came to inform you that War has received his punishment. I doubt he will be moving anytime soon." Holocaust replied.

"That's alright the fool has lost his usefulness for the moment."

Holocaust walked over to his master's side finding Akuma laying on the table. "What is this?" He asked curiously.

"Your promotion. You will be more than a horseman, and this will be my new horseman Death." Apocalypse called smiling.

Cemetery Ring

Mika stepped up to the ring. She was ready to fight and show what Zangief showed her.

"Stompa." The priest called. Stompa walked around the gravestones coming face to face Mika. "Begin!" The two charged until Mika was shouldered by Stompa knocking her through tombstone. Mika quickly got up rushing her opponent grabbing Stompa throwing her to the ground. Stompa hooked her right arm around Mika's neck throwing her off. The two warriors stood glaring one another till Stompa charged. Mika quickly bent down before lifting her opponent up throwing her over her shoulder. Stompa crashed on a tombstone before rolling around ripping up another tombstone. The warrior rushed at the wrestler swinging the stone. R. Mika rolled under the weapon before rushing Stompa locking her in a back bear hug. Stompa dropped the tombstone before thrashing loosening Mika's hold. Quickly The wrestler dropped her opponent into a suplex. Mika turned around to see her opponent starting to get up. The wrestler rushed forward leaping up knocking Stompa to the side with a two legged kick. Stompa steadied herself against tombstone feeling dizzy. Carefully the warrior shifted herself around able to see Mika come after her. Quickly Stompa pulled up the tomb stone shoving it into the wrestler before swinging it at her forcing Mika to show her back. Stompa tossed down the stone before grabbing Mika's arms and throwing her head into the wrestlers back. Mika started to scream in pain as her arms felt they were about to be pulled from their sockets. Looking a head the female wrestler found herself a tombstone in her reach. Lifting her legs on it Mika caused Stompa to fall forward releasing her grip. The Apocalypse native stood up as her adversary quickly grabbed Stompa using a german suplex. Quickly shifting her grip Mika the uses her new move the Spinning Pile Driver forcing Stompa to crash through a Stone statue. After the ten count Mika was declared the winner.