Chapter 8: The Next Phase
The monks celebrate their victory against Outworld. Earthrealm won the tenth tournament, and therefore, will remain safe for decades to come. But the plan to craft the New Era is not over yet. Liu Kang and Raiden talk about further plans.
"I have received word that Nightwolf has rescued Cyrax and Sonya Blade's and Jackson Briggs' memories have been restored. We are making progress." Liu Kang tells Raiden.
"Sonya did not take it too kindly, given her death before Kronika appeared. She has always been stubborn and headstrong. I have never seen her so doubtful and fearful before." Liu Kang worries.
"I do not blame her, Liu Kang. Her daughter Cassandra was not born during this time period. But we can do the right thing. They must have faith in you as I do." Raiden tells him, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"And I to you and Kung Lao." Liu Kang said. "We must be ready for what comes next. As in right now."
Liu Kang and Raiden both see Shang Tsung approaching them.
"Lord Liu Kang. Raiden." Shang Tsung said to them. It appears he have been rejuvenated and has a younger appearance again. His hair is now black and sports a shorter goatee and different robes.
"Here to praise us for our victory?" Liu Kang asked. "I am surprised that Shao Kahn rewards failure."
"Shao Kahn has an offer for you. A new tournament in Outworld. A single tournament to replace the system of ten." Shang Tsung said.
"We are not one to fall for your tricks, sorcerer. We have no reason to participate in this tournament." Raiden said.
"I promise you it will be worth your time. If Earthrealm wins, then it will remain free for all eternity. Shao Kahn will no longer seek to claim it. If Outworld wins, then all realms will merge together once it absorbs Earthrealm." Shang Tsung said.
"Every word you say you spew lies and deceit. We will not hear it. Tell your master we will reject his offer." Liu Kang said as he walked away.
"It is your choice, fire god. But be warned. Shao Kahn will not take no for an answer." Shang Tsung laughs as he walks away.
Raiden catches up to Liu Kang and they begin talking.
"He has taken the bait. We will have more warriors on our side as Shao Kahn will have more himself." Raiden said.
"You told me that by rejecting him, Sonya was captured by Shao Kahn. But this time, we are prepared. We will show him that Earthrealm will stand strong. No matter what." Liu Kang smirks as they continue walking. What are they up to now?
In Outworld, Shang Tsung steps through the portal to deliver the news to Shao Kahn.
"They rejected your offer, Shao Kahn. Just as you predicted." Shang Tsung smirks.
"Cowardice is a weakness. A weakness that all those from Earthrealm share. Including that fire god and wind god. General Reiko. Is everything set in place?" Shao Kahn asked.
"Yes, my master." Reiko holds out a map of Earthrealm's defenses of the monk academy.
An hour later at nightfall, fire starts going everywhere. Fireballs thrown from catapults and arrows shot by monks are going everywhere. Monsters from Outworld attacking Earthrealm's Monk Academy. That includes the Shokan, Centaurs, undead and Osh-Tekk. Among them is Li Mei. Casualties are going down heavy and hard from both sides fast as the monks defend the walls while led by Fujin, Raiden, Nightwolf and Kung Lao.
The doors leading to one of the entries to the great monk region have broken down as the Shokans and some giant monsters break in and start killing and shedding blood. They are being led by Queen Sheeva, Kintaro, a Shokan whose skin resembles that of a tiger and breathes fire. And the leader of the Centaurs is Motaro. A powerful foe, a cetuarian who is vastly loyal to Shao Kahn but despises Shokan and hopes to one day be superior to them.
The monks fight hard and fiercely against their enemies as they defeat as many as possible and if necessary, kill them. Thankfully, they have done better under the supervision of Fire God Liu Kang and Kung Lao. Despite this, many of them are falling alongside the Shokan, Centaurians and other creatures. Some of them even have wings as they fly on top of the walls, ready to kill monks as some rip them apart or even eat them alive as blood and ennards are spilled everywhere. Some of them are being sliced and diced by a sword flying through the air before it returns to the hands of Fujin. Fujin then takes out his light crossbow and fires more than dozens of arrows at the Shokan and others, gravely injuring them or killing them. Nightwolf uses his tomahawk weapons and arrows to injure as many as possible without trying to kill them. Raiden uses his staff and combat skills to combat them while Kung Lao uses his hat and shurikens to cut down any forces that dare to penetrate them. As the four fight, they make their way to Sheeva, Kintaro, Motaro and Li Mei.
"Queen Sheeva. Motaro. Li Mei. Kintaro. Your invasion of the monk academy ends here. Withdraw or face the consequences." Raiden warns them.
"Are all earthrealmers and gods so arrogant? You are the ones facing the consequences for turning down Shao Kahn's offer." Sheeva claimed.
"And we are not weak and foolish. We will not stand aside as you attack the realm. Shao Kahn is not the only one with allies." Fujin replied.
"I'd say let's kill them and be done with. More victims, more blood, more fire burning everywhere." Kintaro laughs.
"Fine by me. Just say the hell out of my way, Shokan. The Matoka warrior is mine." Motaro snarls at the two Shokan before he charges at Nightwolf. The latter uses his wolf spirit to defend himself from his attacks.
"I do not fear you, centaurian." Nightwolf said.
"You should be. Our race has been one of the strongest for eons under the rule of Shao Kahn. I'd be happy to arrange your death for you." Motaro smirks before they fight.
Motaro shoots energy projectiles from his tail as Nightwolf dodges them. He fires arrows from his mystical bow and hit Motaro's chest….. Only to bounce off of it and not leave a single mark on him. Motaro chuckles as he charges forward like a bull, ready to strike Nightwolf with his horns. Nightwolf brings out his tomahawks to defend himself as he is pushed backwards to a wall. He struggles against the centaurian's strength and has to think. His chest glows a bright light and momentarily blinds Motaro, allowing Nightwolf to slam a tomahawk into Motaro's right shoulder, causing him pain. Motaro goes for a punch to the chest, only for Nightwolf to block it and uses his bear spirit powers to shoulder bash him backwards causing him some pain before he slams another tomahawk onto one of his four legs, making blood spill. Nightwolf raises his arm to the sky and lightning electrocuted Motaro before Nightwolf goes for an uppercut, defeating Motaro.
Fujin fights Sheeva. Fujin swings his sword at her, but Sheeva blocks with her deadly shield. Sheeva shield bashes him backwards before she tries to throw it. Fujin jumps over the shield before he uses the win and does a series of helicopter kicks to Sheeva's face before his sword spins around him, cutting her shoulder a bit. Sheeva shoots fireballs from her hands, but Fujin uses the wind to dispute the fire and send it into the sky. Fujin comes in and does two chop strikes to the wounded shoulder, does a knee strike to the chin followed by a kick and then a dive kick to the head followed by a spin kick. Sheeva stumbles and recovers. She charges forward to throw four punches at the wind god, but he parries them away and pulls her in with the wind and she spins around him before Fujin kicks her in the spine, sending her to her shield stuck in the wall and one of the spikes goes through her already wounded shoulder, cracking it. Fujin pulls her in again and does a roundhouse kick to the forehead, sending Sheeva back and defeating her.
Raiden engages Kintaro. Kintaro is as strong as anyone could remember back in the Old Era. The last time he was seen, he was killed during the Reiko incident when Sonya Blade, under the Kamidogu's control, ripped his head off.
"Raging war on a realm will only make your defeat at our hands feel worse, Kintaro." Raiden said.
"Shao Kahn will stop at nothing to gain what he desires. It's our hatred for you and your home that drives us to push further. To achieve the ultimate goal. Shokan will be the superior race over Earthrealmers." Kintaro said before they fight.
Kintaro throws two uppercut punches followed by a low kick, which Raiden dodges. Raiden does two punches to the chest followed by two more to the right rib cage before swinging his taff at Kintaro's right leg before slamming a palm strike onto his chest along with two kicks, making Kintaro slide backwards. Kintaro recovers quick and brings out claws from each of his four fists. Kintaro swings at Raiden, who blocks each blow with his staff. Raiden sends an end of his staff up at Kintaro's jaw and chest and does two swing kicks to the chest, cracking it. Kintaro quickly retaliates by doing a punch to Raiden's face, a punch to the right rib cage, and slamming a fist down on Raiden's head. He then does two punches to the stomach, grabs Raiden and does two punches across the face before stabbing his right shoulder before punching him backwards. Raiden gets back up and sees his injured shoulder. Kintaro began to breathe fire on Raiden, but he barely avoids it as and does his leap jump and thrusts both fists into Kintaro's stomach, making him spit up blood as Raiden does a backflip kick to the chest and face, sending Kitaro near Sheeva, just about defeated.
Kung Lao once more engages Li Mei.
"Still fighting on the wrong side, Li Mei?" Kung Lao asked.
"I must do what I must." Li Mei said.
"For whom? For Shao Kahn? Or for your people?" Kung Lao asked. This causes Li Mei to secretly start doubting herself as she starts losing her strength.
"Do I even have a choice to make?" Li Mei asked.
"Yes you do. We all do. What will you do?" Kung Lao asked her. Li Mei stares in anger and kicks Kung Lao back. She throws her daggers and kicks them towards Kung Lao, but he deflects them with his hat and kicks her in the forehead, sending her backwards. Li Mei gets back up, only to see Sheeva, Kintaro and Motaro just about beaten and their own forces are starting to lose.
"Everyone. We must retreat." Li Mei tells them.
"Retreat? Are you mad? We were told to capture one of them. Particularly a god." Motaro asked her.
"The fire god is not here. He's the protector of earthrealm, not Fujin. We've been deceived." Li Mei reminds them.
"Li Mei is right. None of us can defeat them. Not right now at least." Sheeva agrees with Li Mei. "Kintaro. Have a warrior report to Kitana and Reiko about what happened." Kintaro snarls but agrees. They and Motaro begin to retreat as a green portal opens up in front of them.
The armies stand there and stop attacking. The monks see them all backing up. They all wonder what they shall do next. "All monk warriors. Fall back to the academy! Regroup at the highest walls!" Fujin ordered them.
The monks swiftly do what he says and they retreat back within the area and most of those who survived have run to the highest walls and stand over the armies and see the hundreds of thousands of Shokans and undead are just standing there. Kung Lao, Fujin, Raiden and Nightwolf do the same as they talk.
"Just as planned. But can we really hope that they will not attack us again?" Kung Lao asked.
"Yes. If we are to prevent any one of our allies from being captured like last time. Liu Kang knows what he is doing. So does Kitana. We were a distraction so Liu Kang and his group will find Kitana's camping grounds she secretly gave away." Raiden said.
"But these armies are keeping us at bay. We cannot fight them." Nightwolf said.
"Precisely. That is why we wait, Nightwolf. Wait until Liu Kang and Shao Kahn come into an agreement." Raiden said.
"Time and visions are on our side. We have the element of surprise." Fujin said. Kung Lao sighs. Not that he disagrees with them. He does completely, but something else is on his mind.
"I sense something is wrong, Kung Lao." Raiden senses.
"The warrior who tried to kill me during the tournament. Li Mei. I see something in her. Like Liu Kang saw in Kitana. A sense of doubt. Second thought. I can tell by her eyes and tone of voice. Can we really change everyone's fate, Raiden?" Kung Lao worries for her.
"Have faith, Kung Lao. We all do what we must do. Li Mei must do what she has to do for her people. But you are right to assume. We will see where her true royalties lie. With Shao Kahn. Or with Outworld." Raiden said.
Kung Lao still can't help but feel worried. He wishes to save everyone's lives. Maybe they have not done so before. Maybe even change their allegiance. Kung Lao senses something within Li Mei. Perhaps her spirit. He hopes to change her fate. Maybe persuade her to turn against Shao Kahn. But he alone may not be able to decide that.
Outside on the outskirts within the woods. Far from the academy, is where more of Shao Kahn's closest followers are hiding and setting up camps. Reiko is in the middle of planning things out when a wounded gladiator warrior appears before them.
"Speak." Reiko demands.
"We've suffered heavy losses. Earthrealm's warriors led by the wind god Fujin have proven to be more formidable than anticipated." The warrior said.
"And Li Mei and the others?" Reiko asked.
"They retreated. Ordered us to stand to make sure no one tries to escape. No sign of the fire god though. It was a diversion." The warrior said.
"Failure." Reiko said before he swung his hammer at the warrior's head so hard, his neck snapped and he instantly dies.
"Shao Kahn will not be pleased by your own failure, Reiko." Kitana tells him.
"You suggested that I would lead this attack." Reiko replied.
"Yes. True. But you are the general. Therefore, you are responsible for tactical thinking, strategies and plenty of our armies fighting that you command under Shao Kahn's watch. That includes casualties, no matter how heavy they are. After all, if I recall, it was your idea to bring in the fire god and threaten the life of one of his friends." Kitana argued. Reiko grunts in anger.
"We will finish arguing later. Right now, we must push through our reinforcements. Destroy the academy and capture one of the warriors to gain the fire god's attention." Reiko said, holding out the map. "Goro. You and Kitana will move through the front. Break through their defenses. Jade. You, Baraka, Reptile and D'Vorah will take the Tarkatans and TaiGore through both sides. The Black Dragon and I will take the back. Kano and I will block their exit. Leave none alive. Make sure no one escapes, not even one."
"Hell yeah. I love me a good fire power show. It'll be a light on. Too bad beautiful blondie won't be here to see it happen. Same with her fucked up bff." Kano cracks his fingers, ready to start some action.
"Well isn't that brutal? I mean god damn that's good tactic thinking, but still. Makes you sound like a generic asshole." A voice called out, gaining everyone's attention.
"I smell human flesh. Coming from the trees." Baraka points out. Above the trees from several feet is Johnny Cage.
"Christ. I've been up here for hours and not one person noticed me." Johnny said, jumping down from the tree. "You know, for a general who has a guard dog who looks like an ugly motherfucker on their side, you should be ashamed of yourself. Couldn't even double check everything."
All the Tarkatans immediately surround Johnny and all have their blades pointed at his throat and chest. They all snarl for that comment. "I will eat you alive, human!" Baraka yelled.
"Stand down, Baraka." Kitana ordered before they all turn to Johnny.
"Time out, you psychos. I'm not here to fight. I'm here to negotiate a surrender." Johnny said.
"Ha! Surrender! How about I cut you up and feed you to my people so we can be done with it?!" Baraka suggests.
"Hear him out. He may be on to something." Reiko said.
"What are your terms, Cage?" Kitana asked.
"Look here. Two people who are actually smart. Think things through before jumping into action. That's why you're the general and princess respectively. I like her, but the general there is butt ugly." Johnny smirks.
Reiko was about to raise his hammer to strike, but Kitana quickly stopped him. "Choose your next words wisely, human." Reiko threatens him.
"Anyways, I've waited for hours, had a lot of coffee today, waited for you guys to notice, but nothing. But seriously, this is fucked up. All of this shit happened right after the tournament. Apparently you guys lack good sportsmanship, especially from your master. I think he has issues." Johnny smirks and mocks them and Shao Kahn.
Kitana unfolds her fans and points one at Johnny, knowing that he's distracting them. Kitana was informed by Liu Kang that Johnny would be coming.
"Be careful what you say. Say one more word against Shao Kahn, and I slit your throat open." Kitana said to Johnny.
"Man. So fucked up. Fired my agent after I got sent to that island where the creepy soul sucker tried to kill us with this bullshit tournament and now I'm here, on behalf of the fire god to negotiate. He wanted me to say to you specially, princess. That he demands that you surrender to us, drop your fan things, and we can talk like grown ups and not tear each other's hair out like stupid kids." Johnny suggests.
"Kitana. He is mentally unwell. I have defeated him before. This time, I'll kill him and be done with it." Jade steps up.
"I have a better idea." Reiko said. "You can surrender, human. Pledge eternal loyalty to Shao Kahn.
"Uh, excuse me? Nice try, asshole. But I only remain loyal to my country with stars and the colors red, white and blue." Johnny refuses.
"Then you will die. Kill him!" Reiko ordered the Tarkatans as they slowly start approaching Johnny.
"Yeah, I knew you'd say that. Of course this thing would fail. Bad guys are always stubborn as hell, and don't take no for an answer. This whole negotiation thing was stupid anyway." Johnny shrugs as he backs up.
"Any last words?" Reiko asked him.
"Just two….. Chuck Norris!" Johnny yelled. Within a second, a Tarkatan's head explodes, from a sniper fired by Sonya.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I forget to mention that I brought friends along for the ride?" Johnny smiles.
"You dingus dunderheads! The action star was stalling us! He brought the Special Forces right to us!" Kano pointed out to everyone.
True to his word, Jax pops out of nowhere and punches Kano right across the face hard. Kano is sent backwards and gestures to his jaw.
"Too bad your jaw isn't made out of glass. Otherwise, it'll be my pleasure to shut you up." Jax said.
"Oh, look. Big tough guy has new toys. Hope you don't mind me adding those to my collection." Kano said as he gets his two daggers out and the two start fighting.
Johnny was busy fighting off Baraka and D'Vorah. Johnny does a kick to the chest, a punch to the throat before doing a front flip jump followed by a kick to the back before sending him down. Johnny was then attacked by several insects to the chest as he is flying before D'Vorah's pincers grab Johnny and throw him down to the ground and pins him with a foot.
"Now This One will enjoy devouring your pretty face." D'Vorah said, standing over Johnny.
"You are not sucking my face today, creep." Johnny said while trying not to gag. He remembered back in the Old Era about how D'Vorah killed Mileena.
"Johnny Cage afraid of a kiss?" D'Vorah said. She leans in closer, but felt a tap on her shoulder. D'Vorah turns to see who it is. Sonya jumps and kicks D'Vorah in the face, sending her far and off of Johnny.
"If anyone is gonna want to hurt Johnny or kick him in the nuts, it's gonna be me." Sonya said.
"Very funny, Sonya. Just like good times, huh?" Johnny asked.
"Agreed." Sonya smiled, remembering the good memories she and Johnny had.
Kano swings his daggers at Jax's arms and they aren't even making a single dent. Jax punches Kano in the chest and across the head. He grabs Kano's shoulders, slams his forehead onto his knee and does five punches to the back of the head five times before tossing him back. Jax jumps and does a knee strike to the back followed by a strong punch, cracking Kano's back. Kano recovers and jumps forward and does his cannonball move. Jax blocks with his arms and he slides backwards while keeping his footing. Jax punches the ground, causing Kano to nearly lose his footing, allowing Jax to do a backhand strike to the face followed by a punch and a strong uppercut to the chin, cracking it and sending Kano down. Jax backs up close to Johnny and Sonya.
"Just three earthrealmers can't hope to defeat us. You are impossibly outnumbered." Kitana said to them.
"Three? Who said anything about three? Did y'all say three?" Johnny asked Sonya and Jax.
"Nope." Sonya said.
"Hell no." Jax replied also.
"Good. Because I didn't. Because honestly, that would be a mistake. Besides, we have backup plans." Johnny smirked. Lightning strikes the ground, revealing two people. One being a reformed Cyrax, ready to fight alongside his new allies. And of course, Fire God Liu Kang.
"It's Lord Liu Kang. The god of fire and thunder!" Reiko said. "Attack!"
Kano takes his daggers and jumps forward to stab Jax, only for him to grab Kano's wrists and headbutts him back. Jax then does two punches across the head, punches his stomach before grabbing his head and throwing him down with a suplex. Reiko comes to attack Jax with his hammer, which Jax blocks by punching it as Reiko yells in anger.
"God damn, your breath stinks." Jax joked before punching his left knee and elbowing him in the face and punching his chest. Jax summons heat from his hands and blasts Reiko back in the chest.
Cyrax engages Jade and Kitana. He uses his wrist blades to block their weapons as they fight defensively and offensively.
"Decided to join the fire god in his cause, Cyrax? So much for your clan's usefulness." Jade said to him.
"I will do what I think is best for Earthrealm. And the Lin Kuei. It will be redeemed one day." Cyrax said. He jumps back and throws microbombs. Kitana throws one of her fans and cuts through them all and nearly hit Cyrax in the face. He continues to fight them off.
Johnny and Sonya deal with Baraka and Reptile respectively.
Johnny jumps away a few times to avoid Baraka's sparks before he double kicks him in the face and jumps and does two swing kicks. Johnny then does breakdancing kick moves, hitting Baraka across the chest and face. Baraka jumps forward and tries to stab him, but Johnny parries them away, does punches to the rib cages and does a backhand strike to the face followed by a punch and a shadow kick to the chest.
Sonya fights off Reptile. Reptile fires acid spit, forcing Sonya to dodge and shoot her rings at him. But he turns invisible. Sonya looks around, but felt pain to her stomach, right shoulder, and what feels like a kick to the face. Sonya recovers and sees a couple of branches being crushed without being touched. Sonya smirks and trips Reptile and kicks him in the lower back. Reptile tries to claw her face, but Sonya dodges and punches him in the waist, the chest and elbows his face. Sonya kicks off her hands and does a bicycle kick to the face and wraps her legs around his neck and throws him down, head first, greatly cracking his skull. Reptile roars as they continue fighting.
This leaves Fire God Liu Kang with Goro. Goro throws two punches, but Liu Kang grabs his fist and does his dragon kick to the chest and a backflip dragon kick to the chin, stumbling the Shokan prince. Goro grabs a nearby tree and breaks it in half and throws both halves at the fire god. Fire God Liu Kang fires both fire and lightning at them, burning one end and shredding the other to pieces. Liu Kang then charges forward and does fiery bicycle kicks to the chest, leaving some burns on it and cracking his chest and sending Goro sliding down.
Liu Kang creates a fire circle with his powers to encase himself and his friends in it for protection. Cyrax continues to throw microbombs while Sonya uses a rifle gun to shoot as many as possible while Liu Kang shoots fireballs and lightning. The warriors of Outworld attempt to make their way through the fire, but a green portal open and a voice is immediately heard.
"Enough! Stand down!" Shao Kahn calls for everyone. Within seconds, all warriors, including Reiko, Goro and Kitana cease their attack. And the armies follow as well. Shao Kahn steps through the portal with his wrath hammer in his hand. He appears to be pissed.
"E-Emperor Shao Kahn? How pleasant of you to–" Reiko gets cut off.
"Not. One. Word. I can't even rely on you to carry out the simplest of tasks. You failed me too often, Reiko. You should have seen this coming sooner." Shao Kahn said to him.
"But the fire god. It was a diversion." Reiko said, only to get backhanded across the face and met with a hammer to the chest, sending him down.
"Silence, you incompetent idiot! I will deal with you later!" Shao Kahn said. He then turns to Liu Kang. "Lord Liu Kang. It gives me pleasure and a bit of an annoyance to meet you at long last face to face."
"The feeling is mutual, Shao Kahn. I can see that you are partaking in your general's incompetent plan." Liu Kang said.
"His idea was to bring you and one of these worms into Outworld and make you choose personally. But given the lack of progress at this fool's hands, I've taken matters in my own hands. I see you have come prepared for me just in case this would happen. I don't know how you've done it, but I am impressed. Having your friend Fujin involved is strategic." Shao Kah said.
"And you wished to once again bargain for a single tournament in Outworld. To make us fight your warriors for the final fate of Earthrealm." Liu Kang said.
"Correct. I have vast resources in Outworld. Different armies of many races. Your allies' resources are much more limiting, which is why I come with a proposal. You and I can travel to the Elder Gods and petition for the tournament in Mortal Kombat. While we are gone, no blood will be spilled on either side. I will have my armies stand by for further orders and attack unless I say so." Shao Kahn said.
"As that is what you wish for, Shao Kahn. Then I will accept your offer." Liu Kang said.
"Lord Liu Kang. Are you insane? This is what Shao Kahn wants us to do. We have our own soldiers and warriors bred to fight." Cyrax said.
"That may be true, Cyrax. But the options are limited. Your Lin Kuei clan is split up because of circumstances. And the Special Forces and monks are useful, but we must avoid the blood shed and spare the lives of everyone." Liu Kang replied. "You four meet with Kung Lao and the others at the Monk Academy."
"Then it is settled. We shall head to the Elder Gods immediately." Shao Kahn said before he opens a green portal. "Kitana. Take Jade and the others back to Outworld. And make sure Reiko doesn't go anywhere. I want to have a word with him afterwards. No one makes a move against Liu Kang's friends."
"Understood." Kitana responded. Kitana turns to the others and gestures for them to follow her back to Outworld along with the injured Kintaro, Motaro, Sheeva and Li Mei.
Baraka turns to the earthrealmers and snarls at them, prompting Johnny to give him a middle finger before he steps through. Liu Kang then summons lightning which transports both him and Shao Kahn beyond the skies.
Beyond the skies and realms are the Elder Gods. They have since been restored by Liu Kang when he was crafting the New Era alongside Kitana and Alex. The only exception is Cetrion since she was destroyed alongside Kronika and their souls. They appear before them.
"Lord Liu Kang. Emperor Shao Kahn. Why do you wish to speak to us today?" The Elder Gods speak at the same time.
"Hear me, Elder Gods. We have come to seek your permission." Shao Kahn said.
"Eons ago, you created Mortal Kombat in the rising threat of Outworld because of Shao Kahn, and before him, the Dragon King." Liu Kang tells them.
"And do you agree to these terms, Lord Liu Kang?" The Elder Gods asked.
"I do. No need for any more blood to be shed as a result of the tournament's results. We are going to end this feud once and for all." Liu Kang said.
The Elder Gods all close their eyes, seemingly meditating. Shao Kahn waits impatiently.
"Do not get any ideas, Liu Kang. If you think I will come to respect gods one day? Think again. I will not become a blind weakling like you. I know my place." Shao Kahn tells him.
"We have come to a decision. Your permission has been granted. Your final Mortal Kombat tournament will be held in Outworld. Hosted by you, Shao Kahn." The Elder Gods said.
"Good." Shao Kahn said. "You better bring some worthy challengers. I wish to be entertained as they suffer pain and suffering when my own champions are through with them. Their blood will be soaked within my colosseum for all eternity." Shao Kahn said.
"Do not become overconfident in your abilities, Shao Kahn." Liu Kang warns him.
"Ha! I fear no one, fire god! Not even you! You will be the one who will shrivel in fear when I merge your realm with Outworld! I will see you soon!" Shao Kahn and Liu Kang glare at each other as Liu Kang transports them away. Shao Kahn returns to Outworld while Liu Kang returns to Earthrealm. To prepare for the tournament in Outworld.
The heroes of Earthrealm are all standing on the great walls of the academy, staring at the armies. Well, at least Sonya and Cyrax are. Johnny Cage is relaxing along with Jax. Kung Lao and the others await Liu Kang's return. Then, large, green portals open up and the armies begin retreating.
"The armies. They are retreating." Cyrax alerts them.
"Hang on here, sunshine. Let me see." Johnny tells him and he sees for himself. "Yup. They're retreating. Do you think they came to an agreement?"
Lightning strikes down and Liu Kang walks forward. "Indeed I have, Johnny. The Elder Gods have agreed to allow us to host a tournament. But Shao Kahn will be hosting like he has in the Old Era."
"Not liking this sort of idea. So much shit happened in that tournament from what I was told. How can we be sure it won't happen again?" Jax asked, standing up.
"Soon, we will have more allies on our side. This tournament will save all the other realms, not just Earthrealm. We must prevent any more incidents such as the invasion in Manhattan." Raiden reminds everyone.
"The Black Dragon and Cyber Lin Kuei. We should do something about them. They've proved to be a big threat working for Shao Kahn." Cyrax tells him.
"We will, Cyrax. But we need as many allies for the tournament as possible." Liu Kang said.
"That's why I came prepared." Sonya said. "I placed a tracker on Kano's weapons while Johnny was distracting everyone. It'll take time, but I think those two groups are gonna pair up."
"That's helpful." Johnny compliments her.
"Yes. But we must wait until I tell you when it will be the appropriate time to strike. Without their equipment, the Cyber Initiative and Black Dragon will seperate and the former will go into hiding." Liu Kang said.
"And what about Alex? Shouldn't we invite him to join?" Jax asked.
"Tempting. But no. He may be strong, but we cannot allow Shao Kahn or anyone else to see him. He was not born yet in this time period. I have other plans for him." Liu Kang points out.
"Smoke and Kuai Liang. And maybe Bi-Han and Sareena. They should be informed of the tournament." Cyrax said.
"It is already planned out. Fujin knows where Smoke is heading. For now, I will send him back to the beginning of time. I will deal with Kuai Liang and hope that we will run into Sareena and Bi-Han. Because Scorpion has spared his fate, I do not know when Bi-Han will show up. Perhaps at the tournament." Liu Kang said.
Liu Kang uses his time powers to open a portal for Fujin. "Good luck with your tasks, Liu Kang." Fujin said to him.
"Likewise, Fujin." Liu Kang nods to him before Fujin walks through the portal.
"When do we leave?" Cyrax asked.
"Now." Liu Kang holds his arms upward and he teleports himself, Raiden, Kung Lao, Nightwolf, Johnny, Cyrax, Sonya and Jax to Outworld. To prepare for the tournament.
Outworld. Where Shao Kahn has returned. He chuckles, having succeeded in having another tournament held in Outworld. Now he has a second chance of winning and having a chance to merge Earthrealm into Outworld. The lightning strikes right in front of the temple where the heroes walk out. Shang Tsung and Quan Chi are there to greet them.
"Welcome to Shao Kahn's fortress. The temple of Outworld. Please follow me." Shang Tsung smirks as the heroes do so. He leads them to the main throne room where Shao Kahn resides on his throne. There, most of his champions are present and accounted for. Kitana, Jade and Li Mei stand by the master.
The following champions Shao Kahn has to fight for him: Shang Tsung, Quan Chi, Baraka, D'Vorah, Reptile, Kitana, Jade, Ermac, Rain, Li Mei, Kintaro, Motaro, Skarlet and Prince Goro.
"Welcome, warriors of Earthrealm. Under the protection of Lord Liu Kang. From here on for the next few days, the tournament in Outworld will be held in my colosseum. There, we will see who will be the champion of Mortal Kombat. Who will be strong enough to face me? Just like the previous tournaments, none of you shall be harmed by any of my own champions or guards outside of the tournament. You may roam freely around my temple, but not beyond. I will have eyes and ears everywhere." Shao Kahn announces. "Lord Liu Kang. As much as I do not care what you plan on doing, especially to protect Earthrealm from the inevitable, are you ready?"
"Indeed we are, Shao Kahn." Liu Kang tells him.
The beginning of time. Alex has been listening to everything his friends and enemies have been saying. While doing so, he practices his fighting styles that has learned from the past few years due to his training with the Special Forces, as well as Kung Lao, Jade and Kitana. He hopes that Kitana and Jade are alright and safe. In the beginning of time, it still feels like hours for him have passed rather than actual months.
Alex has always taken his training seriously, even before he was aware of Kronika's existence. He was no more than disgusted by not just because she wanted him as part of her family instead, it was because Kronika killed his real parents.
He catches his breath after enough training for right now. Alex sits down and tries to think what Liu Kang planned on doing. He is really happy to see Johnny, Sonya and Jax to have their memories back. But he can't help but wonder.
"I wonder. What do they look like?" Alex said. He stands up and slowly approaches the hourglass. He activates his powers, but he freezes in place. He can't help but wonder if it's the right thing to do. Alex has thoughts about using the hourglass and find his parents. Before he could process the thoughts, a portal opens and he sees Fujin walking in.
"Fujin. Welcome back." Alex greets him.
"What do you think you are doing?" Fujin asked. Alex regains his thoughts and deactivates his powers and steps away from the hourglass.
"I'm-I'm sorry. It's just that–" Alex tries to speak.
"You should know that tampering with time and events could end up bringing disaster for all we know." Fujin lectures him.
"What? I wasn't trying to– I was just trying to see… trying to see what they look like. My parents." Alex said, walking away for a moment.
"Your real parents? The ones killed by Kronika?" Fujin asked. Now he feels bad. "I apologize for directly accusing you."
"Yeah. Me, Liu Kang and Kitana have been trying and trying and trying to use the hourglass to bring them back. But I don't get it. Why can't we see them?" Alex asked.
"Kronika might have something to do with that. I may theorize that she may have found a way to erase certain victims from existence permanently. A purpose that was almost intended for Raiden." Fujin said.
"Hold up. If that's the case, then if my parents are gone for good, then how come I'm not affected by it?" Alex asked. "I should be erased too."
"Remember, Alex. You are part elder god. Your status as half god prevents you from being affected by temporal powers. It also goes for me and Liu Kang." Fujin corrects him. Alex tries not to tear up.
"It's my fault they're dead." Alex said, covering his own eyes, trying not to cry.
"Do not talk down to yourself like that, Alex. Your parents, whoever they are, made sure that raising you was their biggest responsibility. Tell me, do you wish to do the same for Cassandra and your future with her?" Fujin asked.
Alex looked away for a moment. He looks at his ring and thinks about Cassie. She would agree with Fujin completely. "I suppose so. But I still wish to see their faces one day. Maybe even find out their names."
"You will someday, Alex. You will. For now, I must go. Someone is in need of my assistance." Fujin said.
"Well. I hope you succeed in whatever you're gonna do. As Cassie would say, we all have our duty. Be careful out there, friend." Alex gives a friendly smile.
"Your spirit is strong, Alex. Do not forget that." Fujin said with a hand on his shoulder. The portal remained open the entire time as Fujin smiles and walks through again as it closes. Alex is left alone. He does take advice to heart, but still sighs out of sadness, still thinking himself responsible for his parents' deaths.
Note: Not sure on what to say about this one. But I actually liked that little setup from Battle of the Realms and decided to use that here because I found it to be funny despite the movie itself being a disappointment. But I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Next time will begin the Outworld tournament.