"Who among you wishes to make this journey?" an elder asked. Liu remained standing, and immediately, Kitana and Sonya rose. Jax looked at Sonya, sighed, and stood as well.
"This guy better be worth it, Sons," he whispered. She closed her eyes for a split second before replying confidently.
"Worth dying for, Jax."
A smile graced the lips of the monk, and a bright flash of light filled the square. When it cleared, the three Elder Gods were standing before them. The monks bowed down, as did Liu and Kitana. Sonya and Jax lowered their heads in respect, but looked back up when Rayden spoke. Liu and Kitana stood, joining their companions.
"I told you I would see you again!" he said triumphantly. "The four of you are about to embark on a strenuous quest. You will travel into the deeps of Yowan, through the Underealm. I will not lie to you; no one who has ever attempted this mission has succeeded without losses." He looked at each warrior in turn before the female god addressed them.
"We will not be able to assist you, but there will be others to guide you, if you seek them." Then the other male.
"Take this scroll," a rolled up parchment flew to Liu Kang, who caught it deftly from the air. "Present it to the Soul Keeper." Liu handed the scroll to Sonya, then turned back to the gods.
"How do we get to Yowan?"
"There is a portal in Outworld which will take you to the Underealm. There you will be given further instruction." Rayden stepped closer. "There are still many who are loyal to Kahn. Be on your guard, for there are those far worse than he roaming those lands. Good luck..." his voice faded as he and the other gods vanished. They turned to Kitana.
"Well," Liu said, "how do we get to Outworld?" Kitana smiled and held out her hands.
"I will take us there. My mother has returned to the castle, but I will ask her assistance."
"No, we will do this on our own. Johnny's our friend, it's our fight." Kitana smiled as they grabbed her hands. She closed her eyes, focusing her inner strength, channeling it to create the rift.
Light shone from a small hole in the middle of the square, which grew larger and more colorful as the four warriors were whisked away. They landed in Outworld, noticing the absence of Kahn's influence immediately. The streets were no longer cluttered with fallen debris and broken statues. People were milling about, still unsure as to what to do. Upon seeing Princess Kitana, many fell to their knees, praising her and honoring her.
Sonya shook off the disconcerting feeling of traveling between realms and followed Kitana to the palace.
As they entered, many servants bowed humbly and thanked them all. Jax noticed a few who were less than happy, and kept his eyes on them until they were out of sight. Kitana entered the Throne Room, smiling at seeing her mother sitting in her rightful place.
"Mother, we ask your assistance in transportation to the Underealm." Sindel rose.
"The Underealm! My daughter, that is a perilous realm! What is the purpose of this?" she demanded.
"We are on a quest for Johnny's soul. We must travel to Yowan and restore him to his place in Earth realm." Sindel smiled softly.
"My beautiful Kitana, please be careful. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you." Kitana embraced her mother.
"I promise, Mother."
Sindel smiled, and clapped her hands. "You are not going anywhere tonight. You have all been through a terrible ordeal, and I am ordering you all to rest tonight before setting off. Tomorrow morning, I will open the portal." Sonya looked like she was about to protest, but Liu placed a hand on her shoulder.
"That will be fine," he said, squeezing his friend's shoulder. Sonya's mouth snapped shut, and she glared at the Mortal Kombat champion. Kitana kissed her mother once more and led them all to their rooms. Kitana settled Sonya in her old room, complete with walk-in closet, and then showed the guys down the hall.
Sonya collapsed into the bed, not even bothering to change her clothes, and finally allowed herself to grieve over Johnny's death.
