Chapter 6: End of the 1st Tournament
In the castle of the Lin Kuei's grandmaster, the clan has been facing divisive opinions regarding the Cyber Initiative. And they face news hearing that Cyrax has quit the clan, feeling disgusted by the idea. He is not the only one upset by the idea.
Smoke and Kuai Liang, the latter being Bi-Han's younger brother, tend to his wounds following his near fatal fight against Scorpion with help from a familiar face presumed to be dead back in the Old Era. A demon-like woman named Sareena. She was once a servant named Quan Chi, but she betrayed him to follow her own path. The last time she was seen was when she helped the Special Forces capture Quan Chi in the Old Era. Sareena was convinced by Bi-Han to not follow him and the two become good friends, despite Bi-Han being cruel, cold-hearted and arrogant and bitter.
"So Scorpion did this to you? Because he believed that you killed his wife and son and clan?" Sareena asked, tending to his wounds.
"Yes. The specter under Quan Chi's control. He is nothing more than insane. Full of rage and anger. He blames the Lin Kuei, and in doing so, brings dishonor among the Lin Kuei." Bi-Han said, grunting in pain from the blood loss and broken bones.
"Which will be restored." The Grandmaster walks in.
"Grandmaster." Kuai Liang said. He and Smoke bow their heads before him. "The Lin Kuei's honor has not and will not be stained by such treachery and lies."
"I admire your loyalty, Kuai Liang. If we are to ensure the security of said honor for the future to come, we must proceed as planned." The Grandmaster tells them.
"You mean the Cyber Initiative?" Smoke questions.
"Yes. With it, we shall not fail. You will be faster, stronger and wiser. More obedient and more loyal." Grandmaster said.
"But grandmaster. We lose our free will. Our souls and will to think for ourselves. We can still carry emotions. Right now, I must have revenge on Scorpion for nearly killing my brother. He must die." Kuai Liang said.
"Know your place, Tundra." Grandmaster orders him. "I promise you that you will in time. You two will finish helping Sareena heal Bi-Han before the beginning of the experiments. I must tend to my son. He will be the first. The mortal body is weak and fragile. With skill and technology combined and brought back from before, the Lin Kuei will have the perfect warriors."
The Grandmaster leaves the three to tend to Bi-Han's wounds. While Bi-Han does not show it, he also disagrees with the Cyber Initiative. But he does also share Liang's opinion of revenge.
"Tundra." Bi-Han tells him.
"Bi-Han? You need to rest. When you're well, we will all hunt down Scorpion and kill him. And while we're at it, we must find Cyrax." Kuai Liang tells him.
"You must kill him. Do it for me. Not for the clan. But for me. Now. Do not hesitate and do not show mercy. Promise me, Tundra." Bi-Han gives him a glare.
"I promise you, brother. When I find him, it'll be for us. The Lin Kuei's honor will remain intact afterwards." Kuai Liang replies to his brother.
Bi-Han nods without a change of emotion and lays his head down to rest as Sareena stares at Liang and Smoke. She seems to be having some worry and doubt in her voice.
"Tundra. If Bi-Han says is true then what if Scorpion doesn't need to be killed. If he did accuse the clan for crimes they did not commit, then he would need to face judgment." Sareena said.
"Sareena. You of all people should know that the best actions must be taken to ensure things are properly set. We use our judgment. To determine one's fate. We do what we feel must be the right thing to do. In this case, Scorpion must die. Then once that is done, I will deal with this Cyber Initiative." Kuai Liang swears on it.
"You're not going alone, Tundra. I will come with you." Smoke said.
"Smoke. You do not have to do this. This is my quest that I must take on a promise." Kuai Liang tells him.
"But you are my friend. And so is he. We all share the same opinion on the cyborg plan. And while I may agree with Sareena, something must be done." Smoke said.
"I can come with you. I can fight in different ways. Help you bring Scorpion in. Question him on who told him lies. And whoever it was, that person should also face judgment." Sareena stands up.
"No, Sareena. I need you to stay with my brother. Make sure he is well. But once is healed, you may come to find us. Together, we will find those responsible." Kuai Liang said.
Sareena sighs in reluctance. She does not share the same taste for revenge as Liang does, and hopes that they can find answers and not go with revenge as the only answer. Sareena may try to talk to Bi-Han about the situation they are in.
"So be it." Sareena said. "But I wish for you both to be careful. If the Lin Kuei Grandmaster finds out, in which he will, then he'll send the clan after you both."
"Let them try." Kuai Liang is not intimidated one bit. Neither is Smoke. Kuai Liang gives Sareena a reassuring smile as they both sneak away from the temple. She sighs again as she returns to tending to Bi-Han. Sareena can't help but feel like something isn't right within the clan. Not just the Cyber Initiative, but something else.
In the temple of Shang Tsung, the tournament continues. Right now, both sides are evenly matched. But then a new contestant from Outworld joins in. Several guards walk in guarding this new fighter.
"Fellow champions. Behold. The latest creation of Shao Kahn. Fused with thousands of souls combined into one body to create the perfect fighter. Ermac!" Shang Tsung announces.
Ermac's body and eyes glow bright green as thousands of souls run around him, looking like a barrier to protect himself from danger. Raiden, Kitana, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Nightwolf and Johnny all remember this familiar face.
"Be aware, Kung Lao. Ermac is not like many other kombatants you have ever faced. "Liu Kang warns him and he nods.
"Please. This guy? He doesn't scare me one bit. I bet I can take him on one on one." Jax said.
"Jackson Briggs. No. This is not your fight." Kung Lao tries to warn him.
"Stand down, Kung Lao." Raiden steps up.
"Whoa, big guy. You don't wanna just rush in like a crazed kid. That guy will rip you to shreds." Johnny tries to warn him.
"I gotta help out somehow. I'm up for a challenge. This Ermac fucker looks good enough for me to face." Jax smirks with confidence. Jax steps up to face Ermac. Kung Lao tries to stop him, but Raiden steps in.
"Kung Lao. Mortal Kombat is declared now. This is his fight. Once a match is declared, it cannot be refused by either fighter." Raiden said.
"But his fate. It could end up like last time. He didn't deserve that back then, nor does he now." Kung Lao said, feeling bad for Jax's toss up past.
"I wish there was something we could do, Kung Lao. I really do. But as a god, there is nothing I can do. The Elder Gods are watching. Jax will soon know the truth." Liu Kang reluctantly said. He is starting to feel more responsibilities he has to do as Raiden's new successor.
"It is settled then. Jackson Briggs vs Ermac." Shang Tsung said.
"I'm ready to put your lights out, asshole. Let's see what you got for me." Jax said. Sonya can't help but feel worried for her friend, fearing that Raiden and Liu Kang are right, whatever they are talking about. She fears that he may be becoming overconfident.
"We are many. You are one. You cannot hope to survive. We will destroy you, earthrealmer." Ermac said before they begin to fight.
Jax charges with a knee strike and a punch to the face, causing Ermac to stumble, allowing Jax to do a punch across the face and on top of the head, sending Ermac down. Jax then does an elbow strike to the back of his head, picks him up by the shoulder, does two strong punches to the chest and punches him in the face, sending Ermac back. The new fighter gets back up. Jax jumps to punch him into the ground, but Ermac dodges the attack and hits him in the chest with an energy blast before pulling Jax in. Ermac does a punch across the face followed by a backhand strike and a kick to the chest. Ermac teleports, elbows Jax in the back before lifting him in the air with his telekinesis and throws him down and back up again. Ermac swings his arms at Jax's chest and face in the air before shooting an energy projectile at his back, sending him even further up as Jax falls to the ground. Jax struggles to get up, thrown off by how powerful he is. Ermac suddenly appears in front of him, kicks his chest twice, racking it before kneeing his skull. Ermac then lifts Jax in the air with his telekinesis and holds Jax upside down before slamming his head onto the ground cracking his skull. He lays on his chest as Ermac teleports and does an elbow strike to the back, breaking a few of Jax's ribs and greatly cracking his spine.
"Good. Now finish him!" Shang Tsung demands.
Jax struggles to get back up. He spits up some blood and is having a hard time breathing. Jax stumbles forward trying to do a haymaker to the jaw, but Ermac stops his arm with his telekinesis and grabs the other arm and holds them out wide. Jax grunts in pain and then starts screaming, desperately trying to break free. Sonya tries to rush in and stop them, but a magical barrier takes place between them and the arena. Shang Tsung smirks at Sonya's face, seeing how desperate she is. It appears he placed the barrier there just in case.
Sonya tries to hold back tears as she tries to fight her way through it. But she could only watch in horror. Jax starts screaming in a lot of pain as his arms are literally and painfully torn off as Ermac flings both of them aside. Jax falls backwards with his shoulders bleeding out very quickly.
Johnny couldn't help but look away as what he just witnessed while Liu Kang looks down in shame and pity. Even Kitana feels bad for what happened to Jax back then, just as Alex told them. Speaking of which, Alex quickly looks away and covers his mouth in horror of what he just watched. He makes himself want to ask why Liu Kang didn't do anything to stop him besides the rules.
"JAX! NO!" Sonya yells as tears come out. The barrier wears off as Sonya and Johnny quickly dash over to help him.
"Quick! Do something! Anything!" Johnny tells him.
Sonya is trying not to hyperventilate. She could not afford to lose her best friend. She sees her own ring gauntlets she still has on and shoots both of his shoulders. Jax's shoulders are now cauterized to stop the bleeding. Shang Tsung is amused by this.
"Normally, I would take his soul. But I think I'll let him live for your sake, Ms. Blade. I wouldn't want you to be quite devastated." Shang Tsung smirks.
"Fuck off, old man! He needs medical attention! Somebody help!" Sonya pleads.
"Good luck finding the best care, Ms. Blade. You are going to need it." Shang Tsung smirks and chuckles.
"Hang on, Jax. We got you." Sonya said. She looks at Johnny and he quickly nods as he helps her lift him up. Jax is out cold from the big blood loss. Unknown to them, Liu Kang tightens his fists. He seems to be upset by what just happened to Jax. But why is he? Alex couldn't help but feel devastated by the most traumatizing thing Jax has gone through once again. He wished that he didn't deserve this kind of fate.
"Lord Liu Kang. Which other kombatant will you put in the field and die at the hands of Ermac?" Shang Tsung mocks him.
Liu Kang nods to Kung Lao, telling him that the time is now. Kung Lao nods back, understanding the look on his face. As he walks towards the field, he looks back at Jax and feels sorry for him. He then glares at Ermac.
"You are going to regret doing that to my friend, you abonomious creation." Kung Lao points at him.
"We have broken him. We will now break you." Ermac states.
"Not if I break you first." Kung Lao said. The two begin to fight.
Kung Lao throws his hat at Ermac, who catches it with his telekinesis, but this was a distraction as the monk was too fast for him. Kung Lao jumps and does two midair kicks, followed by a punch to the forehead, another punch to the right rib cage and a haymaker to the chest, cracking Ermac's chest before Kung Lao does a spin attack, sending Ermac in the air. He then jumps, does a dive kick to his gut and does rapid punches to the chest and finishes the combo with an elbow strike to the head. Kung Lao jumps backwards as Ermac hovers above the ground. Ermac fires projectiles from his hands to strike Kung Lao, but he grabs his steel hat and deflects each blast away harmlessly before doing a vertical swing at his right shoulder, cutting it. Ermac grunts in pain as Kung Lao goes into a defensive stance. Ermac teleports behind him and tries to throw his combo moves at him, but Kung Lao closes his eyes and listened for the sounds and parries each attack before he elbow strikes Ermac and jumps and does two roundhouse kicks to the head followed by a strong kick to the chest, sending Ermac into a wall, defeating him.
"Flawless victory." Kung Lao smirks. "Our home will not fall in the hands of your master."
The heroes of Earthrealm take their leave from the castle to take their short break. This leaves Shang Tsung and Kitana alone, with the latter remembering what happened in the Old Era.
"This new champion is becoming a greater threat than we originally anticipated. I will deal with him with your permission." Kitana lies.
"Do what you must. Next I shall have Raiden battle Sheeva and should he succeed, he will face Quan Chi. Take Li Mei with you." Shang Tsung nods to her, giving her permission to do so. Kitana makes her leave with Li Mei following her.
In the gardens, Kung Lao is doing different fighting stances as he has remembered when he was a child, overseen by his master and his great ancestor.
"That's it. Remember what me and your ancestor have taught you, Kung Lao. Sometimes defense is a good offense. Do not let emotions cloud your judgment." Fire God Liu Kang instructs him.
"And this includes for your visions to come true? How do they occur?" Kung Lao asked curiously.
"I can access the visions anytime I please. I foresee things that may or may not benefit us. There are moments where a vision can come out of thin air. Sometimes we must make changes for the better. Even if it means that we will not succeed to wiping out Shao Kahn during the tournament." Liu Kang said.
"And to make sure that we learn from my own previous mistakes and improve them. But we cannot guarantee a perfect future for us all." Raiden speaks up.
"And you did try to stop Jax. But you must have a very specific reason." Kung Lao said with reluctance in his voice.
"Unfortunately. I wish there was another way. But there is a reason why this happened. One that Jax deserves to hear once we restore his memories. Along with Sonya Blade. I will handle them." Liu Kang said.
"I have had my doubts about you both. Never again. I realize now that there is no perfection. There is faith. And I have faith that we can make the right decisions. All of us." Kung Lao said. Liu Kang teleports away with Raiden. Before Kung Lao could continue training, he senses Kitana coming.
Kung Lao wonders what brings her here. "Kitana? You're here earlier than I expected. Lord Liu Kang has left if you are looking for him."
"I will speak to him for a moment. Right now, I'm here to fight you, pretending to try to kill you." Kitana said.
Kitana rapidly throws many attacks at Kung Lao, who is quick on the defense and parries and blocks her attacks. But she kicks him in the right shin, chop strikes him in the back of the head and grabs his arm, knees his chest and forces him to bend forward.
"If you do not fight with all of your heart, then there will be no hope for any of us." Kitana said.
Kung Lao blocks another attack, only for her to do a backflip kick to the chest, making Kung Lao slide backwards.
"Remember to not hold back on anything. For your next match, your opponent will be Scorpion. You must be prepared to face him this time. He will not hold back either." Kitana said.
Kitana swings her sharp fans at him, but Kung Lao backhands her in the stomach and does his spin attack, sending her backwards. She spins her fans into place as Kung Lao is sent flying. Kitana does a strong kick to the back, sending Kung Lao back more as he lands and sees Kitana coming in. Kung Lao jumps backwards, grabs her arms, jumps again and throws her down to the ground, defeating her.
"One can only hope so, Kitana." Kung Lao smirks. They both hear clapping. They both turn to see it was Fire God Liu Kang approaching with Raiden.
"Indeed, Kitana and Kung Lao. You remembered your teachings well." Liu Kang smirks.
"I knew you were a good teacher, Liu Kang. Always having faith in you. I'd like to recreate this scene with you one day." Kitana smiles before she and Liu Kang hug each other.
"Just like the good days, Kitana. You fought fiercely back then, then up to now." Liu Kang compliments her.
"You. You three set me up. Sending Kitana to test me." Kung Lao figures it out.
"To make sure you don't grow arrogant when you fought Scorpion last time? Yes. You would be right." Raiden tells him.
"Now don't get any ideas, Kung Lao." Kitana joked. Her and Liu Kang's own sense of humor has apparently remained intact.
"Oh, please. I knew you and Liu Kang were meant for each other. Fates are always intertwined I believe. I have learned my lesson back in the Old Era. I was arrogant. Not this time." Kung Lao said.
"I must go. Shang Tsung will resume the tournament at any point now. Good luck, Kung Lao. And Liu Kang? Remember that no matter what happens, my faith in you will never be broken." Kitana smiles and winks at the fire god.
"Likewise, Kitana." Liu Kang smirks and nods as Kitana leaves. Then the three look at each, all knowing what this will all come down to this. The tournament is about to resume at any moment as they will be facing their next foes. But first… Li Mei also approaches Kung Lao.
"Champion of Earthrealm. You will not proceed any further." Li Mei stands before him.
"Show me what you can do." Kung Lao challenges her.
Li Mei charges forward and does a backflip kick, which Kung Lao blocks before she goes for cartwheel kicks as Kung Lao steps back. He does two palm strikes to the shoulders, a knee strike to the chest and two chop strikes to the shoulders. He then does a high kick to the chin, sending Li Mei backwards, but she lands on her feet. Kung Lao smirks. Li Mei growls in anger as she attacks again. Li Mei does three more kicks, but Kung Lao gives her three mantis kicks to the face. Li Mei shoots fire from her hands, which Kung Lao deflects with his hat. Li Mei comes in and does two palm strikes to the chest and a chop strike to the head before she brings out small daggers to stab him. Kung Lao sees this and brings out his giant shuriken and blocks the swings before he does a crane kick to the chin, cracking part of it.
Li Mei and Kung Lao continue to exchange blows, rapidly switching between defense and offense. Li Mei gets angry and throws her daggers, which Kung Lao spins to dodge them and does two punches to the face, two kicks to the stomach before kicking her in the jaw once more, sending her far away, defeating her.
"Go ahead. Finish me." Li Mei looks down. "I failed my master. And I failed my home of Outworld. Please. Kill me. So I can only hope Outworld won't suffer under his rule."
"Kill you? I have no reason to do that. I only need to unless I have to. And I have not seen this before. Someone caring more for her people more than Shao Kahn. You must have a bigger heart than what he realizes." Kung Lao said.
Li Mei looks up at Kung Lao, surprised by his words. Li Mei, being an Outworlder herself, cares very much for her own people. She would do anything to help them, even going against Shao Kahn. But why? Right now, she cannot find the words to say.
"I do hope we meet again under more peaceful terms. This battle never happened to begin with." Kung Lao tells her before he leaves for the next matches of the tournament. Li Mei was on her knees for a little more before she sighs and stands back up. She thinks about his words.
It is nightfall. The tournament resumes where it first started on the first day within the arena. The only warriors left are Kung Lao and Raiden. Nightwolf, Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade have been defeated and Jax is in a coma after losing his arms. Shang Tsung is about to announce the next matches.
"Kombatents. There are only two warriors left. Kung Lao, the student of Lord Liu Kang. And Raiden, Lord Liu Kang's predecessor. Are they ready to take the burden?" Shang Tsung asked. "Raiden. You shall be facing Sheeva. Second in command of the Shokan armies."
Raiden and Sheeva begin to take their place within the arena field, ready to face each other.
"Puny earthrealmers such as you do not frighten me. I will be your worst nightmare." Sheeva threatens him.
"Attempting to express fear within others will only enlarge your own arrogance, Sheeva." Raiden replied.
"Your death will be a dream come true for Outworld." Sheeva said before they fight.
Raiden sees Sheeva shooting a fireball from her four hands, which he swiftly dodges. Raiden then dodges two of her right arm punches and does a straight punch to her stomach, then a backhand strike followed by a punch to the face. Sheeva and Raiden quickly switch between defense and offense before the latter does a punch to the chest before he jumps forward, does his double fist leap attack to the chest, sending Sheeva back before he jumps over her and does a strong kick to the back, cracking it, as Sheeva stumbles. Sheeva does her high jump and attempts to do her Shokan stomp, but Raiden dodges it and tackles her to the ground. Raiden does dour punches across the face before Sheeva knees him in the stomach off of her. Raiden ducks two swings from her, but Sheeva does a strong back kick to Raiden's right rib cage, cracking it as Sheeva does another kick to the right leg. Raiden stumbles, but was not gonna go down easily.
Raiden goes on the defense, but Sheeva shoots another fireball from her hands. Raiden dodges again, but Sheeva was prepared. She does an uppercut to the jaw, one to the left shoulder before Sheeva jumps and throws a punch onto his head. Sheeva attempts to tackle him, but Raiden grabs her wrists, kicks her in the chest and sending her back after he flips her. Raiden feels blood coming out from part of his face, his mouth and nose. He forgets how long it has been since he last felt this much pain and blood. Raiden could not think about that right now, he must focus on finishing the match. Sheeva comes in and tries to throw an uppercut from her upper right arm and lower right arm, but Raiden parries them away and does two punches to the right rib cage, does a knee strike to the jaw, cracking the shokan's jaw. Then Raiden then jumps and does a roundhouse kick to the head followed by a strong kick to the stomach as Sheeva is sent far bacl. Sheeva lands on her back, defeated.
"May your own defeat result in your own worst nightmare, Sheeva." Raiden insults her.
"Not bad, Raiden. I must say I am impressed. But your next match will be even better for you. For your next opponent shall be Quan Chi." Shang Tsung said. Quan Chi smirks as his hands glow with magic. Raiden glares, remembering that he is alive, after Cassie Cage told him about his death in the Old Era.
"A brave one you are for your age. But you are a foolish one. " Quan Chi said. Even he does not remember anything he has committed or witnessed in the Old Era, nor could he remember his final moments before his death.
Raiden and Quan Chi begin to fight.
Raiden jumps forward, does a punch to the head, a kick to the right knee, a punch to the left shoulder. He then does two palm strikes at his chest and stomach, sending Quan Chi back. But Raiden does two kicks to the chest before doing a strong backhand strike to the head. Quan Chi slides backwards and manages to recover. He teleports in front of Raiden and does a punch across the face followed by an uppercut to the chin, cracking it and sending the former thunder god into the air. Quan Chi uses his magic to bring him back down, allowing him to pull off two punches to Raiden's rib cages followed by a kick to the gut. Quan Chi once again pulls Raiden in with his magic and does a punch across the face, followed by a kick and another kick to Raiden's right leg.
Raiden is nearly down to a knee. He grunts as he glares at the warlock. He suddenly falls through a portal beneath his feet and attempts to stomp on Raiden, but he quickly dodges as he does two kicks to the chest followed by an eagle kick to the left shoulder, cracking it. Raiden then uppercuts him in the chest, cracking it as Quan Chi is sent into the air. Raiden does two kicks to his back as Quan Chi is sent backwards. The warlock manages to recover after having some hard time. Raiden runs towards him, but the warlock smirks and uses his magic to lock his arms away. Raiden sees this and suddenly jumps towards Quan Chi, slamming both fists into his chest as Quan Chi was sent to a wall. Raiden does an elbow strike to the back, greatly cracking his spine, then appears in front of him, chop strikes his head, cracking his skull followed by a swing kick to the stomach. Quan Chi is sent down, defeated.
"You talk too much, warlock." Raiden said. Despite not being a god anymore, Raiden is still someone who would not go down so easily. This surprises Liu Kang and Alex, as they both watched from separate locations.
"Raiden. Are you alright?" Liu Kang asked out of concern.
"I am fine, Lord Liu Kang. It feels good to fight in the tournament. I forget what it's like being a mortal." Raiden gives him a reassuring smirk. Liu Kang can't help but feel worried for his former teacher.
"Next up. Kung Lao vs Scorpion." Shang Tsung announces.
Kung Lao and Liu Kang nod to each other as the former steps into the arena. Scorpion teleports in with hellfire. Everyone except for Kitana are unaware that Scorpion has his personality and mind of Hanzo Hasashi again. Not even Quan Chi can see it.
"I do not fear you, Scorpion. This time, I am prepared." Kung Lao said.
"You will taste the power of hellfire and live in fear!" Scorpion said, pretending to be his specter self. They start to fight.
Kung Lao throws two palm strikes at Scorpion's shoulders and an elbow strike to the back. He then does an upper palm strike to the back of the head followed by a spin attack, sending Scorpion in the air before Kung Lao does rapid kicks to the back. Scorpion teleports to recover and throws attacks, which Kung Lao blocks. He was not kidding when he said he was prepared this time. When Scorpion throws a kick, Kung Lao blocks it with his hat before landing two kicks to the chest. Scorpion gets to a knee and throws his chain spears. Kung Lao sees this and deflects them both with his hat. Kung Lao jumps forward, does a straight kick to the chest and a backflip kick to the chin, cracking it and sending Scorpion flying. He once again teleports to land safely and swings his sword at him, taking the young student by surprise. He barely manages to block the sword swings, but receives a strong kick to the chest before Scorpion wraps his chains around Kung Lao as he receives burns on his arms from the hot chains.
"Come here!" Scorpion yells.
Scorpion pulls Kung Lao in and gives him a fiery kick to the face followed by a fiery front flip kick to the head, sending Kung Lao down. Kung Lao backflips to get some distance. Scorpion slams his sword down, but Kung Lao avoids it and blocks a knee strike. Kung Lao does two strikes to the chest, but Scorpion attempts to stab him with one of his shortswords. Kung Lao struggles to hold him back. He pushes Scorpion back and brings out a giant shuriken passed down to him by his ancestor. Scorpion swings both of his chain spears vertically and swings them forward. Kung Lao deflects them both with his new weapon and throws it. Scorpion dodges the weapon, but was a diversion as Kung Lao suddenly knees and kicks him in the back, cracking it and picks him up and throws him down on the ground, head first. Scorpion's skull cracks as he is defeated.
"I do not fear you. I pity you for your loss." Kung Lao said. Shang Tsung looks on with a disappointed face as most of the fighters of Outworld have fallen, but slightly smirks at Quan Chi's expense. Kung Lao approaches Liu Kang.
"You have done well, Kung Lao. You have far improved than you have before. But there is one more fighter before Shang Tsung." Liu Kang compliments and reminds him.
"Goro." Kung Lao remembered.
"Kung Lao. It has been decades since someone has triumphed over Prince Goro. But do not think this will be an easy task for you. Goro is more prepared for this fight." Shang Tsung announces.
In Shang Tsung's castle, the second to last match of the tournament awaits for Kung Lao. This will be his ultimate test as he will face the strongest fighter being Goro. And should he win, he will face the sorcerer Shang Tsung himself.
"Kombatants. Now it is time. Champion against champion. Kung Lao. You shall face Prince Goro. Behold. The wrath of the Shokan armies." Shang Tsung said. The door slides open and Goro takes giant steps forward and cracks his four knuckles.
"It appears the Shaolin are more worthy than I had previously thought. Your ancestor proved to be more formidable. He stood a chance. You, however, do not." Goro said.
"I know who you are, Prince Goro. I would not boast of victory prematurely." Kung Lao said before they fight.
Goro throws strong punches at Kung Lao, who takes steps back and dodges them. He steps to his left and kicks his right rib cage twice and chop strikes him in the back. Kung Lao then jumps and dive kicks him in the head before jumping off. Goro quickly grabs him by the leg, swings him to the ground twice before throwing him very far away. Kung Lao regains his footing before he could hit a wall. Kung Lao charges forward and jumps over a minor quake when Goro slams two fists to the ground. Goro expected this and backhands him across his body twice. He stumbles, but does three helicopter kicks to the face and jaw before grabbing his hat and cutting Goro's chest vertically, causing some blood to spill. Goro growls at this and does four punches from his four fists and goes for an uppercut, but Kung Lao proved to be fast. He jumps onto a pillar and bounces off of it, spins horizontally and does a corkscrew punch into Goro's chest where his big cut is, causing him more pain as Kung Lao does two backflip kicks to the chin, cracking it and sending Goro back.
Goro jumps forward to slam his fists into the ground, narrowly missing Kung Lao. He jumps backwards, only for Goro to give him two uppercuts to the chest and jaw, making him cough up plenty of blood before being hit by two strong fists to both of his shoulders before being grabbed. Goro smirks and starts to slowly crush him. Kung Lao grunts in pain. He barely manages to grab his giant shuriken weapon and swings a cut at Goro's lower right arm, forcing the prince to let go of him. Goro responds by backhanding him across the face before he grabs it and slams Kung Lao into the ground. Goro raises his four fists to finish him, only for Kung Lao to throw his hat backwards and teleports underneath it to get some distance, causing Goro to miss.
Kung Lao was ready to end this. He charges at the prince, and he goes to uppercut Kung Lao, but he bends backwards, swings his giant shuriken at him, cutting his chest more, making him fall in pain. Kung Lao was fixing to stab Goro in the right shoulder, but Goro, remembering what happened last time, grabs his arm and headbutts him backwards. Kung Lao spits out some blood as Goro goes for the big jump stomp attack. Kung Lao throws his hat upward and stands there. Goro makes his way down, but feels a sharp pain in his back as the hat cuts deep into it and making him lose his concentration. Kung Lao smirks and spins in place after he lands. He jumps and does a strong palm strike to the left shoulder, cracking it, and chop strikes him directly on the head, greatly cracking his skull. Goro is dazed and his vision is blurry. He finally falls back defeated.
"The Shaolin has trained warriors better than Shokans training a would-be king." Kung Lao said. Raiden and Liu Kang both nod to him in approval, remembering their words.
"Shang Tsung. I have defeated your champion. Only one fight remains. As the host, face me. In Mortal Kombat." Kung Lao challenges him.
Shang Tsung glares at him as he gets up from his throne and makes his way onto the arena. "So be it. After this fight, your soul will be mine."
Kung Lao and Shang Tsung get ready to fight. The fight for the fate of Earthrealm in this 10th and final tournament.
Kung Lao and Shang Tsung swiftly attack and block each punch and kick they throw at each other. That was until Kung Lao grabs his wrists and double kicks him in the face, stumbling him. Shang Tsung fires a soul skull from his hand at the monk. But Kung Lao slices it in half with his giant shuriken. But Shang Tsung slides forward, slamming into Kung Lao's legs and sending him upward. The sorcerer uses his telekinetic powers to throw Kung Lao down to the ground and lifting him back up, allowing Shang Tsung to do a punch to the face, a kick to the left rib cage and does an uppercut to the chin, cracking it a little. Kung Lao recovers and lands on his feet. Shang Tsung's hands glow green and tighten around Kung Lao's body. A part of his soul is taken and all of a sudden, there are two Kung Laos.
Watching from the hourglass, Alex's eyes widened by what he just witnessed.
"What the fuck?!" Alex exclaimed in shock.
In the temple, both Kung Laos stare at each other. One of them has eyes glowing green and is smirking like a villain. Both charge at each other, both exchanging blows and at an evenly matched pace. Neither side was showing any signs of slowing down. Both of them throw their hats at each other and they collide and bounce off. But then, one of the Kung Laos comes out from beneath the hat and does a dive kick to the other's face, sending the latter backwards and lands on his back. The Kung Lao laying on the floor is actually Shang Tsung. The sorcerer gets back up and grunts in anger.
"I'm impressed, young one. But you still do not have a chance against me. You better surrender. And I might let you live." Shang Tsung said.
Kung Lao doesn't say anything and they continue to fight.
Kung Lao blocks Shang Tsung's kicks to his knees and spins. Shang Tsung slides back and shoots a fireball at Kung Lao, hitting him in the chest and cracking it greatly and partially burning it. He swings his giant shuriken at the sorcerer, who this time dodges the swings, including the one that led to his defeat last time. Shang Tsung stops his swinging arm with the shuriken, steals it from his hands and stabs Kung Lao's right shoulder, causing a lot of pain and blood. He then blasts the monk backwards with two palm strikes. Kung Lao shrugs to his injured shoulder. He has to finish this fight, or else Earthrealm is doomed and their New Era would be short-lived.
Shang Tsung chuckles. He starts shooting fireballs and skulls from the ground as Kung Lao swings his hat at each and every one of them. He then throws his hat at his head, but Shang Tsung stands there and his head moves away from its blade. But Kung Lao teleports, grabs it and slices Shang Tsung's back open before jumping in front of him. Kung Lao does three kicks to the chest, sends the hat forward vertically, cutting his left shoulder and causing a lot of pain. He grabs his shoulders, jumps and flips him on his chest, nearly breaking his back. Then Kung Lao knees his chest, cracking and breaking a few of his ribs. Shang Tsung is finally defeated.
"Yield, sorcerer. Say the word." Kung Lao demands him.
Shang Tsung has a hard time standing as he could barely get to his knees. He looks up at Kung Lao as he sighs in reluctance and hate.
"I yield." Shang Tsung surrenders.
Fire God Liu Kang smiles at Kung Lao's triumph as Nightwolf nods in respect and even Raiden shares a small smirk of confidence on his face. Alex, who saw the tournament, cheers at Kung Lao for winning the tournament. Within the temple, bright lights glow around everyone who was present for the final battle. This means that the Elder Gods approve of this win. Earthrealm has won the tournament.
All the villains from Outworld begin to retreat to the realm. Shang Tsung and Goro, followed by Ermac, Jade, Sheeva, Kano, Quan Chi, Reptile, Baraka, Kollector, Li Mei and Kitana. Li Mei looks back at Kung Lao and secretly gives a smile, seeing how moral and kind he is. Kitana also looks back at them. Liu Kang notices this and smiles at her. Kitana smiles back and blows a kiss to him before she walks through the portal as it closes.
Kung Lao turns to Liu Kang and Raiden. They both bow to him out of appreciation. Kung Lao does the same back and he smiles at his two closest friends that he always had. Now he knows what it is like to be chosen and takes it with a new, different pride compared to his old pride.
Note: So we are introduced to a couple of new faces being Sareena and Li Mei. They will be supporting characters throughout the story. They last appeared as NPCs in MKX. As for Jax losing his arms again. The reason for that will be explained a little later on in the story itself. We are actually not done with the story yet. We still have a ways to go. And I have seen the Mortal Kombat 1 game trailer as of this chapter, and it looks amazing. I'm ready to see more of it. I hope you guys enjoyed.