The Subway

Jax took the controls and piloted the Subway Train into the tunnels. Sonya sat in one of the passenger rows, nodding off. For hours, there was dead silence. Until suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck inside the train, causing its lights to blink on and off for a few seconds.

"What the hell is going on?" Jax roared, as he stepped into the passenger's booth, only to see what had caused the brief disturbance. "Oh… well, look who shows now after the fighting's over."

"Don't get started with me, Jax." said Raiden. "You know I wasn't permitted to interfere at the start of the invasion."

"Why not?" Sonya said, now standing, looking Raiden in the eyes, a look of accusation on her face.

"Sometime when the world isn't being invaded, I'll draw you a diagram." Raiden responded.

Raiden turned to look at Jax, and saw the cybernetic arms that Jax had implanted on himself. "Why are you wearing those?"

As though he was surprised by the question, Jax took a step back. "What's it matter to ya?"

"It doesn't… tell me anyway."

"These things are just added muscle, that's all it is."

"Well, if I were any other mentor I would preach you on trusting your own inner strength, but I'm not any other mentor, so I'm not gonna do that."

Sonya continued to stare at Raiden, a look of anger on her face, when Raiden turned to face her, he was noticeably puzzled. "And what did I say to deserve that look?"

Sonya didn't answer, Raiden choose to continue. "I know about Johnny Cage. I'm sorry."

"If you had been there, you could've been able to save him."

Raiden took a moment to answer. "Perhaps I could've. But now is not the time for grievances, I must take you two to Nightwolf's camp, it is the only place where you'll be safe. Liu Kang, Kung Lao and Kitana are already there."

"Who else is gonna be there besides us?" Jax asked.

"First, a warrior named Kurtis Stryker. Second, a Black Dragon named Kabal."

"What?" Sonya and Jax yelled out in unison.

"Yes… please keep in mind that I do not take your personal lives into account when I'm trying to prevent Earth from being assimilated into another realm."

"But he's a Black Dragon!" Sonya protested.

Before Raiden could explain, the train had come to a stop.

"That's weird. I didn't pull the brakes." said Jax.

"Raiden must've caused the thing to short-circuit when he teleported in." surmised Sonya.

"As though you two were going to continue using it." said Raiden. "Let's just go now…"

"Hold on." interrupted Sonya. "I think there's someone outside."

Sonya pointed over to the window, where they could see a silhouette passing by. Jax ripped off the nearest door.

"Who goes there?" he shouted.

"Whoa! Hold on." shouted the man. Now that Jax could step out of the train doors, he could see that this stranger was not among Shao Kahn's ranks, judging by his very uniform.

"What's your name?" Jax asked.

"My name's Kurtis Stryker."

"Stryker?" Jax said, turning to face Raiden, who nodded.

"Look, right now, I'd rather keep moving, I've got some weird guys with tails following me, good luck to ya."

Stryker began to run off.

"You keep running away and they'll eventually catch up." said Raiden.

Stryker stopped running and turned to face Raiden. "And I suppose you know somewhere that's safe?"

"I may."

"Really? And how do I know I can trust you."

"Look. Long story short, I'm the Thunder God of Earth, I'm here to help you, you have to fight an evil warlord bent on taking your realm as his own. Clear enough for you?"

O-O-O

Somewhere in North America

This was apparently Earth. But it appeared to be different, the buildings were in ruins, and there was no sign of any human anywhere. Scorpion began to survey the surrounding area, still no sign of life.

"This is Earth?… It must be. But how did I get back?"

Then again, did it really matter? He was home. This was his home, not the Netherrealm. It wasn't the same, but nothing could be worse than the true Hell.

After hours of searching the grounds, he still could not surmise what city he was in. He was in North America; that much he knew for certain based on the culture. He didn't know what happened, but it looked like a nuclear bomb had hit the city.

"Halt!"

Scorpion turned to see another ninja, this one clad in purple approaching him.

"Are you with the Earthrealm warriors?"

"And what if I was?" Scorpion replied.

"Then I'd have to kill you. Shao Kahn demands it."

"Really? Think you can kill someone who's already dead?"

"Already dead?" Rain responded, confused. "Wait – maybe Lord Kahn's endeavor with the Netherrealm didn't completely fail after all."

"Not sure I know what you're talking about – not that I care either."

"So then, Spawn of Hell, I give you an offer: Serve my master Shao Kahn, and I shall spare your soul."

"No, and the name is Scorpion."

"If you do not comply, Scorpion, then I shall have to treat you as though you were one of Earthrealm's Chosen Warriors."

"Frankly, I'm not interested at all in this war of yours – or whatever it is you're doing. So, if you value your well being, you'd leave now."

"I cannot do that. Those who do not serve Shao Kahn shall die! Prepare to face the wrath of…"

"Whatever, just fight." Scorpion interrupted.

O-O-O

Shao Kahn's palace

Shao Kahn was walking down the corridor hallway, Sheeva had to run in order to catch up.

"Lord Kahn, I really must object to…" started Sheeva.

"You will not question my decisions, Sheeva." Kahn said, knowing that Sheeva was going to bring up the matter with the Centaurs.

"But you know perfectly as anyone the feud between the Centaurs and my people."

Kahn stopped and turned to face her. "Your duty is to protect Queen Sindel, nothing else. Know your place, Shokan."

With that, Kahn proceeded ahead, leaving Sheeva to a do a halfhearted bow.

As soon as Kahn was out of sight and earshot; Shang Tsung took this opportunity to approach the disgruntled Shokan. "You and I share a common hatred, Sheeva. Of the centaurs and of Kahn."

Sheeva turned to face Tsung. "What do you want, sorcerer?"

"I desire to help you, Sheeva. In fact, I think you should take action against Motaro and the others."

"And I suppose you can help with that?"

"Indeed, I can." Tsung said, with a smile, handing Sheeva the sword that he was carrying. "Wait for the right moment to slay Shao Kahn. Once you do this, I will give your people great and vast power when I become Emperor of Outworld, and I shall see to it that the Centaurs are completely wiped out."

Sheeva did not take long to think about Tsung's offer, she extended her bottom left arm, and Tsung shook it. "Agreed."

"Agreed." Tsung said, an evil grin on his face.

O-O-O

Shao Kahn had now linked arms with his Queen Sindel, as he made his way to the dining hall.

"Father!" Mileena shouted.

Kahn turned to face Mileena. "What is it?"

"It's about Ki..." she started.

Shao Kahn turned to Sindel. "My dear, please go inside, I won't be too long."

Somewhat surprised at this request, Sindel did as she was told.

Once Sindel had closed the door, Mileena began to finish her sentence, but before she could, Kahn slapped her across the face with the back of his hand, knocking her up against the wall.

"Wretch! You will not mention Kitana's name in front of Sindel! Understand?"

"Y-Y-Yes! Yes, Father! I understand!" replied Mileena, fearfully.

"Good." said Kahn, backing down. "Now what have you to say?"

"I've been reading Kitana's thoughts. I know where the Earth warriors are gathering at."

"Do you now?" Kahn said, sounding pleased.

"Yes, but – Raiden has made it so this land is protected by some kind of magic, it's the only part of Earth that hasn't been touched by Outworld. We can't set foot on it."

Kahn growled. "Curse you Raiden… what about your "partner"? That Noob Saibot?"

"I have not seen him lately. He did not go with Reptile or Jade on their mission to find Kitana nor is he with Baraka or the other generals."

" I see. I'll attend to this matter later, but right now, my wife is waiting for dinner."

O-O-O

Noob Saibot could be found in the lower corridors of the palace, speaking to what appeared to be a portal to another realm on first glance, if one peered closer, they could see the image of Shinnok on the other side.

"What is that you wish to tell me, Lord Shinnok?" Saibot asked.

"Noob Saibot, Shao Kahn has just recently attempted to take the Netherrealm and all its souls for himself. He is becoming far too powerful."

"I see. What is it that you desire of me to do, my lord?"

"For the time being, continue feigning loyalty to that fool of an emperor, but when the time comes I want you to assist the Earthrealm warriors in anyway possible."

"Yes, my master. But why assist the Earthrealm warriors? Are they not your enemies too?"

"They are, but I'm not going to let Shao Kahn take a realm that is rightfully mine. And now, after his foolish attempt to invade my domain, it's time I struck back. Pass these orders onto Mileena."

"Yes, my master but… regarding Mileena, do you think it wise to include her in our endeavors, she is his daughter after all, or at least partly his daughter."

"She will do as I say. She knows full well what will happen should she betray me." Shinnok replied.

"Very good, Master." said Saibot.

"See that it's done, Saibot."

"I shall do as you command, Lord Shinnok."

O-O-O

Asia

Sub-Zero was nearing the breaking point; he had gone without food for too long. It would not be much longer before he either collapsed from exhaustion or died from starvation. He had only been delaying the inevitable. Soon he would have to make his last stand.

He stopped at nearby tree so he could catch his breath. As he prepared to face what would most likely be his last battle, he began to think about his life. His Lin Kuei training, his brother, Smoke, he even thought about Scorpion.

Smoke was the first cyborg to appear, Sub-Zero knew that while it may be useless, it'd be worth a try.

"Smoke. Do you know who I am?"

"You are the Lin Kuei's target for termination."

"No, no, Smoke. You know me. You were my only friend, remember?"

"That information does not compute." Smoke responded.

"Smoke… just listen to me. You and I both tried to escape when the Lin Kuei automated Cyrax and Sektor. I…. I… I should never have suggested splitting up. I'm sorry, Smoke. It's my fault."

Smoke hesitated before responding. "Does not compute."

"I won't fight you, Smoke."

"So be it." Smoke's chest opened up.

"I don't blame you, Smoke. Just know that."

Surprisingly, Smoke hesitated. Seeing this, a small piece of hope entered Sub-Zero's heart.

But before Sub-Zero could say anything further, Sektor had arrived, opening his chest compartment.

"Your time is up, Sub-Zero."

Sub-Zero then noticed Cyrax approaching from the left. He was now surrounded on all sides. With a heavy sigh, Sub-Zero braced himself for one last battle. At the very least, he could destroy one of them before he succumbed to death.

But before the battle could start, three bolts of lightning came soaring down from the sky, going past Sub-Zero, each lightning bolt struck a different cyborg, sending all three flying through the air and out of sight. As a precaution, Sub-Zero leapt out of the way.

The lightning then began to take solid form, which Sub-Zero almost instantly recognized as the Thunder God, Raiden.

"We meet again, Sub-Zero."

"Raiden. I didn't ask for your help." Sub-Zero replied, coldly.

"You're welcome." Raiden responded, sarcastically.

"I didn't need it either." said Sub-Zero, preparing to leave.

"Certainly didn't look that way to me."

"Well, I certainly don't need it now. I'll be going now."

"To where and why? You're at the end of your rope. You can't keep running. You need food, water and rest."

"I can do that on my own."

"Can you?"

"What's it matter to you?"

"If you come with me, I can provide you with sanctuary from your soulless assassins as well as the extermination squads."

"What? And join your little "band"? It's not happening, Thunder God."

"Your funeral then."

Sub-Zero stopped walking and turned back to Raiden.

"Last chance, Sub-Zero. You can either come to the sanctuary and increase your chances of survival or you can keep running on your own, which will eventually lead to your death one way or another."

Sub-Zero paused. "Fine. But I warn you, my reasons are purely selfish, I could care less about what happens to you or anyone else."

Raiden merely nodded. "Very well then. You're not that much unlike your brother at all. We're going to North America, it's in..."

Unbeknownst to Raiden and Sub-Zero, the three cyborgs were not damaged by Raiden's attack; hiding on a nearby cliff, Cyrax was using a directional microphone from his arm panel to listen in to their conversation.

"The target is heading to North America." He said, his directional microphone retracting back into his arm.

"Then that's where we'll head." replied Sektor.

"We have no method of transportation." said Cyrax.

"Then we'll walk. We are not too far from the Atlantic Ocean, we can walk through water, it won't harm our circuits."

"I know of what state they'll be in, but I was unable to discover what their precise location will be."

"It won't matter. We shall find him eventually. Now, we must move."

Smoke did not understand why he had hesitated when he had the chance to assassinate Sub-Zero, such an error should not have occurred. Dismissing it as a mere minor malfunction, Smoke followed Cyrax and Sektor.

O-O-O

Nightwolf's camp

By now, all of the Chosen Warriors had gathered, sitting around a fire as Raiden stood before them. Sub-Zero was noticeably distant from the others, perched against a tree, his arms crossed. Sonya would noticeably cast him a suspicious look every so often.

"Some of you knew that this day was coming, where you'd be forced to fight for your very lives by Shao Kahn. We have already lost Johnny Cage."

Those who knew him bowed their heads for a brief moment.

"And I do not know what has become of Kabal, I can only suspect that he has encountered the extermination squads as well. We are now all that's standing against an uncountable number of Outworld soldiers. Our chances of victory are slim. But if we do not try, then the realm that you've come to love and cherish as your home will be no more than a fading memory.'

"I was forbidden to interfere at the start of Shao Kahn's invasion, I appealed to the Elder Gods and begged them for assistance in stopping Shao Kahn, but it was not to be. I had to take matters into my own hands. I've risked my place in the pantheon of gods and have given up my own immortality to assist you in the coming struggle. It is now a matter of fate. Rest up, for tomorrow, your training begins."

"Training?" Sonya said, surprised.

"Yes, while each of you is a skilled warrior in your own right, none of you can beat Shao Kahn as you are now, not even you, Liu Kang. You must get stronger if you are to survive. Now rest up, we have many long and trying days ahead of us. I will return in the morning, but I will keep a watch for any extermination squad that approaches."

After the briefing, Raiden once again vanished.

Most of the warriors began to retire, picking their tents as they went.

"I'll take this one." Sonya said, pointing towards it.

Unfortunately for her, Sub-Zero just walked right in the tent that she had chosen.

"What the-?" Sonya growled. "I can't believe Raiden choose not only a Black Dragon member but an assassin?"

"What's the problem, Sonya?" Liu Kang asked her, as he walked by.

"That Sub-Zero. I'm not sure we can trust him." Sonya said, as of now, Liu Kang was one of the few warriors who Sonya completely knew.

"Well… he does seem a bit… standoffish, but I wouldn't worry about it. He's probably just gone through a lot." Liu said, before going into his own tent.

Sonya stopped Nightwolf from entering his tent. "Hey, Nightwolf, right? What do we do about showers?"

Nightwolf turned to face her. "We don't have showers here, the only thing that I can offer for you is that moat over there."

"Moat?" Sonya exclaimed, displeased. "That's all? And… it's completely in sight, anyone could see you."

Nightwolf shrugged and retired to his tent. Sonya grumbled angrily and started to head to her own tent.

But as she prepared to enter, she caught a glimpse of a silhouette in the nearby woods.

"Hello?" she called out, silently.

The figure didn't answer, it only run back into the woods. Rather than alert the others, Sonya decided to pursue this stranger herself. If he was one of Shao Kahn's spies, she could handle him.

Taking pursuit, Sonya tracked the woods for nearly 10 minutes, beginning to wonder if she had just been seeing things. She stopped to pant and catch her breath.

Unknown to her, the stranger that she had been tracking had been meaning to lure her out. Silently, he approached her from behind, and before Sonya knew he was there, he struck her on the back of her head with one of his hookswords at the blunt side.

Sonya almost instantly, fell over unconscious, the mysterious man then picked up Sonya's unconscious body and threw her over his shoulder. With that, he departed, taking Sonya away into the night.