(California: Nightclub)
"WHOOOO! PART TIME MOTHERFUCKERS!"
Johnny yells at the top of his lungs while crowd surfing along with Kenshi and Jax as the club was playing music.
Sub-Zero and Noob were drinking in a booth, while having a 'brotherly chat'. Smoke was chilling against a wall with Frost at his side.
Ermac was at the counter with Erron, who was behind it, and drinking everything from the shelf.
Scorpion and Ashrah were in another booth, catching up on old times, and exchanging stories.
Seeing this from the upper floor, Kung Lao smiled and took a sip of his drink.
???: "Enjoying your party?"
A voice calls out and Kung Lao turns to see Liu Kang wearing a black shirt, and red jacket with jeans and dress shoes.
Kung Lao daps up Liu Kang who leans against the railing, and pulls out a bottle, and Kung Lao looks at it in surprise.
Kung Lao: "Is that-"
Liu Kang: "Bo'Rai Cho's Gin. He gave it to me to celebrate for when won the tournament."
He says then takes a sip and makes a foul face as he gives it to Kung Lao.
Liu Kang: *coughs* "Strong..."
Kung Lao: *takes sip and cough* "Gah! Very strong!"
They laugh as Liu Kang looks down at the crowd.
Liu Kang: "I'm happy you won my friend, you deserved it. I know you always felt like you were always in my shadow."
Kung Lao: "...Sometimes. But not anymore...I am going back home for a bit, to see my family, tell them of my victory. You?"
Liu Kang: "I was thinking of staying with you guys for a while, life outside the Shaolin, y'know? After all, you shouldn't be the only one."
He says smirking and Kung Lao laughs.
Kung Lao: "Agreed."
???: "What's so funny? The Prodigy of Bruce Lee make a joke?"
They turn to see Johnny and the others now on the upper floor with them.
Kung Lao: "Inside joke...I'd like to make a toast."
Frost: *rolls eyes* "Oh, this should be good."
She says and Noobs flicks her forehead, which earned a look of annoyance on Frost's face.
Everyone gathered around and Kung Lao smiled.
Kung Lao: "I...always felt I was destined for more. When I was younger, I wanted, desperately, a chance to prove my worth, and live up to the name of my ancestor...now I've done just that. But I couldn't have done without you...my friends."
Kung Lao raised the bottle of gin in the air.
Kung Lao: "To friends!"
Everyone: "To friend!"
Kung Lao: *smirks* "Now, let's have some fun!"
(Sky Temple)
Raiden was in center of the temple, meditating as thunder boomed in the background and lightning flashed.
He breathed in and out, with a small smile on his face...until it faded once he felt a repugnant presence.
Raiden: "Quan Chi..."
He gets up and sees the necromancer appear from the shadows, his usual smirk plastered on.
Quan Chi: "Lord Raiden."
Raiden: "You are banned on these grounds...begone!"
He demands but Quan Chi walks up towards him.
Quan Chi: "I just wanted to congratulate you on the tournament, it was...an impressive win."
Raiden: "Do not patronize me...You seek Shinnok's amulet, do you not?"
Quan Chi: "Yes, but I don't suppose you would willing to give it up, would you?"
He says, forming energy weapons in his hands.
Raiden: "You assume correctly...besides...I do not know it's whereabouts."
Quan Chi's smirk fades as he raises an eyebrow.
Quan Chi: "What?"
Raiden: "The amulet is safe, far from here...and unknown to my knowledge. And if you think fighting me will get that answer, you will wrong."
He states as lighting sparks around him and flashes in the sky.
Quan Chi then lets go of the weapons and creates a portal, glaring at the thunder god.
Quan Chi: "This was...a pleasant conversation, Lord Raiden."
He finishes then leaves through the portal, as Raiden folds his arms confused by Quan Chi's appearance.
(Hour Later: Cafe Yacht: Lower Deck)
Coming back from the nightclub, the Kombatants were each heading to sleep while some stayed up for a bit.
In the lower deck, Scorpion was in his room, sleeping, in shorts and a tank top, quite tired from tonight's events.
He started seeing flashes from the island, of the old man and creature, them fighting but also them fighting side by side, a united front.
Scorpion tried ignoring it, but then saw the gem like artifacts appear, and being cast off into different realms.
He then opened his eyes and sighed, as he got out of bed and left his room.
(Upper Deck)
Scorpion came from downstairs and saw the others had drifted off to sleep.
He had a small smile then went into the kitchen and opened one of the cabinets and pulled out a bag, fairly well hidden, and headed out on the deck.
Scorpion sat down in a chair and opened the bag and in it was doughnut holes, he then looked up at the sky and started eating.
???: "Never took you for a person who enjoys a late night snack."
Scorpion turns and sees Noob, in a black tank top and sweatpants, he sits next to him in another chair.
Scorpion: "There my favorite...don't tell Johnny."
Noob: "Understood. Can't sleep?"
Scorpion: "Yeah. You?"
Noob: "Same."
There was an awkwardly long silence between the two, but was broken when Scorpion then presented the bag to Noob who takes a doughnut hole and eats it.
The two then just looked at the sky, in their respective thoughts and kept eating the doughnuts.
But from afar, they were being watched by Kia and Jataaka, who watched in confusion.
Kia: "Hmmph, I half expected them to fight."
Jataaka: "It seems Bi-Han has formed a bond with Scorpion. Unexpected."
Kia: "This means we can get both does it not?"
She says swirling the tube filled with the lava like substance.
Jataaka: "No, it is only intended for Scorpion, those were Quan Chi's instructions."
Kia: "But why? What does it even do?"
She asks her voice slightly concerned at the end causing confusion to arise from Jataaka.
Jataaka: "What does it matter? Quan Chi wants us to carry out a task, we do it. Do not tell me you've gained emotion like Ashrah and Sareena!"
She states as Kia lowers her head, looking away from her sister.
Kia: "No...of course not."
Jataaka: "Good. Then we find a chance when he's alone, and give him the serum. Let the effects do their job."
She states then starts to leave as does Kia who takes one last look at Scorpion before leaving.
(Morning: Greg's Diner)
Kung Lao entered into the diner, the establishment not in it's opening hours, as he then hears someone coming from the kitchen.
Sarah: "Come back later! We're-"
She stops mid-sentence as she sees Kung Lao and smirks, walks up and kisses his cheek, causing him to smile.
Sarah: "Hey."
Kung Lao: "Hey...sorry, for not answering, I was...away."
Sarah: *chuckles* "Away doing what exactly?"
Kung Lao: "Competeting...in a tournament."
Sarah was confused, raising her eyebrow, giving him a look, as Kung Lao nervously scratches his head.
Sarah: "Like a karate tournament?"
Kung Lao: *chuckles* "Of sorts."
'CRASH!"
Kung Lao then turns his head to see a middle aged man, taller than him by a few inches and had bit of a gut, exit the kitchen and look at Sarah.
???: "Sarah! Might need help with the-"
The man then noticed Kung Lao and looked at his daughter.
???: "Who's this? The boy you were telling me about?"
Kung Lao: *smirks* "She talks about me?"
He asks, as Sarah rolls her eyes playfully before answering.
Sarah: "Yes, dad. This is Kung Lao."
???: "Greg of...Greg's Diner."
Greg then extends his hand and Kung Lao shakes it.
Kung Lao: "Nice to meet you, sir."
Greg: "Nice grip. So, how can I help you?"
Kung Lao: "I was just here to tell Sarah, where I've been...and where I'm going now."
He says nervously as Sarah looks at him confused and slightly annoyed.
Sarah: "Where are you going now?"
Kung Lao:...Home. But only temporary. I'm only visiting for a few days. Which is why I wanted to see...if you would come?"
He asks then looks at Greg.
Kung Lao: "With your permissions, of course! I would never take your daughter somewhere without your permission or her consent."
He says quickly as Greg, laughs.
Greg: "I like him...where are you from Lao?"
Kung Lao: Fengjian, a village in China. I've lived there since I was a child."
Greg: "Why'd you leave?"
Kung Lao: "Educational purposes."
He says and Greg shrugs.
Greg: "Tell you what? Sarah, can go, but if she ends up missing, or if you're not there to guide, I will hurt you."
Sarah: "Dad!"
Kung Lao: "No...he's right. I understand. And I promise you, no harm, will come to Sarah...I'll make sure of it."
He says with a serious look, causing Greg's to raise his hands.
Greg: "Just making sure...when you leaving?"
Kung Lao: "In a few hours...we should be there in 2 days."
Greg: "I'll drop her off at the airport, and she can meet you there."
Kung Lao nodded and kissed Sarah.
Kung Lao: "See you then."
He states then starts to leave the diner.
(Sky Temple)
The rest of the Kombatants were sitting on the steps, watching as Johnny and Jax get ready to spar, with Raiden and Fujin watching aswell.
Johnny: "You ready Jax?"
Jax: "For you? This will be a cake walk."
Johnny: "Funny, was gonna say the same thing."
The two had got done warming up, Johnny gets into a fighting stance and Jax gets into a boxing stance as the two are in reach of each other.
Fujin: "Ready?"
He asks as Jax and Johnny both smirk in acknowledgement.
Raiden: "FIGHT!"
Johnny rushes at Jax, and starts with a jumping spin kick, to which he blocked, and he threw a right cross to which Johnny dodged.
Johnny: "Ooh, close Jax! You've been working on your-GAH!"
Jax had connected a left cross to Johnny's jaw, drawing a little bit of blood, to which the rising actor smirked.
Johnny: "Nice hit."
He says then catches Jax's next hit and throws him over his shoulder and kept his grip on his wrist.
Jax knees Johnny in the face, breaking his grip then rolls to his feet, and does a front kick but Johnny sidesteps and counters with a spinning backfist, staggering Jax.
Jax: "Argh!"
Seeing this Johnny sidekicks Jax, knocking him down to the ground.
Jax: "Damn!"
He says then gets helped up by Johnny.
Johnny: "Getting better man."
Jax: "Thanks, how's your jaw?"
Johnny: "It's not broken, so fine."
He says as the two laugh, then a green light flashes over everyone, a portal opening up.
Johnny: "The hell?"
Raiden and Fujin step forward in front of Johnny and Jax, then the others get behind the gods, readying for a fight.
Then, outsteps Shao Khan, with Sindel at his side, along with his daughters, and with Shang Tsung, Baraka, Reiko, Reptile, Kotal and Goro.
And lastly, warriors from different Outworld factions, few Tarkatans, Osh-Tekk and regular soldiers.
The Emperor steps forward to Raiden, towering over the thunder god.
Shao Khan: "Lord Raiden...it is past time, we have a talk."
Raiden: *sighs* "Yes. I suppose so."
He states then turns around and starts walking towards the temple, leading Shao Khan, with Sindel, Shang Tsung and Fujin in tow.
The Kombatants glanced at the Emperor, then back at the Outworld fighters, all of them now relaxed but still vigilant.
Liu Kang: "Looks like Lao picked a bad time for a vacation."
Johnny looks between the temple and the Outworld fighters, confused.
Johnny: "So, who's the brick shithouse?"
He asks, in his head, knowing Kenshi and Ermac had created a psychic link.
Noob: "Shao Khan, Emperor of Outworld."
Johnny: "Wait, that was Shao Khan?! Damn, why he is here?"
Scorpion: "We stole the amulet from the Tournament, remember?'
Johnny: "Right...but does he know?"
Liu Kang: "Likely, we were confronted by Baraka and Reptile."
Kenshi: "Hopefully, Raiden can explain why we did it. And that we weren't the only ones trying to get it."
Ashrah: "Yes, Kia and Jataaka were there before you, yes?"
Scorpion: "Yeah, but I took care of them...they put up quite a fight."
Sub-Zero: "Umm Hanzo, behind you."
He warns and Scorpion turns around to see Baraka, walking towards, with his blades out, but Reptile was trying to stop him.
Reptile: "Baraka, no! Our ordersss were to-"
Baraka: "This will be quick!"
He says as Scorpion grips his swords, readying for a fight.
But before Baraka could strike, Mileena had teleported in front of him, causing him to pause.
Mileena: "Stand down, Baraka."
Baraka: "But-"
Mileena: "Now!"
She orders and Baraka reluctantly retracted his blades then the rest of the Outworld fighters were face to face with the Kombatants, Kitana siding with her sister.
Kotal: "Princesses with respect to you and your father, the Earthrealmers have proven they are not to be trusted. And as much as it pains me, Baraka is right."
Kitana: "Our emperor is here for diplomacy, not kombat. His orders not to attack."
Then Sub-Zero steps forward, raising his hands.
Sub-Zero: "Look, what we did at the tournament was kinda incriminating, we know...but it was only for good reason. As I'm sure Lord Raiden is explaining right now."
(Inside The Temple: Jinsei Chamber)
Shao Khan: "So, Quan Chi plans to restore Shinnok? Do you have proof of this?"
Raiden: "Only word from Ashrah, a former servant of Quan Chi. When I sent my champions to retrieve the amulet, Her sisters, Kia and Jataaka were there to obtain it for him."
He states to the Emperor, as he thinks about it then it was Sindel's turn to speak.
Sindel: "If this is true, why would he ally with us? And why would you lie?"
She asks and Raiden, lowers his head in slight regret.
Raiden: "I though it wise to resolve the situation without Outworld getting involved. And Quan Chi most likely allied with you to earn your trust."
Shang Tsung: "How do we know this isn't a lie of your own?"
The sorcerer asks, skeptical then Fujin chimes in.
Fujin: "We have no reason to want conflict with Outworld...our goal has always been the same, to ensure protection of the realms, not do it harm."
Just as Shang Tsung was about to speak again, Shao Khan spoke once more.
Shao Khan: "I believe you, Raiden...but next time, consult with us first."
Raiden: "Of course. What would be the appropriate way of remedying this?"
Shao Khan thinks to himself before smirking, earning a confused look from both Raiden and Fujin.
Shao Khan: "Bring them to Outworld. I heard from Goro himself that your warriors proved greater a challenge than expected. I would like to test them. Especially your champion."
Raiden: "Very well, we will be in Outworld tomorrow."
Shao Khan then starts to leave with Sindel and Shang Tsung following him.
As they exit the chamber, Fujin sides with his brother.
Fujin: "That went...surprisingly well."
Raiden: "Yes, it did."
(Outside)
Shao Khan, Sindel and Shang Tsung have exited the temple and a portal opened, causing the Outworld fighters to look at their emperor.
Shao Khan: "We are leaving. Things have been resolved."
He says casually then walks through first, with everyone else soon following.
The Kombatants were confused, then Raiden appeared in front of them.
Raiden: "Go home. Pack what you need. Tomorrow, we're going to Outworld."
