"Kombatants!" Began Shang Tsung. "In the coming days each of you will fight. Some are here of their own volition, others were brought here by chance…" Johnny Cage was incredibly uninterested in the old man's monologue. The actor scanned the crowds of people, scouting his competition. Dozens of fighters filled the courtyard with attention exclusively on Shang Tsung. All except for one redhead who Johnny locked eyes with.
"Hey beautiful. Johnny Cage." He said, sliding up to the redhead woman. She seemed surprised that he actually came to speak with her. The actor just assumed she was starstruck like most women he approaches.
"Skarlet." She said introducing herself. Johnny assumed she was playing a part. After all, ninjas, monks, and a couple monsters were filling the courtyard. She was cosplaying in whatever weird script they'd schemed up on the island which explained her revealing outfit.
"Right." Said Johnny with air quotes. "So are you a natural…" began Johnny before he felt a hand on his shoulder. Liu Kang had approached the actor.
"It is best that you stop speaking now." Said Liu Kang. Johnny was a little taken aback. He looked over to the redhead as Liu dragged him away. She seemed upset which led Johnny to believe she was actually enjoying his company. The two stopped next to Raiden who was already standing with Kenshi, Stryker, Nightwolf, with Sonya's team nearby.
"Not cool Liu, she was a total ten." Said Johnny.
"Are you seriously that deluded? She's probably dangerous, everyone here is." Stryker whispered as Johnny just rolled his eyes. The others just held looks of discontent.
"You participate in the most important mortal kombat in history!" Continued Shang Tsung. "This tournament, the tenth after nine Outworld victories, will determine earth realms fate. If you defeat all of your opponents; you will face one final challenge…. Me." Finished Shang Tsung to which Johnny chuckled.
"Yeah right. That old geezer is the final challenge? They might as well just give me the belt right now. They do have belts right?" Asked Johnny. Liu shook his head, but a cough from beside him got the actor's attention.
"Wha… how did you...?" Began Johnny before being cut off by the sorcerer.
"Appearances can be deceiving, Mr Cage. Our first challenger will be Johnny Cage." Stated Shang Tsung after levitating back to his seat. Johnny was definitely confused but the attention was enough to motivate him up onto the arena.
"That's right, that's right, who's it gonna be?" Asked Johnny bouncing around like an excited child.
"Sektor! Of the Lin Kuei clan of assassins." Stated Shang Tsung before an Asian man clad in red and black teleported across from Johnny. The monks and various fighters awed at the impressive technology.
"He dangerous?" Asked Stryker to which Raiden nodded.
"Why are Lin Kuei fighting for Shang Tsung?" Kenshi asked. "They should be with us."
"Shang Tsung has offered them something that was worth turning against their realm for." Answered Raiden. "Perhaps a place in Outworld when this is over."
"Speaking of the Lin Kuei… where is Sub Zero?" Kenshi asked.
"He hardly seemed interested in socializing. Sub Zero walks a separate path from us." Answered Nightwolf before directing his attention back towards the arena.
"Whoa, you gotta get me in touch with your special effects guy." Said Johnny in awe of the teleport while Sektor stood ready for battle.
"Fight!" Announced Shang Tsung before Sektor ran right for Johnny. The actor was a little surprised by the assassin's speed and strength, but Johnny managed to block his assault fairly well. The assassin of course wasn't just gonna let the actor block every hit. He grabbed the actor before spiking him into the ground, however, Johnny caught himself with one hand before flipping back to his feet. The monks clapped at Cage's display of raw athleticism. He gave the crowd a smirk before going on the offensive. Sektor couldn't have prepared for Johnny's attack. No one would expect their opponent to drop into the splits and deliver a ball crunching blow to the nuts, but yet Johnny had done just that. Sektor held his private area in pain as the spectators all winced.
Johnny Cage pulled his tie off as Sektor groaned in pain. Sektor composed himself, also ready for action. He went to attack with his flamethrower, but the actor was on him in an instant. Sector's flamethrower failed to fire and Johnny attacked with several punches to the face. Eventually Sektor caught his arm and flipped the actor over his shoulder, but Johnny Cage once again impressed with an incredible acrobatic move before landing on his feet. The monks clapped once again. Johnny rushed Sektor with a flying knee that he evaded before Johnny's leg came around and sent Sektor spinning through the air. He caught himself as well, but received no love from the crowd. Cage attacked again with several kicks that ended with one popping him into the air. Sektor teleported to evade the ensuing combo attack. After appearing behind the actor; Sektor attacked with a flurry of blows, all of which were easily evaded by the actor.
"Again with the teleport? Sometimes I underestimate the special effects department." Said Johnny.
"Does he actually not understand that his life is in danger?" Asked Liu in complete disbelief.
"He's an idiot." Stated Stryker to which some of the others laughed.
"Perhaps it's for the best." Suggested Nightwolf. "He's fighting so care free that he's throwing Sektor off."
Johnny dashed towards Sektor and jumped up before catching the Lin Kuei warrior with a kick to the face. Sektor hit the floor hard and was stunned for a moment giving Johnny time to dramatically line up a soccer style kick to Sektors head. Blood sprayed from his face, but he jumped back into action quickly. Johnny blocked several more hooks and jabs before hitting Sektor with a high side kick, followed by a front kick, and finished with a frontflip that allowed Johnny's heel to hit Sektor into the ground. Sektor was clearly getting worn down, but still had toys to play with.
Johnny decided it was time to change things up and reverted from his Jeet Kune Do stance into something less flashy. He lunged at Sektor with jabs and crosses to keep the Lin Kuei on his back foot. His traditional karate was much more refined. Eventually Sektor got another burst of energy and shot towards Johnny Cage tackling him. Johnny rolled after getting tackled and managed to send Sektor flying off of him. Sektor caught himself before firing a miniature missile at the actor. Sector's equipment must've been damaged in the fight as the missile flew way off target and took out a stone pillar in the distance. Johnny Cage laughed at the display as he clearly still didn't understand quite how real the stakes were.
"For the Lin Kuei!" He Exclaimed as Sektor's weapon shot fire at the actor who had no chance of dodging. In a split second the actor's body was covered in a ball of flames. Sektor was confident the actor had been fried, but moments later when Sektor stopped firing from the flamethrower, Johnny stood unharmed. His jacket was ripped and torn, so he discarded it, but was otherwise untouched.
"How did he…?" Began Liu Kang as the heroes watched Johnny casually disregard a flamethrower burst.
Raiden kept his attention directed towards the match. "You didn't see it?" Asked Raiden, genuinely surprised.
"Whoa, that was unpleasantly warm. And you ruined my favorite suit!" Said Johnny with an angry tone, before rushing Sektor. The Lin Kuei fighter threw a few jabs, but Johnny managed to get ahold of his arm. He twisted the appendage before dropping his elbow onto it. Cracks could be heard echoing in the night. Johnny released his arm and snatched his leg before twisting it and once again smashing his own elbow into it. Another loud crack could be heard, and Johnny finished by driving his palm into the side of Sektors ribs. The assassin was sent straight to the ground having been defeated by the actor.
"Johnny Cage wins. Flawless victory." Stated Shang Tsung as Johnny gloated in front of the monks.
"He got Caged! That's it, ha haa! Oh yeah! I'm so pretty!" Exclaimed Cage.
Liu looked over to Raiden who'd seemed content with the actor's showing. Of course Liu was surprised that Johnny was capable of defeating a Lin Kuei, but that was overshadowed by Johnny's annoying ego. They all questioned where Johnny's skills came from and noted to ask the actor at a later time. Meanwhile everyone in the crowd cringed at his behavior. The only one remotely interested in the actor was Skarlet. Liu had been watching her since she'd conversed with Johnny. She watched the actor with such intensity that you'd think she actually bought into his flirting. In reality she was more interested in killing the actor and soaking in his blood. Raiden had warned Liu of the most dangerous fighters in the tournament and she was certainly among them due to her ability to multiply her strength with each kill. She was so dangerous that Shao Kahn had kept her imprisoned. She had never been released to fight against the earth realm before, so this came as a shock to Raiden who warned Liu to keep his distance.
"And I'm takin' you down, I'm takin' you down, I'm takin' you out, I'm takin' you out, and I'm taking you out… for dinner." Said Johnny having ended in front of Skarlet. She smirked.
"Mr Cage!" Called Shang Tsung. "Your second challenger awaits."
"Second challenger?" Asked Johnny as he turned back towards the arena. "Not a problem for me." He said confidently.
"We'll certainly see." Spoke Shang Tsung. "Zartakuta!" He called out.
The next fighter stepped up to face Johnny Cage. The actor was confident as always while his opponent revealed himself. He was bald, with yellow eyes, and razor sharp teeth. He wore what looked to be a maroon martial arts gi without any sleeves. This Tarkatan warrior was a fine example of the race. Shang Tsung smiled as his fighter prepared for battle.
"What are you supposed to be?" Johnny Cage asked.
"The best of the Tarkatan race." He said simply before Johnny Cage broke into laughter.
"I've seen high school plays with better makeup artists." Mocked Johnny just before the Tarkatans blades shot out and he prepared for battle. Shang Tsung was about to call the match start when Raiden approached the sorcerer. He greeted the host with a respectful bow before speaking.
"Many of the fighters are restless from the trip." Began Raiden. "They would likely appreciate it if you could show them where they'll be staying."
"Of course… Where are my manners?" Said Shang Tsung before waving Zartakuta back away. "The tournament will continue after everyone has rested."
"What? That's it? Really?" Asked Johnny as his opponent walked off. The crowd began to disperse with Sektor making sure to bump into the actor on his way by. Johnny flipped him off before stepping down from the arena. Most of the bystanders had walked off, but of course….
"You fought well." Said Raiden as he stepped into the actor's path next.
"Thanks. Nice hat." Commented Johnny with a grin. Liu Kang was clearly taken aback by his nonchalant attitude.
"You should be more respectful of Lord Raiden. He is the protector of Earthrealm, the God of Thunder, the..."
"Look, I already told you I'm not interested in whatever role-playing you guys are into." Said Johnny trying to end the conversation. He turned to leave but Kang stepped in his path.
"I've tried to tell you already. This tournament is more than a chance for personal glory. We are fighting for the very survival of Earthrealm."
"What are you talking about?" Asked Johnny getting genuinely annoyed.
"Your last opponent was from the Lin Kuei clan of assassins. Had you lost, he likely would have killed you." Interjected Raiden.
"Yeah, that guy's an assassin." Said Johnny sarcastically. Sektor shoots Johnny Cage one last glance before leaving the courtyard with his fellow Lin Kuei representatives.
"He represents Outworld. Had you lost, the emperor Shao Kahn would have come one step closer to physically absorbing our world into his." Explained Raiden.
"Outworld, yeah right, right…"
"The Elder Gods created the Mortal Kombat tournament to give Earthrealm a chance to defend itself. But if we lose this time, Shao Kahn will conquer all."
"Dun Dun Dunnn!" He dramatically throws his arms up in the air. "I already heard your stick from Liu on the boat. I'm not buying it. Look guys, I'm an actor. I save the world for the cameras. If this emperor is really a threat, call the military. Me, I've got a date with a redhead." He slaps Raiden over the arm and starts to leave.
"What do you see in him?" Asked Liu Kang with a look of pure disgust.
"He is a great hero, Liu Kang, though he may not yet know it."