Liu Kang and Kung Lao stared at the sky after hearing Raiden's message. Both looked at their fallen Shaolin brothers' bodies.
"Not again…" Liu said, softly.
"We can't worry about them now, Liu. We've got to go and meet with the others." Kung said.
"The question is: How do we get there? Our friends are over in America."
"Hmm, yes, that does pose a problem."
"Well, we'll find a way." Liu said, sighing. "Hopefully."
With that the two traveled west, hoping to find some way to travel over into America.
O-O-O
Meanwhile in New York, Sindel had watched the souls ascend into the skies with sheer delight. Her husband had no doubt already arrived: it was only a matter of time before they would be reunited.
"Sindel…"
Sindel looked behind her to see a portal opening behind her. Sindel turned around, preparing herself for anything, but she knew who it was.
"It is I…" Shao Kahn stepped through the portal, holding out his hand. "Your husband."
"Yes, I know." Sindel said, walking towards Kahn, taking his hand in her own.
"You've been gone a long time, my dear. Too long actually." Kahn said, taking her in both of his arms. "It was a horrible tragedy 10,000 years ago when we lost you."
"I imagine so." Sindel said, smiling.
"But you are back now. That's all that matters. Welcome home, my love. Welcome home."
O-O-O
As Sonya and Jax watched the last of their fellow Special Forces agents fall to the ground, they knew that they had to leave immediately.
Jax got Sonya onto her feet. "Come on girl, we gotta go."
"But where?" Sonya asked.
"I don't know, but we can't stay here. Kahn's probably sent guys after us. We'll be killed. Best we stay on the move."
"Alright." Sonya said. "But how can we?"
"We'll take one of the jets." Jax said. "Come on!"
"Wait! We gotta go to Hollywood first."
"What?" Jax yelled, surprised. "Why?"
"Well, Johnny's there and, well." Sonya said, blushing.
"But Sonya, you hate him! Don't you?"
"Well, yeah, I do… it's just that he's a good fighter."
"Yeah, sure." Jax said. It was clear to him that Sonya was in denial. He had just now caught onto what was going on. "Well, I guess you're right. Let's go."
O-O-O
Speaking of Johnny Cage, he had stopped his car after hearing Raiden's message.
"So that's it, huh?" he said, softly. "I didn't really want this invasion to ever actually happen."
Stepping out his car and throwing off his shirt, Cage prepared himself for anything. "OK, well let's see here. Raiden didn't exactly tell us where to go. So what do I do now?"
"You die."
"Huh?" Cage said, surprised.
Cage turned around to see a Centaur standing in the middle of the road, surprised, Cage assumed that he was one of Shao Kahn's assailants.
"What do you want?" Cage asked.
"I'm here to kill you, you are Johnny Cage correct?" Motaro said, looking at a piece of paper.
"That's me." Cage said, proudly.
"Very well then, you will die today. At my hand." Motaro said, throwing the paper aside.
"Oh, yeah?" Cage called out. "You and what army?"
Suddenly behind Motaro, a portal opened and at least a dozen centaurs appeared behind him. Shocked and a little scared, Cage stepped back:
"I'm gonna have to learn to stop saying things like that."
O-O-O
In Shao Kahn's palace, Kitana was being led out of the dungeons, her wrists manacled in front of her. Reptile and Ermac were leading her to an unknown destination. She had been given a new outfit and a new mask. Her hair had been tied in a knot.
"Where are you taking me?" Kitana asked, without even looking at either.
"It is not your business to know." Ermac said, pushing her forward.
They soon passed by the great hall where apparently most of Kahn's subordinates had gathered. Shao Kahn apparently had news for them, Ermac and Reptile stopped and turned to look, Kitana did as well. Apparently she would know finally learn what it was Kahn resurrected.
What she saw when she first gazed in was something she never expected to see again: it was her sister, Mileena. But, Mileena had been killed in battle with Kitana. There was no way she could be alive. Could she have been what they resurrected? No, not likely. For she knew of this resurrection plans long before Mileena met her demise.
Mileena looked over and saw Kitana with her wrists manacled in front of her. Suddenly Mileena was overcome with a deep rage. Not just for Kitana, but for Shinnok as well. Kitana was right there, perfect opportunity for her to exact her revenge for what she did to her, but yet she was confined to serve her new master.
Suddenly, Mileena could hear Kitana was thinking about, she could hear her confusion. Surprised, Mileena revered back. "Is this that gift Shinnok gave me?"
Just then, Shao Kahn entered the room, standing in front of the vast crowd, he apparently already knew that Mileena was back, as he took real notice of her.
He gathered before his followers, he quieted them as he started to speak. "Warriors and allies, allow me to introduce your new queen, she had been taken from me many years ago, but now she has returned. She was the key to our successful merger, although it is not yet complete."
Kitana gasped, fear had overcome her. "No, it can't be…"
"All hail QUEEN SINDEL!" Kahn bellowed as Sindel revealed herself, Kahn's subordinates began to cheer.
Suddenly Kitana began to run towards the doorway, she had to talk with Sindel.
"NO! NO! THAT'S MY…" Kitana started, suddenly Ermac grabbed her from behind and clamped his hand over her mouth silencing her yells, though there was no need, her yells were died down by the crowd's cheers.
"You may not enter the great hall." Said Ermac as he dragged the struggling Kitana away.
"Mmmpphh! Mmpphh!" Kitana yelled into his hand as she tried to break free from Ermac's grip. Soon she was dragged out of sight.
Sindel did, however, catch a glimpse of Kitana and deeming this sight as unimportant quickly turned her attention away.
"My dear Sindel. This is Sheeva." Kahn said. "She's been assigned to guard you."
Sheeva bowed before Sindel. "I am at your service, my queen."
Sindel nodded.
Meanwhile, as Kitana was being led further away, she saw another ninja walking past them, unlike Reptile or Ermac, this ninja was clad in purple. The ninja's name was Rain, although Kitana had no way of knowing this.
The two exchanged a quick glance as Rain walked by. Rain walked into the Great Hall, making his way through the crowd, when he reached the Emperor, he bowed and got on one knee.
"Great Shao Kahn. I bring word that we found an Earthrealm warrior."
"And?" Kahn asked.
"It's safe to say that he has been disposed of."
"Excellent. Do you know who this warrior was?"
"No. This warrior was not on the list. Nevertheless, he must've been a Chosen Warrior, otherwise his soul would not have been spared."
"I see." Kahn said, nodding. "Good work, Rain. Do you have anything else to report?"
"Just one, my lord. It seems the Netherrealm's gates are open. It's ripe for the taking."
"Excellent. Shinnok must have sent that warrior of his to assist us. No matter. When he arrives, he will find that he will have a new master to serve: Me."
As Kitana continued to be led away, she waited for an opportunity to get away. Stopping for a moment, Kitana quickly thrust her restrained wrists into Ermac's chest, causing him to fall back, then in succession, she swung her leg out and managed to strike Reptile across the face.
Taking this opportunity, Kitana ran further down the hallway, trying to find a way out. Unfortunately, her attack had not stunned Reptile and Ermac for very long, as they quickly got to their feet.
"The prisoner is escaping! Guards!" Ermac shouted. "Guards! Get over here now! Kitana is escaping! We must not let her get away!"
Panting, Kitana ran as fast as she could. Trying to escape from her pursuers, there were no guards in sight, yet. Soon she could hear the sounds of footsteps behind her, she tried desperately to outrun them, but soon she could hear footsteps coming from the front, trapped with no way out, Kitana stopped suddenly and desperately tried to find a way.
Her mother was now with Kahn, and Liu Kang was in danger of being killed by the extermination squads. What could she do now? She was cornered. Suddenly a hand clamped over her mouth and dragged her back through a hidden passageway in the wall. She let out a muffled yell of surprised, but was surprised and little relieved to see that it was Jade who pulled her back.
"Jade!" Kitana shouted, when Jade pulled her back.
Jade put her hand back over Kitana's mouth and put a finger to her lips. Reptile, Ermac and the guards approached the spot, upon seeing no sign of Kitana, Ermac and Reptile ordered the guards to search elsewhere. After they left, Jade took her hands off of Kitana's mouth.
"Thanks, Jade." Kitana said.
"I needed to make up for testifying against you." Jade said, solemnly. "Hold still." Jade began to pick at the lock on Kitana's manacles.
"I don't blame you Jade." Kitana said, as her hands were freed. Kitana rubbed her wrists as Jade handed her a pair of gloves.
"You may need these." Jade said, as Kitana took them.
"Thanks. Jade, you should come with me. We could…"
"I knew you were going to say that." said Jade, sighing. "But I can't do it."
"But Jade, Kahn is…" Kitana started. She couldn't of the right way to finish that sentence. It was true. Kahn is evil. But then again, were the actions they did as his assassins any different?
"I know what you're going to say, but I don't know any other way of life, Kitana. I'll let you go, but I can't promise you that I'll be on your side the next we meet."
"Jade, I'm not going to force you to side with me. You should make your own choice." Kitana said, started to head towards the nearby portal. "Where will that take me?"
"I don't know, somewhere into Earth, obviously. Lower regions, I think." Jade spoke.
"Good, maybe I can find Liu Kang before it's too late." Kitana said, walking away.
"Wait." said Jade, causing Kitana to stop.
"What?"
"You'll need these." Jade said, as she tossed Kitana's two razor fans towards her. Kitana caught her weapons and examined them. Though they didn't appear to be dangerous, they were Kitana's favored choice of weapons. They had been confiscated after her capture.
"Thanks." Kitana said.
Without looking back, Kitana leapt through the portal while Jade looked on, uncertainty in her eyes.
O-O-O
The movie star had his hands full; the only logical choice was to run. The Centaurs slowly made their way towards him. It seemed as though he was to die here. But then, a few gunshots rang out and several Centaurs fell wounded, but not dead.
"Huh?" Cage turned to see Sonya Blade and Jackson Briggs running towards him. Sonya was holding a small handgun, while Jax had a machine gun. "Oh, hey! I was wondering when you guys get here. Hmm, how did you guys get here?"
"We took one of the Special Forces jets." Sonya said, taking to the left of Cage.
"Hmm, Sonya. I like your hair in a ponytail." Cage said, grinning. "Makes you look cute."
Sonya immediately started to blush, but quickly hid her embarrassment by slapping Cage upside the head. Cage yelled in pain, while Jax just shook his head.
"What was that for?" Cage asked, annoyed. "I gave you a compliment."
A bit disturbed by what he had just seen, Motaro ordered his warriors forward. "Kill all of them."
Jax immediately opened fire, they didn't have much ammo on them in person, but they had a vast supply of ammo back in their jet, which had been safely hidden from view… or so they thought. Kano had seen them land and led a group of Tarkatas into the jet to investigate.
"Alright grunts. Check for any weapons." Kano said. "And when we're done, get clear as fast as you can."
Kano walked up to the jet control panels, looking around for a switch that would cause the plane to self-destruct.
"Come on, come on." Kano said, looking through the control panel. "Everything has a self-destruct switch."
Suddenly, looking to the right was Kano's answer. It was a panel with 4 or 5 buttons but Kano recognized it immediately. He flashed a grin as he began to active the jet's self- destruct.
It took more than one shot to cause the Centaurs to fall, for their skin was tougher than a human's. But ultimately they began to fall, while Jax and Sonya dealt with Motaro's warriors, Cage prepared to face off against Motaro himself.
"So, are you anything like Goro or Kintaro?" Cage asked.
Motaro growled at merely hearing their names. "Those pathetic Shokans? How DARE you compare me to them!" He seethed angrily.
"Wow, didn't mean you get started up, geez." Cage said, a bit disturbed.
Without another word, Motaro lunged at Cage, who barely managed to jump out of the way. Cage attempted his patented Shadow Uppercut, which struck Motaro's chin, however the Centaur quickly knocked the movie star away knocking him flat onto his back.
Cage recovered quickly and leapt back to his feet, throwing a forceball in the progress. Distracted by the little green ball of energy, Motaro was unprepared for Cage's trademark attack: the Shadow Kick. Struck in the chest, Motaro was fairly unaffected by Cage's attack and struck him back once again.
Motaro leapt at Cage, who barely managed to avoid having his chest stomped. Up against an opponent, he had never faced before, Cage was overwhelmed by Motaro's speed.
Meanwhile, Sonya's gun had run out of ammo. "Damn it!" she yelled, throwing it to the ground. "Jax! I'm out! Do you…"
Jax was currently engaging 3 Centuars at once with his new bionic arms. His machine gun had also run out of ammo, but his new arms seemed to be doing the job just fine. Each Centaur fell to Jax's might, but he couldn't keep up this charade for long. He was already tiring, and the Centaurs kept coming back for more.
Turning around to check on Cage. Sonya's heart was overcome with fear and horror for Cage had already fallen to Motaro's might, lying on the ground. He was bleeding very badly, he was struggling to keep consciousness.
"And now Johnny Cage. I will kill you in the name of Shao Kahn." Motaro said, about to crush Cage's skull with his foot.
"NO!"
Motaro looked to the right to see three rings of pink energy heading straight towards him, Motaro was struck by all three, but it wasn't enough to stun him. Quickly regaining his composure, Motaro looked over at Sonya, who had thrown the attack.
"Foolish girl." said Motaro, sinisterly. With that, he leapt into the air, Sonya had no time to react before Motaro was in front of her. In a moment, Sonya had been knocked back by Motaro's tail.
"Did you really think your feeble attacks could hurt me?" Motaro walked towards her, prepared to make the kill. Not willing to give in, Sonya stood up and with a battle cry in her throat, she ran at the Centaur with everything she had. He easily caught her attack and twisted her arm and held her up in the air.
"AAAAHHHHHH!" Sonya screamed in terrible pain.
"Time to die, girl." Motaro said, looking Sonya in the eyes.
Before Motaro could make the killing stroke, another forceball struck him in the face, causing him to drop Sonya, who collapsed onto her back, reeling from the terrible pain.
Motaro looked to see that Johnny Cage had managed to stand up, limping and terribly injured, he walked forward.
"Don't touch her…" Cage said, panting. He was barely conscious and bleeding profusely.
"Just for that." Motaro said, growling slightly. "You will die first while she watches."
Motaro leapt behind Cage, the movie star was too weak to turn around to strike back. Motaro seized Cage's head with both of his hands; one was on the back of his head, the other on his chin.
Sonya looked up to see that Motaro had Cage in a headlock, she tried to stand, but it was too late. Taking one last look into Johnny Cage's eyes, Sonya watched as Motaro moved his hands and Cage's head turned awkwardly. A snap was heard.
There was silence. Jax and the other Centuars had even paused to observe what was going on. Johnny Cage's lifeless body collapsed onto the ground, while tears began to roll down Sonya's face.
Johnny Cage was dead.