Chapter 2: Beginning of the 1st Tournament
Years has passed since the battle against Goro and Shang Tsung thanks to extensive training of the Great Kung Lao. Fire God Liu Kang was careful enough with his decisions that would not risk his first student dying. In the old timeline, Goro defeated him and his soul was absorbed by Shang Tsung. But now, Great Kung Lao's fate has been changed. He continued to live on.
Over time, his descendant was born, named after him. Kung Lao was reborn. Great Kung Lao trained his descendant with help from the fire god. Liu Kang was often annoyed by the younger Kung Lao's arrogance and ego. And this was extended to Kitana, Jade, Johnny Cage, and even Raiden. But because of the Great Kung Lao being alive, his descendant's personality has changed for the better, much to Liu Kang's relief.
Kung Lao is more patient, more humble, less egotistical and more open with everyone. Kung Lao remastered all of the techniques and learned new ones from his ancestor. After his training was complete, Liu Kang decided it was time to restore his memories. Kung Lao remembered everything, from participating in the tournament, to meeting new allies, and competing in the second tournament, defeating the deadly alliance and coming to the future where he met new faces as well as his evil revenant counterpart. Kung Lao also remembers training Alex alongside Kitana and Jade. The last thing he remembered was being in Kronika's Keep alongside Fire God Liu Kang and Kitana. Unfortunately, everyone except Liu Kang and Alex were affected by her time powers and was sent backwards. He finally accepts Liu Kang as his superior the moment he became a god.
Sometime before the tournament, the Great Kung Lao died on his deathbed, and gave his thanks to his teacher and master and his blessings to his descendant. As he was buried, Liu Kang gave him the crown of Kronika for safekeeping to hide in his grave with a statue built in his honor, so no one will ever find it but him. After the funeral, it was time for the tournament.
At the docks where the ships would set sail to Shang Tsung's island, Kung Lao conspires with Fire God Liu Kang. The fire god has changed his attire. He now sports a white-blue robe with fire on it and one long sleeve covering his left arm while part of his right torso is partially exposed. His pants are now fitted with lightning to show the two elements that he is a god of.
"Lord Liu Kang. We still face the same enemies as we did before the time-merger, Shao Kahn and the two magical monsters, included. It is a good thing Kronika and Shinnok and Cetrion no longer exist." Kung Lao states.
"I am aware, Kung Lao. We have faced them and defeated them before many times. I know we can do so again. Not to worry, Kitana will soon play her part." Liu Kang assures him.
"And we must play ours. But we will need help. Cage, Briggs and Blade. They've always proven to be useful. They're our friends too." Kung Lao said.
"I agree with you. Speaking of friends." Liu Kang waves his hands upwards and sand flows around them and a portal opens. But where to?
In the beginning of time with the hourglass, Raiden, Nightwolf and Alex await for the signal. They've been watching everything that Liu Kang has done. Alex thought Kung Lao to be a good person, and that he reminded him of Kung Jin given their egos. Alex was not as annoyed with Kung Lao as everyone else was, given that he was used to Jin. They see the portal opening.
"Guess that must be it." Alex guesses.
"Come, Nightwolf. It's time we join them for the tournament." Raiden tells him. They both sense Alex being reluctant to stay behind, knowing he wants to help.
"I wish I could be helpful in some way, but Liu Kang has a point. Can't be walking around and be a target for Shao Kahn or the others." Alex said.
"Be patient, Alexander. You never know if we may be needing your help. We cannot risk losing you to anyone. I promise you we will ensure everyone's safety. Once we are done, me, Liu Kang and Fujin would like to have a word with you." Raiden said. Alex wondered what he meant by that, but he knows the mission comes first.
"Your spirit is strong, young one. Don't ever doubt yourself." Nightwolf tells him.
"Be careful out there, you two." Alex tells them. Raiden and Nightwolf nod and head through the portal to the New Era before it closes. Alex is left alone by himself with the hourglass, watching everything.
Raiden and Nightwolf step through the portal to greet Liu Kang and Kung Lao. The latter is surprised that Raiden is a mortal now and is glad to see Nightwolf has returned, given that he was not seen during the time-merger.
"Raiden. Good to see you again. I'm surprised about the…. Changes." Kung Lao said after bowing his head to him.
"I understand that, Kung Lao. I am here now and always as long as I fight and draw breath. Welcome to the New Era." Raiden and Kung Lao bow their heads to each other once more.
The four wait by the docks, ready to board the boat that is going to carry them to the island for the tournament. It is not moving yet. Kung Lao looks around and sees something wrong.
"I was at the island before you three were. Who are we missing?" Kung Lao asked.
"Two people." Liu Kang tells him.
"Who?" Kung Lao asked.
"Hey! Wait for me!" A voice called out. Kung Lao listened and can hear that voice. It all sounds too familiar to him. A bit of an annoying voice to him. Kung Lao turns and sees that voice belonging to Johnny Cage.
"Oh. I forgot. Back then he had a personality that was nothing more than sand paper." Kung Lao joked, making Liu Kang snicker quietly. Kung Lao is not wrong about how much of a nuisance Johnny was back then when he was a movie star. Liu Kang teleports away with Raiden and Nightwolf, leaving Kung Lao.
Johnny Cage was running short of breath as he was running his way towards the ship. He is wearing his white suit with a blue shirt. He normally isn't this tired….. Unless he was carrying so much luggage around all the time for a 'movie shoot'. He was using his arms to carry two huge cases and another one on his back. The movie star sets his luggage down to catch his breath and looks up and sees Kung Lao, but does not recognize him.
"Hey, buddy. Do me a favor and help me with these? They're such a burden to carry around." Johnny asked somewhat rudely.
"Oh? You wish for me to help?" Kung Lao asked.
"Umm, duh. I paid for the trip, you can do the rest." Johnny tells him.
"As you wish." Kung Lao smiles. He goes to pick up both of his luggage….. Only to throw them overboard and into the water. "I lightened your burden. You are welcome."
Johnny looks at Kung Lao with a dismayed look on his face as Kung Lao walks away, amusing himself. At the beginning of time, Alex couldn't help but laugh at Johnny's expense. He loves to laugh whenever something bad happens to Johnny.
"Oh well. Could've been worse. At least I didn't lose my awesome car keys." Johnny shrugs.
While Johnny and Kung Lao wait, hiding behind some crates is Sonya Blade. She is spying with binoculars, trying to look for Kano. She is wearing black pants and a short black vest that exposes her breasts a little.
"This is Sonya Blade. I followed the coordinates one of Kano's goons told me about. Sources confirm suspicions. Word has it that Kano has captured Jax and took him to an island." Sonya comms her superiors.
"Secretary Blake here. We read you. Your mission is to find Jackson Briggs and rescue him and bring Kano in alive. Comm us when you need to be picked up." Secretary Blake tells her.
"Roger that. Sonya Blade out." Sonya signs off.
She uses her binoculars again and she sees a boat coming towards the docks. Johnny Cage and Kung Lao reach the boat and hop aboard.
Sonya manages to sneak past several people without being seen. She stops in her tracks and spots Kano and glares at him. Kano whistles to himself as he makes his way to the boat. Sonya was ready to take him down and bring him to justice by any means. Kano stops and looks around for any suspicions, forcing Sonya to hide. The last time Kano was seen, he was killed by Past Sonya when she shot her Kano in his human eye. His death caused his future self to be erased from existence as a result.
Kano uses his optic eye to scan for any suspicious people following him. He sees someone hiding behind crates and smiles.
"That's it. Come to papa." Kano smiles and continues walking towards the boat. Sonya, without any moment to think, runs towards the ship as fast as possible to catch the most wanted man across countless countries. As Kano boards the boat, the ship starts to take off without Sonya. Sonya grits her teeth and runs as fast as possible. With all of her momentum, Sonya jumps off the docks and grabs the ship, barely hanging onto the edge.
On board the ship, Kung Lao stares beyond the sea, ready for the tournament as a changed person for the better. Johnny Cage approaches him.
"Hey, hat guy. I never got your na–" Johnny is suddenly tackled by Sonya, who mistook him for Kano. "Okay, asshole, you wanna….. Dance?"
Johnny immediately freezes when Sonya points a gun at his chin and a ring gauntlet at his chest. Neither of them recognize each other.
"Umm. Hi? I'm Johnny Cage and you are?" Johnny asked, a bit frightened and intimidated by her.
"None of your goddamn business. Where's Kano?" Sonya demands.
"I don't even know who the hell you're referring to." Johnny said and then smiles, already having the hots for her. "But if you want, I could help you find him." He raises his eyebrows at her.
"You can help by staying the hell outta my way." Sonya pushes him aside before she walks away to find her most hated enemy. Kung Lao, watching the whole thing and remembering that they were married before Sonya's death, approaches him.
"Another star struck-fan, huh?" Kung Lao smirks before he follows her. Johnny remains confused on what is her problem, unable to recognize them and remembering Sonya's stubbornness and tough-as nails personality.
Sonya searches inside the ship, points her weapons everywhere, ready to beat the man who once killed her partner and has kidnapped her best friend Jax. She hears a portal open and aims her weapons towards it. A man steps out. It is none other than Shang Tsung.
"Welcome. I am Shang Tsung at your services." Shang Tsung bows his head before her.
"I'm looking for a wanted killer who boarded this ship. He goes by Kano. Mercenary of the Black Dragon clan. Wanted for murder, kidnapping, arms dealer, raping, drug running, scum of the earth." Sonya explains.
"Hmm. I might have seen someone like him. Perhaps, I could give you a tour. If you do like it, of course, Sonya Blade." Shang Tsung said.
"Look, I don't have time for this. Give him to me and I'll just be on my way from wherever the hell this thing is leading us to." Sonya asks. Her patience is running thin.
"Hey, c'mon. Let the hot lady do her job already and nab whoever she likes to hunt." Johnny comes down with Kung Lao.
"And I told you two I don't want any help. I can handle this shit myself, thank you." Sonya shrugs them off.
Another man starts walking through the portal. It is Sub-Zero. It is Bi-Han. He has been hired by Shang Tsung himself to join the tournament alongside Cyrax and Sektor.
"Where are my manners? This is my right-hand assassin. Meet Bi-Han. Also known as Sub-Zero. And his friends Cyrax and Sektor." Shang Tsung said.
"Step aside, sir." Sonya points her gun at him.
Bi-Han grabs her pistol with his hand and it quickly starts freezing it. Sonya fires a bullet out of it, but the bullet slows down within the ice and stops right before it could even touch his eye. Bi-Han then takes the gun from her hands and crushes it like it was glass. Sonya steps backwards, both her and Johnny remain surprised by this. A man who could use ice. Before Bi-Han could make a move, he is suddenly thrown back to the wall by a blast of fire to the chest.
"Enough!" Fire God Liu Kang appears behind the champions of Earthrealm and appears before Shang Tsung. Cyrax and Sektor attempt to attack him, but he effortlessly avoids Cyrax's wrist blades and throws him into the wall and he sees Sektor using his flamethrowers, but they have no affect on him. The fire god slowly approached Sektor and grabs his hands, electrocutes him and sends him back towards the other two Lin Kuei assassins.
"Lord Liu Kang. I am honored by your presence. May I ask why you are here and not my island?" Shang Tsung asked.
"Your minion attacked my fighters. You should know by now that it is against the rules to attack the defending fighters before the tournament." Liu Kang corrects him.
"My sincere apologies. I promise you it will not happen again. Thank you for stopping Bi-Han for me. We will be leaving now. See you at my island where you cannot interfere." Shang Tsung mockingly smirks.
"I do not need your reminders, sorcerer! Now begone!" Liu Kang orders them. Shang Tsung glares at him but he feels confident about the souls he will feed on. He leaves through the portal with Bi-Han trailing him.
Sonya turns to the fire god for questions. "Okay. Who the hell are you? What tournament are you talking about?" She asked, not recognizing him.
"You have been chosen. You and Johnny Cage. To compete in a tournament known as Mortal Kombat." Liu Kang explains. "I will explain later. For now. You three stay on the ship until we reach the island. We shall meet again.
Liu Kang teleports away, leaving Sonya confused and Johnny amused by his powers.
"That was insane! It was awesome but it was insane!" Johnny expresses. Sonya scoffs in annoyance and rolls her eyes as she walks away. Kung Lao smirks, impressed by how strong Liu Kang is. The three rest as the ship makes way to the island. Alex watches from the hourglass and is surprised by how young Johnny and Sonya were when they met. He saw the sorcerer's face and glared at it. Johnny, Jax and Sonya told him everything about Shang Tsung.
Near nighttime, the ship lands on the shores of the island. Upon reaching it, the three champions see the dragon marking resembling Mortal Kombat. Kung Lao remembered being there spying on Shang Tsung as one of his guards. The three make their way to the main field in the center of the island where the tournament is being held. Fire God Liu Kang is waiting for them alongside Raiden and Nightwolf.
"Welcome, you three. To the Mortal Kombat tournament." Liu Kang welcomes them.
"Okay. We're here. What the hell is this?" Sonya demanded.
"The tournament is held each generation. Earthrealm is the defending realm while Outworld is the challenger. This is a single elimination tournament. Once it is declared, it cannot be refused by either side. Between breaks, fighters of the defending realm are not allowed to be harmed, hence why I came to your rescue as the protector of the realm. Outworld has won 9 out of 10 tournaments. Should it win this one, they will have the right to take over Earthrealm. I will be unable to intervene." Liu Kang explains.
"Huh. I've heard rumors about tournaments. So they're true after all. And that explains all the fights and murders going around the country and around the world. Me and Jax have been doing research on it for years. Trying to find out why this is happening. And that dragon marking we just passed like that big one in front of us. I remember that. Been seeing it on papers and on the news. When Jax and I went to find Kano, we spotted a dead man that had this thing." Sonya holds out a piece of paper that's actually an invitation.
"Clever work. Putting together evidence piece by piece. You're more wise than I thought." Nightwolf said.
"I call that badass detective work. Hot and badass." Johnny said while flirting with her.
"Piss off, Cage. Not interested." Sonya said.
"The tournament is about to start." Liu Kang tells everyone. Shang Tsung approaches his throne and many of his warriors standing, chosen by Shao Kahn. They are Kitana, Jade, Baraka, Reptile, Sheeva, Kollector, Quan Chi, Scorpion and Li Mei. Li Mei spares a glimpse at Earthrealm's warriors, particualry Liu Kang and Kung Lao. The latter sees something in her eyes. Not of evil or hatred. But something else.
And behind the sorcerer are Cyrax, Bi-Han and Sektor. Kitana silently looks at Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Raiden and Nightwolf and smirks without anyone noticing.
"Welcome, warriors of Earthrealm. I am your host, Shang Tsung." The sorcerer said. "This will mark the greatest Mortal Kombat in history. This is the tenth tournament. Outworld has won nine already. This tournament will determine the final fate of Earthrealm. Should you be victorious over various challengers I choose, you will face one final battle. Against me."
Johnny Cage scoffs. "That old crazy guy? Please. They might as well give me the trophy and money and quit while they're at it. I've seen worse things than the likes of this fucking weirdo." He whispered, only for the sorcerer to pop up right behind him.
"Looks can be receiving, Mr. Cage. You are lucky, because you are the first fighter to participate." Shang Tsung said in retaliation.
Johnny immediately gets cocky and steps up, ready for anything. "Bring it, bitches! I'm ready for anything! Who's first, huh? Huh?"
"Johnny Cage. You will face Reptile." Shang Tsung announces. Reptile uses his camouflage ability to turn invisible and moments later, reappears on the field to face the movie star. The latter who believes that all of this is fake and they're just special effects and make up. Johnny may have been a bit thick, but he's not stupid.
"Now, begin!" Shang Tsung said.
"Alrighty then! Let's party!" Johnny said as he and the Reptile fight.
Johnny Cage starts out with a Shadow Kick straight to the chest, sending Reptile backwards. This surprises both Earthrealm and Outworld. Perhaps Johnny may have some talent after all. Reptile gets back up and growls. Reptile jumps to claw him in the face, but Johnny dodges it and his face his untouched. Johnny parries away Reptile's claw strikes and does two punches to the chest and does a horse kick to the chin, cracking it as he stumbles backwards. Johnny jumps and does a roundhouse kick to the head, cracking it slightly. The movie star tries to trip him, but Reptile ducks and blocks it and does a slide attack, sending Johnny backwards and some green blood gets on his favorite pants, much to his disgust.
Reptile comes in and grabs Johnny's arm with his tongue as he pulls him in and does a reverse kick to the head followed by an uppercut to the chest, sending Johnny back. He gets back up and was ready. Reptile spits acid slime out at him, which Johnny jumps and dodges from side to side as he gets closer. Johnny does a breakdance double kick to the jaw followed by a backflip kick to it, cracking Reptile's jaw more before jumping and does a spin kick to the head, cracking the right side of Reptile's skull as he spun backwards, defeated.
"Yeah! You just got Caged!" Johnny exclaimed. He turns to the other warriors of Earthrealm. "Haha! I'm stoked now! Can't wait to take someone else down! Bring them on!"
"Very well then! Johnny Cage. Meet Baraka!" Shang Tsung said.
Baraka yells and gets out his blades within his fists. The tarkatan leader roars again and jumps into the field, sticking both blades into the ground briefly.
"Nice makeup there, dude. Those blades look badass like a wolverine. But those teeth can be looked at by a dentist." Johnny insults him.
"I pick my own, human!" Baraka exclaimed.
"Ha. That explains your gingivitis." Johnny smirks before they start to fight.
Baraka comes in and swings his blades at Johnny, who is swiftly dodging all of them and is being cornered fast. His back is touching the wall and both blades nearly miss his face. Baraka was about to bite Johnny's face off, but he knees him in the stomach and runs back to the field. Baraka jumps up and tries to stab Johnny in the face, but Johnny grabs his arm and punches his forehead and kicks his chest. Johnny comes forward, only for Baraka to do a horizontal swing at him, dropping his sunglasses. He dodges, but the blade cuts his shirt, cutting it and partly exposing his tattoo.
"Hey! That was a custom-made shirt! You're a dickhead, you know that?!" Johnny is now pissed.
Baraka uses his blades to fire sparks at the movie star, but Johnny sidesteps one of them and bends backwards to avoid the other. Baraka suddenly comes forward and spins in place while swinging both of his blades at Johnny. Johnny jumps backwards twice. As Baraka stops, Johnny runs forward and does a shadow backflip kick to the chin, cracking it. Baraka drops to the ground and growls louder, now more angry. Johnny suddenly stops and starts waving his hands in the air like a mime. Baraka charges to kick and stab Johnny Cage, but the latter pushes the kick away and grabs his arm and punches him in the nose. Johnny then does a punch to the chest and stomach and does the splits. He smiles and does his nut punch move to Baraka's crotch, causing him a lot of pain. Baraka bends down, allowing Johnny to execute a strong elbow strike to the back, cracking and nearly breaking his spine. Baraka lays on his chest, defeated.
"Put another shrimp on the barbie, bitch!" Johnny gives him two middle fingers.
"Good. Now finish him" Shang Tsung commands.
Johnny looks at the old man and chuckles, thinking it's a joke. But when he sees everyone staring at him, they are all sharing the same look of seriousness. Johnny's smile slowly turned into a frown.
"Okay, hang on a minute. No. No, no, no, no. I'm not gonna kill him. I'm not gonna kill anyone. Are you insane? Fuck that." Johnny puts his hands in the air. Liu Kang smirks while Raiden nods, remembering Johnny's morality.
"If that is your wish, then so be it. Let us retire for the night. The tournament will resume at dawn." Shang Tsung announces before he and his followers leave. A couple of guards pick up Baraka to carry him as he is having a hard time standing because of the nut punch. Sonya takes her leave as well. Johnny tries to pursue her, but is stopped by Liu Kang and other Earthrealm warriors.
"You have fought bravely today, Johnny Cage. I admire your sense of morality." Liu Kang said to him.
"Hey there, fire guy. Nice markings and hair." Johnny Cage said.
"You will do well to respect Lord Liu Kang. He is the protector of Earthrealm. The god of fire and thunder." Kung Lao said to him.
"Whoa, take it easy there, pal. I mean, I don't know why you guys are dressed so weirdly, but this is all new to me. I don't know what that old geezer's deal is with wanting me to kill him, but still." Johnny said.
"This tournament is very real. It's more than for personal glory. This is for survival. Survival for Earthrealm and everyone else. The most fateful tournament in history." Raiden said. "Come with us. There is something we must discuss."
"Tempting. I wanna know where the hottie is. Maybe help her track down her bad boy most wanted." Johnny said. Before he could leave, Liu Kang summons a forcefield made of fire that prevents the exit.
"I highly suggest you come with us to hear us out." Liu Kang tells him.
"Alright. Whatever deal you have to offer me, make it snappy. I have things to do." Johnny shrugs. Liu Kang lifts the forcefield and he gestures for Johnny to follow him, with Raiden, Kung Lao and Nightwolf closely behind him. Johnny can't help but feel like something is familiar to him. He can't quite make it out though as he follows them to his quarters where he will be staying. Once everyone was inside, they locked the door.
"Alright, what's this all about? Why bring me here?" Johnny asked.
"We had to make sure that we were alone. We don't want anyone from Outworld to overhear what we have to tell you." Nightwolf said.
"Okay? Like what? I mean, I don't even know y'all one bit." Johnny said.
"You will." Liu Kang approaches him and lifts two fingertips.
"Wait, what are you—" Johnny steps back before the tips touch his forehead.
Johnny gasps as his head starts hurting really badly as he begins to remember everything. He remembers being in both Mortal Kombat tournaments, fighting Reptile and Baraka like he did earlier, losing to Cyrax, meeting Sonya, Liu Kang and Raiden and everyone else involved. He also remembers him and Sonya being the only ones who survived Sindel's attacks, unlike everyone else. Two years later, Johnny's emerald light powers unlock while protecting Sonya and he defeats Shinnok. Many years later, he remembered marrying Sonya and having Cassie as their daughter and their unfortunate divorce and the adventures the three had together, including bonding with his daughter. Johnny was happy to see the family reunite after Cassie defeated Shinnok. He also remembers the interactions he had with Kenshi, Jacqui, Jax, Kung Jin and Takeda and meeting Alex and approving of their relationship. The last things he remembers are him and Cassie grieving for Sonya's death and meeting his past self and getting annoyed by him and taking part in the final battle.
Johnny returns to reality and falls to his knees, gasping for air as he felt lightheaded from the experience. He regains his bearings and eyesight as he finally stands up and faces his friends. "Holy shit. That was an experience."
"How do you feel?" Raiden asked.
"Like. Like a bad dream or something. Hold on. Why are we here for a tournament? Okay, 1. I thought Shang Tsung was dead and 2. The last thing I remember was us being in the Netherrealm. None of this is making any sense." Johnny said.
"You and everyone else were affected by Kronika. She used the hourglass to rewind time back to the beginning. Only me and Alex were unaffected." Liu Kang explained.
"And Kronika? You killed her?" Johnny asked.
"Me and Alex both did. But before that, she reversed time back to the beginning, undoing every event that transpired. The only way to fix everything was to craft our own New Era and improve the timeline we once lost." Liu Kang explained.
"That explains the tournament. Why that soul-stealing pervert is back and how you guys knew me. But where's Alex at?" Johnny asked.
"The beginning of time. We cannot afford to lose him, so we told him to stay behind." Raiden explained.
"But if he's at the beginning of time… oh no. Cassie!" Johnny nearly loses his footing before he falls onto the bed. "No. No. Anyone but her. Just not her." He tries to not hyperventilate. He places his hands over his head in frustration and fear.
"Relax yourself, Johnny Cage." Kung Lao tries to tell him.
"Relax? How could I relax like this now? First, we're back to square one because of more time travel shit. Secondly, we need to deal with the sorcerer and asshole emperor again and not only that, my one and only daughter is not here with us. Unborn. Gone." Johnny stares at the ground in sadness.
"I may know loss, Johnny Cage. I felt that grave pain when I lost Liu Kang and Kung Lao. The latter did when he watched his ancestor pass away in this timeline. You have changed most of all compared to everyone else." Raiden tells him.
"But Sonya. And Cassie. They were the ones I love most. I'd do anything to protect my daughter. Support her, love her, everything. They meant everything to me. Cassie always looked up to us, we became her idols. We inspired her without knowing it and she wanted to be a soldier." Johnny remembers.
"Your maturity surprises me. I can see that you truly care for your family. But we can fix everything. We can bring back everyone, including Cassandra." Kung Lao assures him.
"But how? What do we do? Where do we go from here? I hope you have a plan." Johnny hopes, with some fear in his heart.
"Indeed. Let us progress through the tournament and there will be different opponents for each and every one of us to face. With your help, we can ensure everyone's survival and bring back everyone we lost." Liu Kang tells him.
Johnny looks up at his friend and smiles. "You know, it's gonna take time for me to get used to seeing you like this. Who else remembers the New Era besides all of us?"
"Fujin. He is at the Sky Temple as its new guardian. Kitana has her memories restored as well as Liu Kang chose her. She is spying on Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn. She'll regain her title as Kahn." Kung Lao said.
"And we will restore all of our allies' memories one by one at the right time. If we can defeat Shao Kahn in the second tournament, then our future will be secured. Then we can reassure the return of your daughter and everyone else." Raiden said.
Johnny closes his eyes for a moment. He thinks about his family he once had and would do anything for a second chance. He wouldn't care if he gets hurt as long as Sonya and Cassie are safe and his daughter is happy to be with her fiance again. Johnny looks at them.
"Alright. I'm in. For Sonya. And for Cassie." Johnny tells them with a serious tone and a serious look on his face.
The others nod before they leave the room for Johnny to rest. Once alone, Johnny sighs, hoping that Liu Kang knows what he's doing, now that he's the new protector of Earthrealm. Alex, watching from the hourglass, sighs in relief that Johnny remembers. He smirks, seeing that they're on the right track.
Note: So we are back at the first tournament like MK1 and the beginning of MK9. Not all of these fights will be the same. There will be changes given Liu Kang's status as a god. And I changed Kung Lao's personality to be more nicer, humble, caring of others and nowhere near as self-centered and egotistical. The reason why this happened is because while there are people that like Kung Lao in the modern games, there are a lot more people who disliked his personality change. I like Kung Lao either way. And I hated the treatment he keeps getting with being constantly killed off in MK9, MK11, the reboot movie and Battle of the Realms. Kung Lao is one of the main protagonists of the story alongside Liu Kang, Raiden, Kitana and Alex. There's more to come! Until next time!