A/N: Hello, fellow readers. I've returned with a new chapter with this new book project. That said, sit back, have a good morning/afternoon/evening, and happy reading.

Disclaimer: All video games belong to their respective owners.

After Jago's visit, Dr. Rainey pressed the intercom button. "Janet, can you contact the herb pharmacy to upgrade Jago's medication and send in the following patient, please?"

"Yes, ma'am," her assistant said.

For a while, Dr. Rainey enjoyed the peace until a fire ring appeared on the floor. Soon after, a warrior wearing yellow-and-black attire emerged from the fiery portal. Once he landed, flames surrounded him a bit. His eyes glowed with otherworldly intensity. He carried two swords whose handles resembled scorpion tail stings. Wrapped around his wrist was a chain attached to a kunai spear.

"Dr. Rainey, I have emerged from the Netherealm to prepare for my appointment," the warrior said. His voice carried anger and sorrow.

"Okay, before we start, could you close your portal before the smoke detector sets off?"

The warrior did so and checked to ensure the carpet didn't get damaged. He didn't forget the doctor's scolding about her old carpet the last time he visited. After that, he lay on the couch, trying to get comfortable.

"So, Scorpion, how is your day?" Dr. Rainey asked.

"Not good since my last visit, doctor. I don't understand why I feel this way. My past weighs on me. The memories of those I've lost and the injustice I've witnessed fuel my rage but also torment my spirit."

"Did you take that anger management class I recommended from our last session?"

Hanzo Hasashi, also known as Scorpion, hesitated when recalling his time there. Some of the patients gave him teddy bears, which worsened things. As a result, he burned everyone and the whole building to ash. "It wasn't as successful as you hoped."

The psychiatrist sighed. "Scorpion, you let your anger control you. What did we discuss last time?"

"I am the master of my anger, not the other way around. Anger is the only thing that keeps me moving. It strengthens me in the face of injustice and fuels my determination to seek vengeance for those I've lost."

"If memory serves me, it's not only your family and clan you're trying to avenge, but also your death by Quan Chi's hands, right?"

"Yes, my death at that sorcerer's hands is another wound that festers in my soul. In addition, he disguised himself as the older Sub-Zero so that the latter would take the fall. Not only that, it allowed Quan Chi to turn him into Noob Saibot.

"It was a cruel deception. Bi-Han was an arrogant fool, but contrary to popular belief, he was innocent. Yet I kept hunting him, consumed by my vengeance. I discovered the truth too late when he could not withstand my wrath."

"Scorpion, I understand that your anger has become intertwined with your sense of purpose and justice," Dr. Rainey said. "However, it's critical to remember that holding onto anger for too long can consume you and prevent you from finding true peace."

"Like, is it that difficult to break this violence cycle?"

"It's a difficult journey. With your trauma, did you choose to become a specter, or was that something Quan Chi did for you?"

"I suppose it was a personal decision, but nine times out of ten, this was all on Quan Chi. Once my soul traveled to the Netherealm, I lost my humanity--well, sort of and was reborn as a vengeful specter. Pain and anger increased within me, making peace impossible. Oh, and don't get me started about the hellfire, too."

"Scorpion, I don't believe peace is impossible. While your journey came with pain and anger, it's essential to remember that healing takes time. Also, I have a question: are you experiencing unhealthy obsessions?"

"About revenge?"

"No, about your late wife, Harumi."

Surprised, Scorpion faced Dr. Rainey. "What brought this up?"

"Well, while reviewing our previous session, I noticed another pattern. After further research, I discovered your arcade ending in MK11. It mentioned after you took control of the hourglass, you tried to find ways to save your wife. However, no matter how often you change time, Harumi keeps dying. I was concerned that you may have developed this obsession with her."

"What?! That's preposterous! I do not have such an obsession!" Scorpion said, but Dr. Rainey shot a disapproving glance. "Okay, fine, maybe I think about Harumi a lot, but it's not an obsession, it's just... I can't let go. Every time I close my eyes, I see her dying repeatedly. I just want to find a way to save her, to make things right."

"Scorp, time-bending won't change anything. Even if you jump from one parallel world to another, the results stay the same. All you can do is move on and try to find solace in the fact that you did all you could. You have to accept that some things are beyond your control."

"That's easier said than done, doctor. What else did you discover in my intermission of MK11?"

"Well, you faced against other titans and gods for putting you in that misery, making you the Kratos of the Mortal Kombat universe."

"Kratos, huh? I suppose there are worse comparisons to be made. However, my journey isn't fueled by blind rage. It's about finding justice and redemption, not just for myself but for the innocent souls Quan Chi has wronged. Besides, who would like me for who I am?"

"There's still Milenna. I hear she still loves you."

"What? That half-Edinian, half-Tarkatan woman? Listen, doctor, what you heard is false. She may have shown sympathy towards me in the past, but love? That's a stretch."

"I am just saying because Liu Kang changed her story a bit. Instead of being a Shang Tsung experiment, she was born into Kitana's family. As for the Tarkatan part of her, it originated as a contagious disease."

"Wait, what? How did Liu Kang--?" Scorpion paused while recalling his adventures in Mortal Kombat 11 and the aftermath. He then facepalmed himself. "Oh right, I forgot. In my timeline, Liu Kang became the Keeper of Time. I guess he gave Mileena a different backstory. Regardless, a romantic path is not in the cards for me and Milenna."

"Fair enough. Speaking of cycles, do you wonder if you are in a loop?"

Scorpion mused while scratching his chin. "Now that you mentioned it, it feels like that. Since Mortal Kombat came into being, my lore was about avenging myself, my family, and my clan. However, as each game progressed, despite some lore changes, my purpose remained the same. I can't imagine how many times I've fought and defeated Sub-Zero, both Bi-Han and Kuai Liang. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm tired of it."

"Um, do you know Kuai Liang beat you from MK9, right? Oh, and in that animated movie. Damn, what's it called again...? It's where Raiden and his group traveled to Outworld..."

"Doctor, do you mean Battle of the Realms?"

"That's the one."

The specter paused. "We bounce back and forth sometimes with our battle. Also, that movie was okay. It didn't rise to the challenge compared to the other animated MK movies. It lacked creativity, and the story was predictable. The animation was decent, but it could have been better."

"No argument there," Dr. Rainey said. "From your description, it sounds like a classic repetitive cycle case. It's understandable that you've held onto your anger and sought vengeance for so long, given the injustices you've faced. However, breaking free from this cycle is possible. It starts with acknowledging the toll it has taken on you and finding alternative ways to channel your emotions and seek justice."

"Doctor, are you implying that I should stop seeking retribution? If I do that, I'll dishonor my fallen clan."

"No, you won't, on the dishonor part. However, seeking retribution doesn't have to be your only path to honor. There are other ways to honor your fallen clan, such as preserving their memory, teaching their values, and ensuring their legacy lives on. By breaking free from the cycle of revenge, you can find a new sense of purpose and honor that transcends violence and anger. You can ask Kratos."

"From God of War? I get he was a guest character for Mortal Kombat Nine, but how can someone from a different game understand?"

Dr. Rainey smiled. "Kratos, like yourself, has also been on a journey of redemption and breaking free from violence's cycle. Despite being from a different game, his experiences and transformation can offer valuable insights and guidance. Sometimes, it takes an outsider's perspective to understand and help you find your path truly."

Scorpion fell silent. "You're right. I can't dwell on the past and let revenge consume me. I'll still honor the memory of my fallen clan, but it's time for me to find another purpose, one that brings peace and justice without perpetuating the cycle of violence."

"Great. I'll send a messenger to Kratos to inform him about your arrival. Until then, could you tone your anger down and avoid setting fire to anything?"

"I can't make any promises, doctor, but I'll try."

A/N: Well, that's the end of this chapter. Will Hanzo take the doctor's advice to heart? Let me know in the comments on who should Dr. Rainey take on next.