The Ghost Heroes of Mortal Kombat

by SreznoJIG

As several of Raiden's chosen warriors have vanished, the Thunder God appears to Danny Phantom and a few of his former ghost enemies to participate in Mortal Kombat to save Earthrealm. While many challenges await for Earth's new chosen heroes and treason lures at every corner, they will receive unexpected help from two certain Outworld Princesses.

2. Unlocking your true potential

CHAPTER II

UNLOCKING YOUR TRUE POTENTIAL

(Outworld – The Living Forest)

Deep in the cursed forests of Outworld, under the living trees with faces, a camp of dozens of Outworlders was set. They were a secretive resistance movement, fighting a common cause to free Outworld from the wrath of Shao Kahn.

Their leader, Haros, who was a bald, tall man wearing a brown-black armor and held a Crescent Moon Spade as his weapon had gathered his comrades around the camp fire "As we'd expected, Mortal Kombat will be hosted within two weeks here in Outworld." The leader spoke

"Which means that Shao Kahn and his followers will be distracted by the tournament." One resistance fighter said, making him form a grin on his face "That will give us the perfect time to strike!"

All the other resistance fighters agreed and some even cheered.

Then, Haros spoke again "Getting near Shao Kahn will not be simple. He has eyes and ears everywhere. But if we stay low as long as possible, we might have a chance."

But then, as Haros was about to say something to inspire his brothers and sisters, he heard something. He rose up and held up his Crescent Moon Spade, standing in battle mode. The others did so as well, knowing from experience that there might be danger.

But suddenly, one women was hit hard in the face!

"Be on guard!" Haros called.

As this unknown force was taking on his fighters without any of them to see, Haros used his senses to heard where it was. When he heard a footstep near him, he hit the presence with a strong kick and hit from his Spade, making it fall backwards! It then uncloaked its invisibility. The other resistance fighters gasped as they saw who it was. Reptile!

The Saurian warrior quickly stood up and attacked the leader with many kick attacks, which Haros tried to deflect them all cost with his Spade, but was knocked back every time!

The others tried to help Haros, but suddenly, a red smokescreen appeared, with a redhead female warrior jumping out and sliced the throat of one of the resistance fighters with her Tanto dagger and drained its blood using her Blood Magik! It was Skarlet, a genetic experiment created by the emperor and his adopted daughter!

Everyone in the camp was alerted and took up arms while desperately fighting off both Reptile and Skarlet!

Reptile killed several by just using powerful punches and kicks and used its acid spit on a man's face, burning it off, thus killing him!

Skarlet used her fast moves to avoid the others attacks and even used the blood of her enemies to kill them by morphing it into sharp daggers and swords! As she was about to drain a Resistance women from her blood by using her powers, she was kicked away by the leader just in time!

After several minutes of losing dozens of Resistance fighters to Shao Kahn's servants, the two Outworld warriors were suddenly surrounded by over 30 Resistance fighters. With back to back, Reptile hissed while Skarlet held her eyes on anyone who would dare to attack them.

Haros appeared and scowled at the Saurian lizard and the Blood Magik mage. As he was about to order the others to kill them, all the Resistance fighters were suddenly lifted up by a powerful whirlwind!

Haros looked at his right, seeing who was lifting all his followers by just using her Steel Fans: Kitana, Princess of Outworld. She was then joined by her other team members: her sister, Mileena and the Edenian warrior, Jade.

Using this opportunity, Jade, Kitana, Skarlet and Reptile attacked the many other Resistance fighters while Mileena charged in on Haros, sending him flying backwards by a powerful kick in the stomach.

While Haros grunted as he grabbed his Crescent Moon Spade and stood up, Mileena draw her two Sais as she frowned at the Resistance leader "Your plans to take down my father ends here, Haros."

Haros frowned at the Edenian/Tarkatan hybrid "I should have realized that your emperor would have send his dogs instead of facing me alone in battle. It's a cowards tactic."

That made Mileena very angry "Enough! You will show proper respect to the heir of the great konqueror, Shao Kahn!"

FIGHT!

Mileena attacked by firing her two Sais at Haros, who deflected one but the other hit him in the shoulder! With her powerful kicks, she hit him several times on the chest and face, till he blocked the last one and punched her backwards! With her magic, she removed the one Sai from Haros' shoulder while taking the other from the ground and used them to attack him who he was able to deflect with his Spade, but then she teleported away in purple smoke and appeared behind him, landing a swift kick in the face, sending him backwards! Haros tried hard to deflect Mileena's Sais attacks, before taking back slashing her with his Shade and nearly hit her head if she had not blocked it by using her Sais!

With a swift move, Mileena disarmed Haros and with her daggers and then slashed several times in his chest before kicking him several times hard in the chest and finally in the face, nearly fracturing his skull, making him hit the ground hard!

Haros lied nearly motionless on the floor.

MILEENA WINS!

Mileena frowned at him as she says "That should put you in your place."

Haros tried to get up, despite being in pain but it was hard for him to do. Mileena walked over to him as she removed her mouth mask, revealing her half Tarkatan facial expression. Despite her lips lend her a human-like appearance, her mouth was line with large sharp teeth.

While Kitana helped Jade to kill the last Resistance fighter, the Outworld princess sighed while looking at the many other fighters they'd killed "These rebels didn't know when to quit. It was like they preferred death than surrender?"

Jade agreed with her friend "Haros must have converted their minds so much that they were willing to die for his lost cause."

But as Kitana was about to answer, she saw her sister grabbing the resistance leader by the collar. She could see that her blood thirst was getting the better of her and ran towards her "Mileena!"

Mileena scowled at Haros "I will tear the flesh of your face!"

Haros however wasn't afraid of her and said "Then… the stories I heard about you are true, Princess Mileena. You… are… an abomination."

Fury exploded within Mileena and was about to eat his whole face.

"No, Mileena! Don't." Kitana said as she placed her hand on her sister's shoulder "You're not what people think you are. You're better than that. I know you."

Mileena glanced for a moment at Kitana, then back at Haros who was waiting for her to deliver the final blow. Mileena then somehow remembered a promise that she once gave to her sister. Though her Tarkatan half wanted to tear this man apart, in her mind was Mileena trying to resist it. Slowly, she calmed herself and dropped Haros.

As Haros lied on his knees to the ground, he looked at Mileena in confusion.

Mileena glanced for a moment to Kitana, who giving a nod, before returning her glance at Heros.

Reptile then appeared, wandering why Princess Mileena hadn't killed the leader yet.

After Mileena placed her mouth mask back on, she grabbed Haros by his arms and pulled him up "My father will decide your fate." She then glanced at Reptile. The Saurian warrior was surprised by this, but nodded and did as his princess wanted to do with Haros and puts his hands in chains.

---

A few hours later

(Outworld – Shao Kahn's Palace)

As soon as Kitana, Mileena, Jade, Skarlet and Reptile had returned to Shao Kahn's palace, they went to the emperor's throne room.

While Jade, Skarlet and Reptile held the resistance leader in chains, Mileena and Kitana appeared before their father, emperor Shao Kahn and their mother, empress Sindel, both sitting on their thrones. The two sisters made a bow as Kitana says "Our missions was successful, father. The resistance group that had caused so much trouble has been dealt with and captured their leader, Haros."

Seeing that his daughters were successful, had satisfied the emperor. However, Shao Kahn wandered why they held the infamous leader, Haros as a prisoner. He glanced at his daughters "I do not recall that you should take any prisoners."

Sindel agreed with her husband and asked "Indeed. Why have you brought this troublemaker before us and not killed him along with the rest of his followers?"

That was when Mileena spoke and explained to Shao Kahn "Forgive me, father. It was I that believed it would've been better for you to decide his fate."

"Did you now?" Shao Kahn asked while looking with interest at Mileena for making such a decision he wouldn't have expected from her to make "I would've rather that you killed him on the spot, Mileena."

That was when Mileena became scared that he father would be harsh on her for failing to accomplish what he wanted. Kitana feared too for the sake of her sister.

But then Shao Kahn smirked "But… since there are possible more resistance groups across Outworld that are connected to Haros, as the rumors would say, this fool could be knowing more about these people who would dare to stand against their emperor."

Mentally, Mileena and Kitana felt relieved.

Haros yelled out at Shao Kahn "I won't tell you anything!"

Shao Kahn smirked evilly, while Sindel chuckled as she said "Oh, I think you will be very cooperative." She then called to her left "Shang Tsung!"

The elderly sorcerer appeared and walked over to Sindel and made a bow "Yes, my empress?"

"I believe Haros here has some valuable information about other resistance movements, but he seemly doesn't wish to share. Can you show our guest our hospitality?" Sindel suggested.

Shang Tsung smirked evilly "With pleasure."

Shao Kahn nodded and ordered the Saurian warrior and Edenian warrior "Reptile. Jade. Escort the prisoner to the Tower." Reptile nodded and dragged Haros away, while Shang Tsung went with them, having some things in mind that'll make the resistance leader to talk.

Shao Kahn had then dismissed his daughters. Both made a bow and left to their chambers.

Just as Kitana and Mileena walked along the hallway to their quarters, being sure they were alone, Kitana hugged her sister, what she returned.

"I'm so proud of you, Mileena." Kitana softly whispers.

Mileena sighed as she broke her sister's embrace "It wasn't easy, Kitana. I wanted to… just tear him apart!" she then sadly shook her head "If only I wasn't… mixed with Tarkatan blood when I was born… everything would've been… so much easier for me."

Kitana slowly stroke her cheek "You are not a monster, Mileena. Not to me. And never were."

Mileena formed a small smile after her sister said that. But then said "I… should go to my room. I need to rest after having fought dozens of those rebels."

Kitana nodded "I understand, sister. I'll see you soon." And Kitana left Mileena alone as they both went to their rooms.

Once Mileena had entered her room, she walked over to her large bed and let herself fall on it. As she looked up the ceiling, she started to remember things about her childhood, and the first time she'd killed someone because of her Tarkatan half.

---

*** Flashback from 590 years ago ***

A 10 year old Kitana was playing together with her best friend Jade, trying to catch each other. Though Kitana's parents were strict, both Kitana and Jade had found some opportunities to just being kids instead of constantly training to become Shao Kahn's new warriors. Both laughed as they ran through the hallways of Shao Kahn's palace.

"I'm gonna get you, Kitana!" Jade called as she was near to grab Kitana.

But the little Outworld Princess went away very fast "Catch me if you can!"

They used their speed to their full advantage, but either jump from wall to wall or jump over several objects.

Just as Jade was about to get Kitana, the outworld princess suddenly stopped as she looked into the hallway to her right, making Jade to grab her "Gotcha!" Jade said proudly, but then she wandered why Kitana stopped "Hey, why did you just let me win like that Princess?"

Kitana didn't answer as she keeping looking at where she was looking. When Jade too looked into the hallway, she saw 6 year old Mileena, crying at a corner.

Jade was confused why Kitana's younger sister was so sad. Kitana slowly walked over to her little sister, but as she came closer, she saw that Mileena's clothes had bloodstains on them. Shockingly, Kitana ran to her and fell on her knees before her "Mileena! What happened…?!"

Mileena kept sobbing as she slowly glanced at her older sister. Kitana was shocked to see her mouth covered with blood, while her tears kept falling from her eyes. Jade was just as shocked as Kitana.

Mileena was chocking back sobs as she tried to say "I… I killed him…"

Kitana was even more shocked. Did Mileena just killed someone? "You… you what?"

"Fa…father… he… he said that I… needed to learn to…" Mileena then sobbed even more "I didn't wanted to… but… father forced me to kill a prisoner… that I had to… use my Tarkatan skills…. He used… some magic to… to make me…" she couldn't stop crying anymore and embraced her older sister.

Kitana allowed it and held her close, letting her cry on her shoulder. A tear came from Kitana's left eye. How could their father force Mileena to kill someone?

Mileena then shook her head "They were right… they were all right…. I'm a monster!"

Kitana shook her head while rubbing her back "No. You're not a monster. You never were. Not to me."

Jade slowly walked to them and went on her knees, hugging Mileena too "Kitana is right. You're not a monster. You're a girl… just like us."

---

*** End of flashback ***

Mileena shook her head as her eyes became teary, wishing she wasn't infused with Tarkatan blood when she was just a baby. She understood from her mother that Shang Tsung had to do it in order to save her from dying after complications at birth, but still… Mileena dearly wished that it didn't had to be that way, that she would just have been born normal. But at the same time, she was glad to have a sister and friend who understood her and saw her like nobody else ever did, especially her older sister who she would love and cherish.

Thinking about Kitana made Mileena to shook her head and started talking to herself "No, Mileena…. Kitana is your sister. Going further than that is impossible for us…" she then sighed, wishing that there was a way "If only things had been different…"

---

At that same time…

(Earthrealm – Wu Shi Academy)

In a flash of lightning, Raiden, his Lin Kuei allies, along with his newly chosen ghost champions had arrived at the place where they will be trained: The mythical Wu Shi Academy.

The large temple was inhabited by many Shaolin monks, who were either meditating inside one of the many structures or training at the Lei Tai center platform, that was suspended by five massive statues of the five great masters that founded the academy.

Danny, Ember, Johnny 13 and Kitty looked surprised to see where they've arrived at. Skulker didn't showed any emotion while crossing his arms.

"Whoa… where are we?" Johnny 13 asked, still being astounded.

Kitty theorized "It looks like some kind of ancient temple of sorts, in China?"

"This is the Wu Shi Academy." Raiden answered "It is here where the Shaolin Monks are trained by the order."

"The Shaolin Monks?" Danny asked, before remembering he'd heard about them before "Wait a second. I've read something about the Shaolin Monks before. There were like… great masters in Kung Fu and martial arts."

Sub-Zero shook his head as they all walked in further "In here, the Shaolin are trained in far more than just Kung Fu, Danny Phantom."

Many of the Shaolin Monks had noticed the arrival of their guests and stopped with what they were doing. Some bowed before the Thunder God.

Ember said along the way "Geez. A tournament that determine the fate of every realm, Chinese assassins and mythical monks. Can this day become any weirder?"

Everyone walked till they were at the main structure, where the 4 grand council members of the Shaolin were waiting. Beside them stood the Lin Kuei assassin, Smoke. Clearly he had been tasked by Sub-Zero to inform the Shaolin of Raiden's plan for his new chosen champions.

As they all stopped before them, Raiden stepped forward. The council members all bowed before him "Lord Raiden." One said.

Another council member then said "Smoke of the Lin Kuei had informed us of your arrival."

"So I take you accept the terms to train my new chosen heroes, along with our Lin Kuei allies?" Raiden asked.

All council members gave a nod, as the elderly one spoke "We do. Though it seem… unusual, but we have faith in your judgement, Lord Raiden."

Just then, an obese person walked in the meeting while taking huge sips of his alcoholic drink and nearly tripped while burping loudly before laughing "Hahahaha! These?" he pointed to Danny and his ghost allies "These are the chosen champions? Ha! They're not even half as what you've informed us of, Raiden."

That this fat drunken man had the guts to insult Danny and his ghost allies made all five of them frown at the guy.

Raiden gave the man a friendly nod "Bo' Rai Cho. It's been a long time."

The man named Bo' Rai Cho smiled "It has indeed been too long, my old friend."

While Smoke joined his fellow Lin Kuei and stood next to Cyrax and Sektor, Raiden introduced Bo' Rai Cho to his ghost champions "This is Bo' Rai Cho, ally of the Shaolin and trainer of many within the order."

Johnny 13, who was not taking Bo' Rai Cho's insults stepped forward "Him? A trainer? Look at him! He's nothing but a fat drunken idiot!"

All the Shaolin monks gasped as Johnny said that to Bo' Rai Cho, while Sub-Zero and Cyrax just shook their heads as Johnny should not have said that. Though Danny, Kitty, Ember and Skulker somehow agreed with Johnny that this fat drunken man was in no condition to train anyone, Raiden tried to ease the situation "Johnny. I know it doesn't looks that way, but-"

"This is got to be a joke, right Raiden?!" Johnny scowled at Raiden "That blob is supposed to train us?! He cannot even walk from one couch to the next."

That insult made the Shaolin gasp even louder.

Bo' Rai Cho however just smirked as he said to Johnny while walking over to him "So, you think you can handle this 'drunken fat blob' in combat, huh?"

Johnny chuckled "You? I could knock you out within a few seconds."

When Bo' Rai Cho took another drink from his bottle, he told "Alright then 'Johnny unlucky 13'. Show me what you can do."

Johnny held out his right fist "You've asked for it gramps." As Johnny was about to hit Bo' Rai Cho in the face, the man dodged it with such speed, grabbed Johnny's arm and threw him away, making him hit a pillar!

Danny, Ember, Kitty and Skulker looked surprised at what just happened.

Johnny grunts while standing up, looking furious at the drunken trainer, who just smirked at him "Wanna try again?"

Johnny growled with anger "Alright, now you're gonna get it. Shadow, attack!" he summoned his shadow and made it to attack Bo' Rai Cho. But Bo' Rai Cho just took a big sip from his drink, lightened a little light and spewed out his drink on Shadow while igniting the alcoholic drink as he was spitting fire! Shadow screamed in agonizing pain, as the fire was so bright, it disintegrated him!

Johnny looked in shock "He… my shadow… he just… vaporized it!"

"Very foolishly, to rely on your pathetic shadow to fight your battles." Bo' Rai Cho said before performing a monkey flip and slammed Johnny hard to a wall!

Kitty had this urge to go and help her boyfriend, but not wanting to get her ass kicked as well, she held herself back.

Bo' Rai Cho formed a grin as he watched Johnny grunting on the floor "Hmph! Big words and nothing else."

Raiden walked over to Johnny 13, looking down on him with disappointment "You should use your tongue properly when you speak to someone who has aided Earthrealm for decades."

Bo' Rai Cho just patted Raiden's shoulder "Nah, he'll learn. Besides, it was nice to have some fun for a chance." He then took another big sip of his drink, making him burb. He then chuckled "This is gonna be very interesting."

Danny then walked over to Bo' Rai Cho, telling in a bit more controlled way "Listen, Bo' Rai Cho, though me and my ghost friends are not what we-"

"We. Aren't. Friends!" Skulker called to Danny.

Danny shook his head "Whatever." Then he returned his glance at Bo' Rai Cho "We don't look what you expect, but we're more than that. So give us a chance to prove ourselves."

Bo' Rai Cho looked at Danny for a moment, before he grinned.

While Kitty helped Johnny to get back on his feet, Ember asked Raiden "One more thing, Raiden. You said that Clockwork could make the 2 weeks we got to prepare for Mortal Kombat into 3 months. How is he going to do that?"

Raiden gave a nod as he took something from his pocket. It was some kind of a black orb with ancient writings on it "This device, provided by Clockwork, will help with that." as Raiden held the orb up in the air, some blue shining energy came out of it and in a flash, the entire Wu Shi Academy and surrounding structures and temples were surrounded by its energy.

When the blue light had vanished, Raiden placed the orb back in his pocket as he stated to Danny, Ember, Johnny 13, Kitty and Skulker "Now the 2 weeks will be turned into 3 months. As long as you all stay here at the academy and the training grounds and temples around, you will be provide the time to be trained and prepared for what is about to come. You don't need to worry that a normal day will take longer, all the days will run normally, but stay at the Shaolin's temples and training grounds."

All five ghosts seemed to understand, Danny rubbed his head a bit, saying "You know, the time difference between here and Amity Park is already giving me a jet leg."

Ember chuckled as she told him "Though we feel the same thing, dipstick, you're ghost and we heal faster, right? So we also get faster used to the time difference."

Seeing that Ember's having a point, Danny nodded while scratching the back of his head "Right. Guess I forgot about that."

Confused, Cyrax asked Sektor "What's a dipstick?"

Sektor shrugged as he had no idea, while Smoke thought "It could be some sort of street language used in western culture."

Raiden then spoke to the ghost champions "Now, during your time here, the Wu Shi Academy will be your home for the next 3 months. So use your time wisely under your mentors and the help you'll be receiving from the Shoalin monks and from each other. Each of you will be trained under a different mentor, to train yourselves into the skills best suitable to your current qualities and potential."

This made Kitty curious to who will be their guides in order to achieve their true potentials "I wander who is going to be our teachers?" she whispered to Ember.

Raiden glanced at Johnny 13 first, saying "Johnny, since you've been doing… so well with Bo' Rai Cho, he will be your mentor."

Johnny turned pale as he was gonna be partnered with the guy that had just beat up his ass. Bo' Rai Cho smirked as he said to Johnny while crossing his arms "I look forward to teach a few manners, shadow guy."

Raiden then glanced at to Johnny's girlfriend "Kitty, your mentor will be Smoke."

Kitty took a look at Smoke, who gave her a nod. She wandered what kind of skills she would learn from him.

Then, Raiden glanced at the ghost hunter "Skulker. Since you're more skilled in your robotic suit, your mentor will be Sektor."

Skulker looked at the Lin Kuei assassin, Sektor, seeing he was not to be intimidated by Skulker's glare. Sektor was looking more patient, what Skulker didn't liked.

Raiden then told Ember "Miss McLain. Your mentor will be Cyrax."

Ember glanced at the African warrior, who gave her a serious look. Ember didn't liked the way he glanced at her and was sure not gonna be pushed around.

Finally, Raiden told Danny "And you Daniel. Sub-Zero will be your mentor."

Danny glanced at Sub-Zero. Trying to be humbled, Danny gave a small bow to the Lin Kuei grand master. Sub-Zero gave a small nod.

However, Danny still wandered what Raiden would do in the meantime and asked "Lord Raiden? What will you do then?"

Raiden responded in kind "I will oversee you and your allies progress. Though my job is not to train you all, I will give you advice from time to time. The rest is up to yourselves." Danny nodded in understanding. Raiden then lastly spoke "Alright. Now that you all have been assigned a mentor, the monks will show you the areas where you will be trained and where you will be staying. And tomorrow… the real work begins."

Danny, Ember, Johnny 13 and Kitty took their stuff and joined their mentors as they followed some of the Shaolin Monks to give them a tour around the academy and the entire area. Skulker came along too, but wasn't as much interested in whatsoever this place had to offer.

A young Shaolin told along the way what areas this place had and first showed them where a dozen monks were meditating. Next to it, was a large room where the monks practiced in the arts of Kung Fu. While the others looked with interest, Skulker just shrugged, making Sektor glance at his student for a moment, thinking what he needed to do in order to discipline the ghost hunter.

As they left the academy, all were shown the many other training areas, where some had to learn to balance on high pillars above the water, learning all kinds of magic to increase their strength and agility, and even an area where some were taught to use Chinese weapons.

Danny had nearly the feeling of walking into one of those martial arts movies that he and his friends Sam and Tucker used to watch together. However, his thoughts were interrupted when Sub-Zero patted him on the shoulder. Danny looked at his mentor, who signaled him to follow him. Confused, Danny did as Sub-Zero commanded and separated him from the group, heading into a different path.

Ember was about to call to Danny where he was going, but was called by Cyrax "You. Follow me."

Ember too did as what her own mentor told him to do and separated from the group, heading somewhere else.

And so, both Skulker and Kitty were called by their teachers to follow, leaving only Johnny 13 behind. Just as he wanted to go after Kitty, he was called back by Bo' Rai Cho "And where do you think you're going?"

Johnny tried to find an excuse "Oh… I was just going after-"

"You are not going anywhere, shadow guy." Bo' Rai Cho warned him before he smirked and signaled Johnny to follow him "Come, there is much work to be done."

Not having any choice, and not wanting to have that drunken guy to kick his ass again, Johnny did as he was told and followed his mentor.

Back with Danny, who still followed Sub-Zero to somewhere else, asked him as they climbed up a high hill "So, uhm… Sub-Zero? Is that… I don't know… you're real name or is it a codename, or something?"

Sub-Zero stopped and turned himself, looking at Danny, saying with a bit serious tone "For now, you'll address me as Sub-Zero. Understand?"

Danny nodded "Yes sir."

"Good."

As they climbed a bit higher up the hill, Danny started to breath heavily, while Sub-Zero had no trouble by climbing a high hill like this. Danny then stopped, thinking out loud "Wait a minute. Why should I climb this hill all the way to the top if I can just go ghost?"

Confidently, Danny transformed into his alter ego, Danny Phantom. Sub-Zero looked at him for a moment while crossing his arms. Danny gave a smirk "Watch this, Sub-Zero. I'll be on the top before you kn-" but as Danny jumped into the air to fly, he suddenly fell hard back on the ground. Confused, Danny got up while grabbing his bags "What the? Why can't I fly anymore?"

"Clearly Raiden hadn't told you, didn't he?" Sub-Zero asked, feeling a bit amused by his student's failed attempt to fly "While Clockwork's device is activated and you, and your ghost friends have provided extra time to train, your ghost powers won't work."

This shocked Danny "Wha-wh-WHAT!? I can't use my powers?!"

Sub-Zero just gave a shrug "You can transform into your ghost form whenever you like, but as long you're training under me and the Shaolin, your powers are temporarily deactivated. Until the 3 months are over, of course. Now let's move."

Danny sighed and followed Sub-Zero further. But along the way, Danny felt that he had a bit more energy while being ghost. Figuring that he always became stronger once he'd changed into his alter ego, he figured that he might be a lot stronger to take all the training as long he'd stayed ghost.

After a few minutes, both had finally made it to the top. While Danny took a bit of time to catch his breath, Sub-Zero showed him where he'd taken him too. It was an old small temple structure that hadn't been used by the Shaolin for some time "Here." Sub-Zero said "This is where I will train you, and what will be your resting place."

Danny looked around, seeing that the floor and many equipment was dusty and some spiderwebs hanged on the ceiling "In here?"

Sub-Zero glanced at him serious "What did you expect? A fancy hotel at the beach?"

"Uhm… no, but-"

"I don't exactly know why Raiden and Clockwork had chosen you, Danny Phantom. But I have faith in the Thunder God, in you… I highly doubt. This isn't some vacation for school boys, you're about to be trained in the ancient arts of the Lin Kuei for preparation to a tournament that'll determine the fate of our world. So, unless you stop whining… I say you take your stuff, pick a place to stay in here and help me to clean up this mess." Sub-Zero told him in an even more serious tone.

As Danny didn't wanted to argue with his master, who was maybe even way stronger than him, even with his ghost powers, Danny nodded "I understand." And took his bags and looked inside the old temple where he could get to sleep.

After a little while of exploring the temple and searching the few rooms that were inside, Danny made use of the one room that suited best as a bedroom. After placing his bags, he returned to his mentor, helping him to clean up the mess.

When many hours had passed and the sun started to go down, Danny sweated while having cleaned the last parts of the temple with Sub-Zero, including his temporarily bedroom. Sub-Zero gave a nod, seeing that the place was now good enough for them to train.

Danny felt a bit proud too. But as he sniffed his jumpsuit, he sighed as he opened the zip of his suit for some fresh air "Oh great. I just had the suit cleaned and now it stinks again."

Sub-Zero just glanced at him.

Nervously, Danny said "But… I have spare clothes with me, if that's all right? Or I need to was them myself, huh?"

Sub-Zero didn't answer.

"You… might happen to know where they wash their clothes, right?"

Sub-Zero sighed as he pointed down the valley, to a river "You can wash your clothes there."

Danny understood. But then his stomach growled. Danny gave an uneasy smile "I… take that we're supposed to cook our own food in here?"

"Did you brought any food here with you?" Sub-Zero asked while crossing his arms.

"Uhm… no."

Sub-Zero rolled his eyes "I figured you didn't. Let me get this clear, one more time: I'm here to train you. How you eat, sleep or try to get along with the monks is your own decision." However, seeing that his student still needed some directions, he pointed at the main temple down below "You can join the other monks for breakfast or dinner in there." Sub-Zero then turned himself and walked down the path "Rest well. We'll begin at dawn."

Danny nodded while he went back inside the temple and went to his bedroom. He lied on the made bed, watching the ceiling and thought "Hmmm. I wander how the others are doing? And… Ember." That last comment made him to blush as he thought about Ember. But trying to dismiss those thoughts he shook he head. But then felt his stomach growl again, Danny decided to go down to the main temple to get something to eat. After having stripped out of his jumpsuit and putted on some different clothes while transforming back to his human form, Danny started to walk down the hill.

After having found his way down and entered the main temple, Danny saw all the monks had gathered for dinner, all standing in line to get some food on their plates. Danny sighed "Great. Just like back at high school."

While Danny waited in line for his turn to have some food, he noticed that a few monks looked at him weirdly. Danny had noticed it and figured that it must've been because they still had to get used to him. When it was finally his turn, all that Danny was given was a bowl of rice with two chopsticks in it and a plate with some fried fish and a few vegetables.

"Danny! Over here." Kitty called to him from a table at the other side of the large room where also Ember and Johnny 13 were. Danny walked over to them, now truly feeling this was like high school all over again, but with Shaolin monks around instead.

As Danny sat together with his ghost friends, Ember got frustrated as she tried to use her eating sticks to get the rice "Damn it! I just can't get it to work!"

Johnny felt the same way as he held each stick in each hand "How can people eat with these things?"

Danny chuckled as he told Ember "I was that frustrated too when I tried to eat with sticks."

That earned him a glance from Ember.

"My sister Jazz had taught me." Danny explained as he held his chopsticks and showed them how it's done "See? You try to hold it like this and move with your index finger like this."

Ember tried it out herself and but it was hard for her to do.

Danny then softly held her hands, helping her how to hold the chopsticks "Here. Like this. Then you just…" realizing that he was holding Ember's hands, made him to look into her eyes, seeing that she was blushing, what made him to blush too as he then held his hands back "Oh… sorry."

"No, it's… it's fine, really." Ember said while trying to hide her blush, but the damage had already been done. She then noticed that she could now held the chopsticks perfectly and could eat easily.

Kitty thought it was cute what Danny and Ember just did, while Johnny to tried his luck and tried to grab a piece of vegetable with his chopsticks, but as he was about to take a bite, his vegetable slipped from his chopsticks and fell into a monk's tea cup. Kitty, Ember and Danny laughed at Johnny's embarrassment.

After a few minutes when their laughter had died out and Johnny had eventually figured out how to proper use his chopsticks, Danny wandered and asked "Where is Skulker actually?"

Ember just gave a shrug "Beats me. Probably he has all that he needs."

Just then, some chuckling was heard among the monks. Danny, Ember, Kitty and Johnny looked and saw the tiny blob version of Skulker walking across the room with a bowl of rice on top of his tiny head. The tiny Skulker growled out of annoyance as he finally had made it to the 'ghost table'. As he stopped, he nearly tripped while trying to hold up his bowl of rice, earning some chuckling from his fellow ghosts. He growled at them while trying to get up the table.

"Need a lift, little guy?" Johnny 13 asked while he grinned, what caused the others try and hold their laughter.

However, Tiny Skulker managed to finally get up the table and puts down his bowl and said in his squeaking noise "The great Skulker doesn't need any help."

That made nearly Kitty to choke in her food out of laughter as Skulker called himself great while he was so little.

Danny chuckled too, while he asked "What happened to your robotic suit, anyway?"

While trying to grab some rice, Tiny Skulker answered "My mentor, Sektor broke the facial part, that's what happened."

"How?"

Tiny Skulker rolled his eyes as he stated "He was talking about things like that I shouldn't be too confident with my robotic suit as it would be destroyed instantly by my first opponent in the tournament. I objected and told that no one can even touch the great Skulker, then he suddenly broke the face of my suit with such speed and grabbed ME out of it."

The others were for a moment speechless, imagining that the Lin Kuei assassin was capable to make Skulker's suit useless with just one hit.

Tiny Skulker took a bite from his rice as he further said "Well… he then told me that I better show more respect if I wish to survive the tournament, if I do, he'll show me things that would make my suit stronger and that I will somehow be more one with my suit."

Ember then admitted to the others "Cyrax was nearly telling me the same thing. After we were finally done cleaning that shithole he calls a place to train, I was frustrated that I couldn't play some on my guitar. He then gave me that look in the eyes that really scared me and told that I better show respect and dedication to improve myself, or my moaning will be dead before I could even say Mortal Kombat."

Kitty hadn't experienced that as she tried to remain friendly with Smoke, but said "Those Lin Kuei people sure mean it."

"And for good reason, Miss Kitty." Raiden said as he approached his ghost champions.

Surprised, Danny asked "Lord Raiden? How long have you been listening to what we were saying?"

"Long enough, Daniel." He then nodded that they should pay attention to the Shaolin Monks "Take the Shaolin for example. These man have dedicated their lives to become stronger not only physical, but spiritual as well. Their dedication gives them a chance to survive at the tournament and to safeguard Earthrealm from invasion. Take example to them, and your mentors. If you follow your mentors instructions, you will find a way to rediscover your powers and eventually reach your true potential." Raiden then left.

All five ghosts shared some looks. If what Raiden says is true, then there was no time for complaining and putting themselves fully to achieve the power they need to fight in Mortal Kombat.

Danny said "Raiden is right. This isn't the time to moan or act like this is a vacation spot. We're all into this and if we don't take this training seriously or showing respect to the people that are going to teach us things we could only dream of, Earthrealm is doomed." After short while, Johnny, Kitty and Ember all nodded. When all glanced at Tiny Skulker, he sighed and said "…I guess you're right."

From that moment on, they all vowed to take their training seriously.

As the days progressed, all four ghost champions had a difficult start to keep up with the training that their mentors had given to them. Johnny was being his ass kicked multiple times as he tried to stop Bo' Rai Cho from attacking. Ember tried hard to deflect Cyrax's attacks, but was mostly too late. Kitty had it hard to keep up with Smoke's speed, as he could just vanish like that and be at the other place to deliver the final blow. Though Skulker tried his best to improve the suit, thanks to Sektor's upgrades from the discontinued Cyber Initiative, his suit was still not good enough to keep up with the training sessions. And even Danny had it difficult to keep up with Sub-Zero's teaching, as he was both harsh and very serious in training him.

Luckily, they were able to find some advice from either Raiden or the Shaolin monks, who taught them the fighting style of Kung Fu and even meditating.

And beside of training under either the Lin Kuei or the Shaolin Monks, Danny and his ghost allies were also taught by Bo' Rai Cho what to expect what kind of fighters they would be fighting in the tournament. Shokans, Tarkatans, Saurians, Centaurs, Edenians, Osh-Tek warriors and elite Outworld soldiers. When Johnny asked his mentor how he knew so much about the creatures from Outworld, he stated that he himself was from Outworld, what surprised all five champions. Bo' Rai Cho explained that he was against Shao Kahn for a long time and to avoid capture, he was granted sanctuary in Earthrealm and was now training the Shaolin for the next tournament.

Danny kept in touch with his family back in Amity Park, though he had to wait for some days to contact them again because of the time difference because of Clockwork's device and also the time difference between China and the USA. But thankfully, his parents or his sister Jazz didn't suspected a thing. Dani however knew already where her big brother was and was eager to hear about all the training that he'd gone through, while she told how her daily patrols were with Valerie. Danny shared some information about his training and the place where he went to and promised his adoptive little sister to tell more once he was back.

Then, after more than 3 weeks of intense training, Danny suddenly found a way to achieve their full potential when he was meditating for hours. As he stated, he told that in order to become stronger and faster, they must find balance within themselves.

Once the other ghosts tried it out, they were slowly getting even better. Johnny was finally able to stop Bo' Rai Cho from kicking his ass. Kitty was able to move swiftly and fast as Smoke could. Ember's power and speed increased, as she used her guitar more effectively like a sword, making her to stop most of Cyrax's attacks and even delivered a few hits on her Lin Kuei mentor. Skulker had increasingly getting better at fighting and became even more one with his suit, in a way he'd never experienced. Danny too had been large improving and was even taught by Sub-Zero to use his ice powers far better than before, once Danny was able to 'rediscover' that power from within.

---

1 week after Danny and his ghost allies have started training

(Outworld – Shao Kahn's Palace)

A group of Tarkatan, Shokan and Osh-Tek warriors had taken over a dozen Outworlders to the prison under Shao Kahn's fortress. These Outworlders were part of another resistance cell that Kotal, leader of the Osh-Tek and General in Shao Kahn's army, had located after Shang Tsung had forcefully taken the information from the resistance leader Haros.

"Lock them up. Our emperor will make an example of them." Kotal called to his soldiers as they brought the prisoners into their cells, waiting for their possible execution. Kotal sighed as he walked away and asked himself "How many more of these rebels are out there?"

"That's still uncertain, but many more, I suppose." A soldier said to Kotal.

Kotal glanced at the soldier and said with a serious tone "You won't speak till your General asks you. Do you understand!?"

The soldier however chuckled as he suddenly morphed into the elderly sorcerer Shang Tsung "Always a pleasure, General Kotal."

Seeing that it was Shao Kahn's powerful sorcerer, Kotal apologized while making a bow "Shang Tsung. My apologies. I had no idea it was you."

Shang Tsung smirked "Appearances can be deceiving."

Kotal gave a nod and stated "The rebel cell that you've told us about has been taken care off. Over a hundred rebels dead, only thirteen captured. A few of my soldiers were wounded, but no casualties on our side."

"Excellent work, General Kotal." Shang Tsung said proudly, while giving an evil smirk and walked towards the prisoners to execute Shao Kahn's order for these prisoners: Death. Kotal walked further, not being in the mood of watching Shang Tsung killing the rebels by consuming their souls.

As he arrived at his quarters, the Osh-Tek leader began to think while opening the door 'If there are indeed more rebels that we've anticipated, this could-' his thoughts were interrupted when saw a naked women lying on his bed. He formed a smile when he saw that it was his lover, Jade.

"Welcome back, General." Jade softly says as she moved some hair behind her ear.

"Jade…" was all that Kotal could say as the Edenian warrior formed a seducing smile as she rose up from the bed and walked over to Kotal.

As Jade placed her arms around his neck, she says "I've missed you."

"Me too, Jade." Kotal softly answers before he planted a kiss on her lips. But then he broke the kiss and apologized "I'm sorry that I couldn't find the time to visit you. Shao Kahn keeps sending me and his army to-"

Jade interrupted him by kissing him. After a minute, she broke the kiss and said "Let's not talk about that. Now, I want you to take me Kotal, to make up for all the days you've been gone."

Kotal smiled at Jade and both embraced into a passionate kiss.

After many hours of love making, Kotal and Jade both lied on the bed, with Kotal staring at the ceiling while Jade embraced him.

Jade softly stroke Kotal's chin and asked "What's wrong?"

Kotal sighed as he said while still staring at the ceiling "It's these rebels we're keeping hunting down, Jade. Years ago, no one dared to stand up against Shao Kahn. Only fools would risk their lives to rise up. But now… more and more of these rebels cells are found."

Jade felt nearly the same worry too, but tried to ensure her lover "I know, but their leader is behind bars now. Without him, the rebels will probably lose the confidence to fight on?"

But that was when Kotal looked at Jade "What if it doesn't? What if these rebels are motivated by other than that rebel leader Haros?"

"But… by what?" Jade asked confused.

Kotal shook his head "I don't know, Jade. I just don't know."

At that moment, there was a knock on the door.

"Who is there?" Kotal asked.

"It's me, Princess Kitana." The voice behind the door answered, telling it was Kitana "Is Jade in there with you, General?"

Jade covered herself with the bed sheet and asked "I'm here, Kitana. What is it?"

Kitana didn't entered, but said "My… father has summoned us to see him, and you too General Kotal."

Jade sighed "We're coming." She called before she and Kotal stepped out of the bed and putted back on their clothes. As Jade had dressed back into her green cleavage skin-tight outfit, she picked her staff and retract it into a smaller one. She also picked her razorangs and placed it around her waist.

As Jade and Kotal walked out of his room, both saw that Kitana and Mileena have been waiting for them. Kotal made a bow to both Kitana and Mileena "Princesses."

Kitana and Mileena gave a small bow back as they walked towards Shao Kahn's throne room. Mileena saw that Jade was a bit embarrassed that she and Kitana knew that she was with Kotel. Mileena ensured her as she whispers "It's alright, Jade. You don't need to be ashamed of spending time with Kotal. He's a good man."

Jade felt appreciated that she said that "Thanks, Mileena."

A few minutes later, all arrived at Shao Kahn's throne room. Besides from the emperor and his wife, Sindel, sitting on their thrones, there were also many of Shao Kahn's followers present in the room: The Centaur General, Montaro. The Tarkatan leader, Baraka. The Shokan king, Gorbak. The elderly sorcerer, Shang Tsung. And last but not least, the Demon Necromancer from the Netherrealm, Quan Chi.

As Kotal joined the others, Jade and the two princesses walked over to their parents side, where Skarlet was already standing. For Mileena, Skarlet was standing a bit too close to Shao Kahn, what made Mileena grinned her teeth, but luckily no one could see her grind her teeth because of her mouth mask.

Kitana knew, just as her sister, that the Blood Magic mage had a crush for Shao Kahn and would do anything in order to make him fall for her and become his new queen. It sickened both Kitana and Mileena to even think if Skarlet will ever make their father theirs. But luckily, Shao Kahn had shown little interest in Skarlet and had always been faithful to Sindel. However, Mileena did wander that if their mother knows about Skarlet's attempts to seduce her husband, then why she didn't she do anything about it?

Once everyone had gathered, Shao Kahn and Sindel sat on their thrones and the emperor spoke "As the tournament is only a week from now, I trust that these 'rebel activities' have been dealt with? The last thing I want is some Outworlders ruin my chance to finally claim Earthrealm."

"I can ensure you, my emperor," Shang Tsung spoke "I made sure that our guest had told everything about every resistance cell still active in Outworld. There won't be any surprises when Mortal Kombat is declared."

Shao Kahn however wasn't so sure "I'm not taking any chances." He then called to the Osh-Tek leader "General Kotal. You will be in charge of the security during the tournament."

Kotal bowed "As you wish, my emperor."

Then Shao Kahn asked Gorbak, Baraka and Quan Chi "I expect the best fighters for this tenth and final victory for Outworld in Mortal Kombat. I trust you have those available to me?"

Gorbak made a bow before his emperor "The Shokan will always fight at your side, Shao Kahn. My son, Goro will fight, when the time comes. As for my other fighters, you'll be very satisfied with their assist."

As Shokan race had never disappointed his emperor, Shao Kahn made a nod "Very good."

That was when Sindel interrupted "May I suggest someone to be added to the Shokan warriors, husband?"

Shao Kahn glanced at his wife "Who do you have in mind, wife?"

Sindel called to her bodyguard "Sheeva!"

The female Shokan warrior stepped forward "Yes, my empress?"

"To ensure victory for my husband, I want you to participate in the tournament as well, on my behalf."

Sheeva felt honored and went on her knees before Sindel "Empress… I'm honored."

Shao Kahn gave a simple nod, giving his blessing to have Sindel's trusted bodyguard to participate on Outworld's behalf.

When Shao Kahn glanced at Baraka, the Tarkatan leader ensured his emperor "The Tarkatan tribe will fight and bring you victory, Shao Kahn!"

"Very good."

However, that was when the centaur General Montaro stepped forward "My emperor, on behalf of the Centaur race, I wish to participate in the tournament on behalf of Outworld."

Shao Kahn however was doubting, as the Centaurs hadn't ever satisfied him in any of the tournaments. But upon seeing that Montaro was willingly to volunteer for their honor to be restored, amused the emperor. He smirked and said "Very well, Montaro. You shall fight for Outworld in Mortal Kombat. But I warn you: If you fail me, the centaurs will never have any chance to be among my inner circle ever again."

Montaro made a bow "I will not fail you, Shao Kahn."

When Shao Kahn glanced at the necromancer demon from the Netherrealm, he asked the pale demon "Quan Chi. As the Netherrealm had always been my ally, I trust you have warriors available too?"

Quan Chi smirked as he gave a bow "I do, my emperor. I have 1 warrior that will sure bring your final victory on Earthrealm."

"Only 1 warrior, Quan Chi?" Shao Kahn asked surprised.

Suddenly, a bursts of hellfire appeared in the room. From the fire appeared a warrior, dressed in a black-yellow ninja outfit, with a yellow mouth mask, two swords attached to his back and a kunai attached to a robe tied to his belt. As he opened his pale white eyes, Shao Kahn showed some interest as he could sense the power of this new warrior of Quan Chi.

The pale demon introduced his champion "May I represent my champion, the last of the Shirai Ryu, resurrected from the depths of the Netherrealm: Scorpion."

Shao Kahn scratched his chin for a moment "Impressive, Quan Chi." Then Shao Kahn asked "Now that I know who will fight on my behalf, what about Earthrealm itself? Is there any news of what kind of champions I might expect?"

Shang Tsung answered for his emperor "My spies in Earthrealm have confirmed that the Shaolin monks and the Lin Kuei will fight on behalf of their realm."

Scorpion's grew furious when he heard the name of the Lin Kuei and called "I will kill every last of the Lin Kuei! If it's the last I'll do!"

Quan Chi patted him on the shoulders "Be patient, Scorpion. Soon, you'll have your revenge for the slaughter of your clan… and your family."

Scorpion sighed deep as he thought of the last moment before he died. The moment when the Lin Kuei had destroyed the Shirai Ryu, his wife killed without having a chance to defend herself. But worst of all, the slaughter of his young son by the hands of the Lin Kuei assassin Sub-Zero. Scorpion vowed before Sub-Zero killed him that he'll make him and the Lin Kuei pay for what they've done and would keep that vow 'Satoshi. Harumi. I swear, I will avenge you!'

As Shang Tsung stated that Sub-Zero had become the new master of the Lin Kuei, Shao Kahn was not pleased to hear the Lin Kuei had now switched their allegiance. But after the elderly sorcerer told that Raiden had chosen five ghosts as his new champions, Shao Kahn laughed out loud "Bwahahahahaha! Ghosts, from their own realm?! The thunder god must've become really desperate to search for fighters among their own dead!" even Sindel and a few others had to laugh.

But then Shang Tsung told "I wouldn't be so sure that they're as weak as anyone would think, my emperor."

That made Shao Kahn to stop laughing and asked very serious "Explain."

"My… spies had noticed that their training under the Shaolin and Lin Kuei had made them significantly stronger than before. Especially the one who is a human-ghost hybrid, who acts as a leader towards them. He'd even saved his own realm from a great disaster a few years ago, as far as I've heard."

"Is that so?" Shao Kahn asked with some interest.

The first thing that Shao Kahn wanted to do was to order Shang Tsung to get rid of these new champions and that halfbreed ghost, as they might become a threat for his victory in Mortal Kombat. However, Sindel showed some interest as she said "If they're really that strong, I'd like to meet them when they arrive in Outworld. Who knows? Perhaps when we've showed them all the pleasures that we have to offer, they could reconsider and join our side, as so many others have in the last few tournaments."

Shao Kahn agreed with his wife, reminding himself how they've influenced several Earthrealm warriors to join them in the last 3 Mortal Kombat tournaments "Yes… they could." He then glanced at Shang Tsung, ordering him "Keep a close eye on these ghosts, especially that half ghost you're talking about. Report anything interesting that might be beneficial to me."

"Of course, my lord." Shang Tsung bowed and left the throne room.

Shao Kahn then called his two daughters, the Edenian assassin and the Blood Magik mage before him. As all four stood before Shao Kahn, the emperor says "I have decided… that the four of you will participate in the tournament. I expect no failures."

All four of them bowed, with Kitana saying "We won't disappoint you, father."

Mileena added "For the glory of Outworld."

In the other hallway, far from Shao Kahn's throne room, Shang Tsung met with a stranger in long black robes and his face covered with a hood. Shang Tsung looked displeased as he told while frowning at him "I was under the impression that providing us the information to Raiden's chosen champions, that Earthrealm would be weaker in the tournament."

The figure didn't moved, but said "I only provided the information on the five champions to you. I never said that Raiden would choose new champions to his team, especially not Danny Phantom."

Shang Tsung raised an eyebrow at him "Seems to me you know quite a lot about this, Danny Phantom."

The figure formed an evil smirk "That I do."

---

6 days later…

(Earthrealm – Wu Shi Academy)

Danny was about to have a one on one match with Sub-Zero at the Lei Tai center platform.

Danny, now wearing a blue training pants, sport shoes and white shirt, transformed into his ghost form as he stood ready to face his mentor.

"Let's see if all the training had finally pushed you enough to fight in Mortal Kombat, Daniel." Sub-Zero said, hoping that Danny had been training far enough to participate in the tournament.

Danny grinned as he stood battle ready "You'll be surprised, master."

FIGHT!

Both Danny and Sub-Zero delivered many punches and kicks, trying to gain the upper hand on each other, but ever time, their attacks were blocked. Then, Danny used a combination of both Lin Kuei fighting skills and of the Shaolin, delivering several kicks before finding an opening and punched a powerful green ecto punch to Sub-Zero's chest, sending him far back!

Some of the Shaolin monks who'd watched Sub-Zero and Danny fight were amazed that Danny had become so strong and fast in the 2 and a half months of training under the Clockwork dome (as they called the energy field around the Shaolin temples now). Ember, Kitty and Johnny were cheering for Danny.

As Sub-Zero rubbed his chest, he frowned while forming many ice projectiles and fired them on Danny. With his speed, Danny was able to dodge them and them jumped high, formed an ice sword in his hands and strike on Sub-Zero, only to be blocked with his wrists! Danny then quickly kicked Sub-Zero's hands up, giving Danny another opening and with his newly gained power, delivered dozens of punches and kicks with such speed and then a strong one to Sub-zero's thy, nearly breaking his ribs, sending him flying away till he hit the face of one of the statues!

Sub-Zero frowned at Danny and then jumped from the statue, sending many ice projectiles at Danny, who was able to dodge many of them, but was hit by one in his leg! When Sub-Zero landed, he used this opportunity to deliver several kicks at Danny, who was able to block them and dodged the last one near his head.

Danny then knew what to do. He quickly made a split and delivered a hard Nut Punch against Sub-Zero's balls!

As Sub-Zero grunted in pain, Danny headbutted him hard, performed a summersault and delivered a hard kick in Sub-Zero's face, sending him flying backwards to the wall! Sub-Zero grunted as he fell on his knees and then his belly to the ground.

All the Shaolin were amazed with what Danny had shown. Ember yelled for Danny "Yeah, Danny! You did it!"

DANNY PHANTOM WINS!

Sub-Zero grunted as he tried to get up. Danny offered him his hand. Sub-Zero smiled as he took his hand and stood up. Though Danny was still amazed that he was able to defeat his mentor in combat.

Out of respect, the Lin Kuei master bowed before Danny.

Danny smiled and bowed before his mentor.

That evening, Danny, Kitty, Ember, Johnny 13 and Skulker all sat together around a small campfire.

Johnny congratulated Danny with his victory "That was awesome what you did just there, Danny."

Kitty agreed with Johnny "Hell yeah. All those monks were like 'whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?'. Hahahaha!"

Danny felt modest about their compliments, but said "C'mon guys. You all have showed much progress as much as I have." He then glanced at Ember "I mean, you had almost beaten Cyrax a few days ago, Ember."

Ember shrugged but felt some disappointment "Yeah, nearly. But it still wasn't good enough. What if I'm not… strong enough for the tournament?" she said as she felt unsure if she was ready.

That was when Danny ensured her "Hey, don't say that you feel that you're not ready. You've worked really hard to reach where you're right now."

Ember blushed after he'd said that "Yeah… maybe you're right."

Skulker frowned at Danny for his attempts to get closer to Ember, still being jealous of how Danny got along with his ex-girlfriend. Though he was mostly keeping to himself while training and upgrading his suit thanks to Sektor, Skulker deep down had hoped that Ember would come back to him. But so far, that hasn't happened.

As Danny checked his watch, he remembered to make a video call back home "I'll be right back. I need to make a call back home."

While Skulker didn't respond, the other gave a nod to Danny while Ember said "Sure. See you soon, Danny." As she gave him a little wave as he walked up to the path to his resting place, Danny gave a little wave back before proceeding. Ember blushed deeply red again as she looked away while trying to suppress a smile.

Kitty formed a grin as she sat next to Ember, asking while whispering "Ember."

Ember glanced at Kitty "What?"

"Why don't you just go to him and tell what you feel?"

Again, Ember blushed "I… uhhh… don't know. I know… he's cute and… so strong and brave…" she said in her dreamy voice while whispering. But then she shook her head "But, no. Not yet. Not while we have to go and safe the world from an evil emperor from another realm." Kitty wasn't so convinced, making Ember to ensure her "I'll tell him. Someday."

Kitty just crossed her arms "Sounds more like you're never gonna tell him." just as Ember was trying to find an excuse, Kitty reminded her as she formed a smirk "Ember. I've seen you peaking on him when he's training all himself… without his shirt on… revealing his muscled body… getting you turned on…" she started to tease.

Ember now blushed really deep when Kitty mentions that she'd seen her spying on the guy she had started to have feelings for.

Kitty then pulled Ember up and pushed her to where Danny had walked over to "C'mon, Em. It's now or never."

Ember was first against this, but as she thought it over, she sighs and says in her whispering voice "Okay, fine! I'll go." And then walks up the path to Danny's resting place.

Kitty smirked as she crossed her arms while watching Ember finally going to tell her dipstick that she loves him. Kitty then glanced at Skulker, seeing that he hadn't even paid attention to what she and Ember were talking about and was just checking his systems on his robotic wrist.

Kitty narrowed her eyes as she mentally thought 'I can see now why it never worked out between him and Ember. He's always just busy with himself and nobody else.'

As Danny was about to start the videocall on his phone, Danny wanted to first call Dani. When the call was about to go through, the screen suddenly showed not only Dani, but Valerie as well. Danny's mouth fell wide open when he saw the both of them making out on the chair before the computer and were half naked!

Feeling embarrassed of what he saw, Danny cleared his throat "Uhm… Danielle?"

Both Dani and Valerie stopped tongue kissing when both glanced at the screen. Both screamed as they covered themselves. Dani quickly pulled the cam to her face "Danny! What the hell!?" she asked with bot embarrassment and angry.

Danny apologized as he shook his head of what he saw "I… I'm sorry, Dani! I didn't knew that you and Valerie were…" but then he paused and asked with a suspicious look on his face "Wait a minute. Are you and Valerie dating?"

Dani was quite for a moment before she nervously laughed "Hahahaha. Surprise…"

Danny couldn't almost believe that what he'd just witnessed had confirmed his suspicions of Dani being acting weird when she was about to spend more time with Valerie. Dani was in love with Valerie, and clearly Valerie was sharing the same feelings towards his adoptive little sister. Danny then smiled as he told his little sister "Hey, it's okay, Dani. I don't care that you're a lesbian. I think it's actually great that you've found a great girl to spend time with."

Seeing how supportive her brother was, Dani felt relieved "Thanks big brother. Now I only need to tell mom and dad."

Danny raised an eyebrow "Oh? They don't know it yet?"

"No. But Jazz does." Dani then blushed as she explained "She uhm… caught us having sex yesterday."

Danny nearly had to laugh but tried to suppress it "Man… that must've been embarrassing. How'd she take it?"

Dani rolled her eyes "Ugh! She was all like; you're way too young to have sex at your age, Danielle, especially with a women whose older than you. Pff! Who's she to judge? I mean, she'd lost her virginity when she was just 14, so-" Dani quickly covered her mouth, having accidentally revealed one of Jazz's secrets to Danny "Oh crap."

"Wait?! What do you mean Jazz lost her virginity when she was-" Danny demanded to know before being interrupted by Dani.

"Uh… (making static sounds) Danny are you there? (More static sounds) I can't hear you, I… (making more stating sounds)"

Dani then hangs up the phone.

"Dani? Hello?" realizing that Dani had just faked to just get Danny of the line, he narrowed his eyes as he thought out loud "Jazz has some explaining to do when I come home."

"Explaining what?" Ember asked, who'd stood behind Danny, having heard what he just said.

Surprisingly, Danny turned himself, seeing that it was Ember. He smiled and answered "Oh… uhm… something that Dani had just revealed about my big sister that I clearly wasn't supposed to know." but then he asked Ember as he puts his phone away "But, what are you doing here?"

Ember sighed as she sat next to him "Uhm… well…" having trouble to find the right words, she started to blush again "I was just curious how… your family was doing."

Danny raised an eyebrow as Ember had never asked that before. But feeling some happiness grow in him when Ember sat next to him, he answered "Oh… they're doing alright. They still hope that I won't keep too long than anticipated as I need to get myself also prepared for my astronaut training in Florida after the summer." However, that was when Danny became quiet and started to feel some doubt in him.

Ember was confused why he was like this, so she asked softly "What is it?"

Danny didn't know how to tell this, but tried his best "It's just… I…. I don't know if I want to become an astronaut."

"Really? But why?"

Danny and Ember moved a bit closer as he started to tell "Honestly… I was feeling like this long before my final exams. It felt like… something inside me told me that that kind of life I wanted to have for myself wasn't the right choice. But also… this superhero thing… I'd like to do it and keep Amity Park and the world a better place, but it's only a voluntary job and not something I'll be paid for." Danny scratched the back of his head "I guess… that was mostly the reason I agreed to participate on the Mortal Kombat tournament. It wasn't just to save the world again… it was maybe… a chance for me to find something else, something I truly want to do with my life. A chance to… find a new destiny."

Ember was first surprised at what Danny was saying, but then she formed a smile and told with honesty "Well… that makes two of us." Danny raised an eyebrow when she said that. Ember sighed as she started to tell "You see, Danny…. Before I… and the other ghosts helped you to save the world from the Disasteroid, I was first always plotting to find a way to get back to the human world and trying to take over it with my songs. But… after we helped you… when I helped you… I began to think that what I was doing… wasn't right and… realizing that without the human world the Ghost-Zone would cease to exist, I began to see… how precious life and afterlife can be."

Now Danny was surprised to hear that, but that made so much more sense to him "So… that's why you stopped trying to invade the human world…?"

Ember shrugged "Yeah… guess my consciousness finally knocked some sense into me, huh?" she finished while forming a small smile.

Now it was Danny's turn to say "Well… honestly… when you didn't came to try and take over the world with your songs… it did felt a bit empty."

"Empty?" Ember asked confused.

"Yeah, well… besides from me and you always fighting till I capture you in the Fenton Thermos… honestly, Em… you're a heck of a girl and all your songs are amazing."

"You… like my songs?" Ember asked feeling modest while trying to hide her blush.

"Well, yeah. Well, without the trying to hypnoses in it… all those songs of yours are really cool. Heck, I even have several of your CD's at my place." That last word Danny spoke out accidentally.

Ember felt like she was now blushing 3 colors 'Oh my gosh…! He… he actually likes my songs?! Oh God it's like… it's like I feel…! Man, is it hot in here or what?' she mentally struggled with herself while accidentally forming a small smile while looking away, feeling she had butterflies in her tummy and her heart rate increased.

Seeing that Ember was very modest about him being secretly a fan of her songs, made Danny to blush and look away.

Trying to change the subject, he asked Ember "You know… Ember…?"

"Yes?"

"I… uhh… I was wandering…"

Ember moved a little closer to Danny "Yes?"

Danny gulped while trying to say "Uhm…. Why did you actually left Box Ghost and the Lunch Lady's wedding last year?"

Ember raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Danny nervously smiled "Uh… hehehehe… you know, after the whole ordeal with Skulker? I… couldn't find you after that."

"Oh." Ember now understood, but feeling that Danny wanted to say something else than that. But she answered anyway after giving a shrug "Well… I was actually a bit confused. You know, when we danced… and we talked… and we nearly… kissed." That thought made he to blush again "It's just that… you're only a half ghost and… I am a full ghost. But you know? A few days after that… I wanted to visit you… but with your parents being ghost hunters and keeping an eye on the Portal in your house more often…" clearly she just was trying to find an excuse to being chicken out every time she wanted to go and see him.

Danny held her close with his arms, what made her to gasp for a moment, but then smiled as Danny asked "Well… if you hadn't left… or did came to visit… I would've…"

"What?" she asked softly.

"Well… maybe you and I… could have… got to know each other better. More than how we've known each other so far after just beating each other up."

"You mean… like a date?" Ember asked

Danny gave a nod "Yeah…"

Ember felt in her mind like a huge weight had dropped from her shoulder 'He… he would've go out with me? He still would have dated me?! Oh God, now I feel so stupid for not coming sooner. He's so… cute and…. Wait? What am I saying? Am I really… in love with Danny?'

Both just looked into each other's eyes. Now words came from their mouths.

Danny slowly moved his face closer to Ember. Both slowly closed their eyes… their lips… only a few inches away from each other….

Suddenly, both heard someone coming. They looked at where they came from while standing up and being in battle mode "Who's there?" Danny demanded.

But as the figure approached, both Danny and Ember were relieved it was only Raiden "Oh. Raiden. It's you." Then again, she was also disappointed that lord Raiden had disturbed their moment just now.

As Raiden approached his two champions, he asked them "I hope I don't interrupt something?"

Both Danny and Ember glanced to each other for a moment before glancing back at Raiden, with Danny saying "No, not at all. What's up?"

"As Clockwork's item stops working tomorrow at dawn, I wanted to speak to you both, and also Kitty, Johnny 13 and Skulker."

Danny was surprised to learn that the 3 months of extra time are already over, having stopped counted the days as he and his friends had been so focused on training. Ember too hadn't even realized that the 3 months were nearly over. But then she wandered "What is it that you want to talk about, Raiden?"

Raiden raised his hand "All will be explained with your friends together. Now, follow me." The thunder god stated and walked down the path, with Danny and Ember following him.

Along the way, both Danny and Ember glanced to each other for a moment, but then quickly looked away while both were blushing and forming a small smile.

Once Raiden, Danny and Ember had meetup with the others at the campfire, Johnny, Kitty and Skulker stood up.

Raiden then started to tell what he had to say "There is something else that you all should know; The reason why fate had chosen you to fight for Earthrealm in Mortal Kombat."

Wandering what it was about, Kitty asked Raiden "What do you mean?"

"I have foreseen events, like memories of my future and of Earthrealm. My future self had send them to me, to ensure a certain outcome… or to prevent one."

Confused at what Raiden meant by that, the ghost champions all exchanged looks to each other. However, Danny, being more experienced when it came to disturbing the flow of time, asked Raiden "What have you foreseen, Raiden?"

With some worriedness, Raiden answered "In my visions, Shao Kahn becomes invincible and destroys all life in Earthrealm. When I had my first vision, the same day when I and Clockwork invited you to participate in the tournament, I foresaw that several of my best chosen fighters had suddenly gone… missing."

"Missing?" Ember asked "How?"

Raiden shook his head "I do not know. When I investigated, it was like they were suddenly vanished from the face of the earth." He then takes off his now cracked amulet and showed it to Danny and his ghost allies "This amulet was forged by the Elder Gods, millions of years ago. It cracked here in the present after my first vision." He then repeated the last words that his future self had sended to him "'Ask Clockwork for help.' Those were my last words before my future self died. When I came to see Clockwork, he knew what had to be done and suggested all five of you to take my former champions places."

That was when Johnny asked Raiden in an sort of angry mode "So what? Now that your 'first champions' were out of the way, you came to ask us?! What were we, the reserves?!"

Raiden shook his head "No. It was fate that had chosen you. In my visions, I foresaw what had happened when I came to ask for Clockwork's aid too late. Everyone, including all ghosts, all died, with the survivors being forced to be slaves of Outworld forever."

Skulker scowled at the thunder god "Well, at least you could have told us this before we decided to join in the tournament!"

"If I had, none of you would have participated." Raiden calmly answered.

As the others were at the point they were doubting if they should trust the thunder god, Danny called out "Listen! I know you guys are not happy to hear about this now, just as I am. But unlike you, I know more about dark futures and what happens if the timelines has been drastically changed by anyone's actions."

Johnny then answered, remembering that story when Danny had told him and Kitty about "You mean like the time you traveled back to the past to try and find a cure for ecto-acne but had therefor changed the future of your parents and that of Vlad Plasmius?"

Danny sighed, feeling bad for nearly destroying his own future by preventing his archnemesis to have that accident that had gotten his ghost powers in the first place and accidentally had his father to have that accident "Yes. But I a fixed that, remember?" he and Kitty nodded as Danny continued "What I'm trying to say is; we've already come so far where we wanted to be, have become stronger that none of us even thought was possible. If this is what is needed to prevent our world from being destroyed by Shao Kahn, then I'm with you anyway, lord Raiden."

Raiden formed a smile, seeing that Danny was still willing to help despite not being told the entire truth just yet.

Ember stepped forward "Me too, Raiden. Even though you weren't completely honest with us. I won't let any dipstick to mess with our world."

"So are we." Kitty said as she and Johnny stepped forward "Besides, it would be a totally waist for not showing those Outworlders what we've got." Johnny nodded.

Skulker just crossed his arms, but said "Though I'm only doing this so that I'll become a stronger hunter, I'm in for the longer run."

Raiden felt glad that his new chosen champions were still in to fight on behalf of Earthrealm "Thank you." As he looked at his amulet one more time, he then said before placing his amulet back on his robe "I few choose wisely, the future will be secured and the cracks healed. We must trust in the Elder Gods."

Just then, the ghost's mentors approached, together with the eldest of the Shaolin council members. The old man spoke to the ghosts "Daniel Fenton. Ember McLain. Johnny 13. Kitty. Skulker. When you all arrive here, you were misguided, unbalanced, disrespectful and even undisciplined. But… your devotion, your determent to improve not only yourselves physically… but spiritually as well during your training under the Shaolin and the Lin Kuei, has given us all hope that you can truly safe Earthrealm from a terrible fate."

Sub-Zero then stepped forward and told "We all have watched your progress, and all of us, including Bo' Rai Cho have agreed. All five of you are now true warriors. You are ready… to fight in Mortal Kombat."

All the ghost champions formed a small smile and out of respect for their mentors, bowed before them, thanking them for all they've taught them. And yes, even Johnny 13 had finally learned some humility. Bo' Rai Cho placed his hand on his shoulder and gave him a nod.

Danny then said to his mentor "I thank you for all you've taught me, master Sub-Zero."

Sub-Zero then told him "Bi-Han."

"What?" Danny asked confused.

"My name… is Bi-Han." Sub-Zero answered, revealing his true name was Bi-Han. Danny gave a nod.

Raiden then held up the black orb, making the entire blue energy being sucked back into the orb. As he placed the orb back in his pocket, Raiden spoke "Rest well, ghost warriors. Tomorrow, we leave for Outworld."

As everyone started to leave, only Danny and Ember stayed for a little while. Both looked into each other's eyes while blushing "So… uhm… goodnight, Ember." Danny softly said.

Ember formed a sweet smile "Goodnight…" and planted a kiss on his cheek before walking to her resting place.

---

The next morning…

(Earthrealm – Port of Hong Kong)

All stepped on board an old Chinese ship that was under the protections of Raiden, to bring his chosen warriors to Outworld. Once everyone was on board, the ship set sail from the harbor, heading into seas.

Aboard, were all those who will fight for Earthrealm: Sub-Zero and his friends, Cyrax, Sektor and Smoke, including several other Lin Kuei assassins who were chosen by their grand master to fight in the tournament. Over a dozen Shaolin Monks who were meditating below decks. Danny and his ghost allies stood on the bow, watching the horizon as to where they were heading to.

Danny took a moment to admire the new outfit that he'd suggested that he and his ghost friends should wear in the tournament. It was a similar outfit like those Cobra Kai fighters from the movie the Karate Kid, but was in black and white, had the Danny Phantom symbol on the back and wearing black combat boots. Ember, Kitty and Johnny 13 too wear a same outfit, though Skulker refused to wear an outfit like that and preferred his own.

Johnny, who was putting on a headband, said "I gotta give it to you, Danny. Having these outfits is awesome."

Danny gave a shrug "We're team, right? I figured that some new costumes would suit you better and it was also a way to show you guys that you're not just my team members, but also my friends."

Kitty walked up to Danny, saying "You really didn't had to make us to wear these to show that we're your friends, Danny." Then she shrugged "But it's nice of you anyway."

Ember nodded as she took her guitar and played some strings on it widely "Hell yeah! Oh, how I've missed this when we were training!"

Danny chuckled "Hehehehe. Rock'n'roll, Ember."

"We are approaching the Veil." Raiden said while keeping staring to the horizon, as a thick fog came up.

Confused, Danny asked Raiden as he walked up to him "The Veil?"

Raiden nodded as he answered "It is the space between realms, to prevent Outworld from merging with Earthrealm. When Mortal Kombat is approaching, the veil will severe, so that warriors from both realms can join."

Feeling not alright while moving through the fog, Danny and his ghost allies felt… weird.

Skulker came to ask Raiden "What kind of force is all of this. It's almost like we're landing a completely different planet."

"That is partly true, Skulker." Raiden answered "Because Outworld does not have a 'Ghost-Zone' like Earthrealm, the feeling of coming into Outworld the first time might feel… unpleasant. Be assured, you'll get used to it."

As it seemed like hours, everyone in the vessel just waited for the fog to disappear. While the Shaolin Monks and Lin Kuei all waited patiently, the ghost warriors did feel a kind of nervousness.

Johnny 13 sighed to himself as she sat down next to Kitty, who was file her nails with a nail file. Kitty felt bored as she sighed "If I'd know that this boat trip would take this long, I would have brought a few magazines with me."

Ember was playing a slow song on her guitar to pass the time.

Danny looked down the water from the side, seeing suddenly enormous sea creatures swimming close to the boat "Whoa…" Danny said with surprise.

Sub-Zero had joined Danny and stated "Be assured. This vessel is under Lord Raiden's protection. As long we remain on board, nothing bad will happen."

"That's… reinsuring." Danny said, before noticing that the fog was slowly disappearing "Hey, the fog is going away."

Sub-Zero nodded "Yes. We're now in Outworld."

As the other ghosts had heard what Sub-Zero said while the fog slowly vanished, all looked at the side where he and Danny were standing, with Ember standing close to Danny. Johnny then spots an island in the distance "Hey look. Is that where the tournament is going to be held?"

Raiden, who'd joined them shook his head "No. That is Shang Tsung's island."

"Shang Tsung? You mean that evil sorcerer you told us about?" Danny asked.

Raiden gave a nod.

Ember then wandered and asked the thunder god "Raiden, you once told us that Shang Tsung was once a chosen champion of Earthrealm. What happened to him?"

Raiden stated, answering Ember's question "A long time ago, when Shao Kahn challenged Earthrealm, Shang Tsung was indeed one of the chosen to defend it from Outworld in Mortal Kombat. Though Earthrealm was successful in defeating Shao Kahn's warriors, thanks to the Great Kung Lao, Shang Tsung wanted to win by cheating. The Elder Gods were furious and punished him by speeding up his old age. Shao Kahn thus offered Shang Tsung to be able to live far longer than any human life, by joining his side and swear his allegiance to the emperor. Shang Tsung, blinded by power, took up Shao Kahn's offer and learned to use the dark arts from the emperor. Now, that sorcerer lives by absorbing people's souls, in order to remain alive. That man… is not to be trusted."

Danny nodded as they sailed pass Shang Tsung's island.

After another hour of sailing, they neared a port upon the horizon. Danny sighed deep.

Ember asked him "Nervous?"

Danny gave a nod.

"Yeah… me too."

Slowly, Danny moved his right hand down to Ember's left hand, softly taking it.

Ember looked at Danny and both formed a small smile as they returned their glance to the Outworld's port where far behind the town was Shao Kahn's large palace. Both Ember and Danny formed a determent look on their face, same as Kitty, Johnny 13 and Skulker. They were ready… to save their realm… in Mortal Kombat.

A/N: There we go fellas. Our ghost heroes have arrived in Outworld to participate in Mortal Kombat. I know it feels like what Kitana en Mileena are going through with their feelings is like incest. But I have something in mind for that part (but I'm keeping that as a surprise)

Haros is an OC character that'll play some role later on in the story, but I'm not going to spoil anything.

So, prepare yourselves as in the next part, Raiden's chosen warriors are gonna meet Shao Kahn the first time and preparing themselves for their first fights. It'll be a blast and I will do my best to make them more detailed than in this chapter. And also how Danny's and Ember's love for each other blossoms ;)

Now… just imagine the Mortal Kombat song in my own version:

Test your might…

(…)

Test your might…

(…)

Test your might…

(…)

Test your might…

MORTAL KOMBAAAAAAAAAAAAT!

(…)

Cyrax

Sektor

Smoke

Montaro

Jade

Kitana

Scorpion

Sub-Zero

Kano

Baraka

Ember

Mileena

Johnny 13

Kintaro

Skulker

Raiden

Danny Phantom

Shang Tsung

Reptile

Goro

Kabal

Kitty

Skarlet

Haros

Sindel

Ermac

Sheeva

Kotal

Quan Chi

Noob Saibot

Shao Kahn

MORTAL KOMBAAAAAAAAAAAAT!