AN: And now we're about to see the setup for Mortal Kombat II!
Interlude II: Laying Foundations
The Cryomancer's Return
Lin Kuei Temple, Ten Years Ago
Kuai Liang could only look in shock, as the Grandmaster ordered him to kill the teenager in front of him.
Why was he hesitating? This was it! He had impressed the Grandmaster enough for an initiation fight into the Lin Kuei! If he succeeded, he could join his brother in the ranks of the Lin Kuei! It was everything he'd ever wanted!
So why….why was he unable to follow the Grandmaster's instructions? Why was he unable to kill the grey haired teen in front of him?
"KILL HIM!" the Grandmaster shouted, his patience wearing thin.
Kuai Liang's hands shook. He raised the dagger, trying to calm his nerves. He had to do this. This was his only chance!
And at that moment, the boy accepted his death, closing his eyes.
Kuai Liang froze. He tried to move his arms, but they wouldn't respond to his commands. Instead, they dropped the dagger he'd created with his cryomancy. The dagger shattered into a dozen small pieces.
"I...I can't." he whispered, ashamed of his failure.
The Grandmaster shook his head, before walking away. Bi Han looked between the Grandmaster and his brother, before quickly descending into the arena. He grabbed his brother's hand, before walking out. As they exited the temple, Bi Han turned to his brother.
"I told you this was not a good idea, Kuai Liang! Why did you insist on doing this!"
Kuai Liang looked downwards, his shame growing more and more.
"I didn't want to let you down. I didn't want you to be ashamed of me." he whispered. He had always been weak, and now all of the Lin Kuei knew it too.
Bi Han sighed, before kneeling down.
"Brother, look at me." he commanded. Kuai Liang looked up to meet his brother's blue eyes.
"I know that I have never been the perfect sibling, that I haven't always been around to raise you, but I want you to know this. It doesn't matter what path you walk, or what destiny you chose. I will always be proud of you. You could never let me down."
Kuai Liang sniffed, taking off his mask. "Really?"
Bi Han smiled, taking off his mask as well. His silver hair spilled out, framing his face.
"Really."
Bi Han stood up, clasping his brother's shoulder.
"Let's go home."
New York, Now
A black haired man sighed, walking into his apartment.
"Home sweet home." he muttered, before setting his briefcase on the couch. Adorning the wall were a variety of tournament medals and certificates that showed the resident as a master of Shotokan style martial arts.
24 year old Kuai Liang went up to the faucet, taking a cup and filling it with lukewarm water. After taking a sip and grimacing at the warmth, he used his cryomancy to drop a few small orbs of ice into the water.
Finishing the glass of water, Kuai Liang turned on the T.V, trying to relax after a long day at work. Not even a year out of college and already he was working like a dog.
Like that was any change from college, his mind whispered cynically. Kuai Liang sighed, trying to find something decent worth watching. He settled on watching his DVR recordings of Breaking Bad. Everyone did keep telling him it was a great show.
As he was about to press "play", his cell phone rang.
Kuai Liang sighed again, before walking up to the phone and accepting the call.
"What." he muttered, not caring if he sounded unfriendly.
"Kuai! It's Tomas! Something terrible has happened!"
Kuai Liang froze. "What? Tomas? What's going on? Where's Bi-Han?"
Tomas breathed deeply, before uttering the four words Kuai Liang had never been prepared to hear.
"Your brother is dead."
The Next Day, Lin Kuei Temple
Kuai Liang stood in front of the small memorial dedicated to his brother. He had no idea what to feel. All he felt in that moment was emptiness.
Tomas stood behind him, not speaking for a few moments.
"The Lin Kuei will never forget him.", he said, trying to reassure the younger brother.
Kuai Liang scoffed. "Never forget him? WE DON'T EVEN HAVE HIS BODY, OR HIS ASHES, OR ANY KIND OF REMAINS TO REMEMBER!" he roared, breathing deeply. A red haze started to cloud his vision.
"Who did this." he growled quietly, turning to Tomas.
The grey haired ninja refused to answer, prompting Kuai Liang to grab him by his grey vest.
"WHO DID THIS!" he shouted, spittle flying across his mouth.
"Stand down, Kuai Liang!" a voice commanded.
Kuai Liang turned, coming face to face with the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei.
"Come with me. There is much to discuss."
A Few Minutes Later, Lin Kuei Throne Room
The Grandmaster sat on his throne, looking over Kuai Liang.
"Do you know why I had Smoke contact you, Kuai Liang?" he asked.
"No." Kuai Liang replied.
The Grandmaster nodded, before turning to the two Lin Kuei next to him.
"Leave us."
He walked down the steps, and clasped Kuai Liang's shoulder, taking him away from the throne room. As the two walked across the temple, the Grandmaster spoke.
"Before I reveal to you the truth, you must know this. Everything I have done, everything that I continue to do, I do for the Lin Kuei's survival."
Kuai Liang nodded, confused. "What does this have to do with Bi Han's mission?"
"I sent three Lin Kuei warriors to the Mortal Kombat tournament for two reasons. One was to kill Earthrealm fighters so that we could achieve an allegiance with Shao Khan and Shang Tsung, in case your brother's mission failed."
Kuai Liang stopped, turning to the Grandmaster.
"What was his mission?"
The Grandmaster looked from the floor, turning to Kuai Liang.
"To kill Shang Tsung, ending the tournament and granting Earthrealm at least another 500 years of peace."
The two resumed walking.
"Then why did you call me here?"
"Because we have failed on both fronts. Shang Tsung lives, but Earthrealm has won the tournament. I began the Cyberization Initiative as a means to protect the Lin Kuei in case Outworld won the tournament, but now, it is useless. What is worse is that my son, Sektor, has made his own allegiance with the sorcerer. He has promised Shang Tsung the manpower of a cyberized Lin Kuei, as long as Shang Tsung helps him with one goal."
"And what is that, Grandmaster?"
The Grandmaster stopped, turning to Kuai Liang once more.
"To kill me."
The two resumed walking again.
"With me out of the way, Sektor will take over the Lin Kuei and convert all of it's members into cybernetic monstrosities, bound to Shang Tsung's will. Kuai Liang, as the brother of Bi Han, I wish for you to take your brother's mantle and kill Shang Tsung, before all is lost."
Kuai Liang took the Grandmaster's words to heart, pondering how best to respond to this. He turned to the Grandmaster.
"Grandmaster, with all due respect, I am not a member of the Lin Kuei. Why should I do this?"
The Grandmaster shook his head in disappointment.
"Because if you do not, you will not only allow your brother to die without honor, you will let your brother's killers walk free. Shang Tsung's tournament killed your brother, and the one who carried out the deed will fight in the upcoming tournament. Perform this task for me, and I promise you, you will have your vengeance. However, if you still wish to return to your civilian life, I will not force you into fighting."
Suddenly, explosions started to ring out, coupled with blades scraping and screams ringing throughout the temple.
The Grandmaster cursed. "It appears my son has made his move, along with his deadly alliance. Our time is up, Kuai Liang. Head to Hong Kong and take the Nethership to Outworld to restore your brother's honor and achieve your vengeance, or return to your regular life. Up to you."
And with that, the Grandmaster headed back towards his throne room.
"Grandmaster! My brother's killer! What is his name!" he shouted, trying to get the Grandmaster's attention. Unfortunately, the Grandmaster didn't hear him, leaving Kuai Liang alone as many of the Lin Kuei headed to fight off the invaders.
In a puff of smoke, Tomas appeared, grabbing Kuai Liang's shoulder.
"Come on, Kuai! We have to go!"
Kuai nodded. With his hand raised into the air, Tomas Vrbada and Kuai Liang disappeared.
A Minute Later, Hong Kong
Kuai Liang hacked, coughing up the smoke that had entered his lungs.
"Sorry." Tomas apologized sheepishly.
"It - cough- it's fine. I'm ok." Kuai Liang took a deep breath, trying to settle himself.
Tomas clasped his friend's shoulder. "What will you do now?' he asked.
Kuai Liang looked at his reflection in a puddle of water, his brother's ice blue eyes accusing him of cowardice. He clenched his fists.
"I will finish my brother's mission, and I will have vengeance on the man that killed him."
Tomas's eyes widened. "But Kuai...you've never killed before. Are you sure you can even do this."
Kuai Liang snarled. "Watch me."
Tomas looked to the side, almost in thought, before nodding.
"Alright, but if you're doing this, there's three conditions."
Kuai Liang looked to Tomas. "What conditions?"
"First, I go with you. Non negotiable. Bi Han would kill me if I didn't watch your back while you headed to Outworld. Second, Bi Han had a stash of emergency equipment and armor in Hong Kong that you could use, so we're grabbing that, and you WILL wear it. I'm not letting you go into a tournament with just the clothes on your back and a death wish."
"I don't have a death wish." Kuai Liang replied.
"Sure you don't. Third condition. Use your brother's alias. He used the title of Sub - Zero as a way to protect his identity as well as striking fear into his enemies. I'd feel much better if you didn't go registering into the tournament with your real name and end up pissing off the wrong people."
Kuai Liang stood still for a moment, before nodding.
"Fine. I agree to your conditions."
And with that, the legendary cryomancer known as Sub - Zero was reborn.
The Plan
Outworld, soon after their defeat in Mortal Kombat
Blood spilled from Shang Tsung's mouth.
"You have failed me!" a voice bellowed, enraged at his subordinate's failure. Shao Khan, Emperor of Outworld, walked down his throne, none too pleased at the turn of events.
"Five hundred years I waited! Now I must wait five hundred more!"
"My lord! All is not lost!" Shang Tsung shouted, trying to preserve his life.
"Curse the Elder Gods and their tournament! I should have taken Earthrealm by force!"
He sat down, contemplative, before sighing.
"But I am bound by their rules." he muttered. "Rules that cannot be broken."
"My lord!"
Shao Khan waved his hand, giving Kitana permission to kill the sorcerer. Shang Tsung quickly looked back and forth, trying to find a way to save his life, before thinking of an insane plan that may just work.
"But what if the rules were changed!"
"Kitana!" Shao Khan shouted, halting his daughter's execution of the sorcerer.
He leaned forwards. "Continue…."
Suspected Traitor
A Few Minutes Later, Outworld
Shao Khan leaned back. The plan was risky, no doubt, but it also held the most reward. With a new tournament called in Outworld, Earthrealm would have no choice but to accept or forfeit. Even if the tournament was a bust, it would serve as enough of a diversion to allow him to finally succeed in a plan almost 10,000 years in the making.
The resurrection of Queen Sindel.
As Shao Khan contemplated what to do next, his red clad creation walked up to him.
"My Lord." she said, bowing in subservience to her creator.
"Skarlet, report" Shao Khan commanded, wondering what observations the woman had made in the tournament.
"Earthrealm's warriors are all strong, but there are three that stand as their champions, in a sense"
Waving her hands, a small pool of blood started fixing themselves into small busts of those she mentioned.
"Johnny Cage, an actor, strong enough to make it to the semifinals of the tournament."
The blood shifted its shape.
"Liu Kang, a Shaolin Monk, as well as the Champion of Earthrealm. He is the one who defeated Ermac, Goro, and Shang Tsung"
The blood shifted one last time.
"Izuku Midoriya, a vigilante from parts unknown. From what I've gathered, he seems to have come from a different world altogether, one that is similar to Earthrealm, but most of it's denizens have some kind of power or ability. The vigilante, however, is one of the unlucky few born without them."
"Hmm." Shao Khan said, rubbing his chin. Perhaps this bore some further exploration? Shao Khan shook his head. First, he had to take over Earthrealm. After that, he could focus on the other realms.
"You have done well, Skarlet. You have more than earned the right to participate in the next Mortal Kombat tournament."
Skarlet bowed low. "Thank you, my lord. I will not fail you."
She walked away, before turning around to Shao Khan.
"My lord, I'm afraid there is one bit of news that I have held from you, one that may be extremely upsetting to hear."
Shao Khan leaned forwards.
"Don't let it get stuck in your throat, Skarlet. Tell me."
Skarlet took a deep breath, bowling low.
"I am afraid Mileena may no longer be on our side, my lord."
Shao Khan leaned back.
"And do you have proof of this, Skarlet?"
Skarlet shook her head. "No physical evidence, my lord, only small observations."
"What have you observed."
"Shang Tsung sent Mileena to assassinate Izuku Midoriya, but she came back that night having failed in her mission. However, that is not the worst part. One night, I took notice of the fact that Mileena disappeared from our residence. I took the liberty of following her the next night, only to come across her and Izuku Midoriya conversing by the beach, rather comfortable with each other. The final piece of observation that ties all this together is Johnny Cage and Izuku Midoriya's quick recoveries. That kind of healing ability is only available from the herbs of Shang Tsung's Gardens. It is a garden that is heavily enchanted against any use by the Earthrealmers, so how is it that they were able to get their hands on enough of the herbs to heal two fighters, one in the midst of Mortal Kombat?"
Shao Khan rubbed his chin. "Are you saying that one of my creations has turned against me?"
"I'm saying, my lord, that it is an extremely strong possibility." Skarlet replied. She stood up, ready to receive the orders that were sure to come up her way.
"If what you say is true, then Mileena can no longer be trusted with the task I was about to grant her. Therefore, it is now your duty to carry it out."
Skarlet bowed. "And what is that, my lord."
Shao Khan leaned forwards.
"To kill and replace Kitana, should she realize the truth of her origins. Shang Tsung will upgrade you and your abilities for the ordeal that lies ahead, should it come to pass."
Skarlet stood up. "I will leave at once, my lord."
Shao Khan leaned back in his throne. If there was one thing he had learned in his millennia of life, it was to have a plan.
Always.
A God's Contemplations
A Few Days After Earthrealm's victory, The Heavens
Raiden observed the scene in front of him, as the residents of Outworld hastily began preparing to host a Mortal Kombat Tournament in their own homeworld. Raiden leaned back in his throne, his mind processing through hundreds upon hundreds of thoughts simultaneously. One, however, refused to leave him.
This tournament has raised the stakes higher than before. Now, more than ever, will my question be answered. Was I wrong to write the humans off as a lost cause, or were they just lucky?
With that, Raiden's mind was made up. He would help the humans travel quickly to Outworld, but no more than that. Once that was done, he'd strictly observe the tournament and see the outcome. Either way the tournament went, he would get his answer.
Now, all he had to do was wait for the Earthrealm warriors to get Shao Khan's invitation.
Investigation
A Few Days After Earthrealm's victory, Outworld
Mileena stared at the pages in front of her, the only memento of the friend she'd made in Earthrealm. It had been strange, waking up and realizing that she could no longer talk to someone else besides Jade or her sister once again, that she could no longer talk about the issues that plagued her mind that were also simultaneously too mortifying to talk to Kitana or Jade about. On the one blank side that was left on one of the pages, Mileena had taken the liberty to painstakingly draw the features of the green haired warrior. It hadn't been her best work, but it had done the job well enough, allowing her to remember the face of the man she'd come to trust in such a short time.
"Dammit, Mileena! Stop ogling your lover's portrait and help me with this!"
Mileena stood up, a blush erupting on her cheeks. "H-he's not my lover!" she exclaimed, rather unconvincingly.
Rushing up to aid her sister, Mileena helped Kitana push a rather large boulder out of the way of their current path.
"Are you sure this is the place, sister?"
Kitana nodded. "This is the place that my visions have been showing me."
Mileena glared at their surroundings. "And just what is it that you believe you are going to find here?"
"I don't know, but from my visions, it is something that is extremely important."
The torches that Mileena and Kitana carried soon illuminated a vast library, covered in cobwebs and dust, but still containing quite a few books.
Mileena took out her sais. "Careful, sister. You never know what might be lying in wait in these kinds of ruins."
Kitana looked around the room, before her eyes caught a rather large book.
"This just might be what we came for, Mileena." she whispered, as she took out the book. A small piece of paper fell out as she picked the book up.
Quickly gathering up the paper, Kitana read its contents aloud.
"To the explorers who have discovered this hidden cache of knowledge, know that we were once a proud people, respected by the realms and adored for our beautiful and lush world. However, the tyrant conqueror of the realms, Shao Khan, robbed us of all these things when he absorbed our realm into his own in Mortal Kombat. All that remains is this library, carrying the true history of our realm. I only pray that someday, I will be welcomed with open arms by King...Jerrod?"
Kitana froze.
"Sister, what's going on? Why did you freeze like that?"
"I...I know that name. I don't know how, but it sounds so familiar, I feel great shame in admitting that I have forgotten it."
Mileena looked at the book, starting to realize that they may be getting in over their heads.
"Sister, are you sure about continuing this endeavor? I fear that we may be hitting a point of no return in this investigation of ours."
Kitana shakily nodded.
"I need to know Mileena. I can't give up now, no matter how badly the truth may hurt me."
And with that, Kitana opened the book.
A Spectre's Unfinished Business
A Few Days After Earthrealm's victory, Netherrealm
Scorpion kneeled on the ground. He owed his vengeance to Quan Chi, and thus, would carry out any order the sorcerer gave him.
Quan Chi paced for a few moments, before turning to Scorpion.
"Scorpion, my friend, I'm afraid that I bring terrible news."
Scorpion crossed his arms. "Whatever it is, I can take care of it."
Quan Chi chuckled. "Of that, I have no doubt." He waved his arms, showing an image to the Spectre. Scorpion squinted his eyes, before widening them in horror and rage.
A blue garbed ninja stood on board a ship, holding a rope.
"Impossible." Scorpion growled, hellfire consuming his body.
Quan Chi crossed his arms. "Is it? Have you forgotten your origins so quickly?"
Scorpion turned to Quan Chi, rage curdling in his eyes. "Are you responsible for this?!" he roared, his skin starting to blacken into a skeleton.
Quan Chi shook his head. "Scorpion, think! Why would I ever decide to resurrect someone who was killed by my own champion? I have no desire to be betrayed by my own servants!"
Scorpion thought for a few moments, realizing the truth in Quan Chi's words. The flames died down, and the yellow garbed ninja stood at attention once more.
"Quan Chi, I ask for a simple favor."
Quan Chi crossed his arms. "And what is that, Scorpion?"
The flames burned in his eyes.
"Allow me to fight in the Mortal Kombat Tournament. Allow me to kill Sub - Zero!"
Quan Chi laughed, before waving the image away.
"Of course! Just ensure that this time, Sub - Zero stays in the Netherrealm."
A New Servant
A Few Minutes Later, Netherrealm
Quan Chi couldn't help but laugh as Scorpion teleported away.
So eager, so predictable. All you had to do to win Scorpion's favor was dangle the opportunity for revenge in his face, and he'd chase after it like a dog would a bone.
Yes, Scorpion was rather easy to please. A pity then, that Quan Chi could no longer rely on Scorpion's aid any longer. With this new Sub - Zero, it wouldn't take long for Scorpion to realize the truth, that Bi Han had never murdered his wife and child, that Sub - Zero hadn't led a band of the Lin Kuei to slaughter the Shirai Ryu.
No. Scorpion would soon find out that his new master had, in fact, massacred his family and clan in the effort to create the perfect warrior.
How fortunate, then, that Quan Chi had another warrior fall into his lap, one far more powerful than the spectre he had created.
Quan Chi walked down to see his new prisoner. Blood caked his body, his only defining feature being his bright silver hair.
"How does it feel, Bi Han, knowing that your brother is on his way to avenge your death? How does it feel, knowing that the man who sent you down here is now hunting him down?"
Bi Han snarled, pulling on the chains with all his might.
"Leave...him...alone. He….hasn't….done….anything!"
Quan Chi chuckled.
"You are strong, Bi Han." and with that, Quan Chi leaned forwards.
"But I will break you."
Whispers
A Few Days After Earthrealm's victory, Outworld
Ermac didn't know why, but everytime he glanced over to Kitana, he felt some kind of emotion rise in him.
It was most unusual. The warrior had been created only to serve Shao Khan, to fight for Outworld in it's future Mortal Kombat tournaments.
Yet, every time he saw the Crown Princess of Outworld, a small voice echoed through his mind. Small enough to soon be drowned out by the multitude of other souls, but loud enough to echo every time he saw her.
"My daughter."
AN: Next chapter is the celebration of Earthrealm's victory