It was a relatively uncommon event for Shang Tsung to enter the Netherrealm, the realm of the dead, like this. Typically, the necromancer would simply open a rift between his current location and this hellscape, but his business here required a more personal touch. Not personal enough to require him to actually travel there physically - a simple astral projection, indistinguishable from his physical form, would suffice, so as to reduce the threat to himself. He had lasted centuries in the Emperor's ire and he refused to allow his hard work regaining his favour to be invalidated by some lowly oni or damned soul.

It had recently come to his attention, through one of his many spies in Earthrealm, that an unknown party had requested the aid of Earthrealm's infamous Lin Kuei assassin clan. Their mission: to take the life of Shang Tsung himself. On his own island, no less. His spy had been unsure as to whom had hired them, nor which of the clan's many formidable assassins would be assigned the task, but there was absolutely no doubt in Shang Tsung's mind that the Grandmaster would send the clan's mightiest warrior, Bi-Han, a.k.a. Sub-Zero.

Though he would never admit it, Shang Tsung was beyond wary of Sub-Zero; he was afraid. If there was one warrior competing in this, the final tournament to claim Earthrealm in the name of the Emperor, that Shang Tsung believed had even the slimmest of chances of defeating Goro and ending Outworld's streak at the eleventh hour, it was Sub-Zero. Two years prior, the Lin Kuei warrior had foiled the plans of the fallen Elder God, Shinnok. Alone. Being targeted by such a capable warrior would terrify even the Emperor himself. The enigmatic assassin had claimed many lives in the name of his clan over his thirty or so years of life. And it was one such soul that Shang Tsung now hoped to employ as a deterrent against him.

Another benefit of using an astral projection, rather than travelling to the Netherrealm himself, was that Shang Tsung didn't have to actually search for his target. He simply willed his projection to manifest in the vicinity of the man and he was noticed within a minute. His attire was undeniably that of the Shirai Ryu - a yellow-tinted mockery of the traditional Lin Kuei uniform.

"Sorcerer..." he snarled, not bothering to so much as turn to face him.

"I do not believe we have yet had the pleasure of meeting, Hasashi-san. Yet, even so, you recognise me as a sorcerer."

"The stink of arcane trickery overpowers even the foul stench of sulphur and scorched flesh, Sorcerer. Yours is not so different from that fiend, Quan Chi."

"Hmm... I was unaware that you were so familiar with that infamous demon."

"It matters little. State your business here or leave. I have little patience for the games of sorcerers."

"Of course. I am Shang Tsung, the master of the Mortal Kombat tournament. Perhaps, you have heard of it."

"Only 'civilised' individuals are unaware of the tournament, Sorcerer. If you are here invite me to represent the Netherrelam as an ally of your Emperor, then forget it. I have no interest in the fates of the living."

"I'm sure there is one whose fate you seek to hold in your hands. Or rather, his neck. Sub-Zero?"

When the ninja didn't respond, the sorcerer continued. "It just so happens that an unknown third party has hired the hated cryomancer to assassinate me. He will be arriving on my island, using the tournament as a cover to strike me down. I admit, from the stories I have heard, his presence concerns me. Which brings me to why I am here, intruding upon your eternal damnation. I would like to make you a deal, Hasashi-san."

"You would grant me a second chance to kill that murderer, in return for me fighting for Outworld?"

"Not quite. While I do offer you the opportunity to return as a spectre for the revenge you so desperately crave, I am under no illusion that you intend to fight for Outworld until the end. I will grant you your second chance, so long as you play by the rules laid down by the Elder Gods: you will not try to kill Sub-Zero outside of an official tournament bout - unless he makes his move against me, of course - and you will face every opponent you are given until your chance to slay Sub-Zero comes on official grounds. Once Sub-Zero has been killed within an official match, then you will be free to stay or leave as you please."

"No doubt, you will place us at opposite ends of the bracket - organise the bouts so that I will face him as late a round as possible."

"Of course. I have need of your assistance, but I do not hand out charity. Still, should you perform well enough in his name, I am sure my noble emperor would be willing to allow you to walk what remains of the Earth once it is merged with Outworld. Perhaps to walk it all the way back to your precious Japan... and those that wait there for your return."

Shang Tsung's grin grew wide. While Hasashi was a master of hiding his emotions, there was no question that the sorcerer had hit upon an irresistible notion that would ensure his co-operation.

"It is a dangerous game you're playing, Sorcerer. Fine. You will have your protection, sorcerer. Sub-Zero will not come within ten yards of you, and he will die slowly, agonisingly. So swears Scorpion!"


I started this chapter in March, but had no real ideas beyond the concept of Shang Tsung playing a part in Scorpion's presence on the island, and most of their conversation. Eventually, I decided to just write up an intro and release it as is. the next chapter will be more substantial.