(Shang Tsung's Temple: Vault Entrance)
"OOF!"
"ARGH!"
"UGH!"
"HI-YAA!"
"CRACK!"
Scorpion and Liu Kang were surrounded by unconscious guards as they were at the entrance of the vault, both slightly tired after beating the dozen guards.
Scorpion: "Tougher than they look, I'll give them that."
Liu Kang: "Same. They proved quite formidable."
He states then both walk up to the entrance and examine it, trying to find a hidden mechanism.
Then Scorpion's hand brushed against it and he pressed it, but nothing happened.
Liu Kang found one aswell and the two looked at each other, knowingly.
Liu Kang: "Same time?"
Scorpion: "On 3...1...2...3."
Both of them pressed the mechanisms and the entrance opened, a staircase heading downwards, torches lighting the path.
Liu Kang: "We're close."
Scorpion: "Indeed...let's go get it."
As soon as Scorpion takes a step, he then tilts his head to the side, dodging a spike that went into the side of the entrance.
They turn and see Baraka and Reptile, newly recovered and charging at them from afar.
Baraka: "YOU WILL NOT GET THE AMULET!"
Liu Kang then stepped forward, getting into his fighting stance.
Liu Kang: "Go! I will deal with them."
Scorpion: "Got it."
He states then runs down the tunnel and Liu Kang blasts one of the switches and the vault entrance closes behind him.
Baraka and Reptile stopped and circled Liu Kang, who smirked and caused his fist to ignite in fire.
Liu Kang: "Show me what you can do."
(Vault)
Scorpion was walking down the tunnel, he kept doing so, untill he saw the amulet, in his grasp, along with other mystical items.
Scorpion: "So...it was here all the time Quan Chi had me looking for it."
He says and continues stepping further towards the amulet, untill he stopped and felt the presences of two people.
Scorpion: "Was wondering why you two weren't fighting in the tournament."
Then he dodges a shuriken thrown and teleports out of the way from a jump in attack, he reappears and kicks one of his attackers in the face.
Scorpion whips out his kunai and is face to face with two members of the Brotherhood of Shadows, Ashrah's sisters, Kia and Jataaka.
Jataaka: "Scorpion...it's been a long while since we've seen you."
She states, unsheathing a sword and Scorpion whips arounds his kunai as they start circling him.
Scorpion: "Not long enough..."
He says then an incoming shuriken with his kunai, and dodges a slash from Jataaka's sword and rolls under her and throws his kunai into her side and yanks her into a wall.
But, seeing this as an opening, Kia then slides under Scorpion from behind and kicks him in the face.
Off-guarded, Scorpion stumbles causing Kia to pounce on him, and use her dual daggers to stab him but he grabs her wrists, restraining her and spins around pressing her against the wall.
Kia, smirks and Scorpion just glares at her, annoyed.
Kia: *whispers* "Missed you, ..."
Scorpion: *growls* "I have not."
Kia, then wraps her legs around his hips and pulls him in, closer, they were nose to nose.
Kia: "Aww, I like when you're grumpy."
Then she headbuts him, causing Scorpion to stumble back and let go, then Jataaka comes in from behind and flip him over.
He recovered and stood on his feet and kicked Jataaka in the back bringing her closer to Kia.
Scorpion then unsheathed his swords, both arms resting at his side, waiting for then to strike.
He then cracked his neck and watched as they both were smiling.
Scorpion then lifted his hand and motioned for them to come here.
The two demons laughed and charged at Scorpion who remained unfazed as they closed in on him.
(Shang Tsung's Throne Room)
Kung Lao was sitting against a pillar, tired, sweating and covered in blood, thought not entirely, but covering a good portion of his body, and almost up to his face.
The others looked at their and leader with slight comcerned expressions as he had a face of determination.
Johnny: *takes out water bottle* "Yo, need some?"
Kung Lao: *looks at Johnny and takes water bottle* "Thank you."
Kung Lao takes the bottled water and chugs it down, as he breathes heavily.
Raiden and Fujin smile at this and Kung Lao stands up, he had defeated several other fighters, Kabal, Skarlet, Jade, D'vorah, and lastly Drahmin and Moloch, all in a continuous streak.
Raiden: "1 last fight...you've come far, Kung Lao."
Fujin: "The Great Kung Lao would be proud."
Kung Lao smiles and bows at the two gods.
Kung Lao: "That is the greatest compliment, I could ever receive...you both honor me."
'DONG!'
The sound of a gong filled the entire room, meaning the final fight was about to commence.
Shang Tsung: "Kung Lao, step to the center!"
He instructs and Kung Lao does so, and Shang Tsung examines him.
Shang Tsung: "Though from Earthrealm, even I must admit you are an exceptional fighter, but this is where your little "streak" comes to an end. Are you prepared?"
Kung Lao: "...Just bring me Goro."
Shang Tsung is taken back but smirks as he snaps his fingers and footsteps could be heard approaching as Kung Lao faced towards him.
Shang Tsung: "Everyone! Before you all, is the Mortal Kombat champion! The Shokan Prince of Outworld! I give you...GORO!"
Goro appeared in front of Kung Lao, towering over him by several feet, the Shokan wearing a cloak as the two were face to face.
Kung Lao clenched his fists, tightly as Goro removed his cloak, revealing his extra two limbs and physique.
Goro: "So you are the descendant of the Great Kung Lao?"
Kung Lao: "Yes...I'm here to restore my family's honor, and win this tournament."
He says getting into his fighting stance.
Goro: "I respected the Great Kung Lao..he was a worthy opponent. And looking at you...I don't see the resemblance."
He says cracking all four of his knuckles and getting into a fighting stance.
They stared each other down with intensity, waiting for the other to strike.
Shang Tsung: "FIGHT!"
Kung Lao then charged at Goro, in quick speed, the Shokan tried throwing a punch but Kung Lao jumped up and kneed him in the face.
Goro was able to grab him and throw him back, as he wiped his nose and saw a drop of blood and smirked.
Goro: "First blood...not bad."
He states then charges back at Kung Lao who prepares himself for the incoming attack.
Goro leaps into the air, and comes down with a double fisted slam, but Kung Lao moves out of the way, going behind him.
Goro then swings behind him, as Kung Lao starts dodging each punch, seeing his opening he then does a timed strike to Goro's third arm, making it go limb.
Goro: "Argh!"
He looked at his arm and saw Kung Lao standing his ground.
Shang Tsung: "Goro, he can handle himself...so stop playing!"
The sorcerer says as Goro smirks and Kung Lao is shocked but remains vigilant.
Goro then forms several fireballs in his hand and throws them at Kung Lao who dodges all of them, but he got close and Goro kicks him into one of the pillars.
Kung Lao, stood up quickly and rolled out the way Goro lunging towards him and destroying the pillar.
The others watched, anxious and worried for their friend, Johnny turn towards Raiden.
Johnny: "Lao can beat this guy, no worries, right? Right?"
Raiden: "He can...he must."
Back towards the fight, Kung Lao is on the defensive, evading Goro's attacks but was struggling to do so, as his offense was too aggressive.
Kung Lao: "He won't let me get a chance to gather myself! I need to take him down, NOW!"
He thinks then blocks Goro's punch, but it knocks him back, rolling into the hit, he then looks up at the decor curtains and smirks.
As Goro comes towards him, he grabs the curtain and wraps it around Goro's hand.
Goro tried pulling away but Kung Lao using the curtain pulled him closer and kicked him repeatedly in the face.
Then Kung Lao wrapped more of the curtain around Goro, tying him up.
Goro: "Clever...but clever won't beat me."
He states and breaks free, and slams his fists down, but Kung Lao flips back in the air, twists his body and hits Goro with his dive kick, right between his chest, the power knocking backwards through one of the pillars destroying it.
Kung Lao landed on the ground, and saw debris covering Goro, then looked back at Shang Tsung who was smirking and sitting back in his throne.
Kung Lao: "Now do you see Shang Tsung? I may be young, but I am one of the Shaolin's most formidable warriors, and Earthrealm's champion! And I will act my role!"
He exclaims but then hears rubble move behind him, he turns and is grabbed at the throat by one of Goro's arms.
Goro: "If that was your best...then you have truly disgraced your family name."
Kung Lao manged to break free, and started punching Goro in his gut, strike after strike, but it was not enough as the Shokan slams his fists down on his back, knocking Kung Lao to his knees.
Kung Lao tried getting up but was Goro slammed again, laying him out on the ground, but it did not stop as Goro continued the onslaught.
Raiden and Fujin watched, in shock and slight fear as they watch Kung Lao get beat.
(Vault)
Scorpion was covered in cut and scrapes, his mask slightly cracked and a black eye, but compared to Kia and Jataaka, he looked quite fine, as both the demons were baldy injured and maimed, courtesy of the undead spectre.
Scorpion cracked his neck and sheathed his swords then turned towards the pedastal that held the amulet.
He then walked forward and reached for the amulet but in doing so, he received flashes of an old battle...between, seemingly a dragon like creature and a old man, and several gem like artifacts, on pedestals.
The flashes stopped and he looked back, seeing Kia and Jataaka starting to wake up, quickly he grabbed the amulet and teleported out the vault.
(Vault Entrance)
Liu Kang was effortlessly dodging attacks from both Baraka and Reptile, he caught Reptile's kick and struck at his knee, causing him to fall back.
Baraka kept striking at Liu Kang, wildly using his blades, enraged but the Shaolin Monk kept dodging, and struck Baraka at his throat, troubling his breathing and roundhouses him in the face, knocking him out.
In a burst of flames, Scorpion appears in front of him and looks at Baraka and Reptile.
Scorpion: "Nice work."
Liu Kang: "Do you have the amulet?"
Scorpion: *shows amulet* "Yes...now we can-"
He was cut off by the sounds of cheering and a cries of pain coming from above, as Liu Kang eyes widen in shock.
Liu Kang: "Kung Lao! He's fighting Goro!"
He states then Scorpion touches his shoulder and teleports from below the temple.
(Throne Room)
Scorpion and Liu Kang appeared with the others and were shocked to see Kung Lao, brutally beaten and bloodied up, he was flat on his stomach, with Goro standing over him.
Liu Kang: "No..."
He was about to intervene but Raiden stopped him, and looked at him.
Raiden: "This is his fight...he will end it."
Liu Kang then looked back at his friend who was struggling to get up, as Goro looked at him then scoffed.
Goro: "This fight is over...be grateful I'm letting you live. This is a mercy, I did not show your ancestor."
He states then turns and starts to leaves, Kung Lao weakly stands up, only to fall to his knees.
His vision starts to slowly fade, as he looks at his friends and mentors.
Kung Lao: "I'm...sorry..."
He then coughs up blood and collapses on the floor, blacking out.
(Unknown Realm)
Kung Lao opens his eyes and to his surprise, he is in a white void, wearing an all white version of his kombat attire.
Kung Lao: "What is this place?"
???: "This is the Realm of Above...where Kombatants come once they die...either in battle or any other cause of death."
A voice says and through clouds a man with a shaven head, wearing a white headband and white robe.
Kung Lao: "It's...you."
???: "Yes, I am the Great Kung Lao...your ancestor."
Kung Lao: *shocked* "If that is true...then...I have failed Earthrealm. I failed Lord Raiden."
Great Kung Lao: *chuckles* "No...it is not your time. You are strong...stronger than I used to be, as Earthrealm's Jinsei flows within you...so go back out there..."
He then places a hand on one of Kung Lao's shoulder and smiles.
Great Kung Lao: "...And fight."
(Throne Room)
"And fight."
Kung Lao gasps for air and gets back up, fighting through the pain, as he smirks.
All the fighters were shocked, as Goro turned around, confused and surprised.
Kung Lao: "I...*pants* am not done yet."
Then to add to everyone's shock, blue energy surges through his body, healing his wounds.
Kung Lao then gets into his fighting stance and puts his hand up, taunting Goro to come here.
Goro, now frustrated charged at Kung Lao, who grips his hat and as soon as Goro gets in range, he starts spinning his body into a tornado and bumps into Goro, knocking him off balance.
Goro gets up and notices a cut on his chest, Kung Lao stops his spin attack and shows his hat had a small tint of blood.
Goro stomps, causing the ground to splinter towards Kung Lao, but he sprints forward and hits him with a flying kick straight to his sternum, breaking it.
Goro coughed up blood and Kung Lao then grabs one of his hands and dislocates it, causing Goro to scream in pain, he tried using another to grab but Kung Lao flips off his chest and slices another one of Goro's hand.
Goro: "ARGHH!"
Stunned, and seeing this as opportunity, Kung Lao delivered exceedingly quick strikes to Goro's gut, and lastly flipping backwards and kicking Goro in his chin, knocking him flat on his back.
Kung Lao then stood over Goro, who was beaten and looked up at him, as he took off his hat and had the sharp against Goro's throat.
Kung Lao: "Do...you yield?"
Goro: "I...yield."
Shang Tsung was shocked and enraged, his fists tightening as he uttered the words...
"Kung Lao wins...Earthrealm wins the tournament."
(Overseas: Boat)
The Kombatants and other fighters were back on the boat, heading to Shanghai, Raiden and Fujin smiled as they watched the others celebrate.
Johnny: "Kung Lao, My boy! That was total boss shit!"
He states wrapping a arm on Kung Lao's shoulder, the monk smiled.
Liu Kang: "I knew you could do it."
Kenshi: "We all did...never had a doubt in mind."
Ermac: "Not true, there were plenty of doubts."
Kung Lao's smile faded as he looked at everyone, confused.
Smoke: "Okay, so...some doubts. But only when Goro damn near beat you to death."
Ermac: "Still there were-"
Kemshi: *speaking telepathically* "Buddy, you're doing it again."
Ermac: *speaking telepathically* "Sorry."
Scorpion: "Speaking of that...That energy, you used to heal yourself. How did you do that?"
Kung Lao: "I...don't know. It's like I...was in a state of clarity, a stillness...balance even."
Sub-Zero: "Whatever it was, you're definitely gonna have to figure it out."
Noob: "I second that."
Johnny: "Seriously?! More training? C'mon, we just made it through the tournament! As soon as we get home...WE'RE BOUT TO PARTY BABY!"
He shouts and all the other fighters look at him, annoyed, and Johnny nervously chuckles.
Johnny: "Sorry."
(Outworld: Royal Palace: Throne Room)
Shao Khan: "We lost?!"
The Emperor exclaims, standing from his throne, looking down at Shang Tsung who was kneeling.
Shang Tsung: "Yes, my lord...it pains to admit it but the Earthrealm champions proved stronger than anticipated!"
Shao Khan rubbed his temples, annoyed and angered, Sindel then came to his side, calming him down.
Sindel: "Shang Tsung, who beat Goro?"
Shang Tsung: "It was...the descendant of the Great Kung Lao. I...underestimated his power."
Shao Khan then sat back down on his throne, and sighed.
Shao Khan: "Earthrealm is stronger than I thought...as I feared."
Sindel: "What will you do?"
She asks, concerned.
Shao Khan: "We approach them...Kotal!"
Then an Osh-Tekk covered in blue paint, wearing golden Aztec like armor, kneels before the Emperor.
Kotal: "Yes, my leige?"
Shao Khan: "Prepare a small number of troops, we're going to Earthrealm."
Kotal: "Understood."
He nods and leaves as Shao Khan looks back at Shang Tsung.
Shao Khan: "Take Goro to the soul chamber...then head to your laboratory...ny daughter needs a new batch of your serum."
Shang Tsung: "Yes, My lord."
(Nettherealm: Quan Chi's Fortress)
Quan Chi was sitting in his throne, drinking from a skull as Kia and Jataaka were informing him of their fight with Scorpion.
Jataaka: "Scorpion proved more formidable than we expected...we underestimated him. Thinking his time as one of Raiden's champions had softened him."
Kia: *whispers* "Nice to know, it hasn't."
As Quan Chi was done with his drink, he crushes the skull and ties up both Kia and Jataaka in mystical binds as he stands up.
Quan Chi: "Both of you failed...miserably...I should kill you both."
He says but then sighs and waves his hands, letting go of the binds.
Quan Chi: "But you still have your uses...find Scorpion, and retrieve the amulet."
Jataaka: "But...how?"
Quan Chi then tosses a vial of a magma like substance at Jataaka who catches it.
Quan Chi: *smirks* "You know how..."
