Mortal Kombat: Vengeance

A/N: After a stressful hiatus, as well as my mind never shutting up, I'm finally back for another Mortal Kombat epic, based on Deadly Alliance, or as I call it with the working title, Vengeance!

I was so disappointed that there was the Roman numeral V featured in the said title, yet...the original title itself was rejected! It's no question it should be called as such, rather than the demonic duo, from what is about to unfold! Also, this should be the chance to shine for a certain hero that has been left in the shadows and disrespected by the brutal developers for FAR too long! After all, according to Underdawg Gaming, they said this was where his downfall started.

Besides, revenge is served with a silver, cold platter...especially one consisting of razor sharp and fatal edges!

Prologue

Only one year had passed since the Netherrealm War, the same heinous battle led by the fallen Elder God, Shinnok, and his psychotic and demonic associate, Quan Chi. Both the realms of Edenia and Earth enjoyed perpetual peace as the new Champions consisting of the brotherly Gods, Raiden and Fujin, led Liu Kang and his comrades to victory! With the two rightful deities attaining the title, no worries were flared involving Liu's eternal curse.

The Wu Shi Academy stood as proud as ever, but it remained as silent as a gentle breeze. The sun began to rise, and the monks were just coming out to perform their usual daily tasks. Even their most prestigious of them all, the former Champion of Earthrealm, Liu Kang.

He trodden his way to the center ginormous platform, the airy training arena. The lei tai center platform was suspended by five massive statues of great masters that founded the Academy, even before the Great Kung Lao's existence. The center practice area was used to evaluate tests as the teachers watched from the tower. Normally, this would be the place where Liu Kang and his closest Shaolin brother, Kung Lao, would spar together. But today...it was only just the realm-renowned warrior.

Meanwhile, the technical den was just as deathly silent as the Arena. The Matokan shaman, Nightwolf, stretched out his weary muscles over one of the balconies and admiring the sunrise. His loyal pet wolf, Kiba, strolled beside him and let out a yawn while stretching his paws and maw filled with fangs. Kingfishers, magpies and swallows chirped their usual morning songs, putting a smile on the Indian's face, knowing that life has begun to awaken, always the nature lover.

"Good morning, Nightwolf." He and Kiba saw a familiar friend emerge from the shadows in the arched exit. He let out a bow bending near the waist.

"Good morning to you too, Kung Lao," he replied in the same fashion. "Off for training, I see."

He turned his hat by the rim. "Indeed I am. Liu Kang should be out already. I just wanted to say hi before I should go."

The shaman smirked, "Alright, hurry along, then. I'm always so surprised how you two maintain an early routine, with breakfast and all. Looks like us Matokans aren't the only traditional early risers."

"Heh, so I see. I shall best him in battle. One of these days. Can't wait to see him fall over the likes of me."

"Right. Good luck, be careful out there." Nightwolf always liked Lao's witty persona, always willing to make a gist or a snark here and there; seemingly to ease a tense situation.

They bowed to each other again, and for some reason during the short conversation, Kiba began to sniff Lao's boots. He then turned away, leaving Kiba with a sudden low growl.

Nightwolf faced his pet, which he could've sworn his hairs were sticking up a notch. Concerned, he spoke, "Kung Lao...?"

All he did was abruptly stop, before he faced the two with a gleam in his eyes and a wry grin before he Teleported away. After sniffing the crisp air, Kiba let out several wild barks that only the monks from several feet away can hear.

The sky brightened into a robin's egg blue as Lao found his rival do some practice exercises. Some of Liu's katas even looked like he was swimming. Yet still, Lao watched him closely, without showing any smirks nor spatting any challenges. Liu was so deep into his stunts that he didn't mind Lao's presence. Lao figured he ignored him since he knew he'd show up, he didn't even pause nor made a greeting to him. Nevertheless, he just edged closer, slowly toward the occupied monk.

All a sudden his form began to grow in an eerie green light, only to reveal a 7-foot male wearing a dark olive-green shirt with a black leather jacket, with his pants and boots matching it almost as opaque as his soul. His squinting eyes shined as his smile shown some white teeth that could've been sharpened into fangs, and his black crewcut glimmered.

From his peripheral vision, Liu Kang spotted a towering shadow cover him; he was certain the silhouette didn't belong to Kung Lao. To confirm this, he turned, and it was none other than his archnemesis, Shang Tsung!

The heroic warrior let out a sharp, direct kick to the enemy's chest, yet he stood as steadfast as a tree! Liu then countered with several rapid punches, making the sorcerer back away a few inches, before he caught his outstretched leg. Liu's direct punches forced the demon to relieve it, and then he blocked the shapeshifter's advances. Liu kept on grabbing an arm and hit Shang Tsung directly with a swift punch and kick. He thought he'd have the advantage, on his own like in the first tournament...

However, there was another who stepped up to the ring! Quan Chi fired a green energy sphere toward Liu's unsuspecting back! Liu's body just collapsed, and he wasn't even wearing any armor to protect himself! His bare back took the severe blow! With the rear of his body sending excruciating pain, Liu slowly stood up, only to have Shang Tsung put him in a stranglehold!

His two massive and strong arms wrapped around Liu's windpipe and forehead, preventing him from rising any further! He desperately tried to break free from the sorcerer's firm grip, closing in more around his neck! Losing oxygen, his weak hands were unable to remove them! That was until Shang twisted Liu's neck, snapped it to the left, and left his body limp! With that quick blow, Liu just fell to the hard terrain of the Arena...

The Deadly Alliance were successful on eliminating Liu Kang...

As Quan Chi stepped forward to his associate, Shang spoke in an evil, vehement tone, "Your soul...is mine!"

He rose his arms, making Liu's bright emerald soul rise out of his inactive vessel. Shang Tsung was about to steal his soul for himself, just as he did with the Great Kung Lao, Chan Kang, and many other unfortunate victims...

Suddenly, as Liu's essence was about to be held in Shang's evil clutches as his own valuable prize he always wanted...

It almost instantly rocketed skyward! As if it was carried by a sudden updraft!

Quan Chi screamed for the shapeshifter to chase after it thru the heavens as it climbed faster! Needless to say, Shang Tsung was greatly enraged that his partner did absolutely nothing but watch the hunt!

Using his souls in his possession, Shang unleashed them eerie skulls into the air! The streaks of souls were just too slow as they fell leagues behind from Liu's soul, almost as if it was being magnetically pulled upwards! Soon enough, Liu's energy continued to rocket thru the clouds, and the other malicious souls were still on its tail!

A deafening crash of thunder was heard when a volley of lightning shot down into Shang thru his raised arms! The electricity lit up his body like Sirius for a short while, knocking off his feet and leaving him stunned! Quan Chi just stood in alarm!

"You imbecile! Raiden must've found us!"

Some wild barks belonging to a wolf of sorts closed in fast and it tackled Quan Chi to the ground while the carnivore was tearing his limbs and armor! The blanch demon kicked him off, but seconds later he rose and witnessed a shaman chase after his pet!

He snarled in clenched teeth, "Oh shit! Not Nightwolf again...!"

He just stopped short as he gazed upon his old enemies. "Quan Chi! And Shang Tsung too!"

The former struggled to get back on his feet, and there was another bolt striking the duo!

Inside an Oriental kitchen filled with wooden cupboards and a brown ceiling, with a lone bulb shining down and a lampshade, Kung Jin, Kung Lao, Aiko, and Jin's mom were having a hearty breakfast when they were startled by the sudden lightning storm as they beheld it thru an arched window! They noticed the opaque, tan-grey clouds with the strikes zapping the Arena at the heart of the compound! They even made Aiko and the tween Jin cringe.

Kung Lao overslept, which was a habit he thought he'd broken, but always tended to sneak up on him from time to time. He only managed to take some quick bites of his eggs when the storm broke!

"I have never seen the likes of such a storm!" Lao's sister-in-law spoke with a Mandarin accent.

Aiko and Jin remained speechless. Though Lao became suspicious as if those strikes belonged to... "No... it's NOT a cataclysm. Could it be...Master Raiden!?"

The spectators could've sworn their hairs stuck up from the backs of their necks. Lao observed, never flinching from the violent display, the bolts kept on licking around the same vicinity.

"It...it must be him. Something's afoot. I must go out there! Aiko, with me!"

The cardiokinetic screeched, "Are you insane!? I'm not going out in this storm!" Still an astraphobic, Lao noticed.

"Aiko, the lightning is only striking the Wu Shi Arena! It must be Raiden...! We are needed!"

Lao just urged his mate and even grabbed her by the hand as they ran out to the dry air! The claps were irritating their ears at times, yet Lao never hesitated nor covered them! He kept on leading Aiko as they ran several feet following the brewing storm!

The vicious duo was almost immobilized as they were nearly hit by the sudden, enormous flash descend onto them! Only Nightwolf, who commandeered his pet into him, realized it was Raiden, wielding his long staff! He and the shaman wound up with ascended arms then shot some volleys of lightning, Raiden from his rod and Nightwolf from his battle axe! The targets were hit dead center, until they both dematerialized!

"Agh-they got away!" The Indian roared!

"Yes. But it was fortunate they never took-"

"Liu Kang!" The Matokan crouched next to the lifeless monk, never responding as he shook his body and kept yelling for him to awaken. His eyes were still closed and his face pale with the slightly crooked neck...

Nightwolf just sat next to him, shocked to the core, never minding the distant muffled calls from the other monks, not even the shrieks from Lao and Aiko.

Lao's stamina and legs were a hell of a lot stronger than the rookie's. It took her a few more minutes before she reached the Arena. The couple ran to the center of the Tournament symbol as they surveyed the horror.

It was unmistakable...

Liu Kang is dead.

Kung Lao, Aiko and Nightwolf gathered around Liu's empty vessel, mourning for the loss of their good friend. All except the Thunder God who stood idly, until something flashed from within his heavy white, decorative robe. He dug in the right socket and took out a small, golden dragon head. It looked as if it was crafted by the finest Chinese artisan. Its eyes began to lighten in a bright jade before he faced the saddened group, with Aiko breaking into tears.

Lao and Nightwolf were just too upset to tender her cries.

"Aiko. Nightwolf. Kung Lao."

The trio turned to their mentor with blotched faces and red eyes. That didn't faze him.

"Liu Kang...is dead. But only his soul still remains."

"What...?" The cardiokinetic and the shaman were awestruck.

"What are you talking about!?" Lao queried, his body heating up with his pent-up rage.

"Liu Kang's spirit is inside this golden dragon." He laid out a hand holding it, and it glimmered in his palm. "I had created this in case the time would come. As an Elder God, I was able to conjure this dragon head, inspired by Shinnok. His Amulet empowered him, created by the ancient black arts and maintaining his lost strength once he was casted down to the Netherrealm.

"In the heavens, I was unable to watch over Earth, and dreading for Liu Kang's life, I'd made this sacred relic."

Somehow, the former monk wasn't convinced. He shook his head, "No... Liu Kang's spirit has been imprisoned by Shang Tsung...!" His voice was close to cracking.

"Unh, w-what? Where am I? Why am I trapped in here!?"

The three warriors were stupefied as they heard Liu Kang's voice emitting from the golden, spiked head, letting out a rise and fall. The emerald eyes began to flicker like small candles as he spoke.

"It's alright now." Raiden spoke to it. "You are within the dragon amulet I had made, to encase your soul from your nemeses, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi."

"What...? Raiden? Master? Is that you?"

"I am not the sorcerer, Liu Kang. Kung Lao, Aiko and Nightwolf are with us." He turned his palm to face his distraught allies.

"Liu Kang...can you hear us? Can you see us?"

"Y-yes. I can hear and see you, Kung Lao. Aiko and Nightwolf too, even the Wu Shi Arena thru those orb windows."

"Then, it must be the eyes!" She pointed and was surprised that her Shaolin brother wasn't entirely gone.

"Well, at least it's roomy in here." Liu noticed he was inside a darkened chamber with dark golden walls, with the front end shrinking to a narrow crawlspace of some kind, and a dead end behind him.

"Liu Kang, we must focus on the task at hand." His mentor spoke earnestly. "Shang Tsung and Quan Chi are at large. This evil has two faces now. They have escaped from the Netherrealm, and I needed to strip away my powers as an Elder God to intervene with our adversaries. While the Elder Gods themselves would rather stand by and watch the ruination of Earth, and its Champion.

I cannot stand idly by and watch this evil consume this world. We must gather all the able warriors across Earthrealm and Edenia. We must act now, and we must stop this Deadly Alliance...!"

A/N: In the game, specifically in Kung Lao's profile, Deadly Alliance took place a decade after the events of Shinnok's invasion. However...I felt this was too much of a time skip; if anything, I'd rather have it be like lesser than five. I feel it's too much time, especially since not much has changed regarding the lives of the Kombatants. I'm surprised that the Kombat Kids had only been introduced in the NetherRealm Games, and yet, we don't see shit of development in the klassic games, not even SonyaxCage, nor LiuxKitana settling down! I don't wanna do the five-year time skip either, since MK was on hiatus until 2002 from its Dark Age in '97! So... maybe one year...

Also, I heavily concur with what Jax said in Shaolin Monks, that time flows differently in each Realm. And to back it up more, I concur with John Constantine when he said time stops in Hell from Earth, and that two minutes in Hell is a lifetime. So, there you have it!

Aside from the intro of Deadly Alliance, Ademia's Immortal would OF COURSE be the opening credits song of this fic! I didn't know what that song was when I heard the music as 616Entertainment talked of Deadly Alliance. I thought it was Chester Bennington from Linkin Park, even though it only released Hybrid Theory and Reanimation at the time of the game's release; I'm glad the MK Wiki mentioned this lost treasure!

I hope you guys appreciated that plot twist here! Unlike the game, Liu's spirit wasn't stolen by Shang, nor imprisoned in an undead soldier, but rather encased in a dragon amulet and saved by Raiden! I always wanted the Thunder God to be preemptive and compassionate to his compatriots, not be neglectful like he was in the NetherRealm Games! I'm sure as an Elder God, he can have the same abilities as Shinnok, creating his own relic! I got something good planned for Liu in conjunction with Kung Lao! You'll see! For once, he will not be alone avenging his Shaolin brother's death.

Con't I - The Shaolin Guest and Host

Moments later from the intrusion by the Deadly Alliance, several monks had mourned over their idol's fate as they saw his lifeless body sprawled out, although it was a lot harder for Aiko, Kung Lao, and Raiden to cushion the blow and prove Liu's soul was intact inside the dragon amulet, thus giving them a sort of cultural shock. Thankfully, it didn't take long for them to readjust when hope smiled upon them. They soon carried Liu Kang's corpse and Kai was indeed one of the pallbearers while the former Champion's humble grandfather only helped his fellow Monks to load his grandson's body onto a covered stretcher.

"A tomb shall be built in his honor. But...it must be somewhere hidden, someplace safe in case of another invasion!"

Just then, his mind flashed back to Kahn's extermination squads and evacuating to the Dragon Grotto. Then a few years back to 1992, to the moment when Liu returned from America, when the Monks had to relocate Chan's, his younger brother's, body after he was slaughtered by Shang in the courtyard near the Temple of Light. This was sort of like deja vu in this case...

"ls this the place?" Liu Kang spoke.

"Yes. This is where we found his body." His grandparent answered.

"What happened?"

"After you left for America...he followed in your footsteps. Preparing for the tournament."

This was back when Liu was just skeptical and denied on how the tournament created by the Elder Gods was supposed to save the world and other dimensions, even as far as the Great Kung Lao was involved. "Grandfather... it wasn't enough to fill my head with that...nonsense."

"To save the world is not nonsense."

"Men fighting in a simple contest don't decide these things. How can a wise man believe this?"

"We all believe in it...including your brother," he reasoned.

His mind returned to the present as Raiden broke his reverie. "We shall be taking Liu's body to the same place where his brother's body is held. Within the distant wood, where not even Shang Tsung would dare to tread. I had already assigned Nightwolf to use his shamanistic skills and protect this sacred site, like he did to his past home on the East Coast.

"However...being that Liu's the former Champion..." he laid a hand on the frail man's shoulder. "I suggest a tomb specially made for him."

"Just like with our ancestors..." Kung Lao muttered as his eyes lit up.

"Right. The responsibilities on stopping the Deadly Alliance and avenging Liu Kang is now onto you, Kung Lao."

"What? Why me!?"

"He's right, Kung Lao." The amulet spoke with its jade eyes flashing. He took it out from his chest pocket. "As my closest Shaolin brother, and former Champion, so too with our ancestor the Great Kung Lao, you shall be my own personal retainer."

The prestigious descendant was flabbergasted, as was Aiko. "What...?"

"From now on, my fate rests within your hands. Do not let Shang Tsung claim my soul. I know this may be a heavy burden, but you know I'll be with you. I shall not be heavy, I am your Shaolin brother, after all." No one saw Liu grin at the jest.

Although, this actually made Aiko smirk, knowing the punchline.

"Kung Lao, please! You have to stop them and make sure my master's fate is safe. If you can put our ancestors to rest, then you're certainly capable of putting Liu's soul at ease too. This is your chance to be his equal now!" Kai was just too emotional to make the mission. So he volunteered to establish Liu's services with the other Monks.

That last statement actually made Lao take a jolt. Remembering his angsts on desiring to be even in strength, stamina and skill, and finally freeing his ancestors after the trifecta of fatal battles within Kahn's Arena, this actually created a warm, burning feeling in his heart. "I will, Kai. I promise you all."

The other Monks wished him good luck and pleaded to succeed in saving Liu Kang's lost spirit, as well as Earthrealm in the long-term.

Nightwolf, however, was going over the security footage across the Arena, which shown Shang Tsung's disguise, and the assault adjoined by Quan Chi. However, by the time the lightning storm hit, every camera over it and near the premise went out like candles. The sensors were unable to record any further activity due to them being fried.

The Matokan sighed, "Seems the surveillance has been shot, Kiba." His wolf growled over the attack involving Quan Chi before Raiden's intervention. He petted him, "I know how you must be feeling, dealing with both of our nemeses again. I believe they escaped from the Netherrealm somehow, to have THEIR revenge over Liu Kang. Besting our hero in cold blood. I'm not going to let them dominate all the realms! ...This can't be the time to focus on repairs, nor our despairs. Liu Kang depends on us!"

His companion affirmed this by letting out a sharp bark.

Lao alerted Kung Jin's mom via phoneline in Mandarin as he and Aiko started packing within his chamber. Being it was around 8am, Jin was already attending school. She wished Aiko and Lao good luck and reminding the cardiokinetic to take her beet vitamins every twice a day. The vengeful Oriental also suggested to never brief Jin on Liu Kang's death, unless if the heroes should fail and won't return after a week being gone.

He ended the landline, and within 40 minutes, the couple made the necessary preparations. To the former monk, this did remind him of those same precautions before he and Liu headed to Outworld, albeit less hastily.

About an hour had passed when the three Kombatants rendezvoused back at the Wu Shi Arena, with Raiden expecting them. "Are you all prepared?" His soldiers confirmed.

"I have appointed my brother, Fujin, the current guardian of Earthrealm to rally our distant companions before they shall approach Outworld. Because I relinquished by status as Elder God, I'm still powerless there."

Everyone became irritable. "I was afraid you'd say that..." Lao made a facepalm, just like in his last expedition.

"That is if we should gather all our allies." Nightwolf clarified. "Where should we be until then?"

"In the meantime, we will gather at Shang Tsung's Island. It's less likely he would be there, as his powers manifest in Outworld."

"Shang Tsung's Island?" Lao was dumbfounded by this offer.

"Isn't it in Outworld, or Earthrealm..?"

"It's actually a little of both, Aiko. Do you remember infiltrating it, Kung Lao?"

For a few moments, his mind flashed back on him ambushing Shang and his cronies while being disguised as one of the spearmen. Then breaking his cover and enlisting himself in the tournament, before Shang self-destructed his turf and the monks were unable to escape till they reached a portal passed a gigantic waterfall.

"Yes...but where is it, exactly?"

"It's between Earthrealm and Outworld." Liu Kang's voice chimed in. Lao took out the dragon head. "It's not entirely a part of Earth, but rather in the Lost Sea. I'm sure you recall the ship heading thru a portal, right? With all that calamity, and Shang declaring-"

"It has begun!" Those haunting words were engraved both in their minds...

Raiden reached out a hand to Lao's arm. "Come. We must head to the isle's ruins posthaste. I will make a portal leading to it. Hurry, now!" He did just that with minimal effort.

Nightwolf perspired, "Well, there's no going back now!"

"I can't turn tail and run...as long as you guys are here," the cardiokinetic added.

"We must get going!" Lao declared, Nightwolf and Aiko nodded, and he was the first to leap into the portal.

The beach was balmy, and the sky was clear when the quintet emerged. Aiko stumbled because she wasn't as used to traversing thru portals, unlike Raiden who stood firmly. Despite the large heap of rubble in the distance, the Oriental flags remained. Raiden urged Nightwolf to make a bonfire while Lao and Aiko kept a sharp eye for any enemies. Thankfully, everything was still. The Thunder God watched their backs, but he seemed to be deep in thought...

The fresh bonfire's flames churned green, courtesy of Nightwolf to begin a ritual.

"Kung Lao." Raiden's attention was entirely focused on his most promising disciple. His face fell in dread. "This is a very dangerous procedure, highly unorthodox if done voluntarily, but due to you having close, trusting ties with your Shaolin brother, it may not be as diminishing.

"Liu Kang? What you're about to perform is unlike many mortals has ever done. Your spirit must...merge with Kung Lao's vessel."

Everyone gasped in disbelief. Nightwolf was more intrigued than frightful, "I've seen this happen before, though it's been hardly done because of the mounting consequences. Well, aside from me, of course. Possession is very risky to both the host and the curious spirit."

"Raiden...that means...I need to be unconscious, right? In order for Liu Kang to enter me?"

"Yes. The body must share only one consciousness. However, it must be done temporarily, as the foreign spirit would cause long-term damage if not handled properly."

This didn't reassure Lao in the slightest. His mentor tried to show some comfort.

"Do not fret, I will monitor Liu Kang's spirit, and your body. However, since you're the retainer, you must undergo this training. Besides, two separate heads aren't always better than one. Hm hm." Raiden let out a small grin. Lao just hung his head, trying to clear it as he processed this unusual undertaking.

He eventually rose it, "What...must I do?"

"Lie down."

As he did, Aiko took out a folded sleeping bag, allowing Lao to lay on his back and rest his head comfortably.

"Remain still and close your eyes as if you'd start to meditate. Liu Kang, enter Kung Lao's body. The dragon amulet shall be facing the host."

Before Lao remained idle, he took out the golden head and laid it on his chest facing him. Liu's spirit was able to see him thru the pair of clear orb windows.

"Now, envision Kung Lao, the mind must overcome matter."

The monk stepped closer, and he performed that stunt. Images of his rival flashed thru it. Before he knew it, his green essence emitted from the amulet and went into Lao, as if it was carried by a current.

"Good. You will feel some discomfort, Kung Lao. But do not be alarmed."

After Liu's green streak entered Lao's body, his arm began to ripple. He felt tense while his shell was being entered thru. He began to panic as he lost control over his being while also feeling an out of body experience; Raiden stated the body must share one consciousness only, that being Liu's. Lao grew nervous when he grew more powerless, until his body collapsed and remained motionless as if he passed out...

Aiko rushed over to his side, though Raiden urged her to stay put with Nightwolf who didn't seem fazed.

Moments later, Lao's body rose little by little, albeit groggy and sluggish as it was Liu testing his host. Slowly, he stood up by his firm hands and feet, with his eyes remaining shut.

By the time Lao's vessel went completely upright, he ascended his head and his eyes shot open then narrowed, showing fiery pupils while Lao's was mixed with Liu's creating a more neon amber hue. After some basic katas, Liu immediately got to work!

Whether it'd be kicks, rapid punches, and other complex combos, Lao's body moved normally. No traces of distortion, not even translucence nor slipping. At the same time, Liu remembered Lao's abilities while doing his usual training. He even attempted his signature Hat Throw, in which he used Lao's mind to draw it back! He repeated only for it to be a flaming hat, then conjuring it back and putting out the fire! This intrigued the spectators watching his every spectacular move!

Raiden was impressed on the former Champion mastering both aero and pyrokinesis simultaneously! "Excellent! Both fire and wind working together! As flames shall not be conjured without oxygen and working in sync by nature."

Liu also envisioned on Kung Lao's Tornado Kick, in which he performed once spinning rapidly. Even conjuring a basic funnel which nearly blew out the bonfire and Nightwolf and Aiko off their feet. Remembering the maneuver, he tipped and commanded his hat, causing the usual spiral! Raiden stated to use his mind utilizing both skills from observing Lao and using his knowledge and consciousness. He did, conjuring a funnel of air and fire! Raiden stated oxygen works together creating flames.

Lao's vessel seemed to have warmed up as Liu entered it, allowing to use his pyrokinesis and other moves.

Liu was astonished he can still use his own abilities, including the Flying and Bicycle Kicks, and his pyrokinesis which had that airy effect! The most difficult move, though, was indeed Lao's Teleport, in which Raiden encouraged to use his mind and his hat to warp behind the opponent. At first, he failed, using Liu's own teleport with his eyes shut, but using his hat and visualizing, he managed to teleport thru the sand and behind one of the old palm trees, albeit a few feet away. The Thunder God urged for him to warp and attack from the air with Lao's Teleport Kicks, even when he flipped and kicked multiple times onto another trunk till it fell. Remembering Liu's observation of Lao, it took a few tries to master that technique. Even when he made a punch to the ground from aloft!

Liu noticed, startled as he covered Lao's mouth, that their voices were intermixed during their war cries; Raiden stated since Lao's still the host, their voices became audible as one.

After a while when Liu reviewed Lao's maneuvers, Raiden urged him to return to his Amulet! He took it out and the God stated he must envision it in his mind as his spirit's returning point. He concentrated until that image appeared in his shut eyes vividly. Raiden told Liu to lie down and hold the relic while subconsciously commanding his astral form to return. Through green energy emitting from Lao's body, it did! The vessel became limp afterwards, as if he fainted again.

Nightwolf and Aiko scrambled to his sides, calling his name! There was no response, nor movement as he grew pale. Raiden stepped closer and kept encouraging Lao to wake up and break free from his unconsciousness. To follow his mentor's voice guiding him thru the darkness.

Lao's eyes fluttered as he let out some weak groans, his head moving from one side to the next, his hand wrinkling to a loose fist. By the time his sight cleared, he noticed his teacher and Aiko over him...

As if from a nightmare, Lao bolted up and breathed rapidly with his heart racing!

"How're you feeling? Are you alright?" Nightwolf said, Kiba went and licked Lao's face several times.

The former monk calmed a little, especially when Aiko hugged him. "I...I lost control over my mind and body. I felt my soul leaving, and everything turned dark. And... I can almost envision myself performing Liu Kang's moves! ...I wish I can do the Bicycle Kicks and Flying Kicks by myself... They were difficult to pull off while I was..." he lost his train of thought.

Raiden warned Liu mustn't stay in him for long, otherwise there can be irreversible consequences wearing it... Moreover, Lao himself would possibly be in the void permanently. He grew terrified, but the electromancer assured it's the only way to confuse and destroy the Deadly Alliance. The second Chinese warrior could've sworn his muscles, and mostly his head, began to ache.

Thru drinking some herbal tea to relieve his pains, Lao hallucinated minutes later, as if his brain was beginning to swell! He held his head as he moaned and squeezed his eyes shut, as if his mind was trying to resist them. From Liu Kang dying at the Wu Shi Arena, that scene worsened in conjunction with the stress, to the point on Lao hollering. It seemed both martial artists had retained memories from their separate entities, a major side effect of the host sharing the guest, Raiden warned...

He, Aiko and Kiba kept tending Lao, while Nightwolf remained steadfast. "It's as if in order to become one entity, they must share traits with each other. They're transmitting their thoughts into one another. Like magnets but are repelling from each other."

The gentle breeze, dancing flames and the ocean waves gave Lao some comfort, external sources aside from his compatriots.

The Indian finally stepped in. "Kung Lao," the aerokinetic looked up. "I know it's going to take some time and skill, and luck, to work the two entities as one. But you two have a common cause. You can use that to start out with, instead of having your spirit reject Liu Kang's. Let your spirits share your experiences but wield them cohesively. It is temporary, so no pressure."

"I will give you some time to train yourself more with Liu Kang's spirit, and him to do the same. Until Fujin shall gather the other warriors. But remember, time is of the essence."

A/N: Yes, I know there's supposed to be four victories, thus four metals in Liu's upcoming Temple; however, he only won three straight victories from the first tournament, to the second, and Kahn's invasion. With the fourth competition won by the Gods, Raiden and Fujin, as you'd see in my previous epic and thus reversing Liu's eternal curse. I also threw in an Easter Egg, referring to Chan's death from the og film, which seemed like deja vu since Liu had also been killed by Shang... Another element will be introduced later to make another recollection...

Possession may be a scary thing, but not always. I thought it was an awesome idea to have Liu Kang's prowess intermix with Kung Lao's! It kind of reminds me of Gotenks or Gogeta, even though they're technically fusions, and I always liked seeing the Shaolin Monks working as one and as a bromance; like Raiden said, sometimes two heads aren't always better than one especially if they're separated! Hell, I did that before in my Missing Episodes for Sleepy Hollow as the Witnesses, Ichabod Crane and Lara Thomas, did a sort of battle bond to outmaneuver the Headless Horseman! Besides, I'd definitely see Kung Lao as Liu's retainer, as he's his upmost rival nearly matching his skills, very close to being his equal even in the games, and being his closest and most trustful Shaolin brother! It's just like what True Underdawg Gaming said, Lao is like the Vegeta to Liu as Goku during the Greatest Downfall! That's the most perfect analogy between them!

Also, just like in my last epic, I didn't really have much of a role to give Kai; especially since he was cut in this game and probably won't return till Armageddon, sadly. Maybe if I should start Deception, he might have a better shot.

I think Wu Shi Academy from Deadly Alliance should play when the heroes prepare to leap into the portal; too bad the place only debuted in MKV, but at least Shaolin Monks picked up the slack. How about a little surprise from Enter the Dragon as Han's Island plays when the heroes land on Shang Tsung's Island? I always wished both it and Mortal Kombat can share the same universe! Let alone be at the same location in the Lost Sea! Liu vs. Sub-Zero (MK 1995) shall play when he enters Kung Lao's body and tests it out, even when the intense moment starts as Lao opens his eyes. And Hand and Shadow also from the MK '95 OST will be played at the end, very fitting.

So, Raiden shall train Kung Lao (the host) with the spirit of Liu Kang (the guest) who'd give both Shaolin a power boost, much like Nightwolf does it with Kiba. They have until Fujin, staying in Earthrealm, gather the other Kombatants for the journey thru Outworld and the fateful battle against the Deadly Alliance.

A/N: From here on in, the fic's going to have some flashback scenes, recalling the prelude before the Deadly Alliance make their move on Earthrealm and killing Liu Kang. Deadly Alliance was a very tricky story to work with, even more overwhelming than my last epic, Shinnok's Uprising! So many things transpired here, and it's difficult enough when the lore's divided between each Kombatant. Luckily, I found a vid explaining it all, courtesy of MK Temple, the same source of intel I used for my previous epic. However, since I had no experience with MKV, it was still quite a challenge while piecing everything together.

Kung Lao still trains with Liu's soul inside him, while a special someone shall recruit their distant allies.

Con't II - Repressed Memories

Throughout the last few days, Raiden, Aiko, Nightwolf and Kiba had been monitoring Kung Lao's training while sharing Liu Kang's spirit inside him. HIs skills were impressive, even when the former Champion combined his pyrokinesis with his aerokinesis! However, Lao seemed to have missed those powerful combinations, like throwing Liu Kang after a few flips and the monk unleashing a tremendous Flying Kick! Also, the aftereffects were what kept hindering the retired Shaolin. Little by little, Lao gradually became stronger and more mobile with Liu's astral form, and they both became bolder on stopping the Deadly Alliance by sharing their common goal, pointed out by Nightwolf.

Since then, Lao had Liu as his ghastly guide; the responsibilities were undoubtedly onto him now in saving all realms and avenging his partner. He knew now this was his chance to prove himself as being the Shaolin's equal.

Late one evening, Lao's body became limp during one meditation session, something he hadn't done so in a while. If he could just ease his body and mind, then perhaps enduring Liu's intervention shouldn't be too painful. It seemed the calming waves and the gentle breeze soothed him down in conjunction with his deep, rhythmic breathing... His head soon began to get weighed down, and his heart rate was steadily decreasing.

He was enveloped in complete darkness, and soon woke up in the same lotus position with his eyes fluttering open. The light from the bright, overcast sky made him come to, yet there was no wind nor waves. He noticed it matched the colorless landscape all around him. Even on the distant precipices and floating islands...! This place was unfamiliar to him and not like the island beaches nor like the Wu Shi Academy at all!

"Where is this place...?" He thought aloud, his eyes scanning the bizarre terrain.

"Let me have a look, Kung Lao." He was certainly glad he can still hear Liu Kang's voice within the dragon head. He relieved it from his chest pocket and the monk observed. "Hmm... Just as I suspected."

"Where is it, Liu Kang?" He spoke into the decorative dragon.

"We seem to have merged minds, you and I with our unpleasantries sharing your body." Lao just sighed at Liu's jest, rolling his eyes. "I'd been thru this once. And if I remember correctly, this island we're standing in represents our subconscious."

"You mean...this is a dream?"

"It's...more like a surreal trial for the two of us."

"...Do we need to reach those cliffs?" He pointed at a long plateau.

"This is how we should progress thru it. I believe we are in limbo at the moment. And this plane shall represent our deepest memories, perhaps a few conflicts warring inside us."

"How can we resolve this...?"

"Well, we need to build a bridge somehow, and each island must have a different obstacle to overcome."

"A bridge...am I supposed to envision that in my mind?"

"Let me out of the amulet for a minute. I'll take a look."

Lao did just that as he outstretched an arm while allowing Liu's green spirit to be unleashed. His body looked the same, except it was all outlined in the lime hue. He floated over to the plateau in which he saw a depression. In it, there looked to be the same training grounds as in the Academy! Rows of monks were following an instructor, though they were in unison and were learning an unusual method...

"Of course...! They're learning how to fight in the Mantis style!"

"Mantis!? I-I hadn't done this technique in so long. This form of kombat was introduced by Wang Lang in the Ming Dynasty, back in 1600."

Liu nodded with a grin, "Yes. He mimicked a green praying mantis fighting a cicada. It was a very swift and effective technique!" His spirit descended back to the island in the epicenter of the endless void. "Kung Lao. You need to remember and master each technique. The Mantis fighting style is known for its quick and accurate attacks. This can help us against the Deadly Alliance. Strike me with your basic Mantis attacks."

He commandeered Lao to perform the Drilling Punch, which was a move impaling the chest. The Double Mantis Strike made Lao raise his tight fists and slam them both down onto his enemy, the Leg Sprouting Kick had Lao knee the neck and outstretch the same leg, and the Chest Piercing Kick was a direct blow toward the stomach. Lao at first felt skeptical on trying to hit a spirit, but he didn't have a choice to question Liu's logic, nor the time.

"Seems its coming back to you." He looked over the monks again and he gave his observation to his new disciple. "The Mantis Single Leg Soaring Kick is a pop-up hit that allows the attacker to repeatedly strike his opponent before he hits the ground. Attack me with the Mantis Single Leg Soaring Kick."

It was sort of like the uppercut, which aimed vertically to the neck, making Liu's spirit get tossed and dropped to the ground. Lao did it once as a warmup, then Liu urged him to juggle the opponent multiple times. Still, it didn't leave a blemish on the spirit.

"Excellent! You have done well. Now you must learn the Mantis low attacks and sweeps. Use them to keep your opponent on the defensive. You must perform the Seven Star Hit, Toppling Kick, Ward Off Punch, Low Thrusting Palm and Leg Squatting Kick. Try attacking your opponent with Mantis low attacks and sweeps."

The Seven Star Hit seemed to be two fingers in one hand poking the stomach, while the other hand used all five to hit it. The Toppling Kick was like a side kick making the opponent drop, the third technique was like a swift move to the sore gut, and the low thrust was just basically an open hand into the torso, followed by the sweeping trip!

As soon as he succeeded, a landform began to enlarge and connect to the other distant precipice! Kung Lao ran across it, and the spirit of Liu Kang followed close behind while he hovered. The training ground that the Shaolin saw was gone, yet still there was another cliff in the distance.

Liu Kang simply repeated the procedure, "Your next lessons will be to learn another one of your martial arts fighting styles. You do recall the Shaolin Fist. Right...?"

Lao nodded. His pose wasn't as basic as before. Instead, one arm was raised and curled back, while the other curled downward. His left leg seemed to be more forward than the right, with his knee bent.

"Around the year 539 AD, a holy man named Ta Mo developed an exercise program for his fellow monks. The program included several Indian fighting techniques. But over time, this exercise program grew into a Kung Fu fighting style. Now you must learn the Roundhouse Strike, Attack the Heart, Curved Hook Punch, Backfist Strike and Front Kick."

The slightly bent knee was raised, and the foot stuck thru the air. The raised right arm aimed for Liu's heart and made a direct vertical hit. With the same curved arm, he aimed and lunged a punch to the upper chest. It was obvious as Lao used his right hand as he struck with the rear, then he was able to grab the ghost which made the spirit lower enough to make his mark with a direct kick.

Liu backed away a tad, but he just shook off the clenching blows. "Like any great structure, fighting skill is built brick by brick. You must first learn these basic Shaolin attacks before continuing further."

Another landform was forged, and they reached the next plateau. Lao picked up a very familiar weapon. He recognized it as the Broadsword. He remembered training in the broadsword technique since his early teen years, though he was a tad rusty; ironically, the blade itself was still as shiny as ever.

Liu spoke, "The Broadsword is known as the arm of foot soldiers and Manchurian officials. It is categorized as a short weapon and is designed for slashing rather than thrusting."

With some fragments flashing in his mind performing all kinds of deadly techniques, Lao recalled the Cross Cutting Slash, Twisting Body Strike, Crushing Side Slash, Rising Slash, Half Moon Slash

Just like an uppercut, he sliced upward. Then, he sliced down, twirled as he jumped, and struck from airborne again. The side swipe was a piece of cake, the forceful ascension started from the bottom to the top which caused the body to rise and fall. And some quick swipes in a vertical arch were performed. He also remembered some low stabs toward the torso and legs, while making a spinning strike as well!

Kung Lao had also mastered the ability to Impale his Broadsword into an opponent to slowly drain his life force. Once lodged into an opponent, his blade cannot be removed.

In a flashback, he did the same thing with Baraka, twice, back in the Soul Tombs a few years back...

Lao just simply wound up like a pitcher preparing a strategic throw and tossed in the blade, making it stuck within Liu's ghostly chest! At first, he was terrified, but the monk just laughed it off!

"Heh! You really think that's going to hurt a spirit!? I don't feel a thing!" He tugged it out and threw it up for Lao to catch the handle.

Lao and Liu then heard some vehement, muffled voices. They seemed to grow and weaken in decibels, but it was just enough for Liu Kang to recognize. "That's Master Raiden! We must go!" His best friend took his hand, and then a white light illuminated the plane, blinding their vision.

Sure enough, it was him. And the first thing Lao noticed was firm grips on his shoulders while giving his body a shake. His sight cleared slowly, and indeed it was his mentor. "Unh...Raiden." He wiped his eyes clean, and Lao was surprised it was already daylight! Thankfully, the landscape was in color again, with a robin egg blue sky, the grey ocean and the amber rubble with the evergreen palms. He let out a slight grin, relieved for once he was back on the realms of the living instead of being in that dead plane of existence.

"It seems you've come to. You were out of it for several hours, and it was hard for me to awaken you. You're lucky I didn't have to use an electroshock onto you." The Thunder God smirked; Lao just shook his head.

Aiko was just as relieved, "Thank goodness you didn't have to...! I'd seen those horrid films in a psych ward before."

"It's about time you have awakened." Nightwolf added. "Raiden was explaining the Deadly Alliance had escaped from the Netherrealm while betraying Moloch and Drahmin."

"Who...?"

"Isn't Moloch like a demon, like a very skilled warlord of sorts...?" The name seemed vaguely familiar to the cardiokinetic...

"Moloch and Drahmin had also escaped. Into Outworld, near the Living Forest. I fear the worst for those vulnerable Zaterrans..." Some terrifying images flashed thru the electromancer's mind, from evacuating the endangered Saurians thru a portal to another world of swampy, abandoned ruins, to watching Earthrealm be hit by an asteroid which was a fallen God during the first insurrection of Shinnok... He soon regained his words, "Without Liu Kang's spirit like Shang Tsung desired, their plans had been grinded to a crawl... With the demon sorcerer's mastery in necromancy, it will not take long for him and Quan Chi to establish their evil plot in Outworld."

"It actually has been a decade in the Netherrealm, though it seems to be one year in Earthrealm." It didn't seem very perplexing to the shaman. This statement tugged a memory in Lao's head when Jax was discussing with him deep in the Foundry.

"How long have you been here?"

"I do not know. Time is different in this realm. Feels like weeks."

The Thunder God's words interrupted Lao's reverie, "As an Elder God, I was able to observe Outworld while also maintaining my abilities; however, I could not intervene... Therefore, I sensed the two sorcerers escape a portal from the Netherrealm, while also taking a vessel known as the Nethership in between realms." Remembering Shang's services to Kahn, the Palace became operational, and their purpose was to house many souls...

Kung Lao wondered if Shang was so desperate to become the next ruler and expand Outworld over Edenia with another fatal Mortal Kombat tournament, like the one that was housed here. But, Raiden stated, that wasn't his purpose. Instead, the duo desired to awaken the mummified members of the undead serving the ominous Dragon King, Onaga. This brutal serpent was foreign to each of the mortals.

The heroes took a minute to ponder all this creepy information. Aiko then chimed in that Nightwolf should volunteer for his pet, Kiba, to detect those who're real, like a sort of soul smelling detector.

Raiden remarked, "Excellent idea, Aiko!" Considering he smelt Lao's disguise which led the Matokan to the Deadly Alliance's ambush.

This made her eyes light up! As did a distant, neon shade which brightened the onlookers' faces. They braced for the worst until their eyes made out a skinny figure in a ponytail which was within five feet, and a broader figure beside her that was several inches taller with a flat head. As the rip closed, the quartet made out Sonya and Johnny! They greeted the duo, as did Kiba who ran up to them, sniffed, and licked the female Special Forces agent several times! He then smelt the male agent's feet, in which there was no disquietude. "Hey, wolfie. How you doing?" he said as he petted him.

Sonya and Johnny approached the quartet and briefly recapped the events leading up to Liu Kang's death... Both agents sympathized, though they were grateful, and shocked that the heroes had his spirit talking inside the dragon head Raiden created.

"As if things can't get any more stranger...!" Johnny commented.

"Not unless I am willing to possess your body!" That shut the foolish boy up!

"Johnny here took on as a Bollywood actor part-time, but he still stayed within the Special Forces. They were making an alias for him."

"Those bastards never believed in resurrection anyway."

"Right. Oh! I forgot to mention something!" Sonya took out a shiny diamond ring from her breast pocket! "We'd been engaged! And so was Jax with his girlfriend, Vera. Though the relationship's albeit distant with the OIA and all."

Aiko became giddy with the news! "You're engaged!? Guys that's great!"

Sonya rubbed the back of her neck, "Yeah...but, things just went awry as we lost contact with our men. I think Jax, Cyrax and Kenshi may be stranded in Outworld.

"And it all started, with a betrayal...!"

Sonya and Johnny with several officers were at their technological base, and the general was frustrated on calling Jax! She always wound up with no signal, after she received a mechanical interference which affected all of their equipment.

She suddenly received a call on her cellphone, though the tenor made her notice he wasn't her partner at all. "Sonya Blade here."

"Sonya...! Is that you? It's me, Stryker!"

She gasped, "Stryker? Kurtis Stryker!?"

"Yeah, it's been a while."

"I hadn't heard from you in years, what's up?"

"Not too good...!" He paused for a moment. "My best friend, Kabal...he's in pretty rough shape. He's already in critical condition, as if his incinerated face wasn't bad enough...!"

"What happened?"

"Someone stole his hook swords and ran off with them. He was only able to identify the suspect with an artificial heart."

"Artificial heart...? Agh-that's Hsu Hao!" A lightbulb shown, then broke inside her mind!

"Wait, you know this bastard!?"

"Yeah, Hsu Hao went missing for some time. We thought he'd be with Jax and Cyrax as an Outworld scout."

"He was a part of the Special Forces...? Jesus... This is heavy. Kabal also identified an encrusted mark of a red dragon on his arm."

"Red dragon... THE Red Dragons! I thought they were dead like the Black Dragons! The latter is a crime syndicate that broke off from the former organization. Rumor has it the Red Dragons were too cruel to its subordinates."

Stryker exasperated, "First Kano and now this...? We weren't able to catch the suspect. I had to stick with Kabal. But, if he has connections to the Special Forces, you best stay alert. He can be after you."

"I'll keep that in mind, Stryker. I hope for you and Kabal to make it thru this ordeal. I'll alert my squad members, Sonya out!"

Upon the incident of an agent turning rogue, Sonya and Johnny didn't hesitate. They were on the case as they flew to New York. Following the signal of Stryker's call from a distant hospital, they landed within the vicinity of the streets that were once occupied by the rise of Shao Kahn's Fortress. This area even tugged lost memories from Sonya herself. With that sudden flashback, she suspected Hsu to be close, "Where is Aiko when we need her...?" she muttered.

They scanned the area for the betrayer, only to notice a whirring noise.

Johnny's ears perked up and noticed a pair of twin-handled blades shaped like hooks! "Hook swords.? Incoming!"

Sonya almost instantly spotted the enemy! She backflipped which made the intruder tumble after his aerial dive. She made out a slender man wearing a green army hat and metallic straps that seem to connect to his...glowing heart implant! "Hsu Hao...?"

"Long time no see, princess!" She could've sworn he started to ogle her.

"Hey!" Johnny immediately came to the defensive. "You betrayed your own men! What the hell is wrong with you!?"

"I only allied myself with the Special Forces to rid of the Black Dragons! Virtually, you had succeeded since they died off with the likes of Kano and Jarek! It was just a favorable deed for my true allies, Mavado would be pleased!"

"Hsu Hao...? You were a trusted, honorable soldier. What're you doing...?" Sonya was still stupefied. Yet, Johnny countered with a Shadow Kick cancelling Hsu Hao's dash kick!

The shady antihero went into the fray with his emerald aura abilities, including his lunge, kicks, and green fireballs.

Hsu Hao kept firing a large, crimson laser a lot which was precise and also deadly! Johnny could've sworn it was capable on giving him a rush of heat! With the same gizmo pulsing, Hsu let out a warcry which he sworn was similar to Shao Kahn's and he soon noticed he became more reckless than before! He kept avoiding Hsu's physical prowess, assuming his chest plate was a power source. Cage seemed to almost be like a glass cannon, as his muscles became sore by each blow! Hsu's army boots were just as merciless, especially with spikes underneath. While keeping his distance, Cage evaded his claps which generated a spiral of wind toward him. One gust connected, making him lose his balance.

After what seemed like almost ten minutes, a skinny tornado touched down onto the former agent! This literally took him off his feet and tossed him into a nearby dumpster, in which the impact closed the lid and made it jiggle!

A tall elderly man with a long, white ponytail emerged and blew on his finger, "Still needs some more practice."

"Fujin!" Sonya met up with the pair.

"Long time no see. I was hoping circumstances would be less inconvenient with that roach crawling around."

"Hadn't seen you in a while," replied Johnny.

"Yes, you too. But we have no time for introductions. Your mission is about to change its trajectory."

"What is it..? Hsu Hao wounded Kabal and betrayed my team." Sonya recapped.

"It gets even more worse. Liu Kang..." He sulked as his shut his eyes. "He has been slaughtered by Shang Tsung."

The two could've sworn their hearts skipped a beat. "That scary son of a bitch is back!?" Johnny broke the silence.

"Indeed, but...Liu Kang is partially dead. At least for the moment. His soul was saved by my brother. Raiden was inspired by our arch enemy, Shinnok, thus he created a dragon amulet in case the inevitable should happen. As if it wasn't bad enough losing and resurrecting you already," he mentioned to Johnny, who wrinkled his face. "Took two years, after all. Not so easy when reconstructuring from a decapitation."

"Where is Raiden now?" Sonya chimed in.

"He, Liu, Kung Lao, Aiko and Nightwolf are at Shang Tsung's Island. I'd been assigned to recruit our distant allies there."

"Hold up. Wasn't that island destroyed after it sunk into the sea?" Cage queried.

"After the first tournament? Not really, though there's not much left excepting a humongous pile of rubble.

"My brother needed to relinquish his status as an Elder God while this was going on. They weren't very pleased with his sudden desertion."

"Yeah, even in the military, you can't relieve your line of duty unless you'd been honorably discharged." Sonya said.

"In any case, I'll conjure a portal taking you there. And if my assumptions are correct, I think your narc would be working for the Deadly Alliance anyway. After 500 years, it has been reforged. Quan Chi is aiding Shang too."

"That bald monster too!?" Cage stated in disbelief.

"This is bad...with them working together." Sonya shared with her fiancé's angsts.

"I still need to find the other Kombatants. We must hurry!" He built energy to create another funnel forming a rip several inches away. The beach was projecting thru it. "Go! Straight ahead is the rendezvous point. Our mission has dealt with a more greater threat. Run along!"

"Well, it's all or nothing. Another Mortal Kombat, I guess." Johnny faced Sonya.

"Our friends need us, as does Master Raiden. That's more than enough."

The couple nodded before they ran into the portal; it closed after it was breached.

"I hope it's not too late already..." He looked into the sky before he dissipated with a gust of wind.

"Fujin may be correct, Sonya. Hsu Hao can just be another crony for the sorcerers' machinations."

"We never heard from the Outworlder Investigation Agency since. I'm beginning to feel the worst for Jax, Kenshi and Cyrax."

"We will approach Outworld shortly, for now though, my brother has his hands full."

Nightwolf wished he would have his equipment ready to detect oncoming rips, since the shapeshifter was still at large and was willing to make another swift move disguised as another acquaintance.

"Kung Lao still needs to train himself housing Liu Kang's spirit."

"Housing it!? As in... possession!?" Cage was flabbergasted.

"Can it get any worse..." Sonya shook her head.

"He still has a long way to go." He faced Lao who was sparring in midair, holding a thick branch and wielding it like a sword. "If we see any more rips, more warriors will follow. Hanzo, Kuai and others shall join us soon."

"At least we still have Liu's soul, away from Shang Tsung, unlike what he did to Art." Johnny's mind flashed back to that incident when he lost against Goro, and the war became grim till Cage made that infamous nutcracker!

In his native tongue, Raiden prayed for Fujin to shake a leg even though only several hours had passed, and the sun climbed to a high noon.

A/N: Kontent Stage, just like in the Konquest mode will play first while Lao and Liu explore the subconscious. I couldn't find what I wanted for Lao going thru lesson by lesson with Liu's spirit, the Ice Sector from Code Lyoko: Fall of XANA. Instead, I kind of resorted from the second song in the OST; it played nearly the whole thing, yet some songs were missing! Long Flashback from DBZ would sound as Sonya recaps the unfortunate betrayal and Kabal and Stryker's assault. Lastly shall be Megaframe from the ReBoot Unofficial Soundtrack.

For this fic, Sonya has returned, as did Fujin and Johnny, but I'm going to use her actress and her attire from Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. Aside from Olivia from Defenders of the Realm, and Bridgette from the first film, I find Sandra to be just as iconic. Didn't like her 3D render in Alliance very much... I also wanted her to be engaged with Johnny, as they're one step closer to giving birth to Cassie, as is Jax involving Jacqui! They won't have much time to settle with the Deadly Alliance around, which I'd made a brief reference to Conquest. They may soon go thru a power struggle, who knows.

Kung Lao's training sessions were the most difficult scenes I needed to write! I didn't like doing it, especially when referring to his own Konquest Mode! There were so many moves to highlight amongst his 3 Fighting Styles! It was pure torture! Although, the scene inspired from Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series was more comforting; when Mantis merged with Peter's mind to find his broken team by exploring his emotions associated with them. Hey, since Liu kept merging with Lao, and since their minds must work in sync, why not?

I can agree with one of the creators, John Vogel, who really despises Hsu Hao despite him being a popular choice for Alliance. I don't blame you as he became a scrappy later on! I never found the Red Dragons to begin with, nor the Black Dragons, like Ian in 616Entertainment, but utilizing his artificial heart was fascinating!

So, Fujin is still on the hunt for more allies. Will he succeed and would the team be recruited in time?

Con't III - Embarking to Outworld...Again!

It was now daylight and Fujin just arrived in Japan; it didn't take long for him to travel from place to place considering he was the God of Wind utilizing his funnels as transport. Air, in this case, can move as fast as the incredible speed of light!

Fujin first visited the towering, 50-foot Shirai Ryu base; the clan had been reformed by Hanzo after the falls of Shinnok and Quan Chi. And recently, they'd received a baby in a basket, out of nowhere! Some clan members, while they were training, heard some cries and followed them to the source at the front step. Sure enough, it was an infant with black hair with a yellow headband matching his one-piece outfit, and he was brought in.

One of the male fighters wearing the usual Shirai Ryu uniform stormed in and alerted, "Grandmaster Hanzo! You wouldn't believe this, but there happens to be an infant on our doorstep. He was delivered inside a handbasket!"

Hanzo, had on the usual garb, but without his yellow mask and black hood. Instead, his face was shown with a thin, black beard and mustache, also having a yellow headband, and black hair sticking out. He stood as still as a statue, perplexed. "A baby...? Why would there be a baby here at a time like this...?" He observed his other comrades carry in the basket, enclosed with a note in exotic symbols and a wailing newborn. He stepped closer and examined the pamphlet, which to him looked like it was written in Thai. He requested for one of his men to read it.

"To my most trusted friend, Hanzo,

Please watch over my lonesome son. I cannot leave him within the care of the Thai nor the Chinese nurseries, as one is primitive while the others are militaristic! I'm on my way to chase after the bastard who blinded me, and thus I needed someone else to write this request, perhaps...my last. Please take care of the child while I'm away. Chances are, I may not return.

I have but one goal: to slay the sorcerer who blinded me.

You are my only salvation, Hanzo Hasashi. For his sake and mine, look after Takeda Takahashi!

Regards,

Kenshi."

He signed his name in Thai.

"Kenshi? Kenshi Takahashi!?" His amber eyes widened. "I thought he joined the Special Forces. I'd heard he passed all tests with flying colors! Sonya and Jax enlisted his help, soon after he found a sacred sword from a well which was believed to be the burial of his ancestors. If I'm right, he might've gone to Outworld..."

The baby began to cry harder which distracted Hanzo. He looked over the basket one of the ninjas was holding and... he just stopped as he stared at it. Slowly, he picked up the kid and he began to sob less and less. He opened his baggy, black eyes and gazed onto the man who was holding him. He began to silence himself, and Hanzo couldn't help but gaze back...

"Master. Are you alright?" One of his students queried.

Hanzo never looked away. "Yes, I'm fine. It's just... I can't help but feel that this baby reminds me of my son, Satoshi Hasashi." He snickered, "He-he always went by his 'pet' name, Jubei."

Suddenly, he felt a warm sensation onto his black boots. He looked down and to his surprise, there were droplets coming from Takeda's underside! All the baby did was smile and coo at Hanzo. The rancid stench was beginning to get to him. "Um, can any of you wash this kid and get him into fresher clothes!?"

"Of course, Master!" One of the disciples carried Takeda away who still grinned as he looked back at him. All Hanzo did was gruff at the odor and hot mess, before he received a more vehement tone.

"I had brought the child over to the Shirai Ryu, to keep him safe."

The humanized wraith looked behind to see Fujin, standing proudly at the epicenter of the red mat. All he did was bow to the new protector of Earthrealm.

"I want to thank you for doing so. Kenshi said he's on his way to Outworld with the Investigation Agency to massacre Shang Tsung since he went blind..." he sulked at the thought.

"Indeed. The ruthless samurai had followed a man named Song to find the secret well, the burial of his ancestors, and a certain special sword. He was able to locate it, but unfortunately, the blade went awry and berserk, as souls began to overwhelm the warrior. It was fortunate enough that the sacred sword voiced to him, after he was left to die while Shang absorbed those erratic essences. Kenshi has been gone ever since, and I granted him his favor while he's out there looking for Cyrax and Jax.

"If I know him, he would've taken a portal right about now."

"I appreciate the newsflash, Lord Fujin. I will make sure that Takeda's safe."

Fujin's face fell. "There's some more unfortunate news... Liu Kang, our former Champion, was slain by Shang Tsung. Even though my brother, Raiden, saved his soul...!"

"What...? This-this can't be happening! Liu Kang would've won against that vile sorcerer!"

Fujin hung his head in sadness, "After five centuries, the Deadly Alliance has been reforged. Your personal assailant, Quan Chi... He has aided Shang in his endeavors."

It was bad enough on having the resurrected Oriental attack Earth once more, but conspiring with Hanzo's ultimate target, the one who massacred his family and clan so long ago and lying about it... Hanzo's body began to tremble!

"I sympathize with your plight, but you must now make a choice, Hanzo. Come with me as I shall recruit your partner, Kuai Liang. Or stay and care for the child. Which...would it be...?"

He gave him several moments to ponder everything and rethink his options. Just then, fragments of Hanzo's own son flashed back into his mind, as well as the sudden delivery of Takeda. Recalling his distant friend, Kenshi, and how talented he was as a swordsman, he stated his goal clearly.

Fujin then left to the bone-freezing, perilous, icy region of Articka.

Just recently in the vast, bitter Nothern Pole, a young, slim female ninja named Frost won a small tournament! She just took out one of the Grandmaster's prominent comrades with a flying armbar and became Kuai's prodigy!

Each of the guys cheered, including Tomas who stood out the most in his dark grey garb, compared to the usual cerulean uniforms. "By the power vested in me and the judges' unanimous decision, our newest and most honorable apprentice is Frost! Congratulations, Lin Kuei Champion!"

As if on cue of the clan's roars, they also heard a strong squall of wind and loose snow blow against the walls of the base. The guardsmen from the twin towers looked and noticed a sudden funnel form within the courtyard! Then, an elderly figure with a long, white ponytail broke out of it.

The Lin Kuei thought it was another dangerous ice storm, though it was only the new guardian of Earthrealm, Fujin. He informed the news of Liu Kang's death, though his soul was saved, and his old nemeses have returned. The watchtowers' guards ran into the main chamber and passed the news onto their Grandmaster!

They could've sworn that Kuai's blood just ran as cold as the very desert in which they'd created their base which took over a year to complete! "Shang Tsung and Quan Chi...? They both are alive and returned to Earthrealm...and nearly killed our ally, Liu Kang." It was difficult for him to process these stressful scenarios.

"Mui pøítel, if I may, I shall assist you as we should meet Lord Raiden at the deserted island!" Smoke broke thru the stunned silence.

"N-no! I cannot risk losing another brother!" Recalling Sub-Zero's failures on leaving Smoke behind as he escaped from the corruptive Lin Kuei's cyber initiative, and nearly losing him as he was being reprogrammed by Nightwolf, he cannot possibly bear it! He was, however, grateful that Hanzo shall be by his side. Then his face fell as Kuai became worried if Hanzo got involved, as if he'll no longer be himself...

"Grandmaster, I shall join you." The fallen ninjas couldn't help but groan, affirming Frost's request considering they were all battered, while she was standing as firm as a tree.

"You...wish to come with me, to Shang Tsung's Island and stepping into enemy territory?"

All she did was nod and confirm her statement.

"Frost, this isn't an exhibition anymore. It's a matter of life and death. The demonic sorcerers and their warriors are highly skilled. Besides, you are a-"

"Why does it matter?" Frost assured with a smile. "I have what it takes since I won the competition, don't I?"

"Indeed, she has!" Smoke added. "I may be a cyborg, so having me may be a better chance, but I doubt you'd endure the Deadly Alliance with just you and Hanzo. She can be quite the decoy if there happens to be two cryomancers."

"...Frost. If anything should happen to you, I will never forgive myself."

"It'll all be on me, Grandmaster. It's my decision. It's about time we Lin Kuei exercise free will. This is my chance to prove myself."

Frost was determined to carry on the Lin Kuei clan, and just like the war with Shinnok, Smoke held the fort.

By the time Fujin returned to Osaka, Hanzo reunited with his former rival of the opposite elemental. After low bows and a firm handshake, the former revenant mentioned that Kuai needed to give the cyborg a chance since he was surprised that he was willing to risk everything on a headstrong rookie; the cryomancer was just reluctant on losing his surrogate brother, since his conversion by Oniro. Frost indeed proved her worth by plowing through each of her opponents like snow dunes. With the news of Liu Kang's partial demise, he couldn't fathom to lose another crucial ally.

Hanzo sighed as he nodded and warned Sub-Zero to be his wingman, that once he should revert to his wraith persona as he'd encounter Quan Chi, he can lose all control. Kuai understood the consequences, recalling all the unpleasantries fighting against him since the second tournament began. After the Shirai Ryu leader declared he'll be leaving for Outworld and bring peace back to his clan, he gathered with Kuai and Frost before they were lifted off their feet!

Back on the beach of Shang Tsung's former hideout, Nightwolf continued to spar with Kung Lao, while having Liu Kang's soul inside his body; the shaman figured it'd be the best way to train the two monks while combined in conjunction with him and Kiba matching their own power boosts.

Sonya gave Aiko some pointers as well while Raiden and Johnny stood by. Even when the cardiokinetic managed to produce a spin kick while Sonya held her foot aloft. The force of it was just a strong push.

The trained Kombatants felt a sudden, heavy gust. Their eyes beheld a skinny funnel just a few miles away! Raiden assured it wasn't a tornado as he raised an arm. By the time the F0 dissipated, four figures walked toward the group as they followed the shoals.

"Kiba?" Nightwolf straightened his body as he allowed his wolf to exit his vessel. Both bodies glowed while Kiba jumped out from his owner's chest. He shook off before he trotted toward Kuai. The ice warrior bent down and petted him, as did Frost. He smelt each of the Kombatants and gave out a subtle bark, letting the heroes know they were real.

"If I am correct, Shang Tsung should've been in Outworld by now," Hanzo muttered. He then bowed to his former rival, Kung Lao.

"Which is precisely where we are going." Raiden announced, resulting in murmurs from his peers. "I'll let you all gather your bearings before we will proceed. If memory serves, then both sorcerers must've taken the Celestial Portal there."

"The Celestial Portal... The warp point between Earthrealm and Outworld." Liu Kang's voice emitted from the golden dragon head.

"Precisely. Only deities and sorcerers know of this mystical plane of existence, but you must all know full well I've no powers once we should cross over."

Lao perspired, "I was afraid you'd say that."

"Huh, I thought we'd be taking that creepy ass boat Shang Tsung had," Johnny added.

Raiden shook his head. "The two demon sorcerers are using it for their own endeavors, to transport each of their victims' souls to his grand palace in order to awaken the Dragon King and his mummified army."

He gave each of his heroes an hour for any last-minute preparations, which also gave them enough time to introduce one another, especially to Frost who seemed to warm up to Sonya and Aiko. Even being impressed on their past victories and having a rare cardiokinetic!

By the time the sun hit the distant, barren horizon of the ocean, and with all the heroes gathered, even Fujin who wanted to help his brother, were rallied at the epicenter of Shang Tsung's Island.

Hanzo volunteered to avenge his family again as well as Liu Kang, and warned everyone that if he meets his enemy, he won't have control over his wraith self. He also promised he would find Sonya's and Johnny's distant ally, Kenshi.

Kung Lao knew and read up on stressors and triggers, due to Aiko's sensitive mind as an autistic amongst other things...

"I can only take you as far as the Celestial Portal. From there, you're left with your own devices. Are you all ready?"

The group nodded, with Aiko and Frost affirming slowly due to nervousness. A ring of neon blue light appeared around the heroes before they disappeared in a glowing field.

A/N: Contrary to the double-crossing Frost in the games, the ideas on using her was actually inspired by the amazing sprite animation, Mortal Kombat: Reconciliation. Sure, Kuai Liang, as the new Grandmaster, possesses the Dragon Medallion, and Frost grew envious over him, but in that epic, I truly admired both cryomancers working together against Kahn and his warriors! Besides, two of the same elementals is certainly better than one! Having more strong ladies is just as good.

About Smoke, though...I was nervous on using him since he'd be reprogrammed by Noob Saibot by Deception, as I found out Smoke has been left for dead in an Outworld prison for twelve years since Kahn's invasion! I was a bit reluctant on using him, hence Hanzo's and Kuai's reactions.

Monk Travels would play once Fujin reaches Japan, before the baby Takeda is brought in. 1P Results from the og Smash Bros would sound as Scorpion looks over Takeda, reminding him by his son. Dog Tragedy from Babe may be a good change of tone when Fujin warns Hanzo that Quan Chi has returned, even when Hanzo recapped all the treachery that he pulled over the years. The Lin Kuei Temple of course shall play as Fujin enters the very frigid environment, even if Frost bests in the tournament. Sub-Zero and Smoke from Defenders of the Realm plays as Kuai remembers the tragedies involving his clan. Their Greatest Fear from the og TMNT film plays as the Kombatants spar on the beach before Fujin touches down. Warp Rooms in Starfox Adventures chimes in, followed by Teleporting as Raiden finally takes everyone to the Celestial Portal.

So, we finally gathered all the Earthrealm warriors and embark into Outworld...again, since the second tournament which was a tie-in to Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks. Contrary to the game, Jax isn't in the party since he's been theorized he's in Outworld with Kenshi and Cyrax. I was going to highlight the portal, but it just seemed radically different, as there's a trial you must endure before accessing; hopefully I'll get to that, and step foot into the forboding realm, next chapter.

Con't IV - Reconnections

The group of heroes arrived within the arena adjoining the Celestial Portal. A full moon shined down onto the central platform, giving the ornamental spot a sort of eerie hue. Even more so were the two floating heads aloft. Raiden described they belonged to the ancient Asian sages that patrol the arcane waystation and reminded the octet this was the place where the Deadly Alliance entered Earthrealm.

"This...this is part of Outworld?"

"Indeed, it is, Aiko. The Portal is a more convenient passage into the realm itself," the Thunder God replied. "Though it is guarded by those chosen sages soaring here. They establish a trial in which the chosen must overcome in order to allow entry, by defeating a representation of their greatest enemy."

"So, this place is not only secretive, but also protected."

"Precisely, Kung Lao." His other sensei, Fujin, spoke.

"I don't recognize neither of those sketchy heads," Hanzo said.

"Neither do I." Kuai added.

"Me neither." Frost chimed. The Shaolin didn't say anything, sharing their uncertainty.

Raiden said that in order to cross over into other realms, in this case Outworld, that said trial must be accomplished. Johnny muttered he was surprised that Shang took the secretive route, instead of resorting to the Nethership, which seemed a lot more comfortable by comparison. Sonya, for once, couldn't agree more.

Determined to secure Liu Kang's soul and before his mentor had a chance to retaliate, Kung Lao took the call to arms in order to hone himself against the Deadly Alliance. Both Gods admired his valor, and literally so he stepped onto the middle platform. The floating guardian heads halted and faced the oncoming Oriental, then conjured something; all the party saw was a spark and a flash of blinding light, as if it was from Raiden's usual lightning.

A few moments later, Lao unshielded his eyes and was taken aback by a sudden appearance from beneath the floor! It was as if the intruder mimicked Lao's own teleportation! His face just dropped as he gazed onto his lethal opponent with dark ashen skin, illuminating red eyes, and yet has the same structure as the Shaolin's own body, including his hat! Lao and Aiko knew almost instantly it was none other than the former Champion's Revenant self!

Each one of his moves, his doppelganger knew! From the Tornado Kick, Teleport, Hat Throw and retrieval. They appeared to be in a standoff, whether it'd be deflecting their hat tosses with the Tornado Kick or countering with their Teleport and swift moves. Even when either Lao managed to stick his hat onto a corner pillar and forced his enemy into it for a short while.

Things looked grim as each Lao attempted to outmaneuver his opponent or simply hit back more aggressively until...

"Kung Lao! Lend me your soul!" Liu Kang offered "It's about time to incinerate the undead copy!" Without relent, Lao nodded his assent, only to be knocked down while his Shaolin brother seeped into his body! The host just laid there on his back, allowing a brand-new strategy.

All the enemy did was stare at his victim's body which glowed and seeped in as Liu's emerald soul entered it! Lao's eyes opened with a bright amber again, before he used his hands to flip onto his feet.

Lao's body was Liu's own playground, and he even used the forgotten Mantis fighting style. This actually outflanked the enemy, even his ferocious Bicycle Kick made him falter! The Tornado Kick was engulfed in both a violent wind and flame! Even Lao's hat was encased in both elementals! All of the Revenant's counters had little effect as Liu's pyrokinesis caused some searing pain!

"All undead abominations like you are vulnerable to the heat! Taste it!"

To end its suffering, Lao just kept on dicing his double with his hat, until he was down! Finally, Lao's body skyrocketed in temperature, as if he was enduring a fever, only it was voluntary. Their voices rose in unison as their hands conjured large embers in Lao's hands before they wound up and released the High Fire onto the Revenant! They weren't done yet as Lao marched up to his copy screeching like a banshee, before he was sliced through the middle by his razor-rimmed hat causing a skinny orange sliver which combusted till the corpse collapsed and melted into ashes!

Hanzo couldn't help but feel intrigued on the tepid display, as he has done the same while he was a living corpse hellbent on blind vengeance.

Johnny beat everyone as he remarked, "Now THAT'S what I call, Toasty! That's the way to deal with those oversaturating hordes!"

Just after a few seconds admiring the disintegration, Liu's soul emitted and returned into the golden dragon head.

Nightwolf and Aiko watched Lao warily, knowing something was about to give... As if on cue, they rushed over when Lao's knees buckled and gravity took over, weighing him down. They were about to take an arm, but Lao murmured he was suffering from fatigue, as well as fever still. By touching his forehead, the shaman noticed he still had a high temperature. Lao was audible, but he can only slur...

"Stand back!" Noticing the tenor, in ran Sub-Zero. "He's suffering from delirium." The Matokan observed what the cryomancer could do once he had the sacred Dragon Medallion. He immediately got to work as he conjured a rapidly-cooling air when he laid a hand on Lao's forehead.

"The brain must be stable, and it's the most sensitive when it controls the body's temperature. It must be cooled in order to reduce flare and calefaction." It didn't take long for Lao to have a shiver through his body which calmed him so much as he gasped, feeling the frigid sensation course thru him! He could've sworn his head was clearing and hadn't felt this weak since the aftereffects of Shinnok's thrall.

Even Frost pitched in as she offered Lao to drink some Articka water from her indigo canister. He took it in with several gulps, before he made some deep inhales. It was undoubtedly the most refreshing thing since the crisp, pristine mountain H2O! Kuai confirmed that his fever had been broken, then he helped him get back on his shaky feet. Aiko laid a hand onto his heart and gave him her strength. Lao held it close as she did so, warming both of their hearts.

"So, what now, Raiden?" The Matokan queried.

"The way to the Celestial Portal should be clear now." He pointed above, "This portal is supported by the four pillars. You may stop beneath its rip, but remember, Fujin and I still do not have any power in Outworld. From here on in, you are all left with your own fates. Make sure you all stand together, and never let Shang Tsung dissuade any of you. Otherwise, he shall be underhanded disguising himself as one of you."

"My wolf, Kiba, should do the job on detecting any fake souls. I may have him in me; however, I believe his sense of smell is more superior than mine." Everyone agreed to that statement.

They then approached beneath the hovering, neon portal before they were taken off their feet as they were blinded by an intense illumination.

Together, the octet of warriors descended gradually onto the basalt soil, which seemed as black as the foreign, clear atmosphere. Unlike their last location, the skies of the Outworld proper were twice as bleak, with little to no light onto the landscape covered by thick canopies. Only the moon and stars gave the gang a little guidance.

"We are back, in the sorcerers' own diabolical territory...!" Needless to say, Lao wasn't so impressed. He could tell by the chill in the air, or perhaps from his nervousness, they stepped into the enemy's home turf once more. Even the male elemental ninjas shared the same sensation.

"So, we are finally in Outworld again, always having the sudden, uneasy change in scenery," Cage added.

"Doesn't really look all that different." Hanzo added.

"Indeed, I can sense immense evil present," Nightwolf stated. "We must stay on our guard." He let out Kiba's soul emitting from his body. Since he was more steadfast than his comrades while he and his tracker led straightaway, with Kung Lao close behind them.

"We should also look for Jax and Cyrax; they're parts of the Outer World Investigation Agency. And I lost radio contact with them." Sonya explained.

"Must have something to do with that bastard with the artificial heart," Johnny theorized. She nodded in confirmation, beginning to believe in Raiden's words on having Hsu Hao working for the demonic duo.

Through their keen sight, Nightwolf and Kung Lao spotted an opaque figure move amongst the shadows. The Indian halted the team, raising a hand and ordering them to wait. They and Aiko, who took her mutuals' leads, followed the trail, and the rest soon caught up, only to have Sonya stub on something, nearly losing her footing. She was caught by the former celebrity, but the Special Forces agent observed something coarse and metallic. It took one hand to brush off the loose dirt, but it took two to lift the heavy, long object. At first, her eyes couldn't make out the contraption on account of the nocturnal environment, but upon close examination, she realized the dark goldenrod coating. "This...this must be a part of Cyrax!"

She continued to look over it, and she came to the conclusion it belonged to an arm console of sorts.

Catching Sonya's wonderment, Sub-Zero was in deep thought, "If I can remember the cold-blooded Lin Kuei's cybernetic units, they wouldn't be necessarily injured if one of their components had been severed. In less they would be in a state of shock. However, since Cyrax happens to be human, he might still be active, with the damage of his human self...it may be sustainable."

"We can't count on that. We should catch up to the others." Johnny stated in impatience and discomfort, especially if one should be separated from the team, with the possibility that Shang Tsung could be in their midst.

Overlooking from a large grey rock, a gleam caught Kung Lao's eyes and he was immediately on the chase! Nightwolf pleaded to wait, but the Shaolin kept on the hot pursuit! The descent from a few hills nearly made him lose his balance, though he was persistent. He trotted through the rough terrain and a few thick bushes, only to catch up to the figure of a man which nearly blended into the darkness. He Teleported thru the ground and wound up a few feet away! The opaque man looked up and saw a shiny hat nearly slice him into ribbons.

He immediately raised his hands in front of his assailant, "Hey! Whoa, whoa! What the hell are you doing, Kung Lao!? I'm on your side!"

"How do I know you're on OUR side?" He then backpedaled as he saw the glimmering arms and recognized the deeper tone. "...Jax?"

"It's about time before you would ring my neck!"

Suddenly, the two men heard some distant barks belonging to a dog about to claim his prey. Jax threatened he'd punch his tail up his ass, until Kung Lao stated it can just be Kiba.

"Nightwolf sent the dawg here?" The OIA leader was perplexed.

Sure enough, he emerged from the shadows. "Kiba! Sniff him!" Lao commandeered.

At first, he didn't think the wolf would become loyal to anyone else, but to his relief, he did respond. He smelt the air for a while, then licked his lips. He just sat there and let out a low growl as Jax went over to pet him. He suddenly turned when he heard his master who ran through the thick bush. He let out a happy bark, knowing Jax's soul was clean.

Sonya soon followed the commotion and for once, let out a huge grin knowing her partner was safe! Despite his slippery body covered with sweat, she was certainly happy to see him, even Johnny.

"It's great to see you too, Jax. Where have you been anyway?"

The muscular man said he was alone, looking for a way out of Outworld; he had been stranded for the last few days and lost contact with the Special Forces. He believed the Red Dragon must've destroyed the OIA base after that...

"Yeah... I kind of figured the same since I lost contact with you in headquarters. Including Cyrax."

He said he was missing the yellow robot...until his vision amongst the darkness spotted a golden glimmer. He theorized the cyborg was also wandering aimlessly, until some huge figure that looked like a bat drop and perhaps swooped him away.

Aiko chimed in, "Congratulations on getting engaged, by the way. I hope you and Vera would plan to have Jacqui and avoid your tragic fate."

Jax thanked her, and the team broke the news of Liu's unfortunate incident involving the Deadly Alliance. "Quan Chi and Shang Tsung returned from the dead!? How in the fu-"

"They escaped from the Netherrealm," Nightwolf interrupted the bionic man's cuss. "Raiden observed all this happening with his status as an Elder God. He trusted us to put a stop to the vile demons."

"If I'm correct, they should definitely have a base of operations somewhere in Outworld."

Jax was taken aback. "Whoa! Liu Kang, is that you!?"

"Yeah, it's me," he replied casually. "Master Raiden saved my soul in this dragon amulet before I would be assimilated by Shang."

"You don't say..."

"We must keep moving." Kung Lao mentioned. "We need to find some better cover. It's not safe within this ominous forest." Everyone nodded and pressed on, but Lao halted.

He took out the dragon amulet and spoke to it, "Liu Kang...I think this is part of the Living Forest."

"I'm afraid you're right. But...it seems more tranquil than usual. Hardly any trees using their limbs to rip us asunder, nor any henchmen."

"Kitana once said that she and the Edenians aided the Saurians in redeeming the place. Many perished trying upon the residue of Shang Tsung's corruption."

The monk wished she was here. "Listen."

Lao paused for a moment, "I hear nothing."

"Nor I. No crickets, nor roars from any of the trees, nor any of the whipping roots and branches. It all goes so quiet, too quiet."

Aiko spun behind herself as she heard a sudden ruffle. She couldn't tell if it was from the ground, nor the dark forest itself. Some chills ran through her, thinking that someone might be tracking her and the Kombatants. Kung Lao stepped closer to her as he noticed the cardiokinetic's hesitation. "What is it?"

"Oh, Kung Lao. I thought someone might be tracking us. I heard a ruffle here." Lao observed the spot, yet nothing caught their attention, nor was there any disturbance.

He laid a hand on her clammy arm; his touch provided a little warmth and comfort. "Come. We must head to the others and get out of these creepy woods." She affirmed.

Little did the duo knew that a pair of bright turquoise irises peaked out of the shadows...

They soon did just that when the group headed through a clearing. It turned out to be atop a steep hill with the looming palace in the distance.

Liu's voice boomed again, "That-that's Edenia!"

Some of the heroes even got a sense of deja vu since the Edenian revolution from Shinnok and Quan Chi.

Nightwolf added, "Great! We should gather allies from the Edenian royals and their armies."

"Right, we cannot tread in blindly without backup." Sonya stated. "Good call."

Kuai sighed, "Someone needs to break the troubling news to them, more importantly, to Kitana..."

"I can talk to her, Sub-Zero. I'm a close ally to her."

"Man, you really got some balls, Kung Lao." Cage complimented.

"Somebody's gotta be ballsy enough to report the grave tragedy." Jax added.

"Aiko and I will take the stand." She became giddy at his words. She'd be ecstatic to see the proud Edenian heir again after so long.

Everyone agreed to the leader's terms, after all, he was the next best Kombatant aside from Liu Kang, as well as the most logical next to the Matokan.

Inside the throne of the Palace, Asgaarth announced from the open perch that the Earthrealmers arrived at the majestic gates.

The womanly trio, Sindel, Kitana and Jade, were thrilled, as was Sheeva who seemed slightly excited.

The Queen nodded her assent. "The Earthrealmers have arrived? Excellent." She spotted her advisor's sterner demeanor. "It's most likely they wanted to visit here because of some incident. Tell the guards to allow them entry."

The eagle humanoid obliged, and the Edenians withdrew their spears as the gates squeaked a tad open. For a millisecond, Kung Lao wondered if the Shokan prince, Goro, was also operating here...

The guys arrived and they made some reunions with the monarchs. After that, Kitana and Sindel pondered why Liu Kang wasn't with them, since he was Earthrealm's former Champion and all.

"So, what news have you brought to us, Earthrealmers?" Sheeva asked in her authorative, and more serious, persona.

"Um...maybe we should..." Sonya peeped.

"Good idea," Jax added.

Everyone faced the heroes, curious as to why they're breaking away so soon. Nightwolf broke the silence, "...Let's just leave business to the pros." Sindel nodded with a coy expression. They left both Kung Lao and Aiko with the Edenians.

He took off his hat, stepped forward and bowed low as a greeting to the Queen, Aiko followed.

"Sir Kung Lao, Lady Aiko. What business have you brought to us, Shaolin warrior?"

He rose slowly, knowing this'd be a tough scenario to break. "Queen Sindel, Princess Kitana. You had noticed that Liu Kang is not with us. I am humbled to say that...he is still with us, though not physically.

"Earthrealm was attacked by the Deadly Alliance, consisting of Shang Tsung and Quan Chi."

There were some murmurs throughout the throne room as the petty guards became uneasy.

"And, what of Liu Kang, Kung Lao?"

He sulked, "Our hero is...not entirely with us. Shang Tsung...has slain him."

"No!" His voice suddenly emitted, and Lao took out the golden dragon head. "My soul has been spared, but it was only thanks to Lord Raiden who acted accordingly once I was killed by Shang Tsung."

Kitana's face became pale at the observation, she gasped, "Liu Kang! Your soul is trapped within that dragon ornament?"

"Well, I wouldn't say trapped, Kitana. More like encased. As long as Shang doesn't steal my essence, I'm safe, with Kung Lao as my retainer."

"Hmm...I should've known that your Shaolin brother would be your keeper." Sheeva stated.

"We're here because the Deadly Alliance is planning on resurrecting the Dragon, Onaga, and his army. Raiden watched all this happening." Aiko intervened.

Sindel can barely catch her breath, "...Oh the Gods...! The Deadly Alliance must be stopped as soon as possible!"

"What...do you know of Onaga, Sindel?" Lao was curious, since she has been the second oldest ruler next to Shao Kahn.

She took a deep breath, "Shao Kahn's not the only superior ruler of Outworld. Onaga dominated this realm even before his time..."

Her mind flashed back as far as several centuries. "This all happened even way before the Great Kung Lao's time, as far back as 8450 BC according to your timetable. I'd heard legends of the accursed dragon king, and before he became Emperor, Kahn was actually his advisor. He and Onaga had been closely knit when it came to conquering all the smaller realms. They used to be a powerful force, almost as much as Quan Chi and Shinnok. Massacres and chaos reigned supreme in their wake! They were both incredibly malevolent.

"Until one day...when Kahn finally was envious working under the Dragon King. He made his insurrection imminent as he suddenly decided to war against him. A battle ensued between them as power hungry and ferocious Kahn was. He managed to poison the Dragon King himself and sent his generals out into a killing spree against the undead legions.

"In a short span of time, Kahn emerged victorious and from this day forward became Outworld's prime Emperor. The Elder Gods then established the Mortal Kombat tournament before he had the rights to invade Edenia... And I lost my beloved Jerrod and myself as well."

Kung Lao hung his head. "I'm sorry. My pardons if I had opened up old wounds," he lamented. "If...you and your men aren't willing to prevent this calamity-"

"That is precisely what we must do. I will enlist Kitana and Jade since they're the most willing and skilled. They had partaken in the war against Shinnok. They can be of some great worth to us."

If Liu Kang were seen, the Edenian princess could've sworn he just smiled.

As if reading her mind, "I'd be honored to fight by your side again, Kitana."

"I know you would, Liu Kang."

"What about our own army, that which would conflict with the undead?" Aiko broke the tender moment.

"I shall volunteer the Shokan to do so." Sheeva intervened. "I'm certain they can't wait to rid of the preceding ruler's troops. If the Centaurs and Saurians are willing to join the cause too, then it's just as well."

"Excepting those bloodthirsty Tarkatans!" Jade added. "We'll be marching in their territory now. It's more than likely they'll assist our enemies, as vicious and violent as they are. I... sympathize with your plight involving the Shaolin, Kung Lao." He nodded.

"Alright, then. My advisor Sheeva will hold the fort. Kitana and Jade will assist you and put an end to the Deadly Alliance's plots."

He raised a hand. "Wait, what of Prince Goro...?"

Everyone hesitated, but Sindel found her words. "He...he hasn't frequented here as of late. Ever since that peace treaty in Kuatan, he has been regulating the Shokan with the Centaurs. Thankfully, there hasn't been any incidences of bloodshed, but since he'd encounter with his former master, he'll most likely refuse, or even worse side with him again."

Aiko didn't like the sound of that as she groaned with a facepalm. "I see." Lao shared with her angsts.

"The two of you must prepare for the fight ahead. We will rally up whoever is able and willing to aid us. May victory be ours, Edenia depends on it."

Kitana and Jade obliged as they saluted and recited their motto, "Edenia is an idyllic paradise, where we are free from tyranny."

"Good luck, brave, noble warriors."

After a bow and a curtsy, Lao and Aiko followed.

A/N: It's ridiculous that some crucial story elements can mostly be found within the Kombatants' profiles than anywhere else; I know F-Zero GX and Climax are like this, but at least the stories explain some elements just fine. Deadly Alliance is a bigger disappointment on account of the glorified tutorials in Konquest and just doing the Arcade ladders. I don't really count the Krypt, cuz it's mostly artwork, spoofy clips, the optional, less vital stuff. And the plots themselves can be very confusing; again, I recommend the MK wiki and MK Temple's vid on the matter. Maybe tabmok99's subject concerning who Shang and Quan are.

Speaking of story elements, it was kind of a good thing I had some ideas scrapped; otherwise, I'd be lost while highlighting things such as Jax being stranded, Kung Lao breaking the tragic news to Kitana, Cyrax being missing, Sindel describing Onaga, etc. And besides, in every war, there must be an army, right? Lousy bloodthirsty, aggressive Tarkatans, and Onaga's undead servants capturing people's souls! I feel so resentful on what the Deadly Alliance can do, especially when its earlier version the Unholy Alliance was made; and how each sorcerer is prone to treason and losing themselves in power and avarice!

Ok, I'm kind of rambling, but my point is, I want to cover and solve as many aspects as I can and having all those outlines help on resolving this confusing clustermug! Even the Celestial Portal was complicated, specifically when certain Kombatants have unknown enemies during its trial!

On the subject of that mysterious arena, Acid Bath & Portal would play when the Kombatants reach the Celestial Portal, Shinnok's Legions - Among Friends from MKX plays as Kung Lao deals with his doppelganger, Fatality from Shaolin Monks would play as Liu finishes him, Living Forest from that same OST would play when the heroes land within the dark woods of Outworld, Shang Tsung's Island Battle would chime as Lao tracks down the intruder, The Foundry Battle II plays as everyone catches up to Jax, parts of Hand and Shadow sounds as Aiko spotted the sneering eyes, Krazoa Palace both outside and inside from Starfox Adventures would play as they head into the Edenian Palace, Farewell and Monks from the 95 film'd sound as Sindel explains to Lao of Onaga. And Goro Lives from the og SNES game would sound near the end as the heroes prepare for battle.

Another chapter is finally done, but who did those glowing turquoise eyes belong to? Would Cyrax and Kenshi be found? Find out later.

Con't V: Bo' Rai Cho

After a hearty breakfast mostly consisting of Edenia's specialty, the legendary Edenian pie, everyone was energized and ready to traverse into the unrelenting Outworld frontier.

Sonya mentioned since the heroes were embarking from the Edenian Palace, and dealing with Quan Chi, they must have the Cobalt Armor equipped. Luckily, the Edenians took her advice and actually forged and stored several Ottomans from the foreboding Cobalt Mines, due to their unfortunate experiences during Shinnok's invasion.

Nightwolf suggested to Aiko to tap on the engraved dragon symbol at the left side of her waist. She did, and almost instantly her battle armor transformed into a neon blue hue, complete with bright patching similar to her default crimson armor! The shaman was the one who programmed her battle armor to churn into crimson, turquoise, and lime! It can also make her glow in the dark if needed with only one press.

At first, Jax refused to wear the thin armor. He would much rather have his bionic arms and bare chest; that was all he ever needed! If worst should come to worst, he could always wear his heavy artillery complete with a strap filled with grenades. He then queried irritatingly, "By the way, where the hell should we go if we need to take out the Deadly Alliance!?"

Kung Lao hesitated for a moment, trying to hatch a deep thought, he then faced his close partner, "Nightwolf, can you sense the source of the immense darkness? Like you did before when we were scouting towards Shao Kahn's Fortress?"

The Matokan smiled and nodded, "I can try." He and his wolf walked out to the nearby open balcony. While Kiba sniffed the air, he stuck out a hand attempting to feel the ominous sensation.

"Huh. I wonder what it does feel like, or how it smells." Aiko said. "Must be like a corrosive odor, and... intense gravity, or causing your heart to skip a beat like anxiety."

"Precisely, but it doesn't change in density. Kind of like a sixth sense, per se." She nodded and Nghtwolf continued to scan the perimeter. Till he abruptly stopped and pointed. "There!" The group looked up. "The Deadly Alliance shall be in the northwest."

Jade just made a facepalm. "Oh no...! This direction leads straight through the savage Wastelands, Tarkatan territory."

"Aren't the Cobalt Mines in the same direction...?" Johnny asked.

"They are. But, they're beneath the Tarkans' turf." Kitana affirmed as she walked toward the group. "Mother has already alerted the Saurians and Shokan. We would need reinforcements if those bloodthirsty scoundrels would get in our way."

"Are you sure they would just run into battle? I figured they'd serve their master like they did with Shao Kahn." Frost got some of the information, courtesy of Kuai and Smoke's battles.

"They are reckless abominations, Frost. And they wouldn't mind either way." Sub-Zero replied. "They can just turn on their leaders at any time. They have no morals. They only care about bloodshed and sustenance. They happen to be the bums and scavengers of Outworld. Just like those nomads within the Articka wastes."

"Precisely." Kitana chimed in. "This Cobalt armor should give us the homefield advantage enduring their sharp fangs, claws, and blades. They should reduce impalement! I just hope my twisted sister wouldn't interfere."

"I'm certain she'd still be in the Netherrealm, Kitana." Liu Kang spoke from the amulet, trying to ease his close mutual.

"So, are we all set?" Lao asked.

"Looks like it," Nightwolf confirmed. "Time to get moving, and we should always stick together to not let Shang hinder and disguise himself as us."

Everyone nodded and they were underway.

At times, as the Kombatants approached the barren Wastelands, there were a few hordes of Onis meddling them. Lao recalled using his different fighting styles, including his Mantis techniques! Sub-Zero stunned one before Lao decapitated the victim, and the cryomancer kicked and shattered its body. Even Frost pitched in using her own abilities, including her nimbleness. Kitana mostly defended with her steel fans, while Jade was more offensive thanks to her Razorangs. The elemental warriors were very impressed.

"Looks like your Mantis skills are finally paying off!" Liu Kang stated with enthusiasm.

"Kung Lao! You actually mastered the Mantis technique?" Sub-Zero added, just as impressed as Liu. "Those were taught by an ancient Chinese master since the 1600s!"

"Indeed, they were. Liu Kang and I just remembered this intriguing kombat style."

Even Aiko was just as impressed. "Wow! You took out those guys fast! I'm surprised they hadn't hurt your hands!"

"They would have if it not for these." Lao lowered his sleeves, revealing the black, spiky gauntlets.

"Weren't they used by Liu Kang...?"

"Yes, but...since his body is no longer active, I thought they can be of some good use. Even the red bandana," he pointed to his forehead. No one actually noticed it just below his hat!

"Kung Lao? If I ever return to my own body, you best make sure you bring them to me!"

"Hey, I was the one who gave them to you as gifts! They were passed down by our common ancestor. Don't you think I should use them after a while!?"

More Onis ambushed the group interrupting the Monks' bickering. Despite their best efforts, they endured some minor injuries, and Aiko was put on healing duties, draining the hordes' energy and healing any wounds. Nightwolf and Kiba remained separated as they fought off the beasts. Jax seemed to have the least bit of trouble despite never wearing any Cobalt armor, courtesy of his bionic arms of course. He and Johnny always took the forefront, but it was mostly to cover Sonya's six. The group also noticed that Hanzo could only use his longsword and his pyrokinesis he shot from his hands.

"It's too bad I can no longer use my spear. I was able to as it stuck out from my palm while I was cursed in an undead vessel."

Johnny stuttered at his words, remembering his deadly battle against him at the woods on Shang Tsung's Island and in the Netherrealm. "I kinda miss that, believe it or not," he complimented.

"Shouldn't we hide into those trees over there?" Frost pointed toward the rows of thick woods. "We can take those bastards by surprise."

"Or maybe they would..." Sonya added. Frost gave her a dirty look as she disliked her doubts.

"Sonya may be right, Frost." Kitana mentioned. "The trek thru a flatter terrain is often easier. And even if the Tarkans should invade, we would radio reinforcements; Nightwolf has advanced some of Edenian's technology here."

Aiko couldn't shake off the sudden ruffle she heard last night... Kung Lao took in her worries.

They continued to trek thru the cool badlands, even to the heavy purple clouds that were gathering. They soon encountered Onis possessing daggers, and the Cobalt armor lived up to their expectations by preventing fatal stabs. Most of the heroes kept their distance, while Jax bombarded thru their small waves.

Overtime, their journey made the plains expand, and the tree lines became less and less. "Hm, now I'm beginning to see why we didn't take the tree lines." Frost reassured.

"It would be unwise since I might happen to incinerate them anyway. Or they would be uprooted and topple over by Jax's unsurmountable strength. Why take that chance?" Hanzo responded.

"A true warrior must always regard his or her own environment." Kuai acknowledged.

"As a former denizen of the Netherrealm, you don't have a lot of variety. But yes, it's vital to pay attention to your surroundings."

When they finally breached open ground, the same pair of turquoise eyes glowed. Within the woods, the muscular body held a chain with a ball attached to it then adjusted the weapon beneath its arm. He let out a low growl when he saw the fleshy travelers.

Aiko abruptly stopped and turned behind her. Lao eventually noticed her hesitation. He walked up to her side. "Aiko, what is it?"

Her heart began to race. "I... haven't noticed the same ruffle this time. But I feel someone is behind us. Hiding within these trees."

Lao shifted forward, thinking they should investigate the disturbance. But he almost instantly changed his mind as he quickly shook his head. He laid a hand on her shoulder. "This...this isn't the time to investigate, Aiko. We would be separated from the group. I'm certain our stalker would spot us once we approach open ground. We must keep moving."

His touch seemed to calm her, but she still couldn't shake off the fact, someone, or something, was following them!

Lao and Aiko were still at the back of the pack. They weren't necessarily eager to catch up with the others, as they'd be able to watch their backs without getting lost. Still, it was nice with just their own company and having more wiggle room.

The distance also gave them not much of a struggle over some dunes, and by the time they reached the top of a small rise, some ambiguous figure caught Aiko's eye. Actually, that chubby figure stumbled upon his walk and was moving in erratic directions.

"Um...Kung Lao...?" He came over and she pointed toward the blobby and inebriated figure! They even saw him fall flat onto his blubbery belly like a beached whale.

The former monk just stood there in utter shock and disgust as his eyes widened and his breath was caught in his throat! "This...this cannot be...!"

"Who is he...?" Aiko wondered. Lao could hardly find his words.

"Bo' Rai Cho."

Cat got her tongue. "Wait, who...?"

"He was...my former master." Out of the past few years, the cardiokinetic NEVER heard of this incohesive wide load! She always thought the former Champions' mentors has always been Raiden and Fujin! Not once has she ever heard of his name, nor even saw this blob! She grew nervous on even approaching him, yet...she noticed Lao slowly treading toward him!

"Uh. Lao...?"

He stuck out a hand, motioning her to stay put. He was less antsy than her as he continued till he was inches away. The large lump remained still. Lao just simply rolled his eyes, especially when he was close enough to receive the foul stench of wine, and perhaps excrement. He gave it a tap with his foot, only for the lardy man to quickly roll and tug Lao by the foot! Just as he was about to lose his balance, the Oriental used his other foot to escape the powerful grip! He backed away a few inches and made a fighting stance as the fat ass rose! He faced his intruder with gleamy, bloodshot eyes, sneering as if he was about to attack his prey!

He wobbled a little as he stood onto his thick feet that was almost as structured as ungulate hooves. "What's the big idea...! You woke me up for this...? I was takin' a power nap...till YOU, novice, came to me!"

"Novice!? Don't you remember who I am, you big oaf?"

He simply took a drink from his clear green bottle in which he rose and poured into his maw, while also allowing the searing liquid to rain down his chin. This disgusted the Shaolin, aside from Bo's drunk demeanor! He simply wiped the residue away with his massive arm.

"Who the FUCK do yooou think you aarre, weakling?"

Lao wasn't intimidated by his mannerisms. "I will demonstrate who is weak!"

All that bastard was let loose some wind from his buttocks, before he charged and hardly hit Lao with all his bulk. Although it was a single leap toward the victim. A few feet away, Aiko could've sworn there was something familiar about that bulky mass!

Lao Teleported behind him and performed his Tornado Kick. This diced the drunkard's stomach, but he countered with a fury of fists. Those took Lao off guard, sending him a foot back upon a powerful lunge. He charged again like a bull, but Lao was too flexible. He tossed his hat which only gave his opponent a few abrasions. They were painful, but he quickly recovered, countering with a large streak of brown vomit! Aiko shielded her eyes and nose while Lao managed to retrieve his hat in the nick of time. He backflipped to avoid the corrosive odor!

"I'm not taking any pity on your drunken sickness, Bo' Rai Cho!"

Just like with Shao Kahn, Bo kept on charging with a powerful arm as he lunged, and Lao easily evaded them. Lao came in with a swift Mantis chop, but all he hit was blubber! Even his neck! He jumped away again, before he was taken off his feet by a sudden charge, as Bo went in sideways and hit his head against Lao's chest! The impact left him dazed and searing pain went thru his back.

Bo then performed a belly flop which crushed Lao under his megaton strength! The Chinese warrior cried out as he received more anguish! Then Bo just continued to press his immense bodyweight onto the hapless victim! He silently wished Liu's spirit would seep into him, although he instantly figured it wasn't possible since there was hardly any room for him, maybe even crushing the dragon amulet...

Aiko saw Lao at the bulky bastard's mercy! She let out both hands, causing Bo to clutch his upper chest. He gave it a few punches to clear it, but his heart only got worse! She concentrated more of her energy, making his heart expand, causing excruciating pain! Due to the immense volume, Aiko needed to channel more of her strength in order to give the greatest effect! She concentrated harder making his heart explode...

"Ergh, Aiko, stop!" She picked up Lao's implore. "Drain some of his strength onto me!"

She did just that when a red streak escaped into her lover's chest. This restored his oxygen intake and eventually gained enough strength to stand with a flip. He quickly stormed in and twirl-kicked the brawler toward his chin causing himself to soar in an upward motion! This just knocked the wind out of him. As his massive body plummeted, they could've sworn they felt a shaky quake!

Several of the Kombatants felt the aftershock as well. They turned and noticed that the couple went missing!

The two separated after an assuring embrace. Lao took out the dragon head which surprisingly was unharmed. As he withdrew it, Bo slowly got back on his blubbery feet and appeared to be sharper and coherent. "You two aren't half bad! Come on, we're not done yet!"

After catching his breath, Lao retorted, "I won't fight against you!"

"What..? What's the matter?"

"We don't have time to waste over your blabbering stories, nor your disgusting drunken habits! We need to get back with our allies. They seem a lot more presentable and...preferable than you are!"

"Care to stick with your party animals, rather than your master?"

"I wish you never were! Ever since you were banned from the Wu Shi Academy, you had never returned! Not even when the monks had fallen from the Tarkans, you abandoned us!"

"I never wanted to participate in the tournaments, that's why! I never wanted to become Champion since I was an Outworlder, and the honors would go straight to Shao Kahn. Once Liu Kang became Champion, my services were no longer needed." This didn't make any sense to Kung Lao, but Bo' simply took another gulp from the same clear green bottle. "So, who is this little lady?" he ogled, causing Kung Lao to cover her.

Before he could make an enraged move, voices were heard from a distance. The running feet reached the duo, consisting of their komrades. "Kung Lao, Aiko! Where have you been?" Kitana called.

Lao just exhaled, "Thanks to my former sensei being drunk and passing out, I was curious enough to get close to him. I fought him and Aiko came to my aide before I was crushed to death by his intense body!"

Kiba bared his teeth next to his owner.

"Ulk, there's nothing worse than a total inebriate!" Johnny retorted. "Can't believe this son of a bitch was YOUR master! You should get yourself a sponsor." No one could digest Lao's intel, not even those more subtle ones like Nightwolf nor Kitana. Even Sonya and Jade shared their appall.

Bo was hardly fazed by their objections. "Go get drunk somewhere else, you fucking fat wad! We're leaving, and we're leaving you behind while we destroy the Deadly Alliance, before we will severely punish you!" Aiko shouted, and she was the first to stomp away.

The group left, little by little, but not without a final cue of discontent, even Jax who was muttering on how disgraceful he was. If that sorry mutt would have a tail, it may as well be between his enlarged buttocks.

They trodden on and no one hardly said a word. Excepting Kung Lao who apologized to Aiko on experiencing his former sensei's distasteful actions and toxic state. He said he'd definitely brought shame to the Shaolin, thus being kicked out of the Academy. He was so grateful to be raised and trained by better teachers, including Raiden and Fujin. Liu Kang just couldn't agree more.

"If he ever comes back, I will never hesitate to kick his ass." Johnny retorted.

"He cannot be one of us, he has fallen so far from grace!" Jade added in the irritation.

"If he comes onto you, Aiko, I'll break him apart limb from limb!" Jax promised.

"Thanks, guys." Aiko commented, though she can never help but notice Kung Lao who looked his head was hung in so much remorse. She asked if he was alright, but all he did was sulk. Kitana suggested to give him some silence, at least until they would take a break from the ongoing journey.

Hours later, it was sunset. The sky began to churn to a pink as pure as strawberry ice cream; the ground nearly matched with its opaque raspberry shade. The guys decided to set up camp within an old shrine that had a hallowed light shining down on it, which reminded the former monks of those they'd found throughout Outworld.

For a short while, Liu's spirit left the dragon amulet and onto the pile of wood, igniting them.

It was certainly a relief to Aiko since she finally relieved her heavy battle armor and wear regular clothes in its place. She even petted and played with Kiba for a while, and the party had another hearty meal including some Edenian meat and veggies. Kung Lao, however, wasn't too hungry, though Liu Kang was astonished he wasn't used to not eating as a spirit.

The former monk just sulked and ate very little, even Aiko came close to his side and tended him, even Kiba who licked him a few times. HIs shame on being taught by an irredeemable teacher was just laden to Kung Lao.

As if reading his sorrowful mind, Kitana went to him. "Kung Lao?" His head barely rose. "I know you must be burdened by Bo' Rai Cho's disgrace. But...it might be best if you could just tell us who he is. And what he has done. Raiden and Fujin were indeed the better choices."

All he did was perspire. "Come on, Kung Lao. You can tell us."

"It must've been shame." Liu Kang's voice boomed. "Even I'd nearly forgotten on him. Much like Raiden...I guess he didn't want to tell us of his regrets from the destruction of Earthrealm. Past secrets can be as deep as the Pacific..."

"...Liu Kang is right." Lao finally spoke, albeit with a tight throat.

He remembered his former mentor since he was a boy as he trained him and Liu Kang, but Bo's drunkenness and volatile bodily habits always got him in trouble and kicked out of the Academy. Lao then lost faith and was taught by Raiden more directly. He couldn't believe all this time he was trained by a disgusting tutor from Outworld! Aiko thought it was Bo' Rai Cho who attacked her in the barren streets of New Jersey during the night they first met, thus releasing her cardiokinesis onto him, aside from rescuing her doomed partner! Lao stated it wasn't him, but someone else who looked similar, probably his hair was browner, and he didn't have an Oriental complexion.

Lao and Liu never mentioned him after all the three years Aiko met the Shaolin. The former, however, never wanted to state him as he'd forgotten how disgusting he was! Liu came to the conclusion that it was probably from trauma induced amnesia.

They may have forgotten his training, as he was banned from the Academy due to his abuse, heavy alcoholism, and his unnerving bodily habits, not returning to Outworld upon the victory of the first two tournaments! As he claimed he never wanted to be Champion and represent Outworld, in which the honors would automatically go to Shao Kahn. Naturally, Lao refused to believe it!

Silence stretched on for a few moments. Then, Sonya and Frost assured, "Hey, you shouldn't feel ashamed on how your former master fell...!"

The intern just took a deep sigh. "I can't imagine Master Sub-Zero doing the same. I'd be just as upset." She rose her face. "But...you still got friends to watch your back."

"Yeah, and if he ever comes around here, I'd be more than happy to kick his sorry ass and punch his pitiful balls back to the brewery he came from!" Johnny added.

Kung Lao and Aiko couldn't help but snicker at the threat, though to them it was a promise since it has been done a few times!

"At least you should thank Raiden for putting you and Liu Liu back on track!" Jax commented.

Her partner was surprised, "Jax! That's the first time I ever heard you actually compliment on the guy." He added to not let it get to their heads.

"We should all get some sufficient rest before the next leg of our journey. And it's vital to have our heads clear if we should meet up with the Tarkans and the Deadly Alliance." Hanzo advised.

"Hanzo's right. Maybe a little meditation won't hurt." Kuai suggested.

"We all need some sense to not wind up like that abomination." Nightwolf said.

One by one, each warrior hit the sack or simply just calmed their minds before doing so. Kung Lao and Aiko were still the last ones awake. She couldn't help but lean into his smooth, though tense, chest. Lao wrapped an arm around her. His mind was still elsewhere.

"Sense? No, that's not it. I'm just..." He lost his train of thought, before his eyes and head were heavy enough to make him sleep.

A/N: The idea on Aiko having 3 different battle armor was from my good friend, 80sFanSinceDayOne! Her concept art featured Aiko having 3 distinctive shades! And, since the Cobalt armor was said to be blue, it was convenient enough for Aiko to switch forms. I'm not sure how to use her lime armor yet... Also, the transformation sequence can be similar to ReBoot, when heroes tap their icons twice to change their formats, per se. I never thought on using Aiko's other colors, being she's a cardiokinetic thus using red, but the blue armor was a nice touch here.

At first, I thought the music track in MK: Conquest, Master Cho, was based on Bo' Rai Cho, but he only turned out to be a prototype. It's so damned coincidental that Conquest was made back in 98-99, before Deadly Alliance was created in 2001! Whether it'd be the Unholy Alliance consisting of Shang and Quan, or even Bo' Rai Cho! Perhaps the creators were responsible for both properties, even though Threshold handled the former while Midway did the latter after the fiasco known as Special Forces.

Marrymore would start as the heroes gear up and relax a little at Edenia. Monk Travels II from Deadly Alliance shall play as the Kombatants embark onto the Outworld plains.

Master Cho, the RE-recorded version from MK OST, shall play when Kung Lao and Aiko find the drunken bastard, even though Master Cho was the prototype of the complete embarrassment! I wanted to make him as disgraceful as possible; he's just one of those humiliating characters I despise! He's not like Wario at all; at least he's got some more of a comic effect than he does! It's no wonder he can just be a carbon copy from another hatable obese fighter, Rufus from Street Fighter! I'm certain Boon got the inspiration from him; it's as clear as the goddamn Power Stars in Mario, I guess.

Besides, I dealt with 2 ppl IRL that were total fucking irredeemable dicks! Counting my ex-stepparent who my parent divorced from 3 years ago during the fall, the former has Type 1 diabetes and was an abusive guardian to me, while also counting an African-American sow, also Type 1, and is nothing more than a slow, domineering slug that I have to work with several days of the week! So, due to past experience I don't take too kindly to the morbidly obese, nor the drunk!

Please get help if you happen to be in those conditions! They're wastes of life! And DON'T get me started with those abominable characters in What's Eating Gilbert Grape!

The Crackling Cabin Fireplace from KDeKay Sleep Sounds would chime in as...y'know, when the warriors settle down and when Kung Lao describes Bo' Rai Cho.

It was hard getting that chapter out of the way, being I didn't have a lot of inspiration, a lot of stress, and hating that poor son of a bitch; what a bad first impression! See you all next chapter...!

Con't VI: Moloch and Drahmin

The gang arrived in what seemed to be a massive mausoleum, an aged-old, pyramidal tomb. Aiko and Sonya couldn't help but feel some Egyptian and Aztec vibes as they beheld the volume and archaic decor of this place, even though they knew this colossal settlement was erected way before their own ancient times...

Everyone was startled when they saw the large engraving that looked like Shinnok's Amulet, complete with the elaborate designs, the eerie emerald center and the golden exterior! Only the elemental ninjas found their words.

"That's..." Kuai couldn't finish his sentence.

"The Amulet of Shinnok!" Hanzo exclaimed.

Events from bringing it to the Temple of Elements, and Bi-Han letting Quan Chi attain it several years prior flashed into their minds.

Hanzo was the first to break out of his reverie. "I know the real amulet is safe within the Temple of Elements. Kuai and I helped Raiden to hide it away, thus trapping the fallen Elder God into the Netherrealm. I doubt Quan Chi has it.

But apparently...even the duplicate can do so much..."

They figured it was the key to unlocking immense, ominous power, even when it came to awakening Onaga and his undead army! In which they saw many mummified statues! Everyone was agog as they observed those inanimate abominations! A few stood on the center stage while several columns and rows of them were aligned surrounding the center set piece.

"It's possible they contained the remains, and souls, of the Dragon King's army, loyal warriors locked in their stony prison after they ritualistically committed mass suicide since his death by Shao Kahn." Kitana muttered, remembering her mother's warnings.

Kung Lao said, "Good thing I've the fists of ruin! I shall destroy those pitiful puppets before they would be reanimated again!" The former monk put his dukes up.

The two Edenians spotted the writing on the walls of this tomb as well as on the king's enormous, burgundy sarcophagus. Kitana was the first to decipher it, "It is an ancient Edenian language, I think it was inscribed by Onaga's holy men, to bring back Outworld's long lost ruler from beyond the grave by returning his spirit to his original body." Jade shuttered at the thought.

While the determined leader was shattering the numerous sarcophaguses, along with Hanzo, Kuai and Jax, the women couldn't help but slap their arms and other limbs as flies kept landing on them!

"Where the hell did all these flies come from!?" Aiko said irritatingly!? "Is the Pyramid supposed to be like this!?"

"Ergh, no." Jade answered. "Ironically this place is cooler and right next to the barren Sarna Ruins, which is like my desert's neglected, deadlier next door neighbor!"

"I still don't understand why you own a whole badland!" The shady former celebrity stated in confusion as he was swatting the pests away.

"Kahn granted me this territory for my services as his spy. I don't have much use for it now."

While Kuai was freezing a statue, Hanzo assisted as he swiped with his broadsword or if they used a kick! Even Jax pitched in to destroy the ashen statues to prevent Onaga and his army from resurfacing, while the weaker Kombatants stood guard, only to constantly slap away flies temporarily.

Aiko's heart started to beat more rapidly, and she felt nervous. She frantically looked around to see if anything changed, or if an enemy was approaching. Then, her arms became frigid. She thought it was from the icy air by Sub-Zero's ice blasts, but thru the darkness of the entryway, she noticed the same turquoise eyes pierce thru, the ones that she suspected that followed her thru the empty Forest! She could've sworn she saw a metallic glimmer just a foot above them...

"What the hell-Kung Lao, head's up!" She screeched.

Following her cry, he straightened as he gazed toward the dark entry. He made a reflex tossing his razor-rimmed hat toward that oncoming threat! The beast wasn't suspecting it as the impact cut its face. It recovered and let out a menacing growl as if belonging to a grizzly's... The hat retracted before Lao made out the enemy. It was a brawny, blue-skinned Oni of sorts, but it looked larger and more muscular than the ones they're used to! It was swinging a ball and chain within its left hand! When he emerged, he let out a roar that was louder than a lion's! To Aiko's surprise, his eyes, which turned out to be three after he removed a patch, and fore horns illuminated golden; perhaps the turquoise was the default shade before glowing while he's on the bloody prowl.

After that an array of flies swarmed in! The heroes shielded their eyes and faces; it wasn't painful though irritating! By the time it cleared, they encountered a skinnier demon wearing what seemed like a teal mask with yellow markings and punctures, and he had an iron club mounted on his right hand with a sword protruding from the right backside. The rest of his burnt body nearly matched with his outfit, even his bare feet.

"Those two are no ordinary Onis!" Hanzo warned. "They are Moloch and Drahmin! They're demons straight from the Netherrealm's 5th Circle! I dealt with those ferocious bastards many times and they both rely on anger and malicious strength!" He exasperated, "There's hardly any reprieve when it comes to their turf!"

Kung Lao of all people should know...

Aiko broke the silence, "Who's going to help Hanzo beat these brutes!?"

Jax diverged from the group with his metallic arms spread out. "I'll take on those cursed demons! We don't deal with these bastards often in the OIA!"

The skinny demon said in a gruffy tone, "The OIA, you say? Then you must know of that puny robot's fate."

Sonya gasped, "What have you done with Cyrax!? And with this!?" She lifted the missing arm cannon.

"You'll soon find out after you'll be as mangled as him!" Moloch slurred, as if he was a test subject with a muffled tone.

Jax charged in toward Moloch while Hanzo took on the more agile Drahmin. The formers' muscles clashed with one another, although the OIA agent had the upper hand since his kicks to the Oni's chest were powerful. Hanzo utilized his nimbleness with every blow, making swift moves and avoiding Moloch's indestructible metallic club. They even smashed swords testing their strength and maneuvers, until the brute was bested by his fiery breath! The other Oni then attracted another swarm of flies and unleashed toward the duo! It blinded both men, though Hanzo increased his body temperature and combusted, scurrying the insects away!

During the stun, Jax was knocked down by Moloch's Beast Lord, causing CEO to flip back. He then conjured all his strength and made the ground pound attempting to paralyze the opponent, though it was only a few seconds before he retaliated with his Ground Bash. Jax jumped over the incoming shockwave, as did the unsuspecting spectators.

Scorpion unleashed his fiery breath once more to release his increasing body temperature. This in turn scorched Drahmin's teal mask! Hanzo made a twirl kick to the stunned demon, taking him down!

He then shifted his attention to Moloch; he figured he and Jax would be at a standoff at this rate! He teleported thru the ground while engulfing himself in flames and released his aura via fireball! This caught the demon's attention and Hanzo was prepared for the windup. Moloch threw the ball before he charged again, but the ninja was too quick! He drew out his sword, leapt, spun and sliced the chain in half! Vulnerable, Hanzo impaled Moloch in the chest! He hunched over before Jax laid an aggressive punch!

After a congratulatory handshake, Hanzo simply looked over the fallen furies as he sheathed, "I'd been expecting more from you two Onis! Then again, you're not in Kansas anymore."

Suddenly, Hanzo and Jax were diverted by a forceful whoosh of air! Seconds later, they noticed it was a furious Kung Lao who stormed toward Drahmin, carrying and strangling him as he dragged him to a nearby pole! "What business do you have with the Deadly Alliance?!"

He pressed harder on the demon's windpipe as he struggled to speak, "I only know of Quan Chi! That fugitive betrayed us as he escaped to Outworld...! We wound up in the Forest till we tracked you down...!" Drahmin could only speak for his incoherent partner. Nevertheless, Lao continued to torture him as he never relinquished his lethal grip!

"Either you help us, or you perish! He and Shang Tsung murdered my best friend in cold blood! We will spare your pathetic lives if you wish to assist us."

Drahmin spat to the side, "We have no interest in serving you...!"

"Then maybe I shall remove your placid mask and make you serve us-!"

"Kung Lao, NO!" Hanzo yelled, making the Shaolin hesitate. "Don't remove his mask! That is the Face of Kun-Lo! This allows Drahmin to focus, making his abilities precise. Without it, he'll be more reckless and deadlier than ever! He was once a humanoid before he was casted down by his murderous rampage!"

"Kung Lao, let him go." Liu Kang's voice emitted from the covered dragon amulet. This reluctantly made him release the demon's raspy trachea.

"I have no intention joining you fleshy mortals! You will not succeed against the Deadly Alliance! We were only here to follow to Quan Chi's base of operations and slay him for his treachery. He abandoned us after he promised us cover when he stumbled onto ancient runestones on awakening the Dragon King...! We are as desperate as you are stopping him. But as matters stand, you all weaklings will fail!"

That made Lao make his fists clench! "Enough!" He used his free hand to sock Drahmin, only to meet limestone, making it crumble!

He immediately turned only to see a wounded Oni hunched beside his bulky partner-in-crime. "I'm done dealing with you! Just wander into the Oni's death trap and watch his diabolical plan unfold!" Both devils vanished in a bloody mist before Lao hit nothing but air!

After a few breaths, he retorted, "I can't believe I missed!"

Hanzo just sulked and sighed, "...This won't be the last time we'll see those burdensome beasts. They are incredibly persistent, and if I'm right, they must be heading straight to Moloch's Lair, a subterranean terrain."

"And they had a scrimmage with Cyrax." Sonya reminded the team holding his missing arm cannon. "Where to, Nightwolf?"

The navigator closed his eyes as he elongated an arm, sensing the source of the Alliance's unholy auras. "It's still up ahead to the northwest."

Jade exasperated, "Figures. We will need to traverse thru the Sarna Ruins. We must stay together no matter what should happen; the Tarkatans must've gathered at the same place. I am baffled we haven't spotted them in the Wastelands yet..."

"Doesn't this place lead to the chamber of the spiked wheel...?" Lao was lost in thought.

"That's a different direction, Kung Lao." Kitana clarified. "We won't have to go over the Blood Sea this time." For some reason this gave all the heroes comfort. "We're heading north to northwest, so the Ruins is our next destination." She paused for a moment. "Has everyone destroyed the leftover sarcophaguses?" Everyone confirmed as they noticed the area was completely cleaned out. Especially all those endless clusters.

Lao readjusted his hat. "Let's go." The group left the forsaken Lost Tomb without hesitation.

A/N: This was hard to write! I wasn't familiar at all when it came to the Oni duo! Trio if you count Quan Chi, believe it or not. Moloch and Drahmin were very tough, even when I had to study their move sets; if you wanna see more, I suggest you watch vids on YT for the extra dingleberries of Konquest Mode, or 616Entertainment's playthroughs. Same deal with Bo' Rai Cho and such! Also, I'm not really into Batman, but I can't help but feel Bane vibes from Batman & Robin considering Moloch; I kinda see him as the lesser cohesive Oni compared to his partner Drahmin, even more klutzy than him.

I really was creeped out as True Underdawg Gaming described each of the most disgusting Kombatants ever, with Drahmin being one of them as he could NEVER stand the irritatingly noisy sounds of the flies attached to him, as well as conjuring them! Pretty much like Beelzebub, the real Lord of the Flies, in those regards! And I hate the movie and novel, by the way...

It too was difficult to find an interesting arena revolving around the battle; had to go thru the list of arenas, and I figured the Lost Tomb was a better fit, which'd lead to the Sarna Ruins, a destination closer to the final goal, Shang's Palace.

Also, it was kind of a struggle involving Shinnok's Amulet considering that if you read my last epic, Quan Chi has the duplicate. And contrary to Deadly Alliance and 4, Scorpion had some readjustments too since he's more humane, thus making him as a sort of informant of the Netherrealm for the team.

Admittedly, I made an error when it came to the turquoise eyes following the heroes; I figured that Moloch has 2 blue eyes, though he has 3 and were golden. I made a last-minute decision that Moloch had an eye patch, probably sharpening his sight, and it'd illuminate gold instead of blue when any enemy should be on the prowl! Drahmin just wouldn't fit well...

Only 2 songs shall sound here, the Dungeon theme from Final Fantasy 2 rearranged in Dissidia Duodecim, and the Lost Tomb from Deadly Alliance. Conveniently, the Tomb and Ruins were the next songs listed in the soundtrack! Hot damn!

Just a little side note, I know the Tag Team Battles were established in the reboot, but if Deadly Alliance were to be more story-driven, it should have kombats like this; two heroes vs. two villains and switch periodically. At first, I thought those were like the Endurance Levels in the og MK (preferably the SNES version), but they seem more advanced and convenient than them! I'm very impressed, and I wish that Nether Realm would use this awesome feature in MK12! This may be 1 thing I like from the reboot, as there hasn't been much at all!

I thought the fists of ruin was a nice touch, as it was created exclusively in Shaolin Monks; reminder of knocking down the walls in Reptile's Lair, breaking thru secrets at the Wu Shi Academy, the Living Forest, and outside the Tower. Nice way to make the sarcophaguses significant.

I figured I should take a breather before moving onto the Sarna Ruins, see you there.

Con't VII: Drums in the Desert

As much as Jade despised the Sarna Ruins, she still led the group out into the unrelenting badlands. Everyone was curious as to how and why this particular desert was so dangerous, even more than the Edenian's own unwanted territory.

With Aiko and Kung Lao, however, they found it baffling that the way Hanzo spoke about Drahmin's Face of Kun-Lo, it sounded remarkably similar to the former monk's own name!

"It's kind of ridiculous that the mask can be named after you, Kung Lao! But...without the G and the A."

"Or maybe it was just a mockery of my distant family...!" He added with clenched fists. "There better not be a face made after me!" He retorted.

Hanzo intervened, "Well, I'm quite certain that ominous mask was created centuries before the Great Kung Lao. So, it may not be too much of an insult."

The gang walked outside the Lost Tomb, and into the glaring sunlight which nearly blinded them! The high heat greeted the Kombatants as they wound up in the arid desert, before they beheld its rocky, vast majesty.

"Whew, this place looks like any other desert. What the hell makes it so risqué?" Cage quipped.

Jade warned everyone this place was treacherous on account of the everlasting sandstorms, even a couple tornadoes can touch down. The sky itself was patchy, with the bleak clouds nearly covering over the blazing rays.

Aiko added, "You got any cold drinks handy?"

Sub-Zero nodded, "With this Dragon Medallion, my cryomancy shall not be affected by the desert's harsh environment. Frost and I shall compensate if anyone would become dehydrated or irate." His prodigy nodded.

After Kung Lao and others adjusted their attire by removing their dark garbs, they pressed onward to absorb as less heat and humidity as possible. The green ninja, along with Kitana, still led the charge, even when the unrelenting thermal sun kept baring down on the group. Jax, Kuai, Hanzo, Frost and, conveniently, Liu Kang's spirit were the only ones who didn't grow fatigued nor seething from it. Of course, at times they needed to pause for several moments to take in the cryomancers' soothing chilly air, even Lao participated as he used his buzzsaw hat as a big fan to cool off the team! So too with Kitana's own steel fans.

Those comfortable factors made them traverse throughout the exhausting dunes and challenging landscape. Yet still, some were growing weary as they'd keep having deja vu... That was until they'd become galled by the loose sand being tossed into their faces; everybody had to shield their faces as they continued forward, especially when they spotted a stray tornado taking form just several feet away!

It was definitely a startling sight, especially to those who were unfamiliar with them, including Johnny, Sonya, Aiko and Jax! Even the colossal height was a bit too much for the cardiokinetic...

Due to her uneasiness, he hid behind her beloved and wondered if Kung Lao can decimate it. He adjusted his hat as tightly as possible, wearing a tense complexion, before he marched closer while departing from the stupefied group! He was fearless and determined as he handed over Liu's dragon amulet to her. His mind then flashed back to his trials with Fujin at his own training ground, the Wind World; during one summer before the war against Shinnok, Lao had the chance to disable a F3 tornado from its core within the American Plains! Not without the God of Wind's assistance, of course, much to Lao's discontent.

"Lord Fujin...if only you were here." His expression then turned from pensiveness to stone-cold. "It's about time!"

He stormed toward the dust devil, much to the horror from his allies, before ducking below the sands with his Teleport! His body illuminated in a cerulean aura as he conjured as much might, as if he would execute a Brutality!

"Yergalic!"

In fact, he performed with all his strength the usual Tornado as he and his hat created the countering funnel! Only this time, it was his own Spin Cycle, with more ferocity as he approached the heart of the storm, with him and his hat slicing it into pieces, thus disabling the twister in minutes!

With a lot of stamina, and with Nightwolf monitoring from the exterior keeping any deadly debris away, courtesy of his ancestors' shamanistic abilities, Lao's whirlwind overpowered the storm as the heroes observed the cerulean aura emerge from the amber V! Little by little, the twister shrunk before his own expanded, and by the time Lao's aerokinesis covered the entire funnel, his burst!

Lao's body was hurling down, and Kitana's sonokinesis from her fans couldn't prevent the gravity from taking him! Just as his allies were too paralyzed to move...an unseen force stopped Lao directly. His still body slowly descended to the hard sands, before he was released from that invisible field. The winced warrior was heaving and hardly moving, and his inner chest and arms were sore from the sudden impacts.

The first thing his blurry vision noticed was the same patchy sky, before the light was disturbed by an opaque male figure with short, black hair and a blindfold! He offered a hand, and Lao slowly stood up due to his discomfort. The stranger offered him a drink from a cannister, before Lao looked up and noticed several people run up to them.

"That was mighty impressive, though foolish to decimate that cyclone," he replied in a stern tenor.

Before he had time to protest, everyone called for Lao's name and became relieved to see him alive, albeit weakened. Aiko immediately sat by his side, tendering him. Her comfort, or was it her cardiokinesis, restored some of his strength. The slim man rose and grinned, and Sonya was the first to identify him!

"Agh-Kenshi!" she gasped.

He nodded, "Sonya Blade...! Always a pleasure to see you, General."

Jax and Johnny gave him a manly hug and a couple slaps! Kenshi actually recognized them too.

"Who is he?" Nightwolf started the wonderment.

Kenshi, along with the other agents, explained of his predicament. Years ago, he wandered across Earthrealm in search of worthy competition. Every time he found a formidable opponent, he would defeat him just to boost his pride. But on one fateful day, Kenshi encountered an elderly man with a pointed white beard and mustache. His name was Song, who convinced the Kombatant that a great warrior needed a handy sword. Song led Kenshi to the location of an ancient and powerful blade, and he claimed that it'd suit Kenshi's power, but as he unsealed the well wherein the sword supposedly laid, he was overwhelmed by souls trapped within it, which permanently blinded him. After a sneer, Song revealed himself to be none other than the vile sorcerer, Shang Tsung, whom Kenshi recognized from horror stories, and proceeded to absorb the released, haywire spirits, leaving Kenshi to die within the tomb. However, the sword, which actually did exist, attracted Kenshi by speaking to him in his native Japanese language, leading him to his true origin.

Through that ghastly message, the sacred blade originally belonged to a long line of great swordsmen from whom Kenshi descended from; the well was also the sacred resting place of the souls of Kenshi's ancestors, those that were stolen by the demon sorcerer. Kenshi spent the next decade or so retraining his senses, all while searching for his betrayer, a path which led him to the U.S. Special Forces.

Kenshi's special abilities eventually caught the attention of Jax Briggs and Sonya Blade who, at the time, were looking for members with unique talents to join their side and venture into Outworld, with Johnny still being an intern; Kenshi jumped at the chance to pursue the man who had deceived him. After going through many tests and examinations, he was then accepted to join the Outer World Investigation Agency.

Since then, he had been on a scouting mission to hunt down Cyrax; both men were unfortunate to lose contact as they wandered aimlessly for days...

"Cyrax!" Sonya returned from their reverie. She took out the missing piece she found back in the desolate forest and handed it to Kenshi; amazingly, he never struggled with his impaired vision.

He examined the piece. "Hmm...this is Cyrax alright."

"We saw some huge bat swipe him away," Jax added.

"I too was looking for that rogue cyber. So far, I'd no luck. I am sorry of your plight involving Hsu Hao. That traitor, along with the likes of that cheating bastard, will pay!"

Kung Lao grew curious, concerned over his welfare, "How is it you can still fight, Kenshi?"

To demonstrate, he slightly ascended an arm, and the same majestic sword detached from his back scabbard, turned to Lao and soared toward his face. Kenshi turned it upright. "Telekinesis," he declared, "power from the mind." The weapon returned to his possession.

Aiko was impressed by his unique mental abilities, even blurting out that he reminded her of..."Mewtwo." Everyone gave her questionable looks as if she was growing two heads. She rubbed the back of her neck, bashfully, "Eh...wait a couple years from now, guys...!"

"I was on my way looking for the rumored airship named the Dragonfly. I'd heard word it's a fast method of transport, which can bring us straight to Shang's hellhole." He paused for a moment, "When it comes to blindness, it does magnify my other senses."

Everyone dusted themselves off, and ignoring the heat, they made a lot of chitchat with the newcomer, including about the former Champion's unfortunate fate. Kenshi was intrigued with the news, and he felt sorry he was too late to participate in the first tournament when Shang disguised himself and made him permanently disabled. Johnny could relate since he was tricked by the demon's disguise as his late master, Boyd...

Just then amongst the growing gab, Aiko heard some subtle, though powerful booms emitting from the distance. She hesitated as she listened in, then remained immobilized. As she hardly noticed the guys passing her, she eventually became dazed, almost as if she was about to fall into a trance...

Noticing she wasn't close to him; Kung Lao hesitated and saw the warrioresss. "Aiko?" Lao walked up, curious on her sudden condition.

Nightwolf intervened, "It's those Aboriginal drums. They sound very much like us Matokans in Earthrealm." He listened closer. "Yet...there message seems rather the unusual type."

"Those are the trial drums from the cliff people of Makeba!" Jade concluded.

Kitana added, "The giant percussionists beat their drums as the fighters kombat each other. It is said that in the event of a tie, Konga, the biggest drummer of them all, will challenge both warriors."

"Seems like they have a hunger for tension." Sonya spoke.

"Almost reminds me of the execution drums, how they beat harder and speed up before the victim should be brutalized." Johnny added.

"What is it?" Lao couldn't look away from Aiko's strange demeanor.

She seemed more lulled by the enticing beats... "They are...summoning me..." she spoke in monotone. "I must...join them..."

"The Dragonfly is within that cliff village!" Kenshi pointed toward the nearby settlement.

"Then we have to go there! I can't wait to be rid of the Deadly Alliance!" Lao shared the swordsman's anxiety.

As if she was ordered to, Aiko suddenly slipped away as she ran toward the series of blanch buildings that outstretched as far as the end of the distant precipice.

The team chased the cardiokinetic, who didn't seem to tire, toward the series of massive drums being beaten by several muscular, dark-skinned men. The heroes just stood there watching each one with strange markings on their arms and bare chests. A lot of them had black ponytails, even different headdresses with various feathers, and some of their faces were painted in black and white. Aiko grew more mesmerized as they hit rapidly while keeping the same tandem, as if they saw and were inviting her in... They were accompanied by a shaker, but no dancers. This never fazed the rookie, but the other Kombatants were flabbergasted on how massive the strummers were!

The one leading the Makeba tribe was even larger than the rest and he was smack dab in the center! Aiko treaded closer, onto the circular arena shaped like another large bongo or djembe, and she bowed down to him... The war drums eventually softened, and the giant came marching to her.

"Chieftain..." she called in a deep, hypnotic tone, addressing her new overlord.

The moccasins stomped like the Shokan's feet while his lower straw shawl swayed. His arms and legs were bare and meaty like his tribesmen, and he wore numerous feathers symbolizing he was the dominant ruler. He towered over her, and she never felt intimidated, but rather aroused... He caressed her head and neck and she let out a sigh... Her back tingled, and her pudenda became tense. She slowly rose her head, only to have her eyes become translucent. Forgetting all her troubles, her thrall washed over as she stood up her limp body.

"Aiko!" Kung Lao called, yet she never responded. "Aiko!" He spoke louder, still nothing.

"It's no use, Kung Lao." Kenshi stated as he shook his head. "She's under the Makeba's thrall now. This doesn't happen often. The Makeba are a small, primitive tribe, yet they draw in the more susceptible. I can sense her mind; it is deformed and thus not as resistant. I need to release her from Konga's hold."

"Konga?!"

Kenshi stepped forward, leaving the Kombatants in doubt. "Konga!" Both warriors faced the blind man. "I'll let you keep that foreigner, but only if I don't defeat you in Kombat!" He responded in a stern tone.

"Very well, warrior." He replied in a bass voice that seemed alien to any Earthrealmer, almost like another male Shokan. He snapped his shoulders and fingers before he motioned for Aiko to make her sit with his clan. Kung Lao ran to her, but the other spectators forced him back with their spears and knives! "We keep what is ours. The young girl shall stay with us, if you should fail...!"

"Agreed." Kenshi nodded.

The exotic drums began to increase in density and decibels once more, with Aiko becoming more and more hypnotized. Kung Lao couldn't believe what he was seeing! Not even his presence snapped her out of the Makeba's power! It was only up to the skilled psychokinetic!

With his monstrous spiked and blunt club drawn, Kenshi kept avoiding each charge with ease, never being affected by the might of the massive instruments! In fact, Kenshi didn't make a single mark! Instead, he conjured some psychic pushes onto the beast!

It didn't matter much, with Aiko's mate under attack; instead, a thin grin appeared as she joined with the assembly, making her heart race and her genitals swell... She had never felt this pleasant... She embraced this tribal power...! As her eyes flashed, she wished to become an honorable member of her new people as her head and neck stretched while she beat rhythmically and orgasmic...

Every clenching blow, Kenshi avoided, as he felt Konga's body heat, before he countered again with another psychic blast aimed to his legs, making the chief timber! Yet still, he became more arrogant and reckless as he kept closing in on the smaller guy!

Whether it'd be his Tai Chi, or his own katana, Kenshi kept on closing in on either Konga's legs or bulky chest. He always seemed to counter and move, and to Kung Lao, the warlord's fighting style could've sworn to be similar to Shao Kahn's as he had a flashback dealing with him in his Arena. He became impressed with Kenshi's quickness despite his blindness, as if he was reading Konga's moves thru his mind's eye! Unfortunately, his lethal bruteness sometimes toppled the ninja over, stunning him.

While Kenshi's psychokinesis was on par, Konga's wrath managed to break thru his field. He was caught in a stranglehold as Konga's hulky arm was squeezing his windpipe! The drums sounded more rapid and deafening, as if his followers were cheering for him! Kenshi's flimsy hands became helpless in his mercy, and he barely managed to raise an arm slightly...

What the monstrosity didn't know that the samurai's ancestral blade soared behind and impaled the assailant's back! The mountainous man collapsed in a heap as the gash opened like a fountain! Kenshi withdrew his sword before he stepped back and made the beast's body glow in an opal field! Kenshi elongated his head and caused a streak of energy run through Konga's hapless vessel! He forced the same wave again a few more times, before the weakened body rose...only to cause his eyes to gouge out of his sockets!

The drums immediately stopped as the audience roared in disgust of their fallen master! Kenshi then faced Aiko who remained still, before her head was covered in the psychic field and her eyes returned to normal. He then spoke into her lover's mind without moving his lips, "Kung Lao, get Aiko out of here!"

At first he was shocked, but he composed, teleported below the crowd, retrieved her and warped back.

"Get her and everyone to safety, I'll steal the Dragonfly!"

Before Lao made an altercation, Kenshi dashed into the village, making the bloodthirsty men chase after him! Room thru room, the Makeba were on the prowl in each of the opaque halls, until Kenshi made it to the topmost rooftop. At times he halted and casted his psi field, making nearby debris obscure their path. Meanwhile, Kung Lao carried Aiko in his arms, bringing her back to the team. She was very dazed and can still hear the drums in her head... To Johnny it was like she began recovering from a drunken stupor. Lao reiterated that their new ally would retrieve the Dragonfly, and Sonya was flabbergasted he went in alone!

There were raspy sounds as if the air was being chopped! The Special Forces agents instantly realized the sounds of helicopter rotors. There was a large ship complete with a bow shaped like a dragon's head, and the stern sculptured like a long, serpentine tail! Even with etched bat wings at the aircraft's sides! The wrathful tribe kept chasing after it, though Jax was eager to stop them as he conjured all his strength before slamming his fists to the ground, creating a quake stunning the pursuers!

Again never moving his mouth, Kenshi telepathically commandeered to climb aboard! Kung Lao Teleported onto the main deck still carrying Aiko, while Sub-Zero and Frost built ice to help them lift to the air. Using his hands, Nightwolf leapt onto the center, with his thud descending the ship. It was low enough for the other Kombatants to climb aboard!

But the persistent tribe never gave up as they shot their deadly arrows! Kenshi shouted to get down, shielding themselves from the lethal onslaughts while he steered the Dragonfly away! After a few moments of turbulence and the pitter-patters from the deflected darts, the heroes escaped while still heading northwest.

The new crew couldn't help but feel great relief and ecstasy once the way was clear. Kung Lao, though, still remained by the unconscious Aiko's side, with her head resting on a nearby cushion. By the time the Kombatants calmed down, and congratulated Kenshi for a job well done, Lao couldn't help but lean over and kiss her warmly on her forehead...

Momentarily, her eyes fluttered open and her dizzy head cleared seeing her hero again. "...Unh...Kung Lao..?"

"You are safe now," he assured.

Some whimpers from a dog was heard, and sure enough, it was Kiba! He came beside Aiko before he licked her face. She couldn't help but giggle, "It's nice to see you too, Kiba!"

Nightwolf crouched next to them and smiled. "Hey. Welcome back."

"Eh...thanks, guys."

Even Kenshi wanted to hang out with the tender group. "You alright?"

"I think so, thank you."

He laid a gentle hand on her forehead, as if he was laying down a thermometer to check someone's temperature. Instead, he was sensing her fragile mind, which her brainwaves returned to normalcy. "Aiko appears to be her lucid self."

The Matokan was relieved. "Who's piloting the ship?"

"Jax is. We need a pair of durable arms for a little while. Her mind...it is truly something rare."

"She was born prematurely," Kung Lao intervened. "By three months. They'd no choice as her mother was going thru severe complications. Then her doctors were neglifent, diminishing her mind's vitality. She...was born handicapped." The last sentence was the most difficult to say. Undoubtedly, Kenshi felt pity.

"Hmm...I once had a family myself. I'd lost my wife to a Red Dragon attack. After I became blind, I wanted my son, Takeda, to be in the upmost care; I could only rely on a Japanese nursery, as Thailand was too primitive, and China'd be too militaristic. Then, Hanzo said he found my letter and decided to let my son stay with the Shirai Ryu; I was astonished he decided to stay with us. If anything should happen to him or myself..." He couldn't finish his sentence.

Always the optimist, Nightwolf chimed in, "We'll help you defeat Shang Tsung, and Quan Chi. Hehe, you did pull off some amazing stunts back there."

"Yeah. ...Thanks, Kenshi."

"Of course, Aiko," the blind man caressed her weary head. "Who knows. Maybe I can help you enhance your mind, which would also empower your heart. If we should ever overcome the Deadly Alliance. But, you must stay with Kung Lao. He would be the key."

He faced the duo, astonished. "...He knows. He really is capable of telepathy."

"There aren't many gifted specimens like it," the shaman added. "I think I can learn a thing or two with Keanu here." He left with Kenshi, giving Aiko and Lao some time. He could've sworn he heard Sonya shout over the rotors,

"Keanu? You better not be reading our minds too, egghead!"

Lao then cupped the cardiokinetic's chin, "You had me very worried, Aiko. I thought I would lose you.." He smooched her again.

She can never resist Lao's warmth and comfort. "I know. I'm sorry... ...I hope...that Kenshi would help when it comes to my...mental setbacks."

"He can help you. I know he will. But until then, we must put Liu Kang's soul to rest, and save all realms from our greatest adversaries." She nodded, with her tired eyes showing a tad of restored determination. "You need your rest. I'll stay with you till you awaken."

They'd made a few deep, passionate kisses, before Aiko went to sleep and to rejuvenate her mind.

A/N: I hadn't seen Snow Blind yet, as I'm on the fence with the greedy execs at WB, but I thought Kenshi was inspirational; I hadn't encountered a lot of people who're blind, excepting that kid cameo in Barney & Friends, Alicia in Fantastic 4, and Possessor from the Silver Surfer. It was intriguing since he's one of the homerunners in Deadly Alliance, even when I saw 616Entertainment's playthrough klimbing the arcade ladder! I always thought he was similar to Mewtwo with his awesome telekinetic abilities! And the fact he can break mind control, transfer thoughts, and have a nickname/inspiration based on Keanu Reeves! Incredible! Especially when there are 2 representatives of the LGBTQA+ in Mortal Kombat! And the fact that the Matrix and Mortal Kombat are currently WB properties.

What a lousy coincidence! Kenshi was kreated in 2002, he was inspired by Keanu (specifically Neo), and while WB didn't own MK at the time, Neo also became blind in the Matrix Revolutions one year later!

Actually, I discovered his son, Takeda, first in MKX as I stated him in my Top 10 Characters I Can Relate to. I find both Takahashis to be legendary in their own right, and I too had made an OC for the Fantastic 4, Terri Thatcher, as a psychokinetic! If only Silver the Hedgehog would have that kind of awesome potential...

Long time followers of mine think it's cliche, but...in several of my works, I had used the concept of being in a trance by exotic drums. As I was growing up, I became entranced by them, even when I was little to now. Several OCs, and canon characters, had that same effect including my OCs (Gavin, Tinsel) and others using it like my Aboriginal OCs. And also, the annual event, the Tribal Ceremony. I just...get a turn-on with those enticing drums...

I find the Dragonfly to be fascinating; it's about damn time the heroes got a more handier method of transport traversing thru Outworld, contrary to Shaolin Monks which was always on foot! Kind of reminds me of the airships in the Final Fantasy series, and since there were no Dragon Jets, despite their primitiveness, it all worked out! I couldn't wait to ease the pace!

Anyway, Sarna Ruins shall of course play first, before the heroes shall immerse into it; followed by To Zucchabar from Gladiator (which Deadly Alliance has given me a lot of vibes lately...), the hypnotizing rhythms from the African Dance in the Park, the Drum Arena (which for some reason is the same as the Palace Grounds and Dragonfly...), and Maridia - Sandy Desert in Super Metroid.

A little side note, I was inspired by Kung Lao's awesome abilities utilizing his signature tornado, whether it'd be the Tornado Kick, the Tornado Multality, even the Spin Time Brutality! So, why not put his aero skills to great use disabling a twister! This has never been showcased in Mortal Kombat! Not even with the help of Fujin! I know i'm kind of obsessed with the film, Twister, but still... It should be showcased in the series! I just hate wasted potential/plotential!

And I promise not to make the two cryomancers betray each other, as I'd read the Dragonfly's the place where Frost turns. It won't happen here. So, this chapter's outta the way; hopefully, I'll get to the next one shortly, even with my Halloween special interfering some matters...

Con't VIII - Stragglers

The Dragonfly continued to drift northeast toward the Deadly Alliance's dark auras. Kung Lao sill remained by Aiko's sleepy side for hours on end; even Kiba, Kenshi and Nightwolf took turns on accompanying him and made some conversation along with Liu Kang's spirit to make the journey less bland. The cardiokinetic was still asleep despite the conversation, courtesy of the airy main deck and the white noise from the propellers which negated the yapping. Even the cryomancers, Sub-Zero and Frost, who were sparring didn't disturb her.

With nearly a mile above the grounds, Jax was still piloting the ship, while Sonya and Johnny were keeping a sharp lookout as copilots. It wasn't easy trying to scan thru the thick canopies for their missing comrade, Cyrax. Though Sonya suggested they should spot a shimmer of goldenrod metal, as indicated by the arm console in her possession.

With that tiny tidbit in mind, Johnny for once took off his $500 sunglasses, and the female agent continued to look over the helm, until a sudden lustful glimmer caught her keen peripheral vision!

"That's him! It's Cyrax!" she cried.

"Tell the guys to hold on. I'm taking this baby down!" Jax declared.

She did so to everyone, "We've reached Commander Cyrax, everyone! Prepare for landing!"

The ice ninjas picked up. "Cyrax... He must be..." Kuai looked over yonder and Frost was surprised as she came to the same conclusion. "He isn't inside that hollow volcano, is he?" she exclaimed.

The vessel landed gently as the rotors began to slow down. Kiba was licking Aiko's face to awaken her. She moaned a few times as her eyes slowly opened; the wolf was the first thing she saw, and she reached up groggily to pet him. She thought they'd reached their destination already.

Kung Lao sat beside her, "Aiko, the ship is landing. We have found Cyrax!"

"...Cyrax...!"

"We think he has just entered that dormant volcano." Nightwolf added.

Her eyes boggled, "A volcano...?"

Johnny responded as if reading her thoughts. "That guy's insane! He would literally melt if he's still inside his metallic body!"

"Perhaps not, Johnny. The Lin Kuei cybers are incredibly adaptable; they'd been built to endure any environmental hazards making them supreme machines, built for perfection."

They felt a subtle quake. Sonya announced, "The eagle has landed. Let's be underway."

Jax was lucky he spotted an open plain just large enough to land the Dragonfly with no interference, unless counting the nearby foliage with its slicing propellers. The passengers' bodies began to lurch a little as gravity took over, but they still remained steadfast upon the gradual descent.

Nightwolf ordered his companion to sniff Sonya's arm console, then he smelt the air and almost immediately perked up his ears and made a few howls. "Kiba's picked up something. It should be Cyrax's scent."

Jax noticed unusual talon tracks, he presumed they belonged to that shadowy bat who abducted Cyrax earlier, while there were some deep holes next to them! He followed Nightwolf and Kiba while sticking closely with Sonya and Johnny. They soon arrived near an enormous tunnel after forcing some thick debris away.

Kenshi halted the rest of the team with an outstretched arm. He then extended it toward the aperture. "There's some incredible heat and pressure emanating from that tunnel...!"

"How do you know?" Aiko queried.

"I can feel it...! I'd noticed my blindness allows me to enhance my other senses sharply. I can already feel the thermal temperature covering my arm. It's extremely volatile! I doubt anyone would be able to withstand this intense dry heat for long."

That got Sub-Zero's attention! "Intense heat..."

He had a flashback of him and his komrades falling onto ledges within a fissure Shang Tsung conjured, courtesy of his elemental orb which manipulated the forces of nature! Lava was steaming beneath their feet, and Kuai was beginning to feel lightheaded and feverish quickly.

"It's a miracle we're all still alive," Kitana said.

"But we won't be for long in this blistering heat!" Sonya added.

Just then, they heard a sinister tenor several feet above, "Your fate rests in Raiden's hands. Having defeated Liu Kang, I have had a taste of vengeance! Tell Raiden that unless he komes, I will klose the fissure and krush the life out of you!"

He banished that reverie from his mind as he shook his head, "I should take a look."

Frost offered to go with him in which he accepted. "Are you sure you can make it, Grandmaster!? Please allow me to help!"

He sighed and nodded, "Alright, but if the stifling climate should be too much for you, get out! I doubt the Special Agents shall endure this..."

Lao took out the golden dragon amulet as he heard Liu murmuring beneath his tough top. "I should be of some assistance too. ...I know I can't do much in my astral form, but I'll see what I can do." His Shaolin brother nodded his assent, allowing Liu's spirit to leave the artifact and follow the team in.

Aiko just murmured, "Stay frosty, boys..." as a way to wish them luck.

Together, Sonya, Jax, Johnny, Kuai, Frost, Hanzo, and Liu's spirit traversed thru the opaque cavern. The interior was arched and snug, yet there were no pitfalls. Hearing an echo of a familiar digital sound, the ice elemental halted, then recognized it belonged to the cyber-Lin Kuei initiative! "That sound... I know this from anywhere." He heard another mechanical noise and confirmed, "It's Cyrax!" Kuai immediately ran and led the way!

The group stopped short as they reached a deep slope descending into some magma and small islands. The infernal orange light illuminated from below, with the boiling, bubbling magma just several feet down! Already, the gang felt the same intense heat Kenshi warned of reaching their faces! They spotted Cyrax as they gazed down and found the mysterious bat creature Jax spoke of; from the distance, they actually noticed it's a woman and a sort of vampire, not the natural chiropterans. Jax was flabbergasted why Cyrax was following that creepy vampire bat to that thermal place!

The cryomancers faced each other and nodded, before they conjured icy trails and slid down the slopes! Everyone stood still, as if their feet were frozen, but Liu Kang chased after them, with the green aura leaving a sudden, though weak whoosh, in his wake!

They ran down the cliff until they reached the end of the isle, and Kuai was fearless as he needed to retrieve his ally from a former, defunct and deadly organization; Frost heard horror stories involving the cyber-Lin Kuei and she wished to NEVER participate in those horrid experiments to enhance her skills and ways of living! She was happily contrary to live as an imperfect human! Kuai admired her for her determined choice. It wasn't seen beneath her vial, nor Frost's, but they each could've sworn they smiled in admiration.

Just several feet away, Cyrax was seen trekking for something unseen. Sure enough, that vampire bat was beside him.

"I know it's here! I can see the sparkling beneath the magma's surface, but I can't get to it."

Cyrax let out another mechanical sound before he spoke, "I can't scan it. This dead heat has been disrupting my circuits." He stopped and looked into the lava pits under the bat's discretion. "I shall go into it myself. It must be confirmed."

"Do it." The non-chiropteran sounded earnest, but emotionless. A few moments, the yellow robot leapt into the deathly depths with a single plop!

Kuai's face became pale as he observed the horror, watching his distant ally take the plunge! "Cyrax!" He hesitated as the dry heat would hinder Frost; however, since he possessed the legendary Dragon Medallion, he may be more resistant, unlike his unlucky experience while he was trapped in that deathly ravine!

Frost felt just as worried being so helpless, and she was startled he went ahead.

As soon as he reached the exact pinpoint, he stopped sliding and simply dove into the lava pools! The thick flows barely made him see Cyrax sink to the bottom and run toward a shiny orb with minimal effort; almost like how Samus would retrieve an upgrade utilizing the Varia Suit! Cyrax's metallic armor made it easy to walk thru, and he found that said blanch orb in a manner of seconds without scanning! As soon as he found the missing treasure, Kuai swam with all his strength down thru the pressure toward his komrade! Cyrax noticed him, looked up, and activated fire jets beneath his feet, lifting him and Kuai thru the thermal surface!

Frost and that vampire humanoid noticed the breach and Cyrax dropped onto sturdy ground! Kuai was very spent as he sat onto the basalt, heaving. He weakly clutched the medallion, which seemed to be unaffected as cool mist surrounded him and Cyrax. Frost couldn't bare the suspense in conjunction with the unrelenting heat anymore, though she was glad her master was alright and found the missing cyber. Slowly she treaded away and informed the distant agents who were waiting in a cooler, darker location.

Upon receiving the news thru some huffing, Sonya was ecstatic Kuai found Cyrax alive and well, but they had their doubts being submerged in lava! Still, they couldn't traverse further into the dangerous volcano, even surprised it hasn't erupted yet.

"Unh, Cyrax. You can't stay here. You're hurt...!" Kuai barely had the strength to talk. His dry throat tickled, causing him to cough hoarsely.

"He's not leaving till I have what I desire! Where's that orb!?" the bat shrieked as if by deafening echolocation.

Before Kuai was about to confront her, Cyrax took out the white orb illuminating as bright as the surrounding lava! "What is this...?"

"That is the key on breaking my realm free from Outworld's cruel shackles! I am Nitara and I come from the conquered realm of Vaeterrus."

Cyrax's body began to short circuit, blue sparks licked it, and he was also in thin smoke.

"Hurry! Give me that orb!" Kuai took the spherical object from his friend's hand and lent it to Nitara. All she did was gaze into it for a few seconds, before she ascended with her pointed, open wings, and slammed it onto the basalt, shattering it in a loud trickle! Thick, white mist enveloped the ground as it expanded and soon evaporated from the many shards...

"...What happened?" Before Kuai had his answer, Nitara rose her hands and conjured a little magic. She released her energy while she rose a leg, and a neon portal was forged! "Go, hurry before the aperture kloses!"

Despite his weakened, crippled state, Cyrax obeyed when he limped toward the opening, where a holographic image of lush forests was displayed like a projection. Surely, it was Earthrealm, and the portal klosed as soon as the OIA agent entered thru it!

Nitara looked at the male cryomancer who was struggling to stand. She never lifted a finger. "I am finished here. My realm has been saved." Before Kuai could make an objection, she just flew away with her extended wingspan, leaving him suffering! He never had the strength to protest that self-minded wretch!

His vision was fading fast, and he hardly noticed a taut pull around his chest! Not even the scream, "Come 'ere!"

Kuai's body was pulled away from the rocky isles and up the steep slope. Hanzo then pulled up the rope entangled around Kuai's body. He reached down and carried him over his shoulder. The ninjas met up with Frost and the Special Forces soldiers. He dropped Kuai into a sitting position, with his mask still on, and Liu's spirit offered to enter his body to relieve the pyrexia! He was certain he'd ease it since it was done externally unlike his sharings with Kung Lao's vessel.

Sonya ran toward the duo, "Sub-Zero, are you alright?" She cried, remembering that same incident few years back.

His voice became clearer thanks to the relief from the Medallion, "Ergh, yeah, I think so." Frost immediately gave him her frigid thermos, the same one that helped treat Kung Lao's own delirium.

"That sure was a close call, Hanzo!" Johnny grinned, for once not being nervous by the former specter.

Next to the stationed Dragonfly, the other Kombatants were still awaiting the ninjas and Special Forces. There was a ruffle within the brush and Kiba let out some snarls. They were ambushed by some Outworlder thugs, one that was hooded and had ashen skin while the other had thick layers of a colorless beard. According to Kitana, those were homeless bums though weren't Tarkatans. The two ganged up on Aiko, one managed to snag her and she braced her cardiokinesis, till she was spared by a figure who stabbed a pair of gigantic knives into his back, then rapidly sliced the other into a blood sprinkler! When the shadow emerged, Aiko was shocked! She gasped, "You...!"

The mutant was bald, and he looked as if he sneered with his skinny, orange eyes and pointy fangs. The cardiokinetic came to the conclusion he was Baraka who licked his fingernail fangs as if claiming her as his next meal! "No listen!"

He used a digit to silence her mouth. "No, you listen."

Kung Lao rushed toward the duo. "Baraka! You lay your blades off her, you bastard!" he roared.

She raised a hand, "Wait. He's not here to attack me." She then faced him, unfazed. "Are you...?" He pulled her up to her shaky feet. "What're you doing here?"

He stated he also came from a different time the same way she did! Only his departure was more recent though just as sudden. He wasn't sure how and why, but as soon as he spotted her during his wanderings, he knew when and where he was. Kung Lao was impressed he knew Aiko, but also appalled never forgetting the invasion on the Academy and fighting in a gruesome battle within the Soul Tombs! Baraka actually hung his head in shame on what he'd done, even serving Shao Kahn, when his tribe was enslaved by cruel warlord. He came from a different time period when Tarkatans lived peacefully, along with the Saurians as well as repopulating their species. Though they still functioned as excellent hunters and scavengers within their own kamp.

Lao queried Baraka how he knew Aiko, and he gifted her a red staff which he named the Kwan Dao given to her by Queen Sindel. The Edenians were surprised they actually had an allegiance with the bloodthirsty Tarkatans, since they were banned from the Palace, at least not in his time period... They suddenly grew curious over the benevolent warrior.

If he recalled correctly, his malicious kind should be at their goal, Shang Tsung's Palace. He also said he was hoping to find his subordinate, Reptile, but no such luck. Everyone was dumbfounded, yet Kenshi read his mind and he was actually speaking the truth!

Just then, the meeting broke as the heroes saw Sub-Zero and company leave from the mouth of the volcano. Sonya recapped that Cyrax has been found; however, Nitara helped him escape from Outworld via portal and returned home. He didn't stay long enough to retrieve his missing arm console.

Baraka explained he was chasing after Reptile, and he worried he mustn't enter the mouth of that volcano! "There's a dragon egg incubating in a nest with serpentine wings."

Sonya wondered, and Baraka summarized it belonged to the lost Dragon King, Onaga.

Lao asked why it wouldn't be inside the Lost Tomb. Kitana stated his cultists must've migrated it in order for it to hatch, since an egg required heat, and the desert was too violent. If he recalled correctly, his Tarkatan tribe must be assisting the Deadly Alliance on resurrecting Onaga and his undead army at Shang's Palace; they're not too far from it now.

Kenshi was enthralled, "Well, isn't it lucky for you, we just happen to be heading your way."

"You must have an army to back you up?"

Jade added, "Actually, Sindel has the Shokan on standby. But we covered so much ground, they might not make it."

Baraka sulked. "You may need my help, more than ever."

Lao was dumbfounded, "A Tarkatan..? Helping us!? How would that work?"

"Well, I used to work with Kitana Kahn. Before I was abruptly sent back. I too came from a devastated future, Aiko."

"Kitana Kahn...?" The princess was just as konfused, "As in ruler of Outworld?"

He nodded, mentioning that Shao Kahn was still alive, and the antihero was involved in a civil war watching his kind be slain by Jade. The female ninja became speechless.

He also stated who that bat-like woman was. Nitara, one of the Moroi, spent a very long time trying to find the key that bound her realm to Outworld. The orb, however, was inaccessible but fortunately for her, she had spotted the Outer World Investigation Agency wingman, Cyrax. After seeing Reptile as an easily exploitable fool, she presented him with a Kirehashi blade, an artifact of Zaterra, and revealed to him the location of Kitana's military encampment. He foolishly offered his services to Nitara and pledged to serve her, and she commanded him to attack Cyrax, thus the severed arm console, disabling him from traveling to other realms. The main reason Baraka was trying to find him was...he could just be the uberous of Onaga!

Everyone went deafly silent, trying to process every nightmare highlighted, including the masterless, foolhardy reptilian to cause even more mayhem than they can possibly imagine!

Clearly there was no time to rally up their reinforcements now, even if they would kontact Sindel miles away!

It was unmistakable that, much like the powerless brother gods, it can only be won by mortals left with their own devices now...

A/N: Daryl's Epitaph from the remastered FFVI OST by sschaf1 would start the chapter off. Neovision from the Matrix Revolutions might be chosen as Kenshi senses the volcano, up to 2:25 anyway. Of course, the Lava Shrine shall play when the heroic cryomancers explore the dangerous depths of the volcano. Norfair from Super Metroid would sound as Cyrax explores for the orb. Emergency plays when Hanzo saves Sub-Zero, X Invasion can be played as the team is ambushed by the Outworld hobos. Total Logic from Star Trek: The Motion Picture shall play last.

This was a very difficult chapter to put together, including the soundtrack. Sorry if some entries appear to be repetitive, but I had dirt to spill!

First off, that random segment that I came up with the homeless Outworlders ambushing the Kombatants, that was roughly inspired by that disturbing scene in which Eddie Barzoon gets killed in the Devil's Advocate. I always hated that movie, and I thought it was about damn time to give them some lethal payback! It and Mortal Kombat are WB properties after all. Speaking of which...

I was involved in a MK roleplay recently and made several fast friends there, including RPers who are Baraka and Sindel! They, along with Kung Lao and Fire God Liu Kang, inspired me a lot, that I wanted to include the Tarkatan as an antihero than an enemy, as an act of redemption for his previous crimes even the Wu Shi attack. Much like Reptile, he too needed to preserve his race, thus being close buds in the RP. This was a tricky idea involving him, even putting him as a time traveler from another dystopian future, much like Aiko. The red staff, the Kwan Do, was that same weapon Sindel offered to Aiko during her story, MK: Legends, as the cardiokinetic trained under her and became a more powerful warrior, even more superior than my version of her, lol. So, in a way, since Jade amongst others always abused the "biggest loser," I just can't resist anymore! To all my new friends from the Kommunity, thank you so much for making Aiko as a vital warrior, and me as an RPer; I really do appreciate you all! :)

I didn't have much of a role to give to Nitara; not too crazy about that Kombatant.

So, would the future Baraka change the outcome of the battle?

Con't IX - The Secret Whirlwind Kick

The Dragonfly took off with Baraka still in tow; each of the Kombatants were very wary on what he would do, some of them like Kung Lao would think he may lead them to a trap or a bloody Tarkatan ambush as they were sure that there'd be be several of them waiting at Shang Tsung's Palace. These worries didn't deter Liu Kang though.

His spirit has been doing some pondering on what went wrong over Bo's stupor as he discussed it with his retainer. He believed that ever since he became Champion in the first tournament, Bo lost his purpose and left to Outworld, being drunk and chaotic in the process. Thus being banned from the Academy, countering the bimbo's former claim on him being Champion would pass over to Shao Kahn.

"I still don't believe him, Liu Kang. If there's anyone who trained us well, it most certainly be Master Raiden. Fujin as well." The former monk had a brief flashback on developing his Tornado at the Wind World, then he wondered what has become of the brother Gods.

"You think those elemental deities trained you well, Kung Lao? They got nothing on me!" That gruffy voice not only made the Shaolin brothers startle, but everyone else onboard! What they saw was the same bulky wideload they encountered in the Outworld plains! Bo' Rai Cho was back!

Lao abruptly stood up, just in utter freeze shock! While everyone else stalled, including Aiko. He just put his arms at his hips, wearing a pompous composure. He just spoke down to his disciple, "You will never stand a chance against the Deadly Alliance without me!" His teeth and eyes gleamed amongst the mountainous shadow.

"...Bo' Rai Cho..!" Lao let out a hoarse whisper. "How is it you became a stowaway..?"

Baraka just bore his fangs and dashed toward the drunken bastard as he snarled and crossed his shiny arm blades! He lunged while Bo' braced himself with his thick, powerful arms blocking his lethal advance! Liu's astral form dematerialized from the amulet and pleaded for the two warring Outworlders to stand down! That Baraka was only there as an informant from the future and a helpful asset against his own kind, even searching for his close ally, Reptile.

He was reluctant since Baraka was responsible for leading the Wu Shi invasion, and all Lao uttered was, "Baraka, let him go!"

The nomad broke away without sheathing his lethal swords."How and WHY did you come here!?" he growled.

"No thanks to YOU, treacherous mutant! That's certain. I see you're close to Shang's accursed Palace. And I have more personal matters. So we must stop dilly dallying and make haste!"

He said he was trying to find a young, gifted Outworlder named Li Mei, and he believed she and her people were captured by the Deadly Alliance, perhaps as sacrifices for Onaga and his undead army, or possibly serving them in a hostile way... He mentioned that Li Mei was another promising student of his, and only she kept him from going completely addicted to alcoholism! "What good would a teacher be without his student, right?"

"You must be referring to the primitive village of Sun Do," Kenshi added.

Bo just smirked, "Hmph, you're not too shabby for an Outworld Scout after all."

"But we have more important matters, Master Bo'."

The lardo's eyes became as wide as the ship's propellers! Even his gaping mouth! "Is that you, Liu Kang!?"

Lao just sulked. "He was dead, by Shang Tsung." He made a quick recap of Liu's tragic fate at the Wu Shi Arena as he and Quan made a surprise attack while the demon shapeshifter broke his neck! Until there was that ferocious lightning storm conjured by Raiden, thus relinquishing his Elder God status and encased Liu's soul. Lao took out the golden dragon amulet.

Bo' Rai Cho just hung his saggy head in shame as he shook it. He slurred he was sorry to hear of Liu's death by the Deadly Alliance, but Lao never bought it and just let him be.

"Which means you would probably need more work than anyone!" Somehow Lao dreaded this, but at the same time he almost felt thankful. Lao actually couldn't help but give a slight bow.

"I am willing to do whatever it takes."

Bo Rai Cho grinned, "Excellent, my pupil! I shall show you!" His blubbery body hopped to a more spacious spot on the main deck, Lao had no choice but to follow after him; he did just that with a shrug.

"The path of every warrior has a humble beginning, and the road to one's destiny is long traveled. Each of life's challenges brings you closer to enlightenment. Experience is the path to understanding. By completing these many journeys to come, you will have gained the strength, speed, agility, and wisdom to master a variety of fighting arts. Every step is a victory. How you maneuver in kombat plays as much a part of your strategy as how you punch or kick.

"Do not assume that offensiveness is always the correct path to victory. A hasty retreat can give you the space you need to plan for your next attack. Do not be dismayed."

This toggled a memory in Lao...

He was sparring with Liu Kang in the Academy, although he lost as the Champion lectured, "The training you require is mental, not physical."

"What do you mean, Liu Kang?" He pulled Lao up from the small pile of rubble by a shattered statue. He dusted himself off.

"You cannot surpass your limitations, until you acknowledge them."

"Training is mental, not physical..."

Bo was impressed on Lao's uttering. "Indeed. Now utilize it."

He gave Lao plenty of wiggle room. He shown him thru charades and descriptions of the secret Whirlwind Kick, which was said to be the equivalent of Liu's lethal maneuvers. Lao was taken aback that this horizontal charge required him to dive in to the opponent legs first while his body rotates rapidly. Bo was konfident if he can master the Tornado Kick, a vertical move, he can surely ace this secret technique!

"Hit me, if you can!" Bo challenged.

Lao made a fighting stance before he klosed in on the easy target. His legs didn't lift him off the wooden floor, although they were flexible enough to perform rapid spinning kicks. Bo backed away again, and Lao made a second attempt, lurchng his body horizontally, although the move made the Oriental lose his altitude as he fell!

Aiko ran to him and tended him with her cardiokinesis, healing the deep gash on his arm.

Bo just stood there like a sturdy tree. "Try again. Practice chips away the rough edges. One wins battles by making no mistakes. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated."

Lao dusted himself off, although he flexed his legs before he repeated the lethal strike.

"Use your hat to cast a vortex while you kick! Move your chicken legs! Let your rapidity be that of the wind."

Lao nodded, he lunged at Bo with his legs with massive force, while he spun horizontally and making his hat assist him before hovering and losing his balance. The landing was proven to be more difficult than the action itself, Lao nearly had vertigo as he regained his posture.

"Good," Bo replied in his gruff tone. "Make sure you prepare for not only your execution, but how you land afterwards. You do not want to be open for another attack. Make the technique a part of yourself before you move on."

Lao nodded and made a short bow in affirmation, then Bo decided to train another pupil of his, which happened to be Aiko herself! The former monk just continued this komplicated kombat move with Jax as his shield partner while Sonya volunteered to pilot the Dragonfly.

Baraka kommented, "Ooh...Aiko was a promising warrior in my time. During the Wu Shi tournament, she was able to best the both of us in kombat. Queen Sindel helped hone her skills."

Bo chuckled, "Bested me in kombat? Nooo! As long as she cannot master her multiple fighting styles, she won't be a formidable opponent."

He commandeered her to draw out her Bo staff and to her astonishment, the nearly six foot rod was longer than her entire body!

"Don't be fooled of its outstanding length. There's more to it than meets the eye." He even helped her adjust it; it wasn't always the 5,9, but it can go as small as 8 inches. Bo stated that the Kwon Do staff was also called a Bo, and used in feudal Japan. And if she needed to use it for striking or blocking, she'd need to adjust it like using an umbrella.

"For you to become a true master of Mortal Kombat, you must learn to attack with multiple fighting styles. Every warrior has three fighting styles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses."

"Aiko has mastered many!" Baraka articulated while smiling with his gritty teeth. "Her cardiokinesis is her main method, but that Bo staff is also powerful."

"Ahh." Bo was becoming more intrigued, "The Bo staff is a deadly and elegant weapon if understood properly and how its balance has benefits and disadvantages as well in battle."

Aiko gave a slight nod with a bit of stuttering, "Understood, but-but how exactly is this supposed to help me improve myself in kombat?"

"Becoming familiar with the fighting styles of the warrior is very important. Know a fighting style like you would know yourself. Let no attribute escape you."

Aiko adjusted the Bo to medium as she followed the bulky man's advice on striking with it rapidly, not hard as it could waste her strength. He mentioned that agility and grace is just as important than brute. After awhile, her stamina was running low. "You're finally learning, Aiko. but my lessons can only take you so far."

"Yeah...understood. Thanks-for the lessons so far," she replied bashfully. The cardiokinetic never thought she'd be in tutelage of a recovering alco-hog.

Bo then switched gears. "Now, what do you do when your weapon is knocked out of your hand? You go on the defensive, instead of rushing in blind. This is where using your hands in kombat komes in."

"Oh, ok. Now I get it. You mean like using an open hand when splitting blocks..?" The brief training sessions of the Shaolin entered her mind; each level was different starting from wood, to stone, steel, to diamond for the most advanced and strongest of the klan!

"It's a lot more than that. Open Hand Kombat was something the White Lotus Society specialize in, even Kung Lao himself." Bo suddenly knocked the weapon away from Aiko's firm hands. It landed with a clatter onto the wooden deck. Aiko immediately took out her club, the same one she had since she mastered her Ankylosaurus Animality.

Bo objected, "No, Aiko! It's good you have a backup, but that shouldn't be the way."

She slowly withdrew it into the back scabbard. The master even recoiled her idea on retrieving it; however, Bo was eager to teach her on open hand. Preferably the nuktie, a spear hand blow with the fingers extended and compressed together before thrusting into a small diameter, preferably the throat Bo said; the palm strike known as the shotei; and the Shaolin Fist!

Seeing Kung Lao made her heart warm and thru determination and patience, she was able to learn them, even perform rapid hits of the nuktie onto a small target like Lao used to do to an enemy's neck. But the other maneuvers needed some work.

"Try again. It is important that you understand how to perform the various types of attacks if you wish to emerge victorious."

Bo then taught her she needed to block with her Bo staff as well, although she needed to enlarge it on the fly in order to do so; Aiko was impressed the same weapon can be used offensively and defensively! "Good form and decent blocking. You're making progress."

He even struck first to test Aiko's reflexes, which was an evasion before she klosed in! Even blocking with her Bo at times before using it for striking. He mentioned it was vital for all his trainees to maintain their pressure and momentum, and never let their pride be tossed in the wind.

"Never let your guard down, even if you are inches away from victory. Remember that."

Before he knew it, Bo moved onto Nightwolf. Although his new technique wasn't anything physical, but rather spiritual. In fact, it was quite similar to Aiko's own kinesis which utilized the Matokan on draining souls! He happened to be an expert when it came to his various fighting styles, though he still needed his wolf, Kiba, as a power boost. Even if Kung Lao shall do the same with Liu's ardent soul. Bo brought up it can konfuse Shang with two souls fighting within one body!

After a short break, Bo lectured to each of his three students they must master all three of their own fighting styles in order to outmaneuver and overmatch the Deadly Alliance. He wasn't, however, sure whom he should spar against to demonstrate their strength and strategies.

"Unless you can master the three fighting styles of each warrior, you will be ground into dust by your opponent. If not, there is no hope for your survival on these journeys. If you desire total victory in Mortal Kombat, you must learn to harness the tools at your disposal."

All of a sudden the Dragomfly violently shook! Everyone was tossed asunder while some managed to hold on to the metallic guardrails, or whatever stable component they can find! Surprisingly there was no flames, but thick smoke emitted from the impact site! The propellers begin to shut down as their blades seized slicing the air! Screams were heard amongst the chaos, although Lao kept struggling to move despite heavy gravity taking over! He hardly heard a male shouting to brace for emergency landing and for crash landing, but he immediately saw Aiko in a shaking fetal position! He went to her first, covering her body beneath his secure, firmer anchor! Then he hollered over the destruction-

"Crawl to me! I can teleport us out to safety! Come on!" He kept on straining his voice for the gang to hear, and slowly they managed to get kloser. By the time Lao's eyes struggled to see multiple bodies surrounding him and obscuring the grey sky, he conjured as much strength as he could muster!

Everything vanished within a flash of light! Before moments later, Kung Lao plummeted to the rough brush below! The next thing he knew was the Dragonfly falling and klashing like a Kamikaze jet blasting into many pieces of debris!

A/N: Not gonna lie, these plot elements in this chapter was inspired by the MKL roleplay. From Baraka going back thru time, to gifting her the Bo/Kwon Do staff, to mentioning Queen Sindel as Aiko's mentor; also those events were around 5,000 years into the future where Baraka and the different counterparts of Aiko and Sindel were from, so it may not be canon. Still, I love those ideas, before Baraka turned later on.

As matters stand, I don't know if it matters now... They shall be elements to my fanfics and nothing more. My friends left me, so that's how matters stand.

Needless to say, I'm not going to kover EVERY konquest for each kharacter, so the main three would be my golden boys, Kung Lao and Nightwolf, and my OC being trained by Bo' Rai Cho' ironic since he had the same name as the staff Aiko was using.

I also needed to make an abrupt ending somewhere, thus the idea on having the Dragonfly shot down by whom Sonya presumed it was Hsu Hao. And I'm pretty sure that Kung Lao's Teleport can carry many who make kontact, like Rosa's Teleport in FFIV.

Oh, and the flashback scene was of course from Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, on Liu's advice that training is mental than physical. Even Sindel uttered those same words to her Edenian/Nephilim daughter, Valor.

Sad Song from Super Mario RPG (Orchestrated) would play as Bo's mission and disgrace are being discussed. Princess of Outworld by Paul Unfaces shall sound as Kung Lao goes thru training for the komplicated Whirlwind Kick. Look in Soul, also by Paul Unfaces. would probably play as Aiko and Nightwolf are being tutored. The Probe by the Star Trek IV OST would play when the Dragonfly gets hit by Hsu Hao's rocket launcher as Kung Lao helps escape the doomed Kombatants to safety.

So what would become of our heroes. Had they survived the krash?

Con't X - Tag Team Deuce

Somewhere in the distant, opaque corners of Outworld...

A whip and series of screeches were heard beneath the bleak overcast. Many thin-skinned people were wearing ripped, light rags as pieces of skin flew off while they tiredly carried heavy blocks to numerous stacks. Anytime a victim would collapse from exhaustion would be lashed by Quan Chi possessing the fatal rope! While Shang would continuously sacrifice other civilians' souls and escort them into the many inanimate statues of Onaga's undead soldiers.

One of them awaiting her terrible fate was Li Mei.

"Move along!" the blanch sorcerer growled and resumed his lethal abuse! "Our palace shalln't be built with you feeble slackers! Ergh, why had they chosen such a pathetic, worthless location...?"

"It's the secretive area of the Soulnado, Quan Chi." Shang replied. "The people of Sun Do had offered us this sacred land for our devious plans. After I decimated Liu Kang, I enslaved these farce villagers to worship Onaga and erect our unstoppable army."

"And what of the Soulnado, Shang Tsung? How would this help us in our endeavors."

"With our sorcery and the power of your Amulet, we would unlock this vicious and fatal storm, entrapping all the souls from the Heavens raining down into our possession," he sneered at the last statement while his right palm ignited green as he escorted another essence. "The Sun Dos are quite useful in that regard."

The Netherrealm warlock continued his slaving spree with his Cat O' Nine Tails as he forced more victims to build their upcoming temple. "And what of those feeble Earthrealmers and Edenians?"

Shang faced him. "That matters not, Quan. Those insects had been shot down, courtesy of the Red Dragons' knowledge of Earthrealm's weaponry; they can be proven as useful as the deceased Black Dragons. Hsu Hao and Mavado are scouting the wooden lands as we speak. Our enemies shall not be so lucky.

"The Oni are in our captivity. We had been giving them live, weaker Sun Do for them to feast on. They will no longer be a threat to us as long as they're contained within Moloch's Lair."

"Splendid." He took out the Amulet attached to his belt. "Then let us begin..." After that snarl, the bright quartz began to illuminate.

About a few miles away from the crash site, where the Dragonfly met its burning demise, Kung Lao slowly rose his head as he moaned, and his eyes began to flutter. When he came to, Lao noticed he was on firm ground with some fallen, broken debris of the forest floor, relieved he was no longer on the tilting deck! He frantically looked around as his mind registered his doomed friends, including-"Aiko...!"

As if she heard her name, she began to groan and stir. Lao followed her weak voice and tended her. When her head was being cradled, she came to and whispered the Shaolin's name. He assured they're alright, until Kiba came over and licked her face.

"It looks like you came around," Nightwolf reunited with the pair.

"Unh, Nightwolf. Thank goodness."

"I've yet to find the others, Lao. They shouldn't be too far. But..."

As if on cue, there were a series of muffled voices all around. Each one belonging to their distant allies and laying on the rough terrain holding an injured limb or hardly moving. The grim situation looked as though they were wounded soldiers upon the aftermath of a lethal battle.

The cardiokinetic sighed, "I wish they were as fortunate as we are."

The shaman just held his chin in thought. "Hmm... I think I know how to revive them, all at once and fully. However, it may attract other enemies to us."

"We don't have much time." Lao became anxious.

"We'll need all the help we can get," Liu added, with his voice booming from Raiden's amulet still intact.

Lao and Aiko nodded to the late Champion's suggestion, eventually easing Nigjtwolf's indecision. While the couple sat idly, the Matokan walked a few feet away before he rose his arms and descended himself as a sort of summon. "Ancestors, give me strength!" he declared. A large white light from the sky descended onto the land a few inches from where he stood. Each of the fallen's bodies began to shine that same shade until the large beam dissipated after several seconds. Aiko and Lao just pondered what just transpired...

"Could it be we're being healed...?" she wondered. The Shaolin didn't say anything, as if sharing her thoughts.

"You know, I think you three had also been recuperated."

"How so?" Lao queried Liu's theory.

"Well-"

Before he started his statement, Nightwolf's ritual had kompleted. Everyone began to rise one by one, even the heavier ones such as Jax and Bo', and the blind Kenshi stood with minimal effort. The healthy trio did a quick rollcall mentally, and almost forgotten Baraka; they still weren't used to having a Tarkatan join their ranks...

The heroes began to gather towards Aiko, Lao, Nightwolf and mostly to the Special Forces agents who were the klosest to them.

"That was some quick thinking on Kung Lao's part teleporting us off deck...!" Kitana complimented.

Jade added, "Whew...it certainly was risky. I could've sworn I broken a bone." She inspected herself, though she was surprised she only felt some discomfort.

"No need to worry about me, lovely ladies," Bo' gloated. "I can just as well bounce!" He flirted showing off some of his lubber, much to the Edenians' disgust.

"Good thing Frost and I thought twice and used our ice slates to evacuate." Kuai added.

"Same thing went with my spear." Hanzo intervened.

The group klustered kloser, and Nightwolf pointed toward the source of the immense darkness emanating from the Deadly Alliance toward a towering fortress just about a mile away; it stood gloomily over the thick bushes yonder.

"We may need to enter it discreetly. We cannot let our enemies suspect us." Sonya stated.

Cage scorned, "Goddammit...! I can't believe we have to go on foot again! I was having the time of my life during that luxurious, though-primitive, piece of transport."

"The Dragonfly is no more; I too am going to miss that vessel." Kenshi sympathized. "Let's get moving."

The Kombatants slowly trekked toward the looming palace, with Nightwolf and Kiba leading the way; even Baraka was surprisingly staying as kool as a kukumber, very unlike the typical Tarkans.

Even when Kiba let out some sniffs and soon a whimper. Nightwolf hesitated, he knew this kouldn't be good, even distressful as a sign of upset or injury. Kenshi took the front and could sense people in grave danger. He mentioned prisoners are being tortured thru the nearby tunnels. The wolf licked his lips and used his snout to point the way.

"Let's go," Kung Lao urged the team. Everyone konsidered the vigilante's lead, even Baraka.

With the OIA taking the rear, excepting Kenshi who remained klose to the leaders, the group trodden thru some straightforward, narrow subterrane tunnels. They weren't so blindingly dark, and a bit snug. It wasn't long before their eyes beheld some faded orange hues as if belonging to tall torches. The cavern was spacious, with an elaborate platform in the center. They wondered what the foreign symbol belonged to... Though it wasn't long for their eyes to register the damage as numerous, bloody, and torn corpses laid around it. There also appeared to be a pair of tall, black stakes with curved tops shaped like horns, and a red door as the exit from a small stairway. Everyone felt ashamed of all the victims littering the floor, reminding Liu Kang and Kung Lao the slaughters of the Shaolin; thankfully, none of them was Li Mei, Bo' realized.

Hanzo abruptly broke the silence, "This is indeed Moloch's Lair."

Everyone looked at him quizzically, as if he grew another head.

"We are now beneath Shang Tsung's Fortress. The Onis must be waiting for us. As a Netherrealm wraith, I used to breach Outworld several times, but I was usually after those two bastards! ...Unless if I shall see any of you, of course."

"So that's why we don't see you often..." Kuai wondered.

"Over here!" The gang picked up Kenshi's voice, as he and Kung Lao were dicing the chains away while escorting an unfortunate victim. They laid him down. "This Sun Do victim's too weak to speak. I shall read his mind." The blind swordsman hesitated as his blade glowed with a pink hue. "He's been a victim of the two Onis. Those brutal bastards have slaughtered his kind, those who were unable to erect Shang Tsung's Palace, in order to keep the Onis satisfied."

He hesitated and read the victim's mind more. "The Onis were planning to exterminate Quan Chi. However, they were overmatched of his loyalty to Shang." His fists curled mentioning the person who lost his sight.

"That must've been who escaped from the Netherrealm, and left the two Onis stranded." Hanzo added.

Kenshi examined the victim's mind, though he was klose to biting the dust as he sensed his vitality fading... His face became despondent. "He's dying. But...visions of an emerald storm are entering his mind. Some kind of fatal funnel, encasing souls. He's pleading for us to stop the Onis and the sorcerers. And we need to hurry." Before he knew it, the man became limp. Kenshi held his neck with his fingers, feeling no pulse. "He's gone..." Kung Lao just sulked, as if his hat covered his sorrowful eyes...

The bystanders began to feel some soft, though irritating, particles land on them, to the point on slapping them away.

"Ssso, the legendss of the Sssoulnado are true." They all looked to Baraka, who was actually composed. "Thiss vicious sstorm is dangerouss. Ssouls are being ssucked from the Heavenss onto the ssecretive land only the Ssun Do know about. The Deadly Alliance may be ussing it to either revive Onaga or perhapss...empower themselvess."

"A Soul...nado?" Lao was curious. "I can shut it down like I did with that cyclone back in the desert."

"It'ss not jusst any tornado, Kung Lao. Thiss iss aggressive. If anyone getss too closse, they would perish insstanty, and have their soulss imprissoned and torn assunder."

They heard Aiko and others cursing to themselves as they constantly hit their arms and legs of those pesky flies! This...tugged Lao's mind. "...It must be...!"

He stood up and rose his dukes as the group noticed stomps as if belonging to an enormous beast! As the silver glimmer flickered in the opaque tunnel, they beheld the dreadful, muscular demon, Moloch! He let out a low, belly roar similar to a wolf's mixed with a bull's. His sleeker partner, Drahmin, emerged beside him.

Kiba snarled, baring his teeth and making his fur stand up!

"Tch...Who's going to help face these guys!?" Aiko queried irritatingly.

Baraka didn't hesitate, anxious for bloodshed, as he hissed and leapt onto the center platform by his own arm blades. He made the usual fighting pose as he spread out his fatal swords when he roared. Hanzo was more reluctant, and he sighed, "...We can use all the help we can possibly get. I can't wait to rid these Netherrealm monstrosities...!"

"Us Tarkatansss are rumored to be hybridss of these Oniss! I shall never share their evil traitss ever again!"

Drahmin unleashed his flies onto the duo, accompanied by the enraging noises of their wings! Baraka sliced thru the swarm, before the demon landed a hit with the brutal steel club as the Tarkatan crossed his blades. Hanzo kept his distance and made sure not to get too klose to Moloch's beastly advances. As he lunged the gap, the ninja often used his fiery broadsword as a melee weapon. At times when there's an opening, Hanzo would unleash his spear, and he barely had enough strength to draw him klose. Unfortunately, his plan backfired when Moloch grabbed and slammed the unfortunate victim hard onto the unrelenting limestone.

It wasn't long before Moloch tossed his orb with a golden chain attached to it! Hanzo began to duck and aim toward Drahmin, while Baraka switched formation to land some fatal stabs onto the demon lord! Figuring he was more agile and balanced than his assailant, Baraka kept countering and moving away from Moloch. Alas, he was unable to slash the malicious beast's face. Hanzo was put at a sudden disadvantage when Drahmin blocked his spear with the metal arm. Though he repeated the same strategy back at the Lost Tomb as Hanzo turned up the heat, driving the pesticides astray and burning Drahmin's maroon armor! He had to be wary of the goblin's counters with the right arm, when it slammed in his body.

Seeing Hanzo struggle, Baraka switched and air sliced Drahmin. He was able to outmaneuver many of Drahmin's attacks, even evading his shockwaves while performing a ground pound similar to Jax's bionic arms; Moloch at times joined in slamming his orb creating double the impact, but Baraka and Hanzo were expecting them. The spectators had also been affected as they braced themselves and shielded their faces. Though Drahmin was becoming more strategic, utilizing his club as sword and shield. It wasn't even heavy enough to drag him down as he performed an uppercut or two.

Hanzo ignited himself and his weapon once more, before he charged in for the kill! However...the impact wasn't as desirable by the time Drahmin's face had a deep scar engraved on it! Hanzo feared by removing the Face of Kun-Lo, the demon would become an insane killing machine!

Drahmin reached to the top corner and almost instantly ripped off the pale green mask! Much to Hanzo's expectations, Drahmin has gone kompletely psychotic! He never stopped charging toward the reformed mortal, and left Baraka and his maneuvers to assist him! It was the metallic club against Baraka's wilting blades, but the Tarkatan was still on the prowl! Their recklessness had undoubtedly made it as a fight to the death!

Aiko grew aggravated over the frantic feud, and as if reading her thoughts, Kung Lao felt the same. He worried this wasn't the way to defeat a raging enemy. Liu's words then echoed thru his mind.

"The training you require is mental, not physical."

Then, he recalled the brutal battle against the lone Tarkatan, as he had the homefield advantage while grabbing one of the neon lime broadswords, threw it into his chest, and took a second sword and aimed it to his head dead center!

Lao immediately took out his own broadsword and threw it into the center stage! The metal clanged to it, and Liu flew toward the Tarkatan. "Baraka, remember the fight we had at the Soul Tombs!" He did as he kept on evading Drahmin's wrathful strikes. Until the scenario hatched like an egg. He grabbed the fallen blade and made a few abrasions, before he tossed it toward the red demon's bare face! Drahmin hollered in agony, even as Baraka torn out the blade, before he unleashed his fury, rapidly slicing him like chop suey! He then stabbed the hot mess on the floor, before he focused onto Moloch again!

Hanzo was still being hammered down by the monarch's bulk and metallic orb. The leading Shirai Ryu became weaker, thinking he wished he'd be in his undead wraith again, feeling he became less enduring as a human. Kuai kept on cheering him not to give up, but his cries hardly registered. The cryomancer was about to storm onto the arena, until Baraka made a sudden leap and impaled Moloch's enormous back! The beast hollered as if a demon would in peril! Still, Hanzo and Baraka took no mercy, even when the latter leapt and sliced the golden chain into shards! The megaton ball thudded away from the stupefied beast!

Hanzo wielded his spear as he drew the orb into his possession, "Come 'ere!" The ball without its chain rolled, and he used all his force to toss it toward Moloch's open and hard-to-miss target! It had enough ferocity to kollide with Moloch's unfortunate self. Both he and his prized weapon were tossed away from the elaborate floor, and the impact may have squashed his durable, thick ribs...

Kenshi didn't have to signal the team the Onis perished, though Aiko needed to hurry if she should revitalize both wounded warriors. By the time the green essences coursed into their bodies, everyone could've sworn they made a manly handshake as praise!

"Hm, it seems that Baraka may be redeemable after all," the blind warrior stated. Bo still wasn't certain.

Back at the distant Palace, Quan Chi still resumed his enslavement upon the hapless Sun Do villagers; the number of sacrifices were dwindling at an alarming rate, with Li Mei as one of his distinctive prisoners awaiting her sealed fate. The Amulet still shined on his belt as he wielded the whip.

"That's enough, Quan Chi! Those civilians would be of little use. We already have what we need for our plots. Unlock the Soulnado with the Amulet!"

The blanch sorcerer then grew irritable. "I tire of following your orders, Shang! Ever since we formed the Unholy Alliance while Kung Lao was alive, Shao Kahn appreciated me over you! Why shall I still act as your underling!? Those impudent mortals are of very little threat as shot down by the Red Dragons! They should be dead!" Still holding the lethal rope, he marched toward his rival.

Shang just rose an arm abruptly. "Wait-!" He scanned over the balcony which only appeared to be barren from the naked eye. "They are alive...! Their souls are ripe for the taking, especially Liu Kang's. The Red Dragons had scouted the outer perimeter and shot down their puny ship. Yet, I can sense their interfering essences." He faced his associate. "Prepare the Tarkatans for battle. I shall see to it they'll perish soon enough."

Quan just had no objection as he rallied up their bloodthirsty servants whom their roars can be heard emitting all over the Palace!

The heroes emerged from the red door at the rear of Moloch's Lair, and a small stairway descended onto the flat concrete terrain. An indigo sky was seen as they beheld the astonishing sight. "There it is everyone. The Deadly Alliance shall be there inside that tower," Nightwolf pointed out. The heroes stood in awe, taking in the scenery so omnipresent, they could've sworn they had cold feet!

"I can surely sense so much animosity and evil emanating from that horrid place," Kenshi broke the silence.

"Li Mei must be in there. The Deadly Alliance are enslaving the Sun Do!" Bo' for once cried in agony for her safety.

"We still need to be wary of an ambush," Kitana mentioned. "They must have an army expecting us."

"We need to keep in mind that...it's only up to us mortals now." Jade added.

"Yeah... Lord Raiden stated numerous times he's powerless in Outworld." Liu's spirit chimed in.

Hanzo sighed, "Of course... Everyone has their strengths and hinderances in almost every realm. I was once stronger in the Netherrealm, specifically the fifth plane, while the Onis became weaker. They seemed to have been strengthened once they breached Outworld, even Quan Chi."

"We seemed to be stronger in Articka than anywhere else," Kuai stated, while also mentioning Frost.

"And Earthrealm was where Raiden and Fujin gained the most strength than in any other realm," the heroic monk explained. "Much as Kung Lao and my adventures through Outworld...I guess it's up to us now."

Lao nodded. "Right. Everyone, stay close." Baraka just snarled and crossed his blades, prepared to dice on anyone!

The group descended and Aiko's heart began to race. The situation was certainly grim if enemies shall emerge from the outer shadows. Johnny then pressed a button on his wristband, which emitted a blinking red light, before he covered it with his sleeve. "We're gonna need backup."

Several miles away at Edenia, Goro was being tended to by Sheeva in the throne room. Sindel still sat proudly at her throne.

"Goro, you need to relax. This Edenian tea should help you relieve your angsts."

He just snorted, "My people shall be of some assistance to the Earthmen and Edenians, if the Deadly Alliance shall have an army. But...I fear the worst, and if I were to intervene, then it's possible I kannot kontrol my violent urges."

"Hmm, I know this must feel like deja vu, Goro." Sindel added. "Alas, I think it's best. You are the former Champion and the strongest of your kind, but if I were to face Shao Kahn, I too will be distraught and enraged. I hope Kung Lao would keep his head on, he'll need it."

"The Centaurs may also be willing to join the cause, like everyone did against Shinnok and his own forces," the she Shokan added.

Goro's mind was just somewhere else, "Kung Lao..." Memories drifted to him as Lao's ancestor defeated him in Mortal Kombat, then Goro slaughtering him before Shang imprisoned his soul. Then facing the Shaolin Monks in Outworld before being fatally kicked by Johnny, and finally having Lao's honorable descendant make peace with him after Goro signed a peace treaty with the Centaurs. "Hmm...for once, I pray to the Elder Gods he and his komrades will be successful...!"

Suddenly, Asgaarth ran toward the monarch, "I must address you, Queen Sindel."

"What news do you bring me, Asgaarth?"

"My fellow knights and I had received word from the Earthrealmers. They had engaged the Deadly Alliance."

Everyone's faces dropped, even Goro's heart sank, as if they were expecting inevitable and mounting despair

Just then, Kenshi forced the gang down in a heap! Everyone fell over before a large plasma beam licked them! As if belonging to Cyclops' laser!

Jax was the first to unshield his eyes and knew whom to suspect with the sudden assault! "Hsu Hao!" It was konfirmed as the man with the artificial heart was storming toward the team! Mavado was klose behind him, his weapons drawn!

Sonya suspected, "Hook swords... Those must belong to Kabal, and the Red Dragons must've made enhancements onto them!"

"I'll make sure I rid those treacherous assholes!" Jax protested. "You can count on that!" He almost immediately broke away from the huddle.

Johnny stood up, "I'm going after him! He may need help, with these traitors armed to the bone!"

Kenshi just stuck out an arm, "Wait, you need to stay with Sonya. Jax may be brash, but he could use a balanced partner. I'll take care of the two terrorists." For once, Johnny actually obliged and stuck beside his fiancé; Kenshi knew they were a couple after all.

It wasn't long before the empty battlefield was overtaken by distant blade wielding maniacs! Baraka hissed toward the incoming horde, nothing but his korrupt kind! All he did was roar and extend his armblades before he charged in for the kill!

Jax ravaged toward Mavado, while Kenshi just faced Hsu Hao. "You treacherous vermin! You betrayed your allies!" The swordsman spat.

The minion just spoke casually, "I would not dishonor the Red Dragon clan; I would complete my task at any cost. My primary function was to exterminate the Black Dragons, and nothing more."

"You would rather cost your loyalty to the Special Forces?"

Clangs were heard as Kenshi clashed against Hsu's own Sun Moon blades, which were proven to be a threat as they conjured a lethal funnel by just one thrust! Kenshi may had been agile, but as was his enemy!

Jax used his bionic arms as sword and shield against Mavado's swift and brutal strikes. From his Long Fist and Wing Chun to his aggressive, tactful blows, even with his grappling hook blades he used to draw in his opponent. Jax was lucky he was geared up in his heavy armor, rather than just being bare chested with only the metallic arms in his possession! Each impact he taken was cushioned, yet still Mavado was just as lethal; unlike his Black Dragon counterpart Kano, in which he never relied on intimidation and brute force.

Hsu Hao was a bit too quick for Kenshi psychokinesis, as the telekinetic field only covered for a short range.

Even his Sun Moon blades were fatal as he used one to block with his free hand to strike! Even though Kenshi was blind, his mind's eyes were still proven useful. However, it wasn't long till the traitor was beginning to have the upper hand.

Jax became vulnerable due to his bulk and bruteness, so he decided to switch formations with Kenshi. He focused onto Hsu Hao and was aware of his igniting heart, always pulsating and igniting lasers from it. Luckily, they took a second or two to charge, just long enough for an opening. Unfortunately, Kenshi was at the homefield disadvantage while Mavado's elongating techniques were the most destructive of them all! Even his severe lunges after stretching his blades and Long Fists like hookshots!

Meanwhile, the Kombatants had their hands full of the Tarkatan melee. Aiko never had the chance to conjure her cardiokinesis, and mostly relied on her Bo staff and klub. Johnny still remained by Sonya's side, while the Edenians functioned as one unit despite having the fans and staff as their main methods aside from injured limbs by carnivorous fangs and double blades. Nightwolf signaled Kiba to merge with the Matokan but even his might was nearly futile. As was Kung Lao's and Bo's despite their skills. Even Liu's spirit declared to lend his astral form as he could only forcefully push away the advancing horde or utilize his pyrokinesis. Kuai and Frost stuck together like a tongue on a frozen pole, yet still they were overmatched!

"There's too many of them! We can't keep fighting them like this!" Aiko hollered over the roars and clatter of battle. It was even worse as the blades were able to pierce thru and even drain the heroes' vitality, much as Baraka did against the Shaolin Monks! She even spotted the igniting heart and yet she was too afraid while her arm trembled, thinking it may explode!

Thankfully though, Jax was able to endure the violent vortexes conjured by Hsu's Sun Moon blades; they were almost as much as Kung Lao's Tornado Kicks. Still, only thing was on his mind, the glowing metallic chest plate located at the left side! As versatile as the traitor's blades were, Jax was just as flexible! Thanks to his quick-thinking and empowering force, even stunning Hsu with one of his quakes, he was finally able to reach toward the red chute and rip it out with his two hands! Hsu Hao screamed in utter pain before the glowing organ began to tick and cascades of blood oozed out from the new aperture! Jax wasted no time on discarding the fist-sized device like an unwanted toy, and all Hsu did was stumble toward it as if he was running while intoxicated! Moments later, the machination glowed brightly as the sun before both it and Hsu exploded, leaving piles of bloody debris in their wake!

Aiko tried to catch her breath as she released her cupped hand; she was the one who made the heart spew all over!

The feud between Mavado and Kenshi still resumed its fury, and the blind warrior was at the losing end! Weary and overmatched by the crime lord's blades and his direct advances, he began to emerge victorious. As were more waves of the advancing Tarkatans!

Suddenly they began to get licked by bolts coming from above! The metallic blades were just the perfect conduit to have them stunned and electrified! Each one screeched and kollapsed dead in their tracks! While a F2 funnel swept away more of the mutants off their feet and tossed asunder! Everyone halted as they witnessed those sudden natural occurrences!

"Could it be...?" Kung Lao began to register those two abrupt forces of nature. Sure enough, two men descended onto the blood-stained battlefield, and the team was flabbergasted, speaking in a mixture of strange tongues!

The assailants too were shouting in gibberish as they each performed an aerial dive taking out numerous Tarkatans in their way! As if on cue, the kavalry arrived konsisting large shadows of beings with four arms and those who were half-human, half horse! Their signature jumps and muscle, kombined with the might of their associates, belonged to the missing Shokan and Centaur warriors!

"I thought they would never make it!" Aiko cried.

"They must've shown up via portal; the battle plans must have kome thru!" Jade exasperated.

"That's my Mother...! May the Elder Gods bless her...!" Kitana remained just as astonished, even by the Gods' arrival.

"Ah-Master Raiden, Lord Fujin...?" Liu spoke for the stupefied brother and they just both bowed to each of the Gods.

Fujin stuck a finger toward his disciple, "Kan the formalities, Kung Lao! We have bigger fish to fry here!"

"...Lord Raiden...I thought you two would be powerless in Outworld."

"Indeed, Liu Kang. However, we discovered that since we once achieved Elder God status, our abilities had been enhanced. Just slightly. We can still be of good use here, but only partially. Though I fear we may not be as strong as the Deadly Alliance. We kan't standby idly and let the calamity unfold!"

Everyone absorbed the Gods' determination, even when they willingly discarded their higher peers in order to protect the lesser fortunate.

Still, Kenshi was fighting a losing battle, until Jax intervened against Mavado. He bashed onto the cruel crime leader constantly, even countering his own lethal sets of Wing Chun techniques! It was just enough to slow down the brute for Kenshi to katch him in his telekinetic field, eventually blowing out his eyes! Aiko and other spectators had to look away. By the time they came to, Aiko almost instantly registered Kenshi's frail predicament; she began healing duties from some of the enemies she absorbed from, even bits of Hsu's. Sonya and Johnny were undoubtedly relieved since the fatal Red Dragons had finally bit the bullet! Although, as Lao looked around for a quick rollcall, he noticed someone slipped away.

"Hey, where's Master Bo'!?"

Even Liu was flabbergasted he hadn't noticed his former sensei at all. "I believe he might have...slipped under our noses. ...And headed towards that Palace." It then occurred to him, "He must've been after his student, Li Mei!"

Everyone chorused, "What!?"

"A kraven play...!" Fujin added.

"I should've known we kan't trust him!" Johnny retorted. "That drunk son of a bitch is so slick, he thinks he kan get away undetected, even masking his damned bodily acts!" The heroes kouldn't help but share his disgust.

"Then...we must prepare. We may chance a short respite." Kitana suggested.

A/N: Damn...this was probably one of the most difficult chapters I'd to make for this fic! Even worse was that my laptop froze, so I had to give it a hard restart! I should've klosed the text file I'd been working with, because when I opened up that same document, the canvas was all blank and it all turned out to be a corrupt file! I was so pissed since I had to rewrite the battles with the Red Dragons from scratch! Along with any future ideas I came up with! Fucking hell! I may never use that program again...

Also, I'm so glad I finally got rid of the scrappies konsisting of the Onis and the Red Dragons; I'm sure no one really liked the copy-paste of the Black Dragons anyway, not even me, though its mascot and origin were interesting. And Baraka finally had a chance to shine along with Hanzo.

So, the Teaser of the Defenders of the Realm OST would sound a few times as Quan enslaves the Sun Do tribe, the Dark Ice Mines Landing Pad from Starfox Adventures would play as the Kombatants venture to Moloch's Lair, the sorrowful Damcyan Castle from Final Fantasy IV (SNES) would sound as Lao and Kenshi rescue and read the dying prisoner, Moloch's Lair would play during the tag team, then King Redeye Down and Boss Battle would chime in the second half, It'll Be Impossible to Reach Us from The Day After Tomorrow would play when the Shokan discuss with Sindel, Nethership would play during the melee, there'd be the usual Fatality theme from Shaolin Monks in between, and Final Mission from Metroid Fusion shall chime in when Raiden, Fujin, and the reinforcements arrive.

We are finally nearing the last battle and the finale of the epic that took almost 4 months to kreate! I kan't wait to do this and finish the Deadly Alliance once and for all! :D

Con't XI - Kulmination

Inside a nearby, though abandoned, Tarkatan kamp courtesy of Baraka, the anxious heroes rested up before what can surely be their last battle. Everyone was gearing up and preparing for their inevitable fate, as the Deadly Alliance had been honing their diabolical skills in the Netherrealm, they were surely no force to be reckoned with. Nightwolf remained near the bonfire in the epicenter of the kamp, brewing up a special herbal tea with ingredients he kept in his possession up until the final fight. Raiden and Fujin remained on guard at the shadowy perimeter, though they were certain the sorcerers shalln't strike until they march upon their territory.

Aiko remained by Kung Lao's side as he made a last attempt on training his mind with intense meditation...

His soul was back in the same placid terrain, where he and Liu's minds merged into one subconscious. It was just a quick review of all the special moves Kung Lao had learned, including his Mantis, Shaolin Fist, and Broadsword abilities, as well as his new Whirlwind Kick. The former Shaolin kept on lunging toward Liu's astral form, feet first, as he continually and rapidly kicked while his body spun like a horizontal funnel. He landed abruptly on his feet, nearly losing his balance, then as Liu lunged for him, Lao evaded with a few side jumps before getting to dice him with his lethal hat!

Liu just grinned and nodded, "Good! Looks like you're finally getting the hang of it. You must master it against Shang Tsung. But make sure you keep up the velocity so you can keep the momentum. My Bicycle Kick is just as lethal as your Whirlwind maneuver."

Lao was in doubt as he slightly hung his head, "But...you never used it when you fought Shang Tsung."

"Not in the first tournament." He clarified, then his mind flashed back to avenging Chan's death as Liu's fury unleashed a High Fire which forced Shang into the circular Pit. "Although...it was proven useful against him when all hell broke loose, and as we'd defeated him, Kintaro and Kahn. Heh, even when I defeated him again, and Shinnok."

His partner was still despondent.

"Don't worry. I can still possess your body when we face off the Deadly Alliance," Liu stated with a smile.

"Does that mean...I will be your successor?"

The monk hesitated before they heard a muffled tenor speak.

Lao almost instantly woke up; Aiko began to tend for him as they sat beside the bonfire with Nightwolf at the rear.

"Glad you came to, Kung Lao. I thought you might want to try this new broth I made." From a carved pot made of natural material, the shaman removed the lid and poured the hot liquid into a small cup. He then handed it to the former monk who sniffed the soothing aroma. "It's very similar to tea, Lao. But this was made with the finest ingredients, to help sharpen your mind so it wouldn't be swollen by the troubling chemicals of resentment. To stay focused in the midst of rage. We'll all need it against the Unholy Alliance."

Kung Lao looked at the tan broth before he drank it. Nightwolf then offered another small cup to Aiko, and she did the same.

"What is this supposed to make us feel?"

"Probably a brief headache, but it should wear off once we start fighting."

Lao nodded.

"As long as it doesn't make us feel loopy. I hated when I had to take new meds to ease my disabilities; my former guardian used to treat them as diseases than just sheer limitations. ...I hope my past self won't be raised by her, and her abusive, neglectful ways." Aiko added.

"Don't worry about it. I made this broth before. I use it on occasion, especially if any of us should be preparing ourselves in a tense situation. Why don't you offer it to our allies, Aiko."

She and Lao stood up, and while the cardiokinetic was introducing the Kombatants minus Bo' to that foreign beverage, he talked to some of them.

He found Sub-Zero sitting next to Frost and Hanzo, who were discussing the possibility the ninja would give in to his wrathful self if he were to face Quan Chi; all about the stressful triggers. He also worried for Kenshi's consumption as well since Shang blinded him, and sporadically made the spirits run amok within the ancestral blade.

He was just lounging for a while with Sonya, Johnny and Jax, discussing amongst themselves on who would be the best warriors to take on the demonic duo first instead of rushing in irrationally.

Kitana was thinking the same with Jade. "We need to take this infiltration in a strategic approach, Kung Lao. We may not make a preemptive strike, but...I doubt I'm as strong as they are. Perhaps you, with Liu Kang's soul, would be the best alternative. Yet, you still would need a partner."

Lao agreed, yet he was still filled with dread on who can be his wingman; he was fully aware he won't be capable on warring against the two powerful sorcerers by himself while also endangering the monk's essence. He had a promise to protect it, after all.

The screeching of Baraka shredding his arm blades were quite distracting in the nearby tent, so Lao left the Edenians to ponder among themselves.

"I doubt Kitana has the strength to hold them off..." Liu's voice boomed from the dragon amulet. "We have bested her, Jade and Mileena back on top of the Tower."

"So, who should it be...? Raiden, Fujin?" Lao raised his arms in uncertainty.

"The Gods' powers are minimal here. There's only one who would help you. He had been training with our master extensively."

"Guys, everyone has drunk the broth Nightwolf made. I think...we all should be ready." Ako mentioned, before Lao was beginning to konnect the dots.

"Right. Let's go." He then held his swimming head. " ...How long was I out of it...?"

"A few hours, Kung Lao. You sleep like the dead." Nightwolf smirked.

"That'll explain why you're usually late for class," Liu Kang added.

Lao couldn't help but chortle at the statement. Until his mind flashed back to the time when he was actually tardy while lightning began to strike the Wu Shi Arena... "I... I should've been there sooner... You were right, I was late. If only I would've kame to your aide, you won't be..." He was too distraught to finish his sentence.

"You must never blame yourself, Kung Lao." Raiden and Fujin emerged from the opaque woods. "His fate still lies within your hands."

The cowboy lookalike pined whether or not the pyro soul would crossover if they should be victorious over the Deadly Alliance, no matter the doubts klouding his mind... He barely heard Kitana signaling him and the brother Gods everyone was set to step into volatile territory.

Quan Chi's head abruptly turned. He and Shang sensed an unusual presence. The blanch looked over the balcony one more time. With the Sun Do villagers still being enslaved and dwindling quicker, he stopped Shang on consuming Li Mei's soul. "They are here."

Shang paused his ritual, forcing Li's hapless vessel to topple, and he looked up. He began to feel the same slight magnetic pulls of the heroes' souls. "Excellent. Then let us kommence. We shall unlock the Soulnado, proceed to it."

Quan walked over to the rear of the palace. An arched brick wall awaited him, though it remained intact compared to the other unfinished portions of the Palace. He then spoke an incantation, making a neon green funnel form right next to the so-called dead end! There was also a very strong gust as if trying to suck in the hapless Sun Do victims like a vacuum! Everyone held for dear life as they screamed! The lime green energy grew and expanded evermore when it was breaching the clear, night sky above! Even the heroes witnessed this horrifying phenomenon!

Raiden and Fujin led the team, with Kung Lao, Aiko and Nightwolf taking the rear, as everyone were stunned by that sudden storm! Especially by that expansive pull of wind! Fujin immediately came at the defensive, shielding the mortals with his aerokinesis.

"Ergh, my powers kan't hold for long!"

Raiden beheld the whirlwind as it glowed, and swirls of energy descended beside the large vortex. He then screeched, "Quan Chi has unlocked the Soulnado! He is feeding himself and Shang Tsung soul after soul from the Heavens! They will become more powerful the longer they absorb the hapless spirits into that volatile vortex!"

Fujin continued to push back the severe microburst, "Agh, but it kan only be unlocked by the REAL Amulet! it's in the Temple of Elements!"

Hanzo struggled to look over at the Wind God, "I warned you the faker kan do so much! The duplicate was forged by Quan Chi himself! The Oni is merely as gifted as Shinnok, learning his arcane tactics! He must've copied it exactly! It's weaker kompared to Shinnok's but that Oni's got a lot of ingenuity with the black arts!"

The storm kontinued to expand in that emerald field, and a massive portal opened up!

"My soul isn't safe, Kung Lao!" Liu Kang's spirit echoed from beneath his vest, which was the only protection against the vortex!

Continue here

"There's too many helpless souls caught in this merciless spell!" Nightwolf reiterated. "I kannot break it! It's endless and it's too harmful for Liu Kang's soul! I kan do nothing, it's futile!"

All a sudden the gusts seized, however, the plasma force remained.

"Kung Lao! You and I must dissipate the Soulnado! We must enter the epicenter and cut it from the inside!"

"How...?" Lao was flabbergasted.

"We are both aerokinetics who're strong enough to shut it down. We need to approach the storm while the rest of us would distract the Deadly Alliance! Once we enter the belly of the storm, unleash all your fury!"

"What if we won't survive...? It can tear our bodies and spirits asunder."

"Risk is part of the game, Kung Lao. Do you really want the Deadly Alliance to be even more powerful than they are now?" His face fell as he heard Liu's words. "Remember when we shut down the Soul Tombs, as well as the Soul Chamber..."

Lao's mind flashed back several years ago when the Shaolin Monks destroyed the territory in Outworld with their fists of ruin alternatively hitting the cauldron. It flashed with every hit, until it finally shattered, releasing all the contained essences. Unfortunately, even though they dealt with its guardian, Baraka, Shang Tsung had already konsumed numerous souls already, knocking away the Chinese warriors seamlessly and reversing his elderly state.

Liu recalled working with Kitana, Nightwolf and Sheeva decimating the Soul Chamber, the heart of Kahn's Fortress. By the time the beastly aperture kollapsed, every spirit was fleeing freely. Although they still needed to deal with the evil emperor and his elitist general, Motaro.

Just then a series of speeches by Shang and Kahn recollected in both their minds. They were intimidating, smack dab in Kahn's Arena.

"To be myself again! It is only right to hold victory be mine, and mine alone."

"We'd destroyed your Soul Tombs. You should not be this strong." Liu Kang countered, but all their efforts were for naught.

"Is that what your Master Raiden told you to do!?" He laughed in a sinister matter, driving the Monks into battle.

Then, after the fateful fight, Kahn explained his true motive...

"As I'd said, all within this realm serve my will. Even those who seek to betray me."

"I do not understand." Liu processed Kahn's words more than Lao, as he had more stamina after the first crucial battle.

"Shang Tsung impersonated your master, Raiden. And led you on a quest for power. The more you killed, the more powerful he became. He meant to use this power against me. To become the supreme ruler of Outworld."

"...We have destroyed the Soul Tombs, and yet...Shang Tsung stated it was for nothing." Lao reiterated.

"He already had his fill. You must dissipate the Soulnado with Lord Fujin." Raiden ordered as he would with his apprentice. "Only a minute amount shall suffice than an endless supply of them." He faced his brother who touched his disciple's shoulder.

"Hurry, with me. Let our other komrades get the sorcerers' attention. You kan do this!" Fujin said in an authorative manner. Aiko then lent a hand and gave Lao her own power source, a heart-shaped jewel embedded with crimson.

"How did you...?"

"Raiden theorized I kan do the opposite of the kursed Gem of Tetsurri, as a krystallized heart. It should give you strength when you need it. Occasionally, my energy would be channeled to form this jewel; even our love."

With a smile and thanks, he took it before he and Fujin stormed to the violent maelstrom!

"Those meddling mortals are here! We shall smite them with these precious souls in our bosoms. Victory is absolute!" Shang Tsung declared. He then raised his arms again, pulling the trapped spirits into himself. "With this unstoppable force, our power is infinite, and we will konquer all realms!"

Shang's celebration was kut short as he and Quan noticed the eerie lime hue gradually churn to a more blue and white shade... The new whirls of energy made the Soulnado slow down and change its course by rotating it clockwise.

The sudden force made Shang back away. "By the goddamn Elder Gods! The Soulnado's being seized!"

Hand in hand, both Kung Lao and Fujin breached the volatile vortex. Together, the two elementals konjured their strength as their own whirlwinds altered the storm!

Shang kontinued his fits of rage, until he and Quan were disturbed by a sharp bite. It was none other than the end of a spear which in turn dragged the blanch off his feet and down the small stairway! "Come 'ere!" A familiar, sinister tone boomed from a distance. Quan used a broadsword which sliced the rope, but not before he beheld his old assailant, "Scorpion!"

The vengeful wraith stood before him amongst the shadows, his fiery irises glaring at him. "Vengeance will be mine!" He roared. The once humanized ninja was now konsumed by his vengeful form, brewing from the Netherrealm as soon as he laid eyes on the diabolical Oni! With broad blade against blades, the duo clanged each other!

Noticing the feud from atop the stairs, Shang screamed for the remaining Tarkatans to run out and klobber the approaching heroes and make them be klaimed by their master!

Fujin and Lao began to struggle, as if they were entangled by ropes of energy! The growing roots made the two aerokinetics pause and swipe them away, yet they were persistent! Kausing the kountering funnel to lose power.

During the scuffle, Bo' Rai Cho snuck in and spotted the unconscious student; her amethyst clothing made her stand out amongst the opaque floors. He stayed low as possible as he trekked toward her inactive body. It lumped over his bulky shoulders, even as he hunched over like a beggar with a massive load. Bo' Rai Cho saved the last sacrifice, Li Mei; upon her soul being imprisoned in the last remaining mummified statue of Onaga's army, Bo averted her eternal fate.

Before Shang laid his eyes upon the escapees, his hair was licked by electricity. Raiden intervened, buying his prodigy some time. Bo' wobbled away before he took a leap of faith off the balcony after he bashed thru the rails! The impact made his mammoth-like legs sting, yet Li Mei never stirred. He then gazed onto the spectacle of the Soulnado as the green and light blue hues intermixing caught his peripheral vision...

After what almost seemed like an eternity, the reckless wraith kontinued to breath fire and rely on his swift hand-to-hand tactics, although the Oni seemed to have the upper hand, having more stamina and kunning thanks to his replenished energy! As a desperate attempt, Hanzo rose the Hand of Hell, although despite its ferocious grip, it easily krumbled while Quan burst out! The same brute strength overpowered the konsuming wraith with little to no strategy. His limbs began to give way, yet his anger fueled him until he was officially powerless! Thanks to the many souls in his system, Quan overmatched his old nemesis. "You are not in Hell anymore..."

He grabbed Hanzo's weak body, spun him horizontally several times, before he made the coordinated toss into the heart of the Soulnado! Kung Lao and Fujin's eyes barely made out the slaughter as the endless horde of souls tore Hanzo's poor body! This stunt startled the duo, making their cooperative efforts become useless...

The souls became tauter around the two wind benders!

Noticing the near komplete dissipation, Bo' became irritable! He knew one of his promising students was in peril, and for once... He ran straight for the base of the Soulnado! He never kared how lethal it was as he leapt into the menacing storm!

Lao and Fujin were beginning to feel their limbs being mercilessly crushed and pulled from their bodies, until a massive push released them! The wrathful spirits let them loose as they became hyperfixated on the new intruder! That was a lard body and upon straining their eyes thru the neon limelight, it was none other than Lao and Liu's fallen mentor, Bo' Rai Cho! He kontinually latched on and pulled the phantoms away as Fujin hollered for Lao to decimate the inner funnel.

"Ah-Master!" Kung Lao screamed and began to reach for him, but Fujin held him back and shouted to destroy the rapidly swirling heart! Being they had little choice; the duo utilized their stamina for one more merged astral tornado! Kombined, they formed klose to an F4, with their particles finally overlapping the Soulnado!

Both Shang and Raiden temporarily halted their battle. "Fools! They're overriding the Soulnado!"

Sure enough, the lime streak began to constrict rapidly, until the wider blue funnel dissipated along with the massive swirling portal being klosed off within the clouds!

With their kombined strength, it was just enough might as the width of the Soulnado kollapsed, moments before it dispersed, kausing both aerokinetics to fall sharply!

With his advanced elemental skills, Fujin managed to katch his promising disciple and his body made a sudden lurch. They gradually descended to earth, although the unlikely antihero's heffer body of Bo' may had been torn maliciously as Hanzo had...

Never letting their emotions manifest, Fujin encouraged Kung Lao to finally avenge Liu Kang and put an end to his lifelong nemesis!

Quan Chi was stunned, as he barely uttered the Soulnado had been decimated. Enraged, Shang strangled the sorcerer, demanding to reactivate it with the Amulet!

Raiden growled, "Your dominant plans had been thwarted, Shang Tsung!"

The sorcerer wasn't backing down; he actually became irater. "Not quite yet. Thunder God!" He shot out a volley of electricity and green souls straight to him, stunning the benevolent protector. The victim felt as if Shang was draining his vitality upon impact. Shang knew all too well he was powerless in Outworld, thus the demon warlock having the homefield advantage, magnifying his own strength...

Kung Lao just got invigorated as his upper chest glowed in a crimson light. He took out Aiko's heart jewel and smiled as he felt the energy channeling thru him! By the time the spot dissipated, Fujin cried out for his brother, who was being mangled by Shang's prowess! Lao looked up and saw the struggle! As did Aiko who was immersed with the Tarkatan army and her komrades. She screeched for Raiden and Liu saw it too! "Aiko, face my amulet to Kung Lao! The Soulnado is down! Let me use my soul within him!"

She did just as he instructed and signaled him to go! Liu's lime and translucent spirit stormed to his retainer. Lao braced himself of the sudden intrusion with his arms. "Kalm yourself, Kung Lao! It's only me!" He kould hear his Shaolin brother inside his mind.

"Liu Kang!"

"Yes. We must help Master Raiden! ...And put an end to Shang Tsung, once and for all! With the Soulnado down, there's no way he can steal my soul within you! This time, we fight as one!" he declared.

Lao nodded his assent and permitted him to take over his vessel. He knew if anyone was skilled enough to annihilate Shang...! His spirit then engulfed Lao in a green hue. The vengeful warrior's body was lump until he shot open his orange igniting pupils. He then Teleported beneath the floor and emerged next to the scuffle. He tossed his hat which made a mark on Shang's neck! His enemy couldn't believe the desired spirit was in Lao all along!

In a merged voice, they declared, "You'll never murder me, Shang!"

"So...it is you, Liu Kang! Your soul escaped to inhabit Kung Lao's body. Admirable, but a foolish endeavor!" The monk put his dukes up!

Quan Chi wound up for a green sphere as if he was a pitcher. "Not so fast, sorcerer!" In kame Nightwolf with his soul-empowered weapons igniting also in green. "Remember me, the one who broke your precious gem and resisted your dark influence!?"

The blanch just chuckled, "A shaman has no chance against me." Quan sicced onto the Matokan, and he kountered with the same momentum. Each Kombatant switched between freehand kombat with the evildoer's longsword against Nightwolf's dagger and tomahawk. They seemed to be evenly matched excepting when Quan konjured a holding spell, possessing his body and driving him forward. Fortunately, being the shaman was talented on manipulating souls, it was a ploy to kounterstrike with his weapons! He was also lucky Quan had a bare chest, but he knew it won't be that easy.

Meanwhile, Liu Kang possessed Kung Lao's body, enabling him with aerosol abilities kombining his pyro with Lao's aero. Each onslaught seemed to have twice the impact, even resistant to Shang's fiery skulls with Liu's own fire streaks and deflecting them with Lao's Tornado Kick! Although Shang's agility was overwhelming Lao's vessel, but where he forced in speed, he was stunned by the powerful blows from Liu's Flying and Bicycle Kicks. Eventually, Liu memorized Lao's own Whirlwind Kick, which was proven to be just as fatal. With a leg caught, Liu and Lao kountered with the free one. Before they switched over to Quan.

They took over Nightwolf's brawl as he went to Shang. Liu approached with a High Fire, though Quan blocked it in a moment's notice. Liu gained more momentum and Lao's body became flexible. He noticed Quan had the same Teleportation as Lao did, which didn't faze the monk at all. He instead kountered with his own and performed aerial kicks onto him till he blocked. He noticed Nightwolf having a detrimental struggle, so Liu and Lao kame to him.

Nightwolf bounced back another green sphere from the energy field on his chest and were sort of in a game of Deadman's Volley! When the Matokan became more offensive, the sphere was forced back more rapidly onto the enemy! He lunged toward Quan, but he eventually retaliated with another clenching blow. He blocked and kountered with a dagger, until he began draining a bit of Quan's vitality; he took Bo's advice on making his tools have similar properties to Jack the Ripper! Quan quickly fought back, and Nightwolf evaded another kounter till he was kaught off guard by a Teleport. That was until the shaman implanted his dagger onto Quan's upper chest!

Lao and Liu recovered from a blow by Shang, although they weren't so lucky as Lao felt himself having an out-of-body experience. "Kung Lao! Shang's trying to take my soul!" It escaped into the amulet, kausing Lao to feel dazed. With another hit, it struck him back into reality, and kountered with his buzzsaw! Lao then lunged at him with the Whirlwind Kick, diving in feet first and rotating his body and driving Shang's back into the grinding hat! "That's it, Kung Lao!" Liu cheered.

The volatile maneuver certainly was a powerful move! So, Lao went in again, only this time Shang grabbed his leg and threw him aside! The impact stunned Lao. "Dodge him!" He Teleported away and recalled Bo's advice on evading after Shang declared him as a koward..

"Do not assume that offensiveness is always the correct path to victory. A hasty retreat can give you the space you need to plan for your next attack. Do not be dismayed."

With enough time to regain his komposure, Kung Lao Teleported to perform an unsuspecting aerial kick. Onto Quan Chi!

"Keep going, Lao!" Liu exasperated. "There's no need to fight honorably here!"

In a desperate fit, he drew out a pair of longswords, and Lao took out his own broadsword. They clanked against each other, never minding the ear-screeching hits. While the Oni wielded two blades, Liu conjured onto Lao's blade giving it a fiery effect. Eventually he diced him as Quan growled in agony, till he saw the green gash. Stunned, Lao aimed and impaled the wound with the broadsword, but was blocked! Luckily, the flesh wound was still injurious.

A fireball was shot and hit Lao from behind! Before Shang kommenced to drain Lao's vitality! Nightwolf struck him with an arrow, before he impaled him with his own dagger. Quan made the Drilling Kicks, stunning Lao's partner. Shang immediately took out the dart, before he lunged toward the stunned Lao. To save his spirit, Liu intervened with his own! A fiery serpent emerged as he attacked Shang directly and burning the stab wound! But the sting hardly pained him as Shang clutched it as if konstricting his prey! Seeing this stunt, Kung Lao konjured more energy from Aiko's heart jewel, while it did the same with Nightwolf's.

Having a flashback of seeing Liu's body lifeless on the le tei of the Wu Shi arena, it fueled Kung Lao with a rage he never had! His heart began to palpitate, then race as he curled his arms while he screamed! Lao lunged toward Shang with blinding speed as he rapidly kicked as much as his burning legs kould! Lao kept on his pent-up, brutal assault, socking his assailant with every kick and punch! By the time Shang hunched over, Lao Teleported and made rapid chops on his neck!

The effects of both stab wounds finally took their desired effects, weakening the Unholy Alliance! Yet, a longsword was pierced around Quan's neck! His body fell and Nightwolf barely made out Kenshi! They both observed Lao's deep and terrible rage, much to the duo's astonishment!

Lao made a warcry, powering up his strength, before his body spun like a F3 twister, attempting to draw in the remaining sorcerer! Shang was desperate to replenish himself with souls as he noticed the tortured ghosts leave him! He stuck out an arm, drawing from the lively Nightwolf and Kenshi, and the swordsman tried his damndest to draw Shang klose enough to the vortex! Their krippled bodies were giving into Shang's mercy, until Liu's spirit nudged his assailant and himself toward the funnel! Shang was blinded by the violent current, and helpless against it! He wasn't being tossed around like a boat caught in a whirlpool. In fact, the gravity made him paralyzed, and his body open for assault! It was if his own souls were caught in the updraft mimicking a smaller Soulnado! Not much was seen from the outer layers except it spun faster, brighter and harder, until...

"HIT THE DIRT!" Fujin hollered over the kalamity! Everyone obeyed and hid their heads! Especially as Lao finally exploded Shang's doomed body! A deafening krash that kould've belonged to a detonator rang in the spectators' ears, even as they rose slowly. What's left was the dissipating, blinding light. In its place stood Kung Lao who kollapsed. Kenshi kaught him in his telekinetic field as he and Nightwolf walked toward their fallen friend. They soon picked him up arm in arm and greeted Lao a job well done.

The other Kombatants emerged, without the bloodthirsty Tarkatans, aside from Baraka. Everyone was just in stunned silence. "Is...is it over...?" Aiko spoke in disquietude.

Even Raiden was just as proud. "Yes. It truly is my warriors." They all quietly sighed with relief, even shown their reassurance.

"Well done...Champion." Lao startled, then Kenshi took out the dragon amulet, still intact. He and Lao kould've sworn Liu grinned in admiration. "It is done. You truly have proven yourself as my equal, Kung Lao. And I am eternally grateful for that."

"Ok, so, how do you expect to get our tired asses back home?" Jax intervened.

"Well, I sure as hell don't want to go thru that kreepy portal again...!" Sonya added, sharing her partner's irritation.

"Bon voyage, anyone?" Johnny pointed. Following his digit, they all beheld the opaque, massive, dragon-shaped rowboat!

The group went agog at the familiar sight! "Of course..." Fujin was the most coherent amongst the mixed tongues.

Moments later, everybody was aboard, and the two elemental Gods sent it airborne, courtesy of Raiden's muscle and Fujin's aerokinesis powering it up, with Kenshi piloting it toward the agents' own portal to Earthrealm by a gizmo opening the way! They figured it was best for the heroes to never go thru the same mishaps as before in the Celestial Portal.

Kung Lao rested within the dim lit cabin, as Aiko sat beside him; the candlelight was just enough shade for them to relax without any fluorescent interference. He put aside his razor-rimmed hat and the dragon amulet. And Liu promised not to disturb his slumber, as he may hang out with Kitana for a while. Lao just laid his head komfortably on a nearby pillow on top of a small desk. "Get some rest, Kung Lao..." Aiko chirped before she kissed him gently on the forehead.

"You've fought well, Champion." Liu reassured. "And you had surpassed the strength of our ancestor."

Still as Lao drifted off to sleep, he was uncertain if whether or not he would ever see his Shaolin brother again...

"Rage fueled Kung Lao's thirst for revenge. The memory of holding his fellow monk's broken body on the lei tai of the Wu Shi Academy grounds konsumed him as he rained blow after blow down upon Shang Tsung. Kung Lao had finally mastered the attack Bo' Rai Cho had taught him. The sorcerer kould not withstand his whirlwind assault. Shang Tsung begged for mercy. Kung Lao granted him none.

"Once again, the threat to Earthrealm has been vanquished. The Deadly Alliance is no more. What dangers lie in the future, I kan no longer foresee. Perhaps the Dragon King will in fact return. Perhaps the depths of the Netherrealm will spew forth a legion of Oni. Even the Vampire people pose a threat to peace now that Outworld is in khaos. But one thing is certain... Earthrealm must be protected.

"I have abandoned my status as an Elder God to aid these mortals...an act defiant of the Heavens. I will instead remain here on Earth...as God of Thunder."

A/N: Ok, yeah, technically Kung Lao did face the Deadly Alliance by himself in the reboot; however, I felt it was all meaningless after he was slain by Shao Kahn, twisting his neck behind hm! As said by Underdawg, Lao's comeuppance was demonstrated in Deadly Alliance, and goddammit he has earned it, especially as Liu's replacement as Champion! I don't think he'd be eternally kursed, as it wasn't necessarily revolved around an official Mortal Kombat tournament, plus there was no honor, then again when is one is...

Moreso, it's no wonder the Deadly Alliance won in the end, and at the start of Deception; because they obviously still had the Soulnado active, and they'd grown too powerful by absorbing so many souls! So, if those petty developers would've let the heroes shut down the source of energy, wouldn't the Kombatants stand a better chance!? This was definitely a middle finger, and although I know it's obvious, they played the asinine excuse that game victories aren't the same as plot victories, it just pisses me off every time! And y'know, it's always best to think outside the box, always!

Oh, and the idea I had of Aiko's heart jewel? I had this in my head for quite a while when I began roleplaying; before the massive fallout... I kinda figured if there's the krystallized evil heart from Tetsurri, then there should be an opposite with the positive effects. I mean, if the Fayelons kan channel their energy onto a single gem, so kan she! And the more energy she has, the more she can harness to make the gem grow and increase the impact! And the small line when the merged voices declared Shang won't murder them was actually from the rare trailer of the 95 MK film!

The Options and Extra Menu theme from Sonic Mega Collection would sound as the Kombatants prepare for their fateful battle; kourtesy of the Great Clement for highlighting this kalming tune in the finale of his Sonic retrospective. It Has Begun from the first MK movie would play as the Deadly Alliance prepares the Soulnado. Fire from The Land Before Time III would play as the heroes reach Shang Tsung's Palace and when the Deadly Alliance konjures it. Battling Doom, Pt. 2 from the 2005 Fantastic 4 OST would play as Hanzo konfronts Quan, when Raiden distracts Shan, and when Lao and Fujin shut down the Soulnado with Bo's sacrifice. The Mission Impossible remix by FC7 shall definitely play during the final battle! I always loved that song to death ever since I first heard it when I was around 10 years old, by hearing a party mix tape; it took me ages to find that song! The Final Fight from Star Trek: Generations may finish off the fierce war against the diabolical duo. Of course, Halycon On + On by Orbital, like the song in the og MK film, will play after the gruesome fight as Lao is kongratulated as the new promising Champion!

I am so ecstatic I was able to pull the finale off before Christmas! :D As promised, I shall finish it off! And also, Kung Lao's ending is definitely the best out of all of them!

A/N: I forgot to mention that Nightwolf's tactic on using the Soul Drain taught by Bo' Rai Cho was actually an idea made by Jack the Ripper, rather than a Giga Drain in Pokémon like I thought; it wasn't necessarily based on the infamous English serial killer, but rather the curved weapon named the Byzantine Parang, introduced in Sleepy Hollow's Season 3 capable on corrupting the wielder and most notably draining the victim's vitality after a stab. Much like the impalement strategy in Deadly Alliance.

Epilogue

During the voyage into the Earthrealm portal, Sub-Zero mourned for the death of his loyal companion, Hanzo Hasashi, while he was fully tending Kenshi's fatal flesh wound on his ribcage during the fatal scrimmage of the Red Dragons; the kryomancer didn't have enough time in their R&R. Fortunately, thanks to Kuai's kryokinesis, imbued by the Dragon Medallion, he led Frost on healing duties, subduing severe infection and blood loss.

Sonya noticed the assault belonged to hook-like abrasions which triggered a memory from her and Johnny's previous assault by Hsu Hao after Stryker and Kabal fell within the New York streets.

The general made the call to the same hospital where Stryker and Kabal were kept; great news struck as the doomed handicap had his condition upgraded from critical to stable during the heroes' ventures in Outworld. Stryker announced Kabal will be his normal self, with the exception of his preexisting kondition on utilizing his air mask. Which to her, it was acceptable. The Riot Kontrol Officer was also grateful that Kabal'd have his signature weapons back with the Red Dragon enhancements!

Johnny still occasionally goes on an acting gig, mostly in Bollywood, and hired a new stunt double named Mokap as a replacement in case he ever gets injured on the job or simply is away on duty with the Special Forces. Even as far as saving Earthrealm. In fact...word of mouth had been going around that he may be in charge in producing a lower form of media...

The Shaolin, although they weren't certain if it was from Liu Kang, Kung Lao, or even Fujin who started the trend...noted Cage was actually impressed in Aiko's own fanfiction series and he just might adapt them with her permission as his own feature length films!!

And the young kardiokinetic doesn't know that yet...

In Articka, after a brief moment of silence while lighting an enchanted candle for Hanzo's journey into the afterlife reuniting with his lost family and klan, Sub-Zero then announced to the Lin Kuei that Frost had been an integral part on the destruction of the Deadly Alliance, and that he was proud to have her as a member of the Lin Kuei clan. During the pandemonium, the random bystanders including Tomas noticed something they never anticipated...

Kuai Liang and Frost gazed into their crystal blue eyes and slowly inched over for a passionate kiss and a warm embrace...!

According to the kryomancer's discretion, Kenshi found and met his infant son, Takeda, for the first time in several months, located in the Japanese Shirai Ryu headquarters! He still at times grieved for his fallen friend, Hanzo, and never had the opportunity to reverse his impaired sight; however, having been reunited with his missing kin and as long as he had the legendary blade on hand with his ancestors finally at rest, much like Chan and the Great Kung Lao, he was eternally grateful.

Jax was still pretty miffed on having his own OIA base obliterated by a rocket, according to the remaining agents. He figured it was the same one Hsu Hao used to obliterate the Dragonfly and kill off all his pursuers and avoid custody! He always suspected it was NOT due to maintenance failure. Besides, the vessel was primitive, yet still advanced in Outworld's standards to fall apart in the air, and not as potent and destructive as a jet's combustible engines. He also wished the Edenians at least would use them for future warfare if the OIA shall fund them that is.

Back at the Edenain Palace, everyone remained still after a brief moment of cheer from the victory over the Deadly Alliance by Liu, Lao and their successful allies as well as the liberation of Outworld.

Sindel stood before, to her surprise, the time displaced lone Tarkatan, Baraka! Everyone was stunned in silence as Kitana and Jade escorted him passed the guards and explained his predicament. Even, remarkably so, knowing Aiko as a promising warrior who bested him and Bo'!

The queen then denounced, "You do realize, in THIS time period, we have banned you and your kind into the far reaches of the Outworld frontier, as you proclaimed you came back in time, much like Aiko did. However, because of your willingness to turn against your own violent klan and for assisting on thwarting the Deadly Alliance, your punishment will be reduced. We agreed you shall set up kamp near Edenia if you wish. We are quite impressed of your heroism, Baraka."

"...You are...?" He grinned thru his deadly fangs, taken aback by the offer.

"Yes. Which is why we had negotiated only you to relocate. While the rest of the Tarkatans shall remain scarce, unless they had proven not to be a threat, and are loyal to the Edenian throne. The Shokan and Centaurs will keep a keen eye on you. So do not slip!" The last statement was full of sternness, showcasing that she and all of Edenia shouldn't fall into corruption and treachery again. Baraka wasn't fazed by the offer.

Changing the subject, Goro spoke, "To what of the possible resurrection of Onaga?"

Everyone, especially Baraka, Kitana and Jade, were at a loss for words.

"We would survey the remains of Shang Tsung's Palace," Sheeva suggested. "And the people of Sun Do should be watched over as well. I am certain they'd been shaken up with the Alliance's merciless slavery."

Jade added with a sigh, "I hope the Earthrealm guardians would kover it in that regard."

Back in the Palace ruins, Fujin and Raiden stood idly after they powered up the Nethership, leading their heroes thru the open portal and escorted some of the passengers into Edenia as well. As the Thunder God stated, he was kurious on what would become of Outworld, as either khaotic without the Alliance's totalitarian, or if the Dragon King would be reborn...

He then recalled the brief statement from Baraka as his purpose was to search for his close ally, Reptile, which seemed very peculiar...

Fujin responded, "Reptile? Syzoth had been massacred by the Saurian troops after the war against the accursed Shinnok!"

"Indeed. ...However, I doubt Baraka had that kind of knowledge as he kame from another time."

"You mean...Reptile might've been displaced as well...?"

The Godly brothers then heard a weak chuckle. Following the deep bass voice, they noticed it belonged to Quan Chi, still alive and barely hanging by a thread with his broken, bleeding neck. They went over him wearing irritated looks. "I thought we slain him!" Fujin denounced.

"Not quite, blunder Gods..."

The Wind God was about to smite him, until Raiden held him back. "What is it that you know of Onaga, Quan ChI?" he responded in earnest.

The blanch sorcerer made a wry grin. "You're too late, lowly Gods...! Onaga will soon be reborn. We have offered many souls to the Dragon King and his loyal army. Now his rebirth is nearly komplete. It is only a matter of time...!"

The brothers gazed onto the inactive mummified remains. Fujin objected until Raiden forced him to observe their eyes glowing in an eerie green hue! The sight startled Raiden, but Fujin was more boastful, "We can smite them easily!"

Quan chortled again, "You have no power here...! The undead slaves of Onaga are unbeatable! And with the souls locked in each of the many sarcophaguses, they can easily overwhelm you as they shall await their master's second awakening...! It won't be a cakewalk once the Dragon King has risen All realms show bow down to Onaga's insatiable might!!" The evildoer let out some chest laughs!

Irritated, Fujin declared, "Shut UP!!" He unleashed a sphere of aero energy onto the dying foe! Yet, Raiden was still fixated onto the army's abrupt stir...

Aiko shook her beloved awake as she tugged his arm; at first, she awakened him as they landed in Earthrealm, with the sun breaching the window, but Lao offered to sleep more. Soon, Liu's spirit came over to him, as it had been several minutes since. He groggily lifted his head and was reluctant on heading out of the cabin. With the cooperation from Nightwolf, with Kiba walking beside them, Lao slowly trudged away.

It didn't land too far from the Academy. The tween, Kung Jin's giddy cheer seemed to perk him up! Jin's mom was also glad to see him after a long, perilous journey, especially upon their success on relieving Liu's soul.

But just hearing her words... Both Aiko's and Lao's faces dropped. They even tuned out the numerous monks crying for their victory, as well as the loss of their Champion.

Kai offered the pair to visit the new, freshly built tomb amongst the distant woods...

Thru the clearing, an elaborate building rested with a central flame burning in the center window. Everyone was awestruck by the place... There were even three of Liu's medals as Earthrealm's hero dangling over it. Amongst the sunset in a cinnabar sky, it was breathtaking...!

Lao took out the dragon amulet Raiden forged, allowing the heroic monk to gaze onto his resting place. He stood up to the modest shrine as he witnessed other flames dancing in front of the hearth. With his signature hat, he made a fire spark on a nearby stick, incents began to emanate from it, and he slowly placed with the others burning there. With his hat off, he bowed his head low, despite having sudden, warm tears flowing from his eyes... Lao never thought he'd feel so mournful, with his head and heart so heavy, not even with his fallen brothers from the Tarkatan attack, as he always believed crying was a weakness. Still, he let his sadness take him over, not even noticing the small audience feeling just as consumed...

Remembering Liu's, as the sworn brother's, words of Kung Lao as the new Champion and his replacement, he silently prayed for a safe journey into the afterlife, hoping he would watch over him and the Shaolin with his kid brother, Chan, even his parents he lost so long ago. Lao's mind flashed back to all the distant memories he had with him; good, bad, and indifferent, all the trials and tribulations...

He even wished he wasn't so hard on Liu Kang as his bitter rival, fighting for a more peaceful life yet always obsessing by being overshadowed by him... Now, his destiny was in full circle with their great ancestor.

His mind was in a complete fog by so many emotions overwhelming him, that he didn't notice a shrill voice shouting!

"Stop!! Stop the ritual! Don't let Liu Kang ascend into the Heavens! Don't let the Great Spirit klaim his soul!!" It was Nightwolf, and he was frantic, even Kiba as he yelped for their attention!

Kung Lao was the last to raise his head which could've weighed like a megaton as weary as ever... He still couldn't register the shaman's urgent message.

"Onaga has escaped!!"

THAT! That one phrase made everyone's bodies instantaneously freeze as if they were caught in an unsuspecting ice blast below zero degrees! They didn't even notice Liu Kang abruptly stopping his ascent!

Through flashes of intense, radical lightning, both Raiden and Fujin were drawn away from Quan Chi's lifeless vessel as they beheld a horned king which seemed to be nine feet tall! They were able to make out his piercing orange eyes glaring down onto them, and the shiny spikes protruding from his three-foot wingspan as he slowly walked from an opaque chamber! He then let out a roar which would belong to the Devil Himself as he elongated his arms and rose his head!!

Their nightmare has kome into fruition!

The second koming of the Dragon King, Onaga, the mighty, omnipotent ruler of Outworld exceeding Shao Kahn, has been resurrected...

To Be Koncluded...

A/N: Oh man... I thought the kliffhanger was just what the doctor ordered! And I'd been thinking of the working title for my next MK story; everyone rejected Trojan Dragon, but I guess I'll go with the basic name, The Return of the Dragon King...

The finale for Vengeance was a stark contrast to that of Deadly Alliance, as the Soulnado was shut down, the heroes won over the sorcerers, everyone was escorted home, and Liu was just about to have his spirit rested. And may I say, both Raiden and Kung Lao's endings were the best!

The Human Spirit, aka the kredits theme, from The Day After Tomorrow shall play during the epilogue; a very hopeful and reassuring tune, especially used for klosure! The Credits theme in Ocarina of Time, particularly when it plays Saria's Song, would sound as the Shaolin celebrate their victory against Shang and Quan, even when Lao and company pray for Liu's ascension. As we already know...that never happened! Death from the DBZ Ocean Dub shall chime afterwards followed by fragments of End Prog from the unofficial ReBoot soundtrack upon Onaga's revelation! Finally, Dragon King's Temple'd be a foreshadowing for the next story to kome!

Quan's dying words may be similar to Raditz's klosing speeches, but I still don't understand how Onaga was reborn by taking the form of Reptile while at the same time the egg hatched... Was that supposed to be a baby dragon inside, or just a beam of light korrupting a new vessel upon reincarnation...?

Also, I thought it would be nice to have Aiko's works go by word of mouth to Johnny and perhaps be adapted as his feature films; better than being just his anyway. I know Bubbles did the same with a Ratchet/Kim Possible fanfic being adapted into a movie as it won a kontest, but it was just lame... Besides, I'm sure the monks in the Academy would already know since they're like a klosely-knit unit.

And... the plot twist on having the kryomancers as a kouple I find to be more satisfying than Frost's betrayal and so-called death by the Dragon Medallion! Again, thank you for the inspiration, MK Reconciliation!

Of course, Deception's Part II from Deadly Alliance, thus the kliffhanger. And... I'm still a newbie to this, and it's going to be sheer hell if I should get down to its own more fleshed out Konquest mode! MK Temple is a lifesaver in those uncharted waters of the 3D era!

Special thanks go to him, the former Kung Lao rper (who wants to remain nameless), Underdawg Gaming, The4thSnake, MK Reconciliation, MKKrypt, and a new account I discovered who's a fanatic of the 3D era, MK Konfessions! I'll also like to acknowledge the MK RPers...if only we didn't have that nasty fallout in the end... Same kase with Ferocious Wraith...

It's about time I finally got the story done in less than 4 months, which was twice as long; just like my other 2 epics kombined! See what happens when you're a novice to these komplicated installments...?

So, the fourth book in the series is finally komplete. Stay tuned for The Return of the Dragon King.