Chapter 26(Finale): Checkmate
Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn have barged their way to the Keep. They killed many undead as possible as they reached the keep. "The hourglass awaits us beyond this door." Shang Tsung said.
"Beyond that door is ultimate power. It will be our privilege to wield it." Shao Kahn said.
"Please. Allow me, master." Shang Tsung said. He waves his hand around and with his magic, the door opens. They walk inside the Keep with Geras standing in front of the hourglass. Cassie, who is still shackled, is not very pleased to see them out of all people. She isn't surprised that Shang Tsung has betrayed them. Cassie takes deep breaths in hopes that it isn't too late. But for some reason, she seems rather confident in something. She believes something good will happen.
"Shang Tsung. It appears that your strategy has proven to be more novel than what I would have imagined. I must commend you on the work. Now, give me the crown." Geras said, holding out his hand.
Shao Kahn laughs at this evilly, which confuses both Geras and Cassie. "Did you really think we did all of this for you? We never planned on giving you the crown in the first place. My surprise attack was not to assist you. It was against you." Shao Kahn tells him.
"What are you praddling about? You dare betray Kronika?" Geras said.
"Betray Kronika? She was the one who betrayed me. She left me at Kitana's mercy when she became Kahn. Kronika had all the power and yet she focused more on crafting her New Era. We will make you choke on Kronika's empty promises on her behalf." Shao Kahn said. "Now, sorcerer."
"With pleasure." Shang Tsung said. He and the crown glow once more and uses its powers to lift Geras in the air. Geras attempted to break, but it was no use. Energy starts flowing around him and the hourglass starts glowing. Geras' powers start flowing into the hourglass, causing Geras alot of pain. After a few moments, Shang Tsung tosses Geras away. He lies there, trying to get up. He feels weaker than before.
"Your powers are gone, Geras. How easily you are felled, just like Kronika. Liu Kang and Alex Cage had the right idea of killing her. Once the power is mine, I will rule all of eternity." Shao Kahn said. He walks closer to Geras, ready to finish him. Out of nowhere, he is suddenly struck in the back, as if his back is being burned. He falls to his knees and Shang Tsung walks in front of him.
"Killing Geras is my destiny. Yours is to serve me. My most obedient subject." Shang Tsung said.
"You're drunk on the crown's power, Shang Tsung. In your stupor, you forget your place. You are a dog who betrays his master." Shao Kahn said.
"Betray you? You were the one who betrayed me. I remember back in the Old Era. You transferred my powers to Sindel during your invasion. A process that killed me in the process." Shang Tsung said, very angry.
"If that is the case, then I shall put you down again. No resurrections for you this time." Shao Kahn said before they fight.
Shao Kahn summons his wrath spear to try to swing at Shang Tsung. He parries every single blow and kicks his former master in the air and slide tackles Shao Kahn, sending him back. Shao Kahn throws his wrath spear, but Shang Tsung catches it and fires it back at Shao Kahn's shoulder, injuring him. The sorcerer jumps and slams a punch into his face, and waves his hands forward and sideways when part of the ground explodes under Shao Kahn's feet, sending off the ground. Shao Kahn lands and growls out of anger. He summons his wrath hammer. He swings fast and strong swings at the traitor, but Shang Tsung dodges his swings, uppercuts Shao Kahn, opens a green portal and he flies through. Shao Kahn flies through a portal behind the sorcerer, allowing him to do another uppercut. Shang Tsung opens a magma like portal and most of Shao Kahn's body falls through. Shang Tsung stomps on his head and forces him to fall through, causing him more burns. Another opens behind Shang Tsung and he fires an energy blast from his pendulum at his back, sending the conqueror back. Shao Kahn lies defeated.
"My services to you have ended. Now your service to me begins." Shang Tsung said. He stands over his former master's body and starts taking his soul. Shao Kahn yells in agony, feeling his life force being taken away. After a moment, Shao Kahn's body falls down, now motionless. He is nothing but rotting bones now. Seeing this gives Cassie a sick feeling, trying not to throw up again. Outside, the heroes all notice that the other hexed Shokan and Edenians have fallen down and passed out. This sort of thing confuses most of them except Kung Lao and Kitana. They know exactly what happened to Shao Kahn.
Shang Tsung chuckles at his satisfaction. He has gotten his revenge on Shao Kahn for his actions towards the sorcerer. Geras recovers just in time to confront Shang Tsung. Despite losing his immortality, he is not going down without a fight. "You have no one else to betray, Shang Tsung." Geras said.
"Concede while you can, Geras. I have taken your immortality away. I may return it to you if you agree. I will allow you to live in my Next Era. Or would you prefer being wiped from history?" Shang Tsung offered.
"Possessing the crown and all the souls, you can control the Sands of Time. But it requires great skill and power. You may wear the crown, but you are nothing like me or Kronika." Geras said before they fight.
Despite losing his immortality, Geras still has his strength he had before and his powers as well. He summons a giant fist to attack the sorcerer. Shang Tsung jumps to avoid the punch and swing kicks Geras on top of the head, knees his jaw and palm strikes him in the chest, sending him backwards. Geras summons a sand pillar to attack Shang Tsung, but he sees this and slide tackles into Geras, scooping him off his feet, jumps and double kicks him in the back, cracking his spine and sending him far. Geras summons a sand spear to swing at him. Shang Tsung dodges the attacks and grabs hold of the sand spear. Geras headbutts him to let go, but it barely even hurt him. Shang Tsung snatches the weapon out of his hands and swings it at his chest two times as well as his left arm, making them bleed greatly. He then swings it at Geras' throat, cutting it and blood spews out. The sorcerer then thrusts it into his torso and through his back, breaking his spine. Shang Tsung delivers a strong kick to the face and Geras is sent down in defeat.
"You should have accepted my offer, Geras. You could've had powers beyond that of an Elder God. Surely, service is better than death." Shang Tsung said.
Geras turns back to him, glaring at his enemy. "I serve Kronika. I will never serve anyone else, sorcerer."
"Wrong. You're about to be dead, and with you, what remains of your titan master." Shang Tsung said. He holds out his hands and starts absorbing Geras' soul.
Geras' eyes turn black one last time as he sees Kronika looking over him. "Master. I have failed." Geras looks down. Kronika offers her hand in defeat and he accepts it as he joins her in death. Outside, all of the undead following Geras suddenly disintegrate into nothingness. All the heroes notice this and realize that Geras has been destroyed. But something wasn't right. Fujin, Kenshi, Hanzo and Sub-Zero are still missing their souls. There is only one enemy left.
Geras disintegrates into sand as his soul is now absorbed by Shang Tsung. "Yes. Your power and soul are now mine to command. Soon, every realm will yield to my will." Shang Tsung smirked.
"I don't think so, Shang Tsung." Cassie tells him, having watched the entire thing happen.
"Cassandra Cage. I have forgotten that you were here. What a pleasant surprise." Shang Tsung said.
"Well I should be glad that you relieved us a load off our backs. There's only one more thorn that's still stuck to us. And that would be you." Cassie said.
"No one can pose a threat to me now. I could take your soul, but not yet. I want to show my newfound appreciation for you." Shang Tsung tells her.
"For what?" Cassie looks at him with a stern glare.
"For killing Quan Chi. I must say that I am rather impressed. Given that you defeated Shinnok with your power. Thank you for sparing me the trouble. As a token of my appreciation, you shall be the first to witness the birth of my Next Era." Shang Tsung said.
"If I were you, I wouldn't bet on it. You're missing some people." Cassie said.
"Oh? And who would they be?" Shang Tsung asked. Cassie smirks and said nothing. And then, they hear a voice as a portal open.
"Cease. Before you doom us all." Liu Kang said. Shang Tsung turns to see him coming out of the portal. Not just him. Alex and Cetrion are the next to follow him, all ready to fight.
"Liu Kang. Alex Cage. Cetrion. I thought your duties require that you stay behind." Shang Tsung said.
"A lie. Something you know well." Liu Kang said.
"You really think we just sit on our asses waiting for the end of the world?" Alex tells him.
Shang Tsung looks at the hourglass and it immediately hits him. "I see now. The hourglass showed you that only I would be able to wield the crown against Geras and take away his powers without any trouble. You let me win." Shang Tsung turns to them, feeling very surprised.
"And with him, you killed Kronika's subconsciousness. Both parts. Thanks to you, I'm finally rid of her for good." Alex said.
"Because you knew that Kronika and Geras were the bigger threats than I was. To ensure victory, you sacrificed the lives of some of your friends. Kenshi and Fujin. Kuai Liang and Hanzo Hasashi. But let us not forget about Raiden. Although you do my condolences for your loss. He was always a worthy foe. But he gave up his life for nothing. So have the victims whose souls I have taken."
"They are not gone, Shang Tsung. They will live again once you are dead." Cetrion said.
"Kill me? You all underestimate my prowess. I have the new crown. Geras' power, and his time abilities are now mine to command. But I am not at full strength, and the only solution is to kill you, Liu Kang. You are the Keeper of Time. You all may be a god, a half god and an Elder God, but soon I will be the new Keeper of Time. You are no match for me." Shang Tsung said as he gets ready to fight.
Alex turns to Cetrion and nods to her. Cetrion understands what she needs to do. She teleports past Shang Tsung to get to Cassie. She is surprised that Cetrion is here, siding with her husband. "Cetrion? What are you doing?"
Cetrion shows Cassie a remorseful smile. "Showing redemption." Cetrion uses her tendrils to break open the shackles on Cassie's wrists and ankles and uses her powers to heal Cassie's injuries. Cassie stands up and caresses her wrists and nods to the Elder God as thanks.
Alex tosses his wife her two pistols. "You'll need those." Alex said.
Cassie looks at them and looks up at Alex. She smiles and runs up and hugs him. "Come back to me, Alex. Promise me." She looks at him with a worried look on her face.
"I promise you." Alex said before kissing her cheek. "I love you. Get out of here."
"I love you too. Give him hell." Cassie said.
Cetrion helps Cassie out of the Keep and make their way out of the Sky Temple. They both see that Geras' army is now completely gone. Kitana and Kung Lao finally catch up to the rest of the heroes. Frost, Smoke and Cyrax remain with Hanzo and Sub-Zero. Takeda and Jin remain with Fujin and Kenshi. Jacqui sees Cetrion helping Cassie and runs up to her best friend and hugs her.
"Cassie! Thank god you're alive! Are you alright?" Jacqui asked.
"I'm okay. So is the baby." Cassie tells her best friend.
"Where are Liu Kang and Alex?" Jacqui asked, looking around.
"Dealing with the asshole sorcerer right now." Cassie said. Everyone hears this and don't seem surprised that he has betrayed him. They wish they could help, but he is too powerful.
Back in the Keep, Alex and Liu Kang get ready to fight Shang Tsung. Alex walks around him and they both surround the sorcerer. Shang Tsung seems more than confident. "Time to make this more entertaining." Shang Tsung said. He waves his hands around and outside the Sky Temple, every hero on the battlefield is transported to the keep. And all hostilities stop as everyone turns to see Alex and Liu Kang prepared to fight Shang Tsung.
"Enough of your childish games, sorcerer. Now hand over the crown. This is your only chance." Liu Kang said.
"My only chance? This is my finest moment, and your final moment. Your worthless existence is at its end." Shang Tsung said.
"We'll see about that, old man." Alex said. He activates his powers and glows with the yellow aura. Liu Kang and Cetrion gave Alex enough power from each element to help back him up. They both nod to each as they fight the sorcerer 2 on 1.
"It has begun then." Shang Tsung said.
Liu Kang shoots fireballs from his kicks which Shang Tsung ducks, and go for Alex, but he quickly absorbs them. Shang Tsung slides into Liu Kang, but he jumps backward and dragon kicks him, sending the sorcerer to Alex. He knees his lower spine, punches his right shoulder, and elbows his face. Alex then pulls Shang Tsung in with the wind and does a swing kick to the head. Shang Tsung shoots fire skulls at Alex, which he was able to jump away from. The sorcerer blocks Liu Kang's strikes and palm strikes his left waist and elbows his forehead. Liu Kang gets into a dragon stance. Shang Tsung tries to chop strike his shoulder, but Liu Kang parries it away and swings his nunchucks at his jaw, then the forehead and then the ankles. The sorcerer rolls away from them and tries to shoot soul spheres at them, but Alex blocks it with his disc shields while Liu Kang deflects it with his nunchucks. Alex throws his disc shield at Shang Tsung, who dodges it, but Alex punches the ground with earth powers, runs over and knees Shang Tsung in the gut, punches him in the face and pushes him towards Liu Kang with the wind. Liu Kang then does fiery bicycle kicks, causing some burns to Shang Tsung's chest. He is once again sent to Alex, who uses earth powers to deliver a strong punch and palm strikes to the back, cracking his spine. Shang Tsung slides down, covered in burns and bruises. He glares at the two and then quickly disappears, looking like he disintegrated. The crown drops to the floor.
"Is it over?" Alex asked.
"I do not know. We must be on guard. Stay back. This could be a trap." Liu Kang said. Liu Kang walks over to lift the crown. At the same time, Shang Tsung appears behind them, unknown to the two chosen ones. Liu Kang touches the 'crown', but it vanishes upon his touch. Liu Kang and Alex immediately realized that something is wrong.
Shang Tsung summons a soul blade in an attempt to jump and stab Alex with it. Liu Kang senses this and runs towards Alex. Alex was confused for a moment and he turned around too late. His eyes widened as Shang Tsung was about to attack. Liu Kang grabs Alex's shoulder and throws him back. Blood comes out of Liu Kang's mouth as he was stabbed in the chest by the sorcerer.
"You fell for my tactics, once again, Liu Kang." Shang Tsung said, staring at his greatest foe, holding him with the soul blade. "Breathe, Chosen One. For in your final moments, they will now end in shame. Your soul is MINE!" Shang Tsung lifts his hand in front of Liu Kang's face and starts taking his soul.
Alex recovers and becomes extremely horrified at what just happened. "NO!" Alex yelled.
Outside, everyone is horrified by the sudden change in battle. Kitana tries to run through everyone, but is held back by Kung Lao and Jade. "LIU KANG!" Kitana yelled. She struggles to free herself from their grips as tears start dropping down.
Shang Tsung has absorbed Liu Kang's soul and drops his now rotten corpse onto the ground. He now has control over Liu Kang's fire and lightning powers as he puts his hands together. "Time and destiny are now mine to command." He gloats.
Alex watches in horror, seeing his friend killed. He couldn't believe his eyes at what he saw. Alex is now beyond angry, but without Kronika's influence over him. He glared at Shang Tsung. "You… you fucking bastard."
"I knew Liu Kang would protect you, knowing that you are more powerful than he is. I was told that your powers nearly rival each other. I can only absorb his soul, however. Blame yourself for his death. Soon, everyone will suffer your fate, starting with your wife." Shang Tsung insults him.
Alex stands up, closing his fists in great anger. "You come anywhere near someone I love, I promise you that I'll be the last thing you'll ever see!"
They resume fighting. Alex boosts himself to Shang Tsung using the wind and knees his face, chop strikes his right shoulder and punches his chest, making him slide backwards. All the sorcerer does is chuckle and twitch his head and it pops. Alex punches the ground, but Shang Taung jumps and chop strikes his head, punches him across the face, elbows his left shoulder and slide tackles Alex, sending him backwards. Alex rolls to recover. He sees himself out of earth power. All he knows is making minor quakes. Shang Tsung summons sand pillars, which Alex narrowly avoids, but is head in the chest by a sand hammer that came from the ground. He holds his chest in pain, but was not going to give up. He starts charging towards Shang Tsung, who summons more sand pillars with spikes, but Alex was quick enough to dodge them. He jumps off a few of them and shoots him with water powers and does water kicks on Shang Tsung and sends him through a water portal and the sorcerer appears behind Alex, allowing the latter to elbow his throat, kick his right leg and throw him by the neck. Shang Tsung recovers and Alex tries throwing water spheres, but the sorcerer counters this with fire skulls, which becomes evaporation. Shang Tsung slide tackles Alex again and uses the powers of Ermac and slams Alex down on the ground four times and tosses him away.
Alex gets back up and spits out some blood. He glares at the sorcerer, who smirks at his pain. Alex yells in anger and comes in and deflects Shang Tsung's attacks and uppercuts his throat, roundhouse kicks his head and backflip kicks him in the chin. The sorcerer growls at this and pulls Alex in with the winds and elbows his chest, and double kicks him in the throat and head, making more blood come out of his mouth. Lightning surrounds Alex's hands and starts running his way back. Shang Tsung summons magma balls from the ground to try to hit Alex, but he manages to dodge them and punch the sorcerer in the stomach, knees his forehead and chops his back. Shang Tsung summons stone pillars that hit Alex's back, cracking it greatly and then is struck by lightning, and flies down to the ground. He recovers and runs and shoots fire at Shang Tsung, which he blocks with his own fire. Alex's fists are covered in flames as he punches Shang Tsung across the face, knees his chin, double kicks his chest, making him slide. The sorcerer smiles and his hands glow. The floor below Alex explodes, severely injuring him and blasting him towards Shang Tsung. He holds Alex in mid air with his magic. Shang Tsung turns into Sub-Zero and slides into him, scooping Alex off his feet. Before he could fall, Shang Tsung throws an icicle that thrusts through Alex's collarbone. The sorcerer kicks him away before turning into Hanzo. He uses his chain spears to pull Alex towards him as the weapons stab their way through Alex's shoulders and slashes his chest. Shang Tsung finally turns into Ermac once more and lifts him in the air and throws him down, headfirst, cracking his skull.
Alex lays on his back, defeated. His chest, shoulders, part of his skull and collarbone are about shattered, bleeding severely. He tries to use whatever strength he has left to stand. That is, until Shang Tsung grabs Alex by the throat and stares at him.
"A pity that I cannot steal your soul without killing myself. It does not matter anyway. You are finished, Alex Cage." Shang Tsung takes his hand and thrusts it into Alex's chest, making him spew up plenty of blood. After a long moment, he removes his hand from the half god's chest and steps back. Alex falls to all fours, blood still spilling out of his mouth. He is starting to lose feeling in his limbs and tries to stand, but it was no use. He stares at the sorcerer with great hatred. Alex finally collapses to the floor.
Cassie tries to run back towards the invincible Shang Tsung, but is held back by Kung Jin and Jax. Kitana and Kung Lao look on in shock at their friends' fate. Kitana can't hold back tears as they have lost Liu Kang and Alex. Jade falls to her knees, also shares the same feeling as Kitana. Cassie tries to get past them to help her husband, but his eyes slowly shut. Alex has died.
"No. Alex…..ALEX! NO!" Cassie yells as tears come bursting out of her eyes. Jacqui squeezes Cassie as close as possible as she cries into her best friend's shoulder. Cetrion looks down in shame, feeling she could've done something to help. She reluctantly knows she is no match for Shang Tsung.
"Tell me, Alex Cage. What is it that you are half god of?" Shang Tsung mockingly asked. Then there was bright white light.
Alex lays asleep. A moment after, he wakes up and feels grass all around him. His vision is blurry and couldn't see. He looks up at the sky and sees two figures standing over him. One of them offers his hand. He feels reluctant but he takes the person's hand and helps him up. Alex walks past the two figures and his vision is becoming clear to him. He recognizes a cabin house in front of him.
"The cabin house. But how? Why am I here?" Alex asked.
"Hello, Alex." A woman's voice said to him.
Alex turns around and sees the two figures that helped him. "Who are you? Wait….. Mom? Dad?"
"That's right, Alex. You've grown so big." Flora said. Her husband Anthony nods and smiles.
Alex walks closer to his mother. He lifts his hand and places it on her cheek. He feels it. Alex feels his mother's face. Alex couldn't believe it. He is actually meeting his real parents. The first thing he does is hug them tight.
"Oh my god. I can't believe it. I can't believe this is actually happening. I thought I'd never see you, Mom." Alex looks at them and smiles.
"You've been so brave, son. You went through so many things and yet you kept going. Remembered who you truly are." Anthony tells him.
"Dad?" Alex asked, trying to hold back his tears. "You're here too."
"I've always been there for you, Alex. As part of your spirit. So has your mother. To support you and raise your spirit." Anthony said.
"I'm…. I'm so sorry." Alex keeps trying to resist.
"For what? Sweetheart, what's wrong?" Flora asked, placing a hand on her son's cheek.
Alex could no longer hold back his tears and starts crying. "It's all my fault. You died because of me. Kronika was there because of me. If only I wasn't such a burden, then she wouldn't have come for us. I never wanted you to die for me." Alex said. He looks down at the grass in shame as he drops more tears.
"Alex. It was never your fault to begin with. We fought hard to protect you from any danger since the incident with Shinnok. We made our choice to protect you. Even if it cost us our lives." Anthony said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Dad. I tried. So hard to bring you two back. I couldn't. I failed you." Alex said, still dropping tears.
"Kronika made sure that anyone she killed will never come back to life. But that does not mean that we are gone forever. We've always been a part of you." Flora said.
"And now I failed again. Shang Tsung has won. I'm dead. Soon everyone else will be too." Alex said.
"No, Alex. It's not the end. You were losing because you were afraid of failing. Failing to protect those you love most. You subconsciously held back." Anthony said.
"Your father is right. Because you were afraid of history repeating itself when we lost our lives. You're holding yourself back. You need to let go of accusing yourself and move on." Flora tells her son.
"But how?" Alex asked.
"Believe in yourself. You've been so brave, son. So confident like you were since you came to Earthrealm. We're so proud of you. You fought many battles, you bested Kronika. And you have a wife. Planning to have children." Anthony said.
Alex looks up at his father and it makes him smile on who he is referring to. "Cassie. Her name is Cassie. She changed my life for the better."
"It is because of your love for her that has gotten you this far. This is not the end, Alex. You can still forge a new path." Flora said.
"You mean I have a choice?" Alex asked.
"Yes. The sorcerer doesn't know how to permanently take lives away as the new Time Keeper like Kronika does. It will be his downfall. You still have your chance, Alex. You can still save the realms. Your family. Your wife." Flora said.
Alex thought for a moment. As much as he doesn't want to leave his parents, he begins to realize that they're right about him. He looks up at them with a new look of confidence on his face and whipped the tears off his face and tightens his fists. "You're right. As much as I don't want to leave you. I have to do this. For you. For Cassie. For everyone."
"That's it, my boy. You can do it. We believe in you." Anthony said.
"I love you, dad." Alex hugs him.
"I love you too, son." Anthony hugs back.
Alex then turns to his mother. "Mom. I love you."
Flora cups Alex's face and kisses his forehead. "I love you too, Alex. We believe in you." A bright light engulfs them.
The heroes watched in horror as Alex died. Cassie is still crying at the loss of her husband. Jacqui drops tears of her own as Takeda comforts them. Jade couldn't help but drop a tear by the death of her brother-figure. In the Keep, Shang Tsung stood over Alex's body. "Tell me, Alex Cage. What is it that you are half god of?" Shang Tsung mockingly asked.
Out of nowhere, a bright light comes out of nowhere. It is coming from the hourglass. The light was big enough to get everyone's attention. Kitana, Takeda, Jacqui, Jade and Cassie look up and see. Cassie's eyes widened upon seeing the unbelievable. She smiles and cries tears of joy, seeing her true love alive again.
Alex stands up, surprising the sorcerer. His chest wound has healed and has many blood and bruises on his body and bones shattered. He glared at the sorcerer.
"I'm the half elder god of everything." Alex turns to the hourglass, holds his arms out and he starts absorbing energy from it. The powers of the hourglass start flowing into Alex's body. A power he has not felt before.
Everyone, Shang Tsung included, see a giant torch appear behind the hourglass. It is two times bigger. One by one, Alex's five torches start shooting fire at the big torch, lighting it up. Shang Tsung snarls at this.
"No. I will not let this come to pass!" He waves his hands around and holds his arms up in the air. Something green starts spinning around. Shang Tsung then throws his hands down and a soulnado starts descending in on Alex. The big torch continues to light up. Alex sees the soulnado, but he is not worried. Everyone outside looks on in worry.
He closes his eyes as the soulnado closes in on him, seemingly trapping him. Shang Tsung smiles, but that smirk doesn't even last as some light starts bursting through the soulnado. Within a second, the soulnado explodes. Everyone could see what just happened. Alex is floating in the air. His aura flowing around his body is now Silver white. Alex's wounds have healed as he descended to the ground and opens his eyes. They match exactly like his mother.
"You failed, sorcerer. Why? Because you don't have spirit. You never learned all of Kronika's secrets. Everything I have went through despite the setbacks was all planned to stop you. We let you live in the past. Today, that mistake shall be corrected!" Alex tells him. He feels more braver and confident than he was previously.
Shang Tsung feels slightly intimidated. He couldn't believe that he got resurrected by unknown means to him. This does not stop him from wanting to fight. "I am not afraid of you, boy. You may be a half elder god, but I'm still the time keeper. I have the powers of Liu Kang and Geras. I killed you before, I will do so again. You will not exist in my Next Era." They resume fighting.
Alex lifts a boulder from the ground and throws it at Shang Tsung. The sorcerer barely dodges it, but is pulled in by the wind and Alex grabs his throat and shoots lightning at his chest, sending him backwards. Shang Tsung is more shocked by this. By how Alex is able to create elements and use them now. This makes the sorcerer even more mad. Shang Tsung slides to Alex, but Alex steps back, stomps his ankle, elbows his face, knees his chin and roundhouse kicks him, stumbling and turning him around, and Alex shoots fire at his back, burning it badly. He then does a powerful punch and chop to the head and neck and a knee strike to the spine, sending him back more.
"You can't win, old man. You have no one to back you up." Alex said.
"This is my time. My destiny. It will come to pass with your death. You will join Liu Kang in the Netherrealm." Shang Tsung said.
Shang Tsung falls through a portal and drop kicks Alex's right shoulder, kicks his back, sending him flying. Shang Tsung hovers in mid air and punches Alex's right rib cage, kicks his chin, knees his forehead and swing kicks Alex away. Alex uses his new flying ability to recover. He teleports behind Shang Tsung via lightning powers, taking the sorcerer by surprise and throws him down. Shang Tsung shoots fire skulls and dead corpses at Alex, but he creates earth barricades to block them. The sorcerer shoots soul spheres through the barricade, but Alex was nowhere to be seen. Alex appears beside Shang Tsung and kicks his left leg, breaking it, punches his forehead and throws him down. Shang Tsung recovers, but Alex was too quick. He elbows his chin, cracking it, knees his chest and ducks and kicks his crotch area followed by a punch, incapacitating the sorcerer. Alex unleashes his Fatal Blow. He does a one-two punch to the face and two roundhouse kicks to the jaw, cracking it more. Alex fires lightning through his stomach, making blood come out from both sides. He shoots Shang Tsung with a fire blast and sends him upwards with an earth pillar, severely damaging his spine. Alex pulls him in with the wind and fires a big energy beam at him, sending him backwards and knocking off the crown. He reverts back to his old man form. Shang Tsung is covered in a lot of blood and bruises, many of his bones broken. He struggles to get up.
"Make no mistake, Shang Tsung. You brought your own faith upon yourself." Alex said. He summons his two disc shields and throws them and they slice off one of his arms and legs, forcing Shang Tsung to a knee. Alex runs forward and grabs the discs and slashes them across his chest, making an X. Alex steps back, and charges a powerful energy beam and fires it towards the sorcerer. His entire body is obliterated. Blood flies every as do his innards. All that remains was his head. "Fatality."
Alex, still having his powers active, walks over and picks up the crown. He looks at it and sighs. He looks at the corpse of Liu Kang and had an idea. Alex puts on the Edenian Steel crown, powering him up more. Alex looks at the body of Shao Kahn and ignores it, knowing it is too dangerous.
"Please. Let this work." Alex sighed. He looks at the dead body of his friend and he shoots something green at the body. The body is lifted into the air and materializes itself. Fire God Liu Kang lives again. As soon as his eyes open, Alex falls to the ground, grabbing his head, like he just got a massive headache from the crown.
"I'm….. alive. But how?" Liu Kang asked. He looks at his hands. The last thing he remembered was taking the shot for Alex and having his soul absorbed.
"Liu Kang. We did it." Alex tells him.
"Alex? How?" Liu Kang asked. He's surprised that he sees his friend wearing the crown.
"I died. I saw my parents in limbo and they brought me back." Alex said, looking at the gigantic torch. "I get it. It was my parents' spirit that brought that thing. As a last resort in case I died."
Liu Kang looks at what remains of Shang Tsung and realizes what he meant. "You killed him. You succeeded him."
"Succeeded him?" Alex was confused.
"You are the new Keeper of Time. But I can tell you do not want it." Liu Kang said. He can tell by looking into his eyes.
"You're right. I don't. I still have my own fair share of responsibilities. So do you, Liu Kang. I'm giving up the title to you. Besides, if I were to keep it, then someone needs to take it if I were to die." Alex said.
"Agreed, my friend." Liu Kang and Alex shake hands. "Come. We have work to do. We must undo the damage that Geras, Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung have done. Alex smiles and nods to him. They leave the Keep of Kronika. The doors seal shut behind them. A barrier is placed this time to make sure that no one but gods can enter ever again.
Outside, everyone is happy that it has been done. The heroes look on, happy to see Liu Kang and Alex alive again. Alex and Liu Kang walk out and smile at their victory. Kitana and Cassie run up to Alex and Liu Kang and jump into their respective lovers' arms.
"Alex. I missed you so much." Cassie said, dropping some tears.
"I'm okay. I promise I'm okay. We've done it." Alex looks at his wife and wipes her face of her tears.
"So is it over finally?" Kitana asked.
"Yes. My visions shown me that only Shang Tsung knows how to destroy him successfully. Only Alex, Fujin and Cassandra knew of this. I am sorry I have kept you all in the dark. Had I told you all of the visions, you would have disagreed." Liu Kang explained.
"That's why you kept us in the dark. Agree to disagree. To protect us. I get it." Jacqui said.
"I wish we told y'all but Liu Kang made us promise not to." Alex tells her before walking over to hug her and Takeda.
"How did you survive? We saw you die, Alex." Takeda asked.
"It's a long story. Trust me. It's gonna sound weird later. There's something I must do." Liu Kang said. He looks over at Kenshi and Fujin, weakened and lying down after having their souls absorbed. He turns back to the two and holds a hand out. His hand glows green and closes his eyes to concentrate, thinking of the right souls. Within seconds, two souls fly from his hand and morph into the bodies. They float in the air and Kenshi and Fujin regain their original appearances. They gasp for air and open their eyes upon waking up.
Takeda sees this and couldn't believe his eyes. His father has returned, alive and well. He goes over and hugs his father. "Father. Thank god you're back."
"Takeda? What just happened?" Kenshi asked.
"We're back. If we are back then that means Shang Tsung has lost." Fujin guessed.
"Yup. All according to the plan by the fire god." Cassie said. She looks over at the fire god doing the same for Hanzo and Kuai Liang. They too are restored to their appearances and powers.
"W-what has happened?" Hanzo asked, a little fatigued.
"Shang Tsung is gone. For real. Out of our lives, thank god." Alex tells him.
"The sorcerer is dead? That being will haunt us no more if that's the case." Sub-Zero said.
"Thank you, Alex. For doing the right thing." Hanzo said.
"No. We all did. We fought side by side. As Raiden told me, we are all the symbol of hope. We believed. And that's how we won. Those were some of the last words he said to me." Alex said.
"Indeed. I couldn't ask for a better friend, Alex." Kitana said. She smiles and hugs him.
"Thanks, Kitana." Alex said, finally taking off the crown. "This belongs to you, Liu Kang. I don't need this thing."
"Thank you, Alex. Someday I may instruct someone in my place to wield the crown properly." Liu Kang said, soaring a glimpse at Fujin.
"Liu Kang. I do not know." Fujin said.
"Yes. I need someone I can trust in my place just in case." Liu Kang said. He approaches Fujin. "I will instruct you in its ways. We must be prepared for future threats."
"Speaking of which, where are Mileena and the others?" Cassie asked.
"They must've retreated to the Neatherrealm. Without Shao Kahn, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, they are next to powerless." Kitana said.
"We need to kill them to ensure our victory." Jin suggested.
"Not now. We've already been through enough because of Shao Kahn, Shang Tsung and Geras. Let them argue and shit about their losses." Alex said.
"You're right, Alex. But we still have things to do." Jade said. Alex and Jade hug and she kisses his cheek.
"You're right. Many things we must do." Alex said before he walks over to his wife and puts a hand on her stomach.
"I can't wait for this. So badly." Cassie said, smiling and winking at her husband.
"Come, everyone. We have work to do." Liu Kang said.
"Mind if I be of assistance, Lord Liu Kang?" Cetrion asked.
"Cetrion?" Liu Kang asked out of surprise.
"I must fulfill my duty. I must redeem myself by helping you. To apologize for my previous wrongdoings while with Kronika." Cetrion said.
"Cetrion. I welcome your help. All is forgiven. I knew your heart is in the right place." Liu Kang smirks and they both nod to each other. It was time for the heroes to get to work to fix everything.
The followers of Shao Kahn have once again escaped to the Netherrealm. Their alliance with Geras has failed. Alex has brought back the souls of Fujin, Kenshi, Sub-Zero and Hanzo. They had help to recover. After things have been done, everyone could go back to their normal lives. Liu Kang reunited with Kitana and Alex finally reunited with Cassie.
Johnny, Sonya, Kabal, Sheeva and Sindel have been freed from being prisoners. Jerrod regains consciousness and was checked for any hexes placed in him. He apologizes for his actions towards Sindel and Kitana, but they dismiss it, knowing that it was not his fault. They make plans to remarry to live in peace and prosperity as long as they rule Edenia together. Sindel and Jerrod decided to not share their divine power with anyone except with family like Kitana. Liu Kang, with permission from them, proposes to Kitana and they decided to marry as well. Sub-Zero and Hanzo continue to lead the Lin Kuie and Shirai Ryu. However, they realize that soon, they must retire as grandmasters soon. They know who to choose to succeed them. Those people are Frost and Takeda. They accept. Despite Frost being part machine again, Sub-Zero still accepts her as his apprentice.
Kabal has been fully accepted into the Special Forces as a new private. His charges have been dropped by Sonya. He feels better working with them rather than Kano. He is pleased that he works with people that have decided to trust him. Alex and Cassie also return to their positions as Captain and Sergeant of the Forces. They look forward to their baby. Jacqui, Takeda, Jade and Kotal all talked about raising a family too, wanting to follow in Alex's and Cassie's footsteps. Fujin and Liu Kang both decided to be guardians of the crown and the Sky Temple and Liu Kang would mentor Fujin on how to control the crown.
After everything was done, it was time to say goodbye to an old friend. He laid down his life to ensure Earthrealm's safety. He has helped save everyone from Armageddon, killed Shao Kahn, and helped take Shinnok away. That person helped lead the heroes of Earthrealm and Outworld defeat Kronika. That person was Raiden.
His remains were laid to rest in the rivers of Earthrealm for a funeral. Where Alex found his parent's cabin house. He attends along with his wife Cassie. Jax, Kabal, Cetrion. Johnny and Sonya, Jacqui and Takeda, Kung Jin and Kung Lao attend. Jade, Kotal, Jerrod, Sindel, Kitana, Fujin, Nightwolf and Kenshi. Hanzo, Sub-Zero, Frost, Cyrax, Smoke, Chief Hososhi and his wife Kumiko and kids Jubilee and Satoshi. Ages 11 and 7. Liu Kang attends to honor Raiden. As the protector, he gives a speech.
"Raiden has been more than a teacher to me. He was more than a friend to me. He was a father to me. He taught me everything he knew. Saw potential in me. He saw me and Kung Lao like sons he never had. Not just us. Raiden saw everyone here as potential friends, recognized your spirits. I used to believe that he was our symbol of hope, when he worked tirelessly to save Earthrealm. Now I realize that it was not just him anymore. We are all the symbol of hope. We are not perfect, but neither was Raiden. Regardless, we owe it to him for being the reason why are all stand here alive today. I am pleased that he changed our fates and made sure we would not turn on each other and become enemies. That is what saved us from being erased from the Next Era. We will never forget you, Raiden. I will never forget. May the Elder Gods watch over you as you rest in peace." Liu Kang said. Every single person who has listened to the funeral all bow their heads to their fallen friend out of respect. They all remember the wise words Raiden has told them and promise to never forget.
11 months later
Alex and Cassie visit his parents' cabin house. Not just them. Jade has come along with them for protection. Same with Takeda, Jin and a pregnant Jacqui. Above all, Alex and Cassie's newborn baby twins. Their names are Anthony Jonathan Cage and Flora Sonya Cage. Named after Alex's late parents. Alex is holding baby Flora in his arms while Cassie is holding baby Anthony.
"What do you think, sweetheart?" Alex asked.
"It looks really awesome, babe. I can only imagine how much your parents really loved this house. Living in peace with no fighting. I wish I got to meet them." Cassie said.
"They have been knowing about you. When I was in limbo, I saw them for the first time in my life. And I'm not talking about pictures. They're happy that you love me." Alex said.
"That's because I do. I love you, Alex." Cassie said, giving him a kiss.
"I love you too, Cassie." Alex smiles.
"What was it like? Being in there meeting them?" Cassie asked.
"Like a dream come true. We carry their names." Alex replied. After a moment, baby Flora starts waking up, crying. Alex looks down and rocks her gently. "Shh. It's okay. Did you have a bad dream? It's okay, Flora. We're here for you. You'll grow up. You'll understand. I want to spend many days with you as possible." Alex smiles. Baby Flora calms down and starts giggling upon seeing her father's face.
Cassie looks at her husband and smiles about how well he loves his family. She feels as if she wants to cry tears of joy, having made her wish with Alex come true. She looks down at baby Anthony still sleeping and kisses his forehead. "I have a feeling someday you will look just like your daddy. I know in my heart. Maybe you'll look like your grandfather. They would have loved you and your sister. And honored you carry their names." Cassie whispered to her sleeping son.
"Cassie? I like for us to promise something." Alex said.
"What would that be, sweetheart?" Cassie looked at him.
"That we would never let each other go ever again. Make our marriage last forever. Make this family last forever. Hope that we can carry on the generations for our parents and with friends. And look out for each other as the next protectors." Alex said. He looks over and sees Jade having a conversation with Jacqui and Takeda. They too hope for the same thing.
Cassie turns his face towards her. "I promise. Nothing will break our marriage apart. Not even our jobs with the Special Forces." She gives him another kiss and they lean in and touch their foreheads. They look into each other's eyes and look down at their new children. They can't help but wonder what the future will hold for them. What Alex and Cassie, as well as Jacqui, Takeda, Jade and everyone know is that their own children will know about what they have experienced. For now, they will rest easy.
In the Netherrealm, Mileena and her followers recover from their wounds and their loss in the battle. Quan Chi and Skarlet have both died, and Shao Kahn has been destroyed. Betrayed by Shang Tsung. With no one else able to learn magic, they are permanently stranded in the Netherrealm. As Mileena steps up as leader, she wonders what they do now as she stares at the last floating clone body of Shao Kahn. The last body left after Fujin and Nightwolf have destroyed the other clones Quan Chi and Shang Tsung have planned. She kept it hidden too well. Not even Shang Tsung knew about it.
To be continued
Note: And that is Time for Vengeance. Personally my favorite story out of all the several ones I have written over the last three years. Alex seeing his parents was his test of emotion, to be more open about himself and learn not to blame himself about everything, and he's finally gathered the strength to move on. And his final fight against Shang Tsung was his test of physical strength and powers. They have been enhanced further and he was the only one who could save everyone. This was done to show that he is capable of fighting anyone powerful by himself without help from anyone. The battle is over, but there are more stories to come. Until next time, and please leave your thoughts, What you like, dislike, and suggestions on improvement. Thank you!
