Chapter 10: More Recruiting
The heroes of Earthrealm have been led to their chambers by the guards. So far, everyone has been making good progress, but the tournament will be more difficult. The heroes are escorted to a room to what appears to be a living room in a house in Earthrealm.
Johnny Cage was shoved into the room by the guard as he was the last one to enter.
"Asshole." Johnny said as he looks around. "Damn. Wasn't expecting this. Then again, better sleeping in a freaking coffin in Outworld."
"Yeah, you're telling me. I nearly died in Outworld in the Old Era no thanks to Ermac. Time for me to get some payback." Jax said.
"Oh yeah. Hope we'll get rid of those sons of bitches. Heard y'all killed some of them in the Old Era. I was told by Fujin and Liu Kang that past you ripped off Bi-Han's arms and that bug Johnny flight got sliced in half by Scorpion." Sonya said.
"Yeah. And that past you put an end to Kano. Shot her Kano's eye out, and the present one turned to sand and went bye-bye." Johnny joked.
While they share some laughs, Liu Kang talks with Nightwolf, Kung Lao, Cyrax and Raiden.
"Was it necessary to kill Motaro? He would have proven useful to our cause." Cyrax questions him.
"Unfortunately. But given the centaurians' hate towards the Shokans running deep and vast loyalty towards Shao Kahn, something had to be done. Motaro would have proved to be a major threat had we let him live." Liu Kang said.
"Liu Kang is right. I do not like it, but some evil lives have to be taken to secure a better future than what I could have hoped for." Raiden said. He remembered that day when he killed Motaro to save Johnny Cage.
"But he is not the only major threat. There are Prince Goro, Shang Tsung, Quan Chi, and Mileena themselves. Whenever the latter is made in his flesh pits." Kung Lao said. "Based on what I was told, she was a worse leader than Shao Kahn was."
"Kung Lao is right. Mileena lacks the sanity and common wisdom to set aside her hatred against Earthrealm." Liu Kang said as he has another vision. It appears to show Kuai Liang in danger.
"Lord Liu Kang. What's wrong? Another vision?" Kung Lao asked in concern for him.
"Yes. It's Kuai Liang. He's in danger. I must go." Liu Kang said.
"I want to come with you. I can help you." Kung Lao said.
"You can help by being in the tournament. But you will have help of course. Your heart is in the right place, Kung Lao." Liu Kang reassured him with a hand on his shoulder. Kung Lao nods and bows his head out of respect.
"I hope you can save him, Fire god." Cyrax said.
"The thought is shared." Liu Kang said before he teleports away.
"While he is gone, I suggest we get some rest for the second day of the tournament tomorrow." Raiden said to them. They all leave the room to get rest.
Raiden nearly forgot what it's like to eat and sleep. As a god, he never needed either of those things. But he easily accepted himself being a mortal and choosing Liu Kang as his successor.
While the rest, this leaves Johnny, Jax and Sonya alone. As they were talking, they hear a knock on the door. Sonya raises an eyebrow, wondering who of all people is wondering who it was. It opens, revealing it to be Kitana.
"Jackson Briggs. Johnny Cage. Sonya Blade. I must speak with you." Kitana said.
"Kitana? Wasn't expecting to see you coming here at this hour in Outworld." Jax said.
"You've got some guts coming here, Princess." Sonya coldy stares at her, apparently not trusting her for some reason.
"Hold on, Sonya. Let's hear her out." Johnny said. He somewhat distrusts her, considering that they only teamed up against Shao Kahn. Despite that, they never really got to be on even terms with Kitana and Jade.
"I come to let you know that we have shared common enemies in the Old Era, being Shao Kahn, Quan Chi, and against Kronika." Kitana tells them.
"Yeah? Tell us something we don't know. That's old news. My past self may have teamed up with y'all like Jax and Johnny, but that doesn't mean we're on even terms with each other. I wanted to help y'all from your revenant curse, but that doesn't mean I completely trust you." Sonya said.
"I understand that, Blade. You have a right to show distrust towards me given the mistakes I've made with Shao Kahn. I speak not only for myself, but for Jade. And Baraka and Sheeva as well." Kitana defends herself.
"I'm still surprised you persuaded those two to your side against Shao Kahn. But I doubt they'll start liking us if their memories get unlocked." Jax remembered, having rejoined the good guys at the last minute.
"So am I, Jax." Kitana said.
"And you're here to ask us to trust you completely? Not just against Shao Kahn, but any future assholes that wanna kill us?" Johnny asked with some suspicion.
"Indeed, Johnny Cage." Kitana said. "But there are some things we must work out together if we are to keep our pact together for years to come. Should we all survive."
"Look, Kitana. You may be thousands of years old and sure you were used by Shao Kahn, but we should not just forgive you for all the shit your fucking 'master' put Earthrealm through, especially when Mileena took command. I get that you hate her, but you'll have to do better than that if you want to gain our trust." Sonya stubbornly said. She begins to walk away and go to bed. Johnny shrugs, knowing Sonya isn't wrong.
Kitana sighs, knowing how stubborn Sonya is and that she has trust issues big time. But she has ways of convincing them.
"Alex." Kitana said. This stops Sonya in her tracks and slowly turns around.
"What did you just say? How do you know that name?" Sonya asked.
"Raiden brought Alex to Outworld and asked me, Jade and Kung Lao to help him. Help him train and have better control over his powers if he were to fight Kronika." Kitana said.
"I gotta say that was sweet of you to say and do. But what does he have to do with anything?" Johnny asked.
"For three days in Outworld, Alex has spoken highly of all of you." Kitana tells them.
"Such as? Do tell." Sonya stares at her.
"Jackson Briggs. How you were the only one other than Sub-Zero and Scorpion who broke free of Quan Chi's curse. How you fought in the Netherrealm for your friends and for your daughter Jacquline Briggs. And that she was Alex's best friend. You, Jax, felt pain you didn't deserve when you lost your wife and was manipulated by Kronika. I had hoped that you would find redemption." Kitana tells him.
"God damn she knows." Jax was thrown off.
"Johnny Cage. You were brash, arrogant and naïve. You had the mind of a child with an ego. But from what could tell by your face and eyes that you have matured. Alex was not kidding. And he said you have the power of the emerald light. A rare, but strong power that could defeat an Elder God. And it was passed down to your daughter Cassandra Cage. And in turn, you and her risked your lives to defeat Shinnok. And that your daughter saw you as what you humans say 'idols'. Kitana said.
"Shit. She's right." Johnny said.
"Sonya Blade. The woman with issues." Kitana said.
"I do. I really really do." Sonya shrugs. It seems that she does not deny it.
"The woman who took charge after Shao Kahn's death and Shinnok's ensealment. Cared very much for you despite the hardships. Very protective of her daughter and was risking everything to restore me, Jade, mother and everyone else. And that you sacrificed yourself to protect Earthrealm." Kitana tells her.
Sonya's eyes widened. Her sacrifice was the last thing she remembered before the New Era started. And she's very surprised on how quick they became friendly towards Alex, and why he chose to mention them.
"Alex told you about us? Why? I mean sure you guys are supposed to be on our side though you're the only one who remembers everything, but why?" Jax asked.
"When I first heard of Earthrealmers, I thought them to be weak and arrogant. But I was wrong. They are kind, strong, and they have spirit and courage. Much like you three, Liu Kang before he became a god, Kung Lao and even Alex. He was a little afraid of us, we grew fond of each other." Kitana said.
"Couldn't blame him. He's always been shy." Johnny jokes.
"Alex has learned to trust us. Me and Jade easily trust him. He told us everything, including what he went through and how he was lied to his entire life. Manipulated by Kronika and not knowing he is a demigod until recently. I can relate to his pain. I too was lied to my entire life, when Shao Kahn took my home, killed my father, drove my mother Sindel to suicide and used her under his control and killed most of us except you and Blade." Kitana said.
"You should have seen his face." Johnny said. "He did not deserve that bullshit."
"I agree. Me and Jade saw his honesty, bravery, courage and his pain. Alex's spirit is strong. He saw you three as his idols. Jade was close to him and she chose to be his guardian and close friend. Mentioned something about Jacquline being a older sister to him. Jade also sees him like a brother too. And before leaving when he was nearly assassinated by Skarlet, Jade saved his life. And he told me he wanted to propose to your daughter Cassandra Cage. It was I who encouraged him to do so. Right now, he dreams of seeing her again. Seeing all of you again." Kitana tells everyone.
Johnny, Sonya and Jax are very moved by Kitana's words. None of them believed that they would be good friends with Alex alongside Kung Lao, Liu Kang and Raiden. But they all trusted him despite the hardships. Sonya is rather flattered that Alex spoken highly of her and the way he finally gained her trust.
"I would do anything to lay down my life for anyone. Including Alex. And Outworld did not need to suffer. He's always helped everyone out. I failed to help him find his true nature and powers. You three, as well as Liu Kang and Raiden helped him when me and Johnny couldn't." Sonya said.
"Something we can agree on. Alex is our friend. He would make a good son in law to you one day. I would do whatever I have to do to take Outworld back from Shao Kahn. I have done so before with help. I can do it again. But I cannot do so now. Not without your help. All I'm asking is for you to trust me and Jade. And when the time comes, trust those we plan on turning and join us." Kitana said. She walks over to Sonya and extends her hand.
Sonya wasn't sure at first. But she looks at Johnny and Jax and they both nod to her. Sonya then looks at Kitana and shakes her hand.
"If Alex learned to trust you, then it's fair that we do as well. I'll try my best." Sonya said.
"Good. If we are to fool Shao Kahn, then you and I must fight in the tournament. Do not hold back, Sonya. Give me your best." Kitana said.
"You should know that I never do, Kitana Kahn. Do your worst, even if it means leaving stab wounds." Sonya said.
"I'm not Kahn. Not yet anyway. But I will be Kahn again." Kitana said as she begins to leave. But before she opens the door she turns around again. "One more thing. I would like to meet Cassandra and Jacquline someday. Even Takeda and Kung Jin."
Kitana smirks as she opens the door and leaves. The three of them finally turn to go get some sleep for the second day of the tournament.
Outside of the empty Tarkatan War Camps, Kuai Liang and Smoke search for clues on where to find Scorpion. The former is willing to do anything to kill the latter for brutally injuring Bi-Han. But soon, they will be facing unfortunate enemies.
"I do not know if splitting up is the best idea, Kuai Liang. Surely the grandmaster is already aware of our absence." Smoke suggests.
"I understand, Smoke. I would take up the mantle of my brother, but it will only draw attention faster. And I have no need for the name Sub-Zero right now." Kuai Liang said.
"You will. You will know when you are ready. And we will find Shang Tsung. He hosted Earthrealm's tournament. He should know about Scorpion." Smoke said.
"I have word that Quan Chi is in Edenia to guard it to make sure a certain ally name Rain does not commit any treachery, since he is untrustworthy." Kuai Liang said. "Be stealthful as the night."
"And deadly as the dawn." Smoke finishes.
Kuai Liang and Smoke separate. Smoke teleports away as Liang runs. Sareena runs forward to catch Smoke, but was too late as he is gone.
"Smoke. Kuai Liang. What are you up to? I must find them and convince them that revenge is not always the way. I know the pain of losing someone dearly, but obsession will lead to things worse." Sareena sighs as she continues walking. But she stops when she sees Li Mei coming towards her.
"Shao Kahn was right. There are Lin Kuei walking around Outworld uninvited. Take your friends and turn back. Or you will suffer the consequences." Li Mei threatens her.
"I do not fear you. I am not leaving without my friends. And as much as I do not want to fight, you leave me no choice. The same will go for those who get in my way as well." Sareena said as they fight.
Sareena starts with a punch to the right rib cage and a kick to the chest followed by a slam to the left shoulder and then finally a punch to the face. Li Mei stumbles backwards, allowing Sareena to throw daggers that appear out of thin air. Li Mei quickly blocks them with her sais as she swings them. Sareena blocks them, only to be kicked in the air by the jaw, allowing Li Mei to jump up, and grab her face and slam her down to the ground, head first. Sareena rolls back and gets up. Sareena pulls out a bigger dagger and defends herself. Li Mei comes in and they swing their weapons until Sareena gets the upper hand when she kicks her lower right leg, does cartwheel spins to the head, does a punch to the gut and a back kick to the left shoulder and was about to do a kick to the head, only for Li Mei to jump back and shoot an energy blast at Sareena, hitting her and stumbling her, allowing Li Mei to jump forward and thrust a sai into her left shoulder, causing it to bleed and her shoulder to slightly crack. Li Mei then does a knee strike to the chest, sending Sareena down.
Sareena struggled to get back up. Li Mei points a sai at her, but the former was not gonna give up that easily. Sareena puts her hands together and they get covered in purple flames as she fires a purple fire skull, forcing Li Mei to jump back. Sareena fires another skull, which Li Mei dodges, only to be hit by a fiery punch to the head, a fiery kick to the right shoulder, cracking it and spins in place with her blades, leaving bad cuts on both of her arms. Li Mei comes back and slams an endpoint of her sais onto Sareena's left shoulder, stabbing it and does three kicks to the chest before doing a spinning back kick to the right side of Sareena's face, cracking her skull. Li Mei swings her sais to finish the fight, but Sareena dodges the swings and does a right punch to the right rib cage, a punch to the forehead and stabs her right shoulder with the bigger dagger. Sareena then does cartwheel kicks to the head followed by a skull bash to Li Mei's skull, cracking it, then does kicks to both shoulders, knees and a strong fifth kick to the chest, cracking it greatly. Then Sareena charges her fist in flames and sends it at Li Mei's stomach, making Li Mei spit out plenty of blood. Li Mei lands on her back, defeated.
"Who's consequences? Yours? Or Shao Kahn's?" Sareena said.
"I….. I do not know what you mean, Lin Kuei." Li Mei said.
"I can see it in your eyes when we first made contact. I only want is best for the Lin Kuei. Peace. For both clans. No more evil and no more slavery." Sareena said.
"And what does that have to do with me?" Li Mei asked. She is having a hard time getting up as she is weak from the fight and lost plenty of blood.
"What kind of peace are you looking for? For what is best for Outworld and yourself? Or for those who plan to sink it into darkness forever?" Sareena said before she leaves her. Li Mei is left sighing, thinking about her words. And then she is remembering what Kung Lao is telling her.
The Living Forest. Where the trees themselves have faces that groan and roar. In fact, some of the trees can be hungry. They can trap their victims in their treacherous branches and eat them alive. Smoke is investigating, hoping to find Shang Tsung and demand answers on Scorpion's whereabouts. Smoke hides behind one of the trees with no face on it. He sees Shang Tsung, Reptile and Kano.
Kano fires an rpg at one of the trees with a face on it and blows it up. Kano laughs while Shang Tsung smirks.
"Fucking trees. They give me the goddamn creeps. But what do you think, mate? With these babies, no one can stand up against us, especially Earthrealm." Kano asked.
"I must say I am rather impressed, Kano. Your work on these weapons exceed all expectations. How you have many people following you surprises me. Shao Kahn and I would be most interested in your weaponry. You may tell your Black Dragon that we would be honored to have such fine weapons on our side against Earthrealm." Shang Tsung said.
"Oyy. You got yourself a fine deal there, wizard guy. You'll get these babies before the tournament is over. Gonna go home and round up my mates and we'll see ya when Shao Kahn wins." Kano said.
Smoke comes out from the tree to confront them. "Shang Tsung! Explain yourself!"
"Ah. If I recollect, your name is Smoke. Is it not?" Shang Tsung asked.
"You will give me the answers I seek. Where is Scorpion? He must answer for his crimes against the Lin Kuei." Smoke demands.
"I could tell you. But first, you have to get past them and Kano. If you live, you may find me at the tournament." Shang Tsung smirks before shooting a fireball at his chest, sending Smoke back. "Reptile. Help deal with this pest."
Shang Tsung turns to some tarkatans as they carry the big cases with weapons. Shang Tsung opens a portal to Outworld as they leave with Kano's merchandise. Smoke appears from the trees to confront Kano.
"One dead Lin Kuei coming up. You know, you should lay off the weed or whatever is you're fucking smokin' Smoke." Kano insults him.
"Do not insult my powers and name, you wretched half-faced freak!" Smoke said.
"Or maybe it may be starting to hit you and cut off your lungs, you dumb prick. Sooner or later, I'll make you cough up fucking blood until you beg me to end ya, mate." Kano said before they fight.
Kano swings his dagger at Smoke diagonally and horizontally as Smoke dodges. Kano kicks him backwards and throws his dagger. Smoke shoots a smoke ball at Kano's dagger, teleporting it and it nearly its Kano in the back of the head as he barely catches it. This allows Smoke to do a reverse spin kick to Kano's right leg and right rib cage, forcing Kano to a knee, allowing Smoke to palm strike him in the face, sending him back. Reptile comes in and kicks Smoke in the hip, a up kick to the chest and a back kick across the face. Reptile grabs Smoke by the throat and elbows him in the stomach. Smoke teleports to a distance as Kano gets back up and immdeidlty does his cannonball move on Smoke, cracking his chest a little. Smoke teleports again and does a low kick to Kano's right knee, damaging it a little, a chop strike across the head, uppercuts him, sending him in the air, jumps and does two kicks to the back, sending him further back. Smoke shoots a smoke ball at Kano, sending Kano right back in front of him and swing kicks across the stomach, elbow strikes his chin and throws a smoke ball down on him. Kano is once more falling and Smoke jumps, grabs Kano and throws him down, head first, cracking his skull, defeating Kano.
Smoke then faces Reptile. Reptile claws his chest, leaving big scratch marks and uppercuts him and dashes into him, sending Smoke backwards. Smoke gets back up, but Reptile is nowhere to be seen. Smoke is suddenly struck in the back by an elbow strike and an acid sphere to the back, partially burning it before shoulder bashing him in the back. The invisible Reptile then does a slide attack, scooping Smoke off his feet and grabs him with his tongue and throws him down. Smoke gets back up and was ready. He throws a smoke ball down to the ground and now it is everywhere. Smoke looks everywhere for signs of movement. He looks sharply as he sees small bits of smoke moving like it was pushed out of the way. Smoke closes his eyes, puts a hand in front of his face and then suddenly grabs Reptile, left arm, punches him in the left rib cage, cracking and nearly breaking it. Reptile is exposed, allowing Smoke to punch him in the throat, chop strikes his chest, cracking it as well, side kicks his right shoulder and throws him down by the arm and stomps on his face, knocking Reptile out.
"Now stay down. If you know what is best for you. Now I will have a word with your new associate, Kano." Smoke said. He starts walking away. But then he hears something.
"Smoke." A voice said before he was kicked in the back. A red cyborg appears right in front of him. "You have disobeyed direct orders to remain at the Lin Kuei temple to undergo assimilation."
"That voice….. Sektor?!" Smoke is surprised and shocked. "You and your father. You've actually done it. You're a machine now."
"Correction. I am the perfect warrior. We are the new Lin Kuei. Stealthier than the night. More deadly than the dawn." Sektor said.
"I will not come with you. I have no choice but to fight you too." Smoke said before they start battling each other.
Smoke throws a couple of kicks which Sektor blocks and tries to do two elbow strikes to the chest, but Sektor grabs his elbow and chop strikes him in the right shoulder, right knee and a kick across the face before Sektor teleports behind him, does an uppercut to the back, sending Smoke upward as he does a blasting palm strike to the chest, sending Smoke down. Smoke gets back up and comes in and kicks Sektor in the chest, elbow's his forehead before uppercutting him in the air. Smoke jumps and does two kicks to the gut area, sending Sektor down, but he hovers to recover. Sektor comes in for a punch, but Smoke teleports, trips him, then kicks him in the head and chest and does five more punches to the face. Smoke goes for two kicks, but Sektor dodges them both, grabs Smoke and throws him through several tree branches before his head hits a stronger tree branch, cracking his skull as Smoke falls.
Smoke gets back up, only for Sektor to teleport and punches Smoke across the face, flies and does two kicks to the left cheek before a flying swing kick across the head, and sends Smoke into a tree. Sektor fires missiles from his chest, but Smoke teleports and throws smoke bombs. Sektor jumps, spins and dodges them and fires more missiles at the ground. Smoke jumps, but Sektor grabs him by the shoulders and throws him down to the ground. Smoke rolls back to recover, but Sektor then comes down, does a punch to the left shoulder, a blast palm strike to the knee and chest, cracking it and making Smoke spit up blood. Sektor then does a flying uppercut to his jaw, cracking it as well as Sektor blasts Smoke down to the ground, cracking his spine and defeating him.
"You are to return to the temple to begin your transformation, Smoke. Just like I have. I have made my choice. I eliminated all thoughts of insubordination from my mind and memories. It is my objective to bring the same to all the Lin Kuei." Sektor said. It sounds like he has retained his free will to follow his father's commands and wishes.
"I will never submit to you, Sektor." Smoke declared. He tries to stand, but within a few seconds, more cyborgs come in and surround him. They all proceed to stun Smoke and attempt to take him away.
It may seem that his fate was now sealed, until then, an orange portal opened. This gains the cyborgs' attention as they turn to see who it was. Suddenly, Fujin comes flying out of the portal with his sword and light crossbow in hand. He uses his crossbow and rapidly shoots the first three guarding Smoke in the head. The other three pause their situation and all charge at the god of wind. Fujin easily avoids their attacks, decapitates one of them and it falls down, kills the second one by spinning his blade and slicing it in half, and kills the last one by sweeping one of its legs and thrusts the sword into the chest, sending all of them offline. Sektor, watching the whole situation, manages to escape.
After checking and making sure all of them were dead, Fujin walks over and helps Smoke to his feet. "Smoke. Are you alright?" Fujin asked.
Smoke nods and bends to a knee with his head down. "Lord Fujin. Thank you. How do you know my name? Why are you here in Outworld?"
"It is a long story, old friend. To summarize what is happening, it is best that you remember for yourself." Fujin answered. He steps forward slowly and taps two of his fingers on Smoke's forehead. Suddenly, Smoke starts to remember everything. Originally saved by Raiden from suffering the same fate, being forced to watch his friend Kuai Liang being taken away, reuniting with hin during the invasion by Shao Kahn, fighting Sindel and dying to her, resurrected as a revenant by Quan Chi and serving him, Shinnok and Kronika in the time war.
Smoke gasps for air as he grabs his head in some pain. He feels himself sweating by the forehead and his hands shaking. He looks at his hands and sees that he is not a revenant. Not anymore. He looks up at Fujin. "What? What just happened? I remember everything. I remember Sindel snapping my neck, serving Quan Chi and Shinnok and trusting Kronika. But I do not understand. How am I here? This was during the tournament in Outworld." Smoke shakengnly said.
Fujin just smiles and places a hand on his shoulder. "It is alright, Smoke. I am from the future. Sent by Lord Liu Kang." Fujin tells him.
"Lord Liu Kang? I do not understand. Last time I heard, he was a normal human. Are you saying he is a god?" Smoke asked in confusion.
"It is a long story. For now, we must head to Outworld. Sub-Zero and Cyrax will no doubt be there. Once we rescue them, we shall explain everything." Fujin offers his hand. Smoke still wonders what Fujin meant by being from the future and sent by Liu Kang. Smoke puts it aside for now and shakes the wind god's hand.
While the tournament in Outworld continues to make progress. While that is happening, Kuai Liang, who has recently taken up the mantle of Sub-Zero, was freezing a shokan in place. As he makes his way to Outworld he is stopped by none other than Fire God Liu Kang.
"Sub-Zero. I must speak with you immediately." Fire God Liu Kang said.
"Liu Kang. I cannot speak right now. I must head to Outworld to kill Scorpion for defeating and humiliating my brother in the tournament. ." Sub-Zero stated.
"I know you would come here for that reason. I am here to warn you. The Cyber Lin Kuei is coming for you. Sektor is leading it." Liu Kang tells him.
"Sektor? He actually went with the grandmaster's plan to commit the Cyber Initiative?!" Sub-Zero asked in anger.
"Unfortunately. That is why I am here to help you. Your friends Smoke and Cyrax have already been saved from being assimilated against their will. So is Sareena. Fujin and Nightwolf have already saved them as we speak." Liu Kang explained.
"How did you know all of this? No one outside the Lin Kuei has heard of the Cyber Initiative." Sub-Zero said.
"True. But Sektor is setting up a trap for you. He knows about your plan to kill Scorpion. He will use that to his advantage and capture you." Liu Kang tells him.
Sub-Zero looks at him in disbelief, wanting to know why he is helping him. "Why should I trust you?"
"I can show you. But hold still." Liu Kang steps closer and places his fingertips on his forehead. Sub-Zero's eyes widened as he starts to remember everything. He remembers going to Outworld to kill Scorpion and succeeds in defeating him, only for him to be captured by the cyberized Sektor and Cyrax, who pledge their loyalty to Shao Kahn. He then remembers regaining his personality by Jax and goes back to Outworld, defeats Sektor, Kano and eventually his own brother, who became evil and resurrected as Noob Saibot. Sub-Zero then remembers his death at Sindel's hands and resurrected as a revenant by Quan Chi and served him and Shinnok. After being defeated by Sonya Blade, Raiden cures him, Jax and Scorpion. Five years later, he and Hanzo make peace with each other after the former tells the latter about Quan Chi and Sektor killing the Shirai Ryu. He then remembers training Cassie Cage and her team, holding back Kotal Kahn, meeting Alex and trusting him, and the time war against Kronika.
After reviewing all of his memories, Sub-Zero snaps back into reality and stumbles backwards and was barely able to keep his footing. He takes a little bit of time to catch his breath after regaining his bearings. He then finally looks up at the new fire god. "Liu Kang? What just happened? Why am I here in the Soul Chamber? Last thing I remember was us sailing to Kronika's Keep through the Sea of Blood."
"Yes. In fact, me and Alex have both killed her. Unfortunately, Kronika reversed time during the fight and tried to corrupt Alex, but failed and he broke free. Now I am the new Keeper of Time. Raiden is a mortal now and Fujin and Nightwolf were both freed from Kronika's void after being held prisoner. The only way to reverse the effects was to change the timeline better than what Raiden had done when thwarting Shao Kahn." Liu Kang explained.
"I see. So that is how you know of my intentions of killing Scorpion. And how Fujin and Nightwolf have both saved Smoke and Cyrax and Sareena. What about Raiden and Alexander?" Sub-Zero asked.
"Raiden is at the tournament now with Kung Lao, Nightwolf, Johnny Cage, Cyrax, Jax and Sonya Blade. I restored all of their memories alongside Kitana, who is working undercover to free Kotal and turn against Shao Kahn. Alex is at the beginning of time, watching over everything. I told him to stay behind as he was not born yet." Liu Kang tells him.
"Lord Liu Kang. You have my thank you and my respect." Sub-Zero bows his head before him. "What is your plan?"
"First. Head to Outworld and defeat Scorpion. Once you defeat him, the Cyber Lin Kuei will no doubt try to capture you. You must be prepared to fight Sektor. I have foreseen it. While you fight them, the rest of us will take Scorpion and Sindel to the Soul Chamber and revive them. And I do hope you can convince Bi-Han to join us."
"Are you certain of this? Surely someone will overpower Shao Kahn." Sub-Zero said.
"Yes. Sindel and Kung Lao. She is more powerful than almost all of us. We need her alive. It will break the barrier between Earthrealm and Outworld, but once he is defeated, he will retreat to Edenia and be trapped there for many years. After that, Kitana will retake her position as the new Kahn and make sure Cassandra Cage, Jacquline Briggs, Takeda Takahashi and Kung Jin are born and have their memories restored. That is when Alex will come back." Liu Kang explained.
"I understand, Lord Liu Kang. I must head to Outworld to fight in the tournament." Sub-Zero said.
"Thank you, Sub-Zero. May the Elder Gods protect you." Liu Kang smirked. Liu Kang teleports away with lightning powers as they make their leave.
Note: As you can see, instead of Smoke beating Sektor, it's the other way around. I've added plenty of villain wins here in this story and I'm hoping to add more in the future, since a lot of people complained about the lack of villain wins in the Mortal Kombat stories except for D'Vorah in X, and Sindel, Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung in Aftermath. I really liked that touching scene with Kitana talking to Johnny, Sonya and Jax. I hope you did too.