AN: After a very long hiatus, Story's Shadow and I have returned to War Of The Realms. And as a special treat, we made longer chapter than originally planned. This chapter was split into two originally, as the second fight was going to have it's own chapter, that being chapter 31. But as we looked it over, we decided that it was set up to perfectly to split chapter 30 into two separate chapters. So everyone gets two chapters in one.
One last important note: this chapter is where this story starts to create it's own cannon. What I mean is, this is where we start to divert from how MK9 had every fight do down. You'll see what I mean once you read this chapter. The presence of the USM characters requires things to be written differently than how the game did it. Some scenes and plot lines will be similar, but we'll put our own spin on them. Rest assured though, I have played and beaten MK9 and am a Mortal Kombat fan, so we will be loyal while putting our own spin on things. Hope you enjoy, unto the show.
-Shang Tsung's Island, Several Minutes Later-
Jax, Sonya, and Johnny stood wide eyed at having heard Raiden's explanations of the events preceding and coinciding with the events now.
Jax rubbed his chin as he spoke.
"Forgive me for a minute, I need to make sure I'm following this: This island is dedicated to a tournament that will decide our world's future?"
Raiden nodded.
"I know this will be hard to process, but I will do my best to explain. The Elder Gods created the Mortal Kombat tournament in order to maintain balance among the realms. After the Emperor's ascension to Kahn of Outworld, he continued his agenda to merge all the realms with Outworld. He has already conquered the former paradise of Edenia, which was the most powerful and respected realm of all."
Raiden's tone was bitter, a sentiment mirrored by all Raiden's allies who were present.
"As of now Outworld has won 9 out of the 10 consecutive victories needed in the Mortal Kombat tournament to merge our reality with Outworld. If he succeeds, our realm will share the same fate as Edenia."
Jax pinched the bridge of his nose, eyes closed as he spoke.
"I've seen a lot of shit. But this is giving me a headache."
Jax sighed as he kept trying to process the information he had just been told.
"I know this is a lot to grasp. But I swear to you that everything I have said is true."
Jax was silent for a few moments, contemplating on the matter before speaking.
"Well…Considering all the unexpected and unusual things that have happened today and leading up to today... I guess it only makes logical sense that this is the reason behind all that has happened as of late."
Jax was open to this, though part of him remained skeptical to elements of Raiden's explanation. His skepticism continued to increase upon seeing those in weird looking attire, which looked almost like Halloween costumes.
"I know you three are helping Raiden and Sonya since you helped spring my ass from that cell, but why are you three wearing those outfits?"
Spidey ran a hand along his masked face, groaning.
"Why is that always the first thing they ask?"
Spidey couldn't stop the small smile that formed underneath his mask though. He drew a breath so he could explain the situation, but White Tiger cleared her throat, which made Spidey instantly swallow whatever words he had begun forming.
"No offense Spider-Man, but considering the fact that you will most likely confuse him, I'll take the lead and answer all his questions."
A small smile had formed under her mask now, which Spidey couldn't see.
"While our attire would no doubt be just really creative Halloween costumes here. Where we're from, these outfits are our hero and heroine uniforms."
One of Jax's eyebrows raised at this.
"'Hero and heroine uniforms? You mean you three are like heroes you'd see in movies or comics?"
"In your reality yes. In our reality we are full fledged heroes and heroines who are endorsed by, and are agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..,"
"What the hell is S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
"Consider it a branch above the military. A government division dedicated to preserving peace, while also addressing and dealing with threats who would threaten the world. Threats that are domestic, foreign, and otherworldly."
White Tiger tried to make things sound simple, while also respecting the man's intelligence.
"We are what you'd call 'Super Heroes.' In our reality, there are countless heroes, heroines, and super villains-"
"Two questions, and trust me, I don't wanna hear more."
Jax's interruption was in an apologetic yet serious tone.
"No offense, but this other reality stuff, it's getting me confused. At a different time I'd love to sit down to take notes, but for now, I'd like two simple answers: if you're from another reality, why are you here? And who or what are these 'super-villains?'"
"The super-villain answer is complicated. S.H.I.E.L.D. has a list of both high and low threat level villains. The top of the list of just our world is Dr. Doom. A powerful foreign dictator, who despite his name sounding silly to this world, keeps trying to conquer the world. Arguably the biggest threat beyond our world is either the Mad Titan Thanos, or Galactus The Devourer Of Worlds... and I do mean he devours worlds literally."
Both of Jax's eyebrows and his mouth nearly dropped to the floor.
"As for why we are here: a portal quite randomly and unexpectedly opened between this reality, and ours during a battle. Raiden saved us during a battle with another highly dangerous threat: a ruler from outside our dimension. And Raiden informed us of the events that lead us hear now. Long story, but you'd probably want to hear it when you can make notes."
"I'll take your word for it. So what happens from here?"
At this, Jax turned his attention back to Raiden.
"We return to the tournament grounds. We shall explain more on our way there..."
-Later-
Sonya, Johnny, and Jax shared the same shocked expression that they had earlier, having heard the rest of Raiden's explanations. Johnny rubbed the back of his neck.
"So the fate of two Earths sits on our shoulders? Wow, talk about pressure."
Sonya crossed her arms.
"This is madness, the very survival of our world is based on a karate tournament?!"
Raiden sighed.
"It is the will of the Elder Gods, to give each realm a fighting chance."
Jax's cracked his knuckles.
"Then let's kick some ass."
White Tiger chuckled at this, nodding.
Shang Tsung looked over the crowd, running one hand along his beard. Then his eyes turned to one of his newest mercenaries. He grinned.
"For the next fight, the first combatant shall be: Taskmaster!"
Spider-Man, White Tiger, and Iron Fist's heads snapped in the sorcerer's direction as they all screamed.
"TASKMASTER?!"
The man himself emerged from the crowd, standing at one end of the arena. His arms were crossed, his gaze on the three young heroes.
"Well, isn't this a lovely reunion?"
(Taskmaster, definitely not one of my favorite bad guys. His ability to memorize and mimic others' skills and tactics makes him very difficult to handle.)
"What is he doing here?!"
White Tiger growled, claws extruding.
Shang Tsung smirked.
"Why he's joined the winning side, young lady."
White Tiger's eyes widened and a low growl rumbled in her throat.
"YOU TRAITOR!"
Her roar made Taskmaster scoff.
"It's called survival. I've seen what his boss is packing on his side. Not even the Avengers could stop him. Besides, there's a lot to be said for personal growth with such untapped power and skill."
Spider-Man's hands clenched.
"You've done a lot Taskmaster, but I didn't even think you would be willing to sell out our world!"
"Can't let personal feelings get in the way of business, Spider-Man."
Iron Fist's eyes narrowed.
"There is no honor in this! If they succeed they will ravage our world!"
Taskmaster shook his head.
"If you don't keep your eyes open to the possibilities, you'll-"
"Dude you are so messed up."
Those gathered turned to Johnny Cage, who walked to the other side of the arena. Shang Tsung chuckled.
"Ah, it seems we have your opponent already Mr. Masters."
Taskmaster chuckled lowly, cracking his neck.
(*Gulps* Not good!)
"Mr. Cage! Wait! You should let one of us fight him! He can copy your moves just by watching you!"
Johnny Cage smirked.
"Don't worry, Spidey. He won't be able to handle my moves!"
"Wait, no-!"
Raiden put a hand on the young hero's shoulder.
"It is his fight now."
Johnny Cage ran a hand through his hair, grinning widely.
"Ok spooky, let's go!"
Taskmaster chuckled.
"Your funeral."
Shang Tsung threw up his hand and sliced it down.
"Fight!"
Johnny Cage laughed as he rushed forward. Taskmaster simply stood where he was, arms crossed. The actor lunged forward, sweep kicking in the air. Taskmaster slid under the attack then struck out with his own kick yet Johnny had managed to drop to the ground and ducked under the kick while striking a dramatic pose. The mercenary scoffed.
"Amusing."
He shouted as he quickly threw another kick yet Johnny did a Chinese get up, which just dodged the attack. Johnny chuckled.
"C'mon man! Show me what you got!"
Taskmaster's eyes narrowed. He rushed forward, throwing several punches at the actor. Johnny chuckled as he blocked and evaded the attacks.
"Spider-Man acted like you were some brutal fighter! All I'm seeing is someone in a bad Halloween costume!"
Taskmaster grumbled as the actor laughed at him, rushing forward. He blocked the haymaker Johnny threw at him then slid under another before grabbing one of Johnny's arms and forced it behind his back.
"You remind me of a certain mercenary from my world. He also thinks he's a comedian."
Johnny grunted then chuckled.
"Sounds like a funny guy."
Taskmaster slammed one of his elbows into Johnny's back, knocking him to the ground.
"He might say the same about you."
"Cool. I'll have to meet him. Maybe we can share a laugh about you."
Johnny quickly jumped to his feet and threw a kick towards Taskmaster's crotch. The crowd prepared to flinch, but Taskmaster had stepped out of the way and gripped the actor's foot with one hand. He pulled him towards him then shot out his other hand, the fist hitting Johnny's chest dead center. The actor grunted as he hit the ground hard.
"Wha-?"
"However, you're nowhere near as deadly."
Johnny grunted as he stood up and rushed forward. Taskmaster caught his opponent's fist then struck out with one foot, sending the actor skidding back. He then lunged forward, striking with one foot that hit Johnny's lower torso. The second came and struck Johnny's side as he twisted from the kick. Taskmaster then leapt and slung a side kick after twirling from the momentum of the lunge. Johnny grunted in pain, hitting the ground.
"H-Hey! That's my move!"
"Yes, I thought it might be of some use given how effective it was on that Tarkatan. So now it's my move."
Sonya frowned at this.
"So this is one of your 'super-villains'?"
Spider-Man nodded.
"Yeah, Taskmaster. Can study and copy other's fighting moves and skills. Was a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent before he betrayed them and became a mercenary."
Sonya's hands clenched into fists.
"So he betrayed his oath?"
Spidey nodded.
Sonya glowered.
"I want a piece of that bastard."
Jax nodded at this.
"A man who betrays his oath is no man at all."
Spider-Man rubbed the back of his neck.
"That may be, but he's really dangerous."
They turned back, seeing Taskmaster pummel Johnny. The actor grunted as he tried to dodge the strikes, but Taskmaster outmaneuvered him at every turn.
"Well Spooky, you're better than I thought you'd be."
"Stop talking!"
Taskmaster leapt forward, using a sweep kick. Johnny ducked the strike. As the mercenary landed and turned, Johnny dropped to the ground. His legs spread out to either side of him then he fired a punch. His fist struck Taskmaster's crotch, but instead of Taskmaster groaning in pain it was Johnny. He gripped his injured hand with the other and fell onto his back. Taskmaster placed one foot on Johnny's chest as he laughed.
"Gotta say, even I didn't see that one coming. It may have even subdued me...if it wasn't for the plating of my suit."
"Y-Yeah...I realized that...ow."
Taskmaster crossed his arms.
"Thank you for showing me that move, it may come in handy."
Spider-Man's eyes widened.
(*Gulps and put hands over his crotch* Not good.)
Shang Tsung smirked from where he sat.
"Taskmaster wins."
The mercenary walked off. Johnny Cage grunted as he got to his knees.
"W-Wait...I thought...you were-"
"What? Kill you? I considered it, but I think humiliating you was good enough."
"Thanks?"
The mercenary walked off, but made eye contact with the three young heroes. He chuckled before backing his way into the crowd. Raiden's eyes narrowed. Spidey hurried over and helped Johnny to the side.
"Thanks, Spidey."
"No problem."
Spidey turned to Raiden.
"Can you heal him?"
Raiden's hands shot electricity at Johnny and the actor began to heal as had Jax. Sonya still glowered from where she stood.
"Next time that oath breaker is up, I want at him."
Raiden didn't look at her as he replied.
"You may get your chance. However, Shao Kahn has many warriors at his disposal here. And Shang Tsung will likely call on you to fight when you least expect it."
"I'm ready at all times."
"Let us hope you all are."
The heroes stood in attendance, waiting for the next fight to be called. The sorcerer drank from a goblet handed to him by one of his monk servants before handing it back. The servant bowed and walked off as his master turned to the crowd.
"These few fights so far have been most intriguing. For this one, I feel I should be somewhat generous: one can volunteer for the fight."
Spidey scoffed before whispering to the others.
"Yeah, 'real generous'."
Shang Tsung chuckled.
"Yes, Spider-Man, I mostly certainly am. Are you volunteering to fight?"
(*Alarmed primate sound* What?! How did he hear me?!)
"Uhhh, I-"
Sonya pushed past him.
"I'm next."
Jax put a hand on her shoulder.
"Sonya, wait-"
Shang Tsung grinned.
"Excellent. For the next fight: Sonya Blade!"
The soldier stepped up into the arena.
"Now, call Taskmaster! That traitor will learn a thing or two from me."
The sorcerer frowned.
"I said I would be generous, but you don't make demands of me. Your opponent shall be: Kano!"
Sonya and Jax's eyes widened at this. The leader of the Black Dragon emerged from the crowd, cracking his knuckles and grinning.
"Hello love."
"Kano."
Sonya glowered and her hands clenched into fists.
"Oooh, I love it when you growl."
Sonya grumbled at him, taking a fighting stance. Kano did similarly as he chuckled. The sorcerer watched and smirked before raising his hand and slicing it down as he shouted.
"Fight!"
Kano's red eye shot a stream of red energy at Sonya, but the soldier rolled under the blast. She slid towards him and kicked out with one leg. Kano grunted as he dropped to the ground. Then Sonya was on him, putting him into a choke hold.
"You murderous bastard! We trusted you!"
Kano grunted, hands on Sonya's arms.
"Just a simple game, love: had to throw you off the scent!"
At the last word he slammed the back of his head into Sonya's face. Her grip slackened and Kano grabbed her, slinging her across the arena. The soldier skidded across the ground, but she quickly rolled back onto her feet before charging forward.
Jax shouted his support from the sidelines.
"Kick his ass!"
Sonya lunged at Kano, throwing a roundhouse kick that sent Kano tumbling away. Kano grumbled as he stood up and fired the optic blast again. But the blasters on her wrists shot pink colored energy that collided with the optic blast, causing an explosion. Sonya rushed into the smoke and emerged from it, slamming her fist into Kano's face. He grumbled as he stumbled back and his opponent closed the gap. She threw swift, brutal punches and chops that hit the man's face and upper body. She then leapt up, twirling around and striking out with another roundhouse kick. Kano shouted and grunted as he hit the ground. He slammed one of his fists against the ground.
"Bitch."
Sonya's eyes blazed.
"What did you call me?!"
She lunged forward, kicking his torso and sending him across the arena. Jax shouted, smiling broadly.
"Atta girl! Beat his ass!"
Sonya grunted as she grabbed Kano by the throat and held it up with one hand and grabbed the back of his neck with the other. She threw her knee up, slamming into her foe's torso more than once. Kano grunted as he jabbed at her lower torso, but she pulled away and slammed a kick into his torso. She then threw a swift haymaker, sending him skidding back before following up with a throat punch. Kano grabbed his throat, coughing and gagging.
Spidey grabbed his throat, eyes wide.
"Is it me or she...too brutal?"
Jax scoffed at this.
"That man got a bunch of our friends killed and led us on a wild goose chase. Sonya's giving him the ass kicking he deserves."
"But at this rate she may kill him!"
"If she decides that, it's about damn time."
Spider-Man's hands clenched.
"That's not justice."
Jax's nostrils flared.
"Who are you to say that, boy?"
"Boy?"
Their attention turned back as Sonya shouted at the top of her lunges, throwing a haymaker that sent Kano skidding back. She quickly raced forward. Kano shouted as he fired his optic blast, turning swiftly to fire it. Sonya grunted as she ducked under the attack before quickly getting up. Her foe slammed his fist into her face then quickly followed by throwing his right knee against her torso. The mercenary pulled out a long, curved knife and started slashing at her.
Sonya dodged and weaved, but the knife managed to slice against her side or arm as Kano closed the gap. He then slammed his free fist into her face and jabbed with the blade. Sonya managed to grab his wrist with both hands while Kano pressed his other hand against the butt of the knife.
"Gotta admit, shoulda used me knife earlier."
Sonya grumbled at this. Kano pulled his free hand back and slammed it against the butt of the knife. As he did this Sonya moved to the side, where the knife hit only air. She then sent her right elbow to strike against the back of Kano's neck. He grunted as he fell to the ground, the knife thrown from his grasp. He quickly turned onto his back to jump up, but Sonya ax stomped his groin. The mercenary cried out in pain once her foot landed.
As when Sonya used this move earlier, many gasped and placed their hands on groins. Spidey nearly puked.
"I-I hate that move."
Jax chuckled.
"Just like she was taught."
Spider-Man almost puked again.
(They teach that in special forces? Talk about fighting dirty.)
Kano groaned, hands on his groin. Sonya spit on him.
"Trash."
Shang Tsung grumbled, one hand clenched into a fist.
"Sonya Blade is the victor."
Sonya pulled out a chain from one of the packs on her army pants.
"Once we get back to the states, I'll make sure you go to a prison where you'll rot in a cage while I dismantle your entire organization."
"Halt!"
Sonya turned to Shang Tsung.
"I'm taking him into custody."
"He is not yours to take."
The sorcerer snapped his fingers. A few of his armed guards walked over and helped the mercenary up. Sonya fumed.
"You're interfering with Special Forces' business, that man is-"
"Under the command of Shah Kahn and under his and my protection. You have won, be glad you managed to do so."
Jax walked forward, putting a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Don't worry, Sonya. We'll get him once we win this sideshow tournament."
The sorcerer chuckled.
"You may have managed to win so far, but the tournament is only just beginning."
Jax's hands clenched into fists as the sorcerer returned to his seat.
"The next match shall be-!"
As he said this, Reptile appeared at his side and whispered something in the man's ears. Shang Tsung ran a hand through his beard, nodding before he stood.
"It seems I have an important task that requires my attention. The tournament shall reconvene at Dusk. Please, return to the halls of my home. A feast has been laid out."
Kano grumbled as he threw off the guards.
"I wasn't finished with her yet! The fight's not over!"
The red eye glowed. Sonya's hands clenched into fists.
"You want more?! I'm happy to give it!"
Shang Tsung frowned.
"Enough! The fight is over! The tournament shall continue later!"
He then disappeared in a flame as those present returned to the hall.
To Be Continued...
AN: I hope you all enjoy this chapter Story's Shadow and I put together all of our loyal fans and readers who have waited a long time for an update. We will hopefully be updating more frequently as of now. I do pose a question to all fans and readers who read this chapter: what do you think Shang Tsung's important task was, and why was it so important for him to put the tournament on hold and have it reconvene hours later at dusk? Whoever guesses correct, or comes the closest shall get a shout-out next chapter.