Shang Tsung gave the signal to begin the fight, Kahn gave Liu Kang the initiative to attack first. Knowing that he should take it in slow and get in and out, Liu Kang crept in forward, he tried to punch Kahn, but Kahn merely blocked his attack, now Liu Kang attempted to bring his foot around and strike Shao Kahn in the leg in hopes that it would leave him open to another attack. Kahn blocked both these attacks with ease and with a mighty kick, he sent Liu Kang flying over to the other side of the arena.

"Wow…" Cage said, stunned. "That's gotta hurt."

Liu Kang felt the wind being knocked out of him and he tried to catch his breath. Holding his stomach in pain, Liu Kang slowly got to his feet.

"Maybe I should try a projectile attack." Liu thought, he flung a fireball at the emperor, who merely put up a green shield to protect himself.

"Nice try." Khan complimented. "Hmm?" Kahn noticed that Liu Kang was attempted his Flying Kick, but with a grin, Kahn batted Liu Kang away.

Liu Kang screamed in pain as he hit the ground. "For your sake, I hope you can do better Kang."

Blinded by anger, Liu Kang ran towards Shao Kahn and attempted another attack, but once again Shao Kahn blocked his every attack and knocked him down with another kick, now Liu Kang was knocked onto his stomach, as Kahn walked forward, he grabbed the young warrior by his hair and pulled him up.

"The Chosen One…" Kahn mocked, before slamming Liu's head into the ground.

Liu was still conscious, but barely. He was trying to get up. "Well, Shang Tsung. Have the other Earth warriors killed… I will finish Kang off."

"Yes, master…" Tsung said, waving his hands around, he said an incantation that opened several portals at once, and out of those portals came an uncountable amount of Masked Guards and Tarkatan warriors. Several surrounding the pillars that Sonya and Kano were tied to. Cage, Kung Lao and Jax after an initial shock, quickly braced themselves for a fight.

"I propose we all just… run away." Cage said, chuckling nervously.

"And leave Liu Kang by himself?" Kung Lao said, veering his head to Cage angrily.

"No, I was just… joking…" Cage said, slowly.

"I almost hope you do get killed." Jax said, annoyed.

High above, Noob Saibot watched the events unfold… figuring that now would be the best time to return to the Netherrealm and report to Shinnok, he could be spotted if he stayed, he opened a portal to the Netherrealm and silently walked through.

O-O-O

Inside Sub-Zero and Smoke's quarters, they could hear the sounds of battle going on above.

"What's going on up there?" Smoke asked, sounding a bit surprised.

"Let's find out. It's time we made our move, Smoke." Sub-Zero, as he opened the door. "Come on."

With that the Lin Kuei Warriors stepped out, Sub-Zero thought to himself about his battle with Scorpion, he lost the battle, he conceded that Scorpion was the better fighter in that match, but Raiden's words continued to flood his mind. He still had not made up his mind if he would heed the Thunder God's warning or follow the same brother did and continue to work for the Lin Kuei out of loyalty. He would either make his own path or follow in his brother's footsteps.

O-O-O

High above and out of sight, Raiden teleported in with Kitana. "That feels really weird to teleport like that…" Kitana said, brushing herself off.

"For you, yes. But you are only seeing my mortal form." Raiden explained, looking at the battle below.

Kitana turned and looked down, she saw Liu Kang facing down Shao Kahn, he looked a little bruised, but he was alright overall, the other Earthrealm warriors were at the present time, engaging Shao Kahn's armies in battle.

"Can Liu Kang defeat Kahn?"

"I don't know if he can." Raiden said, sounding a bit worried.

"But he defeated Shang Tsung…" Kitana started.

"Yes, he defeated a great sorcerer to win the first tournament, but Kahn is far more powerful than Shang Tsung."

Kitana turned her head back to the battle, fear filling her heart.

Liu Kang came at Shao Kahn again, a battle cry in his throat, he tried once again to strike Kahn, but Kahn grabbed his arm and flung him across the arena. As Liu tried to get up, Kahn quickly punched him in the stomach, and then in the back of his head, causing Liu Kang to roll across the ground.

As Liu tried to get up, Kahn grabbed his right arm and started to bend it behind his back. Several cracks were heard as Liu screamed in pain. Liu managed to get his arm free and swung his leg at Kahn, who merely blocked the attack and with a kick of his own, he sent Liu Kang flying back, coughing up blood as he fall.

Kitana gasped as she saw Liu Kang being thrown around like a rag doll.

"Raiden…" Kitana said, looking up. "Can Liu Kang still win?"

Raiden casually sighed. "I don't know… it doesn't look too good…"

Kitana turned her head back towards the battle; she was feeling fear and anger at the same time… she couldn't just watch any longer.

Kung Lao and the others battled with Shang Tsung's army, as Sub-Zero and Smoke arrived at the sights of the battle, awestruck as to what was happening.

"Alright, you keep these guys off of me." Sub-Zero said. "I'll get Shang Tsung."

"Good luck, Sub-Zero." Smoke said, as he run off to join the fray.

"Thanks… I'll need it." Sub-Zero whispered to himself.

Jax approached the pillar where Sonya was tied; he leapt onto the pillar and for the first time since he arrived in Outworld was able to converse with Sonya.

"Sonya! You ok, girl?" Jax asked, taking some lock picks out of his pocket.

"Could be better, Jax. You alright?" Sonya asked, as Jax started to pick the lock on her right arm.

"Fine, I guess." Jax said, as he worked on freeing Sonya. "I tracked your signal to here, who would've thought that all this crazy shit would've happened?"

"Look out!" Sonya called out, and taking her left leg, she was able to strike an oncoming Tarkata in the chin sending him flying back to the ground.

"Not bad," Jax commented. "for you…"

Sonya growled in anger. Just then Jax was able to free her from her shackle.

"Got one." Jax said.

"Go get Kano. I'll do the other one."

"Kano?" Jax said, surprised. "Why?"

"Just because, we got to turn that bastard into the authorities, I want to make sure that bastard goes to jail." Sonya said, grabbing the lock picks from Jax. "You get another pair?"

"Yeah." Jax said. "That's no problem."

"Good." Sonya said.

As Sonya started picking the lock on her remaining shackle, Jax ran over to Kano, who was simply watching all that was going on.

"Well, this is all very amusing." Kano said, grinning. Just then he heard a click and noticed that his right arm was free. "What the?" He started, he turned to his left and noticed that Jax was already on the verge of freeing his other arm.

"Oh, you…" Kano said, scoffing.

"Keep quiet, Kano. You should be glad I'm even doing this for you." Jax said as Kano's other arm was set free.

"Well, thanks for the help, grunt." Kano smirked, and with that he leapt off his pillar.

"Oh no you don't!" Jax called out, just before Kano could run for it, Jax grabbed him by his shirt collar. "Gotcha!" With that, Jax struck Kano's face three times before throwing him to the ground.

Kano immediately passed out while Sonya worked on freeing her other arm. "Damn it! This can't be that hard!"

"Ah, beautiful and in distress, my favorite kind of damsel." Cage said, smiling at Sonya.

"Shut up! I'm not a damsel in distress! I'm just a little… ok, I am… but I don't need your help!"

"Maybe not now, but you could've used it before, admit it!" Cage said, flashing a grin.

Sonya sighed, but she finally got her other arm free. "Yes!" she said, excitedly as she jumped off her pillar. "I'm ready to kick some ass."

"Yeah, of course you are…" Cage said, teasingly.

Now Liu Kang was on the ground, his arms covered in blood, with some more blood coming from his mouth. He was trying to stand, but he couldn't find it in him.

"It's time for me to end this, goodbye Champion." Kahn said, as he grabbed his wrath hammer and prepared to crush Liu Kang's head.

As Kahn prepared to deal the killing blow, Kitana had finally had enough, she leapt onto the arena, landing in between Liu Kang and Shao Kahn. Kahn stepped back in surprise.

"Kitana?" He smirked as Kitana stood up. "If you want to finish him off, feel free."

Kitana turned to the nearly unconscious Liu Kang, who began to sit up upon noticing her. She turned angrily to Kahn, the expression gave away what she had intended for her stepfather.

"What are you doing?" Kahn said, surprised.

"I won't do it… father." Kitana sneered angrily.

Kahn growled. "You ungrateful little… I took you in, I raised you… and this is how you repay me?"

"Save it, Kahn! I knew all about what you did to my real parents, Mileena, I know everything. And in my true father's name… I will destroy you!" Kitana called out, taking out her fans.

She lunged at Kahn, with her fans outstretched, but Kahn merely moved to the side and flung Kitana to the ground. A yell of pain emitted from Kitana as she hit the ground.

"Though skilled you are, you are still no threat to me, little girl." Kahn said, growling slightly as he threw his hammer to the side. Before Kitana could recover, Kahn seized her in his grasp. Pinning her arms and placing her up against his chest. He began to crush her back to his chest. Kitana struggled as hard as she could, but she just wasn't strong enough.

Kitana screamed and screamed as she thrashed in Kahn's grip. In a few seconds, it would be over. Kitana's screams and struggles did her nothing, Kahn did have some reluctance to kill her, but it had to be done…

But before Kitana could be finished, a leg struck Kahn in the side, causing him to drop Kitana. Kahn turned around, but before he could react, something struck him across the face, nearly knocking his helmet off.

It was Liu Kang, somehow he had found the strength to continue the fight, various parts of his upper body and face were covered in blood, but that didn't matter to him. A fury had been unleashed; he was looking at Kahn with unspeakable rage in his eyes. He threw another fist at Kahn, who caught the attack with his one hand. Kahn too had an unbelievable anger brewing in his eyes and anyone less brave than Liu Kang would've cowered in fear.

"You dare strike me?" Kahn roared, angrily, as he sent his own fist at Liu Kang's face, but like he had just done before, Liu Kang caught the fist. For now, the two fighters stared at each other… both about ready to tear the other's throat out.

Shang Tsung, meanwhile was busy blasting each Earthrealm warrior with a blast of powerful magic. First he struck Jax, who fell onto his back. Kung Lao tried to approach Shang Tsung, but he too was struck, this time by two skulls.

Laughing, Tsung turned to Johnny Cage and Sonya, who were both running at him, but they too were quickly blasted away by more of Tsung's magic.

Sub-Zero got behind Shang Tsung and seeing this as his chance, he leapt up, trying to get the sorcerer from behind, but just before he could attack the sorcerer, something knocked him back.

Reptile appeared from thin air and stared angrily at Sub-Zero. "YOU! IT IS ALL YOUR FAULT!"

As Sub-Zero got to his feet, Reptile came running at him, Sub-Zero had no time to react before Reptile was on him with a fury of punches, with an uppercut, Reptile knocked Sub-Zero to the ground, and before the Lin Kuei could get back to his feet, Reptile kicked Sub-Zero in the side of the head, multiple times causing Sub-Zero to roll across the ground with each kick.

When Reptile stopped, Sub-Zero had already lost consciousness. "It is because of you that my people are gone. If I had won the fight, perhaps I could've saved them… but you…. YOU robbed me of everything! I'LL KILL YOU!"

Before Reptile could deliver the finishing blow, a spear hit his chest, nearly piercing his heart. "The Lin Kuei's life is not yours for the taking."

Reptile was flown through the air, towards Scorpion, who had entered the battle upon seeing Sub-Zero in danger. "Only I, Scorpion, will dictate when his life is over."

As Reptile drew near Scorpion, the ninja specter struck Reptile in the chin, which sent the raptor flying back. "For I am a warrior not of Earth, but from the very depths of its Hell."

As Reptile lay on the ground, stunned, Scorpion walked over to the unconscious Sub-Zero. "My life was taken by a Lin Kuei known as Sub-Zero. I have killed my murderer, thus my journey for revenge is over. This is not the same Sub-Zero. But I return with a new mission. I have taken a life, now I must devote myself to protecting one." With that, Scorpion picked Sub-Zero up and placing him on his back, teleported away.

As Smoke had finished killing several of the Tarkatan, he noticed that Sub-Zero was nowhere to be found. "Sub-Zero? Where is he?" he said, frantically.

"You shouldn't worry about him now." Jade said, having just arrived at the battle. She did not see Kitana lying unconscious at the arena, but she recognized Smoke and decided that she should finish her fight with him. "Let's finish what we started."

"Alright with me." Smoke said, taking up his fighting stance. Jade brought forth her staff and ran at the Lin Kuei warrior.

Liu Kang had gained the advantage on Shao Kahn, striking him in the chin, three times. Each blow harder than the last. Kahn blocked the fourth punch and struck Liu Kang across the face, which nearly knocked him out. But this time Liu Kang struck back with a kick to the chest, causing Kahn to stumble back, Liu Kang ran forward and soon Kahn was struck by a series of kicks as Liu Kang performed his Bicycle Kick.

As Kahn clutched his chest in pain, he screamed in rage. "KANGGGGG!" As Liu Kang came at Shao Kahn again, Kahn blasted him back with ball of green energy. As Liu Kang hit the ground, Kahn pointed his finger at Liu Kang. "Is that your best?" he mocked.

Just as Kahn finished, he failed to notice that Liu Kang had already sent a fireball his way; Kahn was unprepared and was struck in the chest. As Liu Kang ran at Shao Kahn again, Kahn brought his knee into Liu's chest and struck him across the face sending him falling to the ground, coughing violently.

"You will die, mortal…" Kahn taunted, walking towards Liu Kang, who struggled to get to his feet.

As Shang Tsung continued to blast the Earth Warriors, the Thunder God flew down next to him.

"That's enough, Shang Tsung!"

"What?" Tsung exclaimed in surprise, but before he could make a move, he could feel his body being struck by a high voltage of lightning, he was soon flung through the air and hit the ground, stunned and nearly unconscious.

Meanwhile Jade had the upper hand on Smoke, she kicked him twice in the stomach and nearly knocked him to the ground. As Jade came running at Smoke, with her staff pointing forward, Smoke jumped onto the staff, and without a moment's hesitation, he leapt off striking Jade across the face with his foot, Jade dropped her staff and stumbled back onto the ground.

Kahn grabbed Liu Kang by the throat and punched him twice across the face; he threw the stunned warrior to the ground. "It's over, Liu Kang. You have lost…" Kahn said, about ready to press his foot into Liu Kang' s face.

"Not yet!" Liu retorted back, as he leapt from the ground, kicking Kahn in the chest, and then swinging his other leg around he struck Kahn across the face, nearly knocking his helmet off.

Kahn stumbled back in pain, as Liu Kang regained his balance, he ran at Kahn one last time, he attacked the emperor with blazing fury, hitting him twice in the stomach, but Kahn caught the third blow and retaliated with a punch of his own. This time, Liu Kang was ready and with another kick, he caused Kahn to stumble back again. As Kahn looked up in pain, he saw that Liu Kang was already in position to make the finishing blow. With an uppercut, Liu Kang propelled Shao Kahn into the air…

"The great Shao Kahn… Emperor of Outworld… beaten by this kid…? Liu Kang?" Kahn whispered to himself in shock and horror. Kahn hit the ground with a thud… and ceased to move… Shao Kahn was defeated… his plans were seemingly undone.

Exhausted, Liu Kang turned to the unconscious Kitana. He walked over, bent down and raised her upper body with his arms. "Kitana?" he asked.

Kitana let out a cough of air, to Liu's relief, she was still alive. "You did it, didn't you?" Kitana said, excitedly. "You defeated him? You defeated Shao Kahn!"

Liu offered a small smile. "Yeah, I did… but not alone… you saved me…"

Kitana gave off a small chuckle. "Yeah, I guess I did…" she let out. "Take this mask off for me will you?"

"Huh?" Liu said, surprised.

"Please, I just need it to be off for a moment…" Kitana said, still panting.

Liu nodded as he reached behind Kitana's head and untied the knots that held her mask in place. Slowly he pulled it off, revealing for the first time, Kitana's beautiful face. Stunned, Liu Kang did not speak for a moment as he saw for the first time, Kitana smile at him.

"You're beautiful…" Liu said, stunned. Kitana kept smiling, she had owed Liu Kang everything. He had rescued her from this life, defeated Goro and Shang Tsung, and now Shao Kahn as well. What she sees in Liu Kang, is hope… not only for her, but for everyone… She slowly sat up and drew her face in closer to Liu Kang's… slowly he did the same… their lips about to touch until…

"No! No man! That's too cheesy!" Cage interrupted causing both Liu Kang and Kitana to pull back. "You gotta take control of it, man!"

Liu Kang simply rolled his eyes and sighed, while Kitana started to blush. "You see, go up to her…" he said, walking over to her. "And say. "Hey, want to go out?"

"Get bent…" Sonya said through clenched teeth.

Liu Kang just sighed and turned back to Kitana, but before any word could be said, something struck Liu Kang in the back and he soon went flying to the other side of the arena, which caused Kitana to scream in horror.

"It's not over yet, Kang!" Kahn roared angrily, grabbing his hammer. "If I am to die here… I will take you with me!"

Kahn jumped over to where Liu Kang lay stunned and prepared to finish the young warrior… but this time as he brought his hammer down, he found it blocked by a staff… "Raiden!" he exclaimed, angrily.

Holding Kahn back from killing Liu Kang, Raiden took a step forward. "It's over, Kahn. You've lost!"

Kahn angrily pushed forward. "No mortal or god can defeat me!"

Raiden did not respond, instead he pushed Kahn's hammer up into the air and he flung himself into Kahn's chest, his hands outstretched, soon both he and Kahn were off the arena and onto the ground below. Kahn fell back, while Raiden landed perfectly. Kahn got up and came at Raiden again, but Raiden was ready, throwing his staff up into the air, Kahn was too blinded by anger to react… Raiden blasted Kahn with his powers of lightning, Kahn screamed in agony as the lighting struck his body, soon Kahn was knocked into the far wall. Raiden caught his staff as it returned to the ground.

On his knees, Kahn was amazingly, still conscious. Weakened, Kahn stood up. Panting, he still was able to mock the Thunder God.

"It's not over yet, Raiden! You may have won this battle, but you can't stop the invasion. All you are going to remember in the coming years is how you failed to save Earth…"

Raiden did not respond, but just as Smoke had bested Jade, more of Kahn's armies came out upon them while Kitana and Kung Lao helped Liu Kang get to his feet.

"KILL THEM! KILL THEM ALL!" Kahn ordered.

"Shao Kahn is summoning his army! Quickly! We must return to Earthrealm! I will show you the way! Hurry!" Raiden ordered urgently as each warrior ran towards the exit, Jax picked up the unconscious Kano's body and flinging it over his shoulder, he ran with the others.

As Kitana ran alongside Liu Kang, she noticed Jade and for a moment, the two best friends exchanged a look of sadness and regret.

"Kill the Earthrealm pests, but bring Kitana back alive!" Kahn shouted as his army began their pursuit.

As Kahn angrily walked over to where his cape lay, Tsung secretly muttered to himself as he watched his emperor. "The fool should've listened to me… but noooooo!"

O-O-O

With the unconscious Sub-Zero still on his back, Scorpion looked around for the portal back to Earthrealm.

"This place is even worse than the Netherrealm!" Scorpion said in frustration.

Suddenly a bolt of lighting hit the ground. "I believe that you'll find that this is the way, Scorpion." Raiden said, calmly.

Raiden flew up into the air and Scorpion followed him, running as fast as he could.

At the portal to Earthrealm, where Liu Kang and Baraka had fought, the two Shadow Priests remained… Raiden landed softly and before the Shadow Priests could attack, a quick blast of lightning sent them both falling to their deaths.

Raiden turned around to look for the other warriors, Scorpion carrying Sub-Zero was first, who soon ran down the suspended pathway and jumped through the portal.

Sonya, Jax and Johnny Cage were next. Raiden pointed them towards the portal, Sonya was the first to leap through, followed quickly by Jax along with Kano. Johnny Cage stopped to speak to Raiden, while Smoke ran up.

"What about the others?" Cage asked, worried.

"They're on their way!" Raiden shouted. "Go!" With a nod, Cage ran up to the portal and jumped through it.

"Sub-Zero! We can't leave him behind!" Smoke said, urgently.

"He is already through the portal?"

"What?" Smoke exclaimed, surprised. "But how?"

"Don't ask questions! GO!" Raiden ordered, and with that Smoke escaped through the portal.

Almost everyone was through now, Liu Kang, Kung Lao and Kitana could be seen running up the hills to the portal. Their momentum carrying them, Kung Lao had to catch Liu Kang from collapsing a couple of times, but Liu Kang could still run.

Suddenly, Kitana stopped, causing Liu Kang to turn around and soon Kung Lao shortly after.

"Kitana? What are you doing?" Liu asked, urgently.

"I-I have to stay…" Kitana said, bowing her head.

"What?" Liu said, surprised. "You can't be serious…"

"Liu Kang! Come on! We've got to go!" Kung Lao shouted, urgently.

"I have to Liu Kang." Kitana said, solemnly.

"You'll die!" Liu said, fear swelling up in his voice.

"Maybe… but I doubt that." Kitana said, bringing her head up to look Liu Kang in the eyes. "My place is here in Outworld. Your place is in Earthrealm, you should go back, protect it from Kahn. I need to find out more about this invasion and what Kahn plans to resurrect."

"But…" Liu Kang started.

"Don't worry about me." Kitana smiled. "You've done more than enough. I'm through regretting the past…"

Liu couldn't help but smile. "You've changed Kitana."

"Thanks, Liu… for everything…" Kitana smiled at him and with that, she turned away and ran off.

"I believe in you…" Liu said, softly as he sadly watched her go.

"Liu Kang! We've got to go!" Kung Lao shouted, and with a nod, Liu Kang turned and ran past Kung Lao, who quickly followed.

Soon they both were on the pathway to the portal back to Earthrealm, Liu Kang jumped through first with Kung Lao quickly following. Raiden turned to follow, just as Baraka and two other Tarkatan warriors jumped down, determined to follow.

"Uh-uh." Raiden said, pointing his finger up. Baraka and his troops stopped in surprise. A small bolt of lightning emerged from Raiden's fingertip. "I don't think so." Raiden said, chuckling slightly.

Baraka and his men immediately backed away. As Raident turned and walked through the portal…

O-O-O

Back on Earthrealm, Smoke had found Sub-Zero's unconscious body left alone. He ran up to his friend and shook him awake.

"Sub-Zero! Sub-Zero! Are you alright?" Smoke shouted.

"Uh…" Sub-Zero groaned, as his eyes opened. "Smoke?" with another groan, he sat up. "Where are we?"

"Back on Earth. Raiden got us to the portal." Smoke explained. "How did you get here?"

"I-I don't know. I just remember being attacked by Reptile and then… nothing." Sub-Zero said, unbeknownst to them, his savior, Scorpion watched them from a ruined architect above, it was time for him to return to the Netherrealm, giving Sub-Zero one last look, he spoke before walking through the portal.

"Live well, Lin Kuei Warrior…"

Sub-Zero and Smoke stood up. "Shang Tsung… we failed, he still lives…" Sub-Zero said, shamefully. Smoke bowed his head in shame. "We need to return to the Lin Kuei Temple, come on Smoke." And with that, the two ninja vanished into the shadows, but neither was prepared for what lay in store for them when they would return to the Lin Kuei Temple.

Jax tried to get some handcuffs around Kano's wrists. "OK, creep. You're gonna pay for your crimes once and for all!"

"Not today, Jax! Not today!" Kano said, kicking himself free from Jax's grasp and knocking Sonya away.

"No!" Sonya shouted as she got to her feet. "He's getting away Jax!"

"Damn it!" Jax shouted, soon they were both on the heels of Kano, who just barely made it back through the portal to Outworld.

Just after Kano made it through, Raiden came out and the portal shut.

"Damn it all to Hell!" Sonya shouted, kicking her feet into the dirt. "That bastard got away again!"

"Yeah, but he'll be skewered by Shao Kahn's army when he gets back." Jax said, turning to Sonya.

"I don't know, Jax… somehow I doubt we've seen the last of him…" Sonya said, bowing her head slightly.

"Yeah…" Jax conceded. "I kinda have the same feeling."

"Hey guys, come on!" Johnny Cage said, trying to brighten up the move. "The damsel's saved and it's a happy ending couldn't ask for anymore!" Cage turned to Liu Kang, who stood to the side with his fist clenched. "That was awesome, Liu! Just like a real movie hero!"

Liu Kang sighed sadly. "No, Cage… in the movie, the hero always saves the girl…"

Shocked, Cage stepped back. "Man, I guess I shouldn't have said anything… sorry man… Hey, I'm sure she'll be ok."

"Yeah…" Liu Kang said, flatly.

"Don't worry about her, Liu Kang." Kung Lao said, walking towards Liu and putting his hand on his shoulder. "She can take care of herself, she proved me wrong, you know."

Liu Kang chuckled slightly.

"I'm afraid you don't have much time to rest…" Raiden said, a grim tone in his voice. "This won't stop their invasion."

"Invasion?" Sonya asked, confused.

In a few moments, Raiden had told Sonya everything; she was just as shocked as the others were when they learned.

"We should get back to America." Jax said, turning to Sonya. "Let our superiors know… we gotta get ready. Raiden, could you open a portal to America?"

"I can do that, Jax." Raiden said, as a portal appeared behind him.

"Yeah, I'll go with you guys, I gotta back to Hollywood and finish my movie." Cage said, walking up behind them.

"How can you think about making movies at a time like this?" Sonya said, angrily.

"Hey, I wasn't the one tied up for the past few days." Cage grinned.

"That wasn't my fault!" Sonya shouted.

Johnny Cage and Sonya bickered all the way back to America, while Jax only sighed.

Later, on the Lei Tei of where the Wu Shi Academy once stood. Raiden put a medal around Liu Kang while Kung Lao stood to the side and watched.

"For your victory over Shang Tsung in the tournament, I bestow you this medal." Then Raiden placed a second medal around Liu Kang. "For your victory over Shao Kahn, you have once again proven yourself worthy as Earthrealm's champion and hero."

"Thank you, Raiden." Liu Kang said, bowing.

"Kung Lao." Raiden said, turning to the warrior who bowed upon being called upon. "I thank you for fighting for Earthrealm in the Outworld Tournament and I can only hope you will be an ally for us in the near-future."

"When the Outworld forces come, Raiden." Kung Lao started. "I vow to fight for Earthrealm to repel them."

"I'm sorry that I don't have a medal to give you…" Raiden started.

"I don't deserve one." Kung Lao said. "Liu Kang was the real hero of this battle."

Raiden nodded slightly as Liu Kang walked over. "Raiden, what about Kitana?"

"I don't know, Liu Kang." Raiden said, solemnly.

"I couldn't save her..." Liu said, sadly.

"She made a choice." Raiden said. "Which is what you will have to do in the near-future, Liu Kang. Great sacrifice lies ahead of us and I know you will be able to face them, Liu Kang…" Raiden finished as he placed his hand on Liu Kang's shoulder, who offered a small smile.

Hours later, after Raiden had already left, Liu Kang and Kung Lao finally buried their fallen Shaolin brothers, with gravestones marked for all of them, as Kung Lao paid a visit to his ancestor's grave and gave a modest bow.

"He was honored today, Kung Lao." Liu Kang said, walking over. "He'd be proud of you."

"Thanks." Kung Lao said, smiling, but then he sighed and looked away in shame.

"What's wrong?" Liu Kang asked, puzzled.

"I'm sorry, Liu. I was wrong. The attack on the Shaolin Temples wasn't your fault." Kung Lao said, solemnly. "I was stupid. You're better than me, Liu. I know that now."

"I don't think that's entirely true." Liu Kang said, smiling.

Kung Lao smiled back, before he and Liu Kang got in front of the newly erected graves, both bowed their heads and prayed for safe passage to the afterlife for their Shaolin brothers.

"So what now? Is this the end of the White Lotus Society?" Liu Kang asked.

"No! We rebuild, starting today." Kung Lao declared.

"Yeah, these events were just fulfillment of my destiny… and yours." Liu Kang said.

"Yes, but our greatest challenges lie ahead of us…"

"No question there." Liu Kang said, as he and his friend turned and watched the sun set behind them. "Well, looks like we won't be rebuilding today."

He and Kung Lao couldn't help but give a good long laugh. Something they both needed.

"We'll find a way…" Liu Kang said, determined.

"Yeah…, but for now let's enjoy the time we have." said Kung Lao.

And with that, the two friends watched as the sun set in the sky, as they prepared to face the next part of their journey together…

THE END

Original Mortal Kombat 2 staff:

Ho Sung Pak as Liu Kang

Anthony Marquez as Kung Lao

Carlos Pesina as Raiden

Daniel Pesina as Johnny Cage/Scorpion/Sub-Zero/Reptile/Smoke/Noob Saibot

Katalin Zamiar as Kitana/Mileena/Jade

John Parrish as Jax

Richard Divizo as Baraka/Kano

Elizabeth Malecki as Sonya Blade

Phillip Ahn M.D. as Shang Tsung

Brian Glynn as Shao Kahn

Ed Boon as the voice of Scorpion

Steve Ritchie as the voice of Shao Kahn

Design and Software: Ed Boon

Design and Graphics: John Tobias

Sounds and Music: Dan Forden

Additional Graphics: John Vogel

Sound Department:

Matt Booty

Dan Forden

Ed Keenan

Executive Producers:

Ken Fedesna

Neil Necastro

Hardware Design:
John Lowe

Mortal Kombat created by Ed Boon and John Tobias

Mortal Kombat is a copyright of Midway.

Fanfic adaption by GCube45

Based on the original story by John Tobias

In the lower corridors of Shao Kahn's palace, a woman lay dead on a small bed. She appeared to be in her forties, but soon she would live again… Shao Kahn approached this woman, and brushed the side of her hair, so gently.

"Soon, Sindel, soon we will be together again…"