Chapter 12: Reluctance and Second Chances
The Special Forces nearly succeeded in their mission. They captured Kano, Tasia and Tremor, but before they could be executed, Geras and Skarlet temporarily freeze time slowly but not to a complete stop. Geras rescued them from imminent death and escaped back to Kronika's keep. Sonya and the others remain confused on what happened. They recognize that something happened involving time, and they know that it has happened before. Once outside, Sonya and the team meet with Fire God Liu Kang, Raiden and Kung Lao. Liu Kang uses his lightning powers to transport himself, Raiden and Kung Lao to them. "General Sonya. Johnny Cage. Jacquline and Jackson."
"What's wrong, Liu Kang?" Jacqui asked.
"Something has happened." Liu Kang tells her.
"Someone snuck into the Wu Shi Dragon Grotto while I was training with the monks and stole some of the Jinsei." Kung Lao said.
"Again? Who?" Johnny asked.
"We do not know. But we may have our suspicions. Once Kung Lao has told me, we began to suspect that Skarlet may have had something to do with it." Liu Kang said.
"So she's flying solo again. That doesn't surprise me one bit. She pretty much turned against the Red Dragon." Jacqui said.
"A possibility, Jacquiline. It would stand to reason that Skarlet left them, knowing that the Red Dragon's defeat was inevitable." Raiden said.
"So Skarlet must've used her blood magic to sneak into the school since it would've been next to impossible to get past the traps by normal means." Kung Jin said.
"Exactly. But that doesn't explain why Skarlet would want the Jinsei. There was only one way in and one way out of the grotto and academy." Kung Lao said.
"She may have stolen some for Shang Tsung and Quan Chi." Jax said.
"Also a possibility." Sonya said.
"Have you found the prisoners, General Blade?" Liu Kang asked.
The Special Forces look at each other and nod, knowing that they have to know. Kabal, despite being confused about the facts, just decides to listen now and ask later. "About that, Liu Kang." Sonya said. "We captured them, and planned to execute them, but something came up. They instantly disappeared the moment a sand portal appeared."
Liu Kang remained confused for a moment until he got the idea and he, Raiden and Kung Lao look at each other. "Sand portal? You mean time stopped?" Raiden asked.
"Pretty much. But that doesn't make sense. Liu Kang is supposed to be the time keeper." Johnny said.
"I am already aware of the event that occurred. I sensed the Sands of Time being active once again. It happened first last night. I cannot track it. It has to be in one place in order for me to enter it through a portal. I was not entirely sure, but my suspicions have raised once you defeated Kano." Liu Kang said.
"Do you think Skarlet may be trying to control the hourglass?" Takeda asked.
"No. She would require the crown's power. She has no experience with the hourglass. She is, however, aware that she cannot change history without it. Doing so would destroy the hourglass and all of time." Raiden assures him.
"Maybe she's working with someone." Jin said.
"Like who? Our enemies are still trapped in the Netherrealm, almost ready to counter the spell with their own. Nobody could get in or out." Sonya said.
"You are right, General Blade. Someone must be behind this. Regardless, this is a crisis that is a threat to all realms." Liu Kang said.
"What can we do, Lord Liu Kang?" Kung Lao asked.
Liu Kang turns to his mentor and he nods in agreement. "We must alert everyone about this. Fujin, Edenia, the Lin Kuei, Shirai Ryu and Outworld. They must know about the events that transpired." Raiden said.
Sonya felt reluctant to say this, but feels that something else may come up next and wouldn't want to put her family in danger. "Jacqui. I need you to call Cassie and Alex. They would want to hear this."
"Aren't they on their anniversary right now?" Johnny asked.
"I know. I wouldn't want to interrupt their privacy either, Johnny. But they must know what is happening, especially Alex." Sonya sighs with reluctance.
"I will have to agree with Sonya, Johnny Cage. Perhaps Alexander and Cassandra may have experienced something of their own." Raiden said.
"Given that he helped with the hourglass, I would agree as well. I will let Kitana and Jade know immediately." Liu Kang said.
"In the meantime, I will send word to Sheeva and Sindel. They must know what could come next." Raiden said.
"This leaves us with Hanzo Hasashi and Grandmaster Blueberry Ice. Hopefully Sub-Zero will know what's going on." Johnny said.
Liu Kang transports himself, Raiden and Kung Lao away. They head to Edenia and Outworld to warn Sindel, Queen Sheeva, Kitana Kahn and Jade about the events that transpired involving time stopping momentarily and Skarlet being involved. Sonya, which reluctance, orders Jacqui to call Alex and Cassie about what happened. Sonya and Takeda would send word to Sub-Zero and Hanzo Hasashi.
In Kornika's Keep, Geras brings back Kano, Tasia and Tremor with him and saved their lives. Skarlet frees them from their restraints. Despite that, they still have questions to ask.
"Who the hell do you think you are? We could've saved ourselves from their fucking pain." Kano said.
"I have seen visions of you, Kano. You were to be executed by Major Sonya Blade. You would not survive." Gera corrected him.
"I'll be damned, considering we never met before." Kano said.
Geras walks closer to the Black Dragon founder. "You do not know me. But I do know you, Kano. Leader and founder of the Black Dragon. Supporter of Shao Kahn." Geras said. He raises one of his hands.
"What the hell are you doing?" Kano asks with a glare. "Back away if you know what's good for ya."
"I am only wanting to help you, Kano. I wish no harm." Geras said.
"Yeah, said no one ever, you fuck knuckle." Kano said, getting out his daggers as they fight.
Kano swings his daggers at him, which Geras easily dodges and grabs Kano by the throat and throws him through a small sand portal and he pops back out, allowing Geras to execute a punch to the chest and double kick to the forehead. Kano gets back up to use the cannonball move, but Geras summons a sand pillar and stops Kano in his tracks. Geras does a punch to the face, a kick to the left knee and slams him to the ground and does an elbow strike to the face and pushes him. Geras does a high kick to the chin, grabs him and throws him into a sand wall. Kano stumbles off, allowing Geras to send a strong punch to the chest, sending Kano through the sand wall, defeating him. Kano is on all fours in defeat. Geras stands over him.
"This will not hurt. Remember everything." Geras said. He places three of his fingers on Kano's forehead and he gasps and nearly rolls his human eye back. Tremor and Tasia get into a stance for whatever comes up, but it doesn't seem like Geras is actually hurting him.
Kano starts to remember everything. He remembers fixing up Kabal from his near fatal injuries at the hands of Kintaro. Flash forward to over twenty years later he was hired to steal Shinnok's amulet from Kotal Kahn. He remembers being captured by Sonya and tells her about the amulet and being defeated by Alex many times and meeting his past self. The last thing he remembers was his death at the hands of the younger version of Sonya Blade.
Geras lets go of his forehead and steps backwards. Kano comes back to reality and falls to his knees, gasping for air, breathing heavily. He remembered the very pain from his human eye being shot out via his past self. He briefly holds his hand over his regular eye and looks at Geras. "Y-you. You're that man who can't die." Kano said,
"Yes. I am Geras. Crafted by Kronika using her hourglass. No matter how many times I die, I return stronger than before. My strength grows to match a god such as Liu Kang." Geras said.
"Liu Kang. A god. Last time I remembered, he wasn't a god to begin with. That was Raiden." Kano said.
"Correct. Raiden transferred his powers to Liu Kang and he became a fire god. Kronika required Alex for her plans. Unfortunately, she failed and Alex and Liu Kang killed her." Geras said.
"This is the New Era. But not what Kronika envisioned. All of her allies, you included, had your memories wiped by them and altered. Only the heroes of Earthrealm remember. I was the only exception." Skarlet said.
"Well, everyone is gone from the other fucking timeline. And because she failed, we don't get what we want." Kano said. "What makes you think we will help you again?"
"Because Kronika entrusted me with this task. We can recruit all those that Kronika has before, except the revenants. They are no more due to changes in the past. Cetrion is also gone for now. But I can share my visions with you." Geras said. He shows them via the hourglass about their dreams coming true. Kano forcing Cassie and Sonya to fight each other, Johnny being executed, Jacqui, Takeda, Jin and Alex tortured. Kano looks at this and smiles.
"Well I'll be fucking damned. This was not what Kronika told me about. I have a feeling I would love this." Kano said. Tasia ad Tremor, seeing the visions as well, also seem to enjoy it. The Black Dragon topping the Red Dragon and Special Forces, and being king of the world sounds promising to them.
"But how do we start? Where will we go from here?" Tasia asked.
"You have a mission to complete. Do you not?" Geras asked.
"How did you know?" Tasia asked.
"I share only part of Kronika's power. However, I cannot create the Next Era. I am not the Keeper of Time. That title belongs to Liu Kang." Geras said.
"Can't you just kill him? You went toe to toe with Raiden just like you said." Kano said.
"I cannot kill Liu Kang alone, despite my immortality. He knows where the crown is. I cannot track it as my abilities are limited with the hourglass. He will have assistance from Alex Cage, formally Torres." Geras said.
"You know, Kronika never told anyone other than you, Cetrion and bad Liu Kang. Why do you want him? What makes that boy so special because of his powers?" Kano asked.
"The answers will wait. For now, you must complete your mission." Geras said.
"Shang Tsung and Quan Chi are supposed to meet with us on the Outskirts of Oregon before the damn Special Forces came." Tremor said.
"I have a better idea." Geras said. He uses the power of the hourglass and uses the hourglass and creates a sand portal which opens up for the five of them.
Kano looks on, impressed. "You heard the immortal freak. Let's get the stash to the magicians pronto." Tasia and Tremor nod on acknowledgment. Geras follows them into the portal. Kano knows where they are going. But where is it exactly? They are most likely aware that the Special Forces have caught onto their escape with their mysterious allies.
The Sand Portal opens up. Kano, Geras and the others have walked into a very familiar place ahead of schedule: the Netherrealm. It opens up right at the entrance of Shinnok's old castle. Kano smirks evilly, as things seem to be going better than he expected. Tremor is carrying the staches and Skarlet comes out of the portal, eager to see Shao Kahn again. Geras smirks, recognizing who this castle belonged to in the Old Era. He was pleased that Kronika rebuilt it after the Special Forces once destroyed it. They walk past the undead, who stare menacingly at the immortal being. They are not even attacking the others either. They may seem unintelligent, but it may be possible that Quan Chi used his magic to command them not to attack their allies. They reach near the top of the castle and walk in the doors to a room full of Outworld's enemies.
Kano and the Black Dragon walk in and see their allies. Mileena, Rain, Kollector, Ermac, and Reptile standing in front of them. They seem surprised that they have arrived earlier than expected. They remain confused by how they arrived in the first place with the barriers almost being removed. Kano passes them and sees Shang Tsung and Quan Chi continuing to work. They stop in their tracks upon seeing Kano.
"Kano. I am very surprised you managed to find your place here. We were almost finished removing the barriers Liu Kang and Fujin placed. And I see you brought Tasia and Tremor as well." Shang Tsung smirks.
"How did you even get here in the first place? It should not be possible. No one could have been able to enter or leave the Netherrealm. You are no sorcerer." Quan Chi said.
"Who would want to live as a crazy magic man saying stupid words like how you two do." Kano said.
"Just be lucky that you breathe because I chose to restrain mine, Kano." Shao Kahn said. Shang Tsung and Quan Chi step aside and Kano could not believe his eyes. Shao Kahn was indeed alive and well.
"W-what? How in the hell are you alive? Your wife and daughter killed ya." Kano said.
"Because unlike you, I have subjects that remain loyal to me. Shang Tsung used his sorcery and flesh pits to create clones of me and transfer my soul and memories to each clone. They can kill me all they want, but I will never die as long as I have sorcery. I will not underestimate Sindel and Kitana ever again." Shao Kahn with Shang Tsung smirking, impressed by his own work. His flesh pits have always pleased Shao Kahn, especially when he created Mileena.
"You better have a good reason for being here, earthrealmer. My father told me not to slit your throat just yet." Mileena said, licking her teeth. She often enjoyed devouring flesh from her enemies. She would not hesitate in doing the same to Sindel and Kitana Kahn.
"Don't get all jumpy on us, missy. Grow up like me and stop being an idiotic child as always." Kano insults her.
"For that, I will have your heart, Kano!" Mileena said, bringing out her sais.
Before they could fight, Shao Kahn slams his wrath hammer down. "Enough! Mileena. Stand down." Mileena bows her head out of reluctance and obedience. The conqueror turns to Kano. "As for you. Do not insult my daughter again. We have more bigger matters to deal with. I hope you have brought what I need to get my revenge, Kano."
"Some things, mighty conqueror. And someone." Kano smirks and steps aside and Geras steps up, staring at Shao Kahn.
"Shao Kahn. We meet again." Geras said.
"And who in Netherrealm's name are you?! I do not even know you, fool." Shao Kahn glared at him.
"I am Geras. You do not recognize me, but I know who you are. We were allies once. Allies of Kronika. You were defeated by Kitana and had your eyes sliced out by her. Your former general Kotal passed the mantle of Kahn to her." Geras said.
"Lies! That has never happened before! I do not remember such things! Next time I see Kitana, she is dead! You spew nothing but lies to me!" Shao Kahn said, pointing at him.
"I only speak truth, Shao Kahn." Geras said, walking up to him. Before Geras could put his hand on Shao Kahn's face, the conqueror grabs his hand, crushes it and kicks him backwards.
"I shall enjoy this. I need a warm up to reignite the fire within my mighty kombat skills. I will punish those who dare lay a hand on me and commit treason." Shao Kahn said, bringing up his hammer once again.
"Ah shit, not this again." Kano said, facepalming himself out of annoyance. Kano could do nothing as Shao Kahn and Geras fight.
Shao Kahn charges in with a kick to the chest and a back kick to the head. He then swings his hammer at his head, uppercuts him, grabs his shoulder and slams him down to the ground, slams his hammer to the ground and swings it down on his head, causing Geras some injuries. Geras summons a sand spear and they collide with their own weapons. Their own weapons collide with each other and Geras kicks Shao Kahn backwards, making him drop his hammer. Geras comes in to swing at the conqueror, but Shao Kahn grabs his sand spear, headbutts him and takes the spear and throws it into Geras' right shoulder, making blood come out. He takes the sharp end his hammer, stabs his left shoulder with it, kicks him in the left ribcage with it and jumps and swings it down on his left shoulder, cracking it greatly. Shao Kahn summons his own spear, stabs Geras in the stomach and does horizontal swings at the chest and stomach and does a vertical swing to the throat and chin, sending the immortal man into the air. Shao Kahn jumps up and shoulder bashes him, grabs him by the ankle and throws Geras down, chest first and Shao Kahn throws a spear throw his back. Shao Kahn brings out his mighty hammer and slams it on his head. Geras' head is partially ruined from many swings at it. Geras is dazed from the attack. Shao Kahn swings at his stomach, and to the head, sending Geras down to all fours and does a golf swing to the head, crushing it and forcing into and through Geras' back and his head with his spine attached are sent flying with his entrails and blood going everywhere. Geras' head lands on the ground and the body falls to the floor.
Shang Tsung chuckles at his master's victory over the man. Quan Chi smiles while Mileena claps her hands and jumps up and down like a little school girl. "Well done, my father. Nobody can resist your mighty wrath. The strongest father I know."
"Indeed, Shao Kahn. Your new strength exceeds all expectations compared to your previous body. Just as I predicted correctly." Shang Tsung smiled. He always seems to amaze himself with his own creations from his sorcery.
"So much for a new ally, Kano. He would've been worth a while if he stood a better chance against me." Shao Kahn mocks him.
"You sure about that, mate? Because you might have your hands full with your goddamn ego." Kano said, looking over at Geras' remains. Shao Kahn looks at the corpse and Geras' body starts repairing itself. His head and spine come back to the body and the entrails and blood also return to him. Geras stands back up, never dead to begin with.
"Impossible." Shao Kahn said out of surprise.
"I am a fixed point in time. I cannot be truly killed. No matter how many times I die, I will always return to a stronger state." Geras explained.
"If you are coming back stronger, then you may prove to be more useful. That is, even though you cannot defeat me." Shao Kahn said.
"I have grown more powerful beyond the strength of the gods. My strength matches that of Liu Kang and even yours, Shao Kahn." Geras said.
"We shall see who has the strength beyond of a god once I permanently pummel you and Liu Kang to the ground and soak their blood in this throne room." Shao Kahn said. He swings his hammer at Geras again, but he summons a giant fist made of sand and stops the hammer from hitting him. While Shao Kahn was stronger, Geras was a quick thinker. He dodges Shao Kahn's swings and punches his right ribcage, does a high kick to the chest and summons two giant sand hammers and they swing at Shao Kahn's chest and back. Geras does a big punch to the face, sending Shao Kahn backwards. He is on a knee, but not giving up. Shao Kahn throws another mystic spear at Geras, but he knocks it away and stops a hammer swing knocking it away as well.
Geras sees this as an opening and places his open palm on Shao Kahn's face, causing the conqueror to gasp and his eyes roll backwards.
"FATHER!" Mileena yelled as she came charging in with her two sais, attempting to stop Geras, but he grabs her face and holds her up in the air and she feels some pain go to her head and she starts to remember. Mileena remembers waking up for the first time and meeting Kitana, trying to consider her as a sister, but was rejected. She watched Outworld's tournament and helped Shao Kahn lead the invasion in Earthrealm. After her father's death, she became the new empress and allied with Reiko, Rain and Tanya as well as the Red Dragon, with Reiko betraying her later on and going into hiding. She went to war with Kotal Kahn, wanting vengeance for taking her place as Kahn. During that time, she recruited Kano to kill Kotal, but failed. She tried to use Shinnok's amulet, but it was killing her. The last things she remembered was being defeated by D'Vorah and Cassie Cage and brought to Kotal. Kotal ordered her execution and D'Vorah kills her by sending flesh-eating parasites via a kiss.
Shao Kahn remembers ruling Edenia and killing King Jerrod and forcing Sindel to marry him. He sees himself nearly executing Shang Tsung for his failure to defeat Liu Kang and hosting a tournament in Outworld. Then he sees himself locking up Kitana when she attempted to rebel against him after he had Shang Tsung create Mileena. He watches himself about to snap Kung Lao's neck until the time-merger happened and he fought against Kotal and tried to kill D'Vorah for killing Mileena and meeting Kronika. They agreed to help each other and the last thing he remembered was getting his eyes sliced out by Kitana, who then became Kahn.
Shao Kahn and Mileena snap back into reality, gasping for air. Shao Kahn is once again on a knee, remembering everything that transpired in the Old Era. He could not believe that he was defeated by his own adoptive daughter, Kitana.
"Geras. Now I remember you. You were Kronika's most loyal servant. It is all coming back to me. The last thing I remember was Kitana cutting my eyes out and I was locked up in Outworld's prison." Shao Kahn said. Everyone else looked at each other in confusion, not one of them knowing who Kronika is.
"I…...I died. At the hands of D'Vorah the disgusting Kytinn. Kotal ordered her to execute me. If she was still alive, I'd hoist her by the ankles and split her through. They had help from Cage and her Special Forces." Mileena said. She always seemed angry around D'Vorah during the New Era, but didn't understand why. Now Mileena knows.
"Yes. This is the New Era, but not what Kronika envisioned for you. It was not part of her grandmaster plan." Geras said.
"Kronika has been killed, hasn't she? Raiden killed her and used the hourglass to change history so that my plans to merge the realms would fail. Only this time, Raiden made sure that everyone lived, including Sindel, who betrayed me." Shao Kahn said.
"Yes. Except it was not Raiden. It was Liu Kang. Raiden transferred his powers and immortality to him, making Liu Kang his successor. He had help from Alex Cage. The husband of Johnny Cage's daughter Cassandra. The one who defeated Shinnok." Geras said.
"I remember now. I heard rumors about the Cages defeating Shinnok twice. But why are you here?" Shao Kahn asked.
"I had help from one of our most loyal subjects." Geras said. He turns to Skarlet and she steps up.
"Shao Kahn. My true league. We live again." Skarlet said.
"Skarlet. So you disappeared to help Geras. I was wondering why you snuck away during the tournament in Outworld." Shao Kahn said.
"Kronika gave me a task to complete. That was to bring back Geras. Part of her backup plan in case she failed. Geras was trapped in the hourglass until I freed him by uniting his soul." Skarlet said.
"You never seize to impress me, Skarlet." Shao Kahn said before turning back to Geras. "Why are you here, Geras? Why come to me? Where was Kronika when Kitana stole my throne?"
"Forgive me, Shao Kahn. Kronika saw that you would be victorious over Kitana Kahn, but she was thrown off. Kronika is dead because of Liu Kang and Alex Cage, but her subconsciousness survived. I carry half of it with me. She's in my head, guiding me as we speak. There is a way to bring her back, but I cannot do so without you and your might, Shao Kahn. Together, we can bring the Next Era." Geras offered his assistance.
Shao Kahn was hesitant on whether or not to trust Geras' word. Given the fact that he believes that Kronika abandoned him. He turns to everyone else, all looking interested in hearing Geras out, Mileena included. Shao Kahn turns back to Geras and walks over to him and grabs his throat. "One hint of betrayal, and I'll feed you to my undead army for all eternity, no matter how many times you die and come back." Shao Kahn lets go.
"Then we are in agreement." Geras said.
"I hope you at least have a plan, Geras. What is it that is required for this Next Era? It better be damn worth all our time here." Kano asked.
"The first phase of my plan would involve all of you. Most specifically, your most powerful sorcerers." Geras said, looking at Shang Tsung and Quan Chi. The two look at each other out of curiosity.
"And you desire something from us, desperately I assume." Quan Chi guessed.
"Yes. You two are the most powerful sorcerers that I know. That Kronika has known for eons. She became more powerful thanks to the souls Shang Tsung collected for her." Geras said.
"And all the souls I collected helped benefit her, I presume? When she attempted to craft for her New Era until she was killed." Shang Tsung said, sounding impressed.
"In order for us to truly succeed, you will be acquired with more power. That is where I come in." Geras said. Geras opens up a sand portal, surrounding everyone with sand. Geras's hands lights up and so does the hourglass. Energy from the hourglass start flowing through the portal and fly into everyone, Shao Kahn included. No pain came. Instead, they feel as if they've gained a big boost of energy. Shao Kahn has a vision of what the Next Era could be for him. All realms merged into one, stomping and killing all of his familiar enemies who dare to challenge him as he would become the champion of the universe. Shang Tsung absorbing souls from the helpless, Mileena feeding off her victims, Rain ruling Edenia with an iron fist after killing his former family.
Shao Kahn felt more amazed than ever thanks to the power boost and visions that Geras has shared with him. He never felt any more powerful than ever. Shao Kahn's dream was to be the most powerful fighter in the universe, beyond that of gods and even Elder Gods. "This power. I never felt power like this before. It is beyond belief. My strength will match that of a god like Liu Kang! He will kneel before me as I will destroy everyone around him!" Shao Kahn exclaimed.
"There will be more power where that came from, Shao Kahn. However, that is all I can give you. We must resurrect Kronika. In order to do that, we acquire the assistance of Shang Tsung and Quan Chi." Geras said. "A word with you two."
Shang Tsung and Quan Chi turn to Shao Kahn, waiting for his command. "Do as he says." Shao Kahn ordered and they bow their heads to him. Mileena and Ermac look on with suspicious looks on their faces.
The two sorcerers walk with Geras alone to a good distance to where no one can hear them. "There is a great task that I ask both of you. But first." Geras lays his fingers on their heads and they too nearly roll their eyes back.
Quan Chi remembers killing the Shirai Ryu and tricking Scorpion into framing and killing Bi-Han and resurrecting him as Noob Saibot. Healing Shao Kahn from his injuries after he was wounded by Liu Kang. Quan Chi sees himself creating a soulnado before being defeated by Nightwolf. Quan Chi remembers Shinnok, his true master and creating the revenants of the fallen heroes during Raiden's attempt to change the future. He then remembers meeting with Kronika, D'Vorah and Rain about their plans for the New Era and what was part of her plan. The last thing he remembers was freeing Shinnok from his own amulet shortly before he was beheaded by Hanzo Hasashi.
Shang Tsung remembers his time collecting souls and serving under Shao Kahn. Hosting the first Mortal Kombat tournament to help Shao Kahn merge the realms, but is defeated by Liu Kang. He remembers regaining his youth after being given a second chance and helped Quan Chi fight Kung Lao, but failed. He lastly remembers something rather unfortunate which confuses him. He remembers Sindel's original resurrection, with Shao Kahn sacrificing him. Another memory was when sand flowed around everyone during the tournament and almost everyone was brought into the present except him. He remembers himself turning into sand.
The two sorcerers snap back into reality and they both look at Geras. They seem rather surprised, yet puzzled about the multiple memories they have. "Kronika. Now I remember her. She was the Keeper of Time." Quan Chi said.
"Kronika destined my fate for me. Gathering souls." Shang Tsung said.
"That is why I ask a great task from the both of you. Only your specific levels of expertise can guide us through." Geras said, giving each of them careful instructions on what to do.
Shao Kahn continues to grow suspicious of Geras as he is speaking to them about something but couldn't quite make it out. They return to Shao Kahn, who is waiting impatiently for them. "What is that you require from Shang Tsung?" Shao Kahn asked.
"He must recover Kronika's crown. Only Liu Kang knows where to find it, but because it collected souls, Shang Tsung should be able to track it down. I have seen it in a vision." Geras said. Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn look at each other. Shao Kahn sees the look in his eyes and they nod in agreement.
"What is so special about a crown? Unless you cannot use your hourglass to change history entirely." Shao Kahn said.
"You are correct. Because I am not the Keeper of Time. That title belongs to Liu Kang. He must be killed, but he must never know my one weakness. He cannot be allowed near the hourglass. One person is required to bring back Kronika." Geras said.
Shao Kahn looks to Shang Tsung once more. "Go. Retrieve Kronika's crown and bring it back to us."
"I live to serve you, Shao Kahn. The barriers have been removed during your fight with Geras." Shang Tsung said before he makes his leave. Once he was alone, an angry expression appeared on his face. He could not believe the horrors he witnessed upon regaining his memories.
"My armies will fight. With this power, I can increase the undead army. And with Jerrod's still active corpse, I can create more undead edenian warriors and make them actual fighters." Shao Kahn said. "One thing that I must know. Who is this person that you need alive to bring back Kronika? How will it help Kronika turn the tides?" He asked with everyone listening. Geras smirks evilly. He knows just the person that is needed.
Note: Given Shao Kahn's arrogance, I thought why not give him a fight to test his returned strength and skills. One of his fatalities is from MK11. Not only that, but Ermac, a being with thousands of souls created by Shang Tsung as well as Reptile, a reptilian ninja make their return.
Why I chose Geras? Because I personally felt like he was underused as a villain and didn't do much, except in chapters 3,8,11,13 and 16 in the MK11 game. He didn't do much compared to Kronika and Cetrion. In fact, I hated how he was wasted in Aftermath when Shao Kahn beats him to death and disappeared for no reason. With his powers he can be a bigger threat than he should've been in the game.