Liu Kang kept in step with Kitana, glancing at the architecture as they ran past it. The hallway arched in design, with large torches along the walls. Their bases were as big as Liu Kang was tall, holding massive flames that crackled wildly. Hovering above the flames were stone carvings of gargoyles, all wearing identical expressions akin to rage.

The flickering shadows they cast gave the illusion that there were people hiding within the walls. The shadows danced over Kitana and himself.

They'd reached a massive door at the end of the hall, twice their height and easily wide enough to accommodate the both of them and one more if they were to walk through simultaneously. On the other side, a cacophony of voices could be heard on the other side.

They'd reached the Koliseum.

Both of them took a moment to collect themselves, and Liu Kang called upon his Shaolin training to settle his breathing.

"Do not worry, we'll save her," Liu assured, reaching to hold Kitana's hand. She hesitated a moment, then affectionately squeezed his hand with both of her own.

For a fleeting moment, Liu thought Kitana's eyes seemed to be glowing as the shadows cast from the torches passed over her face.

"Thank you," she said quietly, and Liu had to pay close attention to hear her voice. Nevertheless, he smiled assuredly.

"Let's go save your friend," Liu Kang moved to push open the door, only to find that it did not move and only found himself lightly bouncing back, as if he ran into a wall. The door was made of wood, yet it felt like he walked into a brick wall. He frowned in confusion.

"It's not budging," Kitana said in surprise, stepping back to examine the sealed door.

"They could be trying to delay us," Liu surmised, banging against the door and then running his hand across the door's surface. He was attempting to find an imperfection in the door's structure-- surely there was a weak spot somewhere. Unfortunately, no one on the other side seemed keen or aware to answer Liu's knocking.

While he did this, 'Kitana' slowly sauntered over to where his blind side would be, just a few paces behind him. Unnoticed, she steadily unsheathed one of her Sais, holding it in a reverse grip.

Liu Kang finally found a portion of the door that seemed to be quite hollow compared to the rest of it. With an assuring nod to himself, he figured he could break through the spot with enough concentrated force.

His train of thought was violently redirected when pain blossomed behind his right shoulder. His mind blanked for but a moment, and he reacted the only way he knew how.

He kicked behind him, still not even sure what just happened to his arm. He faintly registered a surprised cry that was not his own.

"Ugh!" he groaned, attempting to nurse his shoulder, when his fingers instead bumped into cold metal sticking out of it.

He looked over his shoulder, now able to see the Sai jammed into it. Shock written over his face, he glanced further behind him to see Kitana slowly regaining her bearings, pulling an identical blade from her sash.

Taking a deep breath, Liu gripped the intruding weapon, and quickly yanked it out, biting down the overwhelming urge to shout to the sky.

Concentrating on thinking through the pain, he slapped his left palm over his shoulder, and could feel the chi from his hand heating his shoulder. He grunted in pain, the heat intensifying. Immediately, the blossoming pain in his shoulder began to numb, and the bleeding ceased.

He'd successfully cauterized it.

Kitana giggled, and the laugh sounded much more immature than the persona he remembered seeing.

"You are not Kitana," Liu Kang declared, stepping back to afford some space to maneuver. While his left arm was chambered in a ready stance, his right arm hung limp. He stood with his left foot forward, to keep his damaged shoulder protected. Luckily, it still had feeling in his right arm, so would most likely heal if looked at soon.

"Who are you, imposter?" he demanded.

"But it is your dear friend, Liu Kang," 'Kitana' drawled, her voice sounding exactly like the Kitana he knew, but completely at odds with the out of character laugh from moments ago. She sashayed forward, and Liu Kang took another cautious step backwards. She came to a stop, picking up the discarded Sai. She examined the blade from every angle, seemingly interested in the blood that coated the center prong.

"Your blood looks enticing," 'Kitana' said deliberately, pulling the blade close and taking a deep breath, as if she were smelling the aroma of a freshly prepared meal.

Unceremoniously, she pulled down her mouth guard, revealing the very inhuman maw that resembled those sentries Liu had spotted all over the island.

As if to purposely make him uncomfortable, her mouth opened to reveal a long tongue and licked the blade clean of his blood. "And it is delicious."

"What...are you?" Liu said slowly, cringing and unable to reconcile the face of the woman he'd felt he struck up a friendship to...whoever this was.

The imposter raised her mouth guard again, resuming the illusion of Kitana's visage. But what he'd seen would be burned into his memory. He hoped he'd be able to scrub the image out of his mind soon.

He glanced at the door. Was Jade truly in danger? It was obvious now, that some manner of trap was involved. This imposter was clearly tasked with killing him before he even made it to the tournament, which was scheduled for later tonight.

If he was under attack, what of Kung Lao? And the actor and Special Forces officer?

They should be fine, he realized. Raiden was with them. He breathed easy knowing his brother at least wasn't at a disadvantage right now.

For now, he needed to focus on his own safety. And of Kitana's. If this assassin was here, that meant Kitana herself was in danger!

Reasoning with the doppelganger was out of the question. If Liu hadn't reacted in time, he'd most likely have gotten killed by her.

"You will tell me where Kitana is," Liu Kang demanded, raising his good arm in a ready posture, his thumb, index, and middle finger raised as of his hand were a claw. He winced, his injured shoulder throbbing in protest as he kept his injured side away from her.

Mileena's shoulders shook in mild laughter as she crossed her Sais in front of her. "I'll make you forget all about her," she retorted suggestively, her voice sounding much more gravelly, distinct from whom she was impersonating.

Unphased, Liu Kang let loose a Kiai, a shout, lunging toward Mileena. He leapt forward, his left foot leading, chambering it into a fierce mid-air kick.

Mileena crossed her blades in front of her, the weapons taking the brunt of the force. To her surprise, she was forced backward from his kick.

Liu immediately went on the offensive as he dismounted on his rear foot, thrusting his left hand forward as if to grab for one of the Sais. Mileena reacted, attempting to twist her wrist and instead stab at the Shaolin. But Liu was expecting this. He instead suddenly balled his hand into a fist and quickly skipped forward into Mileena's space. Because he was right in her space, she was unable to draw enough thrust strength to actually cut him, and Liu piloted toward her, his elbow colliding with the side of her face.

Dazed, she took several unsteady steps backward, nursing her face, a baffled expression in her eyes.

His face still stoic, Liu Kang pivoted his wrist and uncalled his fist, making a 'come here' gesture.

Mileena snarled, sprinting towards him before in a flash, her body vanished, leaving only a purple mist behind.

"?!" Liu's eyes widened, and he snapped his eyes to either side of him.

"What sorcery is this?" he whispered to himself.

His trained senses picked up on body heat directly behind him, and throwing himself to the ground, he braced himself with his good arm, kicking behind him. His feet found their target and it was accompanied by the surprised cry of the woman. As soon as he'd landed his kick, he'd used the momentum to push himself back to his feet, stumbling for only a moment due to his shoulder.

Mileena hummed in thought, his awkward landing having not escaped her. Sheathing her blades, she sprinted again at Liu Kang, now going for sweeps at his legs and throwing jabs at his torso. Thinking quickly, he was able to skip backwards, blocking her leg sweeps with his own feet, while trying to use his good arm to block her punches. It almost looked like an impromptu silly dance.

Mileena giggled, having also seemed to notice this, before leaping high into the air, and pivoting her body so quickly, that Liu was forced to block the incoming kick by raising his good shoulder in such a way to guard the side of his face.

Somehow, Mileena used the momentum to tuck into herself as if she were performing a somersault, and punched out at his bad shoulder, drawing out a pained grunt from him. Liu managed to remain standing as she landed on her feet, twisting his body to avoid her next punch. She overcommitted, showing her back to him, and he slammed into her with his own back, making her stumble.

She was stronger than she looked, Liu thought to himself. Her way of fighting seemed similar to Kitana's, but only in a superficial way. Her attacks were physically stronger, but sloppier. She seemed to rely on her physical strength, which had considerably more force than someone her size should be able to use. But all it would take was one good hit, and he'd be out of commission. And he was well aware of this.

THUNK

An object zipped past, vertically wedging itself into the door. Bits of wood fell to the ground from the force of the collision, temporarily distracting both Liu Kang and Mileena.

Immediately after, there was a flash of light, and a chain of electricity slammed into Mileena, launching her bodily into the wall. With a grunt, she hit the wall, unconscious before she'd even hit the floor.

"About time you showed up," Liu greeted cheekily to his brother. Kung Lao scoffed, stepping forward and dislodging his hat from the door. The sheen of the metal rim of his hat reflected some of the light from the torches and Liu had to squint his eyes.

"You two barely know each other and are already fighting like a married couple," Kung Lao shot back with a smug expression, shaking his head in mock disapproval. He put his hat back on, obscuring the top of his head, but the braided knot of hair was still visible, which came down to his back. "That is a toxic relationship."

"Actually, that's not Kitana," Liu Kang replied seriously. Ignoring Kung Lao's baffled expression, he turned to Raiden. "Thank you, Lord Raiden," he said, performing a half bow. He winced, palming his shoulder.

"You're injured," Raiden observed, his eyes showing concern even while looking opaque from the light emanating from them. He stepped forward to examine his arm.

"I thought she was Kitana-- she attacked me when I had my back turned."

"So the chosen one does have a weakness," Kung Lao teased, examining Mileena but keeping at a safe distance.

Liu Kang rolled his eyes, but knew that was his way of showing concern.

"Take a deep breath, this may feel uncomfortable," Raiden cautioned. Liu heeded his advice, taking a deep breath and holding it. Tge Thunder God's hands began to glow, and he pressed his hands Liu Kang, one hand on the shoulder directly where the injury was and the other on the other side of his shoulder.

"Until we can get a specialist, your arm will not be in full working order," Raiden warned. The glow began to fade from his hands, and he steadily lowered Liu Kang's arm before letting go.

"Are you sure you will be up to it when your turn comes?" Raiden asked, nodding towards the Koliseum.

"I think I'll be fine," Liu Kang said, although he didn't feel completely certain. Not being at 100% could be a death sentence in Mortal Kombat. However, that reminded him of something important.

"But that doesn't matter! Kitana's in danger! I was attacked by this imposter", nodding his head toward the unconscious woman. Raiden followed his gesture to a spot near the wall, but there was no one there.

"She was just here," Liu Kang frowned, scanning the wall.

"I only turned away for a second," Kung Lao added. "She got any powers?" The question was directed at Liu.

"It appeared she had the ability to teleport," Liu replied, figuring that was how she escaped.

"Then I will teleport you both inside the arena. Shao Kahn wouldn't dare to attack either of you unprovoked while you wait at the stands," he instructed, raising his fist.

A flash of light, and the three were suddenly on the other side of the door. A pillar of lightning vanished where they now stood, and the Kolisseum seemed to erupt into more excited cheering and jeering.

"I will quickly fetch the others," Raiden announced before vanishing again in a flash of lightning.

The cacophony from the koliseum was deafening. Rows upon rows of people were either seated or standing in no discernible pattern. The place wasn't too different in that respect from a Roman Colisseum. The 'ring' was really no different from a wide open space, with guards ranging from Tarkatan to Shokan at the very edge, which created a form of barrier between the fighting space and the audience.

Near the center of this ring was an upraised throne, framed by two large columns. Seated on this throne was the Emperor himself, Shao Kahn. He seemed to be discussing something with Shang Tsung and another man with pale skin before the flash of lightning temporarily drew all three's attention.

Liu Kang and Kung Lao also took notice of a woman chained to the pillar, wearing a green uniform.

"I take it that's not Kitana chained there," Kung Lao observed, remembering the description Liu Kang gave.

His brother nodded in confirmation. "That is Jade, I presume," Liu said. Then that means Jade really was in some sort of danger. But where was Kitana? The column parallel to the one Jade was chained to was completely bare, with no sign of the Edenian anywhere.

But Mileena was present, coming in to view and coming to a stop in a spot near Shao Kahn's throne and where Jade was chained. She performed a half bow to Shao Kahn who slowly nodded once, acknowledging her. She then turned to the two Shaolin, who were then joined by Johnny, Sonya, and Raiden, after another clap of thunder was heard. Through all of that, Mileena's eyes didn't leave Liu Kang, as her stare seemed fixed on him.

Liu elected to ignore this, instead looking towards Jade, who also looked up at the flash of lightning. Liu Kang nodded once when their eyes met, hoping he was able to convey that he was there to help. Jade seemed to ponder something before she returned his gesture, although more cautiously.

Johnny, Sonya, and Raiden approached the two Shaolin, whom were standing near one of the walls of the Koliseum, far enough away from the center of the arena to be used as a sort of waiting area.

"The hell happened to your shoulder," Johnny asked. Liu's shoulder was no longer in pain, but it had enough stiffness to it that it could be a problem if he wasn't careful. Liu half-smiled, not wanting to worry any of his allies.

"Nothing serious," Liu assured. "Just a little sore."

Johnny didn't comment, but he looked skeptical. He sighed. "Whatever you say, man."

After a few minutes of nothing in particular occurring, a robed man with hair cut short in an unremarkable style and armed with nothing but a horn of some kind, with a wooden finish approached the center of the ring. The audience went wild, the already loud volume building to a frenzy. Apparently, everyone knew who this person was. He raised the wooden item to his mouth, and it was revealed that the object was some Outworld equivalent to a megaphone.

"People of Outworld, the next match shall commence--" he stated, and turned towards the Emperor. "With our Emperor's permission of course."

Shao Kahn nodded once, slowly, and the announcer bowed.

"Representing Outworld: Ermac."

A man stepped onto the center of the arena. He looked very much like a cross between a mummy and a ninja, with black robes, with splashes of reds. Grayslake bandages were wrapped around exposed flesh, and he may have even looked unassuming save for the glowing green eyes and wisps of green energy that seemed to flow around him in some random pattern.

Liu Kang made to step forward, but surprisingly, Johnny held him back with an arm.

"Let me handle this guy," Johnny said, cracking his knuckles. "You guys save the damsel in distress if you can," he reminded. Liu Kang nodded, heading throught the perimeter of the arena to get to Jade.

"Johnny, no," Sonya spoke up, grabbing Johnny's shoulder. "Jax fought him, it didn't--" Sonya paused. She shook her head.

"Raiden told me he got banged up pretty bad," Johnny said, giving his full attention to Sonya. "Between me and Jax, I owe Pharoah over there a few licks," he said, gesturing toward the arena. His voice softened. "I'll be fine."

Raiden approached him. "Are you sure, Johnny Cage?" he asked, his face impassive, but the actor could just tell that there was some concern there. Johnny confidently nodded.

"Just, don't let him grab you, keep your distance," Sonya warned. Johnny smiled, shrugging dramatically as he made his way to the arena. "I got this," he assured.

Raiden looked down, detaching his amulet from his tunic.

No change.

He turned to Sonya as he replaced the artifact. "Do not worry, Sonya Blade. He will be relatively protected from Ermac's magic."

The SF officer nodded, but wasn't sure what to do with the information. "Relatively?"

Raiden didn't bother to elaborate, instead keeping an eye on Liu Kang.


Shao Kahn watched Liu Kang approach Jade, but didn't appear to show any interest or care, only scoffing before turning his attention to the upcoming fight.

Mileena neared the throne to stand next to her father.

"You've made me proud, Mileena," Shao Kahn praised. He noticed that Earthrealm's champion looked to be out of sorts, from the way he struggled to break the chains that held Jade. He seemed to favor his left arm. His right arm looked stiff.

Which meant that Mileena's subterfuge was successful. In a fight to the death, only one mistake was needed to lose everything.

"I live to serve, father," Mileena said without skipping a beat.

Shao Kahn allowed a small smile on his face, but said nothing else.


Johnny and Ermac were now just a few paces from each other, about two arms' lengths.

"'Sup, Mac," Johnny greeted, hopping on his toes and rotating his shoulders.

"We will end you," Ermac bluntly replied, raising his arms into a stance.

Well, wasn't this guy just a bundle of rainbows, Johnny thought sarcastically to himself. And why was he referring to himself in the third-person and plural?

"We? Is your mother joining us?" Johnny quipped without skipping a beat. Ermac's glowing eyes seemed to narrow in irritation.

Shao Kahn raised an arm to the sky, and the audience suddenly quieted down.

He chopped downward, and shouted only one word.

"FIGHT!"