AN: Special Thanks goes to Story's Shadow for writing the fight in this chapter.

Shang Tsung ran his hand through his beard, eyeing the crowd. He saw all eyes were on him, except for one.

The man in the suit was continuously talking to the woman in military gear.

The sorcerer grinned at this.

The man kept talking to the woman, rolling her eyes with nearly every word she heard.

"Listen babe, I can get you in for a leading role in one of my next movies. It's gonna be called-"

The woman turned to him, glaring.

"I don't give a damn about your movies. I'm here on a mission and I have to deal with...whatever this is. So shut it."

Her eyes went back to Shang Tsung, but he wasn't in his seat.

"Huh? Where'd he go?"

"Please, that old geezer's probably gone to the bathroom. But he's gotta be here when he hands me the belt to this tournament...they do have belts right?"

Someone cleared their throat next to him.

Both turned to see Shang Tsung standing just inches from them. The man gasped in shock.

"What?! How did you-"

"Appearances can be deceiving, remember that, Mr. Cage."

The sorcerer took a few steps forward then levitated towards his seat.

"Our next kombatant will be Mr. Cage!"

All eyes went to the movie star, who was frozen for a few moments. But then he scoffed and stepped forward, grinning.

"That's right! Come on! Let's go!"

Those from the USM Dimension stared at the man with confusion. White Tiger scratched her head.

"Who is he?"

Johnny Cage was puffing his chest and calling out challenges, having not heard the heroine's question.

Yuki came up to there young woman and her friends.

"He's a famous actor from our world. Does a lot of action and martial art movies, not good ones in my opinion. But a lot of people like him. I have no idea why he's here."

Raiden walked up to him.

"He's meant to be here. This was no fluke of fate. He's a warrior of Earthrealm."

Yuki turned to the thunder god, eyes wide.

"M-My lord? Surely this has to be some mistake."

"No, Ms. Onna. In time, you will see."

They turned back to the man as he continued posing.

Shang Tsung chuckled at this.

"Your opponent shall be: Baraka!"

A figure leapt from within the crowd of Shang Tsung's servants and Outworld warriors and landed on the opposite side of the dueling area. Spikes protruded from his shoulders, arms, and around his pecs. His upper body was partially covered by cloth and leather armor, the same with his lower body.

The figure growled as he ran his tongue along his mouthful of large, sharp fangs.

Johnny's eyes went wide at the sight of him, but he chuckled at this.

"Sweet costume. Who made it?"

Iron Fist frowned slightly at this as he turned to Raiden.

"Does he not understand what is happening here?"

The thunder god turned to the young man.

"He will soon enough."

Johnny grinned at his opponent, but it vanished when a long jagged blade extruded swiftly from his opponent's arms.

"Whoa!"

Spider-Man's eyes went wide at this.

(Uhhh, maybe we should've brought Wolverine?)

Baraka snarled.

"They savor for the taste of your flesh!"

Shang Tsung smirked as he raised his hand then slashed it down as he shouted.

"Fight!"

Baraka snarled as he lunged forward. Johnny gasped as he dodged the right blade.

"Whoa! Easy now man! Gotta be careful with those props! They're fake, but you can still-"

The Tarkatan scoffed, ignoring the man's words as he slashed furiously with both blades.

The actor nearly yelped as he he dodged and ducked under each strike. He slid under one strike, tripping Baraka as he tried to tackle the man.

"Easy man! I know you want to win this thing, but that's no reason to-"

Baraka lunged back at him, slashing downwards with his right blade. Johnny grunted as he jumped back, only to find Baraka quickly racing at him and jabbing with his left blade. Mr. Cage ducked under the attack, skidding to the side.

"Whoa! Gotta admit, didn't see that one coming. Who's your agent? I gotta get you to work with me on set."

The Tarkatan grunted at this, scratching his head. But then he hissed as he raced forward, his blades scrapping against the floor with sparks flying.

Spider-Man's eyes went wide.

(He's gonna kill that man!)

He took a step forward, but Fujin planted a firm hand on the young hero's shoulder.

"This is this man's fight. You cannot interfere."

Spider-Man turned to him, eyes wide.

"He's gonna die!"

The woman Mr. Cage had tried to flirt turned towards them, but didn't say anything. Her eyes went wide partially as she turned from them back to the fight.

Johnny grunted as he backflipped away from a jab aimed at his left foot. Baraka snarled at him, panting.

The actor smiled slightly.

"Alright man, time to show you what I can do!"

Baraka scoffed as he charged, slashing with his right blade. Johnny ducked under the strike and sweep kicked Baraka. The Tarkatan grunted as he hit the ground then jumped back up, swiftly slashing at his opponent. Mr. Cage dodged and sidestepped the attacks before following up with quick side kick. As the Tarkatan skidded back, the actor jumped forward.

"Now we're talking!"

Johnny Cage quickly struck out with his right foot, hitting Baraka in his lower torso, quickly following this up with kicking out with his other foot. This strike hit Baraka's side as he twisted from the first kick. The actor then followed up by twirling around and striking out with another side kick.

Baraka growled as he skidded along the ground.

Johnny Cage grinned at this as he walked forward. Baraka quickly lunged back up, spit flying from his mouth as he snarled.

The actor ducked under his foe. Dropping to his hands, he knocked the Tarkatan off his feet by sweep kicking him with both of his legs. The actor chuckled as he jumped back onto his feet.

"C'mon man, I'm just getting warmed up!"

Spider-Man chuckled as he watched this.

(Love his style.)

Baraka grunted as he stood up. Panting, he aimed a jab at Johnny's chest only to hit air as the actor sidestepped the attack then struck out with three swift punches to Baraka's face.

The Tarkatan stumbled back, a hand grabbing his face. Teeth gritting, he snarled as he charged again.

Johnny grinned as he leapt up, backflipping with both his feet hitting Baraka's chin. The Tarkatan groaned as he hit the ground. Johnny landed back on his feet. He grinned, panting.

"Man, those blades are sweet!"

Baraka snarled and groaned, his blades retracting back into his arms. Johnny panted, hands on his knees. He chuckled at his opponent.

Shang Tsung frowned at the sight, but then grinned a little.

"Congratulations, Mr. Cage. Now, finish him!"

Spider-Man's eyes went wide at this.

Johnny Cage grunted as he stood straight up.

"Finish him?"

"Kill him!"

Spider-Man grabbed Raiden's arm.

"He can't do this! I-I know that...thing tried to kill him, but that doesn't me he-"

Raiden put his hand on Spider-Man's shoulder and pointed to the actor.

Johnny Cage looked around, seeing the glares and stares of the warriors and people gathered. His smile faded.

"Wait a second! I'm not killing anyone!"

Spider-Man gasped, rubbing the back of his neck. Raiden smiled at this.

(For...For a second I thought maybe...no...thank goodness...but wait...the tournament...some here might...no...I won't let that happen!)

Shang Tsung frowned.

"Very well."

The sorcerer stood up.

"The tournament will resume at dawn! Warriors prepare yourselves, the fighting has only just begun!"

He proceeded to walk away, followed by his entourage of monks and mysterious warriors.

Johnny Cage rubbed the back of his neck.

"What? That's it? Freaky."

He turned around, gazing at his surroundings. Shaking off the feeling he had now.

"A-Anyone...hmm...Where'd the babe go?"

He chuckled as he walked off.

Raiden, Liu Kang, and Spider-Man approached him. The thunder god approached.

"You fought well."

"Thanks, cool hat."

Liu Kang frowned slightly at this.

"It would be wise to show a little more respect. Lord Raiden's praise is an honor. As the god of thunder and protector of Earthrealm, he-"

"Look, I don't know what you're into, but I'm not into it right now."

He moved to step past them, but Liu Kang stepped in his way.

"This is no game! This tournament is about the very survival and freedom of our world!"

Johnny Cage smirked.

"What are you talking about?"

"Your opponent was a Tarkatan. He was born with those blades. He's a warrior of Outworld, whose ruler seeks to conquer our world and absorb it into his realm."

The actor snorted at this.

"The Elder Gods created this tournament to give our world a chance to defend itself. If we lose this time, the emperor of Outworld, Shao Kahn, will have it and another Earthrealm."

"Look guys, I'm an actor, I save the world for the cameras. And I was told this was just some show that would help me get back into the spotlight. But if this 'emperor' or whatever these maniacs think is going on or making you think is happening, call the military."

Liu Kang frowned.

Johnny Cage sighed.

"Me? I'm gonna catch up with the blonde I met earlier. Later!"

He patted Raiden's arm and moved to walk away. Spider-Man stood where he was going.

"I know this seems hard to believe, and trust me, I used to not believe in stuff like this either...but what they're talking about is real."

Johnny Cage stopped.

"He, you're the one who fought the lizard guy. Sweet moves by the way. Love your style."

Spider-Man smiled.

"Thanks, you too."

The actor grinned.

"You up for a sweet gig? I know my producer has talked about me doing some buddy cop films or action hero duo stuff. I like your stuff, think you'd really blend well with me."

Spider-Man grinned.

(I really, really love this guy.)

"But look, whatever is going on here, you've got the wrong guy. But I'll try and get in touch with you after this thing's done. Later."

The actor walked off. Raiden and Liu Kang walked up to Spider-Man. Liu Kang shook his head.

"What do you see in him, Lord Raiden?"

"He is a hero, Liu Kang, he just doesn't know it right now."

Spider-Man nodded.

(Kinda reminds me of me.)

-Netherrealm, A Few Hours Later-

General Reyes could be found waiting in the Netherrealm's throne, patiently awaiting the return of his master. And his patience was soon rewarded as a glowing green portal opened in the center of the throne room, and a few seconds later, Quan Chi entered into the throne room.

"My lord." Jack said in a low respectful tone as he bowed his head in respect for the sorcerer.

"General." Quan Chi greeted in a rare sincere tone as he approached his lead general.

"How goes the tournament my lord?" Jack asked quickly.

"Earthrealm has defeated the first three champions that the Emperor has chosen to represent Outworld." Quan Chi informed his general. "While I admit that I expected Outworld to do better, I'm not completely surprised." Quan Chi said in a tone that surprised Jack, but Jack decided to hold his tongue and let his master continue to speak. "A cornered animal is easily the most dangerous kind of animal. Earthrealm and Outworld both are now cornered animals per say. While Earthrealm has won the first three battles of this Grand Tournament, their strongest, and deadliest opposition lies directly ahead of them." Quan Chi said in a firm and evil tone. "Come General, for Shinnok must be informed of our... future plans."

To Be Continued...