When the boat stopped near the island's harbor, everyone aboard waited for the ship's stairs to lower. When they finally did, they didn't hesitate stepping off the ship. Even Dr. Clef and 953 abandoned their tank and traveled on foot to step off the boat. When everybody got off, the S.S. Anne sailed off once more.

John and Jackie were roaming the island accompanied by a new ally, Freddy Krueger. Freddy had sacrificed his immortality by coming into the mortal plane to compete in the tournament. His motive: Belial had been using souls Freddy claimed as his own to resurrect Quan Chi.

"Ya shoulda been there, Fredster," John told him. "This tall guy in a hockey mask actually thought he'd cut in line at the buffet. I was all like, what the hell, man?"

"You talkin' about Jason Voorhees?" Freddy asked John.

"Wait, you know this dude?"

"He nearly killed me years ago. Long story."

On another part of the island, a portal appeared, and Cassie and her squadron, along with Kotal Kahn and his henchmen, stepped out of it. With Kotal are Erron Black, Ermac, Reptile, and Ferra/Torr.

"Ya sure this is the place?" Kung Jin asked Erron.

"I'm no stranger to a tournament on a tropical island, but I never expected this many people to be here," Erron commented, referring to the large amount of potential combatants on the island.

"You think they all have a bone to pick with Quan Chi?" Jacqui queried.

"Ferra no care," Ferra, the female child-like creature on Torr, replied. "Ferra/Torr want only egg man and devil man eyes."

Ermac paid no attention to the group. He was more concerned with something else. We sense Kisara in this area, Ermac thought to himself. Ermac, in fact, mentored aspiring telepaths in his free time since Shinnok's defeat, and Kisara was one of them.

All of the passengers were required to report to the arena courtyard near a mountain, where they were to be informed of the instructions. Soon enough, everyone was in front of the wooden courtyard. Within a half-hour, Belial finally teleported into the picture. He wore a tuxedo in place of his usual attire. Already some people were murmuring about how strange he looks.

"Greetings," Belial announced. "Welcome to Fighter's Island, one of the sights of this tournament.

"Allow me to say that I'm so pleased to see so many of you tonight. I had a feeling that a specific amount of you would be here. Other than that, I'm surprised at how many of you actually came.

"Now then, allow me to announce the people who will actually compete in the tournament. Keep in mind that I predetermined this in advance because, again, I sensed that these people would make it." Belial then got out a long sheet of paper and put on some reading glasses. "The following is the list of those who will be competing in this tournament:

Ryu

Ken Masters

Edmund Gareth

Lilith

Ogoleithus

Cassie Cage

Takeda Takahashi

Jacqui Briggs

Kung Jin

Kotal Kahn

Erron Black

Ermac

Ferra/Torr

Reptile

Felis, Lightsworn Archer

Minerva. Lightsworn Maiden

Wulf, Lightsworn Beast

Dr. Alto Clef

SCP-953

Samus Aran

John Ginger

Jackie Bellus

Kano

Jason Voorhees

Yandere-Chan

Solid Snake

Kisara

The Predator

Freddy Krueger

Ivy Valentine

"The names I have just announced represent those who shall be participating in the tournament as kombatants," Belial announced. "The rest of you are free to spectate. And now, the rules.

"One: You are free to use your special abilities. Yes, you have the right to fight dirty.

"Two: If both of your feet are out of the arena, the match time will stop and the fight will not continue until you step back on.

"Three: If your opponent is near unconsciousness or looks as if they cannot continue, you will be named the victor.

"Four: In the event the third instance happens, I will allow you to kill your opponent should you choose to.

"There are no more rules. The tournament will start tomorrow at noon!" With that, Belial vanished via hellfire. Everybody then wondered what the first round will entail.

to be continued...