Welcome back to Mortal Kombat Ryujin. Last time, Spyro was revealed to be having strange nightmares of a world we know as Mortal Kombat. But as he and Cynder told the Guardians, something, or someone, transported them away. Where did they end up? Read on to discover...
(Our story resumes in a desert somewhere, where the dry and undisturbed atmosphere is about to receive the biggest shock it ever has, as a column of blue energy erupts in the middle of it, depositing a stunned purple dragon into the middle of an unfamiliar realm)
Spyro: (After he recovers from the shock and transportation) What the... Where am I?! What is this place? (Realizes he's alone) CYNDER?! Where...?! What's going on?!
(As Spyro looks around, he sees absolutely nothing that can help him, but he does hear something, what sounds like very faint applause, and it fills him with hope)
Spyro: Applause? Well, it means someone is out here at least. Let's hope they can help me out.
(With that, Spyro begins his quest to find aid, and after a few minutes of trekking, finds the source of the faint applause to be what looks like a military base, complete with massive gun turret outside of it.)
Spyro: Okay... not exactly what I was expecting to find out here, but any port in a storm I guess.
(As Spyro gets closer, we suddenly hear the sound of guns being cocked behind him. Immediately, Spyro realizes he's not alone and turns around, revealing a trio of figures, two women and one man, all dressed in rough military gear, with the one guy wearing sunglasses, that he's just removed in surprise)
Johnny Cage: I know we've seen a lot of crazy shit, but this takes the cake.
Cassie Cage: You'd better have a damn good reason for being here.
Spyro: Trust me, I can explain.
General Blade: You've got three seconds.
Spyro: I was transported here from another...
General Blade: Times up.
Spyro: Why did I have a feeling this was going to happen!?
(And just as she says that, General Blade charges at Spyro. Almost instinctively, Spyro goes into combat mode, prepared to defend himself. This battle rages for a few moments, but ultimately, General Blade is knocked to the floor, as Spyro stands victorious)
Spyro: Now, can I please explain what happened here?
(With that, Spyro helps General Blade to her feet)
General Blade: I'll say it, you're a damn good fighter.
Spyro: You're no slouch yourself, Ms...
General Blade: Blade. General Sonya Blade, Special Forces.
Spyro: General.
Cassie Cage: I've never seen anyone take Mom down so fast! Even I couldn't do that!
Spyro: Self defense instincts will do that, Ms...
Cassie Cage: Cassandra Cage, Special Forces Commander. Everyone calls me Cassie though.
Spyro: Cassie. (Noticing Johnny Cage) You look like a captain to me, am I right?
Johnny Cage: Nah, I'm not military. Name's Johnny Cage, perhaps you've heard of me. Ninja Mime franchise?
Spyro: Never heard of it.
Johnny Cage: Whoa, didn't see that coming.
General Blade: So, how'd you get here, stranger?
Spyro: Please, call me Spyro. And it's a really long story.
Cassie Cage: We've got time.
(Just as Spyro is about to begin his story, a fourth person enters the area and is about to attack Spyro, until General Blade stops her)
General Blade: Hold your ground, Sergeant Briggs. He's on our side.
Jacqui Briggs: Well, then he'd better have a damn good reason for showing up unannounced.
Spyro: I was just about to tell it. I don't know the specifics of how I arrived, but my comrade Cynder and I were transported here from another Realm.
Jacqui Briggs: Hold up. You're going to need to be more specific. Which Realm did you come from? Outworld? Netherrealm? Orderrealm? Chaosrealm?
Spyro: Never heard of any of those places. My homeworld, the Dragon Realms, is probably beyond the realms you've apparently explored.
Cassie Cage: Back up a second, you said there were two of you?
Spyro: Yes. Cynder, my longtime companion was hit with this same energy as well. As of yet, I've been unable to find her.
General Blade: I think we know a guy who can help with that.
(And just as she says that, a clap of thunder rocks the scene.)
Johnny Cage: (Doing a really bad Bane impression) Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
(As soon as Johnny Cage makes his remark, a bolt of red lightning strikes, revealing Dark Raiden, who Spyro immediately recognizes from his dreams, but tries to hide it, as Dark Raiden looks him in the eye.)
Dark Raiden: (Perplexed) Have we... met before? I swear I recognize you from somewhere.
Spyro: (Lying, badly) I've never seen you before in my life.
Dark Raiden: (Seeing through the lie, but choosing not to pursue it) I must have been dreaming then.
Cassie Cage: Guessing this isn't a social call, Raiden.
Dark Raiden: Indeed, Cassandra Cage. We have urgent business to attend to.
General Blade: So, where to?
Dark Raiden: The Netherrealm.
(With that, we transition to into the Special Forces base where Dark Raiden is spelling out his plan)
Cassie Cage: A full-scale invasion seems harsh. Especially considering Liu Kang and Kitana were our friends at one point. Perhaps opening a dialogue is a better option.
Dark Raiden: Shinnok's evil has polluted every ounce of their souls. The champions we once knew are gone. A preemptive strike is the only option.
Spyro: Hold on, what have they even done to warrant this aggression? Have they tried to invade this realm prior to now?
Dark Raiden: They are amassing an army. No doubt planning an invasion as we speak.
Spyro: So they've done nothing before now? Then this is an act of war!
General Blade: (Sensing there's a fight brewing) As much as I hate to admit it, Raiden has a point. So what's the target?
Dark Raiden: (As General Blade calls up a blueprint of some kind of castle) Deep beneath Liu Kang and Kitana's fortress rests the Cathedral of Shinnok. Within it, the source of their power. It's destruction will take their army of the undead with it, eliminating the threat to Earthrealm.
Spyro: So we're just supposed to invade another realm unprovoked, destroy a focal point of their cultural heritage, and expect they won't do anything?
Dark Raiden: Without their army, they won't be able to do anything.
Spyro: If what I'm hearing about this Liu Kang and Kitana is true, that's the most ignorant thing I've ever heard!
Dark Raiden: I advise you to stop questioning me, Dragon.
Spyro: Excuse me for trying to stop a war from happening!
Dark Raiden: We have the same objective then.
Spyro: You plan to stop a war by giving this Netherrealm full cause to start one!?
Jacqui Briggs: Wait, if we're supposed to go in there and blow this Cathedral sky high, how exactly are we supposed to stop the literal army of zombies?
Dark Raiden: You will leave that in my hands, Jacqueline Briggs. I may be weaker in the Netherrealm but I should still have enough strength in me to hold off their legions.
Cassie Cage: If we get pinned down, there's no way out. I still say it's too risky.
Spyro: I have to agree with Cassie on this one.
Johnny Cage: Then you've got three votes to your side. Look, Raiden. This grim and gritty makeover of yours, and all this droning on about sacrifice fell really out of fashion two years ago. You don't have a family to lose here.
Dark Raiden: Even still, I know the burn of loss, Johnny Cage.
General Blade: As much as I hate it, Raiden's right. This plan stops a war we aren't ready to fight. We've got to take out this army before Liu Kang and Kitana can use it.
Dark Raiden: Then it is settled. We leave for the Netherrealm forthwith.
(As the group prepares to leave, sans Johnny Cage, Dark Raiden notices Spyro is still with them)
Dark Raiden: Not you. The dragon stays here.
General Blade: Not on my watch, Raiden. We don't know what he's capable of, and thus, I don't trust him enough to not take us out while we're a Realm away.
Cassie Cage: Besides, he's a dragon! I couldn't think of a better addition to the team!
Dark Raiden: (Begrudgingly) Very well then.
(With that, the team prepares to leave again, just as General Blade turns to Spyro)
General Blade: Trust me, I don't like this any more than you do.
Spyro: This is an act of unwarranted aggression. Any court would say the Netherrealm has the right to declare war on you guys for this.
Cassie Cage: I'll say it, you still make a good argument.
Spyro: It could have been better.
Jacqui Briggs: How so?
Spyro: If I knew anything about anything I just said.
Cassie Cage: Jacqui and I will get you caught up on the way.
Spyro: Thanks.
Jacqui Briggs: Okay, here we go then. All of this started a couple decades ago...
(We don't get to hear all of Jacqui Briggs' exposition, as we immediately transition to a literal hellscape known as the Netherrealm, where Dark Raiden has used his godly powers to transport a platoon of Special Forces troops, including General Blade, Cassie Cage, Jacqui Briggs, and Spyro.)
Cassie Cage: (As she, Jacqui Briggs, and Spyro exit the transport) And that's about all you need to know.
Spyro: Wow. That's... that's one heck of a history.
Jacqui Briggs: Trust us. Its crazier having lived part of it.
(As the Special Forces mount the hilltop, we finally see it, the central castle of the Netherrealm, and ever so faintly, we can see Revenant Liu Kang and Revenant Kitana standing on the balcony, overlooking legions upon legions of undead monstrosities.)
Spyro: I'll say it. Not a fan of the Netherrealm's choice of soldiers, but I like their taste in architecture.
Cassie Cage: (A little surprised) Never would've expected they'd get that compliment.
Spyro: It fits the menacing theme of this place. Remind me to sketch it a bit before we erroneously blow it to smithereens.
(Just as Spyro makes his comment, the team starts mobilizing. And after a few minutes, the team has reached a specific point in their operation)
Cassie Cage: We're in position.
Spyro: Based on this, Raiden better have one hell of a diversion planned.
(Just as he says that, red lightning comes crashing down in the center of the undead horde)
Dark Raiden: Withdraw or you will face the wrath of Earthrealm's defender!
General Blade: That's our cue. Let's move.
(As Dark Raiden starts slicing through the undead hordes like butter, the Special Forces and Spyro move into position near the main gate of the castle, which opens to release reinforcements for the horde Dark Raiden is obliterating right now. Once the horde is gone, the team moves in almost unimpeded, save for one straggler from the reinforcements, who Cassie Cage promptly beheads to avoid leaving a witness. Before long, they're descending a winding staircase down into the ground, specifically into a crypt near the Cathedral of Shinnok, as guessed by the bone furniture and decorum.)
Spyro: (Seeing literally everything is made of bones in here) Okay, forget what I said about the architecture. Not a fan of mid-century crypt.
(Before long, Spyro and the Special Forces are right outside the Cathedral of Shinnok, with Spyro getting a brief glimpse through the ajar door, and seeing something which terrifies him, Shinnok's severed head, still groaning, still alive, and immediately recognized as the head from his dream. But just as they're about to move in, a door flies open revealing more undead legions, headed by two seemingly out of place individuals, a woman in green and a man in a strange mask, likely used for breathing)
Revenant Jade: If Raiden gets this far, he is to be eliminated on sight.
Revenant Kabal: Don't need to tell me twice.
(As Revenant Jade and Revenant Kabal appear to begin praying before Shinnok's severed head, the Special Forces and Spyro start to finalize their game plan)
Spyro: Looks like Liu Kang and Kitana aren't alone down here. So who's green and who's creepy?
Jacqui Briggs: The one in green's Jade, pretty much Kitana's right hand.
Cassie Cage: And the burn vic's got to be Kabal. (To General Blade) Wasn't he Kano's goon at one point?
General Blade: Don't be fooled by the scars. Kabal's faster than you'd think.
Spyro: Whatever he's got, I've probably seen faster.
General Blade: Alright here's the plan. You guys take out Jade and Kabal, I'll take a platoon downstairs and set the C4.
Spyro: We sure going in guns blazing is the best idea?
Cassie Cage: Do we have much of a choice?
Spyro: (Observing the scene) No, we really don't.
Cassie Cage: Exactly.
Spyro: (Sighs) Alright then, let's do this.
(With that, Cassie Cage punches the doorway open as the Special Forces start firing on the undead hordes. Spyro, Cassie Cage, and Jacqui Briggs start fighting as a trio while General Blade grabs her platoon and takes them down to plant the C4. Meawhile, Revenant Kabal starts running at Spyro and company at incredible speeds, despite Cassie Cage's gunfire in his direction, no doubt stopped by the still living Special Forces soldier speared on his hook swords being used as a shield and then getting ripped in half, allowing Revenant Kabal and Revenant Jade to begin their assault on the trio forthwith.)
General Blade: Get charges on every column, we need this place down ASAP!
(Back upstairs, Revenant Jade focuses her efforts on Cassie Cage and Jacqui Briggs while Spyro battles Revenant Kabal, almost matching him in speed)
Spyro: I hear you were once a cop, then turned on the people you swore to protect.
Revenant Kabal: It was either serve Quan Chi or stay dead. I really didn't have much choice there.
Spyro: Last I heard, he's dead. So from what I know, you do.
(And thus, Spyro and Revenant Kabal start their brawl. While Revenant Kabal may be quick, Spyro's Lightning element makes him slightly faster, at least fast enough to kick Revenant Kabal's tail.)
Spyro: Looks like you don't live up to the legends.
(As Revenant Kabal lays there unconscious, the room starts to quiet down as Spyro realizes someone is missing)
Spyro: Wait a second, where's Jade?
Jacqui Briggs: (Helping Cassie Cage up) Bailed.
Cassie Cage: No doubt going to reinforcements.
Spyro: And if she's Kitana's right hand, they're going to send down the big guns, I'd guess.
Cassie Cage: General? How're things going down there?
General Blade: (As she arms some of the charges) Going to need about 10 minutes. The support columns were much farther apart than expected.
Spyro: Anything we can do to help?
General Blade: Just keep watch on our backs.
Spyro: Roger that, General.
Jacqui Briggs: 10 minutes? We needed to be out of here in five!
Cassie Cage: We're in the shit now, I guess.
Spyro: Hope somebody's got a plan.
(At this point, Cassie Cage appears to have thought of something, which Jacqui Briggs takes notice of)
Jacqui Briggs: I'm guessing you've got a plan, Cass.
Cassie Cage: We got any extra C4?
Spyro: (Thinking about it) I see where you're going with this. Good call, Commander Cage.
(As Cassie Cage puts her plan to work, we transition to outside, where Dark Raiden is still destroying the Netherrealm's hordes, as Revenant Jade runs out onto the balcony, seeking a swift audience with Revenant Liu Kang and Revenant Kitana.)
Revenant Jade: Emperor! Empress! The Bone Temple has been captured by Earthrealmers!
Revenant Kitana: (In shock) What?! Then Raiden...
Revenant Liu Kang: (Angered) He's their distraction!
Revenant Jade: That's not all. There's someone else among the raiders. One we've never encountered before
Revenant Kitana: You're going to need to be more specific Jade.
Revenant Jade: A dragon, Empress. But one unlike any we have previously encountered.
Revenant Kitana: So, Raiden drags yet another Realm into his madness.
Revenant Liu Kang: (Igniting his fist) He will not get far.
(As this is going on, we transition back downstairs, to see Cassie Cage has initiated her plan, stringing a C4 tripwire across the entrance.)
Cassie Cage: That should do it. Lock and load everyone!
(With that, Spyro and the Special Forces brace themselves behind some fallen columns as the Netherrealm's hordes storm the captured Cathedral, detonating the C4 tripwire. However, this only stops a few of them, and soon the bullets start flying. While the Special Forces are primarily distracted with the front army, Spyro spots a second platoon moving in from the back, and leaps into battle, breathing a stream of fire to hold them back while giving warning to the others)
Spyro: Enemies to the rear!
(Only Jacqui Briggs seems to hear this though and soon she joins Spyro in kicking undead tail, even crushing a demon's head under her foot after shooting it)
Spyro: Now that was just brutal.
Jacqui Briggs: Only way to make sure their dead.
(As this continues, the hordes seem to thin, only then does Spyro see the true threat, Revenant Liu Kang has joined the battle, starting with throwing a flaming skull at his adversaries, which Spyro and Jacqui Briggs dodge)
Spyro: Incoming!
(The Special Forces get Spyro's warning just in time, as Revenant Liu Kang and Revenant Kitana start their attack. Revenant Liu Kang primarily focuses on the Special Forces, Jacqui Briggs, and Cassie Cage while Revenant Kitana attacks Spyro, almost stabbing him in the groin with her razor fans before Spyro gets back on his feet and starts fighting her head on)
Spyro: I know you're still in there Kitana.
Revenant Kitana: That Kitana died a long time ago, Raiden made sure of that.
(With that, Spyro duels Revenant Kitana, still not exactly prepared for what she can do, but luckily, Spyro learns quickly, and soon has her defeated)
Spyro: If there is a way to restore you, we will find it.
(While this was going on, General Blade is attempting to evacuate her forces from the inner reaches of this place, but Revenant Liu Kang, after taking out the double team of Jacqui Briggs and Cassie Cage, releases his full firepower onto the ceiling above the entryway, collapsing it and trapping General Blade inside before Spyro is able to knock him down a peg with a strong headbutt)
Revenant Liu Kang: You are too late, dragon. Their fate is sealed.
Spyro: You've got to fight this, Liu Kang! You've got to remember who you are! You're the defender of the innocent across your realm, not their destroyer!
Revenant Liu Kang: That was a lifetime ago. Before Raiden betrayed us.
Spyro: (Hearing this) Raiden is the reason you're like this?
Revenant Liu Kang: He's the one who killed me!
Spyro: I knew there was something off about him!
Revenant Liu Kang: Yet you still join his battle against us.
Spyro: If it helps, I was against this!
Revenant Liu Kang: It does not. Now, return to your Realm before Raiden destroys you too.
Spyro: Believe me, I'm trying.
(With that, the greatest battle of this mission begins: Spyro vs Revenant Liu Kang. The two are both expert fighters, and appear evenly matched. And though Revenant Liu Kang puts up one hell of a fight, having Spyro on the brink of death no less than nine times, Spyro ultimately emerges victorious)
Spyro: (Amidst pants of exhaustion) I don't care if it's hopeless, I will restore you, Liu Kang.
(As Revenant Liu Kang lies there unconscious, Spyro finally sees his handiwork, having blocked General Blade's way out, before rushing in to try and help them out, joined immediately by Cassie Cage and Jacqui Briggs.)
Cassie Cage: General, can you hear me? General? Mom, please come in!
(After a few minutes of radio silence, General Blade responds, albeit weakly)
General Blade: Cass, I'm here.
Spyro: Sit tight, General, we're going to get you out of there.
General Blade: Everyone down here is dead. And I'm not going to make it.
Cassie Cage: What?! We are not leaving you behind!
Spyro: General, I can manipulate Earth, give me a few minutes and I can unblock this!
General Blade: (With her hand on the C4 detonator) Cass, Spyro, get the team home. That's your mission, your duty. Mine... is to finish this mission.
Cassie Cage: We're not leaving you here, Mom!
General Blade: (As a tear falls down her face) Cass, please, remember that I love you, more than anything in this world.
Spyro: (As tears fall down his face, then in a fit of grief) I'm not leaving you here, Cynder! (Realizing he's mistaken her for Cynder in his fit of emotion) I mean, General Blade!
General Blade: Spyro, I'm counting on you to get my daughter out of here. I trust you.
(With that, General Blade activates the detonator, as Spyro and Cassie Cage continue to claw away at the rubble)
Jacqui Briggs: (Seeing the detonator has been activated) She's activated the detonation sequence!
Cassie Cage: OVERRIDE IT THEN, DAMN IT!
Jacqui Briggs: There's no way to override it!
(With that, Jacqui Briggs starts trying to pry Cassie Cage and Spyro away from the rubble, but almost to little avail, until she eventually pulls it off)
Jacqui Briggs: Spyro! Commander! Our orders are to get out of here.
(Eventually, Cassie Cage sees the reason in Jacqui Briggs' words, but Spyro is still hesitant)
Spyro: YOUR ORDERS BE DAMNED!
Jacqui Briggs: Spyro. General Blade trusted you to make sure everyone in here got out safe. Do you really want to betray that now?
(Despite his grief at General Blade's sacrifice, knowing how alike Cynder she really is, Spyro eventually relents, just as the hordes of the undead come charging in)
Spyro: Let's get out of here!
(With that, the team starts running as they fire on the undead hordes chasing them. Eventually they return to the initial battlefield, where Dark Raiden is still destroying the armies attacking him. Just as they arrive, Dark Raiden begins teleporting them out, as the castle finally explodes, with the last person being teleported out just as the shockwave hits, at which point we transition to back outside the Special Forces base, where Johnny Cage sees everyone arrive. And just as Dark Raiden's spell clears, we see Cassie Cage has collapsed to the ground in tears, with Jacqui Briggs and Spyro attempting to comfort her.)
Johnny Cage: (Running up to the scene) Thank goodness you're okay! How'd the mission...
(At this point, Johnny Cage sees General Blade is gone, and puts two and two together based on his daughter's emotional state)
Johnny Cage: No... please no...
Spyro: (Depressed) I'm sorry, Mr. Cage.
(As this revelation dawns, Johnny Cage attempts to comfort his mourning daughter, just as Dark Raiden walks into scene, placing a seemingly comforting hand on Cassie Cage's shoulder)
Dark Raiden: Your mother died a hero's death. May we all be so fortunate...
(At this point, Spyro is just fed up with Dark Raiden's antics, as shown by how when he even attempts to comfort Cassie Cage, he punches him square in the face)
Spyro: DID YOU REALLY JUST SAY THAT!?
Dark Raiden: (Getting back up from Spyro's blow) You dare strike Earthrealm's Protector?!
Spyro: YOU CALL THIS PROTECTION?! YOU'RE THE REASON THIS HAPPENED! (Calming down a bit) I hold you responsible for every death that happened today. (Looking back towards the grieving Cages) Look upon your works and despair, Raiden. I hope your war was worth this.
(With that, Spyro stars walking off towards the base, sick of being in Dark Raiden's presence. But as he does, we transition back to the Netherrealm, where Revenant Liu Kang and Revenant Kitana stand at the ruins of their castle)
Revenant Kitana: Without the Cathedral, we are vulnerable.
Revenant Liu Kang: Raiden will pay for this! And so will that dragon!
(Just as Revenant Liu Kang makes his proclamation, a strange sandstorm surrounds him and Revenant Kitana, with a portion of the sands solidifying into a very familiar figure in white. Kronika has arrived)
Revenant Kitana: Who are you? One of the Elder Gods, come to taunt us?
Kronika: I am much more than that, Kitana.
(And with one sweep of her hand, Kronika reverses the damage the Special Forces and Spyro have done, restoring their castle before transporting them to her lair, Kronika's Keep.)
Revenant Liu Kang: This power... What is this?
Kronika: I am Kronika, the Keeper of Time. My task, to keep the Realms in balance through sculpting the sands of time. However, Raiden has irreversibly corrupted my work. A corruption you two have experienced prominently.
Revenant Kitana: I don't see what can be done about it. The past is in the past.
Kronika: Not necessarily. This is where I can help you. I plan to restart time, and usher in a New Era, one without Raiden or this dragon he has allied himself with. But, even with all my power, I cannot do this alone.
Revenant Liu Kang: (After he and Revenant Kitana think about it a moment) You have our attention. How do we begin?
Kronika: I'm glad you asked...
(And just as Kronika begins to explain her plan, we transition back to the Special Forces base, where Spyro is sitting on the nearby cliff face, mourning General Blade, when Cassie Cage appears and sits next to him.)
Spyro: Oh, Commander Cage. I didn't hear you come up.
Cassie Cage: Jacqui told me how you gave Raiden a piece of your mind.
Spyro: Let's just say his remark about your mother was the straw that broke my back.
Cassie Cage: (Placing a hand on Spyro's shoulder) Thanks for standing up for me back there. And for trying to rescue Mom.
Spyro: I only wish I could have saved her.
Cassie Cage: I couldn't help but notice you called Mom "Cynder" for a second down there.
Spyro: (Remembering this) I got them confused in that burst of emotion. But it's not surprising, since Cynder and your mother are very much alike.
Cassie Cage: Sounds like you really care about her.
Spyro: I would rather suffer the worst torture imaginable than see any harm come to her.
Cassie Cage: We'll find her, I promise.
Spyro: Thanks, Cassie.
Cassie Cage: No problem. It's the least I can do. (Standing back up) Come on in when you're ready. Chow should be ready in a few minutes.
Spyro: I'll be there.
(With that, Cassie Cage leaves Spyro alone with his thoughts, as he looks up to the sky)
Spyro: Cynder... where are you...?
(Just as Spyro says this, a streak of blue light shines faintly across the sky, almost unmistakable from a shooting star. But as this sight is seen, our tale ends for today)
And that seems like a good place to conclude. Man it feels good to be back in long form again. I actually missed doing this sort of thing, even if I might be breaking my record for longest chapters every Sunday. I say it's worth it though. And yes, I do have a feeling Cynder and Sonya might get along, given enough time to break the ice and get past Cynder's past. But speaking of Cynder, where is she exactly? Well, next chapter, we find out. So be sure to tune in for that! Same time... same channel!