Mortal Kombat 11 Game Script Guide Version 1.00
Completed on 28/12/19
Written by Minty Fresh Death
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(1) TABLE OF CONTENTS
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(1) Table of Contents
(2) Introduction
(2A) Version Updates
(2B) Preface and Legalities
(3) The Game Script
(3A) Navigation
(3B) General Information
(3C) Prologue
(3D) 1. Next of Kin - Cassie Cage
(3E) 2. Timequake - Kotal Kahn
(3F) 3. Shaolin Monks - Liu Kang and Kung Lao
(3G) 4. Fire & Ice - Sub-Zero and Scorpion
(3H) 5. Truths Revealed - Jade
(3I) 6. War on the Homefront - Johnny Cage
(3J) 7. Coming of Age - Kitana
(3K) 8. Fight Club - Sonya Blade
(3L) 9. All in the Family - Jacqui and Jax
(3M) 10. To Hell and Back - Scorpion
(3N) 11. Cutting the Strings - Raiden
(3O) 12. End of an Era - Fire God Liu Kang
(4) Frequently Asked Questions
(5) The Final Word
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(2) INTRODUCTION
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(2A) VERSION UPDATES
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22/12/19 - The very first version. Updates to come. Maybe. :D
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(2B) PREFACE AND LEGALITIES
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Yo there. After feeling bored one Tuesday night (which seems to
be the story of all the FAQs I've ever written) I decided to
write up a guide to the game script for the latest game in
Netherrealm Studio's Mortal Kombat series, titled... Mortal
Kombat 11. My reasoning for this is to assist the blind and
visually impaired gaming community who have often struggled to
make sense of the cutscenes that make up the story mode of
these games.
This version of the Mortal Kombat Game Script (Version 1.00)
is exclusive to GameFAQs.
You are NOT allowed to post any version of this guide on any
other websites WITHOUT my given permission. My e-mail is under
"The Final Word" section if you wish to contact me. You also may
NOT copy any of the things you see in any version of this guide
and stick it into your own. You are also not allowed to plagiarise
any versions of this guide (don't steal the information and type
it up in your own way) and you are NOT allowed to use it in any
way to gain profit.
This guide is not property of WB Games or Netherrealm Studios and
is not written or supported by them.
All trademarks and copyrights contained in this document are
owned by their respective trademark and copyright holders.
Copyright 2019 by Dan Gallagher, AKA Minty Fresh Death.
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(3) THE GAME SCRIPT
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(3A) NAVIGATION
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As you may have already seen in the contents page, all of the
chapters contained in this script are numbered. If you want to zip
to a chapter, highlight the number/letter combination of your
chapter from the contents page, right click your mouse and select
the "Copy" option, click the "Edit" tab at the top of your browser
and select "Find". Once you have the small window up, right click
and select "Paste", then finally select "Find Next" to go to your
desired location. Alternatively, you may have a "Find" option as
a magnifying glass icon in the top left of your browser. Copy your
text, then select the tab next to the icon, then "Find on this
page" and paste it into the window and click "Next". Simple
enough, really.
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(3B) GENERAL INFORMATION
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Thanks to this game having a linear story path, everything written
is presented in chronological order. However, whenever the story
switches into an in-game battle, it is denoted by the phrase "They
fight."
This is followed up with a brief paragraph of who overpowers who
and defeats them. Any specific descriptions of a brawl (i.e
"Scorpion grabs Sub-Zero") should be considered part of a cutscene
rather than an in-game fight.
There are also points in the game where the player can choose
which character to fight as. These points will be signified by a
new paragraph starting with five dashes (-----) and immediately
below that will be the text [PLAYER CHOOSES...]. The text will
describe what happens when the character is selected, and the
process will be repeated for the other fighter directly
afterwards. Another five dashes will indicate the return to the
regular cutscene.
Being from the UK, I check my spelling from the Oxford Dictionary,
so any spellings you see here which may seem incorrect are most
likely consistent with English rather than American (ie "colour"
instead of "color".) Of course, if I have spelled something wrong
here in English, feel free to e-mail me to point it out. But don't
bother if I've spelled a word that normally begins with "c" with a
"k", for obvious reasons. :)
For those who've played the game with subtitles on, you may notice
some differences in this script compared with the subtitles you
read in-game, which outside of the UK / US spelling differences
mostly occurs in dealing with punctuation. This was deliberate on
my part, in order to more accurately convey what is being spoken
and shown. This is strictly my opinion, which you are welcome to
agree or disagree with. If you really wanna talk with me about it,
shoot me an e-mail.
When speaking, characters are denoted by their names given in-game
either by the chapter they star in or by the in-game announcer.
Generally, if a name exceeds ten characters (spaces included),
then I will shorten it. If two characters from the past and
present timelines are together in a scene, their names will have
the denotations "Y." (for young) and "O." (for old) before their
name.
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(3C) PROLOGUE
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Across a black screen, the following words are displayed.
"WB GAMES PRESENTS"
As those words fade out, more words fade in on the screen.
"A NETHERREALM STUDIOS PRODUCTION"
When those words fade out, the scene cuts to the exterior of
Earthrealm's Sky Temple. A raging storm echoes through the
landscape, with red lightning cutting through the cloudy night
sky and going straight into the top of the temple itself. The
temple is shown from several angles, gradually getting closer with
each passing camera shot. As we close in, the sound of someone
screaming in agony echoes over the continuing lightning strikes.
The camera cuts to an overhead shot of the Temple, directly above
the hole where the lightning is shooting into. Many floors of the
Temple have been outright demolished by the lightning, and the
hole extends to the very bottom floor that houses the Jinsei, the
life force of Earthrealm. The camera pans down the hole, and it
becomes apparent that the red lightning is being blasted directly
into a person, and once the bottom of the hole is reached we can
see who that person is.
It is the fallen Elder God known as Shinnok.
Bound by chains and bloodied by the continued assault, Shinnok is
powerless to do anything but scream at the lightning striking his
body. The strikes stop for a moment, allowing Shinnok a moment to
catch his breath and speak.
SHINNOK: You... you should thank me, Raiden. Our battle changed
you... for the better!
Raiden stands across from Shinnok, in front of the Jinsei itself.
Upon a closer inspection, it becomes apparent that Shinnok is
correct in that Raiden has changed; his eyes now glow a bright
red instead of blue, his attire is more armoured and warlike, and
most tellingly of all he wears Shinnok's amulet in the centre of
his chest. In response to the taunts, he charges up red lightning
through his hands and blasts it at Shinnok once more. The blasts
continue for several seconds as Raiden closes the distance between
himself and his mortal enemy.
RAIDEN: Be silent, Shinnok!
Raiden stops the blasts and Shinnok sinks to his knees, the chains
on his arms preventing him from keeling over entirely. He
nonetheless manages to chuckle, in spite of his predicament.
Raiden hovers his hand over Shinnok's head for a moment, then he
suddenly grabs it, channeling more lightning directly into
Shinnok for a brief moment. After the assault, Shinnok finds his
tongue once again.
SHINNOK: But you wear my amulet. Finally you embrace the truth the
Elder Gods deny. The truth I was cast out for speaking.
RAIDEN: The truth I embrace, Shinnok, is that mercy is wasted on
those who defile Earthrealm.
He places a hand on Shinnok's chains.
RAIDEN: I will destroy our enemies before they destroy us...
starting with you!
He yanks the chains, pulling Shinnok to his feet. Shinnok
begins to chuckle in response.
SHINNOK: How, Raiden? Not even you can kill an Elder God.
Raiden says nothing, but instead charges more lightning through
his hand. Shinnok braces for another assault, but Raiden does not
blast him this time.
RAIDEN: There are fates worse than death.
He closes his fist, and the lightning forms into a blade pulsing
with red electricity. Raiden draws his arm back and then slices
the blade clean through Shinnok's neck. Shinnok gags as blood
begins to spill from the wound, and a moment later his severed
head falls from his shoulders.
Raiden dismisses the lightning blade and drags Shinnok's head -
still leaking blood - across the Jinsei chamber to a nearby table.
When Shinnok opens his eyes once more, he tries to speak, but
cannot form any words without the use of his lungs. Raiden slams
his fist down onto the table, sparking once more with red
electricity.
RAIDEN: I will deliver you to Liu Kang and your Netherrealm
minions. You will serve as warning - and an emblem of my wrath.
He walks to the hole in the Temple and teleports away. As soon as
he does so, another figure appears in the Jinsei chamber. As this
person walks into the fray, the raindrops from the raging storm
slow and then stop entirely, suspended in midair.
The person is a woman, bald headed, clad in white and shimmering
with a faint blue hue that permeates her skin. She walks over to
the table with Shinnok's head on it.
WOMAN: This is not your destiny, Shinnok. Once again the Thunder
God has upset the balance of history.
Shinnok is unaffected by the time bending occurring in the rest
of the chamber. He regards the woman in front of him with what
appears to be horror.
WOMAN: But know this: The arc of the universe bends to my will.
She clenches her hand into a fist. The blood flowing from
Shinnok's head starts to drip down the side of the table... until
it suddenly stops. Shinnok tries to speak, but is still unable to
do so.
WOMAN: It is only a matter of time.
The screen cuts to the opening title:
"MORTAL KOMBAT 11"
The 11 is centered between both words, fading in from black to
gold.
Another cut transitions to a waving flag with the Special Forces
logo on it, and the title of the first chapter appears on screen.
---------------------------------
(3D) 1. NEXT OF KIN - CASSIE CAGE
---------------------------------
The camera pans down past the flag to show an open hangar. In the
interior, a squadron of forty soldiers stand at ease. At the front
of the ranks are Cassie Cage and Jacqui Briggs. Cassie's father
Johnny is in front of the squad, casually leaning against some
crates.
The soldiers all snap to attention and salute as a lone figure
enters the hangar. Johnny stands up and takes off his sunglasses,
smiling as General Sonya Blade walks up to the squad. She stops in
front of Cassie and returns the salute.
SONYA: As you were.
In perfect synchronization, the squadron all stand at ease.
SONYA: For twenty-five years, the Special Forces have been
Earthrealm's sword and shield. We've pushed back Shao Kahn,
defeated Shinnok. Yet none of our victories have come without
cost.
A flicker of sadness passes across Jacqui's face.
SONYA: Recently, Commander Jackson Briggs was honourably
discharged. His wounds - both physical and psychological - left
him no longer fit to serve.
Jacqui continues to look downcast. Sonya looks in her direction.
SONYA: We honour Jacqui's father, and we honour his sacrifice by
doing what he would do; tirelessly defend Earthrealm.
After a pause, she looks over to Cassie.
SONYA: Sergeant Cage, step forward.
Cassie does so.
SONYA: Your leadership and war-fighting ability have earned you
promotion to Commander.
Cassie beams with delight.
SONYA: But there are no family favours here. By Special Forces
tradition, you still have to pass one last test.
CASSIE: I need to kick the CO's ass, ma'am. Your ass, ma'am.
SONYA: Alright then, Sergeant - let's see if you can take me.
They fight. Even in her advanced age, Sonya remains a formidable
opponent, with years of experience in close quarter kombat and
the weaponry to match. But Cassie proves that she is more than
up to the challenge and takes the fight to her mother. It's not
long before Sonya is knocked down to the ground.
With the fight over, Cassie salutes over General Blade.
CASSIE: Commander Cage, reporting for duty.
Cassie helps her mother back to her feet. Johnny walks over as
Sonya returns the salute.
SONYA: Congratulations - Commander.
She steps aside as Johnny throws his arms around his daughter
in a loving embrace, returned eagerly by Cassie. The scene
then cuts to the outside of the hanger. A couple of soldiers
are putting suppliers into a nearby helicopter.
CASSIE: C'mon Dad, you really have to go?
JOHNNY: Well, you've got your duty, Commander, I got mine.
Sonya smiles, putting a hand on Johnny's shoulder.
SONYA: Starring in another Ninja Mine sequel isn't what I'd call
duty.
He takes her other hand lovingly.
JOHNNY: I need to provide for you in the manner to which you've
become accustomed.
They draw close and start kissing.
CASSIE: Geez, guys, I'm right here.
Cassie's words fall on deaf ears, but a moment later a crash of
thunder - on a hot summer's day, no less - grabs all of their
attention. Raiden teleports in front of them and strides forward.
RAIDEN: General Blade, Cassandra Cage.
CASSIE: What is it, Raiden?
RAIDEN: The Netherrealm.
The scene cuts to the interior of the Special Forces command
centre. Raiden, Sonya, Johnny and Cassie are all inside, walking
over to a holographic table.
CASSIE: We should open a dialogue. Maybe there's an explanation.
Liu Kang and Kitana were friends once.
RAIDEN: They are irreparably polluted by Shinnok's evil. They are
no longer the champions we once knew. We must strike them
preemptively.
SONYA: It's about time we brought the fight to them. What's the
target?
She presses a button on the holoscreen. The table interface
displays an image of several Netherrealm structures. One is a
tower that reaches into the sky, and below it is what appears to
be a church of sorts.
RAIDEN: Buried deep between Liu Kang and Kitana's castle is the
cathedral of Shinnok - the seat of their power. Destroy it and
their undead army will fall, removing its threat to Earthrealm.
CASSIE: Aren't your powers weaker in the Netherrealm?
RAIDEN: Yes, but I will have sufficient strength to occupy the
undead army.
SONYA: That'll buy us enough time to infiltrate the cathedral.
Destroy it from the inside.
CASSIE: We get pinned down in there, there's no way out.
RAIDEN: To ensure Earthrealm's survival, we must all be willing
to sacrifice.
Johnny grunts in disgust.
JOHNNY: Y'know, it's been two years too much of your grim,
gritty makeover droning on about sacrifice. You don't have a
family to lose.
RAIDEN: I know loss, Johnny Cage.
SONYA: Raiden's right, Johnny. We're not ready for another war.
We've got to take out Netherrealm's army now, before Liu Kang
can bring it here.
Johnny looks unconvinced, but Sonya, Cassie and Raiden look over
the plans regardless.
The scene cuts to the Netherrealm. A storm of red lightning is
striking the nearby landscape, with a dark grey cloud hovering
on the ground. Out of the cloud comes Raiden, and a squadron of
fully armed and armoured S-F soldiers jog past him. Cassie,
Jacqui and Sonya all follow as well.
The camera lingers on Cassie as she pauses to take in the dark,
foreboding atmosphere of what is also known as Hell. She rejoins
her fellow soldiers atop a hillside overlooking the cathedral of
Shinnok. The camera pans down to the vast army of oni -
Netherrealm demons - that surround the temple. They are
innumerable in number and their howls echo across the landscape.
Using the hillside as cover, the Special Forces creep towards the
temple. An eerie silence permeates the air as they try to keep as
silent as possible. Cassie kneels down for a moment to check a
rangefinder on her holographic tablet. The oni army flashes in red
directly in front of their current location.
CASSIE: We're in position. Hope Raiden's planned one hell of a
diversion.
The camera cuts to Raiden, striding forth out of a cloud of dust.
Shinnok's amulet pulsates with magic and he takes it from his
chestplate into his hand. Directly in front of him, the oni army
realises he is there and make their way towards him.
RAIDEN: Withdraw, or feel the wrath of Earthrealm's protector!
The oni pay no attention to his words, so Raiden lifts his hand
into the air. Shinnok's amulet sparks even brighter as Raiden is
surrounded from all sides. He makes no effort to move, and the
first three oni to step too close are blasted by the amulet's
magic. They are all disintegrated on the spot.
The blasts continue, and many more oni are blasted into dust.
Inside the castle, two figures walk onto the main balcony
overlooking the army. They are the Emperor and Empress of the
Netherrealm, Liu Kang and Kitana. They look down on Raiden
blasting their troops, then at each other, but say nothing.
The main gates of the castle are opened. More Netherealm demons
come running out of the gate, these ones equipped with swords
and axes. The Special Forces, with Cassie taking point, wait just
out of sight by the main gate.
After an age, the last of the oni runs into battle. Cassie leads
the rest of the team into the castle. A lone oni straggler
attempts to chop her in half with a sword, but Cassie deflects
its attack with her machete and decapitates it without missing a
beat.
Inside the castle, Cassie, Sonya and Jacqui lead the soldiers
down a spiral staircase into the lower levels. Bodies long rotted
to bones litter the ground they walk on. A partially opened
doorway stands before the Special Forces. Sonya and Cassie wait on
either side of the doors and look into the chamber ahead.
Inside the room is a sight to behold; the decapitated head of
Shinnok is held in place next to a wall by two skeleton hands.
Behind the wall is a raging inferno. Sparks of red electricity
emit from Shinnok's head frequently; the torture Raiden
inflicted upon him still causing him constant pain.
Sonya and Cassie look around the rest of the room. The right
side shows just a cavernous wall, but as they look to the left
they hear demonic growls and step back instinctively. More oni
start walking into the room, and among these oni are two
recognisable revenants; the Black Dragon Kabal and the Edenian
warrior Jade. They walk over to Shinnok's head.
JADE: Should Raiden get this far, eliminate him.
The oni say nothing in response. Jade and Kabal clasp their hands
together and bow before Shinnok.
CASSIE: That burn victim's Kabal? Wasn't he Kano's goon back in
the day?
SONYA: Don't let the scars fool you. He's fast. Take out him and
Jade. I'll go downstairs and set the C4.
CASSIE: Roger that.
Gritting her teeth, Cassie barges the door open. As the oni turn
around, the front lines are cut down by the spread of bullets
poured into the room by the S-F automatic rifles. Numerous oni
fall, but one manages to floor a soldier with a jumping tackle.
The demon stabs its sword through the poor man's eye repeatedly,
though he was already dead on the first strike.
Elsewhere, Cassie focus fire from her rifle on Kabal, but he
deflects the bullets with his hookswords effortlessly as he
charges forward. He then ducks low and changes direction, impaling
another soldier through the chest with his weapons. Kabal then
runs toward Cassie, using the dead man as a human shield. As she
runs out of bullets and tries to change her ammo magazine, Kabal
tears the soldier's body in half and swings his swords, forcing
Cassie to dodge to the side.
As Cassie backpedals from Kabal, Jacqui tries to flank him, but
Jade jumps into the fray and slams her staff into the ground,
missing Jacqui by inches. As Jacqui steps backward, Jade throws
the staff into the air, catches it and swings, knocking Jacqui's
rifle from her hands. Behind them, a rearguard of soldiers fires
into the room while their comrades, led by Sonya, descend to the
lower levels.
SONYA: Move! Charges on every column!
The Special Forces spread out into the basement, a dank and dark
room flooded with more partial skeleton remains. Each soldier runs
to a supporting column, taking out plastic explosives from their
backpacks and attaching them to the columns.
Upstairs, Jacqui blocks two strikes from Jade but a third catches
her in the face. Undeterred, she strikes back, with Jade blocking
two strikes but taking a fist to the belly. Jacqui follows
through with a right hook and a roundhouse kick to the chest that
sends Jade into a backflip. The agile Edenian lands on her feet
and Jacqui targets her with a wrist-mounted machine gun, but an
oni charges her before she can fire. She instead turns her aim to
the oni and perforates its head with bullets, making it explode
in a shower of gore.
Kabal continues the assault on Cassie, forcing her to block his
sword strikes with her rifle. However, one fierce blow of his
manages to outright shear the gun in half. She gasps in surprise
as she's left clutching the useless weapon, and then drops it
with an almost sulky expression.
KABAL: You're a dead ringer for your mother.
CASSIE: I'll kick your ass on her behalf, Kabal.
They fight. Kabal presents a formidable challenge in kombat with
his speed and hookswords, but Cassie's own skill and fighting
ability allow her to get the upper hand eventually. After a
furious struggle, the revenant Black Dragon is finally knocked
unconscious by Cassie.
CASSIE: You lose as fast as you run.
Around Cassie, the soldiers that survived the fighting are
assisting those who are injured. Jacqui comes running up to her.
CASSIE: Jacqui, where's Jade?
JACQUI: She bailed. Getting help, I'm sure.
CASSIE: (To Sonya) General, how we doing?
Below them, Sonya picks up Cassie's voice over her earpiece as
she finishes arming a C4 plastic explosive.
SONYA: Need ten minutes. The support columns are further apart
than expected.
CASSIE: You need help?
SONYA: Negative. Just watch our backs.
JACQUI: Ten more minutes? We needed to be tail-lights in five.
Cassie almost responds, but a demonic roar from above stops her.
Both she and Jacqui look up to the roof.
CASSIE: Well, we're in the shit now. We have extra C4, yeah?
JACQUI: Yeah, why?
Cassie walks towards the entrance.
CASSIE: Let's buy ourselves time.
Outside, the Netherrealm army continue to converge on Raiden's
position. Raiden has stopped blasting them with Shinnok's amulet,
but is now wielding dual lightning blades. Every oni that steps
too close to him is instantly cut into and disintegrated. He
tirelessly kills every oni he swings at, with none of them even
landing a hit on him.
On the balcony, Liu Kang and Kitana continue to watch him
slaughtering their forces. Jade walks onto the balcony with them.
JADE: Emperor! Empress! Earthrealmers have captured the Bone
Temple!
KITANA: But Raiden--
They look out to the Thunder God once again. Understanding comes
a moment later for the revenants.
LIU KANG: He's the diversion!
Back in the Bone Temple, Cassie runs her fingers along a tripwire
attached to some armed C4 charges. She turns to Jacqui.
CASSIE: Lock and load.
They run back to a makeshift choke point, diving over two parts of
a collapsed column that the rest of the soldiers are waiting in
cover against. Jacqui pulls out her rifle, while Cassie is forced
to rely on her dual pistols.
Cassie glances upward. Through the glass on the roof above her,
she notices the oni army - countless in number - running toward
their position. She looks over to Jacqui, who is also gazing
upward. Eventually the oni stampede finishes charging past the
opening. When it does, Cassie faces forward with a look of
determination.
The first line of the oni charge into the room, but before they
reach the doors, the plastic explosives detonate, engulfing the
swarm in a massive explosion. But before the fireball has even
finished dissipating, waves of oni leap into the fray. Cassie,
Jacqui and the rest of the Special Forces all start firing at
will, cutting down the oni charging them with a constant barrage
of bullets.
Down below, the shockwave of the explosion is felt by Sonya,
who is still planting the explosives on the columns around her.
SONYA: What's going on up there?
CASSIE: Watching your back, General.
Heedless of the losses that went before them, the next wave of
the oni army charges into the Special Forces' choke point. Like
the demons before them, they are mowed down by the firepower of
Cassie's duel pistols and the rifles of Jacqui and the S-F
soldiers.
Behind Jacqui, a group of oni charge from the opening behind the
S-F choke point. She turns around just in time to shoot down an
oni leaping in to attack. She stomps its head into mush for good
measure. She drops an oni with a burst of bullets, then throws
down her rifle and plants both her knees into the face of another
charging demon, perforating its head with bullets fired from her
wrist gauntlets.
As the oni falls dead, Jacqui rolls off its corpse and comes to
her feet, firing a barrage at another leaping oni. She staggers
another with a single shot and jumps onto its shoulders, cutting
down three more oni with precision shots while her mount flails
about.
The oni finally collapses, but Jacqui is already standing again.
She shoots two more oni on either side of her, then crushes the
throat of the oni beneath her with an ax kick, finishing it with
a three round burst. Another oni charges and throws a punch, but
Jacqui blocks it and fires a barrage into its chest, before
exploding its head with a single shot. She judo throws the
corpse to the floor, then shoots up another oni charging her from
behind. She charges it in return and blasts into its chest,
prompting a shower of blood from its back as it crumples to the
floor. With the immediate threats downed, Jacqui looks off to one
side and her eyes widen in horror.
Liu Kang has arrived.
Roaring with fury, he launches a flaming skull directly at her.
Jacqui sidesteps it in the nick of time, but the skull shoots
over to where Cassie is. She dives to the floor just before
impact, and the skull explodes against the wall, sending a
soldier sprawling.
As Cassie looks up, she rolls backward, a split second before a
bladed fan stabs down where she once was. Kitana presses the
attack, slashing out with her fans and forcing Cassie to scurry
backwards, each swing narrowly missing her. Finally Cassie
manages to roll to her feet and into a fighting stance.
CASSIE: Kitana, Empress of the Dead.
Kitana pulls down a skull mask - almost reminiscent of Shao
Kahn's - over her face.
KITANA: I've not forgotten our last encounter at the Sky Temple.
CASSIE: How're your scars healing?
They fight. Even in death, Kitana has lost none of the fighting
skill she had while she was alive. But Cassie has taken her down
before and this time proves no different. The Empress is soon
beaten into the floor by Commander Cage.
Before Cassie can deliver a quip, a cry from Sonya catches her
attention.
SONYA: Move! Move, move, move!
The General and her soldiers have finished arming the C4 and
the soldiers begin filing out toward the upper floor. The roof is
starting to crumble around them. Back in the Bone Temple, Jacqui
and Liu Kang are locked in kombat, and Kang hits a right cross and
follows it with a backfist. With Jacqui stunned for a moment, time
slows down as Kang charges up his fist with fire and slams it into
her torso, sending her flying across the room. She lands hard and
is knocked unconscious.
Liu Kang turns toward the lower entrance and smiles. As the
soldiers ascend the staircase, they find him waiting for them.
They raise their weapons, but Kang sends a burst of fire into the
roof above them. The already weakened roof begins to collapse even
further, and in the room below Sonya is pounded repeatedly by
falling debris. Cassie hears the sounds of her mother being hit by
the rocks over her earpiece, and her expression turns from shock
to horror.
CASSIE: General? General!
She looks over the entrance to the lower levels. The collapsed
roof has covered the stairwell entirely, blocking all entrance and
escape. Liu Kang suddenly steps into Cassie's line of sight.
LIU KANG: She's trapped, Cassandra Cage.
Cassie's horror turns into a tranquil fury as she approaches the
Emperor of the Netherrealm.
CASSIE: How the Chosen One has fallen. Raiden's right - whatever
Shinnok did to you, you're a lost cause.
They fight. Even though she's faced down an Elder God before, the
fight with the former champion of Mortal Kombat ends up being one
of the toughest of Cassie's life. Liu Kang is faster, stronger
and more skilled with magic than Cassie is, but her willpower,
determination and a few dirty tricks allows her to gain the upper
hand. After a mighty back and forth battle, Cassie finally
manages to defeat the Emperor of the Netherealm.
CASSIE: FUCK. YOU.
With Kang down, Cassie runs over to the debris blocking the lower
levels. After a moment of hesitation, she crouches down and
starts pulling at the rocks.
CASSIE: General, can you hear me? General? Mom!
In the basement, Sonya is buried under a ton of debris. She's
bloody and battered, but still alive.
SONYA: I'm here, Cass.
CASSIE: Hang tight, we'll get you guys out!
Sonya coughs. The rocks remain unmoving, though the roof above
continues to collapse.
SONYA: They're gone, Cass... and I'm not gonna make it.
Cassie pauses for a moment.
CASSIE: What?! I'm not leaving you behind!
SONYA: ...Get your team home. That's an order. Your duty.
Sonya clutches the arming device for the explosives in her
bloodied hand.
SONYA: Mine's to finish the mission.
CASSIE: Mom, no! We can save you!
SONYA: I love you, Cass.
She coughs again.
SONYA: Give your dad a kiss for me.
CASSIE: Mom, no, don't!
With tears in her eyes, Sonya looks at the arming device... and
presses it. In the room above, Cassie hears the device being armed
and frantically starts pulling at the debris again.
CASSIE: Mom? MOM!
Behind her, a recovered Jacqui closes her eyes in pain and sorrow,
then looks down at her military tablet. The words "DETONATION
SEQUENCE INITIATED" are on display, along with a countdown of less
than 3 minutes and counting. Below that are the words "OVERRIDE
DISABLED".
JACQUI: She's started the detonation sequence!
CASSIE: Override it, Jacqui!
JACQUI: There is no override.
Cassie ignores her and keeps pulling at the rocks. Jacqui grabs
her arm but is shoved back.
JACQUI: Commander!
Jacqui grabs Cassie by the shoulders and moves her away from the
rocks. Cassie desperately struggles against her, but Jacqui
eventually pulls her face to face.
JACQUI: Our orders are to leave.
Cassie almost bursts into tears, but steels herself at the last
moment. She takes another look at the fallen debris, breathes
deeply... and a loud roar catches their attention. The oni army
sprawl into the Bone Temple, converging on the Special Forces.
Cassie, Jacqui and the remaining soldiers all open fire,
cutting down the demons. The clip on Cassie's gun empties, so she
draws her machete, parries a blow from a spear wielding oni,
slashes its throat and hits a roundhouse kick that takes its head
clean off its shoulders. She kicks it down and takes off running,
shooting down the oni following her with her other pistol.
CASSIE: C'mon, move it!
The soldiers flee toward the exit, Jacqui taking the rearguard
and shooting behind her as they escape. They make it outside,
where the oni army has thinned out significantly thanks to Raiden.
As they continue to shoot wildly into the oni around them, the
charges laid deep in the cathedral finally explode, completely
engulfing the structure in an almighty blast.
As it collapses, a huge dust cloud begins to swarm over the
Netherrealm. The S-F soldiers continue to charge, finally making
it over to Raiden. Seeing them approach, Raiden finishes cutting
down the last remaining oni near him and teleports them all out
of the Netherrealm in flashes of red lightning.
They all teleport back into Earthrealm. Cassie falls to her knees,
her emotions finally catching up to her. Jacqui crouches down next
to her friend, offering what support she can. Cassie looks over
angrily towards Raiden.
RAIDEN: Your mother died a warrior's death. May we all be so
fortunate.
JACQUI: You did NOT just say that.
Cassie remains on her knees in grief. In front of them, Johnny
Cage comes over to greet them.
JOHNNY: Thank God you're back. How did the mission g...
His words die on his lips as he takes in his daughter; on her
knees and crying. Raiden is nowhere to be seen.
JOHNNY: No...
Silently, Johnny walks over, kneels in front of Cassie and gently
lifts her face as Jacqui backs up away from them. As Cassie
continues to cry, both father and daughter pull each other into a
desperate hug. Cassie closes her eyes, tears streaming down her
face, lost in grief.
Back in the Netherrealm, only Liu Kang and Kitana have survived
the destruction of the cathedral. Their armies and the other
revenants are nowhere to be seen.
LIU KANG: Without the cathedral's power, we stand alone. We are
vulnerable.
Suddenly, a sandstorm begins to whirl around them. They look up to
see a vague figure in the sand, the one that is generating the
storm around them. As the storm settles, the sand forms into the
bald headed woman seen earlier in the Jinsei chamber. She remains
floating in the air.
KITANA: Who are you? One of Raiden's Elder Gods, here to taunt us?
WOMAN: No, Kitana. I am much more. Behold!
She raises her hands. The ground around her shifts back into the
shape of the Cathedral, completely restoring it in moments.
KITANA: What power is this?!
WOMAN: I am Kronika, Keeper of Time.
She generates another sandstorm that engulfs the three of them.
They reappear in a completely new area. Constantly shifting gears
make up most of the scene outside of the platform they stand on,
but in between them stands a giant hourglass.
KRONIKA: The Sands of Time guide the destiny of the realms and
every soul therein. I have carefully crafted them to keep the
realms in balance. But my work's perfection has been irreversibly
tainted by Raiden's actions. The two of you have felt that pain
most acutely.
LIU KANG: What can be done? The past is the past, is it not?
KRONIKA: It need not be. I intend to wind time back to its
beginning and restart history. But even with my vast power, I
cannot create this New Era alone.
KITANA: How will this "New Era" be different?
KRONIKA: In many ways. But most importantly, there will be no
Raiden.
Both Kang and Kitana look at each other at these words.
LIU KANG: How do we begin?
Kronika says nothing, but merely smiles.
The scene cuts to the Outworld Koliseum. A soldier bangs on a
drum, and the camera focuses on a blue skinned, bald headed,
red-eyed male humanoid bound by an enlarged circular neck brace.
Six more soldiers hold large poles leading into the neck brace in
place, trying to keep the captive imprisoned.
The creature is a member of the Naknada species, and has a total
of six spindly arms on his body - four at his sides and two
smaller ones on his back. Despite his wiry stature, the soldiers
visibly struggle to keep him pinned down. At one point, the
Naknada manages to pivot and lift two soldiers into the air, but
they lean down hard on their poles and manage to return to the
ground.
The crowd in the Koliseum cheer on the display. The Naknada -
known only by his alias of "Kollector" - is brought down
on his knees before the throne of Outworld's Emperor, the Osh-Tekk
known as Kotal Kahn. Standing to the left of Kotal's throne is the
Earthrealm mercenary Erron Black and another solider, who holds
an enlarged sword, not unlike Kotal's signature macuahuitl.
------------------------------
(3E) 2. TIMEQUAKE - KOTAL KAHN
------------------------------
The camera cuts to a close up of Kotal.
KOTAL KAHN: For years you escaped my justice. Sucked dry the
bounty of Outworld's people. Today, your debt is paid.
KOLLECTOR: Kill me, Kotal, and you lose profit.
KOTAL KAHN: You mistake me for Shao Kahn.
He rises from his throne and walks toward the captive.
KOTAL KAHN: I do not inflict bandits upon the poor.
KOLLECTOR: Shao Kahn approved! His word was law!
Kotal gestures to his left. The soldier standing there immediately
brings him his blade. Kotal holds it in both hands, preparing a
killing strike.
KOTAL KAHN: Your master is dead, and so is his "law". Never again
will Outworld suffer from his corruption.
Kotal lifts his blade above his head as the crowd grow more wild.
Before he can deliver the fatal blow, an earthquake begins to
erupt around the Koliseum. The stone statues bearing Kotal's
likeness break apart and fall to the ground. Rips in time begin to
tear into the structure itself.
Back in Earthrealm, Cassie is sleeping on a makeshift bed in
the medical room of the Special Forces base. She suddenly awakens
as the room's walls begin to distort with the time rips. She,
Johnny, Jacqui and Raiden all look around in horror, and a
sandstorm begins to form inside the room.
In Kronika's keep, Liu Kang and Kitana can barely keep on their
feet as Kronika manipulates the sands in her hourglass through
the magic generated from her hands. The sand in the glass begins
to flow upward in reverse.
The sandstorm has now almost completely engulfed the medical room,
and even Raiden is having trouble standing straight. The storm
eventually turns into three tornados, and Johnny squints as he
tries to look into them. His eyes widen in shock as he sees three
figures begin to emerge from the tornadoes.
One of those figures is himself, looking 25 years younger.
Another is Jax, also younger.
The third is Sonya, and she looks just as youthful as the other
two.
The tornadoes die down once the figures are fully formed, and
the sandstorm subsides as well. Young Johnny and Old Johnny walk
up to each other, as Cassie walks up to Sonya and Jax to Jacqui.
Everyone is in such disbelief that they can't find the words to
speak.
RAIDEN: By the Elder Gods!
As everyone turns in Raiden's direction, a tornado of sand
gathers around the Thunder God, but unlike the others, this one
is reducing him to dust. The process is over in seconds, and
Raiden fades out of existence before he can say anything else.
Only Shinnok's amulet remains, and it clatters to the floor.
Back in Outworld, a sandstorm has erupted in the Koliseum,
sending the crowd and even some soldiers into a panic. Kotal Kahn
is distracted by the spectacle, but Kollector keeps calm. He
notices that one of the soldiers pinning him in place has taken
his grip off the pole he was holding.
Without hesitation, Kollector seizes the chance given to him.
He ducks low and swipes to his left, both unbalancing the other
soldiers and striking them with their own poles. They are all
sent sprawling to the ground. Kollector focuses on one of them
and impales the poor man straight through the chest with one of
the sharpened poles. As the soldier screams in agony, Kollector
pivots the pole upwards, dragging the soldier down it and right
into Kollector's hands.
Grinning sadistically, Kollector takes the keys to the neck brace
from the soldier's belt and undoes the lock keeping the brace
together. He shakes it off as the now-dead soldier crumples to
the ground, still impaled on the pole.
Several tornadoes have sprouted up in the Koliseum, and much
like they did on Earthrealm, they dispel people from them:
the blood mage Skarlet, a younger Erron Black, the savage Tarkatan
known as Baraka, a young and bald-shaven Kano and most tellingly,
Outworld's previous Emperor - Shao Kahn.
But the remaining tornadoes in the Koliseum bring forth other
people instead - Liu Kang, Kitana, Kung Lao and Jade - not the
dead revenants of the current era, but fully alive. Out of the
final tornado steps Raiden - not his dark counterpart, but the
Raiden of yesteryear, who summons his signature blue lightning as
the tornado dies down.
The tornadoes have also brought in numerous Outworld soldiers -
loyal minions of Shao Kahn, who stand close by their Emperor.
For long moments, the crowd remains silent, taking in the
spectacle before them. Kotal looks around as well, pausing to
note that the statues that once bore his likeness have now
been replaced by those of Shao Kahn. He approaches the new
arrivals.
KOTAL KAHN: Raiden? Shao Kahn?
SHAO KAHN: General Kotal?
The two Kahns step toward one another.
KOTAL KAHN: Kotal Kahn.
SHAO KAHN: Kahn? Pathetic fool. You pretend to my throne!
KOTAL KAHN: It is mine, by right and deed. You were killed, long
ago, as was your repugnant spawn, Mileena.
RAIDEN: We were at the Mortal Kombat tournament. Kung Lao had
just defeated Shang Tsung and Quan Chi.
KOTAL KAHN: We are decades beyond those events.
RAIDEN: For us, they happened only moments ago.
SHAO KAHN: What game are you playing, Raiden? What magic powers
this delusion?
RAIDEN: If it is a delusion, it is one we all share. Is it
possible that the past and future are colliding?
Kotal looks around at the newcomers.
KOTAL KAHN: Kitana, Baraka, Skarlet - all Outworld champions long
since gone. If you have all returned, has--
Jade suddenly steps forward, clear joy in her eyes.
JADE: I am here, Kotal.
Kotal's eyes are wide open in disbelief.
KOTAL KAHN: Jade...
The moment is ruined as Shao Kahn shoves Jade aside to face Kotal
down. The current Kahn of Outworld keeps his composure. Behind
him, his soldiers and those of Shao Kahn have readied their
weapons.
KOTAL KAHN: Osh-Tekk custom requires all refugees be offered
assistance. I offer it to you, Shao Kahn.
SHAO KAHN: I am no refugee! I am Kahn of Outworld! Vacate my
throne--
He points toward the throne, then at Kotal.
SHAO KAHN: --or I'll soak these sands with your blood!
With a gesture, Shao Kahn magically summons his warhammer and
charges at Kotal, who parries the blow with a swing of his sword.
He parries another, but Shao shoulder checks Kotal while he's off
balance. Kotal recovers quickly though and slams his blade through
Shao's left shoulder, drawing blood. The former Emperor roars in
anger and pushes to his feet, driving Kotal back. He swings his
hammer down, forcing Kotal to block again. This time, the two
weapons grind against one another as both kombatants attempt to
overpower the other.
Shao wins the exchange by shoving Kotal's sword down into the
sands beneath them. He follows through by smacking Kotal in the
face with the hilt of his warhammer, drawing blood, before kicking
him into a pillar. Shao Kahn roars once more and charges, his
warhammer raised high above his head. At the last moment, Kotal
ducks to the side and narrowly misses having his head smashed into
chunks of meat, but Shao keeps swinging the hammer, destroying the
pillar base as Kotal desperately tries to crawl away.
Eventually, Shao Kahn stops his attack, but the damage to the
pillar causes it to collapse... right on Kotal, burying him under
a mound of broken rubble.
The crowd of the Koliseum cheer and applaud the spectacle, not
caring in the slightest about who wins but loving the carnage laid
before them. Chaos has broken out among Kotal and Shao Kahn's
supporters, with each fighting the other. Only Raiden and Liu Kang
are not currently in kombat, instead observing the melee around
them.
LIU KANG: Lord Raiden... what do we do?
RAIDEN: I have not met Kotal, but he is reputed to be a man of
honor.
Jade runs up to both men while Raiden is speaking.
JADE: It's true. I know him well.
RAIDEN: Then we must navigate this crisis by aiding him.
Liu Kang and Jade nod in agreement. As Kotal tries to stand from
his earlier predicament, Shao Kahn crushes his hand underneath
his boot. But as he raises his warhammer for the finishing blow,
Liu Kang jumps into the fray with his bicycle kick, striking Shao
in the chest multiple times and forcing him back.
The former Emperor takes a few moments to recover before charging
once more, screaming with rage. He swings his warhammer twice,
with Liu Kang evading the blows with ease. Shao changes his
strategy and tries to stab Liu Kang with the blade on the top of
his weapon, but Kang leans backwards - and in slow motion, just
barely avoids having the blade tip driven through his face. Shao
Kahn is then blasted from behind with a surge of lightning,
courtesy of Raiden.
In another part of the Koliseum grounds, a Kotal loyalist charges
Baraka. The Tarkatan swipes his arm-blade through the soldier's
stomach and eviscerates him without breaking stride. Another
soldier charges in, but Baraka swipes his arm-blade across the
man's cheek before stabbing him clean through the head. As
Baraka pulls his blade from the dead man's skull, a female
soldier tries her luck, but Baraka bats her sword from her hands
and plunges an arm-blade through the side of her chest. He turns
and catches another female charging him with a killing stab
directly into her chest. He withdraws the blade and finds himself
face to face with a recovering Kotal.
BARAKA: Stupid Osh-Tekk. Destroying your future, crossing Shao
Kahn.
KOTAL KAHN: It is you with no future, Baraka. Your Tarkatans are
dead.
BARAKA: Impossible!
KOTAL KAHN: They allied with Mileena against me. Persist, and YOU
will die again!
They fight. Baraka's savagery was more than enough for Kotal's
soldiers, but the Emperor himself proves to be a different foe
entirely. Kotal has Baraka beaten in strength, size and skill and
he soon presses these advantages against the Tarkatan. After a
brief struggle, Baraka is beaten to the ground.
KOTAL KAHN: Filthy Tarkatan.
Kotal strides past Kung Lao and Kano, who are both fighting each
other. A Shao Kahn loyalist charges Kotal with his sword raised,
but Kotal punches him in the face twice and drills him into the
ground by his neck. Another soldier charges in with a high kick,
to which Kotal grabs his leg, lifts him off his feet and slams
him to the floor. A third soldier charging in gets a punch to
the jaw, and Kotal grabs him by the waist and spins around,
smashing him in the same manner as his compatriots.
Kotal spots Jade getting the worse of an exchange with Kollector.
As he runs to help, he is stopped short by the sight of a corpse
of an Outworld tiger - long dead after being impaled by two swords
sticking out of its body - being suddenly covered by a mass of
blood.
The blood springs off the body of the tiger, attacking Kotal and
throwing him into an open trap door leading to the dungeons below
the Koliseum. Kotal can do nothing but scream in terror as he is
unceremoniously dropped onto the ground below. As he picks himself
off the floor, the blood congeals and turns into a human form -
Shao Kahn's enigmatic servant, Skarlet.
KOTAL KAHN: The orphan turned assassin.
SKARLET: Better to thrive in Shao Kahn's court than starve in the
streets. You Osh-Tekk may practice blood magic, Kotal, but I am
the master.
They fight. Skarlet shows that her mastery of blood magic is not
just boasting, but Kotal knows other magic as well and brings his
decades of fighting experience to the forefront. After a fierce
battle, Kotal eventually leaves the witch beaten at his feet.
KOTAL KAHN: Pride will be your downfall.
Behind Kotal, the door to the dungeon is suddenly opened.
JADE: Kotal!
Jade runs up to Kotal and kisses him on the lips. After a moment,
she lets go, but the two hold each other in their arms.
JADE: I thought you were dead!
She places her hands on Kotal's cheeks.
JADE: What happened to you?
KOTAL KAHN: Shao Kahn betrayed me. Ambushed my legion. I was kept
alive for Shang Tsung's experiments. Only when he died was I
freed.
JADE: Seeing you again makes it worth living this... nightmare.
KOTAL KAHN: I will not lose you twice.
The tender moment is interrupted by the doors on the opposite side
of the dungeon being forced open. This time, the intruder is Erron
Black - the younger version, spawned by the timequake. He sets his
eyes on Jade and Kotal, and Kotal looks to Jade.
KOTAL KAHN: Go help the Earthrealmers. I will deal with this.
As Jade exits, Kotal walks toward the approaching mercenary.
KOTAL KAHN: Your future self is ally, not enemy, Erron Black.
ERRON: To hell with the future. I live in the moment.
KOTAL KAHN: Given who you become, I would not have thought you so
reckless.
They fight. Erron Black fights with deadly precision and with no
honour, but his tactics are ones that Kotal is well taught in and
he overcomes them with his strength and magical prowess. After a
brief melee, Black is soon left down and out.
Allowing himself a smirk of accomplishment, Kotal Kahn walks up
the staircase leading back into the Koliseum. The crowd are still
raucously cheering the spectacle of kombat before them. Kotal
walks past Liu Kang beating the tar out of a Shao Kahn loyalist
and Kung Lao still fighting Kano. His walk turns into a run as he
spots Jade being thrown to the ground by Shao Kahn. The current
Emperor of Outworld faces down the former Emperor.
SHAO KAHN: I will have my throne!
Kotal gets into a fighting stance.
KOTAL KAHN: Outworld rejected your pointless wars!
SHAO KAHN: Empires must expand or die!
He roars in rage and charges. Both Kahns collide and grapple with
each other. Initially Kotal gets the advantage and pushes Shao
backwards, but Shao shifts his body and switches positions. Now
it is Shao who pushes Kotal toward a cage housing an Outworld
beast. He slams Kotal against the cage bars as the beast roars and
tries to attack the closest person - in this case, Kotal.
Kotal tries to push back but Shao Kahn is relentless. He presses
Kotal's face against the bars, and the beast remains inches away
from mauling Kotal, restrained only because its jaw is too big to
get past the iron bars. In desperation, Kotal bites down hard on
Shao's hand, stunning him long enough for Kotal to throw him away.
With some momentum back in his corner, Kotal charges Shao again
and grapples him. Shao tries to throw him down a pit, but Kotal
avoids it and lands on his feet. The two Kahns face one another
down, and Kotal points a finger at Shao while the latter summons
his warhammer.
KOTAL KAHN: Your conquests served you alone, not Outworld's
people!
They fight. The battle is long and hard, as both Kotal Kahn and
Shao Kahn are matched evenly in strength, skill and magical
ability. But in the end, Shao Kahn's fury cannot match Kotal
Kahn's determination and pursuit of justice, and it is the New
Emperor of Outworld that defeats the Old Emperor.
KOTAL KAHN: You are Kahn no more.
Before Kotal can finish his opponent though, a plague of insects
swarms into the Koliseum. Kotal looks into the sky and realises
at once who it is.
KOTAL KAHN: D'Vorah.
The insects swarm around Kotal, forcing him to shield his face.
Across the Koliseum, the insects have swarmed every other
kombatant as well, incapacitating all of them. As Shao Kahn rises
to his knees, a sand portal opens behind him. He turns to find the
Kytinn herself emerging from the portal.
D'VORAH: Shao Kahn! To me!
Without hesitation, Shao Kahn runs into the portal. Skarlet,
Kano, the younger Erron Black, Baraka and Kollector all follow
right after him. D'Vorah pauses only long enough to hiss
contemptuously at Kotal before stepping into the sand portal,
which closes after him.
KOTAL KAHN: I have not known stranger days.
A voice catches Kotal's attention. He turns to see Raiden approach
him, alongside Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Kitana and Jade.
RAIDEN: Kotal Kahn. I am Raiden, Protector of Earthrealm.
KOTAL KAHN: I know you.
RAIDEN: We are acquainted in your era?
KOTAL KAHN: We were allies who became enemies.
RAIDEN: I am surprised, given our shared antipathy toward Shao
Kahn.
KOTAL KAHN: Everything changed after your defeat of Shinnok.
LIU KANG: Shinnok's defeated?
KOTAL KAHN: Our realms joined to fight him. But in victory, you
were hardened. To protect Earthrealm, you lashed out at all realms
you deemed threats.
Raiden looks downcast as this revelation.
RAIDEN: That... cannot be.
KOTAL KAHN: My Raiden wears Shinnok's amulet as a symbol of his
fury.
RAIDEN: Be assured, Kotal Kahn, I am not that Raiden. We have
common cause. Both in solving this temporal crisis and in
defeating Shao Kahn.
KOTAL KAHN: Agreed.
RAIDEN: Liu Kang, Kung Lao and I will return to Earthrealm and
learn what temporal anomalies have occurred there. We must better
understand the phenomenon we are experiencing.
KOTAL KAHN: I will have my scouts track Shao Kahn.
While they are speaking, Liu Kang walks over to Kitana.
LIU KANG: So, this is goodbye.
KITANA: Only goodbye for now. I can't leave while Shao Kahn
threatens Outworld. I must seek justice for what he did to my
family and to all Edenia.
LIU KANG: I will come back for you-- to aid you, Princess.
He bows his head to her. Kitana smiles in response and throws her
arms around his neck in a hug. Liu Kang almost reciprocates, but
settles for clenching his fist in triumph. As she lets go, he bows
once again and walks back toward Raiden and Kung Lao with a huge
smile on his face. Raiden lifts his hand to the sky and teleports
himself and the Shaolin monks back to Earthrealm with a flash of
lightning.
The scene cuts to D'Vorah's Lost Hive, hidden underground in an
unknown section of Outworld. Shao Kahn faces the Kytinn herself,
with Kollector, Skarlet, Erron Black, Kano and Baraka waiting in
the background.
SHAO KAHN: You evade my questions, D'Vorah. I routed your people.
Burned this hive. Let you aid me.
Behind Shao Kahn, Kollector has donned some more fancier clothing,
including a hood that covers his head. He approaches the former
Emperor from behind.
KOLLECTOR: We can't trust her, Excellency. Kotal Kahn did, and
she betrayed him to Shinnok.
SHAO KAHN: Kotal Kahn...
He spits out the word "Kahn" with as much contempt as he can
muster.
SHAO KAHN: How is it I'm dead and he sits on my throne?
KOLLECTOR: You tried merging Earthrealm into Outworld. The Elder
Gods intervened and Raiden killed you. That's when Mileena became
Kahn.
D'VORAH: After This One killed your daughter, Kotal claimed the
throne.
D'Vorah's statement whips Shao Kahn into a frenzy.
SHAO KAHN: You killed Mileena?! If this is true, YOU WILL DIE!
As Shao Kahn raises his fist to attack, D'Vorah sprouts her
stingers from her back. They are both interrupted before coming to
blows by a sandstorm that dies down as quickly as it was formed.
Emerging from that storm is Kronika, alongside two minions of
hers. One is a woman clothed in a long hooded garment that
conceals everything except the blue mask on the lower half on her
face. The second is what appears to be a large dark skinned man,
but upon closer inspection is an artificial construct in the shape
of a human being. The three of them approach Shao Kahn and D'Vorah.
KRONIKA: D'Vorah is under my protection, Shao Kahn. As are you. I
am Kronika.
SHAO KAHN: ...The legends are true?
KRONIKA: I am displeased with how history has unfolded.
SHAO KAHN: So you broke time?
KRONIKA: I stopped time. I enlist all those who disdain the
current course of history. By merging past and present, we may
draw upon allies from both eras.
SHAO KAHN: How will fighting your battles benefit me?
KRONIKA: I offer a greater empire in the New Era, Shao Kahn.
Raiden will not exist to thwart you.
SHAO KAHN: You can wipe Raiden from history?
KRONIKA: It is an immense task, requiring great power and effort.
My Hourglass requires protection while I work. Will your Outworld
armies defend it?
SHAO KAHN: They shall.
Back in the Special Forces command center in Earthrealm, the older
Johnny Cage is leaning over his younger counterpart, who has his
feet up on a workstation and his hands behind his head.
O. JOHNNY: I swear to God, I'm losing it. Can't someone - anyone -
explain to me what the hell is going on?!
Y. JOHNNY: Right? I've been in the future for a whole hour and I
haven't seen one jetpack. Not one!
Older Johnny closes his eyes and purses his lips together, trying
to keep his anger in check. Raiden walks into the command centre
alongside Cassie Cage.
RAIDEN: So it is true. I walked a darker path.
CASSIE: After Shinnok went down, you became a different person.
Red lightning, black clothes. Authoritarian attitude adjustment.
O. JOHNNY: Yeah, about that; what happened to "Dark" you, hmm? How
come you're an only child and I've got an evil twin?
Younger Johnny spreads his arms out in agitation.
RAIDEN: As an immortal, I exist outside the normal laws of time.
That could explain why I am affected differently.
In another part of the command centre, Jax offers Sonya a cup of
coffee.
SONYA: Thanks.
JAX: Weird, isn't it? Not being in charge.
SONYA: That's what's weird?
JAX: That, and having daughters our age.
They look over at Cassie speaking with Raiden.
SONYA: Look at her. How do I have a kid... with him?
Behind Cassie, the younger Johnny is checking his fingernails.
JAX: Huh. At least she's not an actress.
Both Johnny's walk past Sonya and Jax as they are speaking, with
Older Johnny clearly not wanting to hear anything from his
younger self.
Y. JOHNNY: C'mon, at least think about it. We each get points off
the gross. Coming this summmer... Johnny Cage AND Johnny Cage!
In "Timequake"!
As they walk out of the command centre, Jacqui walks in with Liu
Kang and Kung Lao. They walk up to Raiden and Cassie, who are now
next to the holographic table projector seen earlier.
CASSIE: Any thoughts on what to do next?
RAIDEN: For months, I have been receiving vague premonitions of
the future. But none of them foretold this. I must confer with the
Elder Gods.
He looks over to the new arrivals.
RAIDEN: Liu Kang, Kung Lao. Please assist the Special Forces while
I am gone.
LIU KANG: Yes, Lord Raiden.
JACQUI: Follow me.
As Jacqui walks the monks over to get briefed, Sonya approaches
Cassie.
SONYA: Commander?
CASSIE: Yes, Mom-- I mean, General! I mean...
She breaks off, unable to finish.
SONYA: This is strange for me too.
CASSIE: You have no idea.
Something about her tone puts Sonya on edge.
SONYA: What?
CASSIE: Ugh, how do I say this...? This morning, "we" were on a
mission... and you gave your life to save it.
Cassie nearly breaks down at her words. Sonya recoils in shock
and sits down on a nearby chair.
SONYA: Son of a bitch. Seriously?
CASSIE: Yeah. And now here you are. Young enough to be my sister.
JACQUI: Cass, you need to see this!
Steeling herself, Commander Cage walks over to Jacqui, who points
to an alert on the nearby computer screen.
JACQUI: Sat feeds show a Netherrealm incursion at the Wu Shi
Academy.
CASSIE: Netherrealm? Taking out Shinnok's Temple was supposed to
stop them.
JACQUI: It's gotta be the time anomaly.
LIU KANG: We must help our Shaolin masters.
Kung Lao nods in agreement.
JAX: Why would the Netherrealm want to bust up your alma mater,
Liu Kang?
LIU KANG: The Dragon Grotto. It's underneath the Academy.
Earthrealm's Jinsei energy bubbles up in its springs.
CASSIE: That's no good. We've seen firsthand what happens when the
Netherrealm screws with Earthrealm's life force.
KUNG LAO: They will not reach the Grotto. It is protected by
powerful magic. The deadliest traps. I am sure our counterparts
from your era are already dealing with them.
Jacqui cringes at the words and looks to Cassie.
CASSIE: Kung Lao, Liu Kang... you might wanna sit down.
The Shaolin monks frown at her statement and glance at one
another.
The scene cuts to the Wu Shi Academy. Liu Kang and Kung Lao have
walked through the massive gateway and are heading down a path to
the Academy itself.
---------------------------------------------
(3F) 3. SHAOLIN MONKS - LIU KANG AND KUNG LAO
---------------------------------------------
KUNG LAO: I die in the Koliseum? You on a rooftop, fighting Lord
Raiden? Our future, Liu Kang... it is insane!
LIU KANG: Obsessing over it will not change it.
KUNG LAO: Neither will accepting our destiny as evil undead
warlords.
LIU KANG: I'm not. But we can't change a future we don't fully
understand. Lord Raiden will guide us.
KUNG LAO: Can we trust him? It appears he got us both killed.
Both men stop walking at these words. Kung Lao almost says more,
but glances behind Liu Kang instead, towards the staircase leading
to the Academy that they have reached. Halfway up the stairs, the
bloody remains of a slain monk can be seen. Kang and Lao both
ascend the staircase to the corpse. As they take the grisly sight
in, they look forward and proceed through the broken open doors
of the Academy itself.
The courtyard of the Academy presents an even more disturbing
visual; dozens of monks lie dead on the ground.
LIU KANG: So many Shaolin... They died defending our sacred
ground. The Netherrealm will pay!
The scene cuts to inside the Academy itself. The Shaolin monks
have reached an underground corridor with only minor debris
being any indication of intruders. Before them is a circular
shaped entrance, with three large swinging axes - wide enough
to cover the whole entrance - slicing back and forth. Kang and
Lao pause in their tracks to examine the deadly obstacle.
LIU KANG: Whoever came here knew how to disarm these traps.
KUNG LAO: Do you know how? The monks never taught me.
LIU KANG: More likely you did not attend class. Watch for the
pattern... and pick your moment.
Liu Kang breaks into a run and dives straight into a gap left
between the swinging axes. He clears them in the nick of time
and rolls to his feet on the other side, glancing back with a
smile to Kung Lao. Lao smiles back and slowly removes his bladed
hat, before suddenly throwing it into the side of the corridor.
The hat jams between the corridor side and one of the swinging
axes, pinning it in place. This in turn causes cogs turning the
entire mechanism to clog up, preventing the other axes from
swinging. Kung Lao nonchalantly walks through the corridor,
pausing only to remove his hat from the ruined trap and put it
back on his head.
KUNG LAO: Easy enough. What's next?
They walk into what appears to be a giant arena. The entire
ground is littered with more dead monks, but also with spear
traps and a giant spiked wrecking ball that is attached to the
ceiling. There are several pathways exiting from this area.
LIU KANG: Everything. Poison gas, shooting spears, flame jets...
KUNG LAO: How about we avoid those?
As he speaks, all off the pathways are blocked off by metal
bars that slam into place.
KUNG LAO: I did not do that.
A metal kunai on a chain slams into a pole right next to Kung Lao.
He looks at it in shock, and then at the person who threw it.
SCORPION: I did.
With a quick tug, the kunai is pulled back into the hand of its
owner - the ninja spectre known as Scorpion. It is clear that
this Scorpion is not the Hanzo Hasashi of the modern era, but
the vengeance driven hellspawn of the past. His clothing matches
his look from over 25 years past almost exactly.
LIU KANG: Scorpion. Of course YOU survived the time merger.
SCORPION: You will not stop Kronika from restoring my family and
clan.
-----
[PLAYER CHOOSES LIU KANG]
LIU KANG: If Scorpion doesn't kill us, these traps will. Find a
way to shut them down!
Kung Lao runs off as Liu Kang faces Scorpion down.
LIU KANG: Let's see who's fire burns hotter.
They fight. Scorpion's fighting style is as every bit as powerful
and deadly as he was when Liu Kang fought him in the Mortal Kombat
tournament, but even with Quan Chi fighting alongside him then Liu
Kang prevailed, and without the sorcerer in play the battle ends
much quicker, and in the Shaolin Monk's favour.
LIU KANG: Your fire is out, Scorpion.
Kung Lao runs back to Liu Kang.
KUNG LAO: I can't stop them!
[PLAYER CHOOSES KUNG LAO]
KUNG LAO: Can you stop the traps?
Liu Kang runs off as Kung Lao faces Scorpion down.
KUNG LAO: I learned my lesson, fighting you at Shang Tsung's
tournament. This time I am prepared.
They fight. Scorpion's speed and control over hellfire have
not waned in the time that has passed since the tournament, but
Kung Lao proves the truth in his words as he takes the fight to
the ninja spectre. After a brief but fierce melee, it is Kung Lao
who emerges the victor.
With Scorpion down, Liu Kang runs back to Kung Lao.
LIU KANG: I can't stop the traps! The locks have been changed!
------
Scorpion struggles back to his feet, clutching his side. He looks
around and sees a cloud of poison gas swelling at his feet. Before
it affects him, he teleports away in a tornado of hellfire. The
gas spreads quickly to the Shaolin monks, but before they can act
a steel cage slams down from the ceiling, imprisoning them.
It doesn't take long for the gas to reach their lungs. Liu Kang
and Kung Lao begin coughing and fall to their knees. But before
they fall unconscious from the deadly fumes, the traps around the
room start to reset and the gas is blown out of the arena through
the other entrances.
KUNG LAO: It's stopped...
He coughs for a few moments, but regains his composure. He and
Liu Kang manage to stand up again.
KUNG LAO: Why?
The cage holding them in rises back up to the ceiling. One of the
pathways also opens up as well, and Scorpion walks back into
the arena, but this time he has company - the revenant Jade.
JADE: Our plans require that you live.
LIU KANG: Jade? What happened to you?
JADE: An untimely death. Like yours, due to Raiden's incompetence.
LIU KANG: You cannot turn us against him. We know about our deaths.
They were caused by our mistakes.
JADE: You have been deceived, Liu Kang. The truth is... Raiden
murdered you.
------
[PLAYER CHOOSES LIU KANG]
As Scorpion and Kung Lao walk aside to do battle, Liu Kang faces
off against the revenant Jade.
JADE: Raiden killed you because you stood in his way.
LIU KANG: You lie, Jade!
They fight. In death, Jade still proves to be a fast and
formidable opponent, but Liu Kang was always faster and his skill
in battle outshines the revenant assassin. After a quick melee,
Liu Kang leaves Jade down and out.
LIU KANG: You will not test my faith.
With Jade down, Liu Kang joins Kung Lao in fighting Scorpion.
Scorpion manages to kick Lao away following an exchange of fists,
but Kang lands a solid left hook then throws a barrage of punches
that Scorpion is forced to block. One punch eventually breaks
through his defenses and Liu Kang follows through with another
left hook that sends the spectre to the floor.
[PLAYER CHOOSES KUNG LAO]
As Scorpion and Liu Kang walk aside to do battle, Kung Lao faces
off against the revenant Jade.
KUNG LAO: Lord Raiden may make mistakes, but he doesn't murder his
followers.
JADE: Is it not murder to send an ill-prepared warrior to his
death? Raiden's mistake cost your life, Kung Lao.
They fight. Jade's speed and weapons would easily kill when
striking from the shadows, but in a straight up battle Kung Lao
is able to anticipate her attacks and take the fight to her.
Not long afterwards, the Shaolin monk stands victorious over her.
KUNG LAO: I like the "real" you better.
With Jade down, Kung Lao joins Liu Kang in fighting Scorpion.
The spectre manages to stun Liu Kang with a chop to the neck
and a left cross, but Kung Lao charges in with a barrage of
strikes that force Scorpion to block. Lao finally breaks
through the defense with a roundhouse kick to Scorpion's sternum
that sends the hellspawn to the floor.
-----
Realising he has lost, Scorpion teleports away in a flash of
hellfire. The Shaolin Monks regroup and head toward a partially
opened door. Ahead of them, the blue light of the Jinsei reflects
off the rocky ceiling of the pathway.
LIU KANG: The Dragon Grotto is through there.
KUNG LAO: What if the next revenants we have to fight are... us?
LIU KANG: Then we fight them, Kung Lao.
Together, the monks lift the barred door upwards, allowing them
passage to the Grotto.
The scene cuts to the chamber of the Elder Gods, based in an
unknown dimension between the realms. Raiden teleports onto
a circular podium situated below several thrones. Above him are
the forms of the Elder Gods, their forms a hundred feet tall
and currently shrouded in shadow.
RAIDEN: Elder Gods. I have come to seek counsel. The realms are
in crisis.
As one, the forms of the Elder Gods light up with a turquoise hue.
They all speak to Raiden at the same time, saying exactly the
same sentence.
ELDER GODS: The crisis is grave indeed, Raiden. Every being will
be erased in a temporal Armageddon, even we Elder Gods. Already
our power weakens.
Though the Elder Gods speak as one, Raiden looks to one of them in
particular; a woman who's hair appears to be plant roots and who
has floating rocks hovering at the back of her head.
RAIDEN: I will fight, Cetrion. But how?
CETRION: You must find Kronika's Keep and gain control of her
Hourglass. Only then will time's momentum be restored.
RAIDEN: It will be done.
Raiden turns to leave, but pauses for a moment and hangs his head
in contemplation. Cetrion quickly picks up on this.
CETRION: Speak your mind, Raiden.
RAIDEN: Since this time merger, I have learned about my future.
That my champions fall. That I become a tyrant. If Kronika is
defeated, will I be consigned to this grim fate?
CETRION: The restoration of time will not predetermine your
destiny.
She points directly at Raiden.
CETRION: That is for you to shape.
Raiden takes in these words and bows his head, lost in thought.
The scene cuts to Liu Kang and Kung Lao, still walking down the
pathway to the Dragon Grotto. They come across another barred
door, but this one has a human shaped hole in the middle of it.
There is no other damage to the door, indicating that whatever
forced its way through erased what was in its way. The Shaolin
monks proceed past the door, and Liu Kang quickly holds up a
hand to Kung Lao, getting him to pause.
Inside the Dragon Grotto, the human-like construct seen at
Kronika's side earlier is standing over a pool of Jinsei. He is
taking samples of the Earthrealm life force, which are stored in
a strange device hovering above the pool.
LIU KANG: Is there any point to us asking you to put those back?
CONSTRUCT: They said you'd come.
KUNG LAO: Who said?
A voice from the side attracts the monk's attention.
O. KUNG LAO: Who do you think, Kung Lao?
They turn to spot what they had been fearing - the revenant Liu
Kang and Kung Lao - walking down another passagway towards them.
O. LIU KANG: Welcome to your future. Courtesy of Raiden.
Y. LIU KANG: Our future may be tragic, but it's not Lord Raiden's
fault. You've both been warped by Shinnok's evil.
O. KUNG LAO: Shao Kahn snapped my neck in the arena.
The young Kung Lao puts a hand to his throat in shock.
O. KUNG LAO: Raiden saw it coming... and did nothing!
O. LIU KANG: I would have defeated Shao Kahn, but Raiden wanted
the glory. His lightning cut me down.
Y. LIU KANG: No! I don't believe that!
The revenants have now reached their younger counterparts.
O. LIU KANG: One day Raiden will betray you. Then you will believe.
------
[PLAYER CHOOSES LIU KANG]
Kung Lao throws punches at his revenant, causing him to back up.
Liu Kang faces his older counterpart in a fighting stance but
doesn't attack immediately.
Y. LIU KANG: You spew Shinnok's lies. You attacked Lord Raiden and
he defended himself. He did what he thought right to protect
Earthrealm.
He feints a lunge at the revenant, who backs up a step.
O. LIU KANG: Protect?! Raiden enslaves Earthrealm!
He quicksteps back towards his younger self.
O. LIU KANG: How was I ever so blind as you?
They fight. Both versions of Liu Kang prove to be just as fast, as
skilled and as strong as each other. However, the revenant Liu
Kang deliberately holds back in battle for some unclear reason.
The younger Liu Kang quickly takes advantage, and not long
afterwards he defeats his revenant.
Y. LIU KANG: How did I get so deluded?
To his side, Kung Lao still fights his revenant self. The undead
Lao gets the advantage with a kick to the gut, but the young Lao
blocks a follow up strike and hits a barrage of chest and face
punches. He finishes with a sidekick to the heart that leaves
the revenant down and out.
[PLAYER CHOOSES KUNG LAO]
As Liu Kang attacks his revenant, Kung Lao smiles and throws a
punch at his doppleganger, causing him to backpedal.
Y. KUNG LAO: The thought of becoming you sickens me, but I won't
blame Raiden.
O. KUNG LAO: You owe Kronika. She saved your life by stopping
time.
They fight. The old and young Kung Lao's skill and finesse are
equal to each other, but the revenant Lao does not press the
attack as hard as he might, for reasons unclear. The younger Lao
holds no such qualms and takes the fight to his revenant, leaving
him down and defeated.
Y. KUNG LAO: You shame our family name.
To his side, Liu Kang still fights his revenant self. The undead
Kang scores with a punch to the gut and a follow through punch to
the face, but the younger Kang fights back with a high kick,
forcing the revenant to defend. The young Liu Kang hits a right jab
to his revenant and follows through with a left hook to the face
that knocks him unconscious.
-----
With their revenants defeated, the Shaolin monks regroup.
KUNG LAO: Is it me, or could they be telling the truth?
LIU KANG: Worry about it later. We have bigger problems.
They walk toward the Jinsei pool. The human construct is still
gathering vials. He stops the Shaolin monks approaching and walks
to face them.
CONSTRUCT: You should've listened to your revenant counterparts.
He holds up a belt with several vials attached to it.
CONSTRUCT: With this power, Kronika will remake history.
Kung Lao throws his razor bladed hat directly at the construct,
who makes no effort to dodge. The hat slices directly through
his neck, decapitating him in an instant. The hat rotates in
mid-air and returns to Kung Lao, who catches it just as the
construct's body and head fall to the ground. Lao runs his
fingers across his hat and smirks at Liu Kang.
KUNG LAO: That was easy.
As soon has he says those words, the construct's head dissolves
into sand, which - along with some swirling magic - attaches
itself to the neck of the construct's body. Both monks watch in
confusion as the sand reforms into the head of the construct,
turning it back to its original form. The construct stands to
his feet, with no visible sign of any damage.
CONSTRUCT: I, Geras, am a fixed point in time.
He cricks his neck on both sides.
GERAS: With every death and rebirth, I grow stronger.
Liu Kang and Kung Lao both attack. Liu Kang strikes first with
a punch to Geras' face, but his follow through punch is blocked
and Geras headbutts him. Kung Lao throws a kick to his side that
Geras doesn't even register, then Geras blocks a chop from Lao
and smacks him aside with a haymaker punch.
Liu Kang pulls out his nunchukau, and after twirling them around
for a moment, he catches Geras with a strike to the face, stunning
the construct and making him drop the belt containing the Jinsei
vials.
------
[PLAYER CHOOSES LIU KANG]
Liu Kang looks to Kung Lao.
LIU KANG: The vials.
Kung Lao frowns, but nonetheless walks off to grab the vials,
leaving Liu Kang to face Geras down. For a moment, Geras does
nothing but pace around, looking at the Mortal Kombat champion.
LIU KANG: Sizing me up?
GERAS: Kronika has a keen interest in you. It's why she
recruited your revenant self. Serve her, she will bless you.
They fight. The battle is an intense one, and to Liu Kang's
dismay, he realises that nothing he does is able to stop
Geras from coming forward. Every killing blow is shrugged off
by the construct. But Liu Kang does not give up, and manages
to floor Geras with a final assault.
[PLAYER CHOOSES KUNG LAO]
Kung Lao puts a hand on Liu Kang's shoulder.
KUNG LAO: Fetch the Jinsei, "Chosen One".
As Liu Kang fetches the Jinsei, Kung Lao turns and walks toward
Geras, facing him down.
GERAS: You're good, but you're no Great Kung Lao.
KUNG LAO: You've met my ancestor?
GERAS: He stood a chance against me. You have none.
They fight. Try as he might, Kung Lao finds out there is no
stopping Geras. It doesn't matter whether he is knocked down
or killed; he just keeps coming back for more. But nonetheless,
Kung Lao keeps fighting and manages to beat Geras to the floor.
-----
Undeterred by the assault, Geras rises to his feet once more.
GERAS: You Shaolin monks exceed your reputation. I respect your
spirit, but Kronika's will must be done.
Liu Kang and Kung Lao once again get into a fighting stance and
lunge at Geras together. This time, Geras holds his hand out,
which glows with magic energy. The monks are suddenly frozen in
mid-air as Geras stops time entirely. He retrieves the Jinsei
vials from them without further issue.
As Geras turns around, Kronika teleports into the Dragon Grotto
with a swirling of sand magic. Geras hands the Jinsei vials to
her, then looks back at the monks.
GERAS: It's dangerous to let them live.
KRONIKA: If they die, their revenant selves will cease to exist.
We need them to defend the Keep.
She floats over to Liu Kang and looks him in the eyes.
KRONIKA: Yet again, Liu Kang, you've chosen the wrong destiny.
Time suddenly restarts, and the Shaolin monks fall flat on their
faces. As they pick themselves up, they realise that Geras and
Kronika have escaped.
The scene cuts to the interior of Kronika's Keep. The Keeper of
Time floats over to three of her minions - the revenant Kitana,
Shao Kahn... and a familiar looking red-coloured cyborg - Sektor.
KRONIKA: I now have the energy to resculpt the Sands of Time. The
Netherrealm's undead army will protect the Keep as I work. Shao
Kahn, when will you deliver the Outworld army?
SHAO KAHN: Soon. It will be mine once Kotal is killed.
KRONIKA: And what is your progress, Sektor?
SEKTOR: The Cyber Lin Kuei factory is modified to your
specifications. Production exceeds projections.
At these words, Kronika smirks.
The scene cuts to the desert outside of the Special Forces base.
Raiden teleports in, finding Liu Kang and Kung Lao sparring with
each other. They stop as soon as they see Raiden and walk toward
him.
LIU KANG: Lord Raiden, what did the Elder Gods say?
RAIDEN: We must find Kronika. Wrest the control of history from
her. If we succeed, our destiny can change.
They walk toward the base.
KUNG LAO: So what we were told is true? You were... involved...
in our deaths?
RAIDEN: Yes. Had the timeline continued, my decisions would have
led to your deaths. But the Elder Gods assure me that such a
future is not inevitable. This is but one of many possible
timelines.
KUNG LAO: That is a lot to take on faith.
Liu Kang slaps him lightly in the stomach at these words.
RAIDEN: Rest assured, Kung Lao. I am aware now of what may come. I
will not bring harm to either of you. You have my vow.
They all come to a halt.
LIU KANG: Thank you, Lord Raiden.
Liu Kang and Kung Lao clasp their hands and bow to him, though
Kung Lao still remains suspicious.
RAIDEN: We must find Kronika's Keep and strike it, as hard and as
fast as we can muster, before all is lost.
The scene cuts to inside the Special Forces command centre. Raiden
is speaking with Cassie over the holographic command table.
RAIDEN: What have you learned about Kronika's effect on
Earthrealm?
CASSIE: We're tracking sites around the globe with major temporal
anomalies. Picture's still fuzzy...
While she's talking, the older Johnny Cage (sitting with the
younger Sonya) looks over at her.
JOHNNY: Our kid's something, isn't she?
SONYA: Umm... Cage, I'm not "your" Sonya.
Johnny immediately looks abashed at this reminder.
JOHNNY: Sorry. Too easy to forget.
As he steps away, Cassie continues talking.
CASSIE: We've prioritized info that correlates attacks from the
Netherrealm with time anomalies.
RAIDEN: Helpful. But we have more to worry about than the
Netherrealm.
CASSIE: Yeah, we do. Grandmaster Sub-Zero reports heavy losses to
his Lin Kuei clan. The time merger has resurrected his old enemy,
Sektor.
RAIDEN: Sektor? Was he not the Grandmaster who years ago enslaved
the Lin Kuei?
CASSIE: That's him.
She generates a holographic image of Sektor in his robotic form.
CASSIE: He's reactivating and upgrading the same factory he built
to convert the Lin Kuei into cyber killing machines.
RAIDEN: Undoubtedly to construct new and more powerful Cyber Lin
Kuei. Kronika may seek to co-opt them. What of Sub-Zero?
CASSIE: Already on his way to shut down the factory. Grandmaster
Hasashi is going with him.
RAIDEN: Grandmaster Hasashi? Hanzo Hasashi?
The scene cuts to a quarry carved on a mountainous terrain,
littered with construction vehicles.
------------------------------------------
(3G) 4. FIRE & ICE - SUB-ZERO AND SCORPION
------------------------------------------
On a nearby hill, the Lin Kuei cryomancer Kuai Liang - better
known as Sub-Zero, lies on his belly overlooking the quarry
with a miniature telescope. His gaze focuses on an underground
entrance built into one of the rocky hills of the quarry.
Several converted cyborgs are carrying equipment further into
the complex.
As Sub-Zero continues to observe, a yellow garbed ninja sneaks
up behind him. Sensing his approach, Sub-Zero looks away from
the telescope and turns around just as the ninja pulls out
his ninjato sword. He is unable to do anything more as the
faster ninja brings his sword to bear, pointing it in his
direction. Sub-Zero finally gets a good look at the ninja and
his face sags in bemusement.
NINJA: Your hearing is failing, Sub-Zero.
SUB-ZERO: I recognized your footsteps, Hanzo.
The ninja is indeed Hanzo Hasashi - once known as Scorpion,
but no longer. Hanzo puts his sword back in its sheath as
Sub-Zero gets to his feet.
SCORPION: Where's Sektor? I will not let him threaten my clan
again.
SUB-ZERO: The old Cyber Lin Kuei factory was defunct, buried
beneath this quarry - until the time disruption. Now, Sektor's
returned and reactivated it. He's building an army by processing
Lin Kuei warriors kidnapped from my temple.
SCORPION: I can see why you need me.
Sub-Zero points to the entrance.
SUB-ZERO: We could enter through that tunnel, but a frontal
assault would be...
SCORPION: Bloody.
SUB-ZERO: ...needlessly dangerous.
Sub-Zero hands Hanzo his telescope.
SUB-ZERO: There's another entrance, less populated.
Hanzo initially looks in the wrong direction, prompting Sub-Zero
to gently move his sight to the side entrance he refers to.
SCORPION: And the rest of your plan?
SUB-ZERO: We get help on the inside.
The two Grandmasters look to the quarry and say no more. The
scene cuts to the side-entrance. A single Cyber Lin Kuei stands
on guard. Sub-Zero and Scorpion sneak up behind it and stab
it repeatedly - Scorpion with his kunai, Sub-Zero with a
constructed ice dagger. Once the multiple stabbings bring the
cyborg to its knees, the Grandmasters finish the job by
simultaneously stabbing the cyborg through the joints
connecting its neck to its shoulders. With the guard dead,
Sub-Zero and Scorpion run down the entrance way into the complex.
The scene cuts to inside the factory itself. Sub-Zero and Scorpion
enter a large room and take in the spectacle before them.
Sub-Zero's eyes widen as he glances over machinery designed to
convert living humans into cybernetic monstrosities. He walks
past human heads stuffed into glass tubes and sealed in an
unknown liquid.
Under his feet are bloodied corpses with their skin flayed off
their bodies. He spots a badge covered in blood and bends down to
pick it up. Despair sets on his face as he realises the badge is
one of the Lin Kuei's - meaning the corpses around him are of his
own clan. Hanzo puts a reassuring hand on Kuai Liang's shoulder.
SCORPION: We'll avenge your clan.
A whirring sound catches the Grandmasters' attention and they
run for cover as the doors behind them open. Two new figures
enter the room. The first is a cyborg covered with a yellow
paint job, and the second is the hooded woman seen at Kronika's
side. The woman is carrying a vial of Jinsei, which she puts
into one of the machines in the room.
As she does so, a nearby buzzsaw comes to life and starts
bisecting a body strapped to a circular operating table. Another
buzzsaw chops the head off a flayed corpse, and another device
brings forth an unactivated cyborg body. Both the Grandmasters
observe this process, looking toward the yellow cyborg.
SCORPION: Cyrax is your inside man?
SUB-ZERO: He was converted against his will. If we disable the
behaviour inhibitors that control him...
SCORPION: ...He will turn on Sektor.
SUB-ZERO: All Cyber Lin Kuei are linked to a common network.
Cyrax can shut them down from within.
SCORPION: Who is the woman?
SUB-ZERO: I don't know. Focus on disabling Cyrax. He's the key.
As they walk, Cyrax looks over to the woman.
CYRAX: We require additional candidates for cyberization.
WOMAN: Once delivered, how long before the next generation is
ready?
Just as she finishes her sentence, she is blasted in the back by
an ice ball from Sub-Zero and frozen solid. As the Lin Kuei
Grandmaster finishes a slide and strides forth, Cyrax charges in
to attack. But before he can get close, Scorpion teleports in from
behind and grapples Cyrax in a full nelson hold.
As Hanzo struggles with Cyrax, the ice surrounding the unknown
woman cracks and she breaks free. Her hooded garment is
destroyed in the process, revealing that she is in fact a cyborg
as well. She turns to face Sub-Zero, who's face narrows in
disgust.
SUB-ZERO: Frost.
Frost generates some ice magic of her own and blasts the ground
near Hanzo's feet, forcing him to let go of Cyrax. As Hanzo
regroups, Sub-Zero approaches Frost.
SUB-ZERO: I gave you a home. I was your mentor. Yet after all
this, you ally with Sektor? He corrupted the Lin Kuei!
FROST: YOU corrupted our clan when you made peace with this
Shirai Ryu filth! With Kronika's help, I will restore the Lin
Kuei's honor.
-----
[PLAYER CHOOSES SUB-ZERO]
SUB-ZERO: Keep Cyrax alive. We need him.
As Scorpion walks off to the side, Sub-Zero walks toward his now
former pupil.
SUB-ZERO: There is no future in which you are fit to lead the Lin
Kuei.
FROST: You always doubted me, Sub-Zero. Held me back. Kronika sees
my true potential.
They fight. Frost displays not only a frightening control over
her latent ice powers, but entirely new abilities as a result
of her cybernetic upgrades. She is stronger and faster than ever
before. But Sub-Zero's experience and power proves to be more than
Frost can handle, and she is soon defeated by her master.
SUB-ZERO: You deceive yourself, Frost.
Scorpion blocks multiple strikes from Cyrax and hits a double palm
blow that forces him back. Cyrax readies his buzzsaw gauntlet and
swipes, narrowly missing Hanzo's neck. The Shirai Ryu Grandmaster
evades two more swipes before hitting a second double palm blow
that sends Cyrax staggering.
[PLAYER CHOOSES SCORPION]
SCORPION: Help Cyrax. I'll discipline your former pupil.
As Sub-Zero walks off to the side, Scorpion strides towards Frost.
FROST: I should have killed you the day Sub-Zero invited you to our
temple.
SCORPION: You tried and failed.
FROST: Not this time. Now... you die.
They fight. Frost's ice powers have only been magnified by her
cybernetic upgrades, and they make her faster and stronger than
she was when she first faced Hanzo at the Lin Kuei temple. But
Hanzo's control over hellfire is a natural counter to her
cryomancy, and despite her best efforts Frost is once again
defeated by Scorpion.
SCORPION: Sub-Zero can decide your fate.
Sub-Zero blocks several strikes from Cyrax, but is forced to
backpedal when the cyborg swings his buzzsaw hand out. Sub-Zero
blocks a righthook and punches Cyrax in the gut, lands a follow up
punch to his face and a roundhouse kick that sends the cyborg
staggering.
-----
Cyrax rights himself and faces down the two Grandmasters. Behind
him, several more cyber Lin Kuei - all in white armor as opposed
to Cyrax's gold - activate and jump down from their restraints.
SUB-ZERO: The upgrade, Cyrax. Is this Kronika's doing?
CYRAX: To better serve her, Sub-Zero. We defend Kronika as she
re-writes history.
The cybernetic Lin Kuei advance toward Sub-Zero and Scorpion. Both
men ready themselves.
SCORPION: So you're nothing but pawns?
CYRAX: We act to secure the Lin Kuei's glory in the New Era.
-----
[PLAYER CHOOSES SUB-ZERO]
SUB-ZERO: (To Scorpion) Take the others.
As Sub-Zero walks off to face down Cyrax, Scorpion charges the
other cyber assassins. The nearest one steps into a fighting
stance, but Hanzo teleports behind it and slams into the
cyborg on its left with a flying kick, instantly disabling it.
Scorpion teleports again, this time to the other side. He sweeps
another cyborg and disables it with a fist to the chest.
Again he teleports, this time judo-throwing the first cyborg to
the ground. He punches it in the cranium to disable it, teleports
again and takes out a fourth cyborg by swiping his chained kunai
twice across its chest. He then throws the kunai at a fifth
cyborg, embedding the weapon in its chest.
SCORPION: COME 'ERE!
He pulls on the chain, hauling the cyborg across the room and
into the final cyborg, taking them both out. He then teleports
away in a flash of hellfire to see off any reinforcements.
During this time, Sub-Zero and Cyrax approach one another.
SUB-ZERO: You've been enslaved, Cyrax. First by Sektor, now by
Kronika. It ends today.
They fight. Cyrax's cybernetic upgrades and his formidable arsenal
would be more than a match for any normal human, but Sub-Zero
has beaten him before, and he has only grown in strength and power
since then. Taking care not to cause too much damage, Kuai Liang
soon overpowers his ex-comrade and defeats him. Scorpion rejoins
him just as the fight draws to a close.
SUB-ZERO: You will be freed.
[PLAYER CHOOSES SCORPION]
SCORPION: (To Sub-Zero) I'll deal with Cyrax.
As Scorpion walks off toward Cyrax, Sub-Zero generates ice from
the water vapour in the air around him. After gathering it close
into his hands, he extends his palms toward the cybernetic
assassins. The ice pours out like a blizzard and all of the
cyborgs are instantly frozen solid.
During this time, Scorpion and Cyrax face each other down.
CYRAX: You will be forced to serve.
SCORPION: I've been down that road, Cyrax. Never again.
They fight. While Cyrax's skill as an assassin and his lethal
weapons are only amplified by his cybernetic upgrades, Scorpion's
power over hellfire and his skill in battle remain unmatched.
Using as minimal force as possible, Hanzo Hasashi manages to
overcome Cyrax's assault and leave him defeated on the ground.
SCORPION: No one should be a slave.
-----
The two Grandmasters approach Cyrax's beaten form. Sub-Zero
generates more ice from the air and uses it to weaken part of
Cyrax's back armor. He pulls a section of metal off, exposing the
circuitry below.
SCORPION: Hurry, before we face more Cyber Lin Kuei.
SUB-ZERO: He'll need a moment to initialise.
Sub-Zero fiddles with the circuitry. After a moment, Cyrax's eyes
light back up. Suddenly, Scorpion is struck from behind by a flash
of dark magic. The magic dissipates as quickly as it formed,
leaving no visible sign that it was ever there. Sub-Zero and
Scorpion look around, falsely presuming they are dealing with
an invisible opponent.
SUB-ZERO: Sektor? Show yourself!
Instead of Sektor, a new figure teleports in front of them with
another swirl of dark magic. Kuai Liang recoils in surprise, but
steels himself at the sight before him. It is his brother, the man
once known as Bi-Han and Sub-Zero before him, but now known only
as the wraith Noob Saibot.
NOOB: Recognise me, little brother?
SUB-ZERO: Bi-Han?!
NOOB: Yes. It is I.
SCORPION: You were killed - swallowed in a storm of souls.
NOOB: Quan Chi's creations do not die easily. Kronika offers me a
new clan to lead.
He shifts into a fighting stance. A shadow clone of himself jumps
out of his body to his side, standing in the same stance.
NOOB: Its shadow will darken the realms.
Scorpion and Sub-Zero both jump into fighting stances as well,
with Sub-Zero preparing another ice ball.
-----
[PLAYER CHOOSES SUB-ZERO]
Sub-Zero breaks off his ice attack.
SUB-ZERO: (To Scorpion) Leave Bi-Han to me.
As Scorpion moves to side to check over Cyrax, Kuai Liang walks
toward his brother.
NOOB: You always mimicked me. But you make a poor Grandmaster.
SUB-ZERO: I uphold the Lin Kuei principles I thought you shared.
They fight. Since his death, Bi-Han's dark powers have continued
to grow stronger, but Kuai Liang's own powers were always stronger
than his. After an intense exchange, it is the younger and
current Sub-Zero who emerges victorious.
SUB-ZERO: We share blood. We are not brothers.
[PLAYER CHOOSES SCORPION]
SCORPION: (To Sub-Zero) I've beaten your brother before.
Sub-Zero moves off to the side to watch over Cyrax as Scorpion
steps forward and prepares his kunai.
NOOB: Quan Chi unleashed your vengeance. Without him? You are weak.
They fight. Bi-Han may have gained immense new powers following
his death and enslavement by Quan Chi, but he is facing the man
who overcame and destroyed the Netherrealm sorcerer. Hanzo
Hasashi's skills and experience in battle gives him the edge
in the fight, and eventually victory.
SCORPION: My strength is more than vengeance.
-----
By the time the fight has finished, Cyrax awakens and begins
to pull himself back to his feet. He gratefully takes a helping
hand up from Sub-Zero, and as he stands he takes a look at his
robotic hands, realising what has happened to him.
CYRAX: No! He ripped out my heart, made me a machine...
SUB-ZERO: Your soul is intact, Cyrax. Trust me, I speak from
experience.
CYRAX: Kuai Liang, is that you? You look so old. And...
He looks over at the man who walks over to Sub-Zero.
CYRAX: ...Scorpion?
SCORPION: We'll explain later. For now, know that we share the
same goal: the Cyber Lin Kuei's destruction.
SUB-ZERO: We need your help, Cyrax.
CYRAX: I can disable their communications network. It'll shut
down this factory and every Cyber Lin Kuei connected to it.
Across the room from them, a multitude of missiles are launched,
homing in at a rapid speed in their direction. Moments before
impact, Cyrax fires out his digitized trapping net, which
catches the missiles and detonates them before they can wipe out
the threesome.
There is no mistaking who fired the missiles. Sub-Zero and
Scorpion get into fighting stances, while Cyrax merely stares
down the robotic nemesis walking into the room. His cyborg
form is coloured dark red, and he retains his higher thoughts,
twisted as they are by his methods.
SEKTOR: Frost warned me that you two had become allies. I did
not think you capable of such dishonour, Sub-Zero.
-----
[PLAYER CHOOSES SUB-ZERO]
SUB-ZERO: (To Scorpion) Aid Cyrax. Sektor is mine.
Scorpion motions to Cyrax and they run off to one side. Sektor
shoots out a blast of flames from his wrist gauntlet, but Sub-Zero
shoots a ray of ice that solidifies into a minature glacier when
it contacts the flames. After a few moments, the flames
absorbed by the ice cause it to explode outwards, almost causing
Sub-Zero to stagger, but he quickly faces Sektor once more.
SUB-ZERO: I've taken your head once, Sektor. I will do it again.
SEKTOR: The past you know is no longer set. The Cyber Lin Kuei
will usher in Kronika's New Era.
They fight. Sektor remains as deadly as he ever was when
Sub-Zero faced him in the past, with his numerous gadgets and
weapons only enhanced by his cybernetic augmentations. But it
is still not enough to overcome the cryomantic strength of
Sub-Zero, who once again is able to defeat his nemesis.
SUB-ZERO: The Cyber Lin Kuei are finished.
[PLAYER CHOOSES SCORPION]
SCORPION: (To Sub-Zero) I'll stop Sektor. Help Cyrax.
Sub-Zero and Cyrax both move off to one side. Sektor shoots out
a blast of flames from his wrist gauntlet, and in response
Scorpion merely flexes his arms and takes the blast full on his
chest. After a good five seconds, it becomes clear that Sektor's
fire has no effect on a man who can control the fires of Hell
itself. Nonetheless, the cyborg still keeps at it.
SCORPION: You started this fire. Selling out your clan so Quan Chi
would slaughter mine.
At these words, Sektor finally stops the barrage and prepares
to fight conventionally.
SEKTOR: He should have killed you as he promised. Now I finish
what he could not.
They fight. Even with his cybernetic upgrades and abilities,
Sektor is no match for the skill, speed and powers of Hanzo
Hasashi. Fighting with a fury not seen since he killed Quan Chi,
Scorpion leaves Sektor a broken mess on the ground before him.
SCORPION: For Harumi and Satoshi.
------
With Sektor defeated, Cyrax places his hand on a computer
interface. The scanner quickly grants him access.
CYRAX: I'm in. I'll reformat the system drives and shut us all
down.
He takes his hand off the interface and looks to Sub-Zero.
CYRAX: Goodbye, Kuai Liang.
SUB-ZERO: It is not the end. I will find a way to restore you.
Anything is possible. Hanzo and I are living proof.
CYRAX: Please, don't bring me back as a machine. I can't live
like this.
SUB-ZERO: Machine or man, you have a warrior's soul. As long as
I am Grandmaster, the Lin Kuei will welcome you.
CYRAX: Then until we meet again.
They shake hands. Cyrax walks over to a section of the wall and
tears it off, exposing several large wires. He grabs two and
rips them apart. Immediately, warning lights flash throughout
the complex and Cyrax falls to the floor, his cybernetic body
sparking and falling non-responsive. Electricity sparks shower
throughout the rest of the facility.
In the confusion, Frost runs over to Noob Saibot, who is
kneeling over Sektor's unresponsive form. The three of them
are engulfed by one of Kronika's sand tornados and teleported
from the facility.
SCORPION: They've escaped! We should pursue.
SUB-ZERO: First we speak with Raiden.
As the facility continues to shut down, both Grandmasters look
down on Cyrax's motionless form, saying nothing more.
The scene cuts to the inside of Kronika's Keep. Three figures
stride down one of its passageways - Geras, Kano and Erron Black.
KANO: Our lady Kronika'll get all the service she needs. But I
can't quote a fee until I know the job.
GERAS: You will see.
They enter a room with Sektor's body on a table.
GERAS: Can you restore him?
Kano looks over Sektor, using his metallic eye to shoot out
infrared rays and scan the cyborg's inner workings. Several
areas of Sektor appear on a nearby monitor showing damage
in multiple areas.
KANO: There's some frame damage, circuitry looks good.
He deactivates the eye scanner.
KANO: But it looks like someone did a software wipe. Fixing
that won't come cheap.
GERAS: Once he is repaired, can he be replicated? Hundreds of
times? Thousands?
Kano and Erron exchange looks, then lean toward each other
to converse.
ERRON: That's a tall order.
KANO: But anything's possible, with the right help.
GERAS: Serve Kronika and she will provide.
Another voice cuts into the conversation.
???: Take the deal. Trust me.
The voice is all too familiar, and the man who walks into the
room is none other than Kano - looking twenty-five years older
but every bit as rugged and malicious as his younger self.
O. KANO: Otherwise, who can you trust?
Young Kano walks over to his future namesake, and both
leaders of the Black Dragon admirably size each other up.
O. KANO: You weren't kidding. S'like a mirror, reflecting the
past.
Y. KANO: How about that? Over fifty and still a ripper.
He punches his older self on the shoulder, which is not even
felt by the elder. Erron coughs loudly before the two Kanos
can get any more intimate.
ERRON: There's still the matter of our fee.
O. KANO: We get paid in the New Era. Kronika'll make sure the
Black Dragon come out on top. Not only in the black market...
in every market.
Y. KANO: Right then. Let's get to business.
The scene cuts to the Special Forces headquarters. Sonya is
chatting with Jax over cups of coffee. Nearby, Jacqui is typing
on a communications device. The camera focuses on the screen, and
the device displays "Calling Dad" over a picture of Jacqui and her
father, the elder Jackson Briggs. The call is interrupted with a
red bar displaying "Call Failed".
Jacqui ends the call, looking concerned and agitated at not being
able to reach her father. The older Johnny Cage walks over to her.
JOHNNY: Reach your dad yet, kid?
JACQUI: The network's still down. I hate being so far away. Dad
must be climbing the walls.
JOHNNY: Be patient. You'll get through.
They both look over to the younger Jax.
JACQUI: I know my dad's still alive, but... it's like I'm seeing
a ghost.
JOHNNY: You and me both. But they aren't ghosts. Oh... they're
definitely real.
JACQUI: Can this get any more bizarre?
The scene cuts to a farm in the countryside, amidst the sunset
of autumn. The name "BRIGGS" is displayed on a nearby postbox,
which is full to the brim with unopened mail. The camera pans over
to a house that is in need of some paint work.
The camera cuts to inside the hallway of the house. On the walls
are pictures of a young Jax in his military uniform, an older
Jax posing with his daughter, then two separate pictures of
Jax and Jacqui wearing boxing gloves in fighting stances.
As more pictures of Jacqui as a child posing next to her father
appear, along with a child's drawing of Jax pounding the ground to
send the sorcerer Quan Chi into the air, we hear sounds of kitchen
objects being moved around. We see two more pictures of Jax and
Jacqui in full military dress with an American flag draped behind
them, and one final picture of Jacqui as a child, her arms
around her father's neck (and holding a cuddly toy dog with shades
and a beret).
With this last picture, the camera finally shows the elder Jackson
Briggs, frantically searching a nearby desk, before slamming it
shut in frustration. He walks over to his refridgerator and hauls
it up effortlessly with one hand, feeling under it with the other
but finding nothing.
JAX: Oh, come on, damn it!
He lifts up the seat of his armchair, finding nothing once more,
then turns to some papers on another desk. He quickly moves them
apart and locates an identical communicator to the one Jacqui had
earlier. He activates it at once.
JAX: Come on, come on...
The camera focuses on the screen, and the device displays "Calling
Jacqui" over the picture of child Jacqui with her arms around
her father seen earlier. The call is interrupted with a red circle
which displays the words "Connection Failed" beneath it.
Jax begins to shake in nervous anxiety. Frustrated, he hurls the
device across the room and sits down in his armchair. Far from
relaxing though, he leans forward and puts his head in his hands,
falling into despair.
The camera slowly pans upwards, then cuts to the same location
hours later. Jax has fallen asleep in his chair, a beer in his
hand and leftover pizza on a nearby table, the only light coming
from the television across the room flickering with static but
showing nothing else.
As he sleeps, the beer slowly tilts from his relaxing hand and
begins to fall, spilling its contents toward the floor... until
time stops and the bottle's motion with it. With a swirl of
sand magic, Kronika teleports into the room and walks toward
Jax.
KRONIKA: Jackson Briggs.
Jax awakens at the sound of his name, but makes no effort to
confront the intruder in his house. Kronika looks at him with what
appears to be pity and remorse.
KRONIKA: Do not fear. I have come to offer you a new life - a
better life.
JAX: That's awfully generous, seeing as we've never met.
KRONIKA: We have not met, but I know you. How valiantly you served,
how horribly you have suffered. That was not my plan for you.
JAX: Your plan?
KRONIKA: You were to retire distinguished, not in disgrace. Years
from now. General Jackson Briggs. More importantly, your daughter
was not to serve, nor endure the same tragedies you have.
She looks to the pictures on the wall.
KRONIKA: Your home should be filled with grandchildren. Help me
and it will be.
Jax looks to her, his face uncertain but pondering the weight
of her words.
The scene cuts to Outworld, inside a beautiful temple garden.
Luscious plants surround the walls, while patches of mildew adorn
the marble steps. A waterfall flows into a nearby fountain, and
standing on the steps are Raiden, Jade, and Kotal Kahn.
------------------------------
(3H) 5. TRUTHS REVEALED - JADE
------------------------------
KOTAL KAHN: (To Raiden) The Tarkatans, long extinct, have also
returned.
RAIDEN: Shao Kahn will seek them out. He relies on their power.
JADE: Kotal's scouts tracked a Tarkatan war party to the Kytinn's
Lost Hive, D'Vorah's ancestral home. Her hand in Shao Kahn's
escape makes that our starting point.
RAIDEN: Please advise me of what you learn. I must consult with
the Elder Gods.
He lifts his hand into the air and teleports away with a flash
of lightning. As Raiden exits, Kitana walks down the steps of
the temple.
KITANA: When do we leave?
KOTAL KAHN: Your duty lies elsewhere, Princess. I need you to
enlist Queen Sheeva. Her support is critical, against both
Kronika and Shao Kahn.
Kitana seems none too happy at being ordered around.
KITANA: Surely you can--
KOTAL KAHN: --Queen Sheeva does not trust me. No Shokan has since
my bloody battle with Goro.
JADE: Sheeva's always respected your opinion more than anyone's.
When she hears you support Kotal, she'll join us.
Kitana narrows her eyes at her friend's words, but seemingly
takes the advice in. She turns to Kotal.
KITANA: If that is my duty, so be it.
KOTAL KAHN: Thank you, Princess.
Kotal walks up the steps of the temple and takes his leave. Once
he is out of earshot, Kitana angrily turns to Jade, who takes
it all in stride.
KITANA: Are you my friend or his consort?
JADE: It was my idea, Kitana. It's in your best interest. Succeed
with Sheeva and Kotal will pledge his loyalty to you. There's no
bond more sacred to an Osh-Tekk like him.
The scene cuts to the wastelands of Outworld, a barren desert
filled with nothing but rocks, sand and dead trees. A scouting
party mounted on some striped horses (all with exotic colours)
walks through the desert. Kotal and Jade travel on horseback
as well, Kotal on a steed with the same colour as his blue
war paint, while Jade travels on a brown horse the same colour
as her clothing.
JADE: I remember when we could ride like this alone.
KOTAL KAHN: My life has changed as Outworld's Kahn. Thankfully,
you have not.
JADE: You haven't changed much either, despite the years. You're
still the same noble warrior I met in Shao Kahn's court. And now
you're Kahn. I'm surprised no woman has claimed your bed and
become your queen.
A rare smile adorns Kotal's lips as he snorts in amusement.
KOTAL KAHN: Many have tried.
JADE: Yet they failed. Why?
KOTAL KAHN: None of them were you.
The scouting party continues on their trek through the desert.
They have now reached an area where unnatural looking
stalagmites reaching dozens of feet high are littered across
the landscape. The party draws to a halt and all the scouts
dismount, Kotal and Jade included. Jade looks to one side
and points her finger toward the ground.
JADE: There are fresh tracks leading into the Hive. If Shao Kahn's
in there, he'll be difficult to find. The tunnels are endless.
KOTAL KAHN: (To the scouts) Set fire to them. If he's hidden,
he will be smoked out.
Jade places a hand on Kotal's shoulder.
JADE: Kotal, we don't know who else is in th--
A sudden thundering in the ground below interrupts her. The
horses are immediately spooked by the noise and vibrations and
take off running in every direction away from them. Insect
creatures that somewhat resemble an Earthrealm spider (but
with their size increased to almost that of a human) emerge
from the ground. Kotal draws out his macuahitl blade as Jade
gets into a fighting stance.
One of the creatures lunges at Jade, grabbing her legs in its
mouth. Another tries for Kotal, but he slices his blade across
its face. The first creature begins to pull Jade away.
KOTAL KAHN: No!
Kotal turns to Jade and reaches his hand out, but the second
creature comes at him again. Kotal hastily swipes his blade
again in self-defense, this time cleaving the creature's head
in half. Jade, however, is pulled away screaming underground as
another creature comes at Kotal.
The creature now holds Jade fully in it's maw, scuttering across
the underground tunnel with breakneck speed. It emerges in the
same part of the Hive that Shao Kahn spoke with Kronika in,
although no one else appears to be present now.
As Jade struggles in the grasp of the insect, a more terrifying
presence jumps into the room with them - her revenant self. She
walks toward her younger self, who steels herself.
O. JADE: (To the insect) Hold her!
The insect tightens its grip. Revenant Jade lifts her polearm
into the air and brings it down hard. At the last moment, Jade
moves to the side and the staff crashes down on the insect's
head, killing it instantly. Jade flips to her feet and faces
down her undead self.
Y. JADE: By the Gods, it's true? This is what I become?!
O. JADE: Blame your loyalty to Kitana. It led directly to our
death.
Y. JADE: Then so be it. I would not trade Kitana's friendship for
anything.
O. JADE: It is pitiful you choose servitude.
Y. JADE: She and I fight side by side, against Shao Kahn. His
oppression cannot stand!
They fight. Both the old and young Jade are equals in speed,
agility and skill, but the revenant Jade holds back her assault,
not wishing to accidentally kill her younger self. This allows
the younger Jade to press her advantage, eventually defeating
her revenant after a fierce battle.
Y. JADE: When called for a higher purpose, we must ser--
A cry from above in the Osh-Tekk language interrupts Jade's
speech.
KOTAL KAHN: Ack-Na! Kot-tek-hah!
Jade backs up as Kotal falls into the Hive from an above entrance.
D'Vorah lands on her feet next to him. Kotal recovers quickly and
tries to stab D'Vorah with his sickles, but she dodges to one
side. Kotal rises to his feet and faces her down.
KOTAL KAHN: You will bleed for your betrayal, D'Vorah.
D'VORAH: This One acts only for the Hive's survival.
With a motion, her four stingers emerge from her back. She charges
and swings them at Kotal, who repeatedly fends them off with his
sickles. After several parries though, one of the stingers gets
through his defenses and impales him through his right shoulder.
Kotal sinks to his knees in pain as D'Vorah yanks the stinger
back out.
With Kotal weakened from the poison in her stingers, D'Vorah
walks up to him and caresses his face in her hands. Kotal
struggles as tiny maggots begin to emerge from D'Vorah's mouth
in the hundreds, covering his face. Kotal tries to scream, but
is unable to do more than gurgle as the maggots crawl over
and into his mouth.
Just as it looks to be the end for Kotal, D'Vorah ducks her
head backwards just in time to avoid Jade's razor-rang, which
circles around back into its owner's hand.
JADE: You'd best flee, D'Vorah. Kotal is mine.
They fight. There is no fighter in Outworld like D'Vorah, who's
speed, poison and control over insects is unmatched. But seeing
Kotal injured drives Jade into an aggressive fury that takes
the Kytinn by surprise. The Edenian warrior takes the fight
to D'Vorah and beats her to the ground.
With D'Vorah down, Jade points her staff downward and sticks it
in her throat.
JADE: Wish to survive? Tell us where to find Shao Kahn.
D'Vorah growls in anger, but her eyes show she has no fight left.
The scene cuts to three almost completely charred bodies, hung
from tree stumps. Kotal Kahn, Jade and the Outworld scouts are on
a cliff side, looking into the valley below.
KOTAL KAHN: Ghosts of my past. D'Vorah spoke the truth.
Below them are a multitude of large tents, all kept erect by
several large poles crammed upright. The tents are considerably
larger than the Tarkatans walking between them and encompass
the entire valley.
KOTAL KAHN: We are outnumbered.
JADE: Give me a few of your best soldiers. We'll infiltrate the
camp and search for Shao Kahn unseen.
KOTAL KAHN: What you propose is dangerous.
She smiles.
JADE: Of course it is.
The scene cuts to inside the Tarkatan war camp. A male Tarkatan
bites into the severed hand of a flayed body next to him, then
throws the hand away in disgust. As he picks up and tears into
a severed and flayed head next, Jade and five of the scouts sneak
past behind him. They pick up their pace into a run, and soon
hear voices before them speaking in the untranslated Tarkatan
language.
TARKATAN 1: Okot nara toka nit Ratash, oko nar?
They get into cover behind a tent. A group of five Tarkatans walk
into the main campsite area, deep in discussion.
TARKATAN 2: Nar hartak latah ratk.
The Tarkatans break into laughter. Jade peaks out from her cover
and notices they are walking away from their position.
TARKATAN 3: Alk Tarkata aka ha, Tetakh.
Jade and the scouts break cover and start running in the opposite
direction to the Tarkatans.
TARKATAN 1: No nakhut nay.
TARKATAN 3: Trakka tor no rakata.
As they run through the camp, a group of six Tarkatans walk out,
prompting Jade and the scouts to duck behind another tent.
TARKATAN 1: Kabak takar wak kakta kaht? Tak pakar rah batahat.
This group walks right next to the tent Jade and the scouts are
using for cover.
TARKATAN 2: Tor parkaht. Wak kaht nak Shao Kahn kolkat ha
trabakar.
TARKATAN 1: Wakt hakka turk. Wak rakata raynar Kotal khanak.
They walk on, none looking in Jade's direction.
TARKATAN 3: Nar oko papkhat.
As the group walks off, Jade motions to her scouts and breaks
cover. She turns, starts to run... and steps right into the path
of a female Tarkatan, who backs up in surprise and fear.
F. TARKATAN: Toh ha na? Taka ha na aki Tarkata? Nay... nay...
Trakka ti!
The female is terrified, and through her speech is untranslated
she has realised that Jade and her scouts are not allied with
the Tarkatans. The scouts reach for their swords to silence her,
but Jade holds her hand out.
JADE: No.
The female holds her hand out in surrender.
F. TARKATAN: Parkha...
Jade holds her hands up as well, trying to calm the female as she
approaches her.
JADE: It's all right. We won't harm you.
F. TARKATAN: Parkha nah... nay ti oto nokorta.
The female continues to edge backwards.
JADE: We're looking for Shao Kahn.
F. TARKATAN: Shao Kahn? Pakta ray Shao Kahn?
JADE: Please... we only need to--
The female backs up into two posts behind her. Suddenly, a nearby
male Tarkatan blows a war horn, sounding the alarm. Dozens more
Tarkatans begin running toward Jade and the scouts.
JADE: RUN!
She takes off, as do the scouts. On the cliff side, Kotal hears
the war horns sounding across the camp and realises Jade's cover
is blown. He looks to his remaining soldiers.
KOTAL KAHN: With me!
He jumps onto his horse, which rears up onto its hind legs. Kotal
remains in the saddle and tugs on its reins, making the horse
gallop off down the valley. Kotal's soldiers follow soon after on
their own mounts.
Back in the camp, Jade flees from three Tarkatans in hot pursuit.
The other scouts are nowhere to be seen. As she runs, two more
Tarkatans join the chase. Jade reaches a flight of steps and turns
about, swinging her staff and catching the nearest Tarkatan in the
side of his head, knocking him down. She follows with a swipe in
the other direction, knocking down the next Tarkatan after him,
then she swings her staff downwards and cracks a third Tarkatan
on the top of his skull, following through with a kick to his face
that sends him sprawling.
The fourth Tarkatan does not run blindly into her staff like the
others before him, instead leading with his arm-blades. Jade
dodges back and up the stairs, avoiding his swipes. She counters
with staff strikes to both of his knees, then an upward swing
right into his groin. She finishes with a strike to his head that
knocks him aside. The fifth Tarkatan charges immediately
afterward, but Jade sweeps his legs out from under him with her
staff and slams her staff into his midsection, incapacitating him.
As a sixth Tarkatan charges next, Jade retreats further up the
steps. She parries an arm-blade attack with her staff and bashes
the Tarkatan upside his head, knocking him off the steps, then
repeats the motion for a seventh immediately afterwards. An eighth
Tarkatan tries his luck next, but Jade stabs her staff straight
into his open maw and knocks him down.
Jade has now reached the top of the stairs she was climbing, and
it now becomes obvious that she has ascended into a meat carriage.
Dozens of human bodies with the skin flayed off their forms are
hanging from the low ceiling above her. Realising the Tarkatans
are going to keep coming for her, she turns around and makes her
way through the carriage. Another Tarkatan charges behind her,
swiping madly with his arm blades and carving through some bodies.
One of his swipes ends with him accidentally getting his blade
stuck in a body, and Jade takes advantage with a roundhouse kick
to his face, knocking him senseless. Jade looks in front of her to
see more bodies, these ones hanging from chains over a pit of hot
coals. She shoves a body into the face of another Tarkatan to
knock him down and runs toward the chains, leaping into the air
and grabbing the nearest to her.
With effortless grace, she swings to the next chain and catches
it, repeating the process for every next chain. As another
Tarkatan swings behind her, Jade grabs one of the hooks that ends
the chain and stabs the Tarkatan through the side of the head.
Immediately his body loses its grip and tears itself free of his
head, falling to the coals below and catching fire.
Another Tarkatan swings toward Jade, using the head of his fallen
comrade as a grip. Jade swings back in his direction and kicks
him in the face, sending him down to a fiery end. One more
Tarkatan swings toward Jade and leaps, managing to grab her left
leg. She kicks him off and he falls as well. Jade keeps swinging
across the chains, dragging one carrying a particularly large
corpse into the face of another pursuing Tarkatan, causing him
to fall into the coals as well.
Finally, Jade reaches the other side, pushing her way through more
flayed bodies. She jumps off the meat carriage and into an open
area of the war camp. Dozens of Tarkatans swarm in around her, and
she finally comes to a halt as she sees her exit is barred by none
other than the Naknada known as Kollector and even more Tarkatans.
Kollector smiles as Jade finds herself surrounded on all sides,
but she remains unfazed and addresses him directly.
JADE: All these years and still you exploit others to rise above
your station.
KOLLECTOR: I have risen TO my station, Jade.
Behind them, the Tarkatans roar and turn to another battle taking
place - Kotal Kahn and his soldiers have reached them. Kotal
stabs through a nearby Tarkatan with his gigantic sword, swipes
with a backhanded strike to send another flying, then cleaves
upward to catch another Tarktan, following through with a downward
swing that splits him in half from head to groin.
Kotal grabs another Tarkatan by the throat and lifts him off his
feet, using his sword to stab through a Tarkatan charging him
while doing so, and then killing another with a backward swipe.
He turns his attention back to the Tarkatan in his grasp and
crushes his windpipe, throwing him aside and stabbing through
two Tarkatans at once with his sword. One falls aside, but the
other is still alive on his blade. Kotal breaks into a run,
charging toward more foes with the still alive Tarkatan screaming
in terror next to him.
Kotal's charge takes him past Jade, who faces down Kollector.
KOLLECTOR: Before Shao Kahn raised me up, Outworlders despised the
Naknada. Now they fear us. Tell me that is not progress!
They fight. Kollector's unique physiology, his surprising strength
and his multitude of hidden weapons present a challenge that no
ordinary human could hope to prevail against. But Jade knows him
well, and her own speed, skill and experience allow her to slip
past his defenses and take the fight to him. After a fierce melee,
Jade leaves Kollector defeated on the ground.
JADE: Fear and respect are not equals.
Jade looks to Kotal, who is parading in front of the surviving
Tarkatans. He stops before the female Tarkatan who had
the misfortune of running into Jade earlier. Though she looks
down in fear and despair, Kotal Kahn has no pity for her. He
looks to his soldiers.
KOTAL KAHN: Line them up. Execute them.
He grabs the female by her upper arms and pulls her away from
her brethren. She cries out and tries to reach for a male
Tarkatan next to her (presumably her mate), who tries to reach
her back. Their arms fall short though, and Kotal's forces pull
apart other Tarkatans in a similar fashion. Jade observes all of
this with a growing horror.
With the Tarkatans lined up, Kotal walks behind a male Tarkatan
who is still standing and kicks him to his knees. A nearby
Outworld soldier wields a small macuahuitl and he brings it to
bear, ready to slice the Tarkatan's head off. Kotal stands
once more in front of the doomed Tarkatans and brings his hand
up. The female Tarkatan closes her eyes in terror as Kotal's
soldiers raise their blades... but Jade puts a hand on Kotal's
shoulder before he can bring his other hand down.
JADE: Kotal! This is cruel! Many didn't fight us. There are
children!
KOTAL KAHN: You forget; In my time, they joined Mileena in
rebellion against me!
JADE: These aren't the same Tarkatans, Kotal. A better Kahn
would offer them a warm hand, not cold steel.
They fight. With his sheer strength, magical powers and deadly
weapons, Kotal is a match for even Shao Kahn and would have had
little trouble taking on Jade... were it not for the fact that he
is in love with her. As such, he is taken aback when she
challenges him and does not bring his full strength to bear,
allowing Jade the chance she needs. Kotal's lover holds nothing
back and leaves him a beaten and unconscious mess on the floor.
JADE: Your heart has hardened, Kotal.
Both the Outworlders and Tarkatans seemingly stopped everything
to watch the fight, but the crowd begins to part for a newcomer
to the scene - Shao Kahn and his warguard. A couple of Outworlders
make a run for it, but most stand down, realising there is no
point in running. Upon spotting the former Emperor, Jade too
does not bother running nor fighting, merely looking at him
impassively. Shao Kahn looks down to the unconscious Kotal Kahn,
and though his face is obscured by the skull-mask he wears,
there is clear glee in his eyes at seeing his foe defeated.
The scene cuts to the chambers of the Elder Gods. Raiden teleports
in with a flash of lightning... but the chambers themselves are
abandoned and in ruin. The thrones that once housed the Elder Gods
are either empty, or in some cases outright destroyed. He looks
around with a clear expression of sorrow on his face.
RAIDEN: It is... too late.
CETRION: Blame yourself for the Elder Gods' deaths, Raiden.
Raiden looks around. Cetrion hovers toward the platform he is
standing on. She is no longer dozens of metres in height, nor
does she shine with a spectral hue. Instead, she is slightly
smaller in Raiden, having adopted the form of a woman as he
does a mortal man. Unlike Raiden though, Cetrion's skin shines
with a purple hue and her outfit appears to be a combination
of turquoise crystalline armour with an undergarment made out of
leaves.
CETRION: Your actions have irrevocably altered Kronika's balance
of light and dark. Shinnok's decapitation was the cap stone.
RAIDEN: You are a paragon of virtue. You should wish evil
vanquished!
CETRION: I abide my mother's will.
RAIDEN: You were begotten by Kronika.
CETRION: As was my brother, Shinnok. The darkness to my light.
She approaches Raiden and places her hand on his shoulder.
CETRION: Nature demands equilibrium. Balance is perfection. You
have stepped out of your role, made that balance impossible.
That's why the New Era holds no place for you.
RAIDEN: You will not succeed.
CETRION: Kotal Kahn is captured, Raiden.
She drops her hand to her side.
CETRION: The combined might of Outworld and the Netherrealm will
keep your forces at bay - while my mother finishes her work.
She turns to leave.
RAIDEN: Do not underestimate Earthrealm's warriors!
Without turning to look back at him, Cetrion levitates into the
sky.
CETRION: You are right to have been fond of these mortals. They
were good souls.
She floats away, leaving Raiden alone on the platform.
The scene cuts to the interior of the Special Forces base. A
training dummy's torso is on display. A large klaxon sounds in the
background, and a moment later a fireball shoots into the dummy,
exploding outward and completely destroying it.
From across the firing range, the younger Jax shoots two more
fireballs from his heated up arms, destroying another dummy. As
his arms cool down, he smiles at the effects of the cybernetics.
Jacqui stands a few feet behind him, holding a rifle of her own.
JAX: Man, these arms are an upgrade. It'll be payback time, next
time I see Ermac.
JACQUI: Oh, I made sure he got his.
She turns away from the firing range and puts the rifle down
while Jax flexes his new arms.
JAX: Hmm, I imagine "future me" is out kicking ass with these
right now.
Jacqui pauses at the mention of her father, and speaks without
looking back at Jax, taking off her ear protectors as Jax does
the same.
JACQUI: Cassie told you that "future you" spent time as a
revenant, yeah?
JAX: Sounded horrible. Can't imagine becoming Shinnok's puppet.
But she says I come back from it.
Jacqui now faces Jax with her arms crossed, clearly not at ease.
JACQUI: The experience haunted Dad. But then he-- you - met Mom.
She brought you back to life.
JAX: The love of a good woman? Like the sound of that.
JACQUI: She was Dad's everything. She died last year. Dad's stayed
on the farm. He feels safer there.
At these words, Jax looks just as troubled as Jacqui. He
contemplates them for a few moments.
The scene cuts to the command centre. Cassie is with Sonya, using
one of the holographic interfaces at a desk.
------------------------------------------
(3I) 6. WAR ON THE HOMEFRONT - JOHNNY CAGE
------------------------------------------
CASSIE: Here's how you access incoming reports. Swipe here to
crosscheck them with past reports. The software can suss out the
deltas.
SONYA: Now that's progress.
Cassie smiles and leaves her to it. Sonya pulls the chair she's
seated in closer and starts looking over the data. Across the
command centre, both of the Johnny Cages look over at her with
adoration, with Young Johnny flashing a cheesy smile. Sonya
briefly looks over at them, trying her hardest to smile back (as
non-flirtatiously as possible). Young Johnny leans over to his
older counterpart.
Y. JOHNNY: So... I marry Lieutenant Princess over there?
Old Johnny looks in her direction, also cracking a smile.
Y. JOHNNY: I always have had a thing for blondes. Ever since
Suzie--
The older Johnny catches the thought and speaks at the same
time as his younger self.
JOHNNYS: --Donardo. Junior year.
O. JOHNNY: Take it from me, heh, you didn't miss much.
He points over to Sonya.
O. JOHNNY: That woman over there? She's the real deal.
Young Johnny tilts down his sunglasses.
Y. JOHNNY: Oh, I got eyes, brother. As Younger You, I solemly
swear to tap that at the earliest opportunity.
His words instantly cause Old Johnny's smile to drop from his face.
Around them, the other soldiers in the command centre gasp and
look at Younger Johnny in disapproval. Sonya looks particularly
upset, while Cassie shoots a look of disgust in his direction. As
Old Johnny hangs his head in disbelief, Young Johnny turns to him.
Y. JOHNNY: What? It's our destiny!
Old Johnny stands up from his chair and grabs his younger self by
the ear, dragging him up amidst protests of pain.
O. JOHNNY: Out.
He forcibly drags Young Johnny out of the command centre.
SONYA: How the hell do I ever sleep with that guy?
She looks to Cassie, who walks over to her.
SONYA: Who's... your father. I can't believe I just said that.
CASSIE: Look, my dad isn't the Johnny you know. He... grew up. I
like to think you rubbed off on him. As a kid, I looked up to
both of you.
SONYA: My dad - your grandfather - was my hero. Called me Private
Pun'kin.
CASSIE: Huh. That's what you called me.
There's a moment of awkward silence between them.
CASSIE: We should get back to work.
Sonya nods and Cassie takes her leave. Sonya looks back to the
interface.
INTERFACE: Biometric verification required.
The interface scans her eyes.
INTERFACE: ID verified - General Sonya Blade.
SONYA: General Blade? Dad would be proud.
The screen brings up a picture of Sonya saluting in her combat
gear, alongside her biography (which lists her as deceased). Sonya
looks around for a moment, seeing that Cassie is currently in
discussions with a couple of her subordinates. She turns back to
the screen and begins to type in some commands.
The scene cuts to the Special Forces' hangar. Young Johnny is
walking away from his older self.
Y. JOHNNY: Untwist your panties, Older Me. I'm a star.
Old Johnny grabs his younger self by the shoulder and pulls him
back, getting in front of him at the same time and staring him
down.
O. JOHNNY: This is a military operation, not a movie set!
Y. JOHNNY: I'm only the best fighter here. But YOUR--
He prods his older self.
Y. JOHNNY: --daughter's got me sitting at the kids table.
Older Johnny slaps Young Johnny on the side of his head, causing
his sunglasses to dislodge. After a moment of shock, he hastens
to put them back on properly.
O. JOHNNY: OUR daughter is C.O. A little humility MIGHT earn her
respect!
Y. JOHNNY: Dad always said "Hungry people eat lunch, humble
people serve it."
Old Johnny prods Young Johnny in the chest.
O. JOHNNY: Dad was an asshole! Hollywood made us--
He removes his younger self's glasses and drops them on the
ground.
O. JOHNNY: --an even bigger one!
He then stomps them into bits. Undeterred, Young Johnny pulls out
another pair of sunglasses from the side of his pants and puts
them on his face. He smirks, and then jumps into a comically
over dramatic fighting stance.
Y. JOHNNY: Heee-yaaaaah!
Older Johnny shakes his head in disgust and assumes his own
stance.
They fight. One would assume that the younger Johnny would have
every advantage fighting an aged version of himself. But for all
of his speed, strength and skill, the older Johnny knows his every
move before he himself even pulls them off. Old Johnny is careful
not to even injure his younger self, but even with this handicap
he has no trouble taking him down. Within moments, Young Johnny
is kissing the tarmac.
O. JOHNNY: An old man just kicked your ass.
Young Johnny struggles back to his feet and dusts himself off.
As he begins to walk away, it's clear the beating has disconcerted
him, but he tries to maintain a false bravado nonetheless.
Y. JOHNNY: ...You got lucky.
The scene cuts back to the Special Forces command room. Sonya is
still seated at her desk, checking through the computer interface
for more information about her future self. She presses a link
on the screen, and an audio snippet from the earlier mission in
the Netherrealm begins to play. The screen displays a new
text box in bright red: "BODY NOT RECOVERED"
CASSIE: What?! I'm---
The audio clip is distorted, cutting out part of Cassie's earlier
statement.
CASSIE: --leaving you behind! --C'mon, move it!
Sonya instantly recoils in confusion and surprise at seemingly
hearing that her future daughter left her for dead. The growls of
the Netherrealm demons can be heard in the distorted background.
CASSIE: Let's go, let's go, move it!
SONYA: What...?
She gets up from her seat and storms over to Cassie.
SONYA: You left me behind?
CASSIE: Excuse me?!
SONYA: My final mission!
CASSIE: How did you--
She looks over to the screen Sonya was looking at, seeing the red
message for herself.
CASSIE: Shit.
Cassie begins to lose her composure.
CASSIE: No, I'm not doing this, not now, not with you!
She tries to turn away, but Sonya grabs her by the shoulder and
pulls her back.
SONYA: Dammit, Cassie! You abandoned me?
CASSIE: To save the company! That was my order!
SONYA: Who the hell gave you that order?!
CASSIE: YOU did.
At these words, Sonya looks away, doubt etched across her face.
CASSIE: Read the full report, Lieutenant.
Before she can say anything else, all the screens in the command
center turn red and an alarm begins to ring. An "ALERT" message
appears on several of the screens.
CASSIE: Go to Condition Red!
In the hangar, Special Forces soldiers begin running into
position, fully armed. Both Johnny Cages are also equipped with
assault rifles, running back into the base. Cassie's voice
echoes across the tannoy system.
CASSIE: We're under attack! Repeat, we're under attack!
Young Johnny hoists his rifle into the air one-armed like an
action hero, while Old Johnny keeps his pointed downwards like a
professional soldier.
Y. JOHNNY: Yippee-ki-yay, right?
He strides forward, but Old Johnny catches him by the shoulder.
O. JOHNNY: Follow my lead.
He brings his rifle to bear and steps forward, with his younger
self trying to imitate his motions as best he can. Before either
of them can get very far, a huge explosion rips through the
side door of the hanger. No one is killed in the blast, but
both Johnnys are thrown from their feet. As they look up,
they see Black Dragon mercenaries entering through the
blown open hole... and leading them is the younger Erron Black.
The scene cuts to another part of the Special Forces base. Three
lines of Cyber Lin Kuei cyborgs are standing in formation. Both
the younger and elder Kano stride through them, shoving any
cyborg in their path back into formation. They reach a large
door - the door to the command centre - and smirk in an identical
fashion.
Behind them strides Sektor, his cybernetic body now infused with
the same white and golden painted metal that his cyborg army wears
as well - the design of Kronika. The only reason Sektor is
recognisable is that parts of him still have the red paint job. He
also approaches the door and lifts his fist in its direction. A
red laser shoots out from an enclosed gun-turret embedded in his
forearm.
Back in the command centre, the Special Forces soldiers are
hastily constructing barricades with whatever boxes they have
lying around. Cassie briefly trades a tense look with Sonya,
neither woman saying anything. The soldiers around them bring
their rifles to bear as Sektor's laser continues to cut through
the steel door like a hot knife through butter.
Sonya narrows her eyes and Cassie nods her head. She brings her
dual pistols to a firing position and Sonya brings up her rifle at
the same time.
The scene cuts back to the hanger. Johnny and Johnny are in cover
behind a large tank, with Old Johnny ducked down behind the treads
and Young Johnny standing upright and making himself a bigger
target. They are trading fire with the Black Dragon mercenaries.
The Johnny's quickly find themselves outgunned due to the superior
numbers against them and they retreat, ducking behind the tank
and running across the hanger to find more cover.
As they run, time slows down and a bullet clips Young Johnny's
cheek, drawing a thin line of blood and knocking his glasses off
his head. As the Johnny's duck into cover behind a large jeep,
Old Johnny brings his hand to his cheek and looks at his younger
self. Old Johnny now bears the same wound that his younger self
has, though his is a faded scar.
O. JOHNNY: Oh, that's freaky like Friday.
Y. JOHNNY: They shot our face, Johnny.
Young Johnny looks like he's about to start crying.
Y. JOHNNY: They shot our FACE!
He pulls out a personal mirror to examine the wound... which is
instantly blown to pieces by a stray bullet. This serves to anger
him, and he picks up a nearby riot shield and storms out into
the open fray. Young Johnny roars in fury and fires his rifle
one-handed at the mercenaries... completely missing them due
to firing a two handed weapon with one hand.
O. JOHNNY: Ugh, he's gonna get us killed.
The older Johnny steps out of cover just as Erron Black and the
mercenaries begin to concentrate their fire on Young Johnny.
Erron's marksman rifle is blasted out of his hands by a shot
from Old Johnny, allowing his younger self to stride forward
with the shield in front, while Old Johnny steps in just behind
him.
Young Johnny proves to be as utterly incapable of shooting
straight as the mercenaries are at shooting at anything but the
shield he is holding up. But it soon becomes a moot point as
Young Johnny charges the mercenaries with the shield, plowing
into them and forcing them back. As he tackles them to the side,
Old Johnny faces off against Erron Black, having run out of
ammunition for his rifle.
O. JOHNNY: Ooh! Funny way of saying howdy, partner.
ERRON: I was saying goodbye.
O. JOHNNY: Now why's a nice Texas boy like Erron Black in bed with
the Black Dragon? Older You works for Kotal Kahn. He's one of the
good guys, kinda.
ERRON: When I pick sides, I pick a winner. Every time.
They fight. Even without a gun by his side, Johnny Cage is still
far from defenseless, and his energy powers and martial arts
wizardry are more than a match for the gunslinging Erron Black.
After a fierce scuffle, the outlaw is left down on the ground by
Johnny.
O. JOHNNY: You chose... poorly.
Johnny runs off. The scene cuts to the Special Forces command
centre. The steel door that served as the entrance has been
sheared off at the top by Sektor's laser, and the bloodied bodies
of both the Special Forces and the Cyber Lin Kuei are strewn
around the interior. Old Johnny runs into the centre, with Jax and
Jacqui behind him.
JOHNNY: Cassie! Sonya!
He spots his daughter lying on her back and rushes to check on
her. Miraculously, Cassie is only unconscious (and not even
bleeding at that) and quickly wakes up when her father helps her
to a seated position.
JOHNNY: Breathe, kiddo.
Cassie takes a few breaths in, gathering her bearings.
CASSIE: They took Mom-- Sonya.
JOHNNY: I'll get her.
Cassie tries to say more, but her eyes roll backward and she
almost passes out. She manages to stay conscious only by an
immense show of willpower. With Cassie in no condition to issue
orders, Johnny looks back to Jacqui.
JOHNNY: Can we find out where they've gone?
Jacqui moves over to one of the interface screens, quickly logging
in. Within moments she has what she needs.
JACQUI: Tarmac B.
JOHNNY: On it. Keep her safe.
He gently lets Cassie down onto her back, then stands back up and
departs the command centre. The scene cuts to Johnny sprinting
down a corridor, having acquired another rifle from somewhere. He
dashes past a steel door, but then backpedals to it and takes a
look through its window.
JOHNNY: Ohhh...
Chuckling to himself, Johnny pushes the door open and enters the
hangar that it leads to.
The scene cuts to the desert landscape outside of the base. Sonya
struggles as two Cyber Lin Kuei grip her arms on either side, but
is unable to break free. Sektor approaches her.
SEKTOR: Take her.
As the cyborgs drag Sonya backward, a large explosion rips through
the base behind them. What is left of the cyborg army turns to the
gigantic hole that has been blasted through part of the wall. As
the smoke gradually clears... a gigantic tank, piloted by Johnny,
emerges from the base, crushing two cyborgs under its mass. A
third is caught under the treads and squished into a bloody paste.
As two more cyborgs are flattened under the tank, Sektor shoots
out two of his chest missiles. They hit the tank just under its
main gun, but barely cause any damage. Inside the tank, Johnny
laughs at the ineffective barrage and rides toward Sektor, who
teleports out of the way just before he is crushed.
Noting the teleport, Johnny brings the tank around and spots
Sektor making a run for it. He smiles as he notices Sektor running
toward the edge of a cliff. With nowhere else to run to, Sektor
turns around... just as a black jet fighter suddenly appears from
the canyon behind him. At this, Johnny's eyes widen and he brings
the tank to a stop.
Sektor activates the boosts on his feet and jumps up to the side
of the jet's cockpit. As he does so, the fighter unleashes two of
its missiles straight at Johnny's tank.
Gasping in fear, Johnny desperately tries to put the tank into
reverse, but he only succeeds in turning it slightly as the
missiles rain home. They target the leftmost treads of the tank,
blowing the tank upward into the air briefly and letting it slam
down hard. While the tank remains upright, the targeted treads
have snapped in two from the impact.
The jet fighter arcs off into the air and swings around for a
finishing barrage. Johnny emerges from the tank with a satchel
charge, just in time to spot the jet coming for him. His face
narrows in determination.
The jet fighter lets loose with a barrage from its gatling gun.
While it strikes the ground a fair distance from the tank, it is
clear that this is a strafing attack and the jet moves ever closer
to the tank, the gunfire never letting up. Johnny chucks the
satchel charge back into the tank's interior and jumps off,
narrowly avoiding some bullets. He sprints off and brings a
detonator to bear as the jet fighter closes in.
JOHNNY: Two can play that game!
As the jet flies over the tank, Johnny presses down on the
detonator. The satchel charge explodes, and with it the tank as
well. More importantly, the jet fighter is also caught in the
blast and catches fire in several places. Sektor jumps from the
smoking wreck and lands back down near the base as the jet crashes
offscreen somewhere in the mountain and explodes.
Sonya was not able to escape the cyborgs during all of that
anarchy and she is still being restrained by two of them. Sektor
relays instructions to the cyborgs while never taking his
optics off the approaching Johnny.
SEKTOR: Send another extraction vehicle.
Johnny finishes his long walk over to Sektor, Sonya and the
cyborgs.
JOHNNY: You won't be online long enough for your friends to make
it, tinhead.
Sonya again struggles against the cyborgs, managing to wrench one
arm free, but she is quickly restrained once again. The cyborgs
drag her to one side as Sektor faces down Johnny.
SEKTOR: Johnny Cage. Cyrax defeated you when you were younger and
stronger. As I am his superior, I am yours.
JOHNNY: You're forgetting the time I beat Shinnok, mano-a-mano.
Oh, wait! You were dead when that happened.
They fight. For all of the advantages Sektor has as a cyborg -
his weapons, augmentations and gadgets - Johnny Cage matches and
surpasses them with his fighting skill and powers. The struggle
is brief, and Sektor is soon lying deactivated out on the ground.
JOHNNY: Go back to the nineties.
Behind him, Sonya cries out as she tries to break free of the
cyborgs restraining her. Johnny turns around to face them.
JOHNNY: Who's next?
The cyborgs remain where they are. A new voice cuts in from
behind Johnny.
KANO: I'm next, Hollywood.
The young Kano points an assault rifle directly at Johnny.
Undeterred, Cage runs straight at him and time slows down as
he does so. Kano shoots the gun, but Johnny slides into his
signature splits and the bullet flies overhead, mere centimetres
from his face.
In slow motion, Johnny clenches his fist and brings it back for
a swing. Kano looks down with an expression of mounting horror
as Johnny finishes the splits and slams his fist straight into
Kano's genitals. The effect is immediate - Kano drops the gun
and doubles over in pain.
Johnny gets back to his feet as time resumes its normal length.
Kano remains doubled over, clutching his crotch and wincing in
agony.
JOHNNY: Shit. As if Throwback Me wasn't bad enough.
Kano finally recovers enough to stand upright.
KANO: Oh, it gets bloody worse. Sonya and your little girl...
they're gonna die. Right in front of your face.
They fight. Kano remains a dirty and dangerous fighter as ever,
with his cybernetic upgrades and numerous knives. But Johnny has
beaten him before and knows his tricks, and helped by the anger
he feels at Kano's words, he has no trouble overpowering and
defeating the Australian thug once again.
JOHNNY: No one threatens my family.
He walks over to Kano and stomps on his head, pinning him down.
Behind him, more cyborgs have emerged from the base, but Johnny
ignores them for now, focusing on putting an end to Kano. But
before he can finish him off, a bullet suddenly punches through
the kneecap of his right leg, knocking him to the ground.
JOHNNY: Oh! Motherf...
His curse peters out as he spots the older Kano approaching him
with a captured hostage - his younger self. Old Johnny clutches
at his knee while Old Kano keeps a pistol pointed at Young Johnny.
O. KANO: Well, well. Got ourselves a full on generation swap here.
Old Johnny looks over as Cassie, Jacqui and Young Jax walk out
of the base, Cassie and Jacqui both carrying assault rifles.
As they approach, Old Kano forces Young Johnny onto his knees
and aims the pistol at the back of his head, forcing them to
stop.
O. KANO: Don't think so. Between Ninja Mime and Lady Liberty,
we've got all the leverage. We're leaving.
The two Johnnys say nothing, but both look at Old Kano with
joint contempt. Three transport planes fly overhead, landing
on the ground nearby. Old Kano pulls Young Johnny to his feet
and guides him toward the aircraft. The two cyborgs restraining
Sonya also walk her in the same direction.
From out of the aircraft, two more ninjas emerge with a man not
seen before in this timeline. Wearing a biker jacket and desert
coloured trousers, he does not like the burn victim he will
become in later years. Old Kano addresses him directly.
O. KANO: Kabal. Go get my lesser half.
KABAL: And the base?
Old Kano pulls out a detonator.
O. KANO: Taken care of.
He presses the trigger. Behind them, Sektor - who has since
recovered - suddenly stands rigid and begins beeping. Cassie, Jax
and Jacqui watch in silence as the Cyber Lin Kuei walk toward the
aircraft, along with Old Kano, Young Johnny and Sonya, still
vainly struggling against her captors.
Once Old Kano is out of sight, Cassie and Jax immediately run over
to Old Johnny to help him up, while Kabal pulls Young Kano to his
feet and walks him toward the aircraft alongside the last of the
cyborgs.
Once Kabal and Young Kano are on board as well, the jets begin to
take off. Once she is sure they are not facing her, Cassie sprints
toward them. Jacqui runs after her, while Jax is left holding
Johnny up.
JACQUI: Cassie! Don't!
Ignoring her friend, Cassie runs full pelt at the departing
aircraft, but soon finds that she is about to run off the cliff
edge. She grinds to a halt just before she would have fallen
off, then raises her pistol and fires at the last aircraft.
Rather than a bullet, she fires out a tracking device that
attaches to the jet. As Jacqui, Jax and Johnny make their way
over to her, Cassie holsters her pistol and pulls out her tablet.
The screen shows an icon of an airplane, along with the word
"TRACKING" and the probable destination of the plane - Russia.
She looks into the distance with determination.
CASSIE: Let's go get them.
In the silence following the departure of the planes, a beeping
noise now echoes through the air.
JOHNNY: Anyone else hear that beeping?
They look behind them. Sektor is still standing rigid, with
electricity sparking off him. It quickly becomes apparent to all
of them that he is about to explode. Thankfully, Raiden teleports
into the clearing with a flash of lightning.
RAIDEN: Have I arrived too late?
JOHNNY: You're back in the nick of time!
He motions toward Sektor, who is now screaming in agony as his
cybernetic body is wracked with electric sparks. Raiden
immediately spreads his arms outward and generates a shield of
electricity around himself, Johnny, Jax, Cassie and Jacqui,
teleporting them away just moments before Sektor finally
detonates, the explosion completely wiping out the Special Forces
base behind them.
The scene cuts to a luscious garden in the mountains of Japan,
adorned with white trees with blood red leaves. Raiden's
teleporting shield brings them all into the centre of the garden.
Inside one of the huts, Hanzo Hasashi is deep in meditation. He
opens his eyes as the flash of lightning finishes.
He walks out of the hut to find Raiden, Cassie, Jax, Johnny and
Jacqui before him.
JAX: Now that's what I call a miracle.
CASSIE: Yeah, Raiden. Thanks.
As Hanzo approaches, Raiden faces him and puts his hands together
in a respectful salute.
RAIDEN: Grandmaster Hasashi, I humbly request the Shirai Ryu's
hospitality. My Sky Temple has been compromised. There is no
safer place for us to gather.
Hanzo inclines his head in a bowing motion.
SCORPION: Lord Raiden. Welcome to the Fire Garden.
The scene cuts to a later time in the day. Raiden stands on a
bridge overlooking a small pond, with Cassie, Liu Kang, Kung Lao,
Jax, Jacqui, Scorpion, Sub-Zero and Johnny (now standing with
the help of a crutch) facing him.
CASSIE: The Elder Gods are gone? Shinnok is Kronika's son? No
wonder she sent the Black Dragon after me and Dad. We both kicked
his ass.
RAIDEN: It is not vengeance that drives Kronika. She restarts
history to balance light and dark among the realms.
LIU KANG: What can we do, Lord Raiden?
RAIDEN: Gather Earthrealm's forces. But that effort will be for
naught if Kotal Kahn's armies cannot join us. Cetrion informed me
that Shao Kahn has captured Kotal Kahn. We must spare no effort to
free him.
LIU KANG: Kung Lao and I will go. We will rendezvous with Princess
Kitana.
RAIDEN: Thank you both. May the Elder Gods prote--
He stops himself, remembering that the Elder Gods are now no more.
RAIDEN: ...May you return victorious.
The scene cuts to the inside of the Shokan palace in Outworld.
Kitana stands before Queen Sheeva, who is seated on a giant throne
that seems a bit small for her.
SHEEVA: You are passionate, Princess Kitana. But... I am not
persuaded.
KITANA: Queen Sheeva, haven't your people fared better under Kotal
Kahn than Shao Kahn?
------------------------------
(3J) 7. COMING OF AGE - KITANA
------------------------------
SHEEVA: In some ways. But we can only guess which Kahn will
prevail in this struggle. We gain no advantage, choosing sides
now.
As she talks, two Shokan guards escort Liu Kang and Kung Lao
into the throne room.
LIU KANG: Princess!
Kitana turns to face him.
KITANA: Liu Kang? Why are you here?
LIU KANG: Kotal Kahn has been captured by the Tarkatans. We must
act quickly, before he is executed.
Upon hearing this news, Sheeva rises from her seat.
SHEEVA: My people will not rally to a Kahn held in chains.
Kitana motions to the Shaolin Monks.
KITANA: We have Earthrealm's support, your Highness. With yours,
we can guarantee victory.
SHEEVA: There is no path to victory without the Tarkatans. If they
can be swayed to Kotal Kahn, it would be to our advantage to join
him.
KITANA: I will return, Queen Sheeva, with the Tarkatans at my
side. Together we will march on Shao Kahn.
The scene cuts to a Tarkatan campsite. Kollector, flanked by two
Tarkatans, walks past a prisoner cart. The Tarkatans are dragging
the unconscious body of Kotal Kahn behind them by his feet. The
cart is opened up and the Tarkatans unceremoniously dump Kotal in
the back. The door slams shut as Kotal wakes up and pulls himself
up to his feet.
Next to another cart full of prisoners, Shao Kahn stands with
Skarlet. They both watch two more Tarkatans dragging a struggling
Jade into a nearby tent and start walking to the tent themselves.
SHAO KAHN: What is it about Jade's blood that intrigues you,
Skarlet?
SKARLET: Edenian blood is most sweet, your Excellency. It is also
a rare commodity.
Behind them, the carts of prisoners begin to ride off. Shao Kahn
stops and turns back to the carts as Skarlet walks into the tent.
The scene cuts to a cliff overseeing the Tarkatan camp. Kitana,
Liu Kang and Kung Lao step to the edge, alongside some Outworld
horses and a couple of Kotal's scouts. They look out across the
camp, easily spotting the large procession of Shao Kahn's forces
and the prisoner carts they escort.
LIU KANG: Where are they taking him?
KITANA: To the Koliseum, no doubt.
KUNG LAO: Then we attack now.
KITANA: We'll never sway Baraka to Kotal's side by taking the
offensive. We must turn Baraka first, then attack Shao Kahn
together.
Below them, the cart with Kotal loaded in it leaves the
campsite.
KUNG LAO: The Tarkatans won't grant an audience. Their instinct
will be to attack.
LIU KANG: Not to mention Jade. At the first sign of trouble,
they could kill her.
Behind Kitana and the monks, the Outworld scouts saddle up
on their mounts.
KITANA: I have an idea.
The scene cuts to the Tarkatan camp. A male warrior sharpens his
arm blade on a grindstone. Another flexes his blades as a human
would with his arms. Another mounts an Outworld steed. Many more
stand guard wielding pikes, ready for trouble. One suddenly
turns his head and snarls. Two Outworld soldiers - both male with
well toned physiques and wearing face concealing masks - escort
a captured Kitana through the campsite.
SOLDIER 1: Who is in charge here?
They proceed to walk through the camp unmolested, though the
Tarkatans tail them suspiciously.
Inside the tent seen earlier, Skarlet holds both her hands
against Jade's face.
SKARLET: Almost done. Then time to feast.
The tent pulsates with the blood magic she is performing. Jade
begins to scream in agony. Her eyes turn bloodshot and the
veins in her face ripple against her skin. As Jade moans in
agony while Skarlet violates her with blood magic, the Outworld
soldiers bring Kitana into the tent. Upon seeing the princess,
Skarlet stops her ritual and Jade falls unconscious to the floor.
SKARLET: Princess Kitana?
SOLDIER 1: Our gift for Shao Kahn. We wish to join his fight
against Kotal.
Skarlet seductively walks over to her.
SKARLET: All those years, the Kahn's high and mighty daughter. Now
brought low by common soldiers. Have you learned, finally, that
you're no better than the rest of us?
She leans in to place her hands on Kitana's face, but the first
soldier pushes her back.
SOLDIER 1: She is for Shao Kahn. We demand to see Baraka.
SKARLET: You won't be seeing anyone... Liu Kang.
She backs up and points in his direction, addressing the
Tarkatans around her. She speaks in the Tarkatan language, but
this time the speech is translated for the audience.
SKARLET: Nor arka! [Grab them!]
The Tarkatans growl in rage. Realising the plan is blown,
Kung Lao plants his fist into the gut of the nearest Tarkatan
and drops him with a punch to his neck. He dodges a stabbing
lunge from another Tarkatan and throws him to the ground.
Liu Kang knocks out a charging Tarkatan with a three punch
combo, while Kitana draws her fan blades and stabs at Skarlet,
who dodges and blocks the strikes. Skarlet brings out her knife
but gets tagged with a roundhouse kick to the face. She staggers
and flees from the tent, with Kitana in hot persuit.
After running a short distance, Skarlet turns around and swipes
at Kitana with her knife, but the princess jumps over her and
rolls to her feet, bringing her fans into a fighting stance.
A warhorn sounds around the camp behind them.
SKARLET: You betrayed your father, Kitana!
KITANA: I was Shao Kahn's 'daughter' by conquest. He stole Edenia
from its rightful ruler, the father I never knew!
SKARLET: Because your people, and your bloodline, were weak.
They fight. Skarlet's blood magic proves to be a difficult
challenge for Kitana to overcome, as she lacks the same prowess.
But she more than makes up for it with her agility and fighting
skill, and she takes the battle to Skarlet, eventually leaving the
assassin down and out.
KITANA: There is more to power than conquest, Skarlet.
Just at that moment, Liu Kang, Kung Lao and Jade walk up to
Kitana, with Jade being helped along by Lao.
KUNG LAO: As requested, zero casualties.
KITANA: Jade, are you alright? We must find Baraka quickly to save
Kotal.
JADE: Baraka won't join us. Kotal's hate for the Tarkatans runs
too deep. If I hadn't stopped him, Kotal would've executed them
all.
Another voice cuts into the discussion.
BARAKA: Yes... Kotal has made his intentions plain.
Baraka walks into the campsite area, and he is not alone - over
thirty more Tarkatans are with him. Liu Kang, Kung Lao and Jade
all get into fighting stances as they approach, but Kitana holds
up a hand in peace.
KITANA: Baraka, please listen. No more Tarkatans need to die.
BARAKA: Kotal Kahn threatens all Tarkatans. In the New Era,
Shao Kahn will rule.
They fight. As the leader of the Tarkatans, Baraka is the
strongest, fastest and most savage of his race - all advantages
he presses against Kitana. But for all of his strength, the
princess of Edenia outclasses him in speed and skill. Playing to
her own advantages, Kitana manages to take control of the battle
and Baraka is eventually left on his knees, defeated.
KITANA: Here me, Baraka. I speak truth.
Behind them, Liu Kang, Kung Lao and Jade continue to fight against
the Tarkatan horde, though most merely stand to one side and watch
the fighting. Baraka remains on his knees.
KITANA: Jade, Liu Kang, Kung Lao. Stand down!
Kitana's words give all three pause for a moment, but when more
Tarkatans charge them they are forced to strike back.
BARAKA: Khut! Nar kombat trakka! [Hold! Cease your kombat!]
At the command of their warchief, the Tarkatans finally stand down.
Baraka rises back to his feet and addresses Kitana.
BARAKA: Speak. You've earned the chance.
KITANA: Shao Kahn has pitted Outworld's peoples against one
another for millennia. And for what? The honour of dying in his
wars? We must fight for each other, Baraka, not with each other.
BARAKA: Kotal wants us dead. He said as much to my face.
KITANA: Aid us, and I'll make sure you sit at Kotal's table.
She turns away from him.
KITANA: Which do you prefer, Baraka? To be Shao Kahn's slave? Or
Kotal Kahn's trusted ally?
Baraka ponders her words for a moment as she turns back to him.
BARAKA: No one has ever made Tarkatans such an offer. But these
are your words, not his.
KITANA: Help me save Kotal Kahn. We'll ask him together.
BARAKA: He offers less, I'll slit his throat.
KITANA: If he offers less, Baraka, I'll help you.
The scene cuts to the Koliseum. Kotal Kahn is imprisoned in the
center of the stadium in a stock. He struggles within it, but
cannot even move a muscle. Shao Kahn stands next to him (with
Kollector slightly behind), addressing the crowd.
SHAO KAHN: You've suffered too long at this pretender's hands. But
I've returned, and I will save you from his madness!
The crowd - only caring about seeing a good show - cheers his
words. Shao Kahn magically summons his warhammer into his hands.
SHAO KAHN: Only I can rebuild the empire. All realms will tremble
before me! Outworld will again be conquerors, never the conquered!
The crowd begins to chant Shao Kahn's name, increasing in
intensity. He roars in triumph as they cheer in excitement. Shao
walks over to Kotal, preparing his warhammer to crush Kotal's
head into paste. But before he can properly begin his swing, a
loud banging resounds throughout the Koliseum.
Shao Kahn's soldiers walk over to the main doors of the stadium.
Though they are barred, the doors vibrate as the banging
continues. The soldiers draw their weapons as the bars on the
doors begin to splint and break. Finally, we see the other side
of the doors; six Outworld soldiers hold a battering ram and
slam it into the door, breaking it open.
Behind them, numerous other soldiers, Tarkatans and Shokan - as
well as Kitana, Jade, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Sheeva, Baraka and even
the older Erron Black - raise their hands and cheer. Taken aback,
Shao Kahn's soldiers back up as the new arrivals stride into the
Koliseum. The crowd also falls into a shocked silence as Kitana
faces down her adopted father.
SHAO KAHN: Where's this boldness been hiding, Kitana? Had you
shown it before, I'd have had no need for Mileena.
Kitana slowly walks toward him.
KITANA: My 'sister' was an unholy monster. Exactly like you,
'father'.
As soon as she is within striking range, Kitana pulls out her
bladed fans and lunges at Shao Kahn, who backpedals just in time
to avoid being vertically sliced down his chest. He dodges
several more swipes and parries one with his warhammer, swinging
it back at her. Kitana dodges two of his strikes, then attacks him
again with the fans, forcing him to parry them.
The rest of the soldiers have now started fighting. In the midst
of this, Jade quietly picks the lock of the stock holding Kotal.
Kitana finally lands a stab into Shao Kahn's kidney, sending the
Outworld Emperor down to one knee. She readies her fans for a
killing blow, but Kollector charges in on her flank. She dodges
his clumsy swipe and slashes him across the chest with her fan,
drawing blood. He backs off for a moment, clutching his chest,
then he snarls at her.
KOLLECTOR: Ungrateful shrew. Born to privilege which you throw
away.
KITANA: Who are you to judge me?
KOLLECTOR: You have not known cold or hunger. If you had, you
would value the gifts Shao Kahn gave you.
They fight. Kollector fights with utter viciousness and with all
the magic and every weapon he can pull out of his backpack. Kitana
though has thousands of years of kombat experience and manages to
find a counter to his every move. The fight is fierce, but she
eventually manages to leave the Naknada down and defeated.
Around them, the crowd cheer on the mass fighting.
KITANA: Be grateful you still breathe.
Across the Koliseum, Shao Kahn power walks through the fighting
soldiers, shoving several out of his way, but Kotal Kahn - though
barely able to stand upright - pursues him. As Shao turns around,
Kotal throws some sand into his face and tackles him, hoisting him
up onto his shoulder. Kotal charges Shao into one of the
Koliseum's walls, with the impact being so strong that several
onlookers in the stands above fall down to the arena floor.
The rest of the crowd cheers on the carnage as Kotal grapples
Shao in a bearhug. Shao headbutts Kotal to stun him, and then
forces his arms down between Kotal's, pushing out with enough
strength to break the bearhug. Shao Kahn then hoists Kotal up in a
bearhug of his own. Kotal tries to grab onto his helmet, but Shao
clinches the hold, causing the weakened Kotal to lose his grip.
Shao then lets go of the bearhug and lifts Kotal onto his
shoulders, hooking Kotal's right arm and leg under his arms.
Kotal struggles but is unable to break free of the backbreaker
rack that Shao has him caught in. As Kotal growls in vain, Shao
laughs in response, lifts Kotal as high as he can and slams his
spine against his back. A sickening crack can be heard as Kotal
falls limp. Jade watches this with clear horror on her face.
JADE: KOTAL!
Shao Kahn throws Kotal Kahn to the ground and summons his
warhammer. He brings it over his head for a killing blow... and
takes a slash across the chest from Kitana's bladed fan, sending
him staggering backwards. Kitana faces him in a fighting stance.
KITANA: Surrender or face the consequences!
SHAO KAHN: Surrender, on the brink of victory? You're as feeble
minded as Jerrod.
KITANA: KING Jerrod. The father you murdered and stole me from!
SHAO KAHN: I wanted Jerrod's wife, not his heir. I kept you only
to appease your mother. Do not expect mercy this time.
They fight. The battle proves to be the most difficult of Kitana's
life. Shao Kahn's strength, magic power and fighting experience
all greatly surpass hers, with only her speed and agility
outshining his. But Kitana refuses to let the man who killed her
father dictate her life any longer. With all the heart and
determination she can muster, Kitana dodges his attacks while
landing surgical strikes of her own, and after an epic melee,
she stands victorious over Shao Kahn.
KITANA: I'll not inherit your cruelty.
As Shao Kahn tries to rise, she blasts him in the face with a
roundhouse kick, knocking him onto his back. She strides over
to him and rips his mask off his face, throwing it aside. For
the first time in her life, Kitana looks down on the face
of the warlord who has both ruled and ruined her, and she
readies her fans.
Shao Kahn stares back at her, snarling and defiant. As it turns
out, his face doesn't look dissimilar from a regular human,
though his curved nose, orange glowing eyes and sharpened teeth
stand out, as does the lack of hair.
But whatever Shao Kahn is, it ultimately does not matter to
Kitana. She brings her bladed fan down and across his face and
throat, slashing them open. The crowd recoils in horror as Shao
cries out in agony, and around them all the soldiers stop
fighting to take in the spectacle.
KUNG LAO: She did it!
LIU KANG: Of course she did.
Kitana looms over Shao Kahn's body for a few moments, but it
remains unmoving. Satisfied that he is dead, Kitana walks over to
Kotal and Jade. Kotal is leaned against one of the pillars,
breathing heavily, and Jade is feeling his legs, which are
unresponsive.
JADE: Do you feel anything?
KOTAL KAHN: Shao Kahn... has crippled me. Left me defenseless.
Jade leans in close to Kotal.
JADE: Not while I am by your side.
KOTAL KAHN: You would... have me? Even with my hardened heart?
JADE: I know your heart.
She places her hand on his chest.
JADE: It can change.
Kotal places his own hand on hers, a rare smile crossing his face.
Kitana walks over and bows to him.
KITANA: It is over, Kotal Kahn. The throne is secure.
KOTAL KAHN: Thank you.
Behind Kitana, Baraka and Sheeva walk up to the Emperor.
KOTAL KAHN: Baraka, Sheeva. I have not served your peoples well.
Yet, still you aided me. I will not forget.
BARAKA: We don't need charity. We will share in Outworld's rule.
KOTAL KAHN: That is up to her now.
He points toward Kitana, who looks confused at his words.
KITANA: What?
KOTAL KAHN: The throne is yours. You have united Outworld...
Kitana Kahn.
Across from them, Kung Lao lightly slaps Liu Kang on the chest.
KUNG LAO: She's now officially out of your league.
Kitana looks back at Kotal and Jade, the latter of whom has a huge
smile on her face.
KITANA: I am humbled, Kotal.
She looks up and addresses the entire Koliseum.
KITANA: From this day on, may all our peoples fight together as
one.
Across the stadium, the united members of Outworld - human,
Tarkatan and Shokan - all cheer in response.
RAIDEN: The news from Outworld is indeed hopeful.
The scene cuts to the Fire Gardens. Raiden stands on the porch
of one of the houses, addressing Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Cassie,
Jacqui and Jax, as well as Liu Kang and Kung Lao, who have
returned from Outworld.
RAIDEN: But the location of Kronika's Keep remains a mystery. It
is beyond the realms and has proven to be beyond my sight.
SCORPION: Do you know of Kharon, Raiden?
SUB-ZERO: Kharon, of course.
RAIDEN: Who is Kharon?
SCORPION: Master of the ancient ship of the dead. Sub-Zero and I
met him during our time as revenants.
SUB-ZERO: He travels in the space beyond realms, transporting
damned souls to the Netherrealm.
SCORPION: If the Keep lies there, Kharon may know its location.
RAIDEN: Would he help us?
SCORPION: It is possible, but I cannot be sure.
RAIDEN: I urge you both to investigate.
Hanzo raises his fists to his chest and Sub-Zero clasps his hands
together, both of them saluting Raiden.
SCORPION: We will leave immediately.
As they walk off, Cassie addresses Raiden.
CASSIE: Locking down Outworld's army is huge. But still, I'd feel
better if we had more manpower.
RAIDEN: The Shaolin will join us. Liu Kang and Kung Lao travel now
to aid the monks' preparations.
Liu Kang raises a straightened palm to his chest, while Kung Lao
clasps his hands together in salutes of their own.
CASSIE: Good. I'll be leaving soon to go after Johnny and Sonya.
JAX: I'll go too.
JACQUI: We're both going.
CASSIE: No. Raiden needs you for an intel op.
JAX: We need to get Sonya back.
RAIDEN: Undoubtedly. But Kronika's behaviour makes it clear that
while mighty, she is not all-powerful. Otherwise why would she
attempt to steal Jinsei?
JACQUI: Think maybe she's still building strength?
RAIDEN: A distinct probability.
JAX: Then what's her next move?
RAIDEN: With the Dragon Grotto's Jinsei fountain sealed, there is
no greater energy source in Earthrealm than the Well of Souls
beneath Shang Tsung's island.
JACQUI: Then we'd better go check it out.
She and Jax (who is now smoking a cigar) walk off. Raiden looks
to Cassie.
RAIDEN: I regret that I cannot join you. I must keep vigil for
signs of Kronika's further tampering with time.
CASSIE: We all have our duty.
RAIDEN: I am told you defeated Shinnok, Cassandra Cage. You will
defeat the likes of Kano. But proceed with caution. If either
Johnny or Sonya die, you will cease to exist. It will be beyond my
power to save you.
Cassie says nothing, contemplating his words.
The scene cuts to darkness. A rabid crowd can be heard cheering.
We see from the perspective of someone as their eyes slowly open
to take in the sights of the crowd, separated by a large steel
cage, admist a dingy looking bar with purple lighting.
--------------------------------
(3K) 8. FIGHT CLUB - SONYA BLADE
--------------------------------
In the center of the cage - filled with broken bottles, used bed
mattresses and other assorted junk - Sonya sits up and tries to
get her bearings. A voice chimes in over the loudspeakers:
Y. KANO: Rise and shine, Sonya.
Sonya gets back to her feet. She looks down at her arms and finds
that she's no longer wearing her wrist gauntlets.
SONYA: Wha...?
Y. KANO: Yeah, you won't be needing that stuff, love.
She looks up to the top of the cage, which is covered by patches
of razorwire. Both Young and Old Kano look down at her from a
makeshift stage.
Y. KANO: One thing we Black Dragon know, there's no fun in a fair
fight.
A heavy door opens offscreen and a newcomer makes their way
through the crowd, who all step away from them. The newcomer is
Kabal - the unburnt young Kabal from another timeline. He looks
up to the stage that both Kano's are on.
KABAL: So Sonya's the skank who burns me?
O. KANO: Oh, she more than burns you, Kabal. She goes black-ops on
your arse. Shocks, knives, the bloody works. Patched you back
together meself. Well, most of you.
Kabal's eyes narrow in anger and he clenches his fists in rage.
KABAL: She's dead.
The crowd around him start cheering encouragement. Young Kano
looks over to his older self.
Y. KANO: Miss Law and Order really does that to him?
O. KANO: Nah. But now he's motivated.
Both Kano's smirk in an identical fashion. Below them, two Black
Dragon goons open the cage door. Upon spotting the open door,
Sonya immediately turns and makes a run for it, but she is
bowled over as Kabal charges her with his super speed. Evidently,
whichever timeline this Kabal is from, he had the speed even
before being burned by Kintaro and healed by Shang Tsung's magic.
Sonya picks herself up as Kabal slides to a halt in front of her.
KABAL: Hope you're ready for some pre-emptive vengeance.
SONYA: What the hell are you talking about, Kabal?
KABAL: You, torturing me to get dirt on the Black Dragon.
They fight. Augmented with Black Dragon technology and weapons,
this version of Kabal is no less deadly then his revenant
counterpart, and Sonya is at a further disadvantage without
her wrist gauntlets. But she still has years of Special Forces
training and fighting experience, and Sonya calls on everything
she's learned to take the fight back to Kabal. After a brutal
exchange, she finally leaves the Black Dragon lackey down and
out.
SONYA: Don't believe every rumour you hear.
She looks out toward the crowd around her.
SONYA: I'm done entertaining you clowns!
She turns toward both the Kano's overlooking her.
SONYA: Get in here, you cowards!
Across the bar, two more goons drag in a semi-conscious person.
Y. KANO: Tempting, love. But we think our next contender is a
beaut.
Sonya looks over to the cage door and to the person the goons
are dragging in. She recognises him immediately.
SONYA: Shit.
The door is opened and the goons chuck the young Johnny Cage
into the arena, to the cheers of the crowd around them. Sonya
immediately runs past Johnny and through the open door, but
she is quickly grabbed by the goons and shoved back into the
cage. They slam the door on her again, and despite her best
efforts she is unable to force it open. She then turns back
to the badly beaten Johnny and helps him to his feet.
SONYA: I won't fight him!
The crowd starts booing. Bottles of beer are thrown at the
cage and shatter into pieces.
Y. KANO: You'll damn sure fight, or you'll both die!
SONYA: Cut the shit! You'll kill us whether we fight or not!
Y. KANO: Ah, you caught me, love. But put on a good show, eh?
It'll be less painful.
Now standing on his own, Johnny tries to assume a fighting
stance. It becomes quite clear that he's doing all he can to
even remain upright.
JOHNNY: C'mon. You've been dyin' to hit me all day. Here's your
chance.
SONYA: And give them the satisfaction of watching us fight? Like
hell.
JOHNNY: You said it: they'll kill us whether we fight or not.
Fighting buys us time to find a way out. So... quit being a diva
and hit me!
Reluctantly, Sonya assumes a fighting stance. Young Kano lightly
punches his older self in glee and anticipation. After some
hesitation, Sonya cocks her right fist and punches Johnny square
on the nose, drawing blood. The crowd roar in delight as Johnny
tries to get his bearings.
Sonya then delivers a barrage of punches to Johnny's ribs, and
Cage is so battered that he can't even block the strikes.
Nonetheless, he remains standing from the assault.
SONYA: Take a dive!
JOHNNY: No way. These people know a dive when they see one.
Grimacing to herself, Sonya winds up for another punch. Before
she can hit Johnny again though, a garage door to the bar is
blown open with a massive explosion, throwing aside the two
guards standing next to it. As Sonya stops, Johnny finally falls
to his knees.
Cassie charges into the Black Dragon bar, firing her dual pistols.
Behind her, a Special Forces squadron charge in as well, firing
their assault rifles in much the same manner. Two Black Dragon
goons try to return fire but they are cut down by Cassie's bullets.
Two more close in but Cassie leaps into the air and knocks them
both aside with a mid-air split kick. She lands on her feet,
raises her pistols to either side and shoots two more thugs
through the head.
Cassie shoots another goon with a perfect headshot, shoots a
female goon in the leg, then as she goes down to one knee, Cassie
steps onto her shoulder and springs off, perforating the goon's
back with bullets as she lands. A male thug tries to put a pistol
to Cassie's head, but she blocks his arm with her own, then shoots
another nearby thug through the head. She turns back to the thug
who tried to shoot her and blows the brains out of another
charging goon by firing a shot over his shoulder.
The thug pulls out a knife and tries to stab Cassie with his
free hand, but Cassie smacks her pistol into the side of his head.
He drops the knife and Cassie jumps onto him, locking her legs
around his waist and rolling backwards. The resulting flip ends
with the thug on his back and Cassie on top of him. Cassie turns
around and shoots both a charging female and male goon through the
head, before standing up and running further into the bar, flanked
by her fellow squad members. She and they open fire on the crowd
before them.
Back in the cage, Sonya helps Johnny back to his feet. On the
stage, Young Kano angrily motions with his head to a third
person standing with them - the young Erron Black. Erron steps
down from the stage, ignoring the fighting between the Black
Dragon thugs and the Special Forces. Both Kanos remain where
they are, both now wearing equal looks of contempt and anger.
The cage was padlocked by the thugs shortly after Johnny was
thrown into the cage. Both Sonya and Johnny kick at the door,
but it doesn't budge.
SONYA: Three... two...
Before she can say "One", the padlock is shot off by Erron.
Both Sonya and Johnny backpedal as the masked gunman opens the
cage. Johnny bravely steps in front of Sonya to face Erron down,
who promptly draws his pistol and shoots Johnny through the
arm. He recoils in pain, but charges in with a punch before
Sonya can stop him. Black easily dodges the punch and he clubs
Johnny in the back of his head with his pistol, knocking him out.
Erron pulls out his other pistol and aims directly at Johnny's
head, but in doing so he turns his back to Sonya, who punches
his facemask before he can fire. Black turns back to her
and fires off his pistols, but Sonya rolls backwards to dodge the
shots. She rolls to her feet and dodges some more bullets with
a jumping corkscrew pirouette.
Sonya cartwheels toward Erron, avoiding his shots, and tags him
with a jumping roundhouse kick that staggers Black for a moment.
ERRON: Now ain't this a thrill. Bagging the legendary Sonya Blade.
They fight. Without her weapons, Sonya remains at the
disadvantage, but she is by no means helpless in a close quarters
battle. In his arrogance, Erron Black manages to underestimate the
fighting skill of the Special Forces lieutenant and Sonya uses
that to her advantage. The fight is intense, but eventually Sonya
manages to prevail against the Texas cowboy.
CASSIE: Lieutenant!
Sonya turns around and spots Cassie running toward the cage. A
Black Dragon thug charges in and swings his fist at her, but
Cassie ducks his attack, punches him in the face and bowls him
over with a roundhouse kick. She pushes the cage door open and
walks up to Sonya.
CASSIE: (Looking at Johnny) He needs a med evac. We're gonna have
to fight our way out to the rendezvous.
She hands over a pair of wrist gauntlets.
CASSIE: You'll need these.
As Sonya takes the gauntlets and reattaches them to her wrists,
Cassie walks up to Johnny and helps him along through the chaos
of the fight club. Johnny limps along as best as he can, though
every step is clear agony for him. Sonya, Cassie and another
Special Forces soldier move alongside him. As they reach the fight
club entrance, Cassie hands Johnny over to Sonya and draws her
dual pistols. She fires directly ahead and to her sides, taking
down Black Dragon thugs before her.
The soldier to her left suddenly catches a hail of gunfire,
screaming in pain as the bullets rip through his armour and
vital organs. As he falls, Cassie guns down the goons who killed
him with precision shots.
Cassie, Johnny and Sonya step out of the club into a construction
site covered in derelict structures and vehicles. Snow has fallen
recently and it covers the ground beneath them in patches. As
they run through the site, Cassie turns around and shoots even
more charging thugs dead with pistol fire.
As Sonya and Johnny take cover behind a nearby truck, Cassie
finishes gunning down the last remaining Black Dragon goons. Just
then, the older Kano emerges from the fight club... carrying a
minigun.
O. KANO: Where do you think you're going?
Cassie gasps and sprints for cover, just narrowly avoiding a
barrage of gunfire that would have torn her into shreds. She
ducks behind the truck that Sonya stands behind, while Johnny
is seated next to them, far too wounded to do much of anything
else. The truck is thankfully bulletproof, providing sufficient
cover against the deadly hail of minigun fire.
Kano stops the barrage after a moment. Cassie tenses, readying
herself to step out and shoot Kano dead, but unbeknownst to her
Kano activates an advanced X-Ray vision display using his
cybernetic eye, allowing him to see Cassie from behind the truck.
He winds up the minigun and fires again just as Cassie emerges.
The resultant barrage tags her in the right arm before she
can get a shot off and knocks her off her feet.
Sonya grabs her before Kano can finish the job and drags her
behind the truck, next to Johnny. With Cassie out of commission
and Kano stepping ever closer to the truck, Sonya looks at her
wrist gauntlets and activates them.
CASSIE: No! It's too dangerous!
Sonya looks back at her future daughter and says nothing,
focusing her mind to the task at hand. Kano has now reached
the other side of the truck, and he stops firing the minigun
for a moment. He slowly approaches where Cassie and Johnny
are hiding, but doesn't notice that Sonya has climbed the
truck and is looking down at him from the roof.
He suddenly looks upward and spots her, but as he raises
the minigun Sonya shoots off a sonic blast from her gauntlets,
striking the firing mechanism of the gun and rendering it
useless. As Kano steps back and drops the minigun, Sonya
launches herself off the truck and tags him in the chest with
a diving kick. She lands fully on Kano and rolls into a
crouching stance.
Kano picks himself up quickly and throws a knife at her. Sonya
moves her head in the nick of time and the knife buries itself
into a steel pole just inches away from her face. Kano breaks
into a run and Sonya chases after him, but just as she is
about to catch up, the younger Kano catches her in the side
with a running knee, knocking her head over heels to the ground.
She picks herself up as the two Kanos approach her, each one
smirking in the same cocky fashion as each other.
Y. KANO: Best thing about this future, love? I'm alive, but you're
dead as a doornail.
O. KANO: Worst thing is, it's those Netherrealm stiffs did you in.
Shoulda been me.
Y. KANO: Let's have ourselves a do-over.
All three of them charge at each other. Sonya strikes the younger
Kano in the chest with a running knee of her own, sending him
sprawling into older Kano. As the older Kano falls flat on his
back, young Kano rushes in with punches, but Sonya parries them
and lands a punch to his face, following through by kicking him
in the stomach and hip-tossing him to the ground.
Old Kano recovers and punches Sonya in the face immediately
afterward, but she blocks his follow up strikes and punches
him back, following that with a leg sweep which he jumps over.
As old Kano lands, Sonya blasts him in the face with a roundhouse
kick that knocks him down.
Young Kano then leaps at her, brandishing dual knives in his
hands. Sonya catches him in the face with a sidekick as he lands,
knocking him flat on his back, and follows it up with an ax kick
that crunches into his abdomen. Behind her, Old Kano reels in pain
from the strike as well.
Sensing this, Sonya kicks Young Kano in the abdomen again, causing
Old Kano to double over in pain. He roars in anger and fires a
laser blast from his cybernetic eye. Sonya dodges the laser with
a jumping corkscrew pirouette and launches herself at Old Kano in
the same motion, blasting him in the head with a flying roundhouse
kick. The blow sends Old Kano to the ground, unconscious.
Sonya turns back toward Young Kano, who spits contemptuously to
side and stands ready to fight.
SONYA: You might be alive in this future, but that can change.
They fight. Kano has the initial advantage over Sonya, what with
her fighting for her life just moments earlier against uneven
odds. But for all of his dirty tricks and fighting prowess, Kano
never had the warrior discipline that Sonya had installed with her
throughout her tenure in the Special Forces. Though the battle is
intense, Sonya manages to outfight, outmaneuver and outwit her
longtime nemesis and leave him down and out one more time.
SONYA: Let me give you a break.
She walks over to Kano and places her boot on his throat, readying
herself to stomp it into mush.
O. KANO: Now this is a pickle.
Sonya turns around. Old Kano has Johnny Cage in a chokehold and
holds one of his bowie knifes across his ribs.
O. KANO: Can ya break his neck faster than I can gut Pretty Boy?
Don't forget, it's two-for-one. He dies, so does your little girl!
At his word, Sonya looks down at the younger Kano... and smirks.
SONYA: Thanks, Kano.
O. KANO: For what?
SONYA: For reminding me of the rules.
Without hesitation, she pulls out her service pistol from its
holster and shoots Young Kano through his remaining eye, blowing
a bloodied hole clear through his head. Immediately following
this, Old Kano drops Johnny from his grasp and walks off to the
side, gasping in pain. He turns back toward Sonya... and shows
the same gaping wound in his face that his younger self now
sports.
Young Kano remains face up in the snow, dead as a doornail. Old
Kano gasps one last time and is suddenly engulfed in a timestorm
of sand. Much like Dark Raiden before him, Old Kano dissolves
into dust and is removed from existence, with nothing but a
cloud of sand to denote the occasion.
The scene cuts to the same location, some time later. Special
Forces soldiers patrol the area, and Cassie is sitting in the
back of an armoured carrier, her shoulder wound being treated by
a medic. In front of them, Sonya patches up Johnny's arm.
JOHNNY: Sweet move. I'm totally stealing that one for Timequake.
Sonya smiles and pats him on the back of his shoulder. She turns
and walks away, but Johnny - looking more sincere than he ever
has done - calls out to her.
JOHNNY: How about... dinner sometime?
She stops, smirking to herself, and turns back to him.
JOHNNY: Y'know, to thank you for saving my life? And, er...
apologize for being, well, me. No pressure. No romance...
SONYA: Patience is a virtue, Cage.
They both smile and look to Cassie, who returns the smile...
right until she spots something on the other side of the area.
Catching her gaze, Sonya and Johnny turn around to where she's
looking... a nearby watchtower. An unidentified person has
just grabbed a Special Forces soldier and hoisted him over his
head.
SOLDIER: No... no... nooo!
SONYA: What is that?
As they turn, the soldier is thrown from the watchtower and
lands in a messy heap before them. The man who threw him leaps
into the air and crashes down in a three point stance.
It is Geras.
Immediately, six Special Forces soldiers open fire on him with
their assault rifles. Geras strides toward them, his body
bleeding with every bullet that hits him but doing no damage to
him regardless. He lashes out with a haymaker strike that
decapitates the nearest soldier, then he sweeps the legs of the
next soldier with his fist, punches him in the chest and stomps
his head into the ground so hard that it is turned into mush.
Geras picks up a pole from the ground and impales a soldier
straight through the chest with it, killing him as well. The
fourth soldier smashes Geras in the face with the butt of his
rifle, and Geras responds with a backhand that breaks his nose.
With the soldier stunned, Geras takes his head in both his hands
and squeezes, crushing the poor man's skull until it explodes.
Geras knocks down the fifth soldier with a left hook and
approaches the last man, who has run out of ammunition. He pulls
out a knife and slashes at Geras, drawing blood with every strike
he manages, but Geras doesn't react to any of it. As the soldier
tries a stab, Geras takes the blade in his shoulder but grabs the
soldier by his head and punches him in the face twice in
succession, knocking him down. Geras strides over to the soldier
and places his hands over his face. With the view obscured by
Geras' body, we do not see exactly what he does to the final
soldier... but we do see the large pool of blood that forms
around his twitching, and eventually unmoving body.
Johnny and Sonya watch all of this with a mounting horror.
JOHNNY: (To Sonya) Who's the special guest villain?
SONYA: Geras, Kronika's goon. Allegedly, he can't be killed.
Johnny starts to walk over to him.
JOHNNY: I fought a dude like that in Fatal Infinity...
He flexes his right arm, but immediately doubles over in pain.
Sonya strides past him.
SONYA: (To the medic) Get him evac'ed. I'll keep this thing
occupied.
As the medic takes Johnny back to the carrier, Sonya rushes up
to Geras, who lands on the ground before her.
GERAS: Sonya Blade. Mother of Cassie Cage.
SONYA: Yeah, what of it?
GERAS: Cassie Cage defeated Shinnok, son of Kronika. I am his
mother's vengeance.
They fight. The battle proves to be the most difficult of
Sonya's life. For all of her fighting ability, gadgets and
training, it does not matter against a construct that cannot be
killed. Every one of Sonya's attacks is shrugged off by Kronika's
minion. But she refuses to give up, and with a last desperate
assault she manages to floor Geras for a moment.
SONYA: Stay away from my daughter.
As Geras picks himself up again, Sonya hears the sound of an
approaching vehicle and dives off to the side. Geras is not so
quick and is impaled through the abdomen by a forklift being
piloted by Cassie. The forklift slams into a large crate,
pinning Geras against it.
CASSIE: Try coming back from this.
She pulls the pins from two grenades and throws them at Geras'
feet. Upon spotting them, Geras merely groans in resignation.
The grenades explode, consuming Geras and the forklift in the
resulting fireball. Cassie is almost blown off her feet but
is caught by Sonya.
SONYA: You okay?
CASSIE: I'll be fine. I come from tough stock.
SONYA: Listen. What I said back at the base, about the mission...
it wasn't fair. You're a damn fine soldier. I'm so proud, I can
almost picture myself dating Johnny.
She winks at her.
SONYA: Almost.
CASSIE: I wish I could go back. Do our last mission over.
SONYA: It wasn't easy, finding out how I die-- or, could die. But
I re-read the file. You followed orders. Saved your squad. I'm
just glad my sacrifice saved Earthrealm... and you.
Cassie says nothing, but she is clearly grateful for what Sonya is
saying.
SONYA: Besides, you heard Raiden. Things'll never go back to what
they were.
She places her hands on Cassie's shoulders.
SONYA: We all have to "choose our destiny".
She pulls her future daughter into an emotional hug. Around them,
the congealed blood pools - all that remains of Geras - begin to
form together in one location. Sonya and Cassie pull out of their
hug when they spot the show before them.
SONYA: Liu Kang and Kung Lao weren't kidding about this guy.
CASSIE: All squads withdraw! Evac, now!
They and the rest of the Special Forces begin to evacuate.
The scene cuts to the inside of Kronika's Keep. Kronika continues
to manipulate her hourglass while the revenant Liu Kang stands
guard. She peers into the depths of the glass and seemingly
deduces the events that have just taken place.
KRONIKA: Geras failed. When he returns, I will strengthen him
further for the final battle.
Liu Kang approaches her. Even without looking at him, Kronika
senses that he has something to say.
KRONIKA: Speak your mind.
LIU KANG: We've lost Shao Kahn, his Outworld army and now the
Black Dragon.
KRONIKA: While Raiden's allies have burned precious time fighting
Kano and Shao Kahn, our most important work has continued,
uninterrupted, on Shang Tsung's island.
LIU KANG: That island is in ruins. What could possibly--
KRONIKA: Timecraft requires an abundance of raw temporal energy.
Every mortal soul contains a lifetime of this power. Every hour,
every minute, every second lived, is stored within.
LIU KANG: Shang Tsung fed off souls. He collected them.
KRONIKA: In his Well of Souls which remains, untouched, beneath
his island. A destiny I crafted for Shang Tsung, in case I ever
had need.
At these words, Liu Kang smirks and bows before her.
KRONIKA: Shang Tsung's souls will... be mine.
The scene cuts to a navy ship, plowing its way through foggy
waters.
------------------------------------------
(3L) 9. ALL IN THE FAMILY - JACQUI AND JAX
------------------------------------------
The camera pans round to the boat's bow, where Jax walks up to
Jacqui, who is looking out to the horizon.
JAX: How's the view?
JACQUI: No sign yet of the mystical barrier you mentioned.
JAX: Oh, you'll know it when it comes.
He places his hands on the side railing of the boat, also looking
to the distance.
JACQUI: How you feeling?
JAX: For the first time in a while, in control. I got tossed into
the deep end of this world of gods and monsters. But now, knowing
my future, I feel like I've finally come up for air. Those bad
things that happened to me... I mean, what will happen to me? Like
Raiden said, it's gonna be different.
He looks to Jacqui.
JAX: Isn't this gonna be good news?
Jacqui looks almost crushed at his words.
JACQUI: The things that happened to my dad. That trauma he
suffered? It's why my parents met. They fell in love while he was
in recovery.
She turns away and walks across the ship's bow.
JACQUI: If they don't happen, you and Mom may not meet. I may
never be born.
Jax walks up to her.
JAX: Jacqui, I-I can't pretend I get all this cosmic time
stuff...
He places his hand on her shoulder.
JAX: ...but I do know you are here for a reason. You're not just
some random accident.
She looks back at him, uncertainty still etched on her face.
JACQUI: I hope so.
The camera pans away from them and back out to the ship's
exterior. On the far horizon, an island surrounded by what appears
to be a green mist is visible.
A cutback to Jax and Jacqui shows the boat approaching the mist.
Derelict ships lay broken against the rocks they smashed upon,
their sails rotted and almost gone. Gigantic stone statues of
samurai warriors are submerged up to their necks in the waters of
the sea.
The navy ship passes by all of this, with Jax and Jacqui
looking overhead as the ship pass under a decaying entrance way.
They both look ahead of them, taking in the sight of the iconic
Mortal Kombat dragon symbol - depicted here as a weathered and
crumbling gigantic metallic statue.
JACQUI: Shang Tsung's island!
JAX: Here we go again.
The scene cuts to the entrance to the warrior's shrine. Jax and
Jacqui walk in alone, taking in the decay before them. There
is no roof to speak off, and the concrete pillars that held it
up are broken and decaying. The statues of warriors past and
present show varying signs of disrepair. There are no sounds
or signs of life, save from the howls of the wind.
Jax and Jacqui pass through the shrine into a passage leading
into the courtyard. While there is a roof here, it is worn and
rotting, with only a colony of sleeping bats being the only
living beings present.
As they approach the end of the passage, they pause to gaze upon
the grisly sight of 5 corpses hanging from the rafters. The
corpses are Shaolin monks, hanged by their necks. Their skin is
horrifically decayed, but has not yet completely rotted away,
leaving their eyes intact but a dull yellow-gray in colour.
Jax and Jacqui walk out into the courtyard itself. Like the rest
of the island, it is barren and devoid of life.
JAX: When I was here for the tournament, there were people
everywhere.
He looks to a line of Shaolin monks, rotted away to skeletons
wearing torn clothing.
JAX: These guys looked a lot younger. Seems like only yesterday...
Jacqui pulls out a PDA on her hip and starts to examine it.
JACQUI: Guess after Shang Tsung died, this place did, too.
Her PDA (acting as some form of mobile radar) shows no signs of
life on its scans.
JACQUI: Nobody's home. So much for needing stealth. Should've
brought the whole squad.
JAX: Kinda hoping Raiden's wrong about the Well of Souls. I don't
wanna be here longer than we--
He is interrupted by a warning beep on Jacqui's PDA. She glances
down at it.
JACQUI: Multiple contacts!
Jax gets himself into a fighting stance.
JAX: How many?
Jacqui checks the PDA. There are two square icons (one yellow, one
red) that flicker constantly at varying points across the
interface.
JACQUI: Two! But one of 'em's circling us real fast!
As she says this, a purple blur of light speeds around them both,
knocking the PDA from Jacqui's hands. The blur continues to move
around them in a circle, boxing them in. After a few moments,
Jax hurls his arm out directly into the blur, catching it with
a clothesline and hurling it into the air. The figure - now
clearly visible as the revenant Kabal - rights himself in
mid-air and lands in a kneeling position, sliding to a halt.
As Kabal stands up, the revenant Jade walks in behind Jax
and Jacqui.
KABAL: Kronika knew Raiden would send someone here.
-----
[PLAYER CHOOSES JAX]
Jax walks toward Kabal.
JAX: Give me ten seconds with this guy.
KABAL: Jax Briggs. We were partners under Quan Chi's command.
You'll join me again.
JAX: Got the wrong Jax. I haven't been a revenant. And I never
will.
They fight. With his unnatural speed and skill with hookswords,
Kabal is a tough opponent to take down, but Jax's metal arms
prove to be a fantastic defense against both. Plowing through
Kabal's fury, Jax manages to overpower and defeat the revenant.
JAX: Times are changing, Kabal.
Jax turns around at the sound of fighting. As he does, Jade
strikes Jacqui with a sidekick that sends her sprawling. She
rolls over multiple times and back to her feet, just in time
for Jax to catch her.
[PLAYER CHOOSES JACQUI]
JACQUI: I'll take the speed freak.
She approaches Kabal.
JACQUI: We buried you in the Netherrealm. You a glutton for
punishment?
KABAL: It's only you and me, this time. There's no castle to
bury me under.
JACQUI: Think that hurt? You have no idea.
They fight. With a speed enhanced by magic and a troublesome
weapon in the hookswords he wields, Kabal would be a frightening
encounter against an ordinary human. But Jacqui has the best
tech from the Special Forces at her disposal, which includes the
exoskeleton that she wears as armour. Combined with her fighting
ability, this proves more than enough to take down the revenant
Black Dragon.
JACQUI: I'm guessing that hurt worse.
Jacqui turns around at the sound of fighting. As she does, Jade
strikes Jax with a sidekick that knocks him flying. He rolls once
and forces himself onto one knee, sliding to a halt next to
Jacqui. She helps him to his feet.
-----
Jade approaches the two of them and slams her staff into the
ground. She picks it up and twirls it over her head, roaring out
as green energy cascades in a circle above her. She once again
slams the staff into the ground, and the green energy pulses
from it in shockwaves into the surrounding area.
JADE: Rise in Shinnok's name!
The energy reaches the hanging corpses from earlier, which
suddenly revive and start freeing themselves from the ropes they
are hanging from. One corpse's flesh is so rotted that it
decapitates itself before it can free its neck, but this does not
inhibit the rest of the body from standing up along with the
others.
The Shaolin zombies, along with others from the surrounding area,
approach Jax and Jacqui, growling at them with vocal cords long
rotted away and surround them in a semi-circle. Jade also walks up
to them.
JADE: You'll not disturb Kronika's work.
JACQUI: Disturb? Try "ending".
JAX: You're done messing with the Well of Souls!
JADE: You're not as strong as you think, Jax. As I recall, Sindel
made quick work of you.
-----
[PLAYER CHOOSES JAX]
JAX: I'll take the lady in green.
As he says these words, a Shaolin zombie charges at Jacqui,
striking her thrice in the face. She catches a fourth strike,
lands two face punches of her own, then a gut strike and finishes
with a leg kick that sweeps the zombie off its feet.
Another zombie charges in, but Jacqui punches it in the chest
before it can land a blow. She elbows it in the throat and puts it
in a reverse headlock, just as a third charges in. Jacqui raises
her foot and kicks the third zombie so hard that her leg goes
straight through its chest, destroying its torso in a shower of
blood.
As the zombie collapses, Jacqui knocks the zombie she's holding
to the ground with a heart punch. Another Shaolin zombie tries
to kick her, but she parries the blow and punches it across
the face. She tries two more punches, but the zombie blocks
these and counters with a palm strike to her solar plexus,
following through with an uppercut that staggers her.
As the zombie tries to land another punch, Jacqui grabs its arm
and punches it in the chest. She follows through by shooting the
zombie with her arm-mounted gun, blowing a hole through its chest.
Another zombie kicks at her, but Jacqui blocks the blow and
perforates it with several point blank shots from her guns.
Another zombie strikes her across the face, but Jacqui blocks
a series of punches from it and lands one of her own. She turns
to find yet another zombie leaping down at her, but she grabs its
outstretched hand and judo-throws it to the ground. She unleashes
a barrage from her guns, utterly pulping the reanimated corpse.
While this takes place, Jax approaches Jade.
JAX: Was a time when you knew who to fight for. But between Quan
Chi and Kronika, your mind ain't right.
JADE: I joined Raiden against Shao Kahn. He led me to my doom. Now
Raiden leads you there, too.
They fight. For all of Jade's speed and skill, Jax has beaten her
before, back when he didn't have cybernetic arms. Now with his
new upgrades, the battle is tipped even further in his favour.
It's not long before Jade is down and out by his feet.
JAX: I'll take my chances with Raiden.
[PLAYER CHOOSES JACQUI]
JACQUI: I've got Kitana's BFF.
As she walks towards Jade, a Shaolin zombie closes on Jax. He
parries two jabs and a sidekick but gets kicked in the chest by
another zombie. A third leaps into the air in slow motion with
a flying strike, but as time kicks back to normal Jax uppercuts
it, smashing its head into bloody pulps.
Jax catches a high kick from another zombie and heaves it over
his head by its leg, slamming it into another zombie charging in.
He parries a chop from a fifth zombie, ducks and weaves two more
chops, then punches it in the kidney and drops it with two hooks
to its face, causing it to spew blood.
Another two zombies try to attack Jax at the same time, but he
blocks their strikes with his metal arms, grabbing one when it
tries to kick him. He kicks out the zombies other leg, causing it
to fall. Another zombie tries to attack him with the other one
still standing, but Jax blocks their strikes and stuns them both
with simultaneous punches to their spines. He then grabs them
by their heads and smashes them together, instantly turning
them into a shower of blood.
Jax drops the now headless corpses to the ground and dusts off
his arms. Meanwhile, Jade and Jacqui approach one another.
JACQUI: I hear past you deserves respect. But this version?
Not so much.
JADE: Spare me your pity, Earthrealmer.
They fight. Despite the revenant Jade possessing great speed and
skill of her younger counterpart, Jacqui has faced her before
and beaten her. The outcome does not differ here, and soon the
revenant is laying unconscious at Jacqui's feet.
JACQUI: Pity's all I got for you.
-----
With Jade and the reanimated Shaolin down, Jax and Jacqui regroup
together.
JACQUI: Enough dancing with the dead. Raiden said this Well of
Souls would be underground.
Jax points off to one side.
JAX: This way.
They walk over to a large set of doors leading out of the
courtyard. Jax shoves them aside with little difficulty, thanks
to his metal arms.
The scene cuts to an underground cave, lit up by torch lights.
Jax and Jacqui walk through cautiously, checking around them for
any more surprises. As they walk through the cave, Jax crushes a
human skull underneath his foot, then stops for a moment at one
of the torches, using it to light a cigar. Jacqui looks a bit
nonplussed at his nonchalance, but decides not to comment on it.
JACQUI: This is Goro's Lair?
JAX: Thankfully minus Goro. Shang Tsung kept me locked up here,
back at my first tournament. Never thought I'd be back...
She places a hand on his shoulder.
JACQUI: Remember where a Well of Souls might be?
JAX: Couldn't tell you. I was pretty beat up. It's all a bit hazy.
They proceed through the cave, eventually coming out into a
large underground throne room. Dead oni and skulls of long
deceased monsters litter the ground, and they pass the corpse
of a long dead Shokan seated on his throne. But as Jax and Jacqui
do so, they come face to face with what appears to be a swirling
tornado made up of soul energy, hovering over a large well.
JACQUI: I'm guessing this is it.
Jax takes a puff from his cigar, looking at an object that is in
the center of the soulnado.
JAX: That crown. Five bucks says it's Kronika's.
JACQUI: It's drawing souls from the well.
Jacqui is correct in her observation; the souls from the soulnado
are all being dragged into the crown.
JAX: There's no way that thing's unguarded. Let's grab-and-go
before whoever's on duty gets back.
NOOB: I never left.
From behind a nearby pillar emerges the Netherrealm wraith known
as Noob Saibot. He enters a fighting stance. Jax and Jacqui
respond by aiming their weapons - a service pistol for Jax,
and an arm-gun for Jacqui - and opening fire. Noob disappears
in a flash of magic and appears to the right of Jacqui
in the form of a shadow. She and Jax fire again but the bullets go
straight through the apparition, ricocheting off the cave walls.
Several more shadow forms of Noob Saibot appear around them,
leaving the two surrounded on all sides. They stand back to back,
waiting for the shadows to make a move. One suddenly roars and
charges them, and they fire immediately. This time their bullets
manage to dissipate the shadow into thin air and they immediately
shoot two more shadows into nothingness.
Doing so, however, leaves them open for two more shadows to
attack. Jax and Jacqui parry their strikes and throw them to the
ground, dissipating them as well. Another two shadows attack, but
Jax fells one with a flurry of body blows and a spinning back kick
to the chest, while Jacqui fends off the other behind him.
Another shadow rushes Jax and lands a punch across his face, but
Jax blocks its next blow, ducks a strike and lands a counter punch
that rocks the shadow. He follows through with a jumping spinkick
that turns it into vapour.
A shadow suddenly appears behind Jacqui and grabs her in a rear
choke hold. Two more shadows appear, and while she elbows one in
the face, the other grabs her arm and restrains her. As Jax tries
to help, three more shadows appear around him and grapple him in
the same way.
With both of them restrained, Noob steps out of the shadows to
face them fully.
JACQUI: Who are you?
NOOB: A deathly shadow. In life, I was called Bi-Han.
JACQUI: And I should know who that is?
JAX: The first Sub-Zero. Scorpion ripped out his spine. Left it in
a heap upstairs, in Shang Tsung's old throne room.
NOOB: An event the New Era will wipe from history.
-----
[PLAYER CHOOSES JAX]
JAX: Hang on, Jacqui. I got this.
Jax struggles with the shadow clones for a moment, bringing the
one on his left in front of him. He headbutts it so hard that it
instantly dissipates into nothing. With his free hand, he
punches the shadow on his left and then throws it to the ground,
throwing the shadow grappling him from behind at the same time.
He slams his metallic arms onto each of the shadows, destroying
them.
Jacqui struggles to break free from the shadows gripping her,
but she is unable to do so. Knowing that Noob is the one
controlling them, Jax walks over to face him down.
NOOB: Ermac was weak. He took your arms but did not finish you.
JAX: Got that right. I'm just that tough.
They fight. Noob Saibot's powers over darkness and shadows would
overpower any normal human, but Jax has faced down tougher odds
before. With the help of his cybernetic arms, he manages to
take the fight to the former Bi-Han, eventually leaving him
down and out on the ground.
JAX: Guess Ermac's not the only one who's weak.
As Saibot falls unconscious, the shadow clones that Jacqui
continues to fight against all dissolve into thin air. Jax
walks over to her.
JAX: C'mon. Let's get that thing and get outta here.
[PLAYER CHOOSES JACQUI]
JACQUI: Enough of this New Era crap.
She raises her leg and kicks the shadow on her left in the face,
dissipating it. She turns to the shadow on her right and shoots
it under the chin with her wrist-mounted gun, dissolving it as
well. She then grabs the arm of the shadow gripping her neck and
throws it to the ground, blasting it in the face with both of her
mounted guns.
Jax is still unable to break free from the shadows restraining
him, but Jacqui knows she must take care of Noob Saibot before she
can help her father. She walks over to Noob, facing him down.
JACQUI: You're not re-writing history.
NOOB: Victors write history, and I do not lose.
They fight. The shadow powers of Noob Saibot are unlike anything
that Jacqui has ever faced before, but in between her fighting
skill and advanced weaponry, she has enough in her to keep in the
fight. After a heroic struggle, she eventually manages to defeat
the Netherrealm wraith.
JACQUI: Who's writing history now?
With Noob left in an unconscious heap, the shadow figures holding
Jax suddenly dissipate into the air, freeing him. He motions to
Jacqui.
JAX: C'mon. Let's get that thing and get outta here.
-----
Jax and Jacqui walk over to the Well of Souls. Jacqui nervously
approaches the crown that hovers above its surface. She slowly
brings her hands up, but just before she can grab the crown,
an older male voice calls out across the cavern.
???: Jacqui, wait.
The lone figure stays in the shadows of Goro's lair, but he
brings a lit cigar to his lips, taking a long smoke before
throwing it aside. He then steps into the light... revealing
himself to be Jax - the older Jax, and one who looks radically
different from the one seen earlier in the story.
He no longer wears military gear or farming clothes. Instead
he wears a shirt of blue and trousers of white, held by a belt
of golden, elegant design. His cybernetic arms look radically
different, and would almost pass for human were they not
showing open machinery where the elbow and wrist joints connect.
His face shows utter despair all over it.
The younger Jax stares at his older self, completely nonplussed,
while Jacqui looks at him with mounting horror.
Y. JAX: Mind. Blown.
JACQUI: Dad? How'd you get here?
As she walks over to him, Young Jax's confusion turns to anger,
as he realises the answer to her question.
Y. JAX: I'll give you one guess.
JACQUI: Dad, your--
She looks down at his new arms.
JACQUI: --your arms! Those look like Kronika's design! What are
you doing?
Jax brings his hands up, forming them into fists. He closes his
eyes, trying his hardest not to break down, then opens them
again, looking his daughter straight in the eye.
O. JAX: Giving you the life you deserve.
He brings his fists to his side.
Y. JAX: By destroying the universe?
Old Jax glances at his younger self for a moment.
O. JAX: Restarting it, not destroying it.
He looks back at Jacqui.
O. JAX: Being a revenant. The years I lost, the things I did. Your
Ma held me together. But I was never the father you needed.
Y. JAX: You're talking nonsense, man! You raised a fine daughter.
She's one helluva soldier.
O. JAX: She shouldn't have been a soldier! I never wanted you out
there, taking those risks.
He places his hands on his daughter's shoulders.
O. JAX: If I hadn't fallen apart, you wouldn't have felt the need
to enlist.
Looking heartbroken at his words, Jacqui pushes her father's arms
away and steps backward.
JACQUI: That's not why I do this, Dad!
O. JAX: Please! Give that crown to me. I don't want to hurt
anybody.
JACQUI: This is seriously messed up...
Before she can even contemplate doing anything, Young Jax
places a hand on her shoulder.
Y. JAX: Hang back, kid. I know I wouldn't want to fight my Dad.
He gently pushes her back and walks over to confront his older
self.
Y. JAX: How bout we keep this between me, myself and I? Never
thought I'd stoop so low.
O. JAX: You don't know how bad it gets! Losing your arms was
just the beginning.
Y. JAX: I know you suffered. You still do. But you don't betray
your unit, and you SURE as hell don't betray your family!
[AUTHOR'S NOTE: Unlike the previous fights of this chapter, there
is no option presented to choose a fighter. Young Jax will always
fight his older self.]
They fight. With his strength and skill enhanced with Kronika's
magi-tech, one might assume the elder Jax would have the upper
hand against his younger and more inexperienced self. But for all
of his strength, Old Jax's heart is not in the battle, allowing
his younger self to take advantage of his hesitance and despair.
After a fierce exchange, Young Jax manages to knock out his older
counterpart.
Y. JAX: There's gotta be a way to make this right.
With the battle over, Jacqui runs over to her dad and checks his
pulse.
JACQUI: He's out, but he'll recover.
She looks back to Young Jax.
JACQUI: How're you?
Y. JAX: Trippin'. You?
JACQUI: Ditto.
She looks down at her father, then back at Young Jax.
JACQUI: We can't leave him. Let's get him and the crown out of
here.
The scene cuts to the Kourtyard. Jacqui and Young Jax hold Old Jax
between them, supporting him as he struggles to walk. He doesn't
even attempt to fight them, his will to do so being completely
sapped.
Y. JAX: If I never come back here, it'll be too soon.
JACQUI: I heard that.
A rumbling sound and a glow of light from the heavens catches
their attention. Jacqui and Jax cover their eyes as the light
continues to brighten - and in that light is the outline of the
Elder God Cetrion.
CETRION: Mortals!
She glides down from the sky, hands held aloft in almost a
welcoming gesture.
CETRION: Surrender Kronika's crown and the elder Jackson Briggs.
No harm will come to you.
JACQUI: No deal.
She and Young Jax set down Old Jax as gently as possible.
JACQUI: We know you betrayed the Elder Gods, Cetrion.
Cetrion finishes her descent, hovering a few feet from the
ground before them.
CETRION: Kronika must restore the balance that Raiden destroyed.
Can you not see he is the devil in these matters?
Y. JAX: At least he's the devil we know.
JACQUI: (To Jax) Can we take an Elder God?
Y. JAX: Cassie beat Shinnok.
JACQUI: Only because the Cages are born with crazy magic powers.
Y. JAX: Maybe we have our own magic.
He glances down at Kronika's crown, sitting on a sidebelt on
Jacqui's hip.
CETRION: Stand down, please. Resistance only ensures your
suffering.
-----
[PLAYER CHOOSES JAX]
Jacqui takes the crown in her hands, but Jax suddenly snatches it
away from her.
JACQUI: What're you doing?!
Y. JAX: Stand back. We don't know what this thing'll do.
He places the crown on his head. He groans and shuts his eyes at
the unmatched power of the souls within, but with a sudden shout
of determination, he opens his eyes and faces down Cetrion.
CETRION: That crown is meant for Kronika. Your human physiology
cannot control its power.
Y. JAX: Only got to wear this thing long enough to beat you.
They fight. Even with the power of countless souls coursing through
his veins, the battle ends up being the most difficult of Jackson
Briggs' life. Cetrion is unlike anything he has ever fought, with
her total control over nature and its elements. But he does not give
up, and after an immense effort, he manages to knock Cetrion to the
floor.
Y. JAX: Mission accomplished.
Jax puts both hands on the crown, and after a moment of struggling,
manages to remove it. He almost falls but Jacqui is quick to catch
him. He stands back to his feet with her help.
[PLAYER CHOOSES JACQUI]
Jacqui takes the crown in her hands.
Y. JAX: I can't let you d--
JACQUI: I'm not discussing it.
She puts it on her head before Jax can stop her. She closes her
eyes in concentration as the power of untold amounts of souls
focuses itself on her being. However, it only takes a moment for
her to open her eyes again. She walks toward Cetrion.
CETRION: Your mind is too frail to wield Kronika's weapon. For
your own safety, remove it!
Jacqui visibly strains to walk forward, proving at least some
truth in Cetrion's words. Nonetheless, she refuses to back down.
JACQUI: It's not time for safety. It's time for action.
They fight. Although powered up by the magic of Kronika's crown,
Jacqui ends up facing her most difficult opponent yet. Cetrion's
powers are infinite and immense, but the word "quit" is not in
Jacqui's vocabulary. She takes the fight to the Elder God and
manages to just barely knock her to the ground.
JACQUI: Eat your heart out, Cassie Cage.
She tries to remove the crown, but struggles in doing so. Young
Jax runs over and grabs the crown in both hands. Together, they
yank it off Jacqui's head.
-----
Cetrion brings herself up one knee, glaring menacingly at Jax
and Jacqui.
CETRION: You were warned! Mere mortals cannot control the Crown.
I did not wish to harm you. But now you have forced my hand.
She raises her hand into the air. It glows for a moment as
a blue mist surrounds it, then she slams it down on the ground.
Instantly, the stone tiles beneath Jax and Jacqui begin to crack
and tear, suffering the full effects of an earthquake. They both
struggle to remain upright as the ground around them starts
to shift apart.
Jacqui falls over and then a chasm opens underneath her. She
falls before Jax can catch her, but she grabs onto a ledge
in the ground, narrowly avoiding dropping further to her doom.
She is too far away for Jax to pull her back up though, and
her grip starts to falter.
The elder Jax brings himself back to his feet as the younger
Jax looks down the chasm, panic wrought on his face. Cetrion
looks on dispassionately. Old Jax looks at Cetrion with
uncertainty for a moment, but does not try to stop her. Young
Jax turns back to Cetrion.
Y. JAX: The hell're you doing?!
CETRION: Give me the crown and I will spare her.
JACQUI: Don't! Don't give it to her! GO!!
CETRION: Her life is in your hands.
Behind her, Old Jax begins to panic as much as his younger self
is, though he still refuses to act against Cetrion. He instead
addresses his younger self.
O. JAX: Nobody here wants to hurt anyone. Now, please.
He motions to the chasm that Jacqui is trapped in.
O. JAX: Don't let this happen to our girl.
Young Jax looks down at the crown in his hands... and then down
to Jacqui, who loses her grip with her right hand and is left
clinging to the crevice with only her other hand.
Y. JAX: Dammit!
He throws the crown to his elder self, who catches it one handed.
Old Jax turns to Cetrion.
O. JAX: Now bring Jacqui back!
Cetrion raises her hand again, blue mist again enveloping it.
The ground is instantly restored to its previous level, bringing
Jacqui back with it. She remains on her knees for a moment,
catching her breath. Old Jax - nearly in tears at this point -
looks to his daughter, who in turn looks utterly betrayed by
his actions
JACQUI: Dad! How could you do this to me?!
O. JAX: I'm not doing this TO you, Jacqui. I'm doing it FOR you!
He looks down, unable to even look his daughter in the eye
anymore.
O JAX: I love you.
He walks over to Cetrion, eyes closed in despair. Even the
Elder Goddess looks somewhat saddened at the scene.
CETRION: Kronika awaits our return.
She raises her hand and a sand tornado envelopes her and the elder
Jax. They teleport away in a swirl that dissipates in an instant.
Jacqui remains on her knees, eyes closed in despair, but the
younger Jax rushes over to her.
Y. JAX: C'mon. This fight isn't over.
She stands back up, and they both walk back toward the waiting
ship.
The scene cuts to Kronika's Keep. The crown - now floating just
above Cetrion's outstretched hands - is offered to Kronika.
The keeper of time walks over to her daughter, while the elder
Jax and revenants Kitana and Liu Kang look on.
KRONIKA: This will bring us our deliverance.
Kronika takes the crown in her hands, turning to look not toward
Cetrion but Jax instead.
KRONIKA: Thank you... both of you.
While Cetrion smiles warmly, Jax seems conflicted at her words.
KRONIKA: I sense apprehension, Jackson Briggs.
He looks behind him, toward the revenants.
JAX: I'm not usually surrounded by so many friendly faces.
KRONIKA: We are unlikely allies, united for a common cause. Worry
not.
Her tone of voice changes in an instant, as she addresses the
revenants, who walk over to her.
KRONIKA: Liu Kang, Kitana. Are the armies assembled?
LIU KANG: They're en route. Kitana and I will see that they arrive
as planned.
KRONIKA: Excellent.
She places the crown on her head. The souls swirling around it all
light up with an intense glow, but Kronika is not inhibited by
the power she wields in the slightest. She remains serene as
her sand powers gather around her.
KRONIKA: So many souls! So much time!
She levitates into the air and looks to the heavens.
KRONIKA: As my strength gathers, the New Era draws ever closer!
The scene cuts to the Shirai Ryu Fire Garden. Raiden and Cassie
walk across a bridge toward the central area, deep in conversation.
RAIDEN: The report from Jacqueline Briggs... her father's actions
have compromised our situation gravely.
CASSIE: I know. I can't--
She sighs, looking dejected.
CASSIE: I can't believe he did this.
RAIDEN: Even if we locate her Keep, Kronika's power now likely
exceeds the might of our combined forces.
Cassie stops walking, unnoticed for a moment by Raiden.
CASSIE: Maybe we should rethink using Shinnok's amulet.
These words stop Raiden in his tracks. He turns back to face her.
RAIDEN: We cannot, Cassandra Cage.
CASSIE: I've seen what you can do with it. You held off the entire
Netherrealm army. You weren't even at full strength.
Raiden places his hands on the edge of the bridge, deep in
contemplation.
RAIDEN: I dare not risk the temptations of its dark power. Even
now it calls to me...
Cassie walks over to him, but says nothing. Raiden closes his
eyes for a moment, lost in thought... and when he reopens them,
they flash red instead of their normal blue. It only lasts
a split-second, and his eyes return to glowing electric-blue
as he gathers himself.
RAIDEN: Despite Kronika's advantages, we must attack as soon as
we know the Keep's location.
CASSIE: It's been hours since we heard from the Grandmasters.
What's the plan if they don't come back?
RAIDEN: They must, or else hope is lost.
The scene cuts to a plane of the Netherrealm. In this part of
Hell, a sea of blood crashes upon a rocky shoreline, admist the
carcass of a long dead sea creature. The camera pans across to
show rocky outcroppings of land, along with what appear to be
bulbous pores growing from the rocks themselves.
------------------------------------
(3M) 10. TO HELL AND BACK - SCORPION
------------------------------------
Across the shoreline, the Grandmasters of the Shirai Ryu and Lin
Kuei walk toward their destination. They stop to take in the view
of a large bridge of rock - too thin to be a natural occurrence,
and with no visible support from one end to the other - stretching
across the skyline.
The camera cuts to the bridge itself, showing the massive army
- numbering in the thousands - of Netherrealm oni and Cyber Lin
Kuei walking across it. A glowing figure beaming light from her
being hovers high above the bridge, and that figure is Cetrion.
A close up on her face reveals she is visibly straining, and her
arms are held aloft in the air. It becomes apparent that the
constructed bridge of rock is her doing, and she is focusing on
keeping it aloft for the army of demons to traverse across it.
Back on the shoreline, Hanzo Hasashi looks to Kuai Liang.
SCORPION: Those warriors must be headed for Kronika's Keep.
SUB-ZERO: Agreed. But why not use Kharon's fleet? The bridge
clearly taxes her power.
SCORPION: The fleet's bound to Kharon. It sails only by his
command. That it's still moored suggests he won't help Kronika.
SUB-ZERO: In which case he may help us.
Back on the bridge, the last of the Netherrealm army has finished
crossing. Still focusing as best she can, Cetrion disperses the
bridge, causing it to disintegrate into a green mist. On the
shoreline, a scream of agony resonates across the surroundings.
Scorpion turns to look at a nearby shack, determining that was
where the scream came from.
SCORPION: It looks like Kharon is home, perhaps hosting some
unwelcome guests.
He turns to Sub-Zero.
SCORPION: Return to Earthrealm. Tell the others we've found him.
We'll deploy as soon as I return.
SUB-ZERO: Are you certain Kharon will aid us?
SCORPION: No. But he's our best chance.
The scene cuts to a closer shot of the shack. Scorpion approaches
it, taking cover behind an outcropping of rock. The camera cuts
to him peeking through the window of the shack, where he sees
Kharon.
Kharon himself would almost pass for an old human, were it not
that his skin on the top of his head is pitch dark and his eyes
a milky grey. He is also laid on a table, wrapped in a webbed
cocoon. The camera pans across the shack to show the creature
responsible, who drops down from the ceiling.
It is D'Vorah.
D'VORAH: You should have aided Kronika, Kharon. Now you must
suffer.
She approaches the table and releases a swarm of insects from
her hand. They engluf Kharon's face, but he remains defiant.
KHARON: I am immortal, D'Vorah. You cannot kill me.
D'VORAH: This One needs only render you unfit to ferry Kronika's
enemies.
She suddenly lurches forward in pain as something plunges into
her back.
SCORPION: GET OVER HERE!
D'Vorah is violently yanked out of the shack window, courtesy of
Scorpion's chained kunai. She falls onto the shoreline in
a crumpled heap, but as Scorpion lands nearby, she pulls herself
to a standing position with the help of her extendable stingers.
SCORPION: First Shinnok, now Kronika. You fight for lost causes.
D'VORAH: This One ensures the Hive's survival. You will not save
the Shirai Ryu.
They fight. In the past, D'Vorah has managed to overcome Hanzo,
and her fighting ability and unique control over parasites and
poison has not waned since then. But Hanzo's discipline and
skill have also improved immensely, and he takes the fight to
the Kytinn. After a brutal exchange, he beats her into
unconsciousness.
SCORPION: The Shirai Ryu will not fall.
A noise from behind him causes Hanzo to turn, but he reacts too
late. His younger self teleports in and punches him square in the
face, sending him sprawling across the shoreline. Hanzo struggles
back to his feet as his younger self faces him down.
Y. SCORPION: Your clan of impostors will indeed fall.
O. SCORPION: I've restored the Shirai Ryu. Built a clan that's
never been stronger.
Young Scorpion angrily points a finger in his direction.
Y. SCORPION: On a foundation of pretenders and outsiders! Kronika
told me.
He pulls out his ninjato sword and twirls it in his hands. Old
Scorpion pulls out his own ninjato. Young Scorpion charges his
older self, who meets the charge with one of his own. They clash,
with Old Scorpion pressing the attack. His younger self blocks
and parries his sword strikes, pushing back on him after their
blades briefly lock.
They each block and deflect one another's strikes until Hanzo
ducks a swipe from his younger self and delivers a counter stab,
but Young Scorpion teleports away in a flash of hellfire before
he can connect. This time, Hanzo is ready and does a 180 degree
turn just as his younger self emerges behind him.
In slow motion, Young Scorpion throws his chained kunai, but Old
Scorpion skillfully knocks it aside with his sword before it hits.
He then grabs the chain, tugs on it to unbalance his younger self
and ignites the chain with some hellfire of his own. The fire
travels down the chain in an instant, torching Young Scorpion and
forcing him onto his knees in pain.
Hanzo stops attacking, but his younger self is not willing to
surrender just yet. He remains on one knee.
Y. SCORPION: Without our original bloodlines, there is no Shirai
Ryu. Our clan's massacre extinguished them. Kronika will revive
the true Shirai Ryu in the New Era!
He stands back up and assumes a fighting stance. Hanzo does so as
well.
O. SCORPION: Do not trust Kronika! She uses your anger to enslave
you, as Quan Chi did both of us. I let go my rage, and it saved
me. To save yourself, you must do the same.
They fight. The battle is truly an epic one, with both kombatants
equally matched in strength, fighting skill and powers of
hellfire. But the elder Scorpion has one thing the younger lacks;
control over his anger. He uses it to fight intelligently,
gradually finding weak spots in his younger self's attacks and
taking advantage. After a hellacious battle, the younger Scorpion
is finally beaten into submission.
O. SCORPION: It's past time you were freed. We both know what
truly drives you. It's not Shirai Ryu pride... it's your wife...
and child.
Y. SCORPION: Harumi and Satoshi were stolen from me. Murdered.
Seeing them again is all that matters.
He stands back to his feet, still enraged.
O. SCORPION: We share this pain. I fought through Hell to end it.
But Kronika's New Era is not the remedy. She would resurrect
Shinnok - the same devil who brought death to our family and clan.
He cannot be allowed to return!
Hanzo walks up to his younger self, who is ready to fight, but
taking in the words spoken to him.
O. SCORPION: When I revived the Shirai Ryu, I vowed our clan
would ensure Earthrealm's protection.
He holds out his hand. His younger self recoils from it.
O. SCORPION: Help me keep that promise.
Young Scorpion looks away from him, lost in thought. As he looks
his older self in the eye again, his look changes from thoughtful
to horrified, as four stingers arise behind Old Scorpion. He turns
around just as D'Vorah stabs Hanzo in the chest, the blow so
powerful the stinger goes clean through his body.
He grabs the stinger with his hand, but is unable to pry it loose.
D'Vorah comes in closer, fondling his cheek with her hand in what
could be described as a twisted lover's embrace. Her other
stingers lightly tap Hanzo's body, until one of them finds a soft
spot, stabbing into his side. He groans in agony, but remains
defiant, and he suddenly channels hellfire through his entire body,
blasting D'Vorah away from him. He struggles to remain upright,
though.
O. SCORPION: Poison...
He groans and falls to one knee. D'Vorah stands back to her
feet, grinning sadistically.
D'VORAH: Kronika knew your past sins would distract you. Now This
One ends your misery.
Unbeknownst to her, Young Scorpion sneaks up on D'Vorah from
behind and chops off all four of her stingers with his ninjato.
She falls to her knees.
Y. SCORPION: Now, you die!
D'Vorah suddenly whirls around and blasts a swarm of insects into
Young Scorpion's face. As he backpedals and destroys them with a
burst of hellfire, D'Vorah scrambles backwards on all fours in a
reverse crab walk, before burrowing underground. Ignoring her
escape, Young Scorpion rushes to his elder self's side, who still
has not risen from one knee.
O. SCORPION: Raiden is at the Fire Gardens. Enlist Kharon's aid.
Bring Raiden's army to the Keep. You must!
Y. SCORPION: You have my word.
Old Scorpion almost stands fully, but staggers. Young Scorpion
catches him before he can fall, bringing him to gently rest in his
arms.
O. SCORPION: The new Shirai Ryu are worthy. It's heart, not blood,
that makes them warriors.
With those final words, Hanzo Hasashi slumps forward... and
breathes his last.
The scene fades from the Netherrealm to the Fire Gardens, just
as a breeze blows the autumn leaves into the sky. In the gardens,
Liu Kang and Sub-Zero walk together in conversation.
SUB-ZERO: Your Shaolin masters, they're ready?
LIU KANG: They will fight until the last man.
SUB-ZERO: That is likely what it will take.
LIU KANG: There will not be a fight if Kharon does not help us.
Is there any word from Grandmaster Hasashi?
SUB-ZERO: No. If we do not hear soon, I will return to the
Netherrealm.
Before them, Scorpion emerges in a flash of hellfire. Instantly,
Liu Kang and Sub-Zero shift to fighting stances, but Scorpion
does not follow suit, instead looking around at the scenery.
LIU KANG: (To Sub-Zero) Wrong Scorpion. This cannot be good.
SUB-ZERO: Get Raiden!
As Liu Kang runs off, Sub-Zero faces Scorpion down.
SCORPION: The Fire Gardens, rebuilt? The Shirai Ryu are indeed
restored.
SUB-ZERO: Why are you here, Scorpion? Where is Grandmaster
Hasashi?
SCORPION: ...He is dead.
SUB-ZERO: And now you have come to finish us.
SCORPION: I understand your mistrust, but I am here to assist you!
SUB-ZERO: I find that impossible to believe!
They fight. As has been the case with their many fights before,
Scorpion and Sub-Zero are equally matched in skill, strength,
speed and powers. But this time, it is Sub-Zero who fights
recklessly, allowing Scorpion the opportunities he needs to
exploit his weaknesses. After a back and forth exchange, the
wraith knocks the Grandmaster to the floor.
SCORPION: You misunderstand my intentions.
Suddenly, a lightning blast catches Scorpion square in the chest.
He is hurled backwards and crashes to the ground hard. Raiden
stands above the beaten Sub-Zero, his hands charged with
lightning. Liu Kang stands beside him.
RAIDEN: Who sent you here, Scorpion?
Scorpion struggles to his feet.
SCORPION: My future self is dead. I am here at his behest.
LIU KANG: Grandmaster Hasashi sent you?
SCORPION: I honour his dying wish. Kharon will ferry your armies
to the Isle of Kronika. We must leave at once.
RAIDEN: Do you have proof of Kharon's offer?
SCORPION: ...Only my word.
RAIDEN: Your word is worthless. At the tournament, I trusted you
to spare Bi-Han, and you betrayed me.
SCORPION: A mistake born of rage. I seek redemption.
RAIDEN: Lies, Scorpion! You are a slave! And Kronika is your
master!
They fight. Scorpion finds himself in the battle of his life.
Raiden himself is at full strength in Earthrealm, he has the
power of thunder and lightning at his beck and call and thousands
of years of fighting experience. It takes all of Scorpion's
martial arts skill and powers of the Netherrealm to even keep
in the fight, but he refuses to fall, and manages to knock the
Thunder God to his knees for a moment.
SCORPION: Raiden, you must listen!
RAIDEN: Spout your falsehoods elsewhere, Scorpion! Kronika will
not entrap us.
He stands back to his feet.
SCORPION: It is no trap! Kharon awaits you in the Netherrealm.
-------------------------------------
(3N) 11. CUTTING THE STRINGS - RAIDEN
-------------------------------------
Liu Kang runs to Raiden's side.
LIU KANG: Lord Raiden! We should listen. He may be telling the
truth!
Raiden takes something from his belt. The camera pans to his
back, not showing what the object is.
RAIDEN: There is only one way to find out.
A charging sound is heard, and Scorpion is blasted backwards
by a bolt of energy. We now see that Raiden has used Shinnok's
amulet. The ninja remains on the ground, writhing in agony.
RAIDEN: Now, Scorpion. The truth!
Liu Kang, clearly disturbed at what he's just seen, steps in
between Raiden and Scorpion.
LIU KANG: Raiden, stop this!
Raiden shoves him aside.
RAIDEN: Step aside, Liu Kang!
LIU KANG: Put down the amulet! Its darkness is taking hold of you!
In response, Raiden blasts Liu Kang with a burst of energy,
knocking him to the ground.
RAIDEN: Our time has run out. I do what I must to save Earthrealm.
As Liu Kang rises, Raiden charges up his hands with lightning
and strikes the ground near the Shaolin's feet.
RAIDEN: Stay down!
LIU KANG: This is not the way. Scorpion is not the enemy this time.
RAIDEN: Liu Kang, do not interfere!
They fight. Even though both of them are holding back, the battle
is an even match, with Liu Kang's martial arts skill quite
possibly surpassing even Raiden's. But the Thunder God's
immortality means that he will always hold the advantage, and
Raiden eventually manages to knock Liu Kang to the floor.
RAIDEN: Do not force my hand, Liu Kang. The realms hang in the
balance! To defend them, I must command order!
Liu Kang stands back to his feet, disbelief evident in his eyes.
LIU KANG: I thought it impossible, but the revenants were right.
He points a finger at Raiden.
LIU KANG: You cannot be trusted!
RAIDEN: I do not need trust! I demand obedience!
On the word "obedience", Raiden charges his hands with lightning.
But this time the lightning flashes red, and his eyes also turn
from blue to red.
LIU KANG: Enough of your madness. If you must die... so be it.
On hearing those words, Raiden steps backward, uncertainty
gripping him. His eyes fade from red back to blue.
RAIDEN: This-- this has happened... before...
The scene cuts to an abandoned building in Earthrealm, with a
green portal opened - previously seen in Mortal Kombat 9.
Shao Kahn walks through the portal, standing and taking in his
surroundings. Across from him, Liu Kang clenches his fist and
starts forward, but Raiden steps in his path.
RAIDEN: Liu Kang, do not interfere! You cannot fight Shao Kahn!
In response, Liu Kang charges his fist with his signature fire.
RAIDEN: Liu Kang, stop!
LIU KANG: Enough of your madness! If you must die, so be it!
Liu Kang jumps in the air the intent of running through Raiden
with a flaming punch. In self defense, Raiden catches his
hand and channels lightning through it, electrocuting Liu Kang,
who screams from the pain and is blasted backwards...
...through a wall in the Dead Pool in Outworld.
He flips in the air and lands on his feet, sliding to a halt,
and his clothes have changed in the process, as he is now sporting
a blue bandanna and matching attire. As he assumes a fighting
stance, Raiden - now clothed in red attire - jumps into the fight
with a flying kick. Liu Kang catches the kick, twirls around and
throws Raiden back the way he came...
...and straight into another location, this time the broken
randomness of Chaosrealm. A newly attired Raiden crashes into a
broken pillar, and a tattooed Liu Kang with a black bandanna
blasts him with a stream of fire. Raiden counters with a lightning
blast that sends Liu Kang falling backwards. He whirls to his feet
as Raiden charges in. Kang blocks the strikes that Raiden throws,
but the Thunder God powers through his defenses and picks Liu Kang
up, hoisting him over his head. He throws him...
...onto the surface of an underground subway in Earthrealm. Now
wearing a yellow bandanna and matching clothing, Liu Kang rises
to his feet to face a purple attired Raiden, who jumps into the
fight with a flying kick as a subway train thunders by. Liu Kang
catches the kick, twirls around and throws Raiden back the way
he came...
...into a pillar in Shang Tsung's palace, with a soulnado raging
behind both the revenant Raiden and Liu Kang...
...which immediately changes to the Battle of Armageddon - as
seen in the original Mortal Kombat timeline. Dark Raiden crashes
hard into a pillar supporting one of the torches of the pyramid.
The zombie Liu Kang blasts him with a stream of fire. Raiden
counters with a lightning blast that sends Liu Kang falling
backwards. He whirls to his feet as Raiden charges in. Kang blocks
the strikes that Raiden throws, but the Thunder God powers through
his defenses and picks Liu Kang up, hoisting him over his head.
With the fire of Blaze roaring on the top level above them, Raiden
throws him...
...into the Warrior's Shrine of Earthrealm...
...and into the subway once again. Liu Kang rises to his feet...
...in Chaosrealm, to face a dark blue attired Raiden, who jumps
into the fight with a flying kick...
...in the Dead Pool. The revenant Liu Kang catches the kick...
...in the Battle of Armageddon, a fully human Liu Kang twirls
around and throws Raiden back the way he came...
...again, and again, and again, the exact same motions occurring
in different locations, different timelines...
...until back in the current timeline, Raiden falls to his knees.
The vision he has witnessed - from the perspective of the dozens
of selves that came before him - has shocked him to his very core.
Cassie Cage runs up to his side, as does Jacqui and Jax. Raiden
holds Shinnok's amulet in the palm of his hand...
...and then decisively slams it into the ground. He looks up at
Liu Kang, regret clear in his expression, and slowly stands to his
feet.
RAIDEN: I have been a fool, Liu Kang. Kronika's puppet. We only
battle because she wills it.
He looks over to Scorpion, still writhing in pain.
RAIDEN: I must help him.
He walks to Scorpion's side and channels his power through his
palm. Unlike his normal lightning blasts, this is a blue pulsing
light, and it heals Scorpion from the dark magic he was suffering
from. He extends his hand, which is taken by Scorpion, and helps
him to his feet.
RAIDEN: I was wrong to doubt you. I too have been a slave to
anger.
LIU KANG: I do not understand, Lord Raiden. Your rage was caused
by Kronika?
RAIDEN: Yes. I succumbed to her influence. But then, our
confrontation... it unlocked memories. Memories not only from this
timeline, but from timelines that have come before.
CASSIE: Wait a sec. Timelines? Plural?
RAIDEN: Kronika has restarted time on countless previous occasions,
using each timeline to learn and to perfect her plan. The details
of each timeline are different. But in each one, events conspire
to bring Liu Kang and I into conflict. In each one, he dies. Only
Kronika has such power to control time and fate.
CASSIE: I don't get it. Why do that?
RAIDEN: I do not know. But be assured, Kronika will control us no
longer.
As he finishes saying this, a sandstorm kicks into the area,
gradually freezing everyone in the vicinity of it, except Raiden,
who remains unaffected due to being a god and existing outside of
time. As he looks around at time coming to a standstill, the
tornado gathers in one location in the middle of the air... and
forms into Kronika. He meets her indiffernt gaze with anger.
KRONIKA: At long last, you see the pattern.
RAIDEN: The pattern, but not the purpose. Why set me against Liu
Kang?
KRONIKA: Is it not obvious? Your combined power threatens my
vision for the timeline.
RAIDEN: Liu Kang and I will not be divided further by your
machinations.
Kronika chuckles at this words.
KRONIKA: Oh, Raiden. Do you think this is the first time you made
that vow? We have repeated this exact conversation so often, in so
many timelines, I have lost count.
RAIDEN: This timeline will end differently.
KRONIKA: We have played out all possible scenarios, Raiden. You
cannot win. You are welcome to try, of course... but without Liu
Kang at your side.
She motions with her hands, and the frozen Liu Kang begins
to dissolve, with traces of sand marking his body. Kronika smiles
serenly at Raiden's outrage.
KRONIKA: Enjoy these final hours, Raiden. They are all you have.
With another swirl of sand, she disappears as well, taking Liu
Kang with her in another time tornado. Raiden is left alone,
contemplating everything that has taken place in front of him. A
moment later, time is restored and everyone else comes out of
the frozen state they were in. They look around in confusion.
CASSIE: Liu Kang! Where is he?
RAIDEN: Kronika has taken him to her Isle. We must leave
immediately. To save the realms... we must save Liu Kang.
The scene cuts to Kronika's Keep. Liu Kang is chained down in a
chair, facing Geras, who has upgraded his clothing to feature an
armoured chestplate and helmet.
LIU KANG: A new look, just for me? You shouldn't have.
Geras steps forward, but says nothing.
LIU KANG: What do you want from me?
KRONIKA: You will aid in my protection.
Liu Kang turns around to see Kronika, alongside his revanant self
and the revenants of Kung Lao, Kitana and Jade.
Y. LIU KANG: Not likely.
O. LIU KANG: I have mastered Shinnok's sorcery. I will add your
soul's strength to mine, and finally avenge myself upon Raiden.
KRONIKA: My friends, Raiden's armies are coming. They will fight
us, and they will lose.
The scene cuts to the bow of a ship, sailing across a sea of blood.
The ship is helmed by Kharon, and Raiden stands next to him.
Behind Raiden stand Sub-Zero and Scorpion.
On another ship, Cassie stands alongside Jax and Jacqui, with what
remains of the Special Forces behind them. Cassie looks toward
the horizon, determination etched on her features. Jax checks over
an assault rifle in his hands, and Jacqui hands him an extra clip
of ammunition.
On a different ship, Kung Lao walks to the bow and looks to the
horizon. Behind him are rows of Shaolin warriors, all seated
and meditating in prayer.
Admist one more ship are a loosely formed congregation of Outworld
species - Osh-Tekk loyalists, Tarkatans and Shokan. Kitana walks
among them to the ship bow, receiving a passing nod from Baraka,
a salute from Sheeva, and finally a warm smile from Jade. She too
looks to the horizon before them.
Back on the first ship, Kharon addresses Raiden.
KHARON: Kronika's Isle lies beyond the fog.
A foghorn is sounded, the echo felt by the inhabitants from all
the ships. Cassie brings her binoculars to her eyes and looks
through them. From her perspective, we see a large armoured
ship approaching through the fog, metallic in design. On the
bow of that ship, Geras and the Cyber Lin Kuei behind him
walk up to the ship's captain - Frost.
On Kharon's flagship, he watches with concern.
KHARON: Battleships.
He turns to Raiden.
KHARON: My ferries cannot fight a war.
RAIDEN: This fleet is under my protection.
Kharon nods in agreement as Raiden turns to address the others.
RAIDEN: If Kharon falls, our fleet cannot sail. Protect him at all
costs.
Back on the battleship, Frost looks to her army.
FROST: Ramming speed!
The gigantic battleship begins to gain further momentum, now
coming within sailing distance of Kharon's flagship. It vears
toward the flagship's starboard, prompting Kharon to swing the
boat's wheel hard to port. He does so just in time, as the
battleship grinds against the starboard side of his boat but
fails to shear it. The Special Forces' ship also grinds against
the battleship on its port side, staggering everyone on board, but
the boat remains intact.
Back on Kharon's ship, Raiden helps Sub-Zero up to his feet, but
a loud sound from above catches their attention. Dozens of Cyber
Lin Kuei leap from the battleship onto the boat, and battle
is immediately joined. Raiden blocks a flying kick from a cyborg
and parries the strike of another, disabling it with a lightning
enhanced kick. He strikes another and kicks it aside, before
blocking a third cyborg's strike and disabling it with a flying
knee.
Sub-Zero and Scorpion throw a pair of cyborgs to the floorboards
and Sub-Zero kicks away another while fending off a third,
also disabling it with a roundhouse kick. At the same time,
Scorpion disables the cyborg he threw with a punch to the face
and catches the leg of another, disabling it by stabbing it with
his kunai.
Sub-Zero blocks an attempted strike from another cyborg, dropping
it with a disabling face punch. He turns to block a cyborgs
punch, catching a second strike and taking it out of commission
with a kick to the neck. He follows through with a forearm chop
to the same location for good measure. Yet another cyborg
attempts to kick him, but Sub-Zero blocks the strike, parries
two punches and shoots an ice blast to the cyborg's thigh.
With the cyborg immobilised, Scorpion rushes it from behind and
plunges his hand into its back, tearing out the cyborgs spine
(along with the head for good measure). He uses the head-and-spine
as a makeshift club, battering another three cyborgs across the
face with it.
Four more cyborgs approach Raiden, but he charges his hands and
disables them all with a barrage of lightning. He then ducks,
narrowly avoiding a fireball that explodes behind him. He faces
down the one who threw it... the elder Jackson Briggs. As from
before, Jax is torn up with sorrow, but that only drives him
onward.
JAX: I don't want to fight, but I've got to! For Jacqui's sake
and mine!
They fight. Jax's upgrades prove to be a challenge for even the
Thunder God - albeit because Raiden is holding back his true
strength. As a result, the fight lasts longer than one might
expect, but just like before, Jax's inner conflict means he
cannot sustain his assault and soon Raiden manages to defeat him.
RAIDEN: Let me help you.
He approaches Jax, who is on his knees.
RAIDEN: Kronika's promises to you are a cruel deception. She is
the mother of Shinnok, the architect of your revenant enslavement.
This revelation catches Jax by surprise.
JAX: But... no. She's Cetrion's mother.
RAIDEN: Cetrion is Shinnok's sister. In Kronika's New Era, Shinnok
will be the darkness to balance Cetrion's light.
JAX: ...Which'll only happen if the realms keep on fighting each
other.
Raiden offers his hand. Jax takes it and stands to his feet. He
looks to Scorpion and Sub-Zero, still fighting off the Cyber Lin
Kuei.
JAX: What have I done? I'm a fool.
RAIDEN: It is not foolish to fight for your family's betterment.
JAX: I'm sorry, Raiden. I promise to make this right.
With that, he leaps up into the air, coming down fist-first onto
a cyborg and knocking it for a loop with a ferocious clothesline.
He then kicks another cyborg in the side, punches it in the
stomach and hits a forearm hammer to its back, knocking it down.
He stops another cyborg's punch and punches it in the sternum,
before slamming it to the floor. He punches it in the face to
make sure it's disabled, then walks over and backhands another
cyborg out of his way.
While Jax rampages through the Cyber Lin Kuei, another figure
leaps from the battleship to face down Raiden - Geras. The Thunder
God immediately flies toward him with his Electric Fly attack, but
Geras grabs him by the throat in mid-flight, punches him in the
face and throws him back the way he came, causing Raiden to smash
hard into the ship mast. He regains his feet as Geras comes
forward.
GERAS: I have died a thousand deaths to prepare for this battle.
My defeat is impossible. Yours, inevitable.
They fight. Try as he might, not even Raiden can stop Geras.
Every time he is blasted or knocked down, the construct rises
again. But in turn, Geras is unable to penetrate Raiden's
defenses, and after a long battle, the Thunder God manages to
floor Geras for a moment with a concentrated attack.
RAIDEN: I will suffer you no more.
As Geras rises again, Raiden aims a lighting bolt above Geras'
head, striking a nearby link of chains. The chains come down
directly on Geras, pinning and immobilising him. Raiden
then shoots a lightning bolt at the object the chains are
connected to - the ship's anchor. It falls into the sea, the
chains following rapidly after it. Unable to move, Geras
realises he too will be dragged down, but he remains defiant.
GERAS: Drowning cannot kill me, Raiden.
RAIDEN: That is unfortunate for you. The Sea of Blood is
bottomless. You will fall forever.
Finally, the last of the chains falls from the side of the ship,
dragging Geras with them. He only has time for one last shout
of rage before he plunges into the depths of the sea. We see
his face one more time as he falls into the blood filled abyss...
and the rage has turned into despair.
Raiden pauses with grim satisfaction for a moment, before
a loud cry catches his attention. Frost jumps from the battleship
and lands on the deck, facing him down.
FROST: Now do I have your attention, Raiden? The warriors sinking
your fleet are under my command.
RAIDEN: You have a devil's bargin with Kronika, Frost.
FROST: You ignored me my entire life. Kronika saw my talent from
the start.
They fight. Even with her cybernetic upgrades giving her power
to even surpass her mentor Sub-Zero, Frost still remains no
match for the God of Thunder. Her reckless assaults are turned
aside by Raiden and countered effortlessly, and soon enough
Frost is on the ground and unconscious at his hands.
RAIDEN: Envy and ambition consume you.
Sub-Zero approaches, looking upset at the sight of his wayward
pupil.
SUB-ZERO: Such wasted potential.
RAIDEN: The good she could have done, in command of these Cyber
Lin Kuei.
SUB-ZERO: She commands them? Not Sektor? If so, she is linked to
them. They follow her thoughts.
At these words, Raiden walks over to her downed form.
RAIDEN: Then let them follow her to defeat.
He charges up his hands, puts them against her head and lets loose
with a burst of electric current. The effects are not visible, but
there is little doubt that the trauma is fatal. Across the ship,
the elder Jax is now being restrained by three cyborgs, who all
immediately stop functioning and fall to the deck, as dead as their
commander. Jax looks around him, taking in the sight of dozens of
dead Cyber Lin Kuei strewn about all over the ship deck.
JAX: Candy ass bitch.
He pumps and shakes his hands, as if finishing a warm up.
Back in Kronika's Keep, the younger Liu Kang reacts in pain and
horror as his revenant counterpart wields the same soul-sucking
magic that Shang Tsung, Shao Kahn, Quan Chi and Shinnok are all
known for, using it to drain his younger self. The revenant
finishes the spell, drawing the younger's soul directly into
him, and laughing maniacally as he does so. The living Liu Kang
puts his hands to his face, screams in utter agony... and
finally his hands come down, revealing his face is chalk white
and shriveled.
The last vestiges of his soul leave his body, and the older
Liu Kang lights his hand up with his signature fire, laughing
in pure evil glee as his younger self falls still. With the
spell finished, the other revenants approach him.
KITANA: Raiden's fleet nears our shores.
LIU KANG: The two of you will command the army defending the
beachhead.
KITANA: Where will you be?
Liu Kang says nothing, but only smiles wickedly.
The scene cuts back to Kharon's flagship. The shipmaster looks
out to the horizon and spots a rocky outcropping of land. On that
land is a large, elegantly designed tower that twirls into the
sky.
KHARON: LAND HO!
A foghorn sounds on his ship as Raiden walks up to the ship's bow.
He looks out to the horizon and his eyes narrow in grim concern
as he spots a single lifeboat making its way across the waves of
the blood filled sea, accelerated by the lone occupant of the
boat blasting fire from his hands behind him. Within moments, the
lifeboat reaches Kharon's ship and with a burst of flame, the
revenant Liu Kang propels himself up into the air. He somersaults
into the ship's sails, setting them on fire as he comes through
them, and lands on the deck in a crouching stance.
He stands up fully and turns to face Raiden, who remains grimly
composed, but begins to crackle with electricity. He folds his
arms, leaps into the air, twirling around multiple times before
landing on the deck, arms still folded. Scorpion, Sub-Zero and
Jax all enter the deck as well as Raiden faces down Liu Kang.
They all start forward, but Raiden glances back at them for a
moment and they instantly pause, realising that Raiden intends to
fight Liu Kang alone. Raiden turns back to Liu Kang.
RAIDEN: Time after time, Kronika's schemes have pitted us against
each other. That cycle must end, Liu Kang.
Liu Kang's eyes light up in flames, anger etched across his
features.
LIU KANG: This time, it will!
He launches forward with his Flying Kick, crossing the distance
between them almost instantly, and blasts Raiden square in the
chest. The force of the kick sends the Thunder God flying
backward, but he grabs the decking and skids to a halt, sparking
with electricity.
RAIDEN: Your power! Is this Kronika's gift?
LIU KANG: A gift to myself, you could say.
RAIDEN: ...You stole your own soul! Perverted your own nature!
LIU KANG: It's a lesson YOU taught me, Raiden! To fight my
enemies by any means necessary!
They fight. The battle proves to be one of the toughest the
Thunder God has ever endured. With Liu Kang's newfound power,
Raiden struggles greatly against a man who's martial arts skill
even surpasses his. But even though he is at the disadvantage,
Raiden fights intelligently, exploiting his foe's overconfidence
and breaking through his defenses. Even so, it takes all of
his strength to just barely defeat the revenant Liu Kang.
RAIDEN: I have conquered the darkness within me. You must do the
same.
Liu Kang rises to his feet, exhausted but defiant.
LIU KANG: You... will have to kill me.
Raiden walks toward him, arms outstretched and crackling with
electricity.
RAIDEN: I would rather save you.
He blasts Liu Kang square in the chest with his electricity,
but rather than forcing Liu Kang back, it roots him to the spot.
Lightning strikes the deck around them as both Raiden and Liu
Kang glow an electric blue, pulsing with energy. A bubble of
electricity forms around them.
Back in Kronika's Keep, the younger Liu Kang lies limp in his
chair, while in the background Kronika and Cetrion continue to
work on the hourglass. Unbeknownst to them, Liu Kang suddenly
sits up, his eyes sparking with electricity. He gasps as life
flows back into his body.
LIU KANG: Raiden...
Electricity starts to crackle in his body, and lightning blasts
down from above into his arms. Kronika spots the commotion and
her eyes widen in surprise. The same bubble of energy seen earlier
surrounds Liu Kang as more lightning courses through him and he
teleports away, leaving only his restraints behind.
Back on Kharon's flagship, the energy bubble continues to suck
in more power and electricity, before finally dispersing. But
where there were once both Liu Kang and Raiden, only one person
stands.
------------------------------------------
(3O) 12. END OF AN ERA - FIRE GOD LIU KANG
------------------------------------------
That person is Liu Kang, but he has drastically changed in
appearance. He appears fully human, but his hair is now grey,
his eyes glowing electric blue, his tattoos generating electricity
and his body generating flames. Raiden's hat is on his back,
and his trousers now have a blue shade on them as opposed to red.
His bandanna is now metallic and he wears a necklace of beads.
Liu Kang stands to his feet, looking at his outstretched hands, in
awe at his new powers. He closes them into fists and puts them
back down at his side.
Scorpion, Sub-Zero and Jax all begin to walk forward. Kung Lao
teleports onto the deck from his ship and Kitana jumps over from
hers, landing next to Kharon. All of them take in the sight of
the radically changed Liu Kang.
SUB-ZERO: Liu Kang?
LIU KANG: I am...
He stops pulsating with electricity and fire, but his eyes are
now bright blue, as are his tattoos.
LIU KANG: ...and I am not.
JAX: What happened to Raiden?
LIU KANG: He is part of me. Bound to my soul. He... made me a god.
For now, at least.
KITANA: A god? Incredible.
KUNG LAO: (To himself) Now he's out of her league.
LIU KANG: My revenant counterpart. I have absorbed his knowledge
of the Keep, of Kronika's plan. I know where to find the Hourglass.
We can beat Kronika.
Back in Kronika's Keep, both she and Cetrion look upon the chair
that once bound Liu Kang. Kronika is wide eyed and more perplexed
than we have ever seen her before.
KRONIKA: Out of desperation comes invention. I had not thought
it possible for Raiden to surprise me.
She addresses Cetrion without even looking at her.
KRONIKA: Our success is no longer certain. We must make haste.
They walk back to the Hourglass and begin manipulating the sands
once again.
Back on the shoreline, Kharon's flagships have almost reached
land. Waiting for them is the Netherrealm army, and the oni demons
roar in anticipation and charge the shoreline. The ships continue
forward, not decelerating in the slightest.
KHARON: BRACE FOR IMPACT!
The flagship touches down on the shore without issue. A boarding
plank is lowered as the Netherrealm army reach the ships. Before
the demons can climb up it, Sub-Zero slides down, using his ice
powers to freeze the ground beneath him and the demons below
him. He lands on the shoreline and uses an ice axe to chop a
frozen demon into shattered remains, then immediately decapitates
another one.
Scorpion teleports from the ship deck in a burst of flame, coming
out in the midst of the army, sending several oni into the air in
flames. He punches down one oni, then rips the heart out of
another.
The ship contaning the Special Forces crashes into a dock,
smashing it into a splintered ruin. With a loud cheer the vanguard
run down the boarding plank. Three soldiers on deck chuck grenades
at the army, which blow up and kill several demons in one go. More
demons charge as Cassie, Jacqui and the younger Jax zipline down
to the shore. The oni charging them are cut into bloodied strips
by the firepower of Jax's assault rifle, Jacqui's wrist cannons
and Cassie's pistols.
Another ship crashes onto the shoreline, and Kung Lao and the
Shaolin monks all acrobatically leap off the ship, landing
expertly on the ship's large oars on its starboard side. They run
across the oars and touch down on the ground to face the
Netherrealm army. Kung Lao drops an oni with a jumping spinkick,
drops another with a punch and roundhouse kick, and a third with a
snap kick.
The Netherrealm army also charge the last ship touching on land.
On that ship, Kitana lifts a hand containing her bladed fans into
the air. With a loud cry she points with her fan to the army
and leaps ashore, joined immediately by Baraka, Sheeva and Jade,
and a second later followed by the soldiers, Tarkatan and Shokan
they all command. The Outworld army pump themselves up with
chants as the Netherrealm army charges toward them, and with one
final cry they all run forward, joining battle.
Kitana blocks a blow from a spiked club with her blades, throwing
the weapon aside and cutting into the demon who wielded it. She
knocks it down with a jumping high kick as Sheeva charges two
demons, grabs their heads and bashes them together, knocking them
down in a spray of blood, before backhanding another charging demon
aside with her two right hands.
Back at the Special Forces boat, Cassie, Jacqui and Jax cut down
countless demons approaching them with their gunfire, but it
seems like they will soon be overwhelmed. But above them on the
boat, the elder Jax stands on the edge of the bow. He leaps off,
his fist charging with energy. Just as the Netherrealm army is
about to swarm over them, Jax lands on the pier deck and
smashes his fist into the ground. The resulting shockwave
blasts the entire front ranks backward several feet, clearing
the area. Jax looks back toward his daughter.
JACQUI: This mean you're back?
O. JAX: This means I'm sorry, Jacqui. And hell yeah, I'm back.
Jacqui immediately hugs her dad, to the delight of Cassie and
the younger Jax. The moment is quickly broken though as the
Netherrealm army finishes regrouping and charges once again.
Cassie and Jacqui open fire once again, while both Jax's begin
punching and kicking down every demon that steps too close to
them. Even so, countless more demons make their way forward.
But all of them fail to notice a disturbance in the clouds above.
The clouds swirl in toward what appears to be a red glow in
the sky. The light soon becomes bright enough that both Jax's,
Jacqui, Cassie and even the Netherrealm army look up to the sky
in shock and wonder.
At the center of the red vortex is Liu Kang, charging up with
lightning. On a balcony of Kronika's Keep, the revenants Kitana
and Kung Lao also watch this spectacle, flanked by two demons.
As the clouds turn and swirl around him, Liu Kang gathers his
focus, bursts into flames and torpedos down into the center
of the Netherrealm army guarding the gates to Kronika's Keep.
The impact he causes on landing is akin to a nuclear explosion,
with the entire area surrounded by white for a few moments.
When the smoke clears, Liu Kang stands alone. The Netherrealm
army in the field is simply gone, vaporized into nothingness.
Only a small defensive force of Netherrealm oni survived to
defend the gate, while a large number still wait within the Keep
itself. Behind Liu Kang, the gathered army of heroes all cheer the
display of power and charge forward toward the gate of the Keep.
With the Earthrealm / Outworld armies approaching behind him, Liu
Kang strides toward the gates, his arms crackling with
electricity. The remnant of demons roars in defiance and charges,
to which Liu Kang responds by blasting lightning from his hand.
The electricity catches one demon and then immediately chains to
the others around it. Within moments, all the demons have been
fatally electrocuted.
Liu Kang walks up to the gates, with all the heroes following
after.
LIU KANG: Stand back.
They all wait as Liu Kang charges up his hand with fire. He
strikes the gate, and the impact is so devastating that on the
other side, the frontlines of the Netherrealm army are thrown into
the air from the massive explosion that occurs.
The army of heroes charges toward the keep, Liu Kang now taking
to the skies once more. As he flies off to deal with the
defenders near the back, Kitana stabs a charging demon multiple
times with her bladed fans, knocking it down with a roundhouse
kick. She slashes another demon several times over, almost
completely eviscerating it, then stabs a third demon four times
over, finishing with a stab straight through the top of its skull.
Kung Lao palm strikes a demon twice in the chest, then splits
it in two vertically with a swipe of his bladed hat.
The younger Jax blocks a demon's punch and punches it twice,
leaving it for his elder self to finish off. He swipes at
another demon that actually manages to duck his attack and
punch him back, but the elder Jax then charges in and hits
two shots to the ribs that stuns the demon. Younger Jax recovers
and the two Jax's both wind up their fists and punch the demon on
both sides of its head, completely obliterating it.
The heroes make their way to the Keep's entrance, and we cut
to inside where the revenants Kung Lao, Kitana and Jade all run
into the room where the Hourglass is kept.
O. KITANA: Is the battle lost?
KRONIKA: Victory is still at hand. The Hourglass is nearly ready.
She turns to the revenants.
KRONIKA: You will prevent Liu Kang's interference. But you will
require more assistance.
Time energy flows from her hands towards the revenants. On the
other side of the doorway, Liu Kang, Kitana and Kung Lao approach.
LIU KANG: Whatever happens, I am honoured to fight at your side.
Y. KITANA: Likewise, Liu Kang.
Kung Lao places a hand on his shoulder.
Y. KUNG LAO: Me too, brother.
LIU KANG: May the Elder Gods protect us.
He charges his hand up with fire and punches the doorway. This
time, the door melts away rather than blowing up. The three
heroes step through to find Kronika and Cetrion still manipulating
the Hourglass, but they are stopped by the appearance of revenant
Jade, Kung Lao and Kitana, all wearing new attire in the same
white-gold of Kronika's clothing. Kronika looks over to Liu Kang.
KRONIKA: Liu Kang, God of Thunder and Fire. Combining with Raiden
has the benefit of novelty. But it is also too little, too late.
She turns back to the Hourglass and pours her energy into it.
The revenants move forward slightly, but don't attack. The sands
in the Hourglass begin to flow upwards as Liu Kang runs foward to
attack, but as he does so, Kung Lao and Kitana come to a
frozen halt. As Kang stops and turns around, they begin to move in
reverse.
LIU KANG: Kitana! Kung Lao!
He grabs Kitana's hand, but is unable to stop her moving backwards.
To his dismay, he can only watch as time starts to unwind, and with
it, both Kitana and Kung Lao step back through the door, which
unmelts and seals itself once again. Liu Kang looks back toward
Kronika and the revenants, unaffected by the reversal of time.
We cut to the scenes from before where the armies of Earthrealm
and Outworld collided with the Netherrealm army, only now these
scenes are being rewound. The Outworld army jumps back on their
ship in reverse, the Shaolin monks leap backwards on the oars of
their ship, the pier docks are reformed as Kharon's ships rewind
and undo the crash damage they inflicted. Scorpion teleports
in reverse back onto his ship, while Sub-Zero undecapitates
and unshatters the frozen demons from earlier, sliding backwards
to his ship. Kharon's ships sail off in reverse, and the
Netherrealm army runs backwards from the shoreline.
Back in Kronika's Keep, Liu Kang steels himself. Kronika looks
over at him.
KRONIKA: Raiden's gift shields you from the power of the
Hourglass. Regardless, your allies are gone, while mine remain
to defend me.
She motions to the revenants.
KRONIKA: Finish him!
Jade and Kitana charge Liu Kang at the same time. He parries
Jade's staff with his hands and ducks under a swipe, but walks
into a roundhouse kick from Kung Lao. As Liu Kang staggers back,
he manages to block an ax kick from Kitana, but takes a sidekick
to the stomach from her when she counterattacks. Kung Lao
immediately strikes him in the face with another roundhouse kick,
then Jade hits him in the knee with her staff and twirls around
to smash it into his chest.
Liu Kang remains on his feet as the revenants come in again. He
catches Kitana's hand before she can swipe him with her bladed
fan and blocks Jade's staff with his other arm, but this leaves
him open to Kung Lao, who blasts him with a barrage of fists to
his sternum. With Liu Kang stunnned, Kung Lao steps back and
delivers a sidekick to the sternum that knocks Liu Kang backward,
sending him crashing hard to the ground.
For a moment, Liu Kang writhes on the floor, but struggles to
his feet. The revenants remain in fighting stances. Liu Kang
closes his eyes to focus... and hears the voice of Raiden.
RAIDEN: Earthrealm's Jinsei flows within you. Let it fuel your
fire.
He opens his eyes again, and now they sparkle with electricity.
His face etched with fierce determination, Liu Kang looks to
the heavens and roars with fury. Lightning strikes his body and
fire explodes out of it once more. He shifts into a fighting
stance, dispelling the fire and electricity as the three revenants
charge him again.
Kung Lao attacks first with a barrage of punches, but Liu Kang
parries them all, as well as some staff strikes from Jade. He
then blocks a high kick from Kitana and another from Kung Lao,
dodging between strikes from Kitana's fans. He grabs Kitana's
hand as she tries to stab him, then steps forward and judo throws
her to the floor. Before she can recover he punches her in the
face, knocking her unconscious.
Liu Kang then throws a roundhouse kick that counters a palm strike
from Kung Lao, blocks some more punches and lands a straight punch
to Lao's face, sending him reeling back. Kang turns as to his side
as Jade tries to flank him, deflecting her staff attacks with his
fists and feet. He jump kicks her in the face, punches Kung Lao
again when he tries to charge in and blasts him in the chest with
a fireball, knocking him down.
Jade tries to stab him with her staff, but Liu Kang dodges around
it, punches her in the face, then takes her staff with both hands
and wrenches it downward. As Jade staggers forward, Liu Kang knees
her in the face, knocking off her mask. He then twirls the staff
around - taking Jade with it - and forces it against her throat,
while he grabs her head from behind and pushes it down against
her staff.
It's not long before Jade begins to struggle for breath, and she
falls to her knees. As she lets go of her staff, Liu Kang leans
downward and springs back with a devastating knee strike to the
back of her neck. The blow is so powerful that Jade's staff
breaks in two from the impact, and the revenant assassin
collapses on the floor, killed instantly from the strike.
Liu Kang throws the broken pieces of Jade's staff to the floor
and assumes another fighting stance. He addresses Kitana, who
has just begun to pick herself off the floor.
LIU KANG: Now stand down! I have no wish to harm you.
KITANA: Harm me?! You already KILLED me! My fate was sealed the
moment I joined you at Raiden's side. It's a mistake I won't
repeat in the New Era.
They fight. Even with Kitana's Edenian speed and thousands of
years of battle experience, Liu Kang had bested her before. And
even with the power of Kronika in her revenant form, it proves to
be no match for the Fire God that is Liu Kang. Taking advantage
of his newfound abilities, he quickly finishes the fight and
leaves Kitana down on the ground.
LIU KANG: Our bond was no mistake.
He looks over to Kung Lao, who has also started to rise from the
floor.
KUNG LAO: Your ego knows no bounds!
Liu Kang walks toward the revenant.
LIU KANG: I did not ask for this. It was thrust upon me.
KUNG LAO: It should have been ME, Liu Kang, from the beginning!
Thanks to Kronika, it will be.
They fight. While Kung Lao has lost none of the speed and ability
that carried him to victory many times in life, and is powered up
further by Kronika's machinations, it turns out to be his ego that
is too big for him. The Fire God Liu Kang takes the fight to the
revenant and defeats him in short order.
With Kung Lao turn, Liu Kang turns to Kronika.
KRONIKA: Still, you are alive.
LIU KANG: Yes, Kronika. You were right to fear mine and Raiden's
powers combined.
KRONIKA: A demi-god's power cannot rival that of an Elder God.
Cetrion!
Kronika steps aside to reveal Cetrion - who rather than the
green outfit she wore earlier, is now decked out in red, with
glowing eyes to match. Her new atttire makes her look similar in
appearance to a subbucus.
CETRION: As you wish, mother.
Cetrion throws fireballs at Liu Kang which he dodges and flips
over. Liu Kang shoots a fireball of his own which Cetrion
blocks. She shoots off a blast of wind that Kang cartwheels to
avoid and another which he ducks under. She then throws a
roundhouse kick that shoots a spark of ice, which he blocks but
sends him back several feet. Liu Kang recovers quickly and
jump kicks the air, shooting a fireball from his leg that
Cetrion barely ducks under. She shoots another fireball that Kang
ducks from, and he launches another roundhouse kick that shoots
a fireball that catches her in the face, sending her onto her
hands and knees. She stands again quickly.
CETRION: You match me step for step.
She kicks the air again, sending out a fireball and an ice blast.
Liu Kang dodges both projectiles and counters with a lightning
blast that electrocutes the Elder Goddess, knocking her to the
floor. Behind her, Kronika stares on at Liu Kang, eyes wide with
fear as Cetrion struggles to rise, still being wracked with
electricity.
LIU KANG: Because your heart is not in the battle, Cetrion. You
fight for your mother's vision. But as a goddess of virtue you
know that her desired balance is folly.
As Cetrion stands up, Kronika walks over to her.
KRONIKA: Heed me, Cetrion! He lacks our vision and wisdom!
Cetrion turns away from her, clearly conflicted.
LIU KANG: Please. No virtue is served by condemning the realms to
endless war.
Cetrion looks back at Kronika for a moment, then steels herself,
facing Liu Kang once again.
CETRION: The greatest virtue is abiding my mother's will, Liu
Kang. I cannot fail her.
They fight. With her powers over nature and all of its elements,
Cetrion should indeed be a match for the Fire God Liu Kang. But
the battle does not sway that way, because Liu Kang is also the
God of Thunder and he takes full advantage of the internal
conflict raging in Cetrion's mind. Slipping past her attacks and
into her defenses, Liu Kang manages to do the impossible and
overpower the Elder Goddess, knocking her to the floor.
LIU KANG: Your heart betrays you, Cetrion.
Laying on the ground, Cetrion looks over to Kronika.
CETRION: I have failed you.
KRONIKA: Dearest Cetrion, you have done admirably.
What little forced compassion is in Kronika's voice dispels as
Cetrion rises to her feet.
KRONIKA: Yet there is one final service to perform.
Cetrion looks downcast, but also resigned to her fate.
CETRION: Yes, mother. I understand.
She raises her hands to the heavens and cries out. Her form
disintegrates into a glowing ball of multicoloured light that
flies into Kronika. The power that Cetrion wielded now flows
out of Kronika.
KRONIKA: You will be exalted in the New Era, Cetrion.
Liu Kang throws a fireball, but Kronika effortlessly bats it
aside. He looks at his hands in confusion for a moment, but puts
it aside and charges her. Kronika blasts a storm of sand from her
palms, striking Liu Kang and knocking him down.
KRONIKA: And YOU, Liu Kang, have FAILED!
She turns to the Hourglass and uses her time powers once again.
The sand continues to flow upwards, increasing in speed. Liu
Kang rises to his feet and Kronika looks over at him again.
KRONIKA: History rewinds, giving way to the New Era!
LIU KANG: NO!
Around them, Kronika's Keep suddenly fades away, as they and the
Hourglass are transported through time and through realms,
emerging in pre-historic Earthrealm. They appear in a luscious and
beautiful forest, with a dead dinosaur in the background. The
area surrounding the Hourglass is distorted, seemingly opening out
into space. Kronika hovers above Liu Kang, slowly coming down to
ground level.
KRONIKA: The realms as you knew them are undone. Erased. You
cannot save a future that no longer exists! There is only the New
Era!
[AUTHOR'S NOTE: This final fight takes place over three rounds.
The next section will cover each of the three different endings
you can achieve. The circumstances on how to get them and all
the different dialogue in between will be noted in parenthesis.]
They fight. The battle is truly epic, with neither Liu Kang nor
Kronika getting any clear advantage for the majority of it. For
what seems like an age, the newly born Fire God and the architect
of the Mortal Kombat universe fight with every power they have,
but eventually...
[LIU KANG WINS ROUND 1]
...Liu Kang prevails and knocks Kronika to her knees. She
struggles to her feet.
LIU KANG: The realms will not fight your endless wars.
KRONIKA: Fight me further and your friends are lost. They have no
future unless I create it.
LIU KANG: The future you offer is not worth living! It will NOT
come to pass!
They fight. Once again, the battle proves to be a meeting of
two unstoppable forces. But this time...
[KRONIKA WINS EITHER ROUND 1 OR 2]
...Kronika prevails and knocks Liu Kang to the floor. She
levitates back to the Hourglass and manipulates it with her time
powers once again. Power begins to emanate from the glass as
Liu Kang rises to his feet. He leaps into the air and strikes
Kronika in the side with a flaming flying kick, knocking her to
the floor. But even as he assumes a fighting stance, the realm
around him turns into a glaring white light...
...and when the light clears, both he and Kronika stand on a
single outcropping of rock in the middle of space, along with
the Hourglass.
KRONIKA: Welcome to the dawn of time. Here history ends and
begins again. Behold the start of the New Era!
Kronika rises into the air and motions with her hands. Asteroids
powered by her magic fly in from space and down towards Liu Kang,
but he breaks them into pieces by punching them.
KRONIKA: I had intended to leave your destiny intact, Liu Kang,
until Raiden went and made you immortal. Now, you cannot be
ignored.
They fight. Once again, the battle proves to be a meeting of
two unstoppable forces. But this time...
[LIU KANG WINS ROUND 2 AFTER LOSING ROUND 1]
...Liu Kang gets the upper hand and knocks Kronika to her knees.
LIU KANG: With or without you, I will restore the timeline!
Kronika growls in anger and rises to her feet. She telekinetically
hurls another two asteroids at Liu Kang, but he kicks them into
pieces.
KRONIKA: Sculpting the Sands of Time requires great power and
skill. You have neither, Liu Kang. You may be a god, but I am a
Titan!
They fight. Once again, the battle proves to be a meeting of
two unstoppable forces. But this time...
[BAD ENDING: KRONIKA WINS 2 ROUNDS]
...Kronika overpowers Liu Kang and knocks him to his knees.
Grinning sadistically, she places a hand on his head and forms
a blade in her other hand. Much like Raiden did to Shinnok, she
swipes the blade straight across and through his throat, tearing
it apart in a shower of blood. Liu Kang gags for a moment
and finally falls forward, his head rolling off his shoulders
as his body crashes to the ground.
With Liu Kang dead, Kronika rises into the air.
KRONIKA: Let the New Era... begin.
Cut to black.
[AUTHOR'S NOTE: Unlike the other two endings, you will get
the chance to play this section again from the first fight.]
[NEUTRAL ENDING: LIU KANG LOSES EITHER ROUND 1 OR 2 TO KRONIKA
BUT WINS ROUND 3]
...Liu Kang overpowers Kronika and knocks her to her knees.
As Kronika rises, Liu Kang charges up a fireball and blasts her
straight in the chest. He shoots three more, each striking the
helpless Kronika, before charging up a final blasts that shoots
out from his hands like a flamethrower. The blast engulfs Kronika
entirely, and when it ends we see that her entire body has molded
into what looks like molten organic glass.
Liu Kang approaches the now crystalline form of Kronika. He chops
her outstretched hand, shattering her arm to the elbow, then
repeats the motion with her other arm, shattering that too.
Growling in fury, he roundhouse kicks her across the face,
and her entire head explodes into pieces. He then contemptuously
pushes down what remains of her body, letting it break apart
completely upon impacting with the ground.
With the Titan of Time lying dead at his feet, Liu Kang closes
his eyes, trying to find focus again...
RAIDEN: Our work is finished, Liu Kang.
Liu Kang opens his eyes and looks around. Behind him stands
Raiden...but something is different. Raiden's attire is the same
from before, but his voice no longer reverberates with power.
LIU KANG: Lord Raiden.
Raiden looks up at him. There is no electric blue glow in his
eyes. His pupils are brown and look entirely human.
RAIDEN: I am merely Raiden, now. You have proven worthy to take my
place as the new Protector of Earthrealm, once it is restored.
LIU KANG: You honor me, Raiden.
Liu Kang clasps his hands and bows.
RAIDEN: The honor is mine, Lord Liu Kang. The sands of time are
yours to shape. It falls upon you to architect a new history.
LIU KANG: The fate of all realms... in my hands? Raiden, I cannot
do this alone.
RAIDEN: I shall advise you for as long as my mortality allows. But
have no doubt, you are up to the task.
LIU KANG: Then together, let us begin.
As both men turn to the Hourglass, the camera pans up into the
shining cosmos of space. The future may be uncertain, but it looks
hopeful.
Cut to black.
[GOOD ENDING: LIU KANG WINS ROUNDS 1 AND 2 CONSECUTIVELY]
...Liu Kang overpowers Kronika and knocks her to her knees.
As Kronika rises, Liu Kang charges up a fireball and blasts her
straight in the chest. He shoots three more, each striking the
helpless Kronika, before charging up a final blasts that shoots
out from his hands like a flamethrower. The blast engulfs Kronika
entirely, and when it ends we see that her entire body has molded
into what looks like molten organic glass.
Liu Kang approaches the now crystalline form of Kronika. He chops
her outstretched hand, shattering her arm to the elbow, then
repeats the motion with her other arm, shattering that too.
Growling in fury, he roundhouse kicks her across the face,
and her entire head explodes into pieces. He then contemptuously
pushes down what remains of her body, letting it break apart
completely upon impacting with the ground.
With the Titan of Time lying dead at his feet, Liu Kang closes
his eyes, trying to find focus again...
RAIDEN: Our work is finished, Liu Kang.
Liu Kang opens his eyes and looks around. Behind him stands
Raiden...but something is different. Raiden's attire is the same
from before, but his voice no longer reverberates with power.
LIU KANG: Lord Raiden.
Raiden looks up at him. There is no electric blue glow in his
eyes. His pupils are brown and look entirely human.
RAIDEN: I am merely Raiden, now. You have proven worthy to take my
place as Earthrealm's new Protector... Lord Liu Kang.
Liu Kang clasps his hands and bows, and then looks at his new
surroundings.
LIU KANG: Where do we go from here?
RAIDEN: The sands of time are yours to shape. You must return the
Hourglass to the dawn of time and sculpt a new history. A better
one.
LIU KANG: The fate of all realms... in my hands? Raiden, I cannot
do this alone.
RAIDEN: Yes. You will need a partner with whom you can share the
eons.
LIU KANG: Kitana.
RAIDEN: Your destinies have always been intertwined.
Liu Kang walks toward the Hourglass.
LIU KANG: We are far in the past, but not so far that I cannot
reach her.
RAIDEN: Return with her to the dawn of time. Sculpt the Hourglass'
sands to forge a better future. I look forward to meeting again,
in the next timeline.
LIU KANG: Then I will not say goodbye.
Both men smile at each other, then Liu Kang levitates into the
air, glowing with flames. Power begins to flow out of the Hourglass
as he raises his hands toward it.
The scene cuts to the dawn of time. Standing on a single rock in
the middle of space is Liu Kang, with the hourglass in the
background... until another hand slides into his. He turns to face
his true love Kitana and smiles at her.
LIU KANG: Are you ready?
KITANA: Yes. But no matter how we sculpt the Sands, we cannot plan
for every possibility. Mortals will make their own choices. New
evils will arise.
LIU KANG: Each realm must choose its own destiny. Whatever those
choices... we will face them together.
As a nearby sun flares into being, it outlines both of them, hand
in hand... and for maybe the first time in the history of Mortal
Kombat, the future looks to be a bright one.
Cut to black.
*************************************************
(4) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
*************************************************
Coming whenever anyone asks me any questions.
*************************************************
(5) THE FINAL WORD
*************************************************
Well, writing this Game Script Guide took MUCH longer than I
thought it would, and although that always seems to be the case
with my other FAQs as well, I never expected this one to take
almost the entire year. Sorry about that, for those expecting
me to get it done sooner, but real life gets ever more busier
as I grow older and shoulder more responsibilities. :)
Feedback is welcome provided you can write in good English. My
e-mail address, as it has now stood for over 15 years now, is
keepinitfresh@hotmail.com.
Unfortunately, my Hotmail account gets filled with junk on a
regular basis, so PLEASE ensure that any mail you wish to send
me has the words "Mortal Kombat Game Script Guide" clearly
printed in the subject title somewhere, otherwise I might mistake
it for spam mail and delete it.
Thanks go out to the following people:
Me (no one reads this bit, so why not) for taking what spare time
I have in my life to write these guides. :)
Netherrealm Studios and WB Games for creating this great game.
Youtube user MKIceAndFire for uploading all of the game cutscenes
to Youtube in high quality for my viewing.
GameFAQs for allowing me to put this Game Script Guide on their
site.
And finally I give thanks to YOU, the adoring fan / Mortal Kombat
fanatic who decided to read all the way through this guide of
mine. You guys are the reason I do and will continue to update
this guide until no more can possibly be said about one of the
greatest fighting games to ever hit the PS4 / PC / XBox One.
So then, all that's left to say is "Ciao for now, peeps".
Daniel James Gallagher
AKA Minty Fresh Death