Chapter 14: Crazy Stories
The Shaolin Monks and Shirai Ryu are picking up the damage the Netherrealm caused as well as Outworld. They're shocked and disgusted by their recent actions. Desecrating their lands, stealing over dozens of dead bodies. Something just didn't add up. But a lot of news is going to hit everyone very soon.
In the fire gardens, Vera stays by her boyfriend Satoshi. Ever since what happened to him, she refused to leave his side. She wanted to make sure he was alright and wasn't too badly injured. She has fought hard to keep herself from crying. But much to her shock and relief,
"Ugh…. Aah!" Satoshi shouted and grabbed his face.
"Hey, it's okay, it's okay! You're safe! Just lie back. Just rest for a while, okay?" Vera said. She pushes him back to the bed gently where he's sitting up slightly. "How do you feel?"
"I've been worse. Trust me. I survived getting broken bones." Satoshi chuckled. "How long was I out?"
"For just about a day. You kicked ass out there. Way to fight beside my mom." Vera said as she scoots closer.
"That dark vampire packs more than a punch. But glad to see that bitch is gone for good this time. Serves her right for crossing us the first time." Satoshi sighed. "Too bad that I didn't kill her though."
This made Vera snicker. She was glad that her parents helped train her and Satoshi in the ways of the Shirai Ryu. He has come a long way since he met them when he was a little kid, and has achieved his goal. Satoshi tries to open his eye, but feels pain upon trying to do so, as he places a hand over it.
"Careful. Careful, don't touch it." Vera grits her teeth at the sight of him receiving a very bad injury.
"How bad is it?" Satoshi asked her. By the time of his voice, he sounds more worried about what Vera would think rather than the condition itself.
Vera reached out and slowly started unwrapping the bandages around his face. She could only hope that his injuries were not as serious. After a few minutes, the last of the bandages were removed. Scratch marks were seen on the right side of his face.
"Oh my god." Vera gasped with shock as she covered her mouth.
Satoshi looks in the mirror and sees his face. He couldn't believe what has become of him. His face turns to sadness.
"That monster. If she were here, I'd rip her eyes out." Satoshi tries not to get angry. "I can't. I can't let my anger get a hold of me. I must… remember Master Takahashi's lessons. But how can I go forward now, Vera? No one will look at me the same way ever again."
Satoshi tries to leave, but he limps forward and falls down to his knees. Vera rushes over to him and helps him up.
"Hey. Look at me, Satoshi. Look at me!" Vera gets his attention. After a few moments, he looks up at her with his only eye, dropping tears of sadness. "Don't ever say that. Ever. You listen and you listen good. I don't care what people think of you. You are still Satoshi. You've done nothing but made my parents proud. And Hanzo Hasashi. And you've made me proud by being you. And this, this doesn't bother me at all. I still love you. Even if you only have one eye."
Vera caresses the side of his burned face, running it gently to make him feel better while wiping his tears. Satoshi takes a deep breath and slowly grabs her hand with his and looks into her eyes.
"You know. Even with this, I still think you're the most beautiful person I've ever laid eyes on. Your eyes and your smile made me smile. Every day." Satoshi slowly smiles a little. Vera begins to smile more as she leans in and gives Satoshi a passionate kiss. Satoshi closes his eyes and happily returns the kiss.
They continue to kiss, but then, they quickly hear static coming from outside. They stop and run outside their home and see what is going on. As they were about to ready themselves, Vera's head suddenly started hurting and falls to her knees.
"Vera! What's wrong?!" Satoshi helps her.
"S-so many people are coming! I-it hurts so much!" Vera said.
"How many?" Satoshi asked.
"I don't know! But they're all coming here!" Vera said. As she said that, her parents walk over to her as well as the monks. Jacqui seems to be holding her husband up. He appears to be feeling the same thing, so not as much as his daughter is.
"They're coming. Everyone, get ready." Takeda ordered.
Everyone gets into a stance for whoever is coming. It doesn't appear to be anyone from the Netherrealm. The portal would have been green or red. But it's all electrical. What could this be? There was a flashing light and everyone covered their eyes. After several seconds, the heroes all uncover to see who came through… only to see some completely new people.
A man dressed in red, with a lightning bolt in the middle of his chest, a man in a green mask, blonde hair and facial hair, wearing all green and having a bow and arrow. And a woman, also blonde, wearing all black, a short black jacket, skin-tight black pants with fishnets on the side of her thighs. And a teenager who's on fire.
In Outworld, Kitana Kahn, her children, Kotal and his family and Princess Meia come across the majority of the Teen Titans, being Starfire, Con-El, Wonder Girl and Terra. Everyone in the realms.
At the Lin Kuei temple, Grandmaster Frost and her apprentice Aster are training with each other, with the latter being taught more with her cryomancy and learning different stances, they see two other people. One dressed like a cat, and another dressed in all green, and wears a ring.
"Who are you?! And why have you come here to our Lin Kuei temple?!" Frost demanded.
"Whoa, easy there, snow chick." Green Lantern held his hands up. "We don't know what happened. In fact, we don't even know where we are."
"You enter Anarticka, our sacred home. Home of all Lin Kuei. State your business, otherwise, face us in kombat." Aster points her nagnata at them.
"Hang on there, kiddo. We're just as confused as you two are." Catwoman tells them. Aster and Frost look at each other, both sharing a look of doubt. Before they could question them further, they get a call from their communication tablets. They appear to be from their other allies. Now, they're almost as confused as these visitors are.
Everyone is in a group meeting. Consisting of Alex, Cassie, Liu Kang, the masters of the Lin Kuei, Monks and Shirai Ryu, as well as Outworld and Edenia. They all received the same problem. Strange visitors appear out of nowhere, unlike any other they have seen. These visitors may have been recognizable in their world, but not so much in the world of Mortal Kombat.
Cassie explained to everyone how it all exactly happened on their end, with them being attacked by Superman, Wonder Woman and Black Adam and Liu Kang showing up to assist them. And Batman helping out a little bit after the fire god had them on the ropes. From what it appears, mostly everyone appears to be friendly towards Liu Kang and his allies.
"So that's how it all happened. We thought it was Mileena and that dragon Adrelita backing Mateo up, but nope. It was that Superman guy. He claims to be the Earth's protector and that he made an official government that rules the entire planet." Cassie said.
"Static electricity appeared around us and out of nowhere. That's how they appeared. And assuming the same with everyone else that we've all met." Alex said.
"When that alien damaged the trans-dimensional gateway, it caused a malfunction and sent us to different regions of this dimension. And now I'm having a hard time trying to trace the pieces of the tech that got pulled through." Mister Terrific added.
"Then this dimension must be bigger than we thought. You guys call this place Earthrealm?" Batman asked.
"Yup. Right on the nose. Been like that since the beginning of time, Batdude." Flora answered.
"Yes. There are six realms in our world. Most of your friends are in Earthrealm. Your other allies, these Teen Titans, are here in Outworld. A realm long since been cleansed by evil." Kitana Kahn added.
"There is no such thing from where we come from. We have faced aliens and other threats, but nothing like this." Batman said.
"While we have faced time travel, evil gods, evil titans, conquerors and cyborgs. We have been doing so for many years more than you would believe." Fujin tells them.
"And you guys are actual gods? I always believed in god, but nothing like this. Never thought I'd see one up close." Flash said, looking at Fujin.
"Hey, these guys look like they belong in anime tv shows." Green Arrow joked, causing Dinah to elbow his stomach.
"Ehh, these guys are too real and too badass to come out of tv. But either way, that's so awesome." Blue Beetle smiled, impressed.
"And now we have new buddies on our side! Maybe they can helo us take down Superman and the Legion!" Harley concluded.
Everyone looks at each other with skepticism and confusion. They wanna ask why they should help them in a fight that they weren't even involved in in the first place. And who is the Legion.
"Hold on, Harleen. We don't know this world unlike them. Besides, if we are to get around and hopefully find a way to get back home, then it is best that we ask them what they like to do. It's up to them, not us." Batman corrected her.
"Well, if we wanna help y'all get back home, then maybe we should get to know y'all better. A lot better. Just to be safe. And know us in vice versa." Jacqui stated.
"Wise idea, Jacqueline." Frost agrees. Know their history. What their world is like and what they do to keep the peace."
Alex turns to Batman. "So. You're Batman? Also known as Bruce Wayne?"
"Yes. And from everyone's reactions, it appears that there is no Batman or Superman of this world." Batman replied.
"Okay? And? What does that guy in the red cape that nearly attacked us have to do with anything? The guy's a real as–" Flora gets cut off by Harley, putting a finger on Flora's lips.
"Ah, ah, ah, kiddo! Language! There are other people here that are still in school!" Harley smiles and blows a bubble from her gum, while referring to Blue Beetle and Firestorm."
"Oh, c'mon! We're freaking 18!" Blue Beetle shouted.
"Umm, okay? But anyway, so the Justice League. Sounds like a cool name for a group of heroes. But why are you here? We have most of your friends with us." Cassie asked.
"An accident. Superman has escaped the Phantom Zone with help. And regained his powers from a rare form of Platinum Kryptonite. He stole some of our technology and wanted to find an alternate world where an alien named Brainiac was alive. But unfortunately, some other alien came to earth, wanting revenge on us. The fight ended, causing our trans dimensional gateway to malfunction and transport us here." Batman explains.
"And the explosion caused everyone to seperate in the process. Scattered across the realms. Hopefully our enemies in the Netherrealm won't know about this." Alex guessed.
"Exactly. We need help in finding the rest of our friends and enemies and recover the tech. But we don't know anything about this world." Batman asked the group.
"Before we make a plan. We must know your history." Liu Kang said.
"Deal." Batman nodded.
"But who's that alien guy that attacked you guys?" Anthony asked.
"We don't know. But he claimed to want revenge on us for killing his son. I never got his name. But this is one alien I can think of that I had saved in my files." Batman pressed some buttons on his left gauntlet and it showed an alien. He has brown skin, wears golden and green armor, and appears to have thick, black hair.
Supergirl steps up and her eyes widened at the sight of this strange warrior.
"Oh my god. My cousin….. He killed Kalibak?" Supergirl asked in shock.
"You know him, Kara?" Batman turns to her.
"I've read about him…. He's the son of Darkseid. The same one who attacked us. Now I remember him." Kara said with a feared tone.
"Darkseid? Kalibak? Okay. Someone needs to explain this. Like ASAP." Vera said.
"Aye. Better be snappy because it looks like we got two worlds to save." Blue Beetle said.
"Looks like it's story time for all of us! Better get comfortable, because Batsy brings up the best ones!" Harley yelled in excitement.
"We may or may not like it. So who's first, Batman?" Alex asked.
Batman and his friends decided it was better for them to go first. They started out as superheroes and he and Superman helped create the group the Justice League, as they all had a common purpose. Superman swore to protect the planet so it would not suffer the same fate as his home planet Krypton.
To protect their world from all evil. And they would all carry the same moral code: to never kill anyone, even if they have a reason. The two, alongside Wonder Woman, known as Diana Prince, the Flash, the Green Lantern Corp, Shazam, Green Arrow and his wife Black Canary, Cyborg all came to be part of the team as well as a sub-group, the Teen Titans. They all protected humankind.
It all changed one day when Clark's wife Lois Lane was pregnant with their unborn child. He was happy that he was going to become a father, and Bruce knew it already. They were all happy for him. However, Batman's main enemy, the Joker, accompanied by Harley Quinn, kidnapped his wife and implanted a bomb trigger inside Lois' heart and used Kryptonite mixed with Scarecrow's fear toxins to cause Clark to hallucinate, believing Lois was Doomsday. He flies her into space, and his friends manage to break him out of the trance, but it was too late. Lois was killed alongside their child. The moment she died, caused the bombs to go off. Metropolis was nuked and millions were killed.
This causes Superman to grieve for his family. And he became consumed by vengeance and anger. He interrupted an interrogation between Batman and Joker, and Kal-El executed him with a powerful thrust through his chest. It did not stop there. Superman believed that no one deserved to suffer the same fate as Lois did. And so, he followed a dark path. He decided to no longer hold back his strength and wanted a world-wide ceasefire of all violence and he swore to end it by any means necessary, including murdering any criminal or evil mastermind. Diana supported him as well as many others. So he created the Regime, also known as the One-Earth Government. He believes that hope is no longer the answer, and that fear is the solution. He even went as far as to recruit some of their own enemies such as Sinestro, Black Adam and even Doomsday.
Batman, however, opposed Superman's ideal of ruling the world and murdering anyone. He believes that they should still follow their own moral code and US laws. While few heroes agreed with him, most other superheroes joined Superman's cause, such as Flash and Hal Jordan. This causes the Justice league to split apart. Harley Quinn admitted she did not know about Lois' pregnancy. In fact, she was horrified. She has made sure to explain some parts of the story despite her craziness. She has since redeemed herself despite helping Joker, as she moved on from him after years of abuse from him.
Over the last five years, the Insurgency and Regime have fought each other. Along the way, they have lost many heroes, such as Martian Manhunter, Zatanna, their own Oliver Green before being replaced by another one from an alternate world, Hawkman and Dick Grayson. He was Batman's son and was killed by Robin, albeit by accident. Robin has since betrayed his father Bruce after being disowned and joined Superman's cause. In the fifth year, he invented the gateway technology to bring alternate counterparts from another world where Joker's plan failed. With their counterparts, such as good versions of Aquaman, Wonder Woman and Superman, the Regime was defeated.
Flash explained that he betrayed Superman after he killed Shazam, whose real name is Billy Batson. A teenager who could transform into an adult by shouting the name. Flash joined the Insurgency and turned himself in, and has been pardoned. Hal Jordan was also redeemed and became a Green Lantern once more.
Supergirl finally got her chance to speak. That she is Kal-El's cousin and from the same world. Her world was attacked and absorbed by a tech alien named Brainiac, who collects worlds and its inhabitants. She escaped with her baby cousin, but they were separated and she was put on ice for 30 years. Black Adam found her ship and guided it to Earth, where they freed Diana Prince from her home and her sisters after they turned against her. They trained her, and fed her lies about Bruce Wayne, believing him to be the bad guy. But Brainiac attacked Earth, forcing Batman to free Superman from his cell so they could fight him together. Along the way, Supergirl found out the truth and was horrified, as her cousin is the reason why everyone fears them both. After learning that Bruce still sees Clark as a friend, she began to trust him and defected from Superman. After Brainiac's defeat, they turned against each other for the fate of Earth and Brainiac, with Bruce's side coming out on top.
Since then, they kept the peace until a year later. They explained everything that has happened up to this point. How Superman got freed, the Legion forming, Darkseid invading Earth, leading to everyone coming here.
Everyone in the Mortal Kombat world was shocked and no more than horrified about what has happened in their world. They had no idea that they would turn out like this. People such as Alex and Cassie believed that superheroes only existed in fiction. And now they know that they're real. Anthony, Flora and Vera were more awestruck about seeing them in person. And believed them to be really cool.
Most of them feel a lot of pity towards the visitors for all they have went through regarding the war. But they will get to know them on a more daily basis. Now it was their turn to explain their side.
Liu Kang explained many parts of their story. History of the realms, but summarized them with helo from Kitana and Fujin. Mortal Kombat and its rules and the Elder Gods. And then his former mentor Raiden changed history to prevent Shao Kahn from unleashing Armageddon, with mostly everyone dying except for Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade. Jacqui and Cassie told them about the war against Shinnok leading to his defeat at Cassie's hands. Alex was the next to step up and explain how he arrived in Earthrealm, and the time war against Kronika, and finding out he is a demigod, half elder god.
Fujin helped explain about the New Era being made after Kronika's death and the changes to it and the many fights they endured against Shao Kahn, Geras, Shang Tsung, Daegon and Triborg, the families they have made. But along the way, they too have lost many close friends, including Raiden, Kabal, Kuai Liang and Meia's friends Huntress, Cade and Jon.
Kitana and Jade then explain the most recent events that they went through prior to meeting these visitors. From Shao Kahn recruiting Daegon and Havik, collecting the Kamidogu to unleash Blaze and become invincible and their defeat, with Havik being the only leader to survive. Then up to recently, they've been dealing with new threats.
Every single person within the group calling has processed everything they have heard. It was crazy for everyone. This was all new for everyone. Gods and monsters are new to the Justice League while the heroes of the Mortal Kombat world are now aware of the existence of superheroes.
"My god. Hearing all of this. Monsters and realms and different kinds of gods. This is just crazy. This is all too real to even think that this is all a dream." Kara comments. "It's like we're in one of these tabletop rpgs."
"Crazy with a K. That's what they all say nowadays. I mean, have you met my grandpa Johnny Cage? I mean anyone would have to be that naive to think all of this is fake." Flora jokes.
"Hahaha! I like these two already!" Harley laughed and smiled at the twins.
"Even across different worlds, everything becomes new to us each day." Batman stated.
"Given what we were told, I am pleased to say that I have never met anyone so horrid such as this Joker. His actions were irredeemable, but even he did not deserve to die. Killing millions of people is horrifying, even to me." Jade expressed her opinion.
"Me too, Jade. Me too." Jacqui agreed with her.
"But a war between superheroes sounds just as bad. If not, hypocritical." Cassie added.
"I understand that all of this is so much for all of us here. It was better to let you know our history. So no one would jump into an adventure. Blind and with questions that you may never find answers for. This world is much more dangerous than you think. Because unlike you and your friends, while we do carry morality, we do not hold back on our enemies when absolutely necessary." Liu Kang replied to Batman.
"Given your threats and the kind of powers that you have, I believe you. And I am not one to tell you or anyone here, especially Alex Cage and his family to change your ways and think you could have spared those you killed. I can respect that." Batman said.
"And we can say the same for you, Batman." Liu Kang said. "Supergirl, right? I am honored by your sense of morality and decision to not follow your cousin's path. I believe we may all get along just fine."
"Oh, it's nothing, really. I'm just doing the best I can. For my family and for Krypton. I always try my best to help out my friends here. Anything to make up for Kal-El's mistakes." Kara said, scratching the back of her head.
"So you said you guys fought a dragon, huh? A good dragon or a bad one?" Firestorm asked.
"Evil. Onaga the Dragon King, her father, is the reason why Mortal Kombat existed in the first place. Everyone feared him, including Shao Kahn. That is why he poisoned his master in his sleep. Dragons were one of the most powerful creatures in existence, but not even they could stand a chance against the One Being." Kitana answered Firestorm's question.
"One Being?" That doesn't sound good at all. Sounds like a god. An egotistical god that is." Green Arrow joked.
"More than that. The One Being is far worse. It is the essence of all six realms. No one can destroy it. It would come to life if all the realms merged together. And that is why we prefer to keep them separated, even through Mortal Kombat. It is forbidden to merge realms without victory." Kitana said.
"This new dragon, Adrelita. Even though she is not at her full strength yet, she is powerful and young. I failed to defeat her." Liu Kang tightens his fist. "And we must find a way to get you back home so she does not come to your world or become aware of its existence. Her powers are horrifying."
"Can create infinite zombies from dead bodies. And what's worse is even if you knock them down, it's impossible to make them stay down. Oh man, I would hate to fight those things." Anthony shivered.
"But we also must find our own enemies and bring them back with us. And find Mister Terrific's missing technology. Speaking of which." Batman turns to Kara. "How do you know this Darkseid?"
Everyone looked at Supergirl with curious looks on their faces. The name sounds funny to Harley, Vera and Flora as they try not to snicker at the name. But to most others, the name sounds very serious and they can tell Kara is serious.
"Darkseid is an evil conqueror from the planet Apokolips. He and his family before him have conquered hundreds of thousands of planets. He claims to be called the New God after murdering his own father. Darkseid has used strategy throughout his conquest alongside sheer power that is powerful beyond belief. He's never lost a battle. And every war that he has started has ended within one day. His family were also the creators of the motherboxes. I personally consider him to be a bigger threat than Brainiac. And he has armies of Parademons. And I overheard him having Steppenwolf as his general. Steppenwolf is his uncle. I've only become aware of him having one son named Kalibak." Supergirl explained.
"I remember seeing him. I never seen him face to face, but I watched through footage that Clark smashed his head into the ground until there was nothing left. The last words he spoke was claiming himself to be a god. But Clark didn't care. But if he's Darkseid's son, then that means he has come to avenge him." Batman said.
"Like father, like son. I mean, I wouldn't blame him for being pissed for someone killing his son. I would be too." Alex commented. "But I get a feeling that's not what he's after. He also wants to conquer your Earth I'm assuming?"
"Much more than that, Alex." Kara told him. "He sent his minion DeSaaD to Earth and tricked the Legion into uncovering the Anti-Life Equation. The most dangerous weapon in our universe."
Kara explains what the Anti-Life Equation is. That if it were to fall in the wrong hands, that person would figure out the equation and use it to control the free will of all individuals in the universe and change reality with one single thought. No one would be able to resist it. And that it was hidden within the Earth's crust for who knows how long.
"Holy shit." Anthony, Flora and Vera said in unison.
"By the Elder Gods." Liu Kang's eyes widened in horror. "An equation that can manipulate all life in the universe. Imagine if your Darkseid were to get his hands on it.
"Or worse, once he realizes that he's in our world, he could spread it here. And throughout any other universe. Think about it. The times you and Raiden changed history. And the visions of the future or different outcomes." Frost added.
"She's right." Flash backed her up. "And that Darkseid and the Legion here, it probably won't take long for him to find out. He could be anywhere in this universe. Or that hell place. What do you guys call it again?"
"The Netherrealm. That's hell. Where Mileena and her goons reside along with their new pet Adrelita. It's not impossible to escape the Netherrealm, but I wish there was. If they were to form an alliance with each other and maybe that Legion group." Cassie expressed some fear in her tone.
"They can have their alliances. And we have ours. Our realms and pacts have been cooperating for decades. But you, Batman, have a choice. Although this is our world and your enemies, we face a common threat. Stopping Adrelita, Superman, Darkseid and Polaris. We cannot allow them to travel outside this universe." Liu Kang said.
"He's right, Bruce. Of all the threats, from our past and future, we've never faced anything like this before. And I mean all of us in this call." Kara agrees with Liu Kang.
"I agree. We must do everything in our power to stop them. I know that we have a lot of obstacles in our path. But we must use caution. We need a plan to bring them all down. Keep Adrelita from getting stronger and Darkseid from obtaining his equation." Batman said.
"But what about Superman and the Legion? They gotta be around here somewhere. And we're missing Damian Wayne and Arthur. We musn't forget about them." Starfire added.
"Yes. I may have some ideas on where Clark, Diana and Adam are going, but it'll take time. I do not know about Damian and Arthur." Batman said.
"What about us? Should we come to you just in case?" Black Canary asked.
"No. We don't want to attract any unnecessary attention. Stay where you all are. We will all keep in contact with each other in case we get any movements about Clark and the others. Besides, they could use some experience and get to know each other personally." Batman said.
"Then it is settled. We'll keep in touch." Alex said. "Hey. Starfire girl. Why don't you and your titans stay with Kitana Kahn? I suggest you follow her suggestions since she is the leader of Outworld. We also must find the gateway tech scattered around before anyone else does. Kitana is wise and passionate. You'll like her."
"I put trackers in them just in case something like this would happen. But it'll take time given the distance and coordinations." Mister Terrific said.
"Good. We'll help out in any way we can. All of us." Cassie said.
"Oh boy. So that means you all better get comfortable, cause you're gonna be here for more than a while." Anthony said.
"Ahh. I mean we could always use some new friends. Am I right?" Blue Beetle asked.
"Yuppity do da!" Harley shouted, raising her arms in the air.
"I agree with Batman. There is something I must do. But it will take time." Liu Kang tells everyone. "Something is familiar about all of these strange visitors. I must know why."
"Liu Kang." Kitana called out to him. She runs up to him and kisses him, crossing her arms around his neck. Liu Kang holds her as they kissed.
"Please, be careful, my love. No matter what happens to us, we stay strong. Never lose who we are." Kitana looked into his eyes with confidence.
"I remember all the words you have spoken kindly, Kitana. Please be safe yourself." Liu Kang smiles before he and everyone transports away besides the Special Forces and Batman and his few allies.
Everyone signs off and separates as they all get to work. They work to find Mister Terrific's tech while searching for Superman and his Regime as well as Darkseid and the Legion and keep an eye out for any movements from the Netherrealm. They have no idea the dangers that lie ahead for them.
Note: Plenty of these chapters will be split into multiple parts. I hope that's okay with everyone. And I wanted to summarize the events of the Injustice series to those who aren't familiar and bring everyone up to speed. And there will be mention of events of MK vs DC at some point.