Chapter 5: Ego vs Family Bond
The battle for Edenia rages on. Liu Kang and Fujin continue to distract the brainwashed warriors. They are powerful, but they are only buying the others time to reach Shao Kahn and the sorcerers. Fire God Liu Kang creates a circle of fire and stuns more with his lightning while Fujin continues fighting from the air to draw some away from Liu Kang to keep him from being overwhelmed. But once Fire God Liu Kang and Fujin have knocked everyone out for now, Tremor comes back to fight them.
"The two gods. I have been wanting to face you for so long. Shao Kahn told me about you." Tremor said.
"You are facing the wrong direction, Tremor. Shao Kahn's winds are deceiving you. You are nothing but a pawn to him." Fujin said.
"He told me you would say that. As gods, you're blind enough to see the truth of Shao Kahn's goals. He only wishes to unite all realms into one." Tremor said.
"The conqueror wants nothing but war. I am able to tell that you doubt his abilities. As you can see, he is fighting a battle he cannot win. He will not be shown mercy, but we can give it to you." Liu Kang said.
"Gods were never anything to begin with. You and your so-called Elder Gods are spineless. Only those like Kano and Shao Kahn understand the true meaning of life." Tremor said.
Tremor fights the two gods 2 on 1. Tremor slams the ground to make an earthquake, but the two gods jump in the air. Fujin chops his neck, kicks him in the chest and front flips kicks him in the head, stumbling him. Liu Kang double back kicks Tremor in the face and elbows him in the mouth, allowing Fujin to chop him in the right ribcage, throw him up and slam him to the ground with his wind powers. Tremor rolls backwards and throws boulders from the ground and magma balls at the two gods. Liu Kang parries the magma balls with a fire kick while Fujin dodges the boulder. But this was a distraction as Tremor grabs Fujin, crushes his back a little and slams him onto the ground. Liu Kang kicks Tremor in the lower spine and neck, but Tremor grabs his fist and kicks the fire god in the left ribcage, the head and pushed him backwards. The earth elemental throws a magma ball at his feet and Tremor kicks Liu Kang in the chest and slams him down with a rock fist.
Despite feeling some pain, Liu Kang doesn't feel tired one bit. Neither does Fujin. Tremor tires to attack with magma punches and fire, but Liu Kang, being a fire god himself, counters with his own flames by kicking fireballs in his face, blinding him for a second. This allows Liu Kang to punch him in the chest and stomach, does a fiery back kick to the head, cracking the right side of his skull and elbow to the right shoulder, cracking it as well. Liu Kang does a fiery punch and kick to the other shoulder and chin, sending him to Fujin. Fujin uses his wind powers to pull him in and wind starts flying out of his mouth and allowing Fujin to unleash a roundhouse kick to the forehead, cracking more of his skull and blood comes out. Fujin draws his sword and throws it into his right shoulder, making more blood come out and slashes it at his left arm and pulls Tremor in once more and spins him around and kicks him in the spine, cracking it and sending him into Liu Kang. Liu Kang finishes him with a punch to the neck and a backflip kick that sends him flying to the water.
"It's truth. Not myth." Fire God Liu Kang said.
"We must not rest. There will be more approaching soon." Fujin said and the fire god nods.
On the inside of the courtyard, the two teams led by Alex, Cassie and Jade and the other led by General Sonya, Kitana and Sindel have just reached the front of the towers. Baraka and Queen Sheeva guard their respective teams. Earthrealms's defenders have to take out the weapons, otherwise, it would be impossible for them to get inside with how strong and dangerous Kano's weapons are. As told by the God of Wind, Mileena and Rain were expecting them.
Sindel runs into Mileena, who is more than happy to see her in an insane kind of way. "Mother. How I missed you dearly. My father told me about you, yet you side with that hideous thing he used to call a daughter."
"I am not your mother, Mileena. Shao Kahn is deceiving you with his lies." Sindel said.
"But he is offering you a place at his side again if you surrender Kitana to him. I promise no harm will come to you and we will love you." Mileena said.
"Kitana is my real daughter. Not you. The thought of you siding with that monster who killed my real husband sickens me." Sindel said angrily. "Kitana, assist Jackson Briggs. Keep them off me."
"Me and Johnny will head in and deal with the weapons." General said as she gestures to Johnny and they run past Sindel and Mileena.
"You disappoint, mother. I would've loved to play with you anyway." Mileena said.
"You do not deserve a place here in Edenia. Not now, not ever." Sindel said.
"Awe! Such a shame!" Mileena said before they fight.
Mileena swings her sais but misses when Sindel does a handstand and kicks Mileena in the head and knees her in the chest. Sindel does two cartwheel kicks to the face and head, pulls her in with her hair and does a roundhouse kicks across the face, sending her backwards. Mileena gets back up and tries to roll and cut her half-mother, but Sindel shoots purple energy at the ground, sending Mileena in the air, allowing Sindel to jump and float in the air, grabs Mileena and punches her chest and kicks her in the forehead, cracking part of her skull. Mileena teleports behind her and punches her back and does a handstand kick to the back of her head. Mileena manages to land a chop to the head, a knee to the stomach, kick to the forehead, and a swing kick across the chest. Sindel rolls out the way and does another handstand kick to the forehead, knees her chest, and kicks her upward by the chin and Sindel defeats her by grabbing her throat with her hair and throws her down, landing on the back of her head, cracking her skull more.
"Making false claims about family brings nothing but dishonor." Sindel said.
On the other side, Cassie and her team made it to the west tower, which is being guarded by Rain, the Edenian Prince and master of water. Raiden and Kotal fight off the warriors covering for Alex, Jade and Cassie. "You shall not proceed any further. Halt your mission and seize. Shao Kahn might be merciful." Rain said.
"Make us, authoritarian asshole." Alex said.
"Cassandra. Head to the towers. Me and Alex will cover you." Jade tells her.
"Alright. Try not to die out here for everyone's sake." Cassie said. She gives Alex a quick kiss on the cheek and starts running inside. Nightwolf follows her.
"You have made a mistake coming here. You have no right to pledge loyalty here unless it is to me." Rain said.
"Only those who follow Shao Kahn have no rights. You are a traitor." Jade said, summoning her staff.
"You call yourself an Edenian, and you stand with Kitana and earthrealmers like him." Rain said, referring to Alex.
"Because she has morality, and you just have an ego." Alex said and activates his powers and his yellow aura appears and he and Jade fight Rain.
Rain comes in and tries to punch, knee and kick Alex, only for him to counter by parrying his leg away, and do a one-two punch in the back, followed by a spinning kick, allowing Jade to swing at his right rib cage and right shoulder, cracking it a little. Rain turns into water and suddenly appears beside Alex and does two water kicks to the waist, sending Alex back before elbowing his chest, damaging it a little before uppercutting Alex and hitting him with a hard stream of water. Alex absorbed it, but it didn't stop him from receiving pain. Rain swings his jamadhar at Jade, who barely blocks it with her staff. They clash between weapons and Jade does a dash kick, teleports and does another kick to the back, hurting him. Rain goes through a portal made of water and appears behind Jade to kick her in the head, sending her sliding down. Rain summons a water portal under Jade, making her fall through and she appears beside him and he double kicks her face and chops her left shoulder. Alex comes back in and dodges a swing to the neck from his jamadhar and grabs his swinging arm, punches his face, and kicks the back of his head two times. Alex jumps and does a double spin kick to the chest, cracking it and sends him backwards more, but Rain goes through another portal and appears below Alex's feet and turns into a large sphere of water and traps him inside, intending to drown him. Alex holds his breath. He grabs his throat with one hand and uses his powers to absorb the water, forcing Rain to let go of him and fall to a knee. Alex stands, trying to catch his breath.
"What? How is this possible? How are you able to control my power?!" Rain is shocked and angered.
"Why don't you come over here and find out?" Alex challenges him.
Rain comes in to attack, but Alex uses the water powers he absorbed and slides under his feet, causing Rain to lose his footing and get sent flying. Alex fires strong water at Rain, sending him into a pillar and bounces off. Alex grabs him, knees his chest and kicks him in the face, sending him towards Jade. Jade jumps and punches his head, does a palm strike to the face, chops his right leg, cracking it, and swings her staff and spins in place three times, hitting his other ribs and slamming the endpoint on his stomach, and swings it on his back, and knees him in the face, cracking the front of his skull and Alex swings an arm at his head, knocking him out.
"Don't you dare touch him!" Jade threatens the unconscious prince before walking over to Alex. "Alex. Are you alright?" Jade asked in worry, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I've been through worse, Jade. Thanks for coming to the rescue as always." Alex smiles.
"My pleasure, Alex." Jade smiles back.
"Cassie? How are we doing?" Alex comlinks her.
"I'm almost there. Kano and Tasia are at the top, going batshit crazy." Cassie said.
"Want us to come help?" Alex asked, trying not to worry.
"I'll let you know. Be careful down there." Cassie said as she made it to the top and glared at Kano and Tasia. "Stop right there, assholes."
"Oh, here we go. I've been waiting to see you again, Cassandra." Kano said. Despite some injuries he sustained from Sonya, he is still a tough guy to kill.
"Just the ones I've been looking for." Cassie said.
"Now that's no way to greet your Kano and Tasia." Tasia said.
"It's the only way. Can't wait to kick your asses again as usual." Cassie said. "I lost track of how many times you got beaten and cried."
"Keep talking, blondie. That tongue of yours will get you nowhere. Better keep your mouth shut once we bring your head in a box to your mum and hubby." Kano said.
"Your spirit is unworthy and your heart is trapped in a black void. You betray your own kind in favor of Shao Kahn." Nightwolf tells him.
"I live for the fuckin moment. I go where life takes me, mate." Kano said.
"I want to hear you scream so loud, your love will come running and crying." Tasia threatened.
This made Cassie angry as she and Nightwolf fight. Tasia came in for a punch, only for Cassie to duck and back kick her stomach and a swing kick to the head. Kano does a one-two punch to her face and a headbutt. Cassie grabs his flying kick and pushes it away and does a kick to the back of his left knee, a kick to the back and a shadow roundhouse kick to the back of the head, cracking his skull a bit. Nightwolf punches Kano's right shoulder, elbow strikes it and shoulder bashes him. Tasia recovers and does a fake air kick, and elbows Cassie in the forehead and chest, a kick to the right knee, and throws her. Tasia jumps to stand her with the swords, but Nightwolf uppercuts her, making her chin crack and sending her in the air, allowing Nightwolf to do a jump kick to the stomach. He and Tasia clash weapons with each other. Nightwolf's tomahawk against her swords. Nightwolf strikes her right knee, does a back kick to the head, an elbow strike to the chest and neck and chops her in the head. He attempts to finish her off but Kano uses his cannonball move on Nightwolf, knocking him away from Tasia. Kano tries to use his optic laser on her, but it has no effect due to her powers protecting her. Tasia comes in and does a spin kick to Cassie's right ribs, cracking them a bit and stabs her right upper arm with a dagger. Cassie is on her knee and spits out a little bit of blood. Nightwolf manages to get back up, ready to continue.
"What's the matter, girl? Afraid your husband is gonna cry when he watches you die?" Tasia mocks her. "Thanks to a power boost from Shao Kahn's magic, how can you stand a chance against us?"
Cassie grits her teeth as she wipes the blood from her mouth and stands up and suddenly, her powers start glowing yellow. Kano and Tasia take a couple steps back and are shocked that her powers are becoming brighter. "You touch him or anyone I care about, I'll kick your skull and spine out of your bodies." Cassie gets back into a stance.
"Such dumb bravery you have there, love." Kano said.
"Can you still fight, Cassandra Cage?" Nightwolf asks out of concern.
"Yeah. Ready for some payback against these bitches." Cassie said.
"Time to die!" Tasia yelled.
Kano and Tasia charge in, but Cassie jumps over them and shoots yellow energy balls at Tasia, sending her into a wall. Kano throws a dagger which Cassie dodges and kicks him in the chin cracking it, elbows and damages his cyber eye, chops his neck and slams both hands on his spine, cracking and almost breaking it, and front flip kicks his head, knocking Kano down. Kano and Nightwolf clash with their daggers and tomahawks. Nightwolf kicks one of his hand, knees his chin, stabs his right shoulder with the sharp endpoint of his tomahawk. Nightwolf roundhouse kicks Kano around, slams his two tomahawks on his shoulders, making them bleed and kicks him in the spine, cracking it and sending him down, defeated. Cassie turns to Tasia who teleports. She knocks Cassie back but Cassie blasts her with the energy from her powers, defeating her as well.
"You were saying, fuckers?" Cassie insults them as she plants charges on the stack of weapons. She was confused about what just happened with her powers but didn't had time to think about it. Cassie attempts to shoot the both of them dead but she sees more Edenian warriors coming, trying to shoot her with arrows from below. Cassie had to run out of the building, and Tasia was barely able to grab Kano and they transport away. Cassie detonates the weapons and the tower explodes along with the weapons. "General, got one stack of weapons out of commision. Only one to go at your side."
"Nice job, Commander. Be careful out there." General Sonya ordered.
"Roger that." Cassie said. She gets out from behind cover and runs back to Jade and Alex.
As the two fight, Alex quickly discovered her dagger wound. "Cassie, what happened to you?!"
"It's fine. Tasia got me there, but still managed to kick both of their asses and set off charges." Cassie said.
"It better be fine, otherwise, I would've pulled his other eye out." Alex yelled, sounding pissed as they fight. Alex suddenly has a small pain in his head and his eyes briefly turned black again before going back to normal and no one noticed.
"Alex? Are you alright?" Jade asked in worry.
"Yeah. I'm okay. Don't know what happened. Couldn't ask for a better friend and guardian." Alex said.
"I am flattered by the compliment. Next time I see Kano or anyone who touches any of you, they're dead." Jade said, smiling. She can't stand seeing anyone she cares deeply about getting hurt. Mostly if it's Kitana, Alex, or Cassie. Alex uses his powers to help heal Cassie's wound.
"Thanks, sweetheart." Cassie gives him a quick kiss and they smile before resuming helping Jade.
Back on the other side, Sindel assists Jax and Kitana with holding off more warriors. Thankfully, they are starting to slow down a bit, giving the heroes an advantage. Johnny and General Sonya get to the top of the tower and meet Kollector and D'Vorah.
"Ah. The Cage family. Shao Kahn knew you'd come. He has hopes of harvesting your mysterious power." Kollector said.
"And you're Shao Kahn's selling agent? For someone who looks like next to nothing, you seem rich." Johnny said.
"You'll be next to nothing once This One devours you." D'Vorah said.
Sonya, having overhead that, ends up stepping up. "Johnny is mine, buglady. Gonna shoot that tongue out of your insect mouth." Sonya said as she goes to fight D'Vorah, leaving Johnny to fight Kollector.
"You like being Shao Kahn's lummox?" Johnny asked.
"I serve to improve my station." Kollector said.
"Seems more like you're his bitch." Johnny said.
Kollector growls. "I will put you and your valuable daughter in your places."
Johnny and Kollector start to fight. Kollector tries to stab and slice Johnny with his swords, which Johnny dodges and does four punches to the chest, stumbling the Naknadan. Johnny does a swing kick across the chin and a backflip kick, greatly injuring his jaw. Johnny does a punch to the right side of his face and a shoulder bash. Kollector throws a sharp disc at Johnny, but he ducks. Kollector grabs Johnny's ankle, lifts him up, punches his back with his three arms before throwing him. Kollector throws his mace down on Johnny's left shoulder, and drags it back, tripping the former movie star. Johnny gets back up, but is met with a slice to the same shoulder, some cuts across the chest and part of his face and Kollector traps him in chains and proceeds to crush him. Johnny quickly activates his green power and breaks free. Johnny does a break dance kicking move on his chest, backhands his face and triple kicks his chest and does his signature nut punch move, followed by a kick to the face, sending Kollector out of the tower and lands on the ground, gravely injured.
"Stay away from my daughter, you son of a bitch!" Johnny said.
On another end of the tower, General Sonya fights D'Vorah. Of course, while D'Vorah has forgotten everything prior to the New Era, but not Sonya. She remembered the time she betrayed Cassie and her team and locked them up and was a double agent and was really loyal to Shinnok, not Kotal.
"You seem so angry, General Blade." D'Vorah mockingly said.
"All the damn things you've done to me and my family, you bastard." Sonya said, glaring at her.
"This One has done many things to please her masters, no matter the cost. I had dreams about imprisoning your daughter. It pleases This One. And I'll do worse." D'Vorah said.
This only works in angering the general even more as they fight. General Sonya does a low kick to the right leg, and does two backhands to the face. Sonya does two back kicks to the chin and forehead and cartwheel kicks. D'Vorah stumbles and was about to fly in and try to sting her, but Sonya grabs her leg, chops it, throws her down on her back, and steps on her throat and knees her face and rolls off, and shoots two of her stingers with her ring gauntlets. D'Vorah was not going to give up, as she fires small insects out of her mouth and they fly into Sonya's face. The Kytinn fights and punches and slices her left forearm and left leg. She kicks the general's stomach and kicks her in the chest, sending her into the air and uses her two remaining stingers to bring her down and throws her on her chest first. D'Vorah picks her up again and does two kicks to the face, partially damaging her skull and she flies backwards. Sonya rolls out of the way of her stingers and sends both feet to the insect lady's face and throws tiny drones which tase her. The general punches her in the head, knees her chest and shoots an energy ring at her right leg, shooting it off. Sonya unleashes a series of two punches and two kicks and uses her legs to partially snap D'Vorah's neck and does a bicycle kick and throws her down by the top of the head, greatly breaking her skull. Seeing this as a chance, Sonya takes out a garrote wire, wraps it around D'Vorah's neck, flips over her and pulls the wire forward, and D'Vorah's head comes flying off. The Kytinn is dead once again.
"I always hated bugs, but you are just the worst kind of bug." Sonya said before running over to Johnny. "You okay? Where's the sixed-arm selling pervert?"
"Sent him flying out of here, but regrets not being able to grow wings." Johnny joked.
"You never seized to amaze me, Johnny. First time seeing you fight for real, I was blown away." Sonya said, winking at him. They both smile at each other, remembering the good times they had in the Old Era despite circumstances. "Come on, let's blow this thing up and get away from here." Sonya sets the charges and runs out of the building with her husband and sets the charges off, taking care of the last stack of weapons and the tower.
"Alright, that's both towers. Now what do we do?" Jax asked.
"Now we must head forward to the palace. Shao Kahn has nowhere to run now." Kitana said.
"Commander Cage, Sergeant Alex, time to rendezvous. We need to make a move on, pronto!" Sonya said. "This is our only chance of taking out Shao Kahn."
"Yes, General." Cassie acknowledges. "You've heard her. Come on." Jade and Alex nod and they run to meet up with General Sonya, Sindel and the others.
"Queen Sheeva. Baraka. Hold them off while we find Shao Kahn and the sorcerers." Sindel said.
"Your order will be done, my empress." Queen Sheeva said.
"Make the giant bastard pay for all he has done." Baraka said, firing sparks and knocking more out.
The heroes charge inside the palace, led by Sindel and Kitana Kahn. They are both ready to fight Shao Kahn and make him suffer for the crimes he has committed in their home realm. Shao Kahn is not one person that would go down without a fight.
Shang Tsung and Quan Chi have returned from the Flesh Pits with the body of King Jerrod. He retains his flesh edenian body, but it looks rotten as it is held in a capsule, similar to how Shang Tsung created Mileena. How it is not all bones is beyond anyone except for Shang Tsung. They bring the body to Shao Kahn.
"Send the body to the Neatherrealm. I have received word that both of our towers have been lost. Which means that Kano has once again failed me. So much for weaponry experts." Shao Kahn.
"My league. You are the most powerful fighter we know. Surely we cannot run from them unless necessary. Other than Sindel, Kitana, Jade and your former general Kotal, the rest are Earthrealmers, Tarkatans and Shokans." Quan Chi suggested.
"You dare to question my strategy? Win or lose, I will come back stronger than before." Shao Kahn glares at Quan Chi. "Shang Tsung. You know what you must do if all else fails."
"Per your instructions, my league. I promise you that it will be successful." Shang Tsung said. He turns around and the floating capsule containing the king's body is floating through the portal in the Netherrealm. As he is midway through, he hears tons of footsteps coming in and the three villains turn around to see Earthrealm's heroes march right in.
"Sindel. My wife. I have missed you." Shao Kahn softly said.
Sindel sees the body of her deceased husband, closes her fists in anger and is the first to step up. "Shao Kahn. You beast. I was never your wife. You wanted to use me as a pawn in your obsession of conquest. Made me watch you kill King Jerrod."
"I did you a favor! Jerrod was weak. He should've faced me himself with pride, but instead he was a coward, just like you and your daughter! I only kept her around to appease you, in hopes of making you my real wife!" Shao Kahn said.
The portal closes as soon as Jerrod's body is transported. All edenian warriors still fighting feel a sharp pain in their heads as they fall to the ground, unconscious. This was witnessed by Fujin, Fire God Liu Kang, Baraka and Queen Sheeva. The God of Wind and God of Fire and Thunder nod to each other and fly towards the palace.
"You're the monster here, Shao Kahn! We showed you mercy and drove you back here, yet you continue to attack. Perhaps not all our enemies deserve mercy after all." Raiden said.
"Because you value life too often, Raiden. You and your successor Liu Kang. He should've finished me when he had his chance. And he calls himself the chosen one." Shao Kahn said.
"And you are nothing but a fool, too arrogant to see your own ego." Fire God Liu Kang said as he and Fujin came in.
"I am not afraid of gods, fool! I am Shao Kahn! I triumphed over powerful foes for years!" Shao Kahn claimed. "I am not afraid of your Earthrealmer allies either!"
"Well you should be. You underestimate everyone here, and we got here together because we care for each other. You're all alone now." Alex said with everyone agreeing. He didn't think about wanting to see him face to face, but after what he was told and what he saw through the hourglass, he feels less intimidated.
"Mercy and friendliness is for the weak, boy! I will remember those words once I bathe your blood onto the throne!" Shao Kahn points to the half earthrealmer half god. "Shang Tsung. Quan Chi. Dispose of my wife and former daughter." Shao Kahn turns to his two enemies. "If you manage to beat them, I will fight you two myself. But you must not rely on help from the others. Only the strongest shall rule Edenia!"
"And if we do not agree to those terms?" Raiden said, glaring at him.
Shao Kahn holds a button in his hand. "Because if they do not agree, then I will push this, and the explosives in the flesh pits will detonate, and you will all die, but I will escape instantly. Without you around, Outworld and Earthrealm will be mine."
Quan Chi smiled gleefully, wanting to kill Kitana for a long time. He never liked Sindel, as he believed that she was nothing but a distraction to Shao Kahn. Shang Tsung cared for Sindel, but not Kitana, which was why he created Mileena. He is more annoyed that he has to fight with his archrival.
The other heroes debate on what they should do to help. "We gotta do something to help them. Can't let them fight alone on this." Jax said.
"We cannot intervene. This is their home. We helped them get this far. It is their right and theirs alone on fighting for who should rule Edenia." Fujin said.
"You sure about this? Really don't want to lose some good people here to have arrogant asshole over there." Alex asked out of concern.
"Fujin is right. Sindel and Kitana must be the ones to fight Shao Kahn for the rights to their home. It is their honor to do so for the fallen souls slain by the conqueror." Raiden said.
While everyone looks at each other, they do want a piece of Shao Kahn, but they all realize Fujin's point. They don't want to lose them and have to deal with Shao Kahn attending to regain Outworld. "Hate to say it, but he has a point. You heard what Shao Kahn said. He pushes that, we're toast but he's not. He'll be able to escape easily." Cassie said with a hint of reluctance.
"Fear not, Cassandra. I know that in my heart, Sindel and Kitana will prevail." Liu Kang said, looking at Kitana with a smile. The heroes have no choice but to watch them fight.
Sindel fights Shang Tsung while Kitana fights Quan Chi.
"I have brought you the greatest gift, Empress Sindel. Your own daughter, Mileena. She is my masterpiece." Shang Tsung.
"That witch does not deserve to be my daughter. You brought her into this world. Dishonored the family name of Jerrod." Sindel glared at him.
"Kitana was the one who has no honor upon betraying Shao Kahn. Can you not see that?" Shang Tsung mockingly asked.
"Kitana is my rightful daughter, you snake. Your creations are nothing but disappointments." Sindel said.
"If you surrender, Shao Kahn may spare you, but I will not promise no injuries as punishment." Shang Tsung said before they fight.
Sindel jumps in the air, does an air kick and sends a banshee scream projection, knocking the old man back. She does another midair kick, shoots energy from the back of her hand, knocks him across the face hard with her hair and knocks him into the air with it. Sindel does two cartwheel kicks and a backflip kick, sending Shang Tsung farther back. Sindel sends energy down on his head, does a kick to the stomach, a kick strike to the right ankle, does a backflip kick to the chin, partially cracking it and throwing him down, back first. Shang Tsung recovers and summons fireballs from the ground to attack Sindel, but she dodges them as she makes her way to the sorcerous snake. The old man, however, anticipated this and does a knee strike to the chest, a kick to the forehead and a spin kick to the actual face. Shang Tsung then does two elbow strikes to the forehead, and a chop to the head, and a soul slide attack, sending her sliding on the ground. Shang Tsung summons a dead body and Sindel barely dodges out of the way before it explodes, allowing Shang Tsung to do a palm strike to the chest and rib cage and a kick to the chest, cracking it. Sindel does a backflip kick to the back of the head, grabs his throat with her hair, throws him down and does a frontflip kick to the head, uses her Sonic scream and sends herself into Shang Tsung, hits him with her ass literally, making his chest crack and flips over him and knees his back and fires purple energy at him, sending him into a corner, defeated.
"You should've done more than beg for life, sorcerer." Sindel gives him a glare. Sindel was about to get out her spear to finish him, but Shang Tsung was prepared. His hands start glowing a hot red and the floor below the empress' feet start cracking. Sindel quickly jumps back before it explodes, allowing the sorcerer to escape through the portal, though he stops momentarily at Quan Chi's expense and smiles and senses powerful souls within Liu Kang, Fujin and Alex before leaving and the portal shuts.
Kitana fights Quan Chi and appears to be gaining the upper hand. "You have always been the most disappointing thing ever to Shao Kahn, Kitana." Quan Chi stated.
"Rather be a disappointment to him than be his slave and conquer realms." Kitana replied.
"And that's why you are not worthy of Kahn of Outworld." Quan Chi. "He will feed your soul to the Netherrealm."
They resume fighting. Kitana does a backhand to the face, a chop to the left leg and a slash across the abdomen area with her fans. She chops his left shoulder, knees his chest and does a triple kick to the air, and throws a fan close to his right shoulder, cutting and making it bleed a little. Quan Chi responds by using some magic to pull Kitana in as she tries to resist. Kitana, however, creates a whirlwind, sending him upwards, allowing Kitana to do a kick to the groin, and teleports above him and stabs both of his shoulders with her two knives and backflips off of him. Quan Chi uses his magic to freeze her hands and feet, allowing him to pull off a punch to the forehead, another to the left shoulder and a kick to the left thigh. He pulls Kitana closer and does a punch to the neck and right shoulder and lifts her in the air and kicks her in the right ribs, sending her back. Kitana teleports behind Quan Chi and throws a fan at him which he deflects with his magic, but Kitana saw this coming and teleports again and does several slashing strikes to the back, kicks him in the air, throws a fan at his collarbone, cracking it, grabbing his shoulders and throwing him down, piercing his collarbone more and does a knee strike to the face, cracking it. Quan Chi is now defeated.
"Very impressive, Kitana. Your years of training under me and Queen Sheeva have served you well. But your injuries will not save you." Shao Kahn chuckles lightly. He smiles evilly and becomes overly confident and drops the button and stomps on it, crushing it into pieces.
"And the years of training under you will haunt you within your last moments. You should've killed me instead." Kitana said.
"I will gladly enjoy beating the blood out of you. I want your mother to hear your screams when I'm done with you." Shao Kahn stands before his former family. Kitana and her mother nod to each other, knowing what must be done.
"Your hypocritical rule of Edenia ends here today, Shao Kahn." Kitana said.
"Me? Hypocritical? Ha! Don't make me laugh. You're the hypocritical one who turned my Shokan and Tarkatans against me. I'll show them the truth once I am through with you." Shao Kahn said.
"You have never been a rightful rule, "Father". And you never will be." Kitana said before the three fight.
Kitana is the first to charge in and does a small slash to the chest, a kick to the left knee, and a stab to the left shoulder. Kitana grabs his head, does a chop strike to the chest and a punch to the back of the head, sending him to Sindel. Sindel does a punch to the chest, a swing across the face with her hair, and shooting purple energy at him, sending him sliding down, but he lands on a foot. Shao Kahn throws a spear at Sindel, but she dodges and and does a frontflip kick to the right shoulder, a swing across the face with her hair, grabs his throat and kicks him in the chest. Shao Kahn growls and sees Sindel fixing to do another flip kick. He kicks her in mid air, does a shoulder bash and an uppercut to the back, sending her backwards. Kitana and Shao Kahn exchange blows. While Kitana may be faster, Shao Kahn is physically stronger thanks to his brute strength. They briefly lock weapons with each other before he kicks her back, stumbling her. Shao Kahn charges in head first, and Kitana jumps backwards, but Shao Kahn anticipated this by grabbing Kitana's foot, punches her in the back, cracking her spine, throws her upwards, grabs her ankle again and throws her down. Before he could land the final blow, Sindel does her sonic scream into her evil ex-husbands face, does a frontflip kick to the head and a reverse kick to the face, sending him backwards.
"Your ego is getting the best of you, Shao Kahn. You may be a conqueror, but you know you cannot win and you still continue to deny the truth. You will never have what we have and that is family bonds." Sindel said.
"I have conquered many places. Bonds are for the weak. I triumphed over King Jerrod and killed him. Doing the same to you will be all satisfying." Shao Kahn said. "It will be my greatest achievement until I take back Outworld and take over Earthrealm."
They resume fighting. Sindel does a banshee scream to the ground, nearly making Shao Kahn lose his footing. Kitana jumps over him and does a chop to the left shoulder and does a cut to the right forearm, double kicks his back and throws one of her fans past his leg, cutting and bleeding it. Shao Kahn kicks her and grabs her throat and punches her chest, cracking it and throws and shoulder bashes her. Sindel does two cartwheel kicks and a kick to the chest, stabbing the right side of it, and punches him in the groin, causing him great pain. Shao Kahn grabs her by the head, throws her down, cracking her skull, and she bounces back up, allowing Shao Kahn to grab her, punch her chest, and unleash two double kicks, sending her flying. Sindel recovers though and Kitana throws her fans, which Shao Kahn deflects, but that was her plan. She suddenly appears behind the evil conqueror and slashs him across the stomach, making him bleed more. Kitana knees his chin, kicks his forehead and does a strong palm strike to the left ribcage, breaking it. Sindel grabs his leg with her hair, kicks his chest, breaking it, elbows the kneecap she grabbed, breaking it as well and sends him back with a banshee scream, knocking his mask off. Sindel impales his mouth with her hair and it goes through his body, imapling every part of it, and his eyes pop out. Sindel violently stretches her hair out by leaning backwards, pulling her hair out and Shao Kahn's body has been torn to shreds and blood is everywhere.
Everyone in the room remains completely stunned by what they just witnessed. Sindel has actually killed Shao Kahn. Something that has not been done for twenty years in the Old Era where he was killed by Raiden. Liu Kang, while stunned, knew deep down that they would be able to pull it off. The feeling is mutual with Fujin, but everyone else is at a loss for words. They had no idea how powerful Sindel was except for Alex, Sonya, Jax and Johnny, given how she never holds back in a fight.
"Family bonds are more sacred to save than arrogance." Sindel said before going over to check on her only daughter Kitana. "Daughter. Are you alright?"
"I am fine. I promise I am fine, mother. You've done it. You actually killed Shao Kahn." Kitana said. Upon saying that, many edenian warriors come in and have just witnessed what happened. They are no longer under Shao Kahn's control. After so long, they have been freed.
"No. We killed him. We have finally liberated Edenia. Our home. It is now back in our hands. No more will he ever harm it again." Sindel said and she and Kitana hug.
"Hail the one and only Empress. We have never forgotten you." One edenian warrior said.
"Hail the one and only Empress. We have never forgotten you." More edenian warriors start to follow. Then all of the warriors start chanting the same words.
As the heroes look around and see what's going on, they also see the Tarkatans and Shokans are doing the same thing. Jade steps up to her best friend and her mother. "Hail the one and only Empress. We have never forgotten you." Jade smiles.
"No need for that, Jade. I cannot thank you enough for assisting us in liberating our rightful home of Edenia. You have our gratitude, Jade." Sindel said.
"Where do we go from here?" Kitana asked. "Surely, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi will know and attend to strike back to avenge him."
"That is where we come in, Kitana Kahn." Liu Kang said. "Fujin. We must do this now."
"Indeed. Make all preparations for their return. We will finish them." Fujin said as he and Liu Kang stepped up.
"They're gonna do something. They're doing something." Johnny said, amazed at what is about to happen.
Liu Kang and Fujin chant words at the same time and wave their hands in a pattern. Their hands glow with the wind, fire and lightning and look at each other and nod. They finish their spell and have casted it throughout all of Edenia. A mystical barrier has been placed to prevent sorcery from entering.
"What just happened right there?" Alex asked.
"We placed a barrier throughout the entire realm of Edenia. Shang Tsung and Quan Chi won't be able to enter through here." Liu Kang said.
"Nice." Cassie said. "But what if they decide to enter Earthrealm or Outworld instead? Knowing how smart they are, they'll find a way to counter this thing."
"That is why we must prepare for their return. It will take them at least one full year to counter the barriers. Once they do that, we will be ready to finish them. Their magic is weaker in the Netherrealm." Kitana said.
"Then we should probably do the same with Earthrealm and Outworld. Cassie's right. They're geniuses. They will figure something out." Alex said.
"Do not worry, Alex. We will do so once we return. Always stay on your guard when possible. The winds will know." Fujin advised.
"We must rebuild Edenia, daughter." Sindel said.
"Where do we begin? So much to do while we stand here. It'll take more than a while." Kitana said. "Who will watch Outworld?"
"You will. You have always been a worthy Kahn. I promise that I will call if I need your help." Sindel said. She and her daughter hug each other, having missed their home after so long.
"We have the time in the world, Kitana. As Liu Kang said, it will take a year for the snakes to come crawling out of their holes." Jade said.
"We've already evacuated the weapons from Shang Tsung's flesh pits. They should bring you no more trouble." General Sonya said.
"Thank you, General. We are grateful for your help in Edenia." Kitana said.
"We all have our duty, Kitana Kahn." General Sonya salutes.
Alex and Liu Kang walk up to Jade and Kitana. "You finally got your home back. Congratulations, Jade." Alex said.
"Thank you, Alex. I am grateful for your help. While I will spend a lot of time here in Edenia, I will remember to keep my promise to you and Cassandra." Jade said.
"Things never change for the better do they?" Alex joked.
"We will see about that. I hope your future with your wife will come with pride." Jade said before she and Alex hug. "This won't be goodbye forever, but I'll never forget how we met, little brother."
"Thank you, Jade. I hope things go well here." Alex smiled.
"Same here. Can't wait to imagine it within five years." Cassie said, throwing an arm around her husband.
"The offer still stands to you always, Cassandra." Jade said.
"Things are starting to change for the better, Kitana. I had hoped that this would happen one day." Liu Kang said.
"Me too. This has been a day I have long since dreamed of. The day with Shao Kahn's death and rebuilding Edenia with my mother." Kitana said.
"The future may only be brighter from here. Because you never lost hope." Liu Kang said. "If you ever need any further assistance, you know how to contact me."
"I will remember, Liu Kang." Kitana said as they kiss.
The Fire God turns to Empress Sindel. "Empress." Liu Kang bows his head.
"Thank you, Liu Kang. You and Fujin have done much for the realms since your newfound godhood. You are welcome here anytime." Sindel said, shaking Liu Kang's hand.
"Ready to go, Liu Kang?" Alex asked and he nods. As they turn to leave, Sindel gains his attention.
"Alex. Don't think I have forgotten our first encounter. I wish to make up for my previous actions towards you. You and your wife are also welcome here anytime." Sindel said to Alex.
"Thanks, Lady Sindel. Hope things turn out good without those two assholes around." Alex said.
"They underestimate us, but we must not underestimate them either. May your future come brighter." Sindel said. Alex nods and runs to catch up to Cassie.
"Looking forward to a kinder, gentler Edenia." Cassie said.
"I hope so too. Imagine us within five years from now." Alex said, making her giggle and kiss him.
"Come on. Let's head home. I'm exhausted." Cassie said, holding Alex's hand.
Fujin and Liu Kang open a portal back to Earthrealm and Outworld. Liu Kang leads Kitana, the Shokan and Tarkatans back, but Kotal remains behind to be with Jade. Fujin leads the Special Forces back home to Earthrealm where they can rest after a long day. Shao Kahn is no more…..
In the Netherrealm, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi have rendezvoused to the long forgotten castle of Shinnok, who has been erased from existence. They reach another set of flesh pits with the body of Jerrod and a familiar face.
"Shao Kahn has lost. To Sindel and Kitana. We should've stayed and helped." Quan Chi said.
"True, but we were still outmatched by powerful souls, including two gods and a demigod. Shao Kahn always had more ego than skill. Though it does not stop him from putting his fist down."
"We must prepare for our return with a counter spell. Fujin and Liu Kang should have placed barriers to prevent us from leaving here. We have the element of surprise. They will expect us." Quan Chi said.
"For once, we have a mutual agreement." Shang Tsung said, smiling at the body of a clone, holding a soul. A body that looks exactly like Shao Kahn.
Note: I originally had Cassie fight Kano and Tasia by herself but I included Nightwolf since I wanted to get him into the action. Same with Fire God Liu Kang and Fujin fighting Tremor. I killed D'Vorah again because I'd thought it'd be funny, given everyone's hatred towards her. As for Shao Kahn's death, I never planned on killing him off permanently that early. Sindel's fatality was from MK11 while Sonya's was from Mk9. Fun fact, Shao Kahn presumbly died in Deadly Alliance, but according to the Gamecube version of Deception, the duo ended up killing a clone instead. I thought I'd adapt that in the story.