CHAPTER IV
MORTAL KOMBAT!
(Outworld – Beach Resort)
As the sun rose over the beach resort for the Earthrealm fighters, many of their warriors began to prepare themselves as the Mortal Kombat tournament would finally begin.
Johnny was inside the training Dojo, delivering strong kicks and punches to a punching bag. He'd woken up early as he couldn't sleep well after his little 'conversation' with Kitty last night. Feeling extra frustrated , he channeled his green energy and delivered a very strong kick, destroying the punching bag!
Inside the hut of Danny and Ember, the two lovers had just woken up. Though they shared a smile and some blushes while glancing to each other a few times as they were wearing only their undergarments, neither of them said a word as they were very focused for the tournament.
After taking a quick breakfast that was brought to them by a few of the servants, Danny and Ember started to put on their fighting outfits.
While Ember did her long hair into her usual ponytail, she noticed that Danny, after he'd putted on his fighting outfit sat down on the floor with his legs crossed and began to meditate, trying to have a clear mind before the tournament. Ember formed a little smile in understanding, thinking she too could use some peace in her thoughts. When she lastly putted on her fingerless black gloves, Ember sat next to her new boyfriend with her legs crossed and started to meditate too.
The tiny blob version of Skulker was checking on a monitor to see any flaws in his suit. Once he was sure everything was ready and operational, he entered the head part and activated the suit. Skulker smirked as he drew out his wrist blades "Time to show these Outworlders there's a new hunter in town."
Sektor, Cyrax, Smoke and the other Lin Kuei assassins had all dresses into their ninja outfits and checked their weapons. When Sub-Zero appeared, all stood straight. Sub-Zero raised his fist "For Earthrealm and the Lin-Kuei!" The other Lin Kuei cheered. They were all ready to give their lives to safe Earthrealm.
The Shaolin Monks meditated inside their huts, being at peace for what is about to come.
Then, multiple horns were blown on top of the walls surrounding the beach resort. Everyone knew what this meant.
Danny and Ember broke from their meditation and slowly opened their eyes. Danny took Ember's hand, saying "It's time."
Ember glanced at Danny, giving a nod.
They stood up, left their huts hand in hand and headed towards the big entrance.
As Danny and Ember joined with the Lin Kuei assassins and the Shaolin monks, Kitty (also in her fighting outfit) and Johnny 13 joined them.
Kitty and Johnny both exchanged a short glance, with Johnny looking away in shame, while Kitty formed a grin as she noticed that her little plan to get payback for Johnny looking at other women had worked out and he would think twice before deciding to act like a womanizer again.
Danny and Ember both noticed their ghost friends reaction to another and wandered what had happened between the two.
Skulker was the last to join as everyone reached the gate. The ghost hunter frowned to see his ex-girlfriend walking hand in hand with Danny.
In a flash of lighting, Raiden appeared before his Earthrealm warriors. He was about to give a speech before they all would leave for the Kolosseum "Right now, I cannot give you any words that'll give you comfort. Today, is the start of the very tournament that'll determine the fate of our realm. The tournament, where many of you have trained for months… years… your entire lives. As of now, none of you are strangers. Today, we are one team… fighting for the lives of all those who are dear to us, our families, friends, loved ones. Remember them… remember their faces when you all step into the arena where you will fight the toughest and ruthless warriors that you've ever faced. Remember the homes which you came from that Shao Kahn attempts to take away from you! Remember it all and let that be your strength that will finally stop Outworld from taking our realm!" some were already cheering as Raiden finally said "This is the day that we all call as one voice that we will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! So rise up… rise up, WARRIORS OF EARTHREALM!"
The Shaolin, Lin Kuei and ghost warriors all cheered, ready to defend their homes from the wrath of Shao Kahn, even Skulker raised his fist.
Then, the gate opened. Raiden, followed by his Earthrealm warriors exited the resort. Dozens of carriages were waiting outside the resort's walls to take them to the arena. After all had entered them, the carriages left for the Kolosseum.
Like two days ago, the carriages' windows were covered, preventing them to see where they're going. Luckily because it was still morning, the heat didn't effect the Earthrealm warriors inside.
Danny, sitting next to Ember held her hand the entire time. Both felt they were nervous. They exchanged a glance, smiling to each other, which gave them some rest during the trip.
Kitty, sitting opposite of Danny and Ember, thought it was cute to see them together. Johnny on the other hand was quiet while thinking. Skulker was double checking his weapons system. Raiden was there with them too, sensing that all were a bit nervous, but were ready.
After an half hour, the carriages stopped. Everyone exited. Danny, Ember, Johnny 13 and Kitty all looked astounded to see the Kolosseum, which was way bigger than the old Colosseum back in the time of the ancient Roman Empire back on Earth. Many statues of either Shao Kahn or warriors that have fought in the name of their emperor, standing along the way to the massive arena or on top of it. Danny felt he'd just walked into a movie-scene of 'Gladiator'.
All the Earthrealm warriors were escorted by Osh-Tek warriors to the special entrance for the Earthrealmers. Kotal was overseeing the security, with at his side, his lover Jade.
Once all the challenging warriors had entered, Kotal asked his captain "Was that all of them?"
The Osh-Tek captain gave a bow "Yes, General Kotal. That's all of the Earthrealm warriors… and the ghosts."
Kotal gave a nod and then ordered "Good. Close the gate and oversee the arrival of Shao Kahn and Empress Sindel."
The captain gave a nod before leaving "Yes, General."
Jade softly held Kotal's hand and said to her lover "I should go. I need to be presence with the other Outworld warriors."
Kotal gave a nod "Of course."
Jade planted a kiss on Kotal's lips, which slowly became more passionate. After a minute, both slowly broke the kiss.
Jade placed her right hand softly on Kotal's cheek "See you soon…" she softly said and then left to enter the Kolosseum at the other side to join with the other Outworld warriors.
The Earthrealm warriors walked through a long and wide corridor, till they walked up a few stairs, till they stopped before a big door that was guarded by two Outworld soldiers, who opened it for them, allowing them to enter. When they all entered, they were on a big balcony, overseeing the arena. While the other Earthrealm warriors barely gave any attention, the ghost warriors were all astounded of how big the arena was from the inside. On the tribunes, over a hundred thousand Outworlders were cheering, getting all exited for the tournament.
Ember noticed a different staircase going down, where a few guards were standing. She figured that that was probably the way to the arena floor.
Danny saw another big balcony at the other side of the arena, where two big empty thrones were and already many of Outworld's warriors had gathered. He even saw Kano and his Black Dragon goons. Kano had noticed Danny watching him and made a gesture by moving his thump through his neck while he smirked, showing the halfa that Kano would love to claim Danny's life in the arena. Danny only frowned at Kano before he turned himself and took some of the food that some Outworld servants were offering the Earthrealm warriors.
At the balcony of the Outworlders, Kano chuckled as he said to Kabal "You see that? That halfa bastard doesn't even know what he's up against. I'm looking forward to cut him a little smile, from ear to ear."
Kabal, who was checking his hookswords, said "It's not up to us who decides who fights who, boss. Only Shao Kahn and that old sorcerer, Shang Tsung."
Kano groaned as he took a huge sip from his wine "Bullshit."
Mileena and Kitana, now wearing their cleavage fighting outfits, joined the other Outworld warriors. Sheeva made a bow "Princesses." Mileena and Kitana gave a simple nod.
While the two princesses looked over the arena, Kitana asked her sister "What was it that father wanted to talk to you about, two days before?"
Just as Mileena wanted to tell what her father wanted to talk with her about, several big drums were sounded, making the people at the tribunes become silent. Then, several trumpets were sounded as Shao Kahn and Sindel walked onto the balcony, joined by Shang Tsung. While the Outworld warriors all bowed before the emperor, the people cheered as they shouted the emperor's name "Shao Kahn! Shao Kahn! Shao Kahn! Shao Kahn! Shao Kahn!"
Right when Mileena and Kitana joined their parents, Jade quickly came up to the balcony and joined the princesses. Mileena asked her "What took you so long?"
Jade apologized "Sorry. I was… held back for a moment."
"You mean by Kotal?" Kitana teased her, making Jade to blush. Then she noticed that Skarlet wasn't with them and asked "Where is Skarlet anyway?"
Mileena shrugged as she didn't care less. However, Jade answered "Skarlet was send on a mission. Rumors say that some people plan to do something during the tournament."
While Sindel sat on her throne, Shao Kahn walked to the edge of the balcony, raising his hands as he spoke "Citizens of Outworld!" the people cheered as Shao Kahn further spoke "For thousands of years, the bravest and boldest warriors have fought and gave their lives to your emperor, to deliver victory for Outworld against many realms in Mortal Kombat! Now, the races that once stood against us, now stand beside us to fight alongside each other and deliver an even greater victory and honor than you will ever receive! After nine straight victories, the tenth and final tournament against our latest enemy, Earthrealm, is finally at hand!" again, the people cheered.
Shao Kahn lowered his hands, gesturing like ordering the citizens to remain silent. All did so. Then, Shao Kahn raised his hands high up and spoke to the sky "Hear me Elder Gods! The warriors of both Outworld and Earthrealm have all gathered! I ask for your blessing… to challenge Earthrealm to the tenth and final tournament! I challenge Earthrealm… to Mortal Kombat!"
Back at the Earthrealm balcony, Lord Raiden stepped forward and too raised his arms as he looked up the sky and called "Elder Gods! I, Lord Raiden, God of thunder and protector of Earthrealm, accept Shao Kahn's challenge to Mortal Kombat!"
Suddenly, the Elder Gods shined their light upon the Kolosseum, startling many Outworld citizens as they'd never experienced such wonder in their lives, while the elderly had seen this magnificence of the Elder Gods before in the last tournament.
Danny, Ember, Johnny and Kitty looked up astounded at the light in the sky "Wow…" was all that Danny could say.
Ember gave a nod while she and Danny held hands.
Even Skulker was astounded by witnessing what the Elder Gods could do.
As they bright light started to fade, showing that the Elder Gods have given their blessing to start the tournament, Shao Kahn declared "Let Mortal Kombat… BEGIIIIIIN!"
Everyone on the tribunes cheered out loud, ready to see some fighting to the death.
Shao Kahn then walked back and sat on his big throne next to his wife. The emperor glanced at Sheng Tsung, telling him to start "Shang Tsung. Begin the first match."
"With pleasure." The elderly sorcerer said as he walked up the balcony and spoke out loud "For the first match of today, the first kombatant representing Earthrealm, the human/ghost hybrid: DANNY PHANTOM!"
This surprised Danny and his other ghost allies, except for Skulker. Danny sighed, trying not to be nervous while Ember softly stroke his hand. Sub-Zero shook his head, having expected that Shao Kahn would try to have Danny killed for speaking out when they first arrived in Shao Kahn's palace.
Shang Tsung then announced Danny opponent "His opponent will be… PRINCESS MILEENA!"
"So, I'll be fighting a princess, huh? Not what I had expected." Danny stated.
Raiden walked up to Danny, stating wisely "Watch yourself, Daniel. Even though Mileena is a princess of Outworld, keep in mind that she's half Tarkatan, so she's far stronger than you think she is."
Danny nodded in understanding. Sub-Zero then advised his student "Remember your training. If you can beat me in kombat, then so can you against the Tarkatan hybrid. But remember: never underestimate your opponent."
Danny gave a bow to his mentor "Understood, master Bi-Han."
As the two Outworld soldiers stepped out of the way from the stairs leading down to the arena floor, Danny was about to go but was held for a moment by his girlfriend. He glanced at her, only for her to plant a kiss on his lips, which Danny returned.
When Ember slowly broke the kiss, she softly said "Please be careful…"
Danny nodded "I will…" and broke the embrace as he went down the stairs.
At the emperor's balcony, Kitana and Jade hadn't expected for their friend/sister to fight first. Mileena softly stated to her sister "That is what father wanted to talk about 2 days ago. He told me that… I will be fighting first."
Kitana gave a nod in understanding and said as she puts her hand on her right arm "Good luck, Mileena."
Mileena gave a nod and was about to go down to the arena floor too. She stopped for a moment to glance at her parents. Sindel gave a simple nod, while Shao Kahn told with a serious look on his face "Do not fail me, my daughter."
"I won't fail you, father." Mileena ensured her father and stepped down the stairs.
As Danny stepped on the arena floor, he transformed into his ghost form, turning only his black hair to white and his blue eyes green while his fighting suit remained the same.
Mileena stepped into the arena floor too, drawing her two Sais. Wanting to send some fear into the halfa, she removed her violet mouth mask, revealing her Tarkatan features.
When they stood at the center of the arena, Danny raised an eyebrow in surprise first when seeing Mileena with her Tarkatan teeth and asked "What the hell are you?"
Mileena got ready in her fighting stance as she answered while hissing "Someone not to be trifled with, ghost boy."
Danny then got in his own fighting stance.
Shang Tsung then called "Begin!"
FIGHT!
Mileena fired two magenta energy projectiles shaped exactly like her Sais at Danny, only to miss as Danny dodged her attack by a small inch, but was then met with several kicks in the chest and face till Mileena sliced one of her Sais to Danny's left shoulder!
Ember gasped in horror, seeing her boyfriend injured "Danny!"
Danny grunted as he nearly tripped while holding his wound, with green blood dripping out.
Shao Kahn chuckled, seeing the so-called ghost hero being overpowered so quickly by his daughter.
Mileena then attacked again with her Sais multiple times, with Danny being able to deflect her attacks, but was then met with a fierce kick to the stomach before being hit in the face, making him fall backwards.
The crowd cheered while Ember called out to Danny "You can do it, Danny!"
Sub-Zero told his student "Keep your guard up!"
Johnny then yelled to him "C'mon, Danny! You've fought bigger opponents than her in the past! Go for it!"
Danny quickly jumped backwards, avoiding Mileena from stabbing him with both her Sais and countered by firing several Ray blasts at her, hurting Mileena as she grunted in pain. As she ran towards him, Danny fired more energy blasts but Mileena deflected them with her Sais and countered with a hard roundhouse kick to the chest, sending him flying backwards as he hit the arena wall!
While the crowd cheered even more, Shao Kahn began to laugh "Hahahahaha! That'll make that ghost child think twice before daring to speak out against me."
Sindel agreed "Indeed, husband."
Danny tried to get up, but was met by more kicks from Mileena in the stomach and face, and finally his chest, nearly breaking a few of his ribs on his right side!
Ember formed tears in her eyes, yelling at Danny "Danny! NO!"
As Danny spit out green blood, he glanced at Mileena while trying to stand up, but was then punched in the head, making him hit the arena wall hard! Danny fell on his knees. His chest, having several cut wounds that bled and also had a nosebleed.
Mileena grinned "Looks like you're not as special as I thought you were. Having a big mouth towards my father, but your actions say otherwise."
Thinking that Danny was defeated, Shang Tsung called out "Now… finish him!"
While the other Earthrealm warriors watched to see the inevitable, Raiden looked down as he saw his champion to fall. Johnny and Kitty watched in horror as their friend was being killed. Ember began to cry "NOOO!"
As time seemed to slow down, Mileena raised her Sais, ready to deliver the killing blow. However, Danny fell into a deep trance as he summoned the same power he'd discovered while training under the Shaolin monks, the power that gave him the strength to even beat his mentor, Sub-Zero.
When his eyes opened, they flashed greener than before. And before Mileena could stab her Sais into Danny's head, he held them tight in his tight grip!
Struggling to gain the upper hand, Danny slowly stood up. Mileena attempted to kick him again, but they didn't had any effect as Danny looked more fierce than he'd ever done before. Mileena began to look nervous.
"Let's skip the warm-up." Danny said as he inhaled deeply… and then yelled out his Ghostly Wail!
The enormous screech from Danny made everyone in the arena to cover their ears while Mileena was overpowered by his wail and was send far backwards, making her hit the arena wall all the way to the other side, making it even crack on impact!
While Mileena struggled to recover from this sudden attack, she tried to get up, while Danny, using his green energy, raced towards Mileena and delivered many strong punches and a strong kick to her left side, making the Tarkatan hybrid rolling across the arena!
As Mileena stopped rolling, she grind her Tarkatan teeth as she got furious "AAAAARGH! NOW YOU DIE!" she grabbed her Sais, attempting to attack Danny, but her attack was blocked by Danny's ice sword, having being able to summon it quickly than before!
Danny used his ice sword to deflect Mileena's attacks quickly and with a swift strike, disarmed her of both her Sais!
Kitana gasped while Jade looked with great surprise, never seeing anyone who was able to disarm Mileena and was on the brink of defeating her.
Now disarmed, Danny summoned even more power as he jumps high and delivered a series of fast and strong kicks to Mileena's chest and face. Being overpowered, she tripped backwards and was then hit hard in the face by a fierce uppercut, nearly breaking her jaw!
After a few seconds of just standing, Mileena fell on her back.
All the Earthrealm warriors cheered for Danny, while Ember cried joyful tears "Yes! YES!"
DANNY PHANTOM WINS!
Danny panted while saying "I can do a lot more… than just standing up with words…"
The whole crowd fell deep silence. The crown-princess of Outworld was defeated, by a human/ghost hybrid nonetheless.
Shao Kahn frowned as he glanced at her defeated daughter on the arena grounds. She'd failed him to defeat the halfa.
Mileena slowly sat on her knees, but was unable to fight any more.
Danny just gave a simple nod "Got to admit… you were a worthy opponent, princess-"
"Well fought, Danny Phantom." Shao Kahn suddenly says as he steps on the balcony "It appears I have underestimated you." Danny glanced with a angry look at the Outworld emperor. But then Shao Kahn says "Now… claim your price. Finish her!"
Kitana gasped in horror and covered her mouth, not believing that their own father ordered Mileena to be killed "No…" Jade held her close. Sindel didn't even responded and took a sip of her wine, looking coldly at Mileena.
Danny was surprised. He glanced at Mileena before glancing back at Shao Kahn "You want me to… finish her? Your own daughter!?"
"KILL HER!" Shao Kahn nearly yelled "You defeated her in Mortal Kombat. Now, you have the honor to deliver the final blow."
Mileena was horrified to hear her own father allowing her to die. Sadly, she sighed and told Danny while looking down "Do it. I've dishonored my father… and the empire. Finish it… kill me…"
Danny looked at Mileena with a near shocked expression. He looked at his ice sword and then back at Mileena. The whole crowd was dead silence, waiting for Danny Phantom to kill his opponent.
But then, Danny frowned as he threw away his sword, breaking it "NO!"
Mileena looked back up to Danny with stunned eyes "But… why? You're fighting a tournament…"
Danny cut her off, saying "I came here to protect my home world…" then he glanced at Shao Kahn in anger "…not to kill anyone. I refuse to kill my opponent!"
The whole crowd was surprised to hear that. For the first time in centuries, a warrior from the challenging realm spared his opponent in Mortal Kombat. Slowly, they started to clap and and cheering for Danny for being merciful, much to Shao Kahn's annoyance.
While Shao Kahn frowned back at Danny, the ghost warrior turned his back and was about to head out of the arena floor. He stopped for a moment and glanced to Mileena, seeing her slowly stand on her feet and looked at Danny too, feeling grateful for him to spare her. He formed small smile and gave a nod before exiting the arena floor.
Mileena looked at her father, who was disgusted by her failure. Sadly, she looked down and picked up her two Sais from the ground before walking out of the arena.
Kitana wanted to be sure if her sister was alright and was about to leave. But was stopped by her father who called "And where do you think you're going?"
Kitana stopped as some guards stopped her in her tracks. She turned back and answered her father "I… I want to check on Mileena, she-"
"You're not going anywhere, daughter. Not until the fights of today are over." Shao Kahn reminded Kitana as the tournament had only just began.
Kitana wanted to protest, but seeing her father's angry expression and her mother's serious look on her face, Kitana gave a nod and stood back with Jade.
To ensure that Mileena would be alright, Jade whispered to Kitana "I'll send some of the healers to check on Mileena."
Kitana looked at Jade with a grateful smile and gave a nod. Jade then summoned one of the servants to send the healers to Mileena, which the servant did.
Shao Kahn glanced at Shang Tsung and ordered "Carry on with the tournament. I'll deal with my failure of a daughter later."
Back with the Earthrealm/ghost warriors, Danny walked up the stairs and rejoined his team. Immediately, Ember embraced him while some tears fell from her eyes as she thought he was about to die in the arena "Oh Danny!" But then being both glad and angry, she said as she grabbed his collar "I swear if you ever put me through that again… I'll… I'll fucking kill you…"
Danny formed a grin and said "I love you too." Both chuckled and kissed.
The other warriors congratulated Danny on his victory.
"That was awesome back there, Danny!" Johnny said as he patted on Danny's shoulder.
Raiden gave Danny a nod, but advised while he healed his wounds by using his powers "You fought well, Daniel. But next time, be more prepared for whatever opponents you're about to face in the tournament."
Sub-Zero nodded as he added "Indeed. I noticed that you were doubting in Mileena's abilities. I told you to never underestimate your opponent, cause if you do, you won't be so lucky next time."
Once Raiden had healed all of Danny's wounds, the halfa sighed while stroking his shoulder that was now fully healed "Yeah, that was stupid of me. It won't happen again. I promise."
However, Raiden then formed a smile "That was also a noble thing you did: sparing Mileena's life."
Danny sighed as he stated "I don't plan to kill anyone in the tournament, Lord Raiden. 'Cause If I do, or any of us… then we're no better than Shao Kahn or his thugs."
With Danny's suggestion that they shouldn't kill their opponents in Mortal Kombat made the others think that Danny was maybe right and they won't be any better than Shao Kahn or the evil Outworlders. It especially made them think as how Shao Kahn can be so evil to allow his own daughter to be slaughtered in the tournament, but was spared that fate because of Danny's good nature. Skulker however just scowled while crossing his arms, as he did not came to this tournament to spare his new 'preys' and come home without any new trophies.
Johnny then wandered something and asked Danny "But… how were you able to use your Ghostly Wail and not feeling exhausted after using it? Cause I thought by using that attack, it would make you weaker?"
Danny didn't gave it any thought, but he theorized "Hmmm… maybe because of all the training in the Wu Shi Academy and unlocking my true potential, I guess using my strongest ghost attack doesn't make me weaker anymore."
Just then, Shang Tsung called out "For the next match, fighting on behalf of Earthrealm: SMOKE! His opponent… BONE-CRUSH of the Black Dragon clan!"
Smoke sighed before he glanced at Sub-Zero, who placed his hand on his shoulder and said "Good luck, my friend."
Smoke gave a nod "Thank you, Bi-Han."
As Smoke was about to go down the stairs to face his opponent, Kitty gave her mentor some encouragement "Go break a leg." Smoke nodded and walked down the stairs, entering the arena floor.
Bone-crush, as how Kano's employer was nicknamed, was a heavily tattooed muscled man, wearing a biker's outfit and had his hair in a big red tomahawk. As he entered the arena floor, facing Smoke, Bone-crush cracked his neck before he spit to the ground and smirked "I eat pussy's like you for breakfast!"
While the fight between Smoke and Bone-crush went on, with the Black Dragon member unable to deliver any blow at Smoke and took a lot of hits from the Lin Kuei assassin, Danny told his ghost friends "Listen… I don't ask you guys not to kill your opponents when you're about to face them in the arena. I'm just saying that…"
Ember smiled at him and said while softly holding his hand "It's okay, Danny. And… you're right, it won't make us any better than him if we kill our own opponents in cold blood."
Kitty agreed as she crossed her arms "Yeah, and… who the fuck does that Shao Kahn think he is anyway?! I can't believe he would just let his own daughter to die like that?! What a heartless piece of shit."
Johnny scratched the back of his head, as he admitted to Danny "Well… you're not the only one who think like that, man. Honestly… I too wasn't planning to kill anyone. Sure, I would beat the crap out of someone if I have to, but killing him… That's not my style."
Kitty, though not looking at Johnny, nodded as she too wasn't planning to kill anyone. Ember gave a nod as well.
Cyrax, who joined their conversation, advised the ghost warriors "Though it is noble to let your opponent live, in the end… you will regret that decision."
"What do you mean?" Danny asked Cyrax with a raised eyebrow.
Sektor also joined and added "Cyrax is right, Daniel. Not all the opponents that you spare will grant you the same mercy. And when the time comes, and I'm sure that it will be during the tournament or after, you will have no choice but to kill your enemy in order to safe others."
Danny didn't liked the sound of that. To even think that he will have to kill someone when the time comes. While Danny thought back of the past 3 years he'd become a half ghost, he'd promised himself that he would never kill anyone, no matter how bad they were. And honestly… Danny had never killed anyone… and preferred to keep it that way.
Trying to keep these things out of his mind, Danny just watched the fight in the arena.
After just a minute, Bone-crush was exhausted as he was being hit over and over by Smoke's fast attacks and wasn't even hit once.
While Bone-crush nearly tripped of feeling dizzy, Smoke delivered a fast amount of punches to Bone-crush's face and finished it with a fierce kick, sending him flying backwards and hit the ground hard!
Bone-crush tried to get up, but then fell unconscious on the floor.
Seeing that Smoke wasn't going to kill his opponent and just stood there, looking down at his defeated opponent, Shang Tsung frowned while calling "Smoke wins!"
The crowd cheered, with many being impressed of how fast the Lin Kuei assassin avoided Bone-Crush's attacks and defeated him without even breaking a sweat.
Smoke formed a grin under his mouth mask "Flawless victory." And then left to rejoin his fellow Earthrealm warriors, who were all glad to see Smoke having won his match so easily.
Kano just rolled his eyes, having expected that Bone-crush would be defeated "Why am I not surprised."
After Smoke's fight with Bone-crush, as the day progressed, some Shaolin monks and other Lin Kuei assassins, including Sub-Zero were chosen to fight their opponents and were all surprisingly good as they were able to defeat their opponents, which were mostly of Kano's Black Dragon clan and some Outworld warriors. Always after 3 or 4 fights, there was a short break of 30 minutes or 1 hour so not only the dozens of slaves would fix the damage to the arena floor quickly, but also to perform some entertainment for the audience and their emperor.
It seemed that Danny's decision to spare Mileena had inspired the other Earhrealm warriors to also show mercy to their defeated opponents, which made the crowd even more surprised about how merciful the Earthrealm warriors were and some began to cheer for team Earthrealm. Shao Kahn was not pleased with some of his people cheering for the other realm, but as this is how it sometimes went in the beginning of the tournament, he ignored them and was sure that they'll cheer for Outworld again once Earthrealm is about to lose.
However, behind Shao Kahn and his Outworld warriors who were all paying attention, one of the warriors, who was a vampire women wearing a dark red/black leather outfit, wearing black pants, black high heels and long black hand gloves that covered half of her arms. Though she had near pale skin, even showing some of her veins at her arms and chest and had also big bat-like wings on her back, the women had a natural beauty that would make some men even turn their heads.
After she'd witnessed Danny Phantom's fight with Mileena and some of the other Earthrealm/ghost warriors fighting with honor and also showing the same mercy towards their opponents, the vampire women had an idea in mind to test Danny Phantom's friends and allies. However, she could not act before counseling with someone.
While nobody was looking, the vampire women whispered to a fellow female servant "If either Shao Kahn or the others ask where I've gone, you know what to tell them."
The female Outworld servant gave a nod "Of course, Nitara." She whispered back before going back to serve drinks for the Outworld warriors.
Nitara walked out of the arena. Being sure that nobody was watching, nor Kotal's men, she spread her large wings and flew away, heading towards the beach resort of the Earthrealmers…
As the sun was close to go down, Johnny 13 came back up the stairs from the arena floor, having defeated his Black dragon opponent with ease, though having taken a few hits and scratches.
Danny gave Johnny a high-five "Great job out there, Johnny. You sure showed him."
Johnny formed a smirk and said proudly "Piece of cake. If all those Outworlders are as bad as these guys, we'll be able to win this thing in no time!"
Raiden, though proud at Johnny for winning the fight, he reminded him "Though you were successful today, Johnny 13, Mortal Kombat is far from over."
Johnny shrugged, seeing that Raiden has a point and this tournament is far from over. Kitty walked over to Johnny "You… you're hurt." She said while pointing to his wounds on the chest.
Johnny just brushed it off while saying in a macho way "Nah, it's just a scratch."
Kitty however disagreed and said "That's not just a scratch, Johnny. You need to take care of that." she grabbed some small bandages and puts it on him "Here, this'll help."
Johnny was grateful for that, as it reminded him how Kitty sometimes had to tend his wounds after some fights with Danny before they became friends "Thanks, kitten." Johnny then asked with a smile "So… I guess you're not mad at me anymore?"
Kitty shrugged and walked away "I don't know yet."
Johnny sighed in disappointment, seeing that Kitty was still a bit angry at Johnny for watching other women. Johnny knew he had to make it up somehow to Kitty… but the question is: How?
Shang Tsung then called for the next fight while Jonny's unconscious opponent was dragged out of the arena floor "The next kombatant will be Ember!"
Ember sighed deep, feeling a bit nervous about her first fight. Danny comforted her "Hey… you're going to be alright. I know you can do it."
Ember planted a soft kiss on Danny's lips and said "I'll be back soon…" and walked over to the stairs taking her down.
When Ember stepped onto the arena floor, Shang Tsung was about to announce Ember's opponent "Her opponent, on behalf of Outworld, will be-"
"REPTILE!" Shao Kahn suddenly called out, interrupting Shang Tsung before he could call out Ember's real opponent. Surprised, Shang Tsung turned to his emperor, who gave the elderly sorcerer a serious look "I grow tired of these so-called warriors who cannot defeat some weak Earthrealmers. Reptile will fight this ghost girl."
Seeing that Shoa Kahn was starting to get impatient, Shang Tsung gave a nod while the Zaterrean assassin stepped forward, giving a bow before his emperor "With pleasure, Shao Kahn." And then jumped off the balcony, landing on the arena floor while the crowd cheered, knowing that they are going to see another great match like when Mileena faced Danny.
Reptile smirked while he hissed "I look forward to devour your flesh when you're dead, pale girl."
Ember frowned as she got into her fighting stance "Not before I kick the shit out of you, dipstick."
FIGHT!
Reptile lunges at Ember with a jump sidekick, which Ember was able to block with her arms quickly and countered back with a kneecap, hitting Reptile right in the stomach! But Reptile recovered quickly and launched a series of kicks at Ember, hitting her a few times but she was able to deflect or dodge Reptile's attacks.
Then, after Ember performed a jump back kick, hitting Reptile on his face, Ember quickly took out her guitar and hit the strings hard, firing a fist-shaped energy beam at Reptile, hitting him so hard that it send him flying backwards to the arena wall! But, Reptile quickly landed on the wall and jumped higher, landing on top of the arena wall. He then spit out a series of acid-spit at Ember!
Ember quickly did a series of backwards jumps to avoid Reptile acid spit. As she was about to hit the strings to fire a sonic wave, Reptile smirked as he suddenly turned invisible. Ember hit the strings on her guitar hard, sending a purple sonic wave at where Reptile was supposed to stand and destroyed the part of the wall… but Reptile wasn't there anymore.
Ember looked confused around her. Then she grew irritated and called "Come out and face me, you cold blooded coward!" but was then suddenly hit by something hard in the face! Ember didn't see anything and was then hit at the back of her head!
Desperately, Ember punched and kicked around her, hitting nothing but air as an invisible Reptile kept hurting Ember again and again, till she was hit hard in the chest hard by a hard kick from Reptile, sending her flying backwards till she hit the ground hard!
Ember couched while wiping her nose, seeing some green blood. She quickly stood up and returned back in her fighting stance while panting, looking around where that cowardly reptilian warrior was.
Danny called out to his girlfriend "Focus, Ember! Use your other senses!"
Cyrax added "Yes, just like how we've trained! You don't need your eyes to sense your enemy!"
Ember glanced for a short second to her boyfriend and her mentor, realizing that the both of them were right. Slowly… she calmed herself and breathed easily while closing her eyes, letting her other senses to seek out the invisible turned Zaterrean. As she took a few steps forward. She concentrated hard.
Then… she heard something very close… and quickly grabbed her guitar, jumped backwards and swinged her guitar, hitting Reptile right at his left kneecap, breaking it!
Reptile roared in pain as he turned visible again and rolled over the arena floor till he stopped. He tried to get up on one leg, but it was hard. Ember immediately lunges at Reptile, using her guitar like a sword and hit him dozens of times in the chest and face!
Reptile was nearly tripping, being exhausted… and was then met with an fast uppercut from Ember's guitar, breaking his jaw and fell backwards!
Reptile looked at Ember one more time before he lost consciousness.
EMBER WINS!
Ember looked down at Reptile, before glancing at the cheering crowd and raised her fist.
Shao Kahn then called out to Ember "Finish him!" wanting her to kill Reptile.
Ember glanced at the Outworld emperor and then gave him the finger before walking out of the arena floor "Fuck you."
Shao Kahn frowned at the disrespectful ghost girl for having the nerve to insult him by flipping him off. If he was going to make Danny Phantom suffer for standing up to him, Shao Kahn will no doubt make her pay as well.
Danny embraced Ember as soon as she rejoined her fellow Earthrealm/ghost team members and both kissed. After they slowly broke the kiss after 10 seconds, Danny said with a smile "I knew you could do it."
Ember just gave a nod and planted another kiss on Danny's lips.
Skulker annoyingly rolled his eyes, having had enough of his ex-girlfriend and the halfa kissing each other nearly all the time "Ugh! Get a room you two."
Ember frowned at Skulker, while Danny smirked at the ghost hunter and asked him in a teasing way "Jealous?"
Skulker just looked away while crossing his arms.
While the other congratulated Ember on her victory against Reptile, her mentor, Cyrax was proud at his student "Well done, Ember. Not everybody can withstand the Zaterrean assassin in a battle like that."
Ember shrugged as she smiled at her mentor "I just have a great teacher."
Back on the balcony of Outworld, the female vampire Nitara had returned and quietly rejoined the others. Nobody seemed to have noticed Nitara's absence, much to her relief.
But then, Skarlet showed herself and walked over to Shao Kahn. She made a bow and said "My emperor. My mission was a success. The information about some people who were suspected to cause some trouble during the tournament was true. They've all been dealt with."
Shao Kahn gave a nod to Skarlet, being satisfied with her success "Excellent."
While Skarlet joined Kitana and Jade, the blood mage gave a short glance to Nitara. Skarlet formed a small grin before glancing back to Kitana and Jade, asking if the rumors she'd heard about what had happened to Mileena at the tournament today was true.
Meanwhile, Scorpion was getting very impatient "When will it be my turn? I demand to fight Sub-Zero!"
Shang Tsung glanced at Scorpion with a smirk "If you're patience, the emperor might consider."
That only infuriated Scorpion and was this close to attack the elderly sorcerer as he raised his firing fist "Enough of your games, sorcerer! I demand Sub-Zero! NOW!"
The other guards, including Jade, Kitana and Skarlet stood ready to defend Shang Tsung, while Shao Kahn and Sindel glanced at Scorpion, being somehow impressed to wanting to fight the grandmaster of the Lin Kuei so eagerly.
Quan Chi held his hand on Scorpion's shoulder, ordering him "Restraint, Scorpion."
Although Scorpion was still angry, he obeyed his master as his hand return to normal.
When Raiden saw and heard Scorpion's outburst, another vision appeared before his eyes, showing Scorpion's past before he, his clan and family were slaughtered by the Lin Kuei, leaded by Sub-zero and when he was resurrected in the Netherrealm as a vengeful ninja, vowing to destroy Sub-zero for what he'd done to him. The vision ended with Scorpion slaughtering Sub-zero and held his removed head along with his spinal cord and the head morphs into a darked version of Sub-zero, forced to serve Quan Chi in the Netherrealm.
Raiden remembered the slaughter of the Shirai Ryu a few years back very well. Even though the thunder god wanted to stop it, the Elder Gods forbade him from interfering, as it could lead to dire consequences for the universe. But seeing this vision, showing a more terrible fate than just death for Bi-Han, Raiden knew he had to convince Scorpion somehow by not killing Sub-zero when they fight in the tournament. Raiden had an idea, as he saw how much Scorpion had suffered for losing his clan and family.
Shung Tsung then called out, saying "As the first day of Mortal Kombat comes to an end, we have still time left… for one single fight!" all the crowd cheered of being satisfied of seeing one more fight "For the next fight, fighting on behalf of Earthrealm: The ghost hunter, SKULKER!"
Skulker sighed in annoyance "It's about time." And went over to the stairs to enter the arena floor.
Though Danny wasn't happy with Skulker's attitude, he did say "Good luck out there. You're gonna need it."
Skulker stopped for a moment and glanced at Danny. He just narrowed his eyes "Hmm." And went down the stairs.
When Skulker entered the arena floor, Shang Tsung called out his opponent "Fighting Skulker: The Shokan warrior, KINTARO!"
From the opposed gate, the Shokan warrior came out, roaring out loud while the crowd cheered. This Shokan wasn't like most of the Shokan who belonged to the Draco clan, Kintaro belonged to the lower-class clan, Tigrar with its Shokan having tiger stripped marking all over their bodies, having sharp fangs, claws and feline-like feet.
Skulker smirked while cracking his knuckles, eager to take this Shokan as his first best trophy "Ah yes. That's more like it. Your pelt will be perfect at the foot of my bed."
Kintaro however was not amused "Such pride. I will be honored to break it along with your metal suit."
Both the hunter and tiger looking Shokan got into their fighting stance.
Shang Tsung called out "Begin!"
FIGHT!
Being arrogant, Kintaro seemed to allow Skulker give the first hit. Skulker smirked as a rocket powered fist formed from his robotic left arm and delivered a fast punch right at Kintaro's chest, breaking some rips as the Shokan tripped backwards!
Kintaro roared in pain and the furiously lunges at Skulker, using his 4 clawed hands to slash at the ghost hunter, but he was able to deflect them thanks to his green energized shield from his left wrist and the drew an upgraded blade from his right wrist, slashing several times at Kintaro's chest before being blocked by the Shokan and thrown throw him through the arena!
Skulker quickly used his newly upgraded jetpacks, appearing from his boots and landed on the ground. He activated several guns from his shoulders and aimed at Kintaro, firing several Ghost Ray shots at Kintaro, which hit the Shokan but was able to dodge the last one and lunges at Skulker with a wild roar, breathing out fire from his mouth! Though surprised, Skulker robotic armor gave him some protection and quickly used his energy shield to withstand the flame attack of the Shokan.
Suddenly, Skulker was grabbed by two of Kintaro's under arms while his two upper arms slashed out against Skulker! Quickly, Skulker used his jet boots, hurting Kintaro as he was pushed far backwards!
From Skulker's shoulder, appeared a rocket launcher and fired 3 rockets at Kintaro, hurting him badly as all 3 rockets exploded simultaneously as they hit the Shokan warrior and send him flying backwards!
The crowd started to cheer louder.
Kintaro groaned in pain while lying on the ground. Skulker walked over to him, forming a grin as the ghost hunter didn't had a fight like this in a long time.
Shang Tsung looked with some interest, as the ghost hunter was more eager to kill his opponent than his fellow ghosts and the other Earthrealmers.
Shao Kahn formed an evil smirk "It seems that the crowd will be rewarded a gruesome death after all."
Kintaro tried to get up while he grind his teeth "You… damn… ghost…!"
Skulker smirked as he grabbed Kintaro's head and raised him up and leaned him closer, saying "The name's Skulker. The greatest hunter in all of the Ghost-zone. And soon… the most feared hunter in all the realms."
Kintaro then grinned as he then grabbed Skulker's arms and legs with clawed hands and stretched them out, attempting to tear his robotic suit apart!
While the Earthrealmers and the ghost warriors looked with some shock, believing that Skulker was about to get slaughtered, Sektor called out to his student "Skulker! Use your suit to its full potential! You haven't even used all your power yet!"
While Kintaro pulled Skulker arms and legs even harder, Skulker didn't seemed to be in pain, rather… he started to smirk, which surprised Kintaro as Skulker said "You have some fighting spirit, I give you that. But… I'm bored now."
Suddenly, Skulker grabbed Kintaro's upper arms with such force and then twisted the both of them 360 degrees, breaking the bones in Kintaro's upper arms! The Shokan roared in lots of pain as his upper arms were now deemed useless and let go of Skulker, but the ghost hunter wasn't finished yet and with such speed and force, punched Kintaro's remaining two arms so hard, that it too broke nearly every bone in them!
Kintaro roared in agony while Skulker delivered a fierce uppercut, breaking Kintaro's jaw and fractured his skull! The Shokan warrior fell backwards, nearly motionless while chocking in his own blood.
Skulker chuckled evilly, feeling proud of these new upgrades thanks to Sektor's knowledge of the Cyber Initiative.
Danny was shocked how bloodthirsty Skulker was. He had to stop this and called "Skulker, that's enough! He's already defeated! Now come back up here!"
Skulker glanced to Danny while he frowned as the halfa had the nerve to command the greatest ghost hunter. But then he evilly smirked as he turned back towards a sever wounded Kintaro "Oh, I'll be returning back to my fellow teammates. But first…" he drew out two blades from both wrists, ready to kill his opponent.
Kintaro looked horrified while still chocking in his own blood as Skulker stepped up towards him.
The crowd got even more exited and shouted "KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL!"
Shao Kahn smirked and called out to Skulker as he stepped on the balcony "You have earned your trophy, hunter. Finish him!"
Skulker smiled evilly as he stabbed both his blade wrists into Kintaro's chest, raising him up!
Danny screamed "Skulker, STOOOOOP!"
But Danny's begging Skulker to spare Kintaro fell into deaf ears as Skulker, now thirst for blood, activated another system which made some small wirings appear from his blades, crawling into Kintaro's body, under his skin, from his chest till it spread throughout his body. Kinator was in so much pain.
Skulker then grabbed a part from his hid from where his blades had pierced and pulled hard. Kintaro screamed in agonizing pain!
And with one last swift move… Skulker ripped Kintaro's entire skin off! Blood splattered nearly everywhere, soaking Skulker with the Shokan's blood.
The entire crowd went wild of Skulker ripping apart one of Outworld's champions. Danny, his ghost friends and the other Earthrealmers looked with horror what Skulker had done.
Kintaro, now only left with his very flesh without skin, bled badly as he panted in agonizing pain. But Skulker wasn't finished yet. He the punched right through Kintaro's chest, grabbing his heart and ripped it out of him! An energy blaster appeared from Skulker's right shoulder and blasted Kintaro's head and chest apart!
The body of Kintaro fell backwards.
SKULKER WINS!
FATALITY
Skulker raised Kintaro's blooding hide and heart in the air, roaring in victory while the crowd cheered and called out Skulker's name, being satisfied of finally seeing a killing in the tournament "SKULKER! SKULKER! SKULKER! SKULKER! SKULKER! SKULKER! SKULKER! SKULKER!"
Danny became angry of Skulker's bloodthirst and seeing how he enjoyed it all "Skulker… you cold blooded bastard!" Danny slammed his fist to the railing, cracking it.
Ember, Johnny and Kitty were both horrified and angry at what Skulker had done, having showed his true colors. Johnny nearly had to vomit of how disgusting it was that Skulker skinned Kintaro alive before delivering the final blow.
Skulker, fueled by his thirst for blood, felt like he'd awaken from a dream and never felt so alive "Skulker… welcome home." He told himself. Before he left to join his fellow earthrealm/ghost warriors, Skulker called out to Shang Tsung with a smirk "Next time… bring me some stronger opponents to fight!"
Shang Tsung was a bit surprised by that kind of request, but then smirked "As you wish, hunter."
While Skulker left the arena floor, with Kintaro's hide over his shoulder and his heart in hand, Sindel could see some potential in the ghost hunter "If circumstances had been different, he would make a fine addition to the empire."
Shao Kahn agreed with his wife "Indeed. He would make a fine asset to my warriors." He then ordered the elderly sorcerer "Shang Tsung. Keep an eye out for this Skulker and report anything useful to me."
Shang Tsung gave a nod to the Outworld emperor "As you wish."
At the Earthrealm balcony, Skulker walked up the stairs and rejoined the others.
Danny marched up to Skulker in anger. Ember tried to stop him but it was too late "Skulker, you heartless bastard!" Danny nearly yelled as he stood before the ghost hunter.
Skulker frowned at Danny "Oh, shut it, ghost-boy. It was a fair fight."
"We're here to safe our world, Skulker, NOT TO SLAUGHTER ANYONE!" Danny yelled as he nearly lunged at Skulker, but was held back by Sub-Zero and Ember.
Skulker just looked at Danny with his frown eyes, before he formed a grin as he stated "Perhaps I hadn't made myself clear to you, Phantom. I am a hunter, not a goodhearted warrior like you. If you want to spare your enemies in the arena, that's your business. But if I decide to kill my opponents and take their heads is my business." He held both Kintaro's hide and heart up while smirking "And these'll make fine additions to my collection."
Danny shook his head while saying "I always thought that you were a heartless bastard. But after today, you just showed me what you truly are, Skulker. You are a psycho!"
Skulker chuckled "I take that as a compliment. Honestly I don't give a crap of what people think of me. After today, my name will be on anyone's lips and will fear it." he then reminded Danny as he leaned down to him "Isn't that the chance you gave me, ghost child? To be feared in the other realms than just Earth and the Ghost-zone?"
Raiden then stepped in between them "That's enough! We're on the same team, so no matter the outcome of the battles we fight, the survival of Earthrealm is our top priority."
Shao Kahn then called out "Let us retire for the evening. As it is by the Elder Gods decree, all fighters take the next day off to rest and train. And the day afterwards, the tournament will continue."
The crowd cheered as everybody began to leave, same as the Earthrealm warriors.
While Shao Kahn and Sindel left along with their warriors, Kitana immediately left to go back to her father's palace fast and check on Mileena.
Along the way, Nitara was approached by Skarlet, asking her as she stopped the vampire warrior in her tracks "Tell me. Where were you off today?"
Nitara was surprised at first, but tried to act normal "I… nowhere. I was here the entire time."
Skarlet formed a smirk, seeing through the vampire's lie "Oh really? Then why did I saw you flying towards the Kolosseum just before I returned from my mission?"
Nitara frowned at the blood mage and asked "Are you accusing me of something, Skarlet?"
Skarlet leaned towards Nitara, holding her bloody knife close to her "That depends. Now tell me, and don't play coin with me this time. Where were you truly off to when I was gone?"
A sweat drop fell from Nitara's forehead, feeling that Skarlet was up to her. She was this close to either attack or run, but then the same female servant walked fast up to the vampire warrior "Lady Nitara!" Skarlet and Nitara glanced at the servant, who handed over a letter to Nitara "You left this."
Nitara took it, showing it was a letter with the seal of the vampire clan. Nitara played along and gave a friendly nod to the servant "Ah, yes. Thank you. I almost forgot about it."
Skarlet snapped the paper out of Nitara's hand "Let me see that!" without her permission, Skarlet opened the parchment, reading it was indeed a letter from one of her fellow vampires, telling of the shortage of blood supplies at their castle and asked Nitara if she could ask Shao Kahn for new blood for her fellow vampires.
Skarlet formed a confused look and demanded to know from Nitara "What has this to do with you leaving the Kolosseum?!"
Nitara formed a grin "I told you, I was here the entire time. One of my vampire sisters had delivered me this parchment and that I should take a look at it." she pretended that she was reading the parchment while saying with a fake innocent smile "I… must have forgotten to read it because of the excitement of seeing the tournament."
Skarlet, though being suspicious of Nitara's statement, asked the female servant "Is that true?"
The servant nodded with a smile "Yes. Lady Arianna was here to deliver this to Lady Nitara and then left."
After finishing reading the parchment, Nitara folded it and attached it to her belt while saying to Skarlet "I guess it was one of my sisters that you saw and you've just confused me with one of them. It's hard to tell the difference." She finished with a smirk.
Skarlet frowned and said before leaving "I am watching you, Nitara."
After being sure that Skarlet was gone, Nitara sighed in relief and told the female servant "Thank you… for giving me this forged parchment."
The female servant just gave a nod "We're always prepared for anything, Nitara." But then advised "Be more careful in the future. If you're exposed… we all will."
Nitara gave a nod "I know. It's the risk we all took." Nitara placed her hand on the female servant's shoulder and said "For Outworld."
The servant gave a nod while giving a serious look "For Haros."
Both Nitara and the female servant, showing that they are part of the Outworld Resistance, separated ways with each going in the opposite direction.
In her mind, Nitara hoped that her plan would work 'I just hope that the other ghosts are as honorable as Danny Phantom is. If they are… they might be the key to free Outworld from Shao Kahn once and for all.'
Less than an hour later…
(Outworld – Shao Kahn's Palace)
Kitana ran through some hallways, having finally made it to the medical wing. When she entered, she asked one of the female healers who was busy with making some medicine "Excuse me?"
The healer looked up and was surprised to see the Outworld princess and made a bow "Princess Kitana."
"Where is my sister?" Kitana asked.
The healer pointed to another corridor "Princess Mileena is in the room at the end of that corridor, but…"
Confused, Kitana asked her "But what?"
"I… the emperor ordered us that none of us were allowed to enter your sister's room to help her."
This shocked Kitana "What?! So… no one has helped her yet!? Even after Jade told you to do so!?"
Being afraid, the female healer nodded "Ye-yes, princess."
Kitana immediately marched over to where Mileena was being kept, but was stopped by two Outworld soldiers, guarding the door. Kitana tried to bypass them, but the soldiers stopped her.
"What is this?! You dare to stop your princess from visiting his own sister!?" Kitana said, being nearly furious.
One of the soldiers, looking very serious answered "Emperor Shao Kahn has ordered us that no one is allowed to see Princess Mileena."
Again, Kitana tried to go into the door, but she was pushed back by the soldiers. She was this close to leave, but then used her steel fangs to send the two soldiers flying through the hallway with a strong wind, hitting a wall, knocking them unconsciousness.
Kitana immediately went through the door, seeing her sister being still wounded as after her lost fight with Danny Phantom and had put a few bandages over her wounds herself. Mileena looked with surprise to see her sister entering the room "Kitana…? What are you doing here?"
Kitana embraced her, but carefully as she didn't wanted to hurt Mileena "I was so worried about you!"
Mileena returned the hug as she sighed, feeling grateful for her sister to come for her. She then sadly stated "I have failed our father, Kitana… I'm unworthy."
Kitana broke the hug and shook her head "No, you're not! You gave your best shot. Whatever father told is not right." She then offered her hand "C'mon, I'm getting you out of here, so the healers can fix you." Mileena took Kitana's hand and both left the room.
But as soon as they walked out of the door, both gasped as before them stood… their father, Shao Kahn.
He angrily looked at both his daughters while crossing his arms. The two soldiers who Kitana recently had knocked unconscious now stood beside their emperor.
"I have a few words to share with Mileena." Shao Kahn stated, sounding with angry in his voice.
Both Kitana and Mileena became scared. Kitana held Mileena close to her "Father… please. Mileena needs to be healed. If you just let me-"
But Shao Kahn nodded to the two soldiers, who grabbed Kitana by her arms and broke her embrace with Mileena.
"No! NO! DON'T HURT HER, PLEASE!" Kitana begged while being dragged away.
"Kitana!" Mileena called before Shao Kahn pushed her back into the room and locked the door behind him.
While Kitana struggled to get loose, she could hear Mileena screaming while Shao Kahn beat the shit out of her for failing at the tournament "Aaah! No father please! Stop! AAAAAAH!"
"MILEENA!" Kitana yelled while tears formed in her eyes.
Kitana was escorted back to her room and the soldiers locked the door. Kitana banged on the door "No! No no no no no! No…!" she cried, as she was unable to protect her sister from being punished by their father.
After an hour, Kitana noticed that her door wasn't locked anymore. She carefully opened it, seeing that there were no soldiers to guard it. Kitana wasted no chance to go out and find Mileena.
She tried the medical wing first, but the healers told that Mileena was escorted back to her quarters. Kitana went to Mileena's room immediately. When she came to her room, Kitana knocked on the door "Mileena…? It's me, Kitana."
The door opened, revealing Jade, who'd been with Mileena and tried to heal her.
Kitana entered and asked Jade "Mileena… how is she…?"
Jade sighed while telling "She's in bad shape. I did all I could to heal her, but… it's going to take at least a day for her body to fully heal." Jade then shook her head "I've never seen your father this angry with Mileena before."
Kitana became angry while tears formed in her eyes "How could he…? How could father be so… so… cruel!"
Jade tried to calm her "Kitana, please. You need to be careful. You and Mileena are princesses. He expects more from you than-"
"I KNOW WHAT HE EXPECTS!" Kitana yelled out her emotions. But then sighed and apologized to her best friend "I… I'm sorry, Jade. I didn't meant to yell at you like that. It's just… father… he…"
Jade gave a nod in understanding "I know, Kitana." Seeing that Kitana and Mileena could use some time alone together, the Edenian warriors says "I'll leave you two alone. We will talk later."
Kitana nodded while Jade leaves "Thank you, Jade. I'll see you in the morning."
Once Jade had left the room, Kitana went over to Mileena's bedroom. There, Mileena was resting on her bed, being all bruised up and having a black eye, despite Jade's attempt to heal Mileena faster. Kitana's heart broke when she saw her sister in this state, bringing back her childhood memories of how strict Mileena was taught by their father to unleash and use her Tarkatan features to her full potential.
Kitana sat close to her, slowly rubbing her hair. Mileena opened her eyes, seeing Kitana, which made her to form a little smile "Kitana…"
While Mileena tried to sit straight, Kitana embraced her while she sobbed "I'm so sorry, Mileena!"
"For what…?"
Kitana glanced into her eyes, stating while tears fell from her eyes "I promised myself to protect you… and I failed…!"
Mileena shook her head "No… it is I that had failed. I wasn't strong enough as father wanted me to be. I've… trained so hard… and still it wasn't enough." Mileena then started to cry too while rubbing her Tarkatan teeth on her cheeks.
Kitana held her cheeks, saying "It doesn't matter, Mileena. It's not Tarkatan blood that makes you stronger… it's your willpower… and your heart." She finished while placing her right hand on Mileena's chest.
Mileena felt a bit better after Kitana said that. The both of them glanced into each other's teary eyes, forming a little smile.
After a few minutes, Mileena would softly say "You mean so much to me, Kitana. I can't imagine what I would do without you…"
Kitana softly rubbed her cheek "Me too… You mean… more to me than anything else."
Mileena felt her heart rated was beating faster and butterflies in her belly. Kitana felt the same. Slowly they moved their faces closer to each other "Kitana… I…" her last sentence was interrupted… as the two kissed. It was their first kiss… the kiss of true love…
After a minute, both slowly broke the kiss and looked into each other's eyes. No words were spoken as they pulled each other closer and continued the kiss, which slowly became more passionate. Mileena's tongue entered Kitana's mouth, slowly touching hers, which Kitana… gladly received and returned the same affection as their tongues danced in their mouths.
Mileena felt so very happy inside herself. Despite Kitana being her sister… this moment… was like a dream come true…
After two minutes, the both of them started to moan "Hmmm… mmmm… oh, Kitana…" Mileena softly said as she kissed down Kitana's neck and touched her breasts.
Kitana moaned more "Aaaaaahh… yes… Mi… Mileena…"
But then, as Kitana and Mileena passionately kissed again, Kitana brought herself back to reality and broke the kiss and embrace "No… wait…!" she gasped, finally realizing that she was… making out with her own sister. Ashamed, she turned herself as she raised herself from the bed.
Mileena raised herself too. Knowing that what they did was wrong, she apologized "Kitana, I… I'm sorry… I-I didn't knew what came over to me, I…"
Kitana sighed, trying to hold her tears as she turns back to her sister "Mileena… this is not right…."
Mileena gave a nod, feeling sorry for doing this.
Kitana was about to leave, but was stopped by Mileena while pulled her back and said, not being able to hold her feelings for Kitana any longer "Kitana…! I… I'm in love with you!"
This shocked Kitana as her own sister was in love with her. She shook her head, trying even harder to hold her tears "But… Mileena… you're my sister…!"
Mileena heavily shook her head "I don't care! Kitana… I have been in love with you for a long time, and…! Deep down, I never felt that this is wrong… my own guts tells me that we're more than just sisters, and-"
Kitana interrupted her while holding her arms "Mileena! Pull yourself together! I… I can't… I…" words failed her. Kitana was on the brink of shedding tears "I'm sorry…!" she then left Mileena's room in a hurry and returned to hers, leaving Mileena in a sad state.
Once Kitana was inside her room, she locked the door behind her and let herself fall on her bed as tears fell from her eyes and heavily cried on her bed. Though in the eyes of their people, a romance between two sisters was an abomination, Kitana too felt deep in her heart more for Mileena then just her sister and too wished that things were different.
While crying, Kitana said to herself "Oh… Mileena… I love you too! If we were just… just…" she then cried again, wishing things had been different and a relationship would have worked.
In another section of the palace, a just healed up Bone-crush walked along with his boss Kano, who was not pleased with his performance in the Kolosseum.
Kano stopped as he shook his head "I don't know, mate. This is the billionth time you've failed the Black Dragon."
Bone-crush tried to convince his boss "Boss… please! Just give me another chance and I'll-"
"It's a little too late for that. You've lost, Bone-crush! There won't be a second chance. You failed to deliver the weapons to our client in Bangladesh, then you gave information to that undercover cop in Australia and now this! Do you want me to add the other failures too!?" Kano stated in anger, reminding Bone-crush of his biggest failures.
Ashamed, Bone-crush looked away "I'm sorry, Kano. I tried… I really tried."
Kano then formed a grin and patted his shoulder "It's okay mate, I understand." He then smirked "In fact, I have a waaaay easier job for you."
"You do?"
"Yes! In fact, Shang Tsung wants to inform you of this task… personally." Kano finished and then lead Bone-crush to Shang Tsung's quarters.
After a minute, they stood before a dark door, that opened by himself. Kano gestured Bone-crush to enter "Right in here."
Somehow, Bone-crush felt relieved and hopeful that his boss gave him a second chance "Thank you, boss. I won't let you down." Bone-crush said as he entered the room.
As the door closed by himself, Kano smirked evilly "Oh, I'm sure you won't." then he spit on the floor before he left and said to himself "Good riddance. He's been a pain in the ass from the start."
Kano could hear Shang Tsung in the room, calling out to Bone-crush "Your soul is mine!"
Bone-crush screamed in agony, as his soul was sucked out of his body and was absorbed by the sorcerer "No! No! NOOOOOOOOoooooo!"
Meanwhile…
(Outworld – Beach Resort)
Danny, Johnny, Kitty and Ember were eating together at a table close to the beach.
Trying to bring up the mood, despite having witnessed Skulker's execution of his opponent, Johnny said "I gotta say, we did a hell of a job back there in the arena. We litterly beat the crap out of those guys."
Danny nodded and told Ember "Yeah, and the way you flipped off Shao Kahn, that was hilarious."
Ember shrugged while smiling "Like I would listen to that clown of a emperor and tell me to kill someone? He can kiss my pale ass."
Kitty then added "If we keep this up, we might win this thing after all?"
The others nodded, while Danny was thinking "Still, we should be careful. I gotta feeling that what we've fought so far was just the tip of the iceberg. We still got a lot of opponents to defeat."
At that moment, a female servant came by and served more food and drinks for the Ghost warriors. Johnny noticed that the servant was young and hot. Though Johnny had this eager to grinned at her good looks, he had to think back of what happened last night and looked the other way, ignoring the hot female servant and tried to make eye contact with Kitty. She looked at him for a moment. Johnny smiled, but Kitty looked the other way.
Sadly, Johnny sighed and stood up from his chair, saying "I… I'm going for a little walk before I got to bed. See ya."
While Johnny left, Danny and Ember exchanged a confused look "What was that all about?" Danny wandered, making Ember to give a shrug.
Kitty formed a small grin, seeing that Johnny was slowly learning his lesson.
Ember wandered so she asked Kitty while crossing her arms "Okay, Kitty. What did you do?"
Kitty raised an eyebrow at Ember "Did what?"
"Your plan to make Johnny never to look at another women again?" Ember answered "You told me that you were planning on something like that yesterday. What is it?"
Kitty wasn't sure if she wanted to tell, but knowing she could tell her friends a bit of deteal, she stated "Okay. Well… I did talk with Johnny last night… sort of. And let's just say that he will keep remembering it anytime he dares to look at other women again."
"Then what? What did you and Johnny talked about?" Danny asked.
Kitty chuckled "Well… let's just say that I taught him a little lesson. But I'm not going to tell what it is, that's something between me and Johnny." Kitty then raised herself from her chair and left for a moment "I need to go to the restroom. I'll be right back."
Once Kitty was gone, Danny and Ember exchanged a little surprised look, wandering what Kitty did to Johnny last night.
"It must've been something very bad that Kitty did to Johnny that she doesn't want to tell us." Ember said.
Danny nodded and raised an eyebrow to where Kitty had gone to "Yeah. I wander what it could be."
As Kitty entered the restroom, she formed a little smirk on her face, thinking back of the very moment that would make Johnny no longer turn his attention to other women.
*Flashback from last night*
After doing some workout in the dojo together with Danny and Ember, Johnny walked back to his hut. Along the way, he bypassed a few of the female servants and gave them a smile "Looking good tonight, ladies."
As Johnny walked further, the two female servants giggled of Johnny's seducing words.
Johnny formed a smirk, but that slowly faded when he knew how angry Kitty still was at him and said to himself "Dammit, Johnny, what are you doing?" he sighed, trying to think what he could do to make his girlfriend forgive him.
While Johnny thought about those things, he bypassed Kitty's hut, with the door being half open. Johnny stopped and looked at it for a moment, wandering why Kitty would leave the door halfway open. But then, the door slowly opened further, showing Kitty wearing a red sexy nightgown, standing seducingly as she leaned at the doorway.
Johnny's eyes blinked for a moment. Was Kitty seducing him to come and have some fun with her?
Then, Kitty slowly raised her nightgown to reveal no panties, showing her vagina to him, making Johnny's mouth to go wide open and his nose started to bleed a little. Kitty smirked as she began walking into her hut seductively "Come and get me, handsome."
Johnny, feeling horny, quickly followed her into her hut before closing the door, locking it. He then walked up to Kitty. Johnny was about to touch her but she pushed him back "What the…? Baby, what's the big deal?" Johnny asked both confused and a bit angry.
Kitty frowned at him "Save it, Johnny. I know you're still watching the other women here. And don't say you haven't because I've seen you do it." she then sat on her couch and slowly spread her legs "And because of that, Johnny 13, you're not allowed to touch any part of my body till you've finally learned your lesson."
Johnny didn't understand, till Kitty started to touch her clit with her right hand and lowered her nightgown, showing her tits while twisting her nipples wither her left hand, which made Johnny nearly nonplussed.
Kitty narrowed her eyes while she bite her lip, asking "Oooh, what's the matter, baby…? Is my body not good for you at all?"
Johnny didn't know what to say "I… uhh… I…"
Kitty shook her head while she started to moan "Hmmm… Aaaaah… am I not hot for you at all, Johnny? Are all those women more than what I have to offer…? Hmmaaaah… ooooooh…"
Johnny felt he was getting a boner while Kitty kept pleasuring herself, without him even allowed to touch her.
As her clit became wetter, Kitty fingered herself while she kept saying in her moaning voice "Oooooh, Johnny…! I bet you want to stick that big cock inside me, huh?"
Johnny nodded as he untied his pants "Uh huh."
But then Kitty raised her finger, making it glow with blue energy "Ah ah!" some rings formed around Johnny's wrists and ankles, preventing him from either touching himself or even walk away. Kitty smirked "I don't think so, Johnny. You just stay… right there and see all what you're missing… because you think that all those sluts and whores are more than what my body can do. Hmmmm! Aaaaah!"
Johnny tried to get loose, but he couldn't "How? How the hell did-"
Kitty giggled while she increased her pleasure "Hihihi… Ooooh…! Let's say that I…. mmmwhaaaah… discovered some… new powers lately… Aaaaaah!"
Kitty kept fingering herself, making her to bite her lip while moaning. Johnny was unable to get free. Feeling so horny and just wanted to grab her and unleash his pleasure with her, he said "Okay, okay, you've proven your point, kitten! I'm sorry, okay?! I won't… I won't look at other women, I swear! Now would you please… please, please let me go now?"
Kitty however grinned as she slowly shook her head "Oh no, Johnny. You stay right there… and see… all that you're… missing… because you think that… those other girls are more than what I had for you… Hmmm…. Aaaaah! Yes… oh, fuck YES!"
Kitty fingered herself faster.
"I wanted to have your dick deep inside me, Johnny! Mwwaaaaah! AAAAAH! But you rather… want to stick into… another girl's pussy, right?! AAAH FUCK! YES YES YES YES! I guess then… I'll have to do this myself, while you keep standing there… pretending that I'm not here and… you can keep watching other women, huh?! OOOOH FUCK, YEAH!"
Johnny felt he was going insane and begged her "Kitty… please, I'm begging you. I'm sorry… I'm really really really REALLY sorry! Now please just… oh fuck I can't take this no touching rule of yours anymore!"
Kitty didn't listen and just kept fingering herself, feeling she was about to climax "Oh no, Johnny! AAAAAH! YOU JUST STAY THERE AND… WATCH AS I… FUCKING SQUIRT MYSELF! AAAAAH!" Kitty looked at Johnny, with her eyes with nothing but lust and love "Isn't this what you wanted, HUH?! IS THIS WHAT YOU WANTED, BABY?! OOOH FUCK I… I…! FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!" Kitty climaxed hard, squirted her juices out all over the floor and couch.
Johnny nearly cried, feeling such an idiot for all the years he was watching other girls and taken Kitty for granted "I'm sorry…. I'm sorry…"
Kitty panted while recovering from her masturbating. After a minute, she glanced at Johnny and gave him a smirk "This is what you wanted, right? You want another women… and I just have to be here pleasuring myself… while you want to sleep with other women, right?"
Johnny shook his head "No… I never…" but seeing he made these excuses before for too long, he tried to say "I don't… I never meant to-"
"Hurt me?" Kitty finished Johnny's sentence. She gave a shrug while rubbing her wet clit a bit and said with a sweet and innocent voice "Then why? Why won't you want me, Johnny? And have this… all of this… for yourself? My body… my sex… all the pleasures you could imagine. You could have it all with me Johnny." She sighed as she said "So… let this finally get it into your head… anytime you watch another women and think of all the nasty things you want to do than with me… you just think about this very moment… where you are forced to watch… and see how I have to take all the sex myself, while you… want to do that to other women." She then opened up her wet vagina more for Johnny to see and said with a bit of a sad voice "You see this, Johnny. It's my wet clit… the one you won't fill up with your seed because you prefer doing that with other… women."
Johnny was feeling more ashamed than ever before in his whole (after)life as he looked down. Even his shadow was feeling miserable.
Kitty formed a smirk "So… I leave you to think about this for a bit longer…. Good night, Johnny." And then blew a banishing kiss at Johnny, who gasped as it made impact with Johnny, making him disappear.
But suddenly, Johnny pops up in his own hut, while not being handcuffed by Kitty's blue rings. He looks confused at first, but then groans as he frustratedly bangs his head against the wall dozens of times, feeling so stupid of being how he is.
Kitty could hear Johnny's banging the wall of his hut nearby, which made her giggle as she lied down on her couch. She sighed while saying to herself "I should have done that to him a loooong time ago."
*End of flashback*
Johnny sat on top of a hill, watching the sunset. He sighed deep as he didn't know how to make it up to Kitty after all these years he sometimes peaked at other girls or flirting with them. It's true that he did it only for fun, but he never had any intention of cheating on Kitty.
Trying to put his mind straight, he walked down the hill and just headed towards his own hut. Along the way, three servants passed by, with one of them being a young hot girl. Johnny looked sad as he looked the other way, ignoring her as the moment that Kitty forced him to watch her playing with herself, not even allowing him to go or having some 'hot make up sex'.
He stopped for a moment as he looked down, feeling disappointed in himself. As he crossed his arms, Johnny finally realized that if he truly cares about Kitty, he had to change his inner self, or better say: Grow up.
Johnny 13 sighed as he closed his eyes, nodding to himself as he realized that it was time for him to mature. He opened his eyes and headed back to his hut.
After a few minutes, he entered it. But as he closed the door behind him, Johnny noticed something on the coffee table. Being curious, he took a look at it, seeing it was a money bag with a rolled parchment next to it "What is this? Did someone left this behind?" not taking any chances that if it was a trap, he summoned his shadow "Shadow, take a look."
Shadow appeared and took the money bag, holding it away from him as he slowly opened it. Nothing happened. As Shadow sighed in relief, he peaked inside the bag, finding lots of gold coins in it and showed it to Johnny.
"Gold? Why would someone leave golden coins here?" Johnny wandered.
He took the rolled parchment, sealed with a symbol of two swords and a flaming torch. It reminded Johnny when he and Kitty both got a letter from Raiden when he summoned them at Clockwork's lair, back in the Ghost-zone to participate in Mortal Kombat as his new champions.
Johnny carefully broke the seal and read what was on the parchment:
It's time you need to open your eyes to see the truth.
A secret tunnel near the walls will lead you outside the Resort.
Go to the marketplace of the capital, there you will see what Outworld truly is like.
I trust you and your girlfriend will make the right choice when you face the truth.
Take the moneybag with you. Use it well.
- N.
Johnny raised an eyebrow after reading this letter "Open my eyes to see the truth? What does that mean?" he wandered.
While he took a look at the golden coins in the moneybag, which were about 200 he guessed, Johnny began to think.
Then, he got a brilliant idea "Of course, the marketplace! I can take Kitty there for some 'shopping' and then she won't be mad at me anymore!" he then looked at the parchment again, wandering also "But who is this 'N'? And why would she just give me some money to spend and… make the right choice when I face the truth?" he then thought, but then shrugged "Ah well, at least me and Kitty can see some more of Outworld than just sticking around here in this resort."
The next hour, Johnny carefully took a look around the big walls surrounding the beach resort. He had to be careful not to get spotted by the Outworld guards and kept hiding near the bushes and trees
Not too far away from Johnny, Nitara was keeping an eye on the ghost biker "Looks like he's following my instructions. Good." She nodded in relief. But seeing that Johnny couldn't find the secret tunnel, Nitara rolled her eyes as she flew off and hide close to where the entrance of the tunnel was. She whistled a long and beautiful whistle, which caught Johnny's attention. Seeing he was about to check it out, but doubted, Nitara whistled again. This time, Johnny went in to check it out. Nitara quickly jumped high up a tree, hiding herself.
Johnny removed some bushes while wandering "What was that sound? It was like…" he interrupted himself as he found a big rock that wasn't like the other ones. With Shadow's help, Johnny removed the rock, revealing the secret tunnel "Jackpot." Johnny said proudly.
Seeing that Johnny had found the secret tunnel, Nitara smiled and silently flew away.
Johnny heard something and quickly turned "Hello? Who's there!?" he called while going into his fighting stance. But as he looked up, he saw a shadowing figure across the night sky with large batlike wings. Johnny was confused "What the hell was that?" he asked Shadow, who just shrugged and returned to Johnny being his normal shadow again.
Johnny moved the rock before the entrance of the tunnel again and placed some bushes to cover it. He smiled at himself as he walked back to his hut, but still… he wandered who that batlike creature was and if perhaps… it was 'N' that delivered the money and parchment to him.
While flying, Nitara stopped in midair and peaked back at the beach resort, hoping that her plan would succeed. She then resumed her flight, returning towards her castle.
A/N: So, there you go fellas, Mortal Kombat has made a kickass start if you ask me! And yeah, I decided to add Nitara into the story and make her a heroic character instead of neutral. And how she became good, you'll see it in one of the future chapters. Also, to avoid any confusion of how Nitara looks like, I'm using the one from the newest Mortal Kombat live-action movie.
In the next chapter, I will put another character from the Mortal Kombat videogames that I thought would be interesting to have in it too. Which one it is, you'll figure it out when you read the tittle of the chapter after this one ;)
See you then!
