-Shang Tsung's Island, The Arena: An Hour Or So Later-

They had all gathered back at the fighting grounds, the sorcerer had called for the tournament to continue. He sat on his makeshift throne, overlooking those present. His masked guards were still getting into position, standing beside and around those there to partake or witness the tournament.

Raiden and Fujin watched as one of the guards walked to stand beside the Lin Kuei. They watched him, the robes he wore seemed almost too big for him though he did manage to walk in them. The brothers turned to one another, Fujin speaking first.

"Would Shang Tsung-?"

"An outright breaking of the rules of Mortal Kombat? No, he would use loopholes. Something else is going on with that one."

"He's not one of Shang Tsung's men."

The brothers turned to Hilda, who wasn't even looking at the guard or them. Fujin's raised an eyebrow at this.

"Who is he?"

"I believe you said his name was: Kung Lao."

Raiden and Fujin sighed, the former speaking.

"Thank you for informing us. When did he get here?"

"Just recently, probably while we were in the hall."

Raiden nodded.

"I will deal with this."

Hilda gave a sly nod. Fujin put a hand on his brother's shoulder.

"Be gentle, brother. You know Kung Lao wanted to be here to fight for Earthrealm."

"I know."

Raiden started to walk towards the masked Shaolin.

"Kombatants! I trust you enjoyed your rest and feast, but for now the next match shall begin!"

In the center of the arena, a fire roared to life as if from the ground itself. From it, out walked a terrifying and imposing figure. The warrior was dressed in black robes and wrappings that covered most of his body except for parts of his arms that had dark gray and black plating and gauntlets though the ends of his fingers was bare. Yellow orange robes laid upon his torso over gray and black armor. His head and face was nearly totally covered by armor except for around his eyes which were stark white.

Spider-Man studied him and got a shiver down his back.

(*Gulps* Is it me, or does this guy look like he have bones for armor...or...maybe the exoskeleton of-)

"Scorpion! Warrior from the Netherrealm! Reborn from the magic of Quan Chi!"

Shang Tsung's introduction caught everyone's attention. Fujin's eyes narrowed at this specter, who did not move from where he was. But even from a distance, the god of wind could feel the fire burning within this Scorpion. Fujing was about to say something, but he saw the look on Hilda's face.

"What is it?"

"Something...about him...I've noticed before...with someone else."

"Do not speak of further as of yet. When Raiden comes over, we shall discuss it further."

Hilda nodded.

Raiden now stood by Kung Lao.

"Kung Lao, you were very cunning to make it here. Though I repeat as I have explained: Liu Kang was decided to participate in the tournament to represent the Shaolin."

Kung Lao's eyes widened under the mask, almost flinching yet remained composed before he replied.

"I can fight, Raiden. I can win this tournament!"

"You can fight, but your elders feared your pride in your lineage and often lack of practice would doom you."

"Then they don't know me as well as they thought."

Shang Tsung smirked from where he sat, seeing the shocked and uncertain expressions from amongst many of the crowd at the sight of Scorpion. Quan Chi stood not to far from him, grinning as well. Shang Tsung then spoke again.

"What warrior believes they are capable to face such a warrior?!"

Scorpion finally moved and spoke, his voice haunting and filled with hellfire.

"Where is Sub-Zero?! The Lin Kuei bastard slaughtered my family and clan! I WILL SEE HIM BURN!"

Spider-Man gulped this.

Kung Lao's eyes narrowed before he turned to Raiden.

"I will prove you all wrong!"

Before Raiden could say anything, Kung Lao walked to the arena.

"I am!"

Kung Lao threw off his disguise and placed his bladed hat on his head. Liu Kang's eyes widened.

"Kung Lao?!"

Spidey turned to Liu Kang.

"I thought your buddy wasn't chosen?"

"Kung Lao has always been prideful...I fear him not being chosen by our master hurt him...especially because he wanted to avenge his ancestor."

Kung Lao stood across from Scorpion, who narrowed his eyes at his challenger. But the young Shaolin just smirked. Shang Tsung raised an eyebrow at this while Quan Chi scoffed.

"You will have wished a Lin Kuei had stepped up to fight, for you will fall to a Shaolin!"

Spider-Man chuckled.

"Gotta admire his spirit."

Liu Kang turned to Spider-Man then back to his friend with a worried gaze. Scorpion grumbled under his breath.

"Very well then."

The two took fighting stances. Shang Tsung raised his hand and chopped down as he yelled.

"Fight!"

Kung Lao smirked and raced forward as his opponent slowly walked forward. The Shaolin lunged, throwing out a swift kick at his foe. But the kick only hit air, Scorpion had slid under the attack. Kung Lao grumbled as he landed on his feet and quickly lunged back at his opponent. Scorpion caught the Shaolin's fist then slammed his free open palm against Kung Lao's face. The Shaolin fell on his back. He felt something slither down his face and wiped it to discover only blood. Kung Lao's eyes narrowed.

Liu Kang watched as his friend jump back onto his feet and charge at his opponent again. Iron Fist turned to Liu Kang.

"You fear he will not win?"

"Kung Lao has always had a gift for martial arts, but he's always been so obsessed with his and his family's image and past...it makes him lose focus."

"I fear you are right."

Kung Lao swung swift jabs and chops at Scorpion, but the Netherrealm warrior pushed aside or blocked each attack. The Shaolin grunted as he threw a sweeping kick, aimed at Scorpion's head. But the spectral foe blocked the kick with the back of his hand. Scorpion quickly followed this up with his own kick, jumping up and striking with one foot. Kung Lao grunted as he hit the ground again. He grunted as he got back up and charged again.

Scorpion took a stance, waiting. Kung Lao grabbed his hit with two fingers and threw it forward. The blades shined as it flew forward. Spider-Man's eyes widened.

"Wait! That hat might-!"

Scorpion caught the hat wit both hands, one hand above and the other below the blade. Kung Lao's eyes widened as Scorpion's narrowed. The warrior dropped the hat and kicked it across the ground. Kung Lao caught the top of it with one hand.

"Impressive, revenant."

Scorpion didn't reply. Kung Lao frowned and rushed forward again. He held his hat with one hand swinging it like one would any blade. But Scorpion dodged each attack. Kung Lao leapt up and slashed down, but Scorpion pulled out one of the katanas sheathed behind his back and stopped the blade. Scorpion and Kung Lao narrowed their eyes, focused on one another. The Shaolin pulled back his bladed hat then quickly slashed it from the side, but Scorpion quickly blocked the strike with his blade again.

Kung Lao grunted and grumbled, his feet slipping as Scorpion began to push back. The Netherrealm warriors then shoved the Shaolin back, knocking him to the ground. Scorpion sheathed his blade as Kung Lao jumped onto his feet again, putting the hate back on his head. He grunted as he rushed forward, striking out with a kick only for Scorpion to dodge to the side. Kung Lao shouted out in aggravation as he swiftly struck out with several punches, jabs, chops, and kicks. But his opponent evaded or blocked each strike.

"I will not fall! I will avenge my ancestor!"

Scorpion's eyes widened a little at this.

"You're wha-?"

Kung Lao quickly struck out with a sweeping kick aimed at his opponent's head, only for his foot to be caught by Scorpion. The warrior's eyes narrowed, eyes literally burning. Kung Lao gasped. Scorpion shouted as he slammed an open palm strike against Kung Lao's chest and sent him flying back. Kung Lao hit the ground, groaning. Those gathered watched and waited, but the Shaolin did not rise.

Quan Chi chuckled as Shang Tsung smirked.

"Scorpion is the victor!"

Scorpion stood over Kung Lao, eyes narrowed and walked back to the center of the arena without saying a word.

Raiden sighed.

"Kung Lao!"

Liu Kang rushed to his friend while Raiden walked over.

"Defeat is a hard lesson, Kung Lao. It is one we must all face and learn from."

Raiden and Liu Kang helped him up.

The other watched, Spider-Man put a hand over his chest.

"Wow...it's really rare to see someone being beaten like that."

Jax nodded.

"Kid got his ass handed to him."

Spider-Man rubbed the back of his neck.

"A-And one of us may have to fight him?"

Fujin turned to the young hero.

"One of you will have to fight him."

Spidey's eyes widened.

(*Chibi Spidey getting beaten up by Chibi Scorpion and hitting the ground.* *Gulps*)

To Be Continued...