A/N: And here we are! The finale of the Prologue Trilogy! By the end, I should have shown enough exposition to officially start the story. Enjoy!

Wu Shi Academy, Earthrealm: Seven days before the MK Tournament

Benjamin's POV

"By applying the right amount of pressure in the correct positions, and with enough force, you can shut down certain nerves for varying amounts of time. Any questions so far?" I asked the room of Monks, pointing to the diagram on the blackboard.

25 years have passed since Cal and I first arrived in Earthrealm after Raiden practically recruited us as Champions of Earthrealm. Until then, we're doing separate jobs. Cal is currently in the U.S serving as General of the Special Forces. Meanwhile, I worked double duty teaching medicine and as a combat instructor for the Wu Shi Monks and members of the White Lotus.

At first, they thought I was a joke because I showed up, and Raiden said I was going to be teaching medicine on top of being one of the kombat instructors. My thorough beating of every member of the White Lotus and the Wu Shi Academy silenced all and every critic.

I met the top two students, Liu Kang and Kung Lao. The former was chosen to represent the White Lotus for the Mortal Kombat Tournament. I also met Master Bo' Rai Cho, and despite his drunken appearance and demeanor, he's a very skilled kombatant. He became the one who taught both Liu Kang and Kung Lao.

While I wished to participate, I can't as Liu Kang was chosen. Raiden himself said that I would need a separate invitation, which ended that discussion. I'm not going to argue when he made a good point. And I have no idea who the T.O. is, thus not even knowing who to look for.

Anyway, a Monk raises his hand.

"Yes?"

"During Kombat, should I always prioritize the nervous system?"

"Good question, but you shouldn't. Your opponent will try harder to defend their nervous system should they pick up on that tactic. Variety is one of your greatest allies during combat, but don't ignore the nervous system or the vital organs. Attempt to take potshots at various points of interest since most of you prefer striking over grappling. Any other questions?"

Another Monk raised his hand.

"Yes?"

"Why do you wear tape on your fingers and wrists as well as powdering your hands?"

"That should be asked during Kombat Practice, not here."

"But can you answer it anyway with Kombat Practice practically over?"

"Fair enough. Any of you ever heard of Professional Wrestling?"

Collective head shakes from across the room. I nodded in acceptance. Of course, they haven't. The White Lotus is very secluded from the rest of the world, whether by choice is up for discussion.

"Most of the wrestlers in the sport barely wear anything save for boots, a pair of trunks, and tape. Most of them even oil their bodies. Can someone make a guess as to why?"

Silence struck the room. Not due to no one wanted to answer, they were all thinking of reasons why.

"Remember, everyone. We're on a time limit. Class ends in ten minutes. Any takers?"

It was then that Kung Lao's cocky ass had more of a remark than an actual answer. "Because they secretly wanted to touch each other?"

That earned a laugh from nearly everyone in the room, save for myself and Liu Kang, the latter slapping him on the back of the head.

"Ow!"

"Thank you, Liu Kang. And no, Oddjob. Can someone tell me what friction is?"

Laughs across the room from both my answer and Kung Lao's embarrassment. They never heard of Pro Wrestling but of James Bond? Indeed, an oddity. Liu Kang raised his hand.

"Yes, Liu Kang."

"It's the natural resistance between two forces that prevent rolling or sliding."

"Correct. They smear oil over their bodies to lessen the friction when someone tries to grab them. Less friction means more difficulty holding something. Therefore, grabbing them is harder than when they don't oil themselves. As a general countermeasure, other wrestlers tape their hands, wrists, and fingers to create friction between them and the other wrestlers. The same reason they tape their hands are the reason as to why I do the same."

"And the powder?" A Monk asked.

"Powder creates even more friction. Since how I fight involves grappling and basic wrestling and various amounts of holds, I need to grab hold of my opponents. But it may be unnecessary fighting all of you because you all fight clothed. In my case, I'm going overboard. Any other questions?"

Liu Kang raised his hand again.

"Yes, Liu Kang?"

"Prof. Maddox, you're fighting style in of itself is very unique. Can you give us an explanation as to what it actually is?"

"Are you all willing to listen to me explain my fighting style?" I asked, anticipating them all to shake their heads in denial.

Class was almost over, so I assumed they wanted to disperse and go meditate. Much to my surprise, they all nodded in agreement.

"Very well... Even though I know you're asking me that because it'll give you a better idea of how to kombat it." I responded, scratching my head. "My fighting style is called Pankration, originating from Ancient Greece. In ancient times, Pankration was an event at the Olympics."

"Wait, the Olympics didn't originate from America?" Kung Lao asked, surprised.

"Nope. It began in Greece. The only difference from then and now, besides women are allowed to participate and have the Winter Games, was that they did it completely nude."

They all shuddered at the thought.

"Believe me, I'm glad that changed too. During the Pankration event, two athletes would use punches, kicks, and wrestling to force their opponent to submit. No elbows, no knees, no dirty tricks like strikes to the groin were allowed. In most instances, someone died during kombat due to refusing to submit, unlike Boxing. Anyone now what Boxing is?"

They all nodded.

"Good. Contrasting from Boxing, there were no weight divisions. A man who was 5'8 and weighed 185 lbs could've gone against a man 6'6 weighing 230 lbs. It may sound unfair, but that's where the branches in its style were invented."

"But Professor, you use elbows and knees. By your description, you're not using Pankration."

"Good observation, Kung Lao. I use a variant of Pankration. Most call it Vale Tudo or 'Anything Goes.' It's a Brazilian variant of Pankration. Still, I don't attack the groin despite it being legal in Vale Tudo. I'll go in more detail next time I'm called to instruct Kombat Practice should Master Bo' Rai Cho or Raiden not be available. But for now…"

The bell tolled, signaling that class was finished for today.

"I'll see you all after the Mortal Kombat Tournament as I will be going with Raiden and Liu Kang to oversee it. While I'm gone, Master Bo' Rai Cho will be here in my place. Dismissed!"

"Until next time, Professor Maddox." The students said before vacating the room.

I began clearing the board of the human body diagram. After finishing, I noticed Liu Kang and Kung Lao are still in the room with me. "What is it, you two?" I sat in my chair and leaned forward. "I already dismissed the class."

"A personal question, if you don't mind, Professor."

"What's the matter?"

"Do you think Earthrealm stands a chance against Outworld? Since Liu Kang is the only representative of the White Lotus, I don't like our chances."

"It's fair to be skeptical, Kung Lao. You're not being asked to represent the White Lotus alongside your cousin. I feel the same as you do in that case and would love to fight for Earthrealm. However, we need our own invitation to participate. Otherwise, our hands are tied," I replied.

"How come you're going with Liu Kang and Lord Raiden?" he asked a follow-up question.

"Because I'm one of your instructors. I'll be overseeing the tournament to ensure no shady activity takes place while I'm there. Outworld isn't known for playing by the rules, assassinating Earthrealm kombatants during the downtime between matches. Raiden and I are attending this time to prevent that. Besides, we held a tournament here to see who would represent the White Lotus and Liu Kang won, earning the right to represent us. You will remain here and sharpen your Kombat Skills in the meantime. Call it a hunch, but I have a feeling that Outworld will not win this time."

Though disappointed, Kung Lao bowed. "Yes, Prof. Maddox. I will continue my training."

"Good. Now go and rest. It's been a long day for everyone, myself included. I will see you both in a week before we head to the tournament."

"Until next time, Prof. Maddox." They both say as they leave.

I made my way out of Wu Shi Academy before I'm called by Raiden. "Doctor Maddox. A word."

"Sure, Raiden. What is it?"

Raiden teleported in front of me. "I require your assistance. Master Shen has informed me that the portal to Earthrealm has been used recently."

"What? How's that possible?"

"I do not know, I'm afraid. Can you go there and have him explain the situation?"

"Of course. I'll go see him right now."

"Many thanks, Doctor," the Thunder God thanked me before taking his leave.

I started my trek to Master Shen's Cottage near the portal to Earthrealm but was stopped by Nightwolf on the way. He is a Shaman of this realm and one of the kombatants chosen to represent Earthrealm in the upcoming tournament. He and I are good friends.

"Dr. Bones, you are out of the Wu Shi Academy much earlier than normal."

"Yes, Nightwolf. I have been called by Master Shen to investigate the usage of the Earthrealm Portal, despite it being unused supposedly in 25 years."

"I will travel with you in case we must fight. It will be nice to have an extra pair of hands."

I nodded. "Of course. Let's go."

We continued the short trip to Master Shen's home and finally arrived at his doorstep. I knocked on the door, and he swiftly opened it. "Dr. Maddox and Nightwolf. Good, you must've gotten Raiden's message."

"Yes, Master Shen. What seems to be the problem?"

"Please come in. I'll explain what I know."

We both entered and grabbed a seat.

"While walking around the area, I heard a strange noise coming from the portal near the beach. I went to investigate and saw strange-looking creatures. I did not interact with them for fear that I may be attacked. I told Raiden, and he said he would have you investigate."

"And we will. Thank you for the information, Master Shen. We will head there immediately."

"Thank you, Doctor. And you too, Nightwolf."

"It is Nothing. Come, Bones. We will head there now." Nightwolf said as we headed to the portal.

Nearing it, we see the creatures Master Shen was referring to. Their biology was odd, large teeth akin to a Shark with blades sprouting out their arms. When we got closer so they could see us, the one in the center started to talk.

"Ah! Finally, warriors for us to feast on! We were starting to get impatient!"

"You are not from this realm." Leave, or we'll have to kill all of you."

"We will see, Earthrealmer! Slaughter them!"

The strange creatures rushed us, but from their aggression, we quickly realized they were quite undisciplined. Despite the numbers advantage, they were quickly slain. We both took a minute to catch our breath.

"Being an instructor at the Wu Shi Academy has done nothing to dampen your skill in combat, Bones."

"I have plenty of time practice and plenty of sparring partners, Nightwolf. Also, why are you calling me Bones? I told you to call me Ben."

"I've looked inside your soul, and it revealed that your Spirit Guide is a Raven. Ravens symbolize death, and good luck, among other things."

"Ironic, considering that I am a Medical Doctor."

"More specifically, a Battle Medic, Bones. You deal with both the living and the dead, much akin to a Shaman like myself. But we do not call each other as such, using Spirit Guides as naming terminology. Since you're not a Shaman, I cannot call you as such. Hence the name Bones."

"Fair enough. Speaking of these bodies, I should get rid of them."

"Do you need help in doing so?"

"I appreciate it, but I am capable of doing so alone. I will see you before we head to the Mortal Kombat Tournament."

"Yes. Until then."

We both bowed as a departing goodbye before I turned to the now corpses of these strange creatures. I used one of my spells in Necromancy to determine what these creatures were. My arms glowed a dark green as I touched the leader's face, a rush of information flooding my head. When I finished, I used another spell to clear the area, proving that being a Warlock has many advantages.

"A Tarkatan, eh? Native to Outworld. It seems that Shao Kahn has already believed victory to be his. Overconfident bastard. I must tell Master Shen at once," I said to myself.

Quickly, I headed back to Master Shen's cottage and relay to him what I have just learned. "And that's everything."

"I see. Since you joined the White Lotus Society, Dr. Maddox, you have proved yourself of being one of Earthrealm's protectors. Your sister has done wonderful things in the Special Forces from what Raiden has told me. You haven't seen her since you both arrived here, have you not?"

"No, Master Shen. Since America is far away from here, we haven't seen each other in ages."

"Regardless, I thank you for dealing with those Tarkata. Please continue your dutiful service to the White Lotus Doctor."

"Of course. I will leave now."

"Safe trip home, Ben. I will pray for you."

I bowed. "Thank you, Master Shen."

Exiting his cottage, I started for my home but am confronted by a stranger halfway through. He wore red and was of old age, for an Earthrealmer anyway. I got an uneasy feeling about him due to a high detection in magic.

"Greetings, stranger. I search for experienced fighters to take part in a... Competition. Do you know of any?"

"I am a master Kombatant, well versed in Pankration and Vale Tudo. Who are you? What is this contest you're referring to?"

It was then the stranger revealed himself. "My Mortal Kombat Tournament will begin in seven days on my island fortress. Only the best are allowed to enter. My name... is Shang Tsung."

"Shang Tsung!?" I brought my hands up, preparing for a fight. "You're Shao Kahn's lapdog! Raiden has told me of you! To think that I would run into the T.O. for the tournament!"

"So you have heard of me, stranger. Pray tell, who are you?" Shang Tsung inquired curiously.

"I am Dr. Benjamin Maddox, a High up in the White Lotus Society."

"Is that so? You're the famed Battle Medic? Now that I have seen you up close, you certainly match the description. However, I will see if you are really worthy of entering the Mortal Kombat Tournament! A quick sparring session, so that I may see your skills."

It may seem I could get that invitation after all. "I accept."

"Wonderful. Fight!"

I quickly crouch into position Pankration while he formed the Snake style of Kung Fu. He lunged at me for a strike on my neck, but I blocked it and attack his abdomen. He narrowly dodged it and countered with a quick to my stomach. I stopped it with my shin before snapping my leg back on the floor while attempting a straight toward his face. I barely missed his nose but landed the punch on his ear. He moved back slightly from the force.

"Impressive, Doctor," Shang Tsung said before getting back into position. "But I'm just getting started."

I intended to finish this fight and got my opportunity as he went for a ferocious back kick. I managed to intercept it by grabbing his leg and sweep his plant foot. I swiftly applied a Kneebar and began applying pressure. His leg was starting to break as I could hear the flesh tearing. He tapped the ground repeatedly, indicating a submission victory. I released the hold and quickly rise to my feet. Shang Tsung did the same but put more force in his other leg.

"Most impressive, Dr. Maddox!" He managed to stay upright. "You are indeed worthy to compete in the Mortal Kombat Tournament! I look forward to consuming your soul when you lose."

"That isn't happening. If we are to fight again, and I place you in the same position, tapping won't be enough to get me to release you."

"I see that kombat savagery is a trait you share with your kid sister."

The hell!? "You fought Callie!?"

"Oh, yes. She gave me quite the thrashing I might add. Her skill in Klose Quarters Kombat is unlike anything I have ever seen. What I will give you is what I gave her." Shang Tsung approached me with a note in hand. "Here, your invitation."

The Sorcerer handed me my invitation as I took it from him. "I look forward to seeing you and your sister compete on my island in the Lost Sea in seven days, Dr. Maddox."

With that, Shang Tsung vanished into thin air. I gave my invitation a once over. Well, I guess he overheard my desire to compete. Can't be too mad, I suppose. Putting the letter away, I finished my journey home.

The next day, I entered the Wu Shi Academy, mindful of what took place last night. What gave Shang Tsung a reason to invite me? Probably due to my powers in Necromancy. It won't be good if he somehow absorbs them from me.

As I stepped foot in the courtyard, Raiden called for me. "Doctor! Did you see Master Shen?"

"I did. Apparently, Tarkatan warriors had traversed from Outworld to terrorize the locals. Nightwolf and I slew them all," I recalled. "After reporting to Master Shen soon after, I encountered Shang Tsung. After defeating him," I pulled out my invitation and handed it to Raiden. "He handed me this."

"A Mortal Kombat invitation... He has invited you?"

"Yes. He also invited Cal."

"This is most fortuitous!"

"So... I may participate?"

"Of course, Doctor. Even though you won't represent the White Lotus, you will represent Earthrealm in general, like Nightwolf. I have the utmost faith that you will fight well on our behalf."

"Of course I will, Raiden."

"Do our ears deceive us?" Kung Lao and Liu Kang caught up to us. "You are to participate in the Mortal Kombat Tournament alongside Liu Kang and General Maddox?"

"Yes, Kung Lao," Raiden replied on my behalf. "The Doctor fought Shang Tsung last night and won decisively."

"And yet I still can't go... Curses!"

"It is fine, Kung Lao. With Callie and I fighting alongside Liu Kang here, victory is all but assured."

"Then go and drive Outworld out of our home, Doctor!"

"I will," I responded calmly.

One week later:

A week came and went as I found myself on the beach, waiting for the Nethership to come and pick us up. While waiting, I feel a finger tap on my shoulder. I turned to see my younger sister as she hugged me.

"Hey, Benji. Did ya miss me?"

I shrugged. "Miss is a strong word."

That earned me a playful push from Cal. "Oh, whatever. I knew you missed me, even though you won't say it. 25 years of being surrounded by soldiers that I had to boss around got redundant fast. I missed you, you know."

Raiden, Nightwolf, and Liu Kang came up to us. "Doctor. Care to introduce me?"

"Right. Liu Kang, Nightwolf. This Callie Ann Maddox, my little sister. Cal, this is Liu Kang, the official representative of the White Lotus. And this is Nightwolf, a Shaman."

"Call me Callie for short. I hate when people call me by my full first name."

Liu Kang shook her hand. "Nice to meet you. The Doctor has told us a lot about you."

"Has he?" She said slyly before flicking my nose. "I knew that you missed me, Benji."

"Shut up, Cal."

"You are Bones' sister?" Nightwolf asked before eyeing her. "I can see the similarities, but you are much more extroverted than him."

"Bones?" Cal asked, confused.

"That's what he calls me. Apparently, my Spirit Guide is a Raven, but since I'm not a Shaman, he calls me Bones as a shortcut."

"Dope. What's my Spirit Guide, Nightwolf?"

"I can sense leader like qualities in your soul, aggression well hidden. You show pride in your demeanor and attitude while maintaining a playful side. But you can also be serious when the situation calls for it. Therefore, your Spirit Guide is a Lion."

Callie jumped back a bit from the analysis. "Wow... That's pretty damn accurate, Nightwolf."

"I'm humbled by your compliment. I shall call you Panthera, a general term used to describe giant cats."

"Cool! Better than Bones." I elbow her in her shoulder. "Damn, Benji! You didn't have to wallop me!"

"Yes. I did." I shot back.

We all waited for the ship to arrive, which took longer than I expected. Possibly another ploy Shao Kahn is using to make last-minute changes.

Raiden broke the silence. "Doctor, before we head off, I have something to give you."

"What is it?"

"Since you're participating as a representative of Earthrealm, I have something to symbolize your allegiance."

He then handed me a Bandana with Earthrealm's Symbol etched on it, two circles on top of each other. The larger one was green while the circle above it was blue. I assumed it represented Earthrealm's land and water. I wrapped it around my neck as Raiden nodded in approval.

"A fine fit, Bones," Callie agreed. "I wish I had something like that. But I can't because I'm repping Special Forces."

"Heh, loser." She elbowed my arm in response.

"You definitely are siblings," Liu Kang pointed out.

Raiden nodded slowly. "I most definitely agree."

After another five minutes waiting, the Nethership finally docked on the shore.

"Well, it's finally here," Nightwolf stated.

"Indeed," Raiden said. "Best of luck. I will greet you all on the island once the voyage is complete."

Liu Kang, Cal, and I boarded the ship Next stop?

The Mortal Kombat Tournament, where my life would change in ways I could've never imagined.

A/N: That concludes the Trilogy!

From the next chapter onward will be the actual tale. I think I'll prioritize the main story and might put the others on hiatus until I feel content with where we are.

Anyway, what did you guys think? Did you like it? Did you not? Let me know with a Review or a PM! And while you're at it, check out my Profile and give my other stories a read. You might end up liking them.

I'm out. Later!