(In the Outworld camp, Shang Tsung, reptile, jade and ermac are training. scorpion and Erron Black are sitting on the side).

Shang Tsung: I did not account for the sword being that powerful.

Reptile: How will this affect the tournament?

Shang Tsung: It will not at all.

Jade: But Earthream is ahead it would be wise t-

Shang Tsung: (angry) I do not need to be told what is the right thing to do by an edenian!

Erron Black: (to scorpion) great, this 1.5 million has better be worth it.

Scorpion: Is all you think about money?

Erron Black: No, I also think about women.

Jade: It would be wise not to piss me off.

Kitana: (off screen) That's enough (walks on) both of you.

Ermac: Princess kitana.

Kitana: I have been gone for three seconds and you are already arguing.

Shang Tsung: Know your place Kitana, I am the one in charge here not you.

Kitana: Please, who here actually wants Shang Tsung to lead. (Nobody says anything, to Shang Tsung), didn't think so.

Shang Tsung: Your father will not be pleased that you are disobeying my commands.

Kitana: My father will be even more unhappy if you do not win this tournament. (To jade) I'm of to train, want to join?

Jade: No thank you. (Kitana walks off screen jade sits near scorpion and Erron black).

Shang Tsung: (to ermac telepathically) I want you to keep an eye on her, she could be trouble.

Ermac: (telepathically) At once.

(At the training camp, only Liu Kang and Kung Lao).

Liu Kang: I'm trying.

Kung Lao: Remember what master Bo Rai Cho taught us.

Liu Kang: Please Master Bo Rai Cho was the worst fighter ever.

Kung Lao: Maybe but fighting is not just about the physical, the mental aspect is just as important. Remember to gain an advantage by using your head. Predict your opponents next move, and never let them have an opening.

Liu Kang: You know we are both at the same level.

Kung Lao: I know but as soon as we win the tournament I'm becoming a full shoalin monk. I'm gonna teach kids what we learnt.

Liu Kang: Maybe you will teach the next mortal combat combatants?

Kung Lao: Maybe, I'm going for a siesta for an hour before the next round begins.

Liu Kang: I will see you at the tournament. (Kung Lao walks off a few seconds later Kitana walks on).

Kitana: Earthrealmer, you dare train in front of me.

Liu Kang: Well I was here First.

Kitana: Move now.

Liu Kang: I kind of like it here.

Kitana: Then you will suffer my wrath. (Kitana opens fans to show blades).

Liu Kang: Sharp. (They fight Liu Kang wins).

Kitana: Finish me.

Liu Kang: Why would I do that?

Kitana: I failed him, my emperor, my father.

Liu Kang: Not if he doesn't know.

Kitana: What are you saying?

Liu Kang: I'm saying that this discussion never happened.

Kitana: Why would you do this for me?

Liu Kang: I don't know. I hope to meet again, on better terms. (Liu Kang walks off, Kitana looks bewildered. Cut to ermac looking over).

(Jax walking over to Stryker)

Jax: You ok?

Stryker: I don't know, I mean the least few days have just been batshit crazy. First I arrest a movie star for drugs, then we both get recruited to a tournament to save the earth. Then I meet a man who can control ice, a blind telepath and the God of Thunder himself.

Jax: But that's not what's bothering you.

Stryker: No, Jax we already lost Subzero, we have no idea if the rest of us will make it.

Jax: Your scared of dying?

Stryker: No, I ain't afraid to die. But I am afraid of dying for nothing.

Jax: It won't come to that.

Stryker: I hope your right.

Jax: You know I haven't told anyone yet not even Sonya but, I'm gonna be a father.

Stryker: Really, congrats.

Jax yeah my wife is two months gone.

Stryker: I'm so happy for you man, at least you have something to fight for other than the earth (Jax smiles) I'm hitting the gym.

Johnny Cage: see ya. (Stryker starts to walk away) oh and curt (Stryker looks back), your gonna kick ass!

Stryker: Thanks

(Johnny Cage walks along then sees Sonya crying)

Johnny Cage: you ok? (Sonya composes herself)

Sonya: Cage. Um I was just...

Johnny: it's ok. I thought you would be happy with Kano dead and all.

Sonya: I thought so to, but.

Johnny Cage: but?

Sonya: I realised that killing him didn't ease my suffering. It just made it worse. Kano is dead but that ain't gonna bring Jax's arms back.

Johnny Cage: I can't imagine what you went through but my old Coach taught me a valuable lesson. There are times when we wanna give up and just accept that we lost however even though we get the shit beaten out of us, we go and we fight back. We don't pity ourselves we make our opponents pay. That's what you did today.

Sonya: I didn't see you as somebody who isn't an egotistical jerk.

Johnny Cage: Maybe I'm egotistical and sensitive (both laugh they both are about to kiss but then Raiden teleports in). Have you not heard of privacy?

Raiden: Johnny Cage and Sonya blade you are needed at the tournament now. (Raiden teleports them both to the arena).

This was a long one but one thing that is required for a great story is great characters and great character development. That is what these bits in between the battles are for. I know that Johnny and Sonya has been done a million times but if I decide to do a sequel I want cassie cage to be a part of it. Hope you enjoy please favioute and write a review thanks.