Inside Shao Kahn's palace, Kahn sat his dinner table, waiting for Quan Chi to arrive. Once the sorcerer did arrive, Kahn found that he had a servant with him, a ninja that looked like Reptile, yet had a black uniform.

"Take a seat." Kahn said.

"Thank You." Quan Chi replied as Noob pulled his chair out for him. "Thank You Noob Saibot."

The wraith bowed as he pulled the chair in as the sorcerer took his seat.

"I see you have a new servant? Would you like some rice wine?" Kahn asked.

"That would be welcomed." Kahn snapped his fingers as the Masked Guard poured rice wine into both Kahn and Quan Chi's glasses.

Quan Chi took a sip before he spoke. "What is it that you wanted me here for? Ah, yes. The resurrection of your Queen Sindel? How long has it been?"

"10,000 years to be exact. Her daughter reminds with me."

"I see, is she under spell?"

"No. I wouldn't need anything as unnecessary as that. She became my daughter when she was but an infant. She never knew her real parents."

"Yes, she killed her father, didn't you? King Jerrod, I think his name was."

"Yes, that's him. Not a bad swordsman, but not good enough. I took Sindel as my own wife and Kitana as my own daughter. She has never learned the truth."

"Though I suppose you always feared that she would. Hence why you cloned her." Quan Chi said, as he continued to sip his drink.

"Yes, and it was nearly perfect too. I can't describe what went wrong, but Mileena ended up with the horrid teeth of the Tarkata, but because she was an otherwise perfect clone, we tricked Kitana into thinking that she was her lost twin sister."

"Ah, yes. So what is it that I hear that Shang Tsung failed in winning the Mortal Kombat tournament. Who did he lose to?"

"Some monk called Liu Kang."

"Liu Kang? Hmm, that reminds me of this "Kung Lao" that Shang Tsung and Goro killed 500 years ago."

"He was similar to him in a lot of ways, Shang Tsung tells me. Liu Kang may be good enough to defeat Shang Tsung, but he is no match for me. Should I face him, I will crush him. But you must always take precautions in these things. Hence why I need you."

"I see. What is your plan for this tournament?"

"I want to get any of Earth's capable defenders out of the way before we invade Earth itself. Shang Tsung and I originally wanted this to be used as a back-up plan if needed, but right now I think it's best that this tournament be nothing but a ruse."

"I see." Said Quan Chi as he finished his drink. "Well, I must be going. I have other matters to attend to, but I will tell Shinnok to prepare Sindel's spirit for resurrection. Also, I offer Noob Saibot's services to you; I believe he will be of great assistance. I assure you he is quite powerful."

"Excellent. To the conquest of Earthrealm then."

"Indeed."

O-O-O

As Liu and Kung continued to make their way through the Living Forest, they both pondered the appearance of the girl they had just met.

"I don't why you think we can trust her. She clearly has some kind of hidden agenda."

"Well, right now. It's the only lead we got, so if you have any better ideas, I'm listening." Liu replied.

Sighing, Kung replied. "Well, we'll play it your way for now. But I still don't trust her."

They continued to walk for hours; stopping to take rests now and then. Until finally they approached a tall structure.

"See?" Liu said, with much enthusiasm. "She was right. We found it."

"Well, I suppose." Kung said.

"Hey!" Jax called, as he and Johnny approached. "How'd you two get here?"

"Well, we left through the same portal, how is it we ended in a different spot?" Liu asked, partly to himself.

"I don't know. That part did seem a little odd." Said Johnny. "Was Raiden with you guys?"

"No." said Kung.

"I guess he's inside there. Let's go." Liu said, motioning for the others to follow them.

Inside, they approached a vast courtyard as they took their first steps onto the marbled floor. Liu Kang and the others walked inside, surrounded by a vast crowd in the stands. On the chair in the center sat a figure, he looked like a king, a truly frightening king complete with death mask over his face with a staff in his hand.

"Welcome, warriors of Earth. I've been expecting you." Kahn said. "I am Shao Kahn, the eternal Emperor of Outworld. Your guide Raiden should be arriving shortly, I wish to speak with him."

Suddenly a flash of lightning hit the ground before them and the Thunder God himself finally appeared.

"Raiden, we meet at last." Kahn said. "Shang Tsung has told me much about you."

"And I have heard many stories of you from the Elder Gods, Kahn."

"Have you now?" Kahn said, smirking.

"Yes, you've defied the Elder Gods with this unholy act, Kahn."

"But the challenge has been made. My warriors against yours, in Mortal Kombat."

"This tournament will not count as a Mortal Kombat tournament." Raiden said.

"Perhaps not, but a tournament is a tournament and there is always a prize for the victor."

"Well, what would our prize be if one of us is the victor?" Liu said, before Raiden could reply. Kahn jerked his head towards the Mortal Kombat Champion.

"You must be Liu Kang. Shang Tsung has told me about you. First, I must congratulate you, not many have been able to defeat Shang Tsung in combat and no one up until your battle, could defeat Goro. I suppose a bit of respect is in order, but… I digress."

"You sent the Tarkata to attack our temple didn't you?" Kung said, angrily.

"Hmm? I don't believe I know your name. It matters not. None of you will make it best my warriors." Kahn replied.

Kahn snapped his fingers, as one by one, they emerged from the shadows of entrance as Shao Kahn called their name one by one.

"Baraka… Mileena…. Kitana… Reptile…. And Kintaro…"

Liu Kang and Johnny Cage at first mistook Kintaro for Goro, the Shokan who was thought to be dead. Kung Lao also noticed a resemblance to the one who killed his great ancestor in combat.

"And someone you know very well, Liu Kang." Kahn said as a cloaked figure emerged from the shadows, making his way to the front. Making his way to the front of the group, the cloak figure removed his hood.

"It is I… Shang Tsung!" But this Shang Tsung was not the withered old man that Liu Kang had fought and defeated in the tournament. This Shang Tsung was young… so young, yet there was no way he could possibly have regained his youth and so quickly at that.

"What the? How are you…" Liu exclaimed, shocked. "You were… were…"

"It is good to see you again Kang." Tsung said, looking around he saw Johnny Cage. "And you as well Cage. Ah I have heard of you, Lao." He said, turning to Kung. "I wondered if you were going to compete in the tournament? But apparently not. Unlike your ancestor, you appear to be a coward, I guess traits don't pass on to every generation."

"What did you say?" Kung shouted back, angrily.

"You heard me exactly right…."

Before Kung could reply, Jax interrupted.

"Enough of this crap! Where is Sonya?"

"Ah, Sonya Blade. So you've come to save her." Tsung said, turning to Kahn.

"Ah so you want to see the prisoners do you?" Kahn said and suddenly where the two sides to Kahn's throne, the ground opened and two pedestals appeared from beneath the ground, both prisoners were chained to the pedestal, one Liu, Johnny and Jax recognized to the farther side was Kano, the Black Dragon criminal and the one closet to them was Sonya…

"Sonya!" Jax shouted. "What did these bastards do to you?"

Sonya struggled with her chains before speaking. "Jax! Liu! You guys got to get out of here! Forget about me!"

"Hey, any greeting to me?" Johnny asked, whining slightly.

O-O-O

Outside the arena, the Lin Kuei Warrior approached the stadium, it resembled old Rome gladiator arenas, but it didn't matter he had a mission to complete. But he failed to notice the ninja specter behind, Scorpion.

"It doesn't make sense. How can he be alive?" Scorpion thought. In all meanings, it didn't make sense. Scorpion remembered how he killed his murderer; there was no way he could have survived. No logical way at all. Scorpion shook his head, and followed the Lin Kuei inside…

O-O-O

The Earth and Outworld warriors gave each other one last look at the other, but when Liu Kang's eyes met with Kitana's, he did not feel anger or a desire to defeat, he actually felt mesmerized by her look. Sure, she looked like an assassin, yet there was something that made her different from the others. Then, without a word, they all turned and headed back where they came, with Raiden staying behind. The Outworld warriors began to follow, with Kitana intentionally remaining slightly behind. She whispered something to Raiden, loud enough for him to hear, he slightly nodded and with a flash of lightning, he vanished…

O-O-O

As the Earthrealm Warriors reached their quarters for the tournament. Raiden reappeared in front of Earth's warriors. Electricity crackling all over his body.

"Raiden! How can Shang Tsung be young? It doesn't make sense." Liu immediately said.

"Relax, Liu Kang. I will explain everything…." And so he did.

"So, now Shang Tsung's even more powerful than when I fought him on the island?"

"Yes." Raiden said. "And that's make him more dangerous than ever."

"Raiden, who is this Kintaro?" Kung asked.

"Kintaro is among Goro's race of the Shokans, he has been sent to represent Kuatan in this conflict. From what I can gather, he wants to avenge Goro's death. I will warn you though that Kintaro is stronger than Goro, it will be a difficult fight."

"So is he after me?" Liu asked.

"I'm afraid so." Raiden responded. "But I have some good news for you, Liu Kang. The female assassin named Kitana has requested that she meet with you in the Foundry."

"Kitana?" he let out surprised.

"Yes, she is to be trusted. Do not worry." Raiden said, assurringly.

Liu sighed and said. "If you say so."

"Well, I don't trust her. It's very convenient that she just happens to be on our side." Said Kung.

"Too bad." Liu shot at him. "When do I go?" he said to Raiden.

"Immediately." Raiden said, and with a slight nod, Liu turned to leave.

"Where is the Foundry?"

"I scoured the Outworld Stadium, it is on the lower level. You'll find her waiting there." Raiden said and with a slight nod, Liu ran down the hallway."

"Raiden, why makes you think we can trust her?" Kung said.

"I have looked into her soul, she is not like them." Raiden said.

"Well…" Kung said, slowly. "I'm still not sure about this."

Raiden gave a slight nod. "I hear though that you had originally been chosen to be the Shaolin Monks representative in the Mortal Kombat Tournament, Kung Lao. Why did you not enter?"

"Well, I knew of the Mortal Kombat responsibilities from my parents as when I was a child, they would tell me stories of my great ancestor, the original Kung Lao. Although, everybody was counting on me to be that champion, the tales of my ancestor, dissuaded me, I did not want that destiny, I was going to make my own. Yet, Liu never knew, apparently. Had I known that he was unaware of the curse of being the Mortal Kombat Champion, I would've told him…."

As Kung and Raiden continued to talk, Jax discussed with Johnny Cage about rescuing the captive Sonya Blade.

"What do we do? Do we try to get into the dungeons or do we wait?" Johnny asked.

"Right now, I'd say that it's best that we wait." Jax replied. "I want to kick some Outworld ass before we leave."

"Really? I like your attitude."

O-O-O

Shang Tsung sat at the stadium entrance, looking at the tournament entrees. "Let's see… Liu Kang… Kung Lao… Johnny Cage… Jax…. Any other warriors from Earthrealm?"

"Sub-Zero."

Tsung looked up to see a blue-garbed ninja standing before him. "You? Ah, yes, the Lin Kuei sent to assassinate well? Are you going to do the deed here?"

"No." Sub-Zero said. "We will fight in this tournament that you are holding."

"Very well then ninja. I shall add your name to the list." Tsung said.

"Good." As Sub-Zero turned to leave, he turned back briefly. "Oh, and one more thing. I'm not a ninja." And with that, he left.

"Well then any other last minute entrees?"

"Scorpion."

This time when Tsung looked up, he saw a yellow-garbed ninja standing before him, who he recognized as the ninja specter Scorpion. "Oh, you again? Very well, we do need one more tournament entrée. I will add your name to the list as well."

Scorpion did not respond, for when Tsung looked up, Scorpion had vanished.

"Let's see… warriors from Outworld… Kitana… Mileena… Baraka… Reptile… Kintaro… and myself. Yes, I do think that therefore we have enough warriors from both Earth and Outworld.

O-O-O

Inside Mileena's chambers, she sharpened her sais for the tournament tomorrow. When through her veiled chamber entrance, the Tarkatan leader, Baraka entered.

"Hello, my dear Mileena." Baraka said.

"Baraka! Come on in." Mileena said.

"Very well." Baraka said, entering. "I guess your preparing for the tournament tomorrow?"

"Yes, do you know who we are fighting?"

"No. We find out that information tomorrow and where we are fighting as well."

"I see. Well, whoever my opponent is, I look forward to devouring him." Mileena said, as she put her twin sais away.

"That's my Mileena, you may not be a full Tarkata, but the killer instinct is in you." Baraka complimented. "But what about your sister, I've noticed she's been a little… upset lately…"

"Oh, who really cares about her?" Mileena said. "She's just an attention-loving little bitch. It should be me where she stands."

"And so it will one day, you are more than enough to defeat Kitana." Baraka said, grinning.

"Speaking of which." Mileena said, noticing her twin sister walking through the corridors. "Please excuse me Baraka, I want to check this out myself."

"Of course. Feel free to." Baraka said, as Mileena walked past him.

O-O-O

Inside, the Foundry, Liu found himself surrounded by fire, it appeared to be lava, this was obviously where they would create weapons for the gladiators. Regardless, Liu made his way through until he came across the blue-garbed female warrior.

"We meet again Liu Kang." She said.

"Yeah, as for…" before Liu could properly respond, several Tarkata poured through from the windows and fires. "She set me up!"

"Get down!" Kitana cried. Within a moment, Liu leapt to the ground as Kitana drew two twin fans and they opened up, and she flung them into the air as one-by-one, both fans beheaded the three Tarkatas from the left and right. The fans returned to each of her hands.

Taking a moment to look around, Liu got to his feet. As Kitana put her fans away.

"Nice shot." Liu acknowledged, though despite the deaths of his Shaolin Brothers, he still did not believe he could commit murder, but he decided to ignore this bloodshed, since apparently there was no other choice and with this act, this confirmed that what he thought about her was true. Kitana could be trusted.

"Thanks." Kitana said.

Walking towards, Liu spoke. "What did you want to talk to me about?"

"I've been spying on Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung. I know what they're up to with this 'tournament.'" She said.

"Why tell me?" Liu asked.

"Because you defeated Shang Tsung and Goro for that matter. I think you're the best chance Earth's got for victory."

"Thanks…. Go on…"

"Well, I was scouring through Shao Kahn's palace, for you see. I am his stepdaughter, although I had always believed him to be my true father."

"Wait? What do you mean?"

"Well, I suppose it's only fair if I tell you my story. First of all, I'm not a native of Outworld. I come from the realm of Edenia, the realm that my true father, Jerrod ruled my mother, the queen Sindel. When I was an infant, Shao Kahn invaded Edenia. He killed my father in combat and merged Edenia with Outworld. He took me as his own daughter and my mother as his own wife. But my mother would not have it, she was driven to near insanity and grief over the death of my father, she took her own life and I never knew the truth, I grew up and become his loyal and dutiful slave and assassin.

But through my 10,000 years of life, I have learned many things as Shao Kahn's assassin. I discovered looking through Shang Tsung's notes the truth. I found out everything, my mother, my father, my home and even my so-called "sister". You saw her didn't you? She looks like me, except she wears pink instead of blue. Well, behind her mask, have you seen Baraka, she has the teeth of the Tarkata. She is my clone. It turns out that using a piece of my hair and Tarkata blood, Shang Tsung was to make a clone of me, for Kahn feared that I would one day learn the truth and overthrow him, thus they created Mileena, one who would be even more loyal than I ever was. But something went wrong, horribly wrong. She lacked the perfect face. So thus, she was given a mask like I was to conceal her horrid teeth. She's hated me ever since…"

"Wow… I… I don't really know what to say… I'm sorry about all that's happened to you…"

"It's all right, I didn't think you would know what it's like to know that your entire life was a lie."

"Well, not that part, but I never knew my parents either. I just had a younger brother, he died a few years ago… by creatures who look like Baraka." Liu said, silently.

"Well, I'm sorry for that." Kitana said. "Baraka led the attack on your Shaolin Temples."

"Baraka?" Liu sighed and shook his head. "That was my fault really. I think I'm beginning to realize the curse of being the Mortal Kombat Champion."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, every since I won the stupid tournament, I now find that I have no real purpose in life… no ultimate goal… just endless battle… and… no future of my own… just bound to the way of the Champion…" Liu said, solemnly.

Kitana did not know what to say. "I…. Well, I'm sorry. I won't ask you to do this for me…"

"No… no… Go on, I'm listening."

"Well, this tournament is nothing more than a ruse… they're planning to resurrect… something… I don't know what… but I know this… if this isn't stopped then Earth will end up like Edenia…. I'm going to help you stop that from happening."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. But for now, it's best we both compete in the tournament tomorrow, we should go back… but tomorrow, I wish to go to the Wastelands with you, there is something I want to show you…"

Liu smiled. "All right." He politely bowed. "Thank you Kitana."

"No, Liu Kang. Thank you, together we can get rid of Shao Kahn and end his evil once and for all." Said Kitana, who bowed back.

As the two bid goodbyes, they failed to notice the two figures watching them from opposite ends: Kung Lao and Mileena.