Raiden returned to the courtyard with haste to see several more earthrealm heroes had been eliminated. Nightwolf remained alongside the group of earthrealm champions that Raiden had taken under his wing. Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Art Lean, Stryker, Sub Zero, Kenshi, Sonya Blade, and her teammates Lance and Pedro were all unharmed as well as their new addition, Felix. They had begun talking with the other few remaining defenders of earth too. With there being so few of them left, they may as well all work together.
"What have I missed, Nightwolf?" Asked Raiden with a sigh.
"Three more Outworld victories, and three more dead earthrealm champions." Answered Nightwolf. "We await the next match."
Looking up to the sorcerer the whole crowd could see his devilish grin. He was happy with the results of the tournament thus far, but really he was excited. Excited for the next champion to represent earth. To see him fight, and kill, or die trying.
"Sub Zero!" Called Shang Tsung to which the cryomancer quietly stepped onto the stage. "You have quite the reputation, Bi Han. Every warrior from Outworld to the chaos realm has heard the rumors of your battle with the fallen elder god, Shinnok."
"What's a shinnok?" Asked Johnny Cage with Stryker just shrugging in response.
"What of it, Sorcerer?" Spat Sub Zero with the crowd intrigued. He'd now taken his place on the stage. Blood was smeared across the arena, most of it human.
"How is it you bested Shinnok again?" Shang Tsung asked. "How does the story go?"
"You tell me, Sorcerer." Stated Bi Han, clearly bored with the sorcerer.
"Humor me." Shang Tsung insisted.
"I traveled to the netherrealm and severed his head, then returned the remains into Shinnoks own amulet, trapping him." Answered Sub Zero.
"Quite the accomplishment by any warrior let alone a human." Complemented Shang Tsung sarcastically. "Surely the likes of Goro or even myself would be easy to defeat if you had the power to best a God in single combat."
The implication by the sorcerer was obvious. "You don't believe I defeated Shinnok. Yet, you are too afraid to say it. I wonder why that is?"
"I'm merely admiring your work, Bi Han. Certainly some of your species accomplishments should be remembered once the realms have been merged." Replied Shang Tsung. "And if there was any doubt of your skill, then Fortunately you happen to be in the perfect place to prove those people wrong. Perhaps with a challenger?" Questioned Shang Tsung.
For the first time in the tournament nobody in the outworld delegation stepped up. Each was bloodthirsty or eager to earn favor in combat, and Outworld had dominated so far. However, Shang Tsung was correct when he spoke about Sub Zeroes reputation. No smart warrior hoped to stand up against an elder god or the man who beat one. Fighters from the netherrealm would've been eager to take on Bi Han or so you might think. Quan Chi's goons each feared the cryomancer as much as any Outworlder. Scorpion would certainly accept the challenge if he were present, but Quan Chi had yet to release the specter for their inevitable match.
"Do all Outworlders lack a spine, Shang Tsung? Or is cowardice only a requirement to enter the tournament?" Bi Han said. Snickers could be heard all amongst the crowd from Outworld and earthrealm warriors alike until….
"I do not fear you, Sub Zero." Spoke Rain as he stepped up across from Bi Han. "I certainly respect your achievement, but it's common knowledge that Shinnok had fallen from grace far before your battle with him. If you wish to prove yourself a match for a god then I will be your opponent."
"I'm not the only one with a reputation, Rain." Began Sub Zero. "And don't be mistaken. You're no god, just another Outworld orphan. If you fight me now I will show you how I bested Shinnok… first hand."
It was clear Rain wouldn't back down, so Sub Zero took his stance prepared for kombat when Shang Tsung spoke….. "Fight!" He said with a grin as Rain and Sub Zero rushed each other. The two began exchanging blows and testing one another's defenses.
"I can't help but notice your smile, Shang Tsung." Began Kitana from beside the sorcerer. "Is Rain actually a match for Sub Zero?"
"He is completely outclassed, but I'm sure it will make for a fine show." Replied Shang Tsung.
"Then why are you smiling?" Asked Mileena angrily from the other side of Shang Tsung. "It is your job to win, you know?"
"Because soon Sub Zero will be dead regardless of this match. For now I can simply enjoy the show knowing that everything has been taken care of." Kitana and Mileena shared a look of confusion as the fight continued.
Rain made the first real move, shooting himself through the air inside of a water bubble before grabbing Bi Han and whipping him to the ground. Sub Zero quickly recovered, kicking Rain off of himself before jumping to his feet. He fired an ice ball before sliding towards Rain with ice guiding his quick movement. Rain had no time to react with the ice ball freezing him in place before the slide knocked him back out to room temperature. An extremely painful experience. Sub Zero continued with a combination of attacks that kept Rain on his back foot. Eventually Sub Zero dropped to his knees, placing a hand on the ground, freezing it, and trapping Rain's feet. In an instant Bi Han conjured an ice hammer that he shattered across Rain's body.
The Edenian took the hit full force, knocking him out of the foot trap and onto his ass. Rain, being an edenian, was somewhat more durable than a human. He proved this when he returned to his feet after the hammer strike. Bi Han was impressed as Rain began to conjure an attack of his own. Just as fast as Rain could summon a wave, Bi Han had frozen it solid and crashed through it. Rain was fast, strong, and uniquely gifted. Yet, compared to Sub Zero he was no match. With one final blast Rain was frozen solid and unable to continue the fight.
"If that is really all Outworld has to offer then just allow me to face Goro now, for I refuse to face off against another pretender!" Exclaimed Sub Zero. Meanwhile a pair of guards removed Rain's unconscious body from the courtyard.
"That is enough for now." Stated Shang Tsung preparing to take his leave. "We will continue in a few hours."