Johnny Cage was amazed by the grandeur of Raiden's ancient sky temple. The walls were made of elegantly crafted stone, and sculptures towered within the halls, each with their own unique story to tell. Johnny caught sight of two giant figures who were posed in an aggressive stance. One, Johnny instantly recognized as Raiden, while the other was of someone whom he'd never seen. A demonically designed figure, with a horned crown, and an evil grimmice of confidence upon it's face.
"Please try to keep up Johnny Cage." Echoed Raiden's voice through the halls as the group consisting of Raiden, Jax, and Sonya began drifitng further away from him. Johnny jogged to keep up.
"What is this place?" He asked in awe. Thunder boomed loudly from outside the temple, and suddenly rain began showering down against the temple's rocky roof.
"This is my sky temple." Raiden spoke simply.
"The shaolin monks of ages long past had built this temple for me shortly after Earthrealm's war with the Netherrealm. When I defeated Shinnok they took it upon themselves to come here and worship me." He explained. Johnny Cage was impressed by the temple, but had never once heard of this shinnok guy? Who was he? What made his defeat worth being worshiped for?
"You've fought other worldly wars before?" Asked Jax with a finger pressed into his chiseled jaw. "So you should know what to expect from this emperor right?"
Johnny noticed that Raiden's calm demeanor had festered into an embodiment of darkness.
"Shinnok, and Shao Kahn are two entirely different beings. Shinnok has never won a conquest he has attempted, whereas Shao Kahn has never lost one. Shao Kahn has many generals almost equal to his own personal might. I fear greatly for our lives." Raiden's words filled Johnny with a deep dreading.
"Well thanks for the vote of confidence Raiden." Johnny sarcastically replied in an attempt to lighten the mood.
"But these Outworld guys can't be too bad? I mean we beat them all, besides Shang Tsung at the tournament. Even that dragon douche." Johnny recalled the events of the tournament.
"Shao Kahn has an entire militia made up of Shokan forces. Along with many races you have not encountered before." Raiden informed.
"Well then what's the plan? Aside from standing here all gloom and doom? What are we gonna do? We have to put up a fight right?" Johnny pointed out refusing to give up.
"Yeah Raiden, What do we need to do?" Sonya chimed in quickly.
"We must gather as many allies as we possibly can before Shao Kahn invades. The public must be made aware before it is too late. We need the combined might of the Special Forces, The Black Dragon, and any other forces we can muster in short order. This conflict will consume us all if we cannot work together." Raiden spoke in a demanding sort of tone. Johnny noticed the quick glance that Sonya, and Jax had given each other.
"I have learned that both the Red Dragon, and the Lin Kuei have allied with Shao Kahn meaning that his numbers are even more vast, and advanced than once suspected. We must hold off this invasion of his with brute force. Advanced military equipment, and martial arts talents are going to be required to overcome his armies. I can gather the white lotus fighters, but they will only be sufficient in small enclosed spaces. They cannot march the battlefields as they will mercilessly be gunned down." Raiden finished with a pause. Sonya answered the short silence.
"I guess we should free Kabal to get the Black Dragon fully back on our side. Jax, we both know that Kano, and Kabal are going to be gunning straight for Mavado." Sonya sighed in defeat.
" Sonya." Jax started. "You heard the guy, with the Red Dragon siding with the enemy forces we'll likely see Daegon among the others, plus apparently this whole ordeal is of a way larger scale than just putting Daegon behind bars. We might have the chance to take him out." Jax reassured. Johnny eyed Sonya's reaction, and she did not look entirely pleased.
"You should be made aware that Kabal has been broken free from his constraints by the Black Dragon. He has rejoined them." Said Raiden. Sonya gave a cry of outrage, while Jax gave a small chuckle.
"Of course he has." He laughed softly.
"We leave Kano just one small window, and he jumps right through it!" Sonya huffed. He hands finding her tied up hair.
"I have also been approached recently by a group of Outworld defectors. A gun for hire by the name of Erron Black, and his own group of outcasted outlaws. They have been residing here in Earthrealm for a few days, and are eager to join our cause for a chance at freedom." Raiden put them on notice.
Outworlders? Here in Earthrealm? Johnny thought.
"What makes you sure you can trust them?" Jax asked bug eyed at Raiden's revelation.
"I was told a tale by the Saurian that Johnny Cage had battled in the tournament. He spoke of their impending executions at Shao Kahn's hands should they happen to be found by him. They face the same threats that we all shall face in a matter of days. I told them that as long as they aid us in this struggle that they shall receive my protection, and be free in an Outworld post Shao Kahn."
Johnny's mind raced back to the fight he had with the reptile from the tournament. That thing has really joined the team? Are you serious?
"Okay." Johnny's lips thinned.
"So we got the teenage mutant ninja turtle, and his group of Red Dead cosplayers on board, and if old terminator eye Kano, and captain hookman Kabal are reunited, what else do we need to do?" He asked.
Johnny watched as Raiden turned his head suddenly, as if he was listening for something.
"What is it?" Sonya asked as she too had taken note of Raiden's quick movement.
"We are not alone." He replied.
Two shadowy figures emerged from the entrance of the sky temple, and the light brought together their makeup. Johnny saw the resemblance one of them had with another he had met before, but clearly they couldn't be the same person from before. Could they?
"Sub Zero?" Johnny Cage was baffled. The man who was dressed almost identically as the fallen, ice wielding ninja from the island did not respond to him. His gaze seemed steadily focused on Raiden, as did his companions. A sickly looking old man, who appeared as though he would fall over at any minute. Johnny watched as the younger of the two bowed before Raiden.
"I apologize for intruding on your conversation Lord Raiden, I am Kuai Liang, formerly of the Lin Kuei." The young man spoke.
"For what purpose have you come here assassin?" Raiden's words did not seem welcoming. The ninja had stayed bowed.
"I have traveled here seeking aid. The Lin Kuei are not the Lin Kuei of old. The grand master has transformed our most veteran warriors into lifeless machines, a process that is carried out on us even without our consent." He answered respectfully. His voice was deep, and low. Almost emotionless.
"And how am I to aid you in your situation?" Johnny sensed a look of disgust leap onto Raiden's face. The ninja had stayed bowed.
"For now, my ally, and I would only seek haven from our attackers. I have been marked for death by my former clan, and they have been pursuing me relentlessly, but in time I wish to call upon you to aid me in destroying my hunters." The ninja stated boldy. Johnny watched as Raiden's gaze shifted from the bowed ninja, to the withered man standing beside him.
"And you, what do you seek?" Raiden asked darkly.
"I am from Outworld. As you are no doubt already aware, Shao Kahn is invading soon." The old man hushed through the storm.
"Yes what of it?" Raiden spat. He seemed rather furious as he stared the old man in the face. The ninja spoke up, as he stood to match his companions posture.
"This is Song. I have met him on my travels. He has saved my life from dangerous foes. He informed me of your troubles with Outworld, and has brought me here to aid you, and for me to craft my true potential as Bi-Han's brother. The successor of the Sub-Zero title." Kuai Liang spoke coldly. Raiden lifted his head, and turned his back to the pair of them.
"Is that what he has told you?" Raiden's words were now whispers.
"Kuai Liang, brother of Bi-Han. I was very fond of your brother. He was a wise warrior, and a true ally of mine. For that I will overlook this blunder that you have made." Raiden's back remained turned. Johnny Cage was lost now, but he sure as hell felt the tension building up in the temple.
"Prehaps I could mold you into a warrior worthy of honoring, and carrying the Sub-Zero mantle. Aid me in this war with Outworld, and you will have my word that I will in return aid you in your crisis with the Lin Kuei." That was Raiden's offer, and it come off demanding. Johnny saw the assassin's reaction. It appeared as though a feeling of relaxation had taken over his so far stiff, and serious face.
"I vow to serve you Lord Raiden." Kuai Liang answered.
"As for you." Johnny took note that Raiden was addressing the old geezer.
"Your ambitions are surely greater than just bringing warriors to my cause." Raiden turned to face him.
"Shang Tsung." Sonya gasped at the revelation, Johnny was too awestruck to even mutter a word, as an evil, devilish grin danced it's way onto the old man's lips. A flicker of static flew instantly into the old man's chest, and he was sent flying into a nearby pillar, chipping it from the force. The young Sub-Zero turned his head to stare at the man he had become acquainted with. As the old man stirred from the blast, frail laughter could be heard coming from the rubble.
"Your attempts to fool me are to no avail!" Raiden thundered. His eyes pulsating vibrantly with electricity.
"I did not expect to fool you. Only him." Shang Tsung pointed lazily from his leaned position from what remained of the pillar. His finger aimed at Kuai Liang. Johnny saw the ninjas eyes go wide.
"Shang Tsung!" Sub-Zero bellowed.
"The ruler of the island where my brother lost his life! You deceive me? You will pay with your life!" His hand became encased with a thick layer of ice.
"Halt!" Raiden instructed.
"Let us hear what he has to say." Raiden placed a firm hand on Kuai's shoulder. Johnny heard the old man again. Was he still laughing? Perhaps panting? He hoped the old fucker brought his life alert, because he seemed like he was on death's doorstep already.
"I did not deceive you out of malice intent." Shang Tsung spoke.
"You would not have trusted me to bring you here otherwise Kuai Liang. I had to. In truth I too come here seeking refuge from my pursuers. Shao Kahn has exiled me from Outworld after I refused a celebration in honor of my victory on my island. He has too marked me for death should I ever return." Shang Tsung explained slowly.
"You are a greater fool than I have ever before perceived if you believe I would ever offer you aid Shang Tsung! You have murdered hundreds of Earthrealmers for Shao Kahn's cause! Actions that are irredeemable! Unforgivable!" Raiden raged.
"I am desperate Raiden, but so are you. Shao Kahn will march into Earthrealm, and kill you all. You need every ounce of help you can get. I would be willing to fight for my life, and for a chance to return home to Outworld. I need the soul chamber if I am to continue my existence. Name whatever terms you need to form this alliance." Shang Tsung finished as he carefully managed to pull himself up from his seated position. His joints popped as he did so.
He couldn't be serious. This had to be a trick right? Like Raiden was going to ally with this scum bag. If we're gonna die at least we won't die alongside the man who brought disaster to our doorstep.
"You are right." The words smacked Johnny across the face.
"I am desperate, and Earthrealm will need all the help it can get. As much as I despise you, I cannot turn down a request of an alliance from such a powerful opponent. We need your magic." Another twisted grin formed on Shang Tsung's face.
"Raiden! No!" Sonya shouted as she moved in.
"He killed Kung Lao! He's attempted to murder us all several times! You can't expect us to stand next to him when everything goes down!" She protested. Raiden looked defeated.
"We have no choice Sonya Blade. We are outnumbered, and outmatched. Would you rather send your Special Forces operatives armed against a hundred thousand of Shao Kahn's forces unprotected, or would you rather we send them to war with Shang Tsung's protective shields reflecting any would be attackers attempts? His magic will shield our forces lives." Raiden responded.
"What if he betrays us? Blows up our entire force in one flick of the wrist?" Johnny jumped in.
"Then we are already doomed. Shao Kahn will pick us off with his endless hoards without his magic" Raiden sighed. Shang Tsung's smile vanished after hearing their concerns.
Johnny knew Raiden was right, but god damn how he wished he wasn't.
"You may join us in this war Shang Tsung. Fight with us and then you may return to outworld if we are victorious. Betray us, and I will kill you, before I myself fall." Raiden glared at Shang Tsung. Shang Tsung nodded, and turned to leave the temple. The thunder outside still booming.