Back at the cathedral in Earthrealm, all the main defenders of Earthrealm besides Raiden had returned to the cathedral building which they had been using as a meeting point. Scorpion, Kenshi, Bo' Rai Cho and Johnny Cage approached the entrance.
"Johnny!" Sonya greeted him as he entered the cathedral.
"One moment fellas." Johnny requested as he stopped to talk with Sonya. "You alright?"
"Of course," Sonya assured. "These Outworlders have nothing on me."
"Has my confidence worn off on you?" Cage joked in which Sonya actually laughed in response. "Did you just… laugh?"
"I did…" Sonya said, she had surprised herself.
"That's one for the history books." Cage stated. "In all seriousness though, I was worried about you."
"You should've been worrying about yourself." Sonya advised. "That is sweet of you though."
"Hey Sonya!" A familiar voice called out.
"Jax!" Sonya replied as he faced his partner who was accompanied by Hsu Hao. "New coat, Hsu?"
Hsu Hao was dressed in a long jacket that stretched down to his feet. "You could infer that I took some fashion advice from Briggs." Hsu stated.
"You should've showed up sooner, Jax." Cage said.
"That so?" Jax asked.
Johnny nodded. "I had her laughing."
"Sure you did." Jax replied.
"He actually did," Sonya confirmed. "Only for a moment though."
Hsu Hao rolled his eyes. "Do we have new orders yet?" He asked.
"Why so serious?" Cage asked.
"Because our Earth is in a crisis?" Hsu Hao asked back.
"Well you could at least liven up…" Johnny quipped. "We're all going through the same thing after all."
"Some people care for more than just a paycheck." Hsu Hao replied. "Even in person you act like a dick and I thought it was just an act…"
"I'm trying to change." Johnny promised. "I wouldn't be helping to defend this Realm if I didn't care about protecting people."
"Sure." Hsu Hao replied plainly. "Or maybe it's to gain exposure."
"Guys lets not…" Jax tried defusing things but was cut off.
"I'm sorry?" Johnny sounded offended. "I wouldn't dare put my life on the line just for some fame."
"Of course not," Hsu Hao commented. "Because you're a coward."
"Do cowards fight on the frontlines to protect Earthrealm?" Cage asked.
"You hide behind an entire military and a Thunder God." Hsu Hao argued. "That's what a coward does."
"Are we done here?" Jax asked.
"Why yes." Hsu Hao said with a nod. "Now back to my original query."
"Not yet, Hsu." Sonya informed.
"I understand…" Hsu replied.
Meanwhile at the center of the cathedral stood a stone table which many of Earthrealms defenders had gathered around.
"So…" Nightwolf tried sparking conversation. "Are we defeating the armies of Outworld?"
"Things have been turning around for us." Stryker informed the group surrounding the central table. "Reports have been saying that all the Outworld armies are diminishing."
"Just like the Tarkatans our squad had been dealing with the past night." Kabal said as an example. "Spreadout and in low numbers."
"We were even able to arrest most of them." Liu Kang added. "A far better outcome than murder."
"Sometimes we have to do things we don't want to in order to protect our people," Stryker stated. "I'd go to any measure to protect innocents."
"I wish I was as capable." Liu Kang wished. "I spared Shao Kahn and the entire Realm is suffering the consequences."
"Don't blame yourself." Kung Lao comforted his friend. "You've already saved Earthrealm twice, no need to beat yourself up over preserving all life."
"The only person to blame is Shao Kahn himself." Nightwolf informed. "And he will suffer in due time."
"He certainly won't get away with this." Lao assured.
"I hope not." Kenshi hoped. "I suggest our next move is to eliminate Shao Kahn before he can even make it to Earthrealm."
"Patience, my friend." Scorpion advised. "We shall wait for Raiden's decision."
"Remember Outworld's own forces," Bo' Rai Cho reminded the group. "Most retreated back to Outworld, they still have the number advantage."
"Perhaps they're regrouping for another major attack?" Kabal thought with worry.
"Maybe we should focus on the problems now than those that'll come later." Scorpion suggested.
"We take out these minor forces and we're left vulnerable to the main force that'll be coming." Kenshi informed everyone.
"Shao Kahn has to step forth into Earthrealm in order to begin a merger." Bo' Rai Cho educated the group.
"Can somebody explain to me what a merger is?" Cage asked as he approached the group at the table. "I was busy catching up with Sonya."
"With his godlike power, Shao Kahn can summon a merger on Earthrealm once he steps forth into our realm." Bo' Rai Cho explained. "Outworld and Earthrealm will begin colliding and thus merging once the process begins."
"So we must stop him before he reaches Earthrealm." Kenshi again argued. "We cannot risk the merger occuring."
"That is again for Raiden to decide." Scorpion stated.
"Are Smoke and Tundra here?" Cage asked as he scanned the room.
"I received word that Tundra is now known as Grandmaster Sub Zero." Scorpion informed. "He and Smoke have stopped the cyber initiative as well as taking over the Lin Kuei."
"So the Lin Kuei are on our side now." Kung Lao concluded.
"And I'm sure they'll be joining us shortly," Scorpion said promisingly. "They're just busy preparing their clan right now."
Their conversation ceased as a lightning bolt came down from the cathedrals ceiling and Raiden emerged upon its crash landing.
"Lord Raiden." Everyone greeted the God as he joined them at the table.
"As I presume you've all figured out already," Raiden began revealing the plan. "Shao Kahn is currently the only major threat left."
"What do you suggest, Haokah?" Nightwolf asked.
"I suggest we create a divide between those of us who will ambush Shao Kahn and those handling with the remnants of Shao Kahn's armies that still linger in Earthrealm." Raiden planned out.
"That seems like the safest decision." Liu Kang said in agreement. "So who shall travel to Outworld?"
"I haven't decided yet." Raiden informed the group. "But I have learnt that armies of Centaurs and Shokan are in full force currently."
"More armies?" Stryker asked, he didn't know why he was surprised.
"I'm afraid so." Raiden confirmed. "Which is why we must decide fast."
"Put me wherever you want." Johnny instructed.
"No doubt that Shang Tsung will be near that bastard." Kenshi guessed. "I will join the ambush."
"As will I." Scorpion added.
"I want to get my hands on Shao." Kung Lao said with anger in his voice. "Let me join the ambush."
"I suppose I should confront Shao Kahn seeing as I defeated him last time." Liu Kang figured.
"Me and my squad will continue our defense in Earthrealm." Stryker decided with Kabal nodding in agreement.
"I'd like to help defend Earthrealm." Nightwolf informed. "But I will join the ambush if I'm needed."
"The Special Forces will remain in Earthrealm." Jax informed the group as he had been listening in on the conversation.
"I will remain here with the White Lotus." Bo' Rai Cho decided.
"As will I." Spoke the voice of Fujin.
"My friend!" Bo' Rai Cho turned around to face the Wind God. "It is great to have you back!"
"I left as soon as the Elder Gods told me of the current events." Fujin revealed. "This is truly misfortunate."
"It is indeed a blessing that you have joined us, brother." Raiden said with positivity, something that the heroes had been lacking since the invasion began. "We were just preparing an-"
Suddenly, the sound of many people cheering echoed throughout the abandoned city. With Sonya running into the cathedral "We're under attack by Outworlders!"
The defenders quickly left the cathedral to witness the commotion. The first thing of notice was the giant orange and black swirled portal that Shang Tsung had created that the soldiers of Reiko's armies came running out of. Fortunately, numbers of Shaolin and Special Forces were prepared to fend off the ambush. Shang Tsung and Reiko stood side by side as they watched the chaos.
"You know your orders." Shang Tsung spoke to the general. "Sacrifice as many of your men as possible to ensure the deaths of Earthrealm's defenders."
"It will be done." Reiko assured. "But do you know your own orders?"
"Sorry?" Shang asked.
"Prepare the soulnado, sorcerer." Commanded Reiko. "You do realize that my attack is merely a distraction while you create the soulnado right?"
"Of course I do!" Shang snapped. "I'll leave now. Erron and Garrett, you're in charge of my Shadow Priests for this battle."
"Yes sir!" Garrett replied as Erron tipped his hat.
Shang Tsung left through the portal he had created, it closed upon him leaving. Erron and Garrett turned to the Shadow Priests as Reiko and his soldiers already began their assault.
"So…" Erron began but was immediately cut off.
"You aren't ordering us." One of the Shadow Priests spoke. Their face was entirely cloaked by their purple hood, looking ominous.
"Someone has to." Erron stated.
"Yeah, me." The Shadow Priest replied.
Erron scoffed. "And you are?"
"Talon." They informed him.
"That name means jackshit." Erron insulted. "Now I want y'all to flank the defenders from going around those buildings over there."
"Or what?" Talon asked.
"Or we'll beat some sense into you." Garrett chimed in.
"Try it and you're dead." Talon threatened. "We won't be bossed around by a pair of expired minions."
"Fine." Erron gave in. "But if y'all fuck this attack up then I'm putting a bad word to Shang."
"And I'll do much more than that." Garrett added a threat before they left to join the battle.
Garrett and Erron fought their way through several soldiers and monks before their onslaught was paused by the trio of Sonya, Hsu Hao and Jax. Erron made the first move as he shot a bullet that was bang on target with Hsu's cybernetic heart. This attack backfired as Hsu Hao shot the bullet back out of his heart, now empowered by his laser. The bullet shot clean through Erron's torso despite the armour he was wearing. Erron fell to his knees and Sonya went to apprehend him but Garrett came to protect his old friend as he bashed his large shoulder pad into Sonya's chin which threw her head back. Garrett then kneed Sonya in the gut which sent her head forward in reaction to the pain, only to butt heads with Garrett's knight helmet. Jax joined in and smashed his metal fists into Garrett's head with such power that it dented through Garrett's helmet and sent him flying to the ground. Meanwhile, Hsu Hao was overpowering the wounded Erron Black. Hsu Hao picked up Erron and powerbombed him to the ground, he then flipped Black over who exposed his face to a brutal knee.
"Your time has passed, cowboy." Hsu Hao said as Erron struggled to his feet. "Your technology and equipment is all outdated."
"Least I ain't reliant on it." Erron retorted. "As for you? You need that laser thingie to beat me."
Hsu Hao chuckled. "I'm not a fool, I know what you're doing." He revealed. "You're trying to make me lower my guard…"
Erron quickly drew a newly made sword which he made out of a broken sword hilt and a Tarkatan armblade from one of the Tarkatans he had killed during his trial for the tournament. Black slashed at Hsu's chest before tackling him. Black began bashing the hilt of his custom sword into Hsu's face. Hsu switched it around and got on top of Black and began blasting his laser chest though Erron's armour, causing Erron's torso to begin burning.
Hsu Hao eventually stopped to continue his monologue. "Indeed a crafty move." Hsu complimented. "You'd actually fare quite well if you were aligned with those who had good technology."
"I ain't becoming a Special Forces soldier." Erron declined.
"I was actually thinking of a different group." Hsu Hao revealed. "The Red Dragon."
Suddenly, a group of Shadow Priests being led by Talon joined in the fight to aid Garrett and Erron. Sonya and Jax were busy fighting a group of the Shadow Priests as Hsu Hao was confronted by Talon.
"This is why we didn't follow you two." Talon mocked as Erron and Garrett lay on the ground in pain. "Pathetic men."
"Are they your friends?" Hsu asked to buy time for him to recover from the damage sustained from his fight with Erron Black.
"Not at all." Talon replied. "I am your enemy though."
"As I suspected." Hsu said as he drew a pair of Sun-Moon blades that he owned.
"Straight to business." Talon noted. "I love it."
Hsu Hao ran at Talon but the sorcerer teleported behind him and smashed a potion over the back of his head. Hsu tumbled to the floor, clutching his head that was being burnt by the chemicals within the concoction as well as the stabbing pain of glass.
"You nearly defeated my master?" Talon asked in surprise. "I'll make sure to dethrone that disgrace of a sorcerer once your realm falls to Shao Kahn. Maybe the emperor will even let me be his right hand man for eliminating the wretched Shang Tsung."
"I care very little about your family problems." Hsu Hao informed the sorcerer as he returned to his feet.
"Family?" Talon said in the middle of chuckling. "Hardly."
Hsu Hao grappled Talon and threw them up into the air with all his might. Talon reached about fifteen feet before falling at full force just avoiding the crash landing with a teleportation spell. Talon teleported behind Hsu Hao again but this time the grappler was prepared and grabbed Talon before throwing them into a couple of other Shadow Priests who were distracted by Jax and Sonya. Talon quickly recovered from Hsu's offense and ran at Hsu as they delivered a spinning kick in the air which knocked Hsu Hao to the floor again. Hsu Hao leapt back up but was caught by a heel kick from Talon which staggered him back against the glass wall of an abandoned corner store. Talon charged at Hsu Hao who sidestepped out the way, causing Talon to crash through the glass.
"Had enough yet?" Hsu asked.
Talon laughed. "Behind you, soldier." They warned.
Hsu spun his head around and saw a pair of Shadow Priests approaching him equipped with medieval weapons. One carried a mace and they swung it and Hsu Hao who side stepped it, grabbed the handle and snatched the mace. Hsu then shoved the mace into the other Shadow Priest's cloaked face. The priest threw their head forward which removed their hood which revealed the bloody face of a man. The other priest grabbed Hsu Hao but Hsu almost immediately fought them off and slammed them to the concrete. When Hsu Hao went to face Talon once more, they had vanished.
Meanwhile, Garrett Bennett had recovered from his previous injuries and was holding his own against both Jax and Sonya. Jax's punches were being blocked by Garrett's shield as he attacked Sonya with his sword. Suddenly, an opening was found as Erron Black blasted a bullet into Jax's leg from afar. Garrett then smashed his shield into Sonya's face and followed up by slashing her chest. Sonya staggered back and Garrett ran for her which gave Sonya the idea to perform a leg sweep to Garrett which connected flawlessly. Sonya then kicked off Garrett's helmet which exposed a long and grey bearded old man beneath the mask. Sonya then flipped over and smashed her knee into Garrett's nose before grabbing Jax and dragging him to cover while other members of the Special Forces fought the Shadow Priests.
Seeing this, Erron Black began approaching the tank that they had hid behind, this scenario reminded Black of the inn at Shang Tsung's island. Suddenly, Black was knocked to the floor by a shadow kick from Johnny Cage.
"You again." Erron immediately recognized the actor.
"Nice to see that you remember me." Cage replied satirically. "Do you also remember the window you threw me through?"
"I wish I did more to ya." Erron said with regret. "A hole between your eyes would be a mighty fine look."
Erron then began shooting his revolvers but Johnny Cage activated his newly discovered energy powers which created a forcefield around him that would absorb all the bullets for him. With this forcefield, Johnny was able to run up close to Erron Black and begin delivering punches on him. Black pushed Cage back and drew his sword, he then tried stabbing Johnny twice but both attempts missed. Johnny then leapt at Erron with a jumping elbow which busted open Erron's nose. Erron came back at the actor by smashing his revolver against his jaw which caused Johnny Cage to stagger back into Garrett's grasp. While Bennett was holding Johnny in place, Erron Black began striking Cage in the gut several times. The beating stopped when Sonya utilized her wrist gauntlets to create a pair of pink energy rings which struck down Garrett. Now free, Johnny hit a roundhouse kick against Erron's head that was amplified by his glowing energy which immediately knocked Black unconscious. Johnny then approached Sonya after winning his fight.
"Thanks." Both Cage and Sonya said to each other.
"Can you find a medic for Jax?" Sonya requested.
"I'm on it." Johnny said before sprinting off to find help.
Nearby, the Black Dragon had joined the war zone and immediately began attacking Stryker's riot force. Despite the weaker gear, the Black Dragons had the numbers advantage. Stryker took charge and began fending off many of the thugs who were wielding melee weapons such as knives, pipes and planks. While Stryker was tazing one Black Dragon goon, Kano soared through the air in the form of a cannonball and took down Stryker like he was a bowling pin.
"Kano." Stryker recognized the notorious criminal with his cybernetic eye. "It was about time I met you and your clan."
"Step aside before we have all you pigs killed." Kano threatened.
"Why are you helping to destroy Earth?" Stryker asked.
"Well it's not like you're gonna be able to stop Shao Kahn." Kano believed.
"So you're just accepting this world's demise?!" Stryker further questioned, angered by Kano's mindset.
"Well… yeah." Kano replied honestly for once. "If I help the big bad now then the Black Dragon can probably live a better life in Outworld anyway."
"You're insane!" Stryker shouted. "A traitor to your own world!"
"It's just business." Kano stated as he drew his knives. "I would apologize for what's coming next but we both know I don't mean it."
Kano swung his head forward violently, the metal part of his face connecting against Stryker's skull and knocking his cap off. Stryker, being stunned, began swinging his batons wildly at Kano but each attack was easy to counter by Kano who went to stab Stryker in the stomach but his armour protected the stabbing. Another officer came from behind Kano and cracked their unprotected baton over the back of Kano's head. This allowed Stryker to make a comeback in the fight as he began beating down Kano with his own baton.
During the conflict between Stryker and his riot force and Kano and his Black Dragon, a familiar face was spotted by No Face. The psychopathic criminal immediately fought his way to confront said face.
"Traitor!" He yelled.
The former Black Dragon turned to face his old friend. "No Face."
"Got anything you'd like to say?!" No Face asked. "Abandoned us to become a fucking fed!?"
"When I was arrested I was met by a man named Kurtis Stryker." Kabal began explaining.
"I don't give a single shit about this Stryker bloke." No Face interrupted.
"Let me finish, old friend." Kabal requested.
"Old friend?" No Face laughed maniacally. "Liar! I bet you always thought I was some crazy idiot who you would always make fun of. I'm just a joke to you all?"
"Look, Stryker gave me a second chance to rehabilitate myself." Kabal elaborated. "Let me offer you the same chance."
"Never!" No Face refused. "First you betrayed our clan and now Jarek, Tasia, even good ol' Trem… and many other morons have followed your example of betrayal."
"Good to see that at least some of you have also come to their senses." Kabal commented. "But look No Face, you need help."
"You have nothing you can offer me!" No Face cried out as he armed his flamethrower. "DIE!"
No Face blasted his flamethrower at such a fast speed that not even Kabal was able to avoid it in time. Kabal's entire body was lit aflame by No Face's flamethrower as it burnt his skin and flesh. Kabal fell to the floor, crying in agony from the burning feeling. Hearing the screams, many of Kabal's fellow officers rushed to check on him with Stryker being amongst them, completely ignoring Kano after hearing the cry of his friend. The riot control squad was being surrounded by Black Dragons, with Kabal still in need of medical assistance. Those with guns prepared to open fire but even more familiar faces of the Black Dragon had arrived. It was Jarek, Tasia and Tremor leading their own group of Black Dragon.
"Here come more traitors!" Yelled No Face.
"This entire damn clan was created by the betrayal of the Red Dragon, you twat." Tasia hostilely reminded him.
"More needless insults." No Face sighed. "And I expected better from you, Tremor!"
"Then you're a fool." Tremor insulted him. "Retreat now or I'll crush you all."
"Not this time." Kano butted in. "This is the perfect opportunity to purge the weak of our clan."
"We aren't a part of your clan anymore." Jarek infomed.
"Yet you still call yourselves Black Dragon?" Kano asked.
"We want to be Black Dragon," Jarek explained. "Just not under your control."
"Well there can't be two Black Dragons!" Kano yelled. "No matter, we'll have you all killed this instant."
"Good luck with that." Jarek wished as guns began being pointed at his group.
"Open fire!" Kano ordered.
Bullets began raining at both sides of the Black Dragon. Stryker and his riot force used the distraction to get medics for Kabal and any other injured officers before retreating. Meanwhile, Jarek and Kano squared off. Kano began their fight by blasting his laser eye at Jarek wh deflected it off his axe, causing the blast to strike Kano in the face. Jarek then launched his lasso at Kano, tripping him up and dragging him towards Jarek who swung his axe down on Kano but it was dodged. Kano rolled away and quickly used a knife to cut the rope from his legs so that he could stand up and fight back against his former ally. Jarek swung his axe violently at Kano but the attack was blocked by one of Kano's knives, the mercenary then used his second knife to shank Jarek in the gut. Jarek still tried to fight back but Kano stomped his boot on the knife that was already lodged onto Jarek, causing him to cry out in pain.
"Is this a fight that a leader would give?!" Kano asked aloud. "Pathetic!"
"I'll show you pathetic, you rat." Came the voice of Tremor.
Kano spun his head around and saw Tremor holding a boulder over his head, he then launched the boulder on top of Kano with ease. Tremor then dusted his rocky hands together before coming to Jarek's aid as Tasia and No Face fought each other. Tasia didn't even bother to converse with the psychopathic No Face and immediately went to swing her duel wield swords at him. Black Dragons allied with No Face tried to stop Tasia but she easily cut through them with picture perfect cuts, one even had half their head sliced off amongst Tasia's spree. No Face began blasting his flamethrower but Tasia slid under the flames and slashed No Face's ankles which caused him to collapse and fold into a ball. No Face tried crawling away but was kicked in the face, his mask flying off.
"You always were an asshole, Tasia." No Face muttered.
"And you're a lunatic." She retorted. "Why do you even have faith in Kano?"
"Why did you lose faith in him?" No Face asked back.
"Reckless antics," Tasia explained. "Being fine with wanting to destroy the Earth to be precise."
"He has to!" No Face yelled. "And since when did you have morals?"
"No he doesn't." Tasia disagreed. "And destroying the entire world is kind of out of our league…"
"But you're saying you'd be fine with living in Outworld instead?" No Face asked.
"Hell no!" Tasia answered. "Live under the rule of Shao Kahn? Have you heard the stories about what that guy does to his subjects?"
"Like you care about people." No Face mumbled.
"What I care for is none of your damn business." Tasia informed him.
"Because there's nothing you do care about besides yourself and some cash." No Face stated. "And Shao will treat us fairly for helping him out with claiming Earth."
"Someone like you really shouldn't be judgemental of others." Tasia replied as she walked closer to No Face who was still on the ground. "And I doubt Shao Kahn gives a shit about rewarding those who do his dirty work."
"What do you know?!"
"What do you?" Tasia asked No Face the very same question.
"Oh just kill me already." No Face requested.
"Glady." Tasia complied and put both her swords against both sides of No Face's neck. "Bye bye."
Suddenly, an explosion from behind Tasia blasted her away which allowed No Face to retreat. No Face had been crafty and deployed a stick of dynamite on the ground during his conversation with Tasia. The battle would continue between the divided sides of the Black Dragon.
Back at the cathedral, Reiko and his forces had sent many of the defenders to retreat inside the structure. Many Shaolin Monks were keeping some of the forces occupied but the numbers were too great. The army was empowered by protection spells created by the Shadow Priests that created a magical form of armour over the army. They pushed forward into the cathedral where Raiden, Fujin, Scorpion, Nightwolf and Kenshi along with an odd amount of monks and soldiers had retreated into. Reiko ordered his men to stay put for a moment.
"I grant you an opportunity of surrender." Reiko informed the defenders. "Surrender and you will be granted a life in Outworld under the glorious leadership of Shao Kahn."
"I suggest you turn away, general." Raiden advised.
"I have everyone in this building surrounded." Reiko dealt out the facts. "And anyone out there fighting is probably in defeat to my own men. I have no reason to stand down."
"I will give you plenty of reasons!" Raiden yelled as he began to create a large lightning ball of sorts.
"Don't say I didn't warn you." Reiko said as he charged forward.
Raiden launched a ball of lightning which evaporated any of Reiko's soldiers that were caught in it. Despite being surprised by what he witnessed, Reiko only stopped his advance for a mere moment.
"I will deal with the general," Fujin informed his brother. "Go and deal with the army itself."
Raiden nodded and flew through the ceiling to get outside and fight the army alone. Fujin then went to confront Reiko but a sudden sphere made entirely of water randomly began forming by Fujin's side. Then the Edenian warrior known as Rain emerged from the sphere and kicked Fujin into a wall.
"You will be dealing with me instead." He revealed as many of his students that were fellow traitors to Edenia began entering the cathedral and fighting the monks and soldiers.
Reiko instead engaged in a fight with the trio of Scorpion, Nightwolf and Kenshi. The swordsman used his telekinesis to send Reiko into Scorpion's grasp who went to stab his kunai into Reiko but the general instead grabbed and snatched the kunai off of Scorpion before throwing it at Kenshi, cutting his cheek upon impact. Scorpion then spun around while carrying his custom made spear that used a kunai as the blade, Reiko got cut by a few of the swings but managed to stomp on the chain and drag Scorpion down to a knee before smashing his shoulder into Scorpion. Kenshi rejoined the fight and went to strike down Reiko from behind with his katana but Reiko spun around and blocked Sento with a war hammer that Reiko had acquired to replace his broken wooden club. Reiko, being stronger than Kenshi, was able to push him back and also smash him with a shoulder barge. Nightwolf then got involved in the battle and jumped in the air to gain momentum upon slamming his tomahawk down on Reiko. Unfortunately for the Matokan, Reiko rolled out of the way and smashed his hammer over Nightwolf's back. To buy everyone some time to recover, Nightwolf summoned the spirit of a wolf that he called Kiba. The wolf pinned down Reiko and began biting the general's face but was eventually smashed by Reiko's hammer which the impact caused the spirit to evaporate.
On the other side of the cathedral, Rain and Fujin were fighting one another. Rain hit a sequence of punches and kicks which knocked Fujin back. In response, Fujin summoned a tornado at Rain's feet but it failed as Rain utilized his water controlling abilities to shoot himself up over the tornado and land a diving dropkick on Fujin.
"And here I thought that being a mortal made me inferior." Rain taunted as Fujin returned to his fighting stance.
"Don't let it get to your head." Fujin educated him.
"I don't need advice from you." Rain informed him.
"You're right," Fujin agreed. "You need discipline."
Rain ran at Fujin who summoned a blast of wind that pushed Rain back with such force that it nearly knocked him to the floor. Fujin then drew his crossbow and unloaded a set of arrows at Rain, using his wind bending abilities to control the direction of the arrows, even indoors this was possible. Rain dodged the first arrow but immediately got impaled by two arrows right after, one in his left shoulder and the other in his stomach. Rain ripped out both arrows before sending a blast of violent water at Fujin which pushed him up against the old cobblestone wall of the cathedral. Rain then began punching at Fujin against the wall and as soon as Fujin got a hit back he sprung off the wall, ran across the air before landing a flying kick to Rain from behind. Now Rain was against the wall and getting beaten down by deadly kicks and elbows from Fujin. When Fujin was on the verge of victory against Rain, one of Rain's proteges slashed Fujin's back with a sword which gave Rain the opportunity to summon a geyser which launched Fujin into the high ceiling before crashing all the way down onto the tiled floor. The God of Wind had just been defeated.
"Excellent work, Rain." Reiko complimented as he stood over the unconscious bodies of Scorpion, Nightwolf and Kenshi. He had managed to defeat three defenders all at once.
"Shall we execute them?" Rain asked as he looked around at the many unconscious bodies of those who were defending Earthrealm.
"Shao Kahn has been requesting prisoners," Reiko informed. "Let's keep these fools alive."
"Very well then." Rain complied and summoned restraints on Fujin's wrists and ankles that were made of water.
At this moment, Raiden returned and now had the aid of Liu Kang, Kung Lao and Bo' Rai Cho. The four defenders immediately fought off the soldiers and ninjas that Reiko and Rain had sent on them before approaching the two with monks of the White Lotus by their sides.
"It is now you who is outnumbered." Raiden informed as the monks began overwhelming the Reiko and Rain's forces. "Now free my brother."
"This is your brother?" Rain asked, pointing at Fujin. "Ha! I easily defeated him, surely I can do the same to you."
"Attack me and it will be your final moment of life." Raiden warned. "That goes to everyone here."
"I doubt that." Rain replied and began approaching Raiden, only to be stopped by Reiko.
"No, we'll be leaving." Reiko informed him.
"Your whole army?" Bo' Rai Cho asked.
"Sure." Reiko complied bitterly.
"Then you know where the exit is." Bo' replied.
Reiko and Rain along with their allies then began walking off. "You really are gullible, Thunder God." Reiko mocked.
"What?" Raiden asked.
"As if I'd call off my army." Reiko said through laughter.
"Then you will be punished!" Raiden screamed as he soared at the general.
Now that they had made it outside, Reiko had been spotted by a Shadow Priest who quickly teleported him to safety with Rain already having the ability to teleport himself.
"I knew it wouldn't have been so easy." Kung Lao commented.
"C'mon, we have to end this now." Liu Kang instructed and the two monks ran back out the cathedral to rejoin the war.
"Wait!" Bo' Rai Cho called out.
"Yes master?" Liu asked.
"We need to make an attack on Shao Kahn as soon as possible." Bo' reminded. "Gather some of our defenders to meet at the cathedral so that we can do this."
"But we'll be at a disadvantage!" Kung Lao pointed out.
"We are the ones who are under attack," Bo' Rai Cho explained. "This is probably to distract us from Shao Kahn beginning the merger."
"That's a good point, my friend." Raiden replied. "Give me the maximum time of an hour to gather some forces."
"Yes, Lord Raiden." Liu Kang nodded.
"Stay safe."