Chapter Sixteen: Confrontations – Johnny Cage, Kitana Kahn and Liu Hasashi, Part Four

SNAFU'S NOTES: I placed a reference to the Game of Thrones fanfic Frozen Fire in the story. Anyway, this is the conclusion to Johnny's Confrontation arc.

On the Golden Gate Bridge, en route to Cage Incorporated…

The presence he had felt during the festival had returned. It was one that Johnny Blaze recognized almost instantly.

He was here. The soul-sucker had returned to San Francisco.

He was in Oakland visiting an old family friend when he felt the presence. He was not the only one. The Rider wanted out. The Rider wanted to play. Of course, the Rider's idea of play involved using the Penance Stare on the soul-sucker and that traitorous bitch that had accompanied him to the festival.

Both Blaze and the Rider knew that Cage was somehow involved. The Rider had long since sensed something was off about the Chairman of Cage Incorporated and his comrades, but it had been Nightwolf's intervention that made the Rider stay his hand. But now, it seems that ghosts of Chairman Cage's past has returned to haunt him and his allies.

Ghosts that needed judgment.

Which is why the Ghost Rider was racing across the Golden Gate Bridge, weaving through traffic. He looked towards Alameida Point, where he sensed the battle raging within the grounds of Cage Incorporated's main headquarters. The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier was moored across the bay, which meant that Rogers and Stark wanted in on the action.

He sensed Stark, but not Rogers. T'Challa was also present, as was Banner and his cousin. This encounter should prove quite interesting. He increased the speed on his bike, racing across the bridge, heading for Alameida Point.

While the battle raged on inside the parking garage...

Goro was the strongest of the Shokan. He was of the noble Draco lineage, the son of the late King Gorbak and his wife, Queen Mai. He was also known by his former moniker, 'The Prince of Pain,' due to his brutal and direct fighting style. Among his victories was the brutal one-sided fight against the Great Kung Lao.

But Goro had not fought anyone like The Incredible Hulk.

The moment that Goro had been slammed through the parking garage's walls and onto the hard ground below, the battle clearly wasn't going in his favor. The puny human had fight in him, and he was bringing it to the King of the Shokan.

Not to say that this battle wasn't entirely one-sided, as Goro was getting in some pretty good shots at The Hulk.

The Shokan King flung a fireball at Hulk, catching him in the face, blinding him. With a roar, Goro leapt into the air, and brought all 550 pounds down onto Hulk, driving him into the ground. One time. Two times. Three times before jumping back. Reaching down, Goro picked Hulk up with his lower, and began to pound on his chest with increasing force before slamming Hulk to the ground.

What Goro didn't know at the time was that blinding Hulk wasn't a permanent solution. Logan did it to Hulk, raking the adamantium claws against the eyes, blinding him. What Goro didn't know was that Hulk had a healing factor. And that his eyes were now healed.

And the Hulk was angry. Anyone who knew what the Hulk was capable of knew only one thing about the Hulk, the Exiled Gods included: You wouldn't like him when he's angry.

And unfortunately for Goro, The Hulk was very angry.

Hulk got back to his feet. Then, he went down to a knee. Goro smirked, thinking that he had finally weakened the giant behemoth. Then, the Hulk raised his hands, and brought them together in a massive thunderclap that had the effect of a mini-sonic boom. It was an attack that Goro did not expect to come from his opponent, as the blast knocked him off his feet.

Goro realized that his opponent was also fast, as he quickly covered the distance between them, just as he got back to his feet. A Sparta-style kick from the Shokan stunned Hulk long enough for Goro to go on the offensive.

Goro's lower fists struck Hulk in the kidneys. The Shokan King continued his assault with a jaw-breaking uppercut that would've killed a lesser man. Then again, any ordinary man wasn't the Hulk. When Goro went for a vicious overhead blow, Hulk's massive hand enveloped his head and slammed him to the ground like a rag doll.

And it hurt.

Goro was no stranger to pain, but he was in the business of giving it, not receiving it. But the Hulk wasn't finished. He slammed him again. And for a third time. The Hulk then leapt into the air, preparing to emulate Goro in trying to stop his guts in.

Unfortunately for Hulk, Goro rolled out of the way, just as Hulk left another impact crater on the ground. Goro then dodged a vicious overhead strike that would've smashed his head in like a melon.

Goro scrambled to his feet, and roared in defiance. Goro roared back.

The two behemoths charged at one another once again. This time, however, Fortune was not on Goro's side, as Hulk grabbed Goro, slammed him to the ground again, then flung him away...

...only he wasn't aiming for the Pacific Ocean. No, the Hulk had tossed Goro towards the parking garage.

At the same time, with Iron Man, Storm and the Dora Milaje...

Repulsors whining, Iron Man fired, catching a charging Tarkarta in the chest, knocking him down. A second Tarkarta got close enough to take a swing at Iron Man, who simply raised his arm.

TING.

The Tarkarta was surprised to see that his arm blade did not cut through the metal man's armor. His shock lasted for only two seconds before Iron Man fired a repulsor blast inches from the Tarkarta's face.

The Tarkarta was dead before he hit the ground.

As a hero and an Avenger, Iron Man avoided killing. Until today, given that these Wolverine-wannabes were actively trying to kill him. And that's not counting the zombie versions of Johnny and Hanzo's respective (adopted) children and the undead Aztec reject. But even Tony knew that the Mandarin-wannabe and Mr. Four Arms were the most dangerous.

At least the number of Tarkarta were dwindling. Stark knew that he wouldn't have survived without the aid of Storm and the Dora Milaje. T'Challa had chosen wisely when it came to his wife.

She had been one of the core members of the X-Men, and she herself had mentored Team S-F in the past. And she was a Queen that the Dora Milaje followed, as she fought alongside them. Like Stark, she avoided taking another life, but only in extreme situations.

And this definitely counted as an extreme situation. Either way, Storm had earned the respect of her husband's bodyguards as she fought alongside their beloved King in defense of not only the planet, but all of Wakanda.

Three Tarkarta charged towards her...

...only to be promptly impaled by jagged icicles. A fourth was electrocuted when it tried to impale the Dora Milaje to her left, leaving a smoking carcass behind.

"Glad to see that you're no fair-weathered friend, Storm," Iron Man quipped.

"This is no time for japes, Stark," Storm replied as she fired off a gust of wind that lifted another Tarkarta off his feet and sent him flying towards another support pillar, the meaty SNAP of the Tarkarta's spine having reduced it a quadriplegic. "Besides, Chairman Cage has already made that joke. It wasn't funny the first time he did it either."

"Speaking of the good Chairman, he has a lot of explaining to do once this is over," Iron Man said.

"Of that, I am in agreement," conceded Storm. "While I understand the deception, calling oneself a mutant when you are something far greater doesn't sit well with me. Chairman Cage's explanations have better be a good one."

"Given that his daughter was almost kidnapped and we're dealing with otherworldly invaders, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for the time being."

At least the numbers of the Tarkarta were dwindling. But they were still a threat, while Shang Tsung and his lieutenants were the bigger threat.

&^%

The battle continued to rage on inside and outside the parking garage. In the back of his mind, Johnny wondered when this madness will finally end.

As good as he was, he could not fight Shang Tsung forever.

But if this was his last dance, he would make sure that Shang would earn it. Then again, losing wasn't an option. Not with so many lives at stake, including that of his family. His family is what drove Johnny forward. The thought of Sonya being a Revenant, Kitana's soul being absorbed by her Revenant counterpart and Cassie being a glorified sex slave to Shao Kahn, not to mention his own fate was what motivated Johnny in keeping up with the sorcerer.

Johnny dodged another Flaming Skull, and the three that erupted from the ground. But Shang was faster on the draw, striking Johnny in the torso with rapid-fire strikes. Johnny noted that Shang was using She Quan – Snake Style Kung Fu. Given that it was Shang Tsung, it was rather fitting.

Johnny responded with a barrage of attacks of his own, countering Shang.

Then, both men froze.

Goro was sent flying back into the parking garage, having been thrown by Hulk. Goro landed hard on the ground, near Shang.

Hulk showed up moments later, wanting to finish the fight. However, Shang came to the aid of his friend, forcing the Hulk back with a barrage of Flaming Skulls that backed him up near Johnny.

Hulk responded with a second thunderclap, the sonic boom knocking both Shang – and his discarded longcoat – and Goro off their feet, and out of the parking garage.

Meanwhile, Liu and Kitana had teamed up to fight both their Revenants, and were currently holding their own, when Hulk showed up with Goro. When the Hulk sent both Shang and Goro flying, the Revenant Emperor and Empress quickly retreated to Shang's side. Revenant Kotal had also been alerted to Goro's 'return', and broke off from his kombat with Black Panther to regroup.

The same can be said also for both Mileena and Tanya, having retreated from their respective opponents and returning to Shang's side. Storm and Iron Man both left the Dora Milaje to stand alongside her husband, while Oyoke took Storm's place in kombating the remaining Tarkarta, proving to be more than a match for Tanya.

Johnny and the others quickly gave chase. After what they had done, they were not getting away that easily.

Outside...

The plan had been simple enough. Kano may have been an uncouth cretin, but Shang Tsung did share one sentiment with the Aussie. The simple plans are the best. And this plan couldn't get any simpler. Return to San Francisco and kill Johnny Cage. The Revenant Emperor and Empress would track down their reincarnations and absorbing their souls, thus weakening the alternative Earthrealm. Once Jade and Kung Lao absorbed the souls of their own reincarnations, Kronika would be able to merge Earthrealm with the alternative Earthrealm.

And when that happened, not even Raiden's remnants could stop them.

The intel Shang gathered on Johnny had been sound. The revenant of Elektra helped fill in the blanks in regards to Hanzo and the others. But, the intel had been flawed.

Shang had planned on using superior numbers to subdue Johnny, Liu and Kitana. Only problem was that when Johnny confronted them, he had numbers of his own. Then, came the revelation that Johnny and the others were fully aware of Kronika's scheming and Cetrion's treachery.

But what shocked Shang – even though he didn't show it – was that Raiden's remnants had now ascended into Godhood. Their children were now demigods and demigoddesses.

Shang could almost imagine the reactions of Shinnok and the others once they confronted Raiden's missing champions.

"This was not how things were to play out, Shang Tsung," R. Kitana said angrily. She had underestimated her reincarnation, and thus, was unable to gain the upper hand in their kombat.

"Indeed," Tanya said, her jaw sore from Oyoke's attacks. Apparently, Tanya had made the comment that she would 'make T'Challa forget all about his Queen...' once she killed the current one and took her place, that is. Her opponent was more than a match, quite possibly her equal. "It seems that we have underestimated the reach and influence Johnny Cage has in this realm, Shang Tsung."

"In more ways than one, it seems," R. Kotal said.

Before any talk of regrouping could be made, several gales of wind appeared, whereas one was a pillar of dragonfire. Liu Hasashi emerged from the fiery pillar, leaving a scorch mark on the ground. From the gales of wind, Johnny Cage, Kitana Kahn, She-Hulk, The Incredible Hulk and Black Panther emerged from the gales of wind. Storm and Iron Man flew out of the ruined garage.

The battle had now become a standoff.

Johnny looked at Liu and his daughter. Both he and Kitana were banged up, but were still alive. Their Revenants were not expecting them to be well-trained to the point that they were giving their Revenants a serious run for their money.

"Leaving so soon?" Johnny taunted. "And here, I thought I was such a generous host. You seriously didn't think that it would be that easy, didn't you?"

Shang grabbed his longcoat and slipped it back on. "For a moment, there...I thought I did."

"Dad," Kitana groaned, "I'll never complain about you or Mom's training methods again."

"You two okay?" her adopted father asked, concerned.

"Still in one piece," was the reply.

"What she said," Liu added. "You?"

"I'm not dead yet," Johnny replied.

"You didn't say anything about Kotal Kahn being able to turn into a jaguar!" Black Panther hissed.

"That's new to me," Johnny replied. "I never fought the guy. Sonya dealt with him."

"Uh-oh." Iron Man's tone made them turn back to Shang's side. The Revenants, Tanya and Mileena had gotten their second wind. "Looks like they're in the mood for Round Two."

"Now what do we do?" Storm asked.

"I got a bad idea," Johnny replied. He cracked his knuckles. "Picture's up. Roll sound." He walked forward. "And action."

On Shang's side, R. Liu saw Johnny walk forward, being accompanied by his and R. Kitana's reincarnations, and strode forward, and joined by the others on his side. He too, began to walk forward, and was soon joined by R. Kitana and the others.

"They're not stopping," Liu noted.

"And neither are we," Panther replied, just as both sides broke into a dead run, safe for Iron Man and Storm, who flew towards Shang and his team.

The battle resumed as both sides collided with one another. While Oyoke and the Dora Milaje finished off the Tarkarta, the clash turned into a full-fledged brawl.

Meanwhile, at the Alameda-San Francisco Medical Center...

It was breaking news. Some kind of attack on the grounds of Cage Incorporated. Originally, the Helicarrier had been the main topic, but once the explosion was heard, its point of origin coming from Alameda Point - or more specifically, from one of its parking garages - the news changed from the presence of S.H.I.E.L.D. to that of what was going on at Cage Incorporated.

As Johnny disliked news helicopters in Cage Incorporated's airspace, the helicopter was keeping its distance. But that didn't stop the news chopper from filming the brawl that was going on outside.

The same breaking news that Cassie Cage, Vera Briggs and Alexander Aaron was currently watching.

Following her father's orders to the letter, Cassie and her beau had arrived at Vera's job. While annoyed that she was pulled away from an important meeting, Cassie silenced her honorary aunt by showing her the battle at Land's End from moments earlier. Vera knew what that meant. Earthrealm was here.

But before they could leave, however, the news came on, interrupting the regularly scheduled programming to bring the current news of the battle taking place at Cage Incorporated.

"This is Kaitlin Shou and I'm in Sky Chopper 5!" the reporter said over the din of the chopper's blades. "We are live near Alameda Point and it is an all-out brawl here at Cage Incorporated! As you can see, Chairman Johnny Cage is in the middle of a fight that includes his daughter, Dr. Kitana Kahn, She-Hulk, Iron Man, Black Panther, Storm and the Incredible Hulk!"

"Oh, shit," Cassie cursed, ignoring Vera's shout of "Language!"

"More of Kronika's forces?" Alex asked.

Cassie nodded grimly. "Kronika isn't taking any chances. She's brought the big guns for Dad."

Vera grew alarmed. "My God. Jax and the girls...!"

"Yeah," Cassie nodded grimly. "But if the Avengers and the X-Men know about the Phoenix, then they'll have a fighting chance if they're present."

"Let's hope so," Alex said.

Back to the fight...

The battle madness returned to Johnny Cage like an old friend as he and Iron Man teamed up and squared off against R. Kotal Kahn. Black Panther had destroyed his macuahuitl, leaving the Revenant with only his dual hooks. If transforming into a jaguar was bad enough, he could call forth the power of the sun.

Johnny's arm was scorched, but was healing. Iron Man had gotten the worse of it, R. Kotal Having grabbed him and doused him with lethal sunlight. Good thing his armor had taken the brunt of the damage.

Black Panther had his hands full with the Revenant Emperor and Empress, but he was holding his own. Even when they were alive, Liu Kang and Princess Kitana were the most deadliest of kombatants. But T'Challa wasn't known as 'The Most Dangerous Man Alive' for nothing.

Shang Tsung was getting double-teamed by both Liu Hasashi and Kitana Kahn, the soul sucker being forced on the defensive against dragonfire and the fan blades.

Tanya was experiencing the full fury of one furious Storm. What most people didn't know was that aside from her mutant powers, Ororo Munroe was quite skilled in hand-to-hand kombat. This, Kitana and the reincarnated kombatants knew, as she tested them personally during their visit to Wakanda. Of course, Johnny and the other Exiled Gods knew of Storm's kombat prowess.

Mileena was gunning for Jen yet again, itching for a rematch. Jen was more than happy to oblige. And Goro had all hands full with Jen's cousin.

Then, the familiar roar of a motorcycle had stopped all kombatants from fighting.

While Goro, Mileena and the three Revenants shared looks of confusion, Shang and Tanya both shared looks of dread. That demonic aura was one that neither person didn't forget.

Then...he appeared.

He had came through Alameda Point's South Gate, and tore through the residential district. Now, he tore through the parking garage, complete with the last surviving Tarkarta wrapped by his neck on his chain (and thankfully, not harming Oyoke and the Dora Milaje) as he sped past.

The Spirit of Vengeance. The Ghost Rider.

A demonic roar erupted from the specter's gullet as he flung the Tarkarta to the ground with bone-crushing force, moments before he and his hellfire-infused motorcycle landed on the ground. Johnny and Iron Man saw that the Rider was heading towards them, and quickly got out of the way, just as R. Kotal was introduced to the Rider's motorcycle via broadside, knocking him back.

Johnny was cackling like a madman. "Oh, you guys are so screwed now!" he crowed as he, Kitana, Liu and the assortment of heroes backed off.

"No..." Tanya whispered, her face now a mask of fear.

The Rider punted R. Kotal, knocking him back towards Shang and the others. Then, his grinning skull found the aforementioned sorcerer, and his fire burned even brighter. He got off the bike and faced down Shang himself.

For the first time in Johnny's life, he saw a look that Sonya would kill to see on Shang's face.

Cold fear.

"Youuuu..." the Rider drew out the word, one gloved hand curled into a single finger, pointing at Shang. "GUILTY."

"Rider!"

The Rider spun around when Johnny called his name.

A malicious smirk spread across Johnny's face as he pointed to Shang, uttering the phrase that Shang himself had said to many a fallen kombatant back when he hosted Mortal Kombat.

"Finish him."

"With pleasure," the Rider replied, turning back around...

CRUNCH.

THUD.

...and was promptly greeted with R. Liu's foot smashing into his face from the Flying Dragon Kick, knocking him down.

But it was enough for Shang to summon a portal. "Withdraw!" he ordered, as his forces retreated from the field of battle. Goro was the first, with Mileena and Tanya bolting through the portal next. The three Revenants bolted through the portal. With a roar, the Rider grabbed the chain and let it fly...

...just as the portal vanished, Shang Tsung having narrowly escaped the Rider's wrath. The chain clattered to the ground.

"Aw, come back!" Johnny shouted after Shang as the portal winked out of existence. "I was havin' fun!"

"Escaped..." the Rider hissed as he retrieved his chain.

"He'll be back," Johnny said. "And he'll get his."

"He's mine, Cage," the Rider hissed. "His soul shall be judged."

Not wanting to argue with the Rider, Johnny simply replied with, "He's all yours." Then, he turned back to the others. "Everyone okay?" he asked.

Kitana responded with a thumbs-up. Liu nodded. More nods in the affirmative and several replies of "Yes."

"So...that went well," Iron Man said as sirens were heard in the distance.

"Well enough," Johnny replied. "We're not dead." He looked upwards, and saw the news helicopter flying overhead. "Oh. Great. As if I didn't have enough on my plate aside from Kronika."

"About that, Chairman," interjected Storm. "I believe an explanation as to what we are dealing with is in order."

"Agreed," T'Challa seconded. "I, too, would like to hear why we are facing an otherworldly invasion, not to mention your role in it."

There was no negotiation, no leeway. Once again, Johnny found himself preparing for a conversation that he really wanted to avoid. But if he wanted the Avengers on his side, he had to come clean...for the most part.

Office of Johnny Cage, minutes later.

The only thing that remained of the battle was a damaged paring garage and the bodies of thirty fallen Tarkarta. Liu Hasashi and the Ghost Rider had incinerated them, save for one.

That one was being guarded by the Dora Milaje, its body secured in a body bag and placed inside the Wakandan VTOL. It would be taken to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier for an autopsy.

Johnny Cage had been busy following his return to his office, being accompanied by his adopted daughter and her (unknown to her) fiance, several superheroes and the chief bodyguard to the King and Queen of Wakanda. First he had to placate the media and the police.

That's where Kitana Kahn and Liu Hasashi came in. It was Kitana who came up with the story. It was the truth...from a certain point of view. The Cage family and Cage Incorporated was being targeted by criminals of unknown origin. They had tried and failed to kidnap Cassie Cage and kill her fiance, while at the same time, ambush the Chairman of Cage Incorporated and kidnap his adopted daughter.

S.H.I.E.L.D. and the X-Men had caught wind of this, and intervened on Cage's behalf, thus bringing the attempted murder and kidnappings to a screeching halt. But the threat was far from over, as not only Cage himself was being targeted, but also the Avengers and the X-Men due to their intervention in saving Cage and his daughters.

That placated the press and law enforcement for the time being.

Storm and T'Challa were on the love seat, T'Challa unmasked, Oyoke standing behind them. Tony Stark remained standing, his face uncovered. Both Jen and Banner were on the sofa, while Liu and Kitana flanked Johnny Cage once again. The Rider was absent, as he left the grounds soon after.

Once they were settled in (and copious amounts of hospital-grade painkillers was passed around), they waited until Johnny was finishing up his phone call to his sister.

"Yeah. Earthrealm took a stab at Cassie and me. And that's not saying what they'll do to Sonya and the others," Johnny spoke into the phone. "We're at Stage 1 Administrative Lockdown. Officially, you're deceased back in Earthrealm, and we don't exist, but Kronika and the others remember who we are and the threat we pose. Yeah, Becky. Stay in London for the time being. Take care of your family. Yeah, love you too, sis."

He hung up the phone and leaned back in his chair. "It's funny. Self-reflection can be one hell of a thing. Before I became a god, I was an actor, as you already know."

"So the 'billionaire industrialist genius' is a ruse?" T'Challa asked.

"Sort of," Johnny admitted. "Back in Earthrealm, I was making ends meet by working as a stuntman. Dangerous, but the pay was good. I graduated from college with a degree in Business Administration. However, I had just finished filming my second movie and I was making more coin than I was if I went corporate. So I stayed in Hollywood. When I came here, I wanted a change. So I didn't return to Hollywood and worked my way up the corporate ladder."

"So who exactly are we dealing with here?" Tony asked. "Who is Shang Tsung's boss?"

This time, it was Kitana who spoke. "Kronika. The phenomenon regarding the numerous whirlwinds of sand all over the planet? That's her. She merged Earthrealm with our planet, but was only partially-successful. Only thing that's stopping her is me and my friends."

"Explain," Storm said.

"I, along with Liu and the others, have memories of our past lives," Kitana explained. "When we died, the necromancer Quan Chi took our souls and transformed them into the undead abominations you saw earlier today."

"They seem to have it in for Johnny," Jen remarked.

"Yeah. Only because Sonya and I survived Sindel's rampage that killed Kitana and Jade," Johnny snorted. "Sonya and I were lucky that day."

"When Quan Chi claimed our souls, he purged them of anything and everything that made that person good," Liu continued. "The Elder Gods took the discarded pieces of our souls and flung them through time and space."

"And here we are," Kitana finished. "Kronika's invasion was inevitable either way. She would see this planet as a threat, and would have invaded."

"Did anyone else know that you're a God?" T'Challa asked Johnny.

"Odin knew. Which means Thor knows," Johnny replied. "And the Ancient One knew. That means there's a good chance that Doc Strange also knows, as he trained alongside Nightwolf. Sorry for the deception. Claiming to be a mutant was a lot safer than saying 'I'm your god. Bow to me.'"

"I see your point, Boss," Jen conceded. "People who claim to be of divine status are usually the bad guys. Or insane."

"Gods know we've seen our share over the years," Storm said.

Johnny punched in several keys on his laptop. Moments later, the flat-screen TV came to life, showing the battle inside the parking garage. Kitana had recorded the entire thing using a second drone.

"You know," Johnny mused, looking at Liu fight his Revenant counterpart, "if I was still acting, I'd be pushing for you to become an actor, Liu."

"Tempting, Uncle Johnny, but no," Liu replied. "A ninja's life is more my speed." He frowned. "But something has been bothering me. Kronika knew where and how to hit us."

"Elektra," Johnny replied simply.

"Elektra?" Tony and the others repeated. "But she's dead." His eyes narrowed. "How do you know that?"

"Grandmaster Toasty has a plant within the Hand," Johnny explained. "That's how we know that Kano did Elektra in. And if Shang's alive and kicking, then that means Quan Chi is here as well."

"Quan Chi?"

"Netherrealm necromancer and free-roaming sorcerer," Kitana explained. "He likes to revive fallen fighters as Revenants and unleash them on their former comrades."

"Jax, Hanzo and Kuai know of the experience first-hand," Johnny continued. "But Raiden managed to reverse the process, and revived them. I myself narrowly avoided this fate."

"What about the guys who tried to jump Cassandra earlier in the day?" T'Challa asked. "What do you know about them?"

Johnny ended the video and brought up the Clash at Land's End. He paused the video at Kano's smug mug. "That's Kano. Black Dragon boss. Wanted in over 35 countries. Responsible for getting most of Sonya's old unit killed, including her former partner/fiance. The faceplate is Jax's handiwork. Jax knocked Kano's eye out. Literally. Has it in for me because I married Sonya."

"So he's dangerous," T'Challa said.

"That's a complete understatement, T'Challa," Johnny replied mildly. "If there is money involved, he'll play all sides. Remember Kotal Kahn and Mileena? Kano was selling intel to both sides, playing them both. You thought Klawe was bad? Kano makes him look like a saint in comparison. He might try and gut you just so he could get Wakanda's Vibranium stash."

"I would like to see him try," T'Challa growled.

"Kano's dangerous. He likes to play mind games. I should know. He had Cassie and Jacqui kidnapped back in Earthrealm."

Storm frowned. "Exactly how old is Cassandra and Jacqueline?"

"Forty-one. They were 25 back in Earthrealm, but de-aged back to five-year-olds. Sonya saw it as a second chance to be a better mother for Cassie."

"What can you tell us about Shao Kahn?" Banner asked as Johnny paused on the massive form of Shao Kahn.

"Shao Kahn. Emperor of Outworld. Outworld O.G.," Johnny said. "Remember Shang Tsung?" Johnny pointed to Kahn's image. "He trained Shang in the Black Arts. Very dangerous. Very tough." He turned to T'Challa. "If I were you, I'd be more worried about Kahn rather than Kano. Especially that you have so much more to protect. Congratulations, by the way."

"Congratulations?" T'Challa repeated, confused.

Wordlessly, Johnny nodded his head towards Storm, whose blue eyes widened. "Wait...how did you..." she whispered.

"One talent that comes in handy is the ability to look into one's soul," the God of Wind explained. "It's how we're able to see whether or not you're friend or foe." He pointed to Storm, as the realization began to dawn on T'Challa. "I see into Storm's soul...and there is another within her. A spark, but one that will grow into a flame."

Tony's eyes widened, as did everyone else's in the room, as what Johnny was implying soon became clear.

"You're...pregnant?" T'Challa sputtered.

"I missed my period," Storm confessed. "I was experiencing the morning sickness just today before you woke up." She took T'Challa's hand into her own. "You're going to be a father."

A myriad of emotions swarmed through T'Challa. Through sheer willpower, was T'Challa able to keep himself from fainting. He stood up, taking Storm with him, the mutant having a confused look on her face.

Then, T'Challa fell to his knees, resting his head against Ororo's still-flat belly, whispering a prayer of thanks to the Goddess Bast.

Storm smiled softly as she ran her fingers through her husband's scalp. "You finally bow before your Queen," she whispered softly in Xhosa.

T'Challa raised his head, and replied, also in Xhosa, using her married name. "No. Not my Queen. I bow before the mother of my child, Ororo Iqadi T'Challa." Clearing his throat, he and Storm sat back down.

"Okay, happy occasion aside," Jen said, turning back to Johnny, "what does all of this have to do with you?"

Johnny leaned back in his seat. "Well...it all started with a tournament. The tournament, held once a generation. Shao Kahn had his eyes set on Earthrealm, but he couldn't invade it right off the bat. The tournament was called Mortal Kombat. Win ten in a row, then it's game over. Shao Kahn invades Earthrealm. That's where my story began..."