Chapter Text
As the huge ship sailed through the Sea of Blood, corpses of soldiers fell into its red waters. Tarkatans, Shokans and Osh-Tekks fought and killed each other.
The great conqueror Shao Kahn was fighting against the Earthrealm's champion Liu Kang. It wasn't an easy fight at all, his huge hammer and brute force made the fight nothing but bloodthirsty. But the human warrior wasn't far behind, he had defeated Goro and Shang Tsung before, he had Onaga's fire and a great anger inside him. It caused him great indignation that a mother preferred her mistress over her own daughter just for power and riches. And yet, she lied to her saying she loved her father, being her own murderer.
The anger was enough to give him the strength he needed to defeat him. With his health almost completely weakened, he was able to defeat the great conqueror of Outworld.
"Your madness will be your own end, Shao Kahn." Liu Kang said victoriously.
He then raised his head and looked around at his allies. He was worried since he hadn't seen his friend Kung Lao during the altercation. He moved his head in various directions until he finally saw it. He was sitting in a corner of the ship, drenched in blood, with his head downcast, barely able to move. Jade and Kotal stood side by side, trying to get him back on his feet.
"Kung Lao!" He exclaimed and ran towards the three of them. Even with the great war taking place around him, seeing his best friend covered in blood and not moving made him react. As he got closer, he saw that, in addition to being covered in red liquid, he had quite a few injuries. He was coughing desperately, drawing blood from his mouth.
"He is fine, we found him in the sea." Kotal told him, patting the warrior's back so he could get out all the liquid he had swallowed. While Jade held onto his shoulders to keep his torso stable.
"... Shao Kahn..." The shaolin sketched weakly coughing again. "... he threw me..."
He had been thrown into the Sea of Blood by Shao Kahn; he had come close to drowning. Instantly, the champion felt even more fury and clenched his fists tightly. That was the height of his evil, the fact that he had hurt the ones he loved the most lit up his inner fire even more.
On the other hand, Kitana was fighting Sindel. It was quite a painful battle, both physically and emotionally. The princess could not believe that everything she had lived through was a lie. Not only was she deceived by the fact that Shao Kahn was her father, but her own mother also blatantly lied to her about her love. She believed that they were both victims, until she discovered she was the only victim the whole time. However, this wave of feelings was the impulse for the princess to defeat her opponent.
Liu Kang turned his head in search of Shao Kahn to collect what he had done to him. But then he found himself in another situation. Approaching the conqueror's knocked out body, he saw that Kitana had defeated his mother. She was lying on the floor of the boat just like her lover. For that moment the other warriors, Tarkatans, Osh-Tekks and Shokan, stopped fighting when they saw their former leaders defeated. In that, a silence and tension invaded the scene.
The princess was standing, staring at the body of her mother. Her expression reflected anger, but at the same time, great pain. Hate, anger, sadness, disappointment, was the only thing she could feel at that moment. Then, without outlining a single word, he walked towards her opponent, positioning herself on top, with both feet on either side of her waist. Suddenly, she took out her huge fan and opened it at the height of her head.
Everyone, including her allies, witnessed how Kitana, with great strength and speed, swung her sharp fan across Sindel's neck. The moment she felt the attack, she snapped her eyes open and gasped while came a great spurt of blood spurting from her severed throat. She couldn't do anything about the fact that she was bleeding to death, other than place her hand on her wound trying to stop the bleeding, to no avail. Her attacker looked away, she might not be able to see what she had done, but she had no choice.
Everyone was stunned, she had killed her own mother in front of the crowd in a similar way when she blinded Shao Kahn. But this time was different, she didn't blind her like he did with her lover, she had finished with her. She knew she made a mistake by not killing the old Kahn when she had the chance. Therefore, she decided to end her mother's life to avoid future conflicts.
The woman was trying to stop the bleeding, clinging completely to life. She made ragged moans of pain. She looked at her daughter for mercy and raised her hand as best she could to try to touch her. However, she backed away, he didn't want anything from her, not even her touch. After everything she did, she was unable to feel compassion.
"... Kitana..." She emitted weakly, the wound on her neck prevented her from speaking clearly; but she was strong enough to sketch her daughter's name for the last time.
The young Edenian didn't even flinch. It caused her great sorrow to hear her mother suffer, but she showed no mercy. When she withdrew completely, after efforts in vain, Sindel lost too much blood, dropped her torso to the ground and with one last breath, she died.
Jade, Kotal, and Liu Kang then approached Kitana, who looked devastated at what she had done. Her friend and the Shaolin were worried, she knew the great pain that the woman would carry in her conscience.
"Kitana." Jade said. "Are you okay?"
She didn't make a sound, the rage of her being had faded to give way to sadness. Her eyes moistened and her face tightened. But before she could speak, there was a loud groan of pain. Everyone immediately turned around since that moan was immediately recognizable. It was Shao Kahn, who was trying to get up. He was too weak, but with the desire to destroy everything in his path. However, when he knelt, he saw the body of his dead mistress, covered in blood. This, more than saddening him, turned on his anger.
"You!" He shouted furiously he made his enemies while trying to stand up. "You killed my wife!"
Everyone was alerted when witnessing the wrath of the conqueror, who now seemed more willing to end everything. However, Jade, Kotal, Kitana, and Liu Kang prepared to counter his attack. They were four warriors against one, they were not afraid of him.
Suddenly, Shao Kahn let out a scream of rage and began to run towards the people ready to kill them with his bare hands. But the champion was already prepared for what was coming. For what he had done to Kitana and Kung Lao, he was determined to finish him off, once and for all. Thus, he took up the baton and before his other allies could stop him or do anything, his left fist caught fire. He ran towards Shao Kahn, who, being weakened, was unable to defend himself against what awaited him.
When the two were a measly distance away, Liu Kang let out a great cry of rage and hooked his fist, brutally impacting his enemy's chest. But it wasn't a normal blow. It was so intense that the flesh of the conqueror's torso began to burn and tear. And in a burst speed, the fist completely pierced through his muscles, organs and skin, protruding from Shao Kahn's back. From his mouth came blood and a loud low scream of pain. He could no longer defend himself against the deadly attack. Then, the chosen one began to withdraw his fist from him still in flames, leaving destruction in his wake, tearing and burning more inside the conqueror. But before he could pull her out completely, he stopped at one point. The human, still wearing his furious face, glared at the Outworlder and took his heart, causing him to cry out in pain again. With great brute force, he fully pulled his fist out, now with the heart ripped from his opponent's chest.
At the moment of taking his hand from him, Shao Kahn fell on his knees on the floor, he witnessed his last moments watching his assassin still holding his heart. The last thing he saw was his vital organ burning to char in the bloodied hand of the chosen one. Until finally, he dropped his body forward completely.
The great Shao Kahn had finally died.
The Shokans, Tarkatans and Osh-Tekk soldiers were perplexed by the murder of Shao Kahn himself, the bloody and violent manner of his death. They witnessed how the Shaolin's expression showed enormous rage, but at the same time satisfaction at finishing off his greatest enemy. Kitana, Kung Lao, his Shaolin masters, and all the innocent people who perished in his invasion had been avenged.
Kung Lao, who had already recovered, approached his friend, still processing what he had witnessed.
"You did it!" He said stunned seeing the corpse with a big hole in the middle of his chest.
"It's over." Issued the champion in a low voice but that the others could hear.
Both Shaolin looked at each other, their expressions were serious, however, they finally felt calm, especially Liu Kang seeing that his friend was fine. The two turned to see their other allies. Jade, Kotal and Kitana looked at both corpses to finally see the other soldiers in front of them. The latter were still stunned, the Tarkatans and Osh-Tekks remained calm, they were waiting for the orders given by their Kahn. While the Shokan were nervous, their two great leaders had been executed, they feared that they would be next.
Once the tension rose even higher. Kitana glared at the Shokan, who had betrayed her and attacked her for no apparent reason.
"I would like to know why they attacked us!" The now Kahn asked aloud with anger and indignation in her voice. "It's supposed we were allies!"
"Sindel told us that you murdered our queen Sheeva!" Explained one of them, who was one of the closest. He seemed to have a solid alibi.
"And why would I murder your queen? What do I gain from it?" She frowned, that's where she realized that Sindel had deceived them and that's why they had attacked them. "I don't know what other lies she told, but she deceived you! She used you all to retake the throne of Shao Kahn, the same harpy who has enslaved and separated us for millennia."
All the Shokans realized their grave mistake. The one who had yelled no longer knew what to say to justify his crime.
"Kitana Kahn," General Kotal approached. "What will we do with the traitors? Will we execute them?"
"No!" She answered immediately. "They will receive punishment, but we will not execute them. Too much blood has already been spilled in the name of Outworld."
"But Kitana!" The Osh Tekk raised his voice, but before he could claim him, he felt a hand on his shoulder, it was Jade. The latter looked at him seriously, emphasizing that he should follow his Kahn's orders. Furthermore, she agreed that no more deaths were needed, and that the Shokan attacked because they had been tricked.
"It's an order!" She said in an authoritative tone. She was willing to change the path for good.
"Yes, my Kahn." Kotal reluctantly agreed.
"Kitana." Liu Kang approached, taking her gently by the shoulder making her turn around. "We must get to Kronika Island, they are waiting for us."
She smiled at him and nodded, then walked away until she reached Jade.
"Come on, we have to handle this ship!" She said to her friend to immediately go with her to direct the big boat to their destination and give orders to her soldiers.
The champion stared at the Edenian for several seconds. Until Kung Lao reached out and grabbed his shoulder by surprise, causing him to quickly turn his head away.
"Did you see it? Do you believe me now?" Said the Shaolin in a mocking tone. Making the other roll his pupils and take a sigh.
"Yes, you better go clean up." He replied, a little annoyed. It was no time for his jokes.
"Hmm! Never underestimate Kung Lao's intuition!" He'ssued victoriously while he left to look for something to clean the blood from his face and body.
They sailed the ship until they finally reached the island. The wood of the huge boat collided with the ground, the warriors who were inside could witness what was happening. They realized that the other ship had arrived. Also, the great barrier that protected Kronika's palace was already destroyed, there were Special Forces soldiers and Shaolin warriors fighting Kronika's demons, preventing their allies from entering to the Hourglass.
Without wasting any more time, all the warriors got off the ship to defend their own. Kotal, Jade, Kitana, Liu Kang, and Kung Lao took the lead of the entire army. All of them immediately ran to where the conflict was. There was a risk of dying, but they would do it to defend Earthrealm, Outworld and prevent Kronika from creating the New Era.
They were intercepted by demons from Netherrealm, so they set out to kill said creatures and reduce Kronika's army. They weren't that bothersome, since those demons acted on wild instinct, which made them lose to the soldiers and warriors. Kitana, Kotal and Jade stayed close during the altercation, defeating each of their opponents. Also, thanks to their reinforcements and the three Allied Races, they didn't have much of a problem.
The problem came when Kitana had just defeated one of the demons. She thought she had already defeated the demons surrounding her. Before she moved from the spot to help her other allies, she felt a sharp cut on his back. She groaned in pain and turned to see who it was. For her surprise, it was her present self, a revenant Kitana.
The one from the past was perplexed, she knew she had died in that reality, but she had never seen her reventant in person. She also saw that revenant Jade and Kung Lao were fighting their past versions respectively.
"You should be on our side!" The revenant said furiously and immediately started attacking with her fans, this didn't do any damage as the Kahn was able to dodge it perfectly. Taking advantage of the situation, she took out her fan and attacked her opponent. She managed to give two cuts on her arms, causing her to back away.
"Why would I join Kronika?" She asked indignantly. "To be one more slave of a tyrant?"
The one from the future was furious and tried to hurt her again with the sharp weapons. Both started a hard fight.The revenant was full of anger inside her, and had reasons to, she hated the destiny she had, ending up as an undead, living more than twenty-five years in the dark serving Quan Chi and Shinnok.
"Kronika will give me my own kingdom in the New Era! No one else can hurt me anymore!" The revenant one yelled as she struggled.
The edenian woman could feel, with each attack her counterpart gave, a great hatred. Her attacks were wild and fierce, however, the one from the past beat her in terms of technique. This was what helped her in kombat with the corrupted version of her.
As they fought, the Kahn summoned the winds, lifting the future Kitana and quickly attacked with her weapons, hitting her several times and culminating in a huge thigh slam to her face. This greatly weakened her opponent, who fell to the ground defeated, almost knocked out. The one from the past knew this version of her was corrupted by Quan Chi's dark magic, which clouded her judgment. She took advantage now she was defeated to talk to her.
"I am already Kahn of Outworld," She told her victoriously, then she smiled at her while the other looked with anger. "Liu Kang and I will take care of governing together and recovering the values of Edenia."
"Don't you understand?!" She asked exasperated. "That man was the one who destroyed my life! From the moment I joined him my fate was sealed in this!"
"What?" She said confused, her hopeful expression changed to one of utter terror. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"For allying with him my own mother killed me and Jade for betraying her!" She shouted furiously, it seemed she wanted to give in to tears. She got down on her knees, with her eyes looking down at the ground. "I have been a slave and prisoner of all! I just want to be able to have my own kingdom...I want to restore Edenia, for my father to come back..."
Kitana was shocked, her present self's voice was reflecting all her pain and what she had suffered. She didn't know what to do or say at the time. Because of that information, she was confused, it was hard for her to imagine that meeting Liu Kang would ruin her life. However, she felt compassion for her version of the future, it was the same thing she wanted.
"... I want it too." She said with her head lowered, looking with great sorrow at her opponent, who was crying and cursing disconsolately. It was the only thing she could say after what she had heard.
While that was happening, Liu Kang and Kung Lao focused on defending their Shaolin masters and Shaolin comrades from the monsters. Also, they wanted to find Raiden so they could help him and give the news about Shao Kahn and Sindel's attack. The two Shaolin managed to see Raiden in the distance, near Fujin. It seemed that he was going to give him the crown of Kronika he was holding.
But then they noticed something strange.
There were two Raiden in the same place and time, it seemed like a hallucination, but it wasn't. While one of them was with Fujin, the other was fighting revenant Liu Kang. They immediately realized that Shang Tsung was doing his thing to steal the crown. Anyone who didn't know him wouldn't identify which one was the real one. However, they knew which was the right one since it was too obvious.
"No!" Said the champion quite scared. He feared the worst.
"Go for Raiden! I will go for Shang Tsung!" Said his fellow and immediately began to run at full speed in the direction of "Raiden" and Fujin, who was about to give him the crown of Kronika. They couldn't let that happen.
The other didn't think twice and ran to where his master was.
He was still in a hard fight against his current student, who was fighting fiercely with his killer. However, the god was victorious and the revenant lay on the ground, not knocked out, but vulnerable, barely able to stand up. He had an expression of anger and defeat but accepting his fate if he was to die.
"You're wasting your time, Raiden. You can't save me!" He yelled in his raspy voice, glaring at his former mentor.
"I must to, it is what will save Earthrealm." He answered with his characteristic neutral voice.
The god began to emit thunder from his hands, ready to merge with his opponent. But then he felt someone approaching. The champion was running as fast as he could with a look of anguish and fear on his face. This didn't give Raiden a good feeling, he knew that something bad was happening when he saw his student while he desperately ran to be close to him.
"RAIDEN!" His student yelled with all his might to be heard. Before finally coming within inches of him.
"Liu Kang? What happened?" He asked quite worried and alarmed, interrupting what he was planning to do.
"It's Shang Stung!" He yelled again, pointing to the area. They both turned and saw the scene. They saw how the fake Raiden received the crown in his hands by Fujin. His suspicions became reality, the worst-case scenario was coming true.
The god of thunder changed his expression, furrowed his brows and tightened his face. He was now furious at the sorcerer's betrayal. In less than a second, he levitated into the heavens releasing strong lightning. He quickly walked over to where his brother and his impostor were. The latter heard the thunder and saw the god come down, landing hard on the ground.
"Your lies are revealed, sorcerer!" He exclaimed angrily walking towards them. Fujin was confused seeing his brother twice. It wasn't until one of them smirked that he realized who the fake was.
"Shang Tsung!" The wind god shouted when he saw what he had done. He had given the crown to his enemy. The impostor surrounded himself with green auras and quickly revealed his true identity. The sorcerer was still smiling victoriously when he finally saw that the crown was in his own hands. Both gods were stunned.
"You should be more vigilant Fujin. Now, bear witness, as the power to decide destiny becom..."
A sharp hat sped past his head before he could finish speaking. This caused him to cry out in pain, shift his position and throw the crown to the ground. The hat turned around and returned to the hands of Kung Lao, who had thrown it to prevent Shang Tsung from putting on the crown. The latter complained of pain and saw that the weapon damaged part of his head, causing it to bleed. Then he saw both monks approaching to them.
"Raiden! Fujin!" Kunf Lao said concerned but relieved that he had been able to take the crown away from his hands. So Liu Kang decided to take it so the sorcerer couldn't pick it up. "It was all a trap."
"How could I be so naive?" Fujin added frowning, he was about to make the worst mistake. About to seal the fate of his allies to death.
"Insolent boy!" Exclaimed the sorcerer angrily making everyone turn around. As he stood up completely, he tried to reach for the crown, only to realize it was no longer in his hands.
"This has always been your endgame, hasn't it?" The god of the wind raised his voice. "From the moment you were trapped in the void!"
"That crown belongs to me!" He raised his voice also claiming what was his creation. "I'm the only one who can control it!"
"Yes, of course. So, you can enslave us all?" Kung Lao yelled, provoking the witcher.
"That's what I'll do, stupid boy!" He answered furiously.
Suddenly and with incredible speed, Shang Tsung raised his hand and, using his magic, took possession of the Shaolin's body. This one tried to free himself, but to no avail. The others witnessed Kung Lao being lifted off the ground and quickly dragged into the hands of the traitor. The sudden movement made his hat fall to the floor, leaving him helpless. When he finally got to him, he ended up holding his neck tightly, having him at his mercy. The monk tried to move and use his hands to make him release him, without any success.
At that instant, Raiden, Fujin, Jax and Liu Kang were about to attack, until...
"Uh-huh!" The sorcerer issued, still holding the boy by his throat, making the others stop in their tracks. "You don't want me to absorb his soul, do you?"
The other warriors looked at each other's faces. They didn't know what to do in such a situation. Liu Kang only looked at him with great anger seeing that his best friend was being hurt.
"Give me the crown! And I will give you benefits in my New Era... If not, your beloved Kung Lao will pay the price!" Shang Tsung threatened. He even tightened his grip on his victim's neck, who groaned and struggled to let go.
The champion knowing he had the crown, was at a crossroads. He didn't want to give him the crown, but he didn't want his friend to die because of him either. When he looked into his eyes it made him doubt his decision, even though Kung Lao shook his head so he wouldn't give it to him. Shang Tsung's offer was tempting, however, knowing the sorcerer's treacherous and lying nature, he knew that even if he gave it to him, he would enslave everyone.
"Never!" The chosen one shouted furiously, rejecting the offer and still holding the crown.
"Ok, At least I tried to negotiate... Say goodbye to your friend!" He responded with a wicked smile. It was time to make good on his threat. Then the sorcerer using his magic again began to absorb Kung Lao's soul. Immediately he screamed and convulsed as he felt his energy begin to be absorbed.
"NO!" His fellow yelled loudly and did the unthinkable.
Raiden and Fujin tried to control him, they knew that Shang's plan was to provoke him and he had succeeded. His attempt to stop him was in vain as Liu Kang quickly ran towards the sorcerer intending to do his worst.
Shang Tsung was smiling satisfactorily as he saw the person with the crown approach him. The champion lunged at him, causing both of them to fall to the ground. Because of this, Kung Lao was finally released from his grasp and fell to the ground as well. Fortunately for him, his soul wasn't absorbed, but he had hurt his throat. The chosen one got on top of the sorcerer and began to punch him desperately. Although he managed to hit him several times and hurt him, the other had a beam up his sleeve. With his magic he grabbed his attacker and pulled him away by throwing him. For this, he had already released the crown, leaving it practically next to the sorcerer.
He took the opportunity and quickly seized it. Raiden, Fujin and Jax were already heading towards him to stop him. But this time Shang Tsung didn't wait to give a speech like the previous time. Immediately, he put on the crown before his enemies could reach him.
– NO! –Shouted both gods when they saw that the worst was happening.
The moment the crown touched the sorcerer's head, a great wave of power surrounded him. An was aura emitted by the piece that was so strong and powerful that it managed to repel his opponents, causing them to shoot backwards. The power of the artifact did its job, said wave was as powerful as a huge tornado, making anyone who was close to him out of his reach. Because of this, the other demons, warriors from Outworld and Earthrealm who were fighting were interrupted by it. This surprised everyone in the area, who looked confused where he came from.
When said power finally ceased, everyone could witness how Shang Tsung became an omnipotent being. His clothes had changed, now they were white with gold details. And his appearance was no longer of an old man, he had rejuvenated.
Kitana, Jade, and Kotal were able to see everything from afar. Jacqui Briggs, his father, both the past and present versions of him, and Nightwolf saw it to.
"I always suspected we couldn't trust him!" The Osh-Tekk said furiously, seeing the wizard with the crown in the distance.
"We all already suspected it, Kotal." Jade answered, also furious.
"We have to help them!" Jacqui said and started running towards where her Earthrealm allies were.
"Let's go!"Exclaimed the general to his armies, making everyone run there to attack their common enemy.
Shang Tsung took the time to savor his new power, he was the equivalent of a titan, more powerful than the Elder Gods themselves. He began to use his new abilities, levitating into the heavens, where he could see the warriors from both realms surrounding him. All of them had promised to join forces with him to stop him from executing his plans.
"Do you think you can stop me now?" The sorcerer laughed when he saw how all the others looked so small compared to him. "Kronika was wise to banish me. With this crown, I'm her equal! They have no power over me!"
"Your evil will not triumph!" Raiden exclaimed, willing to finish off his nemesis.
In that Fujin invoked a wind that propelled his brother, staying at the same height as where the sorcerer was. The other warriors were ready to help the god of thunder, but they realized that there were more demons from Netherrealm ready to attack them. Apparently Kronika had sent more reinforcements to protect the palace.
"Finish them! We'll take care of Shang Tsung!" Said the god of the wind towards his allies before leaving to help his brother.
"Yes, Lord Fujin." Said Liu Kang, who turned to see his companions and proceeded to head towards the demons.
"Attack!" Kitana exclaimed calling her armies.
And just as, for the first time in history, Special Forces soldiers, Shaolin Monks, Tarkatans, Osh-Tekks and Shokan, would fight together. Now with the armies of Earthrealm and Outworld united, they could stand against Kronika's reinforcements.
While they were fighting the armies, the brother gods were fighting with Shang Tsung in the air. It was an arduous fight, but an easy one for the sorcerer, with Kronika's crown, his power increased. Raiden tried to punch and kick him, but his opponent ended up dodging them without much trouble. In one of those, he took advantage of the god's distraction to grab his leg and throw him with all his might towards the other god. Due to the speed Raiden was going, he ended up colliding with Fujin and both hit the ground. However, they got up to give more fight to his traitor. Shang Tsung stopped floating and approached the gods below him.
"It was too easy!" The sorcerer mocked at the very low difficulty he had when fighting
"You think us unprepared?" Asked Raiden approaching. "Your treachery is expected, sorcerer."
"You are incapable of choosing the righteous path!" Fujin added indignantly since he really trusted him at some point.
"The path I choose ends your souls sworn to my service." He interrupted boldly, quite sure about his destiny. "That future is now undeniable!"
"What you want is not future, Shang Tsung! Your actions will cause to destroy time and universe!" The wind god yelled at him, who began to position himself to fight.
"ENOUGH!" The sorcerer yelled back loudly with an annoyed expression. "If that's the case, I'll end this once and for all!"
Suddenly, the sorcerer levitated quickly, willing to kill everyone and he wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of the great power he possessed. He began to cast a spell, with a wave of his hands, he summoned and gathered a large amount of power and the aura of his body increased more and more. He even grunted and clenched his torso from the effort he was making by mustering such a large amount of magic. Something bad was definitely going to happen.
The brothers seeing this didn't think about it anymore and pushed towards him to stop whatever he was trying to do. But it was too late. Out of nowhere, the sorcerer stretched his body completely, lifting his face up, emitting a great cry that everyone present turned to look at him. As he did this, another burst of power came out of him, preventing Raiden and Fujin from reaching him. Then, everyone who was in island, began to feel strange. Green auras began to surround their bodies.
"What the hell?!" Jacqui exclaimed as she and the others were hit by the auras.
"Oh no." Kung Lao said, he knew what would happen. He turned to look at his best friend Liu Kang, who looked back at him, they were both scared, they knew the feeling.
Everyone looked at each other, concerned, confused and frightened. Shang Tsung saw himself and showed a big smile, it was time to carry out his plan. Then he abruptly changed position, swinging his arms up, letting out a cry.
And along with that, the sorcerer began to absorb everyone's souls.
The brothers, all the Shaolin monks, military men, Shokans, Tarkatans, Osh-Tekks and even the demons they were fighting began to lose their souls and scream in despair. The energy prevented them from moving or attacking, many began to convulse, throw themselves to the ground, cover their heads or chests with their arms in a futile attempt to prevent their souls from leaving their bodies.
Hearing their cries, their screams of pain, impotence, fear and agony, were the perfect music for Shang Tsung's ears, who began to laugh wickedly. Seeing as now, he would completely absorb the souls of thousands of warriors from Earthrealm, Outworld, and two mighty gods. At last, he was fulfilling one of his greatest fantasies, stealing the souls of as many people as possible in a single attempt, filling himself with power. With the crown at his mercy, he was able to feel, firsthand, what he had longed for for millennia. It was satisfying for him to feel they way he became stronger as the seconds passed.
The victims began to degrade and wither. The sensation was horrible and painful as their skin and organs gradually degraded. Also, overwhelming as they couldn't do anything but feel how the energy of their bodies vanished. All that was left for them was to pray and remember their families and loved ones for last time. There was nothing to do anymore, it was the end for them.
But, as the prophecy says, when there is evil, good will always stand in the way.
Suddenly, a huge and powerful lightning bolt shot out of the heavens and struck Shang Tsung, brutally electrocuting him. The force of said thunder was extremely powerful causing the sorcerer to crash to the ground. Then, all the power and part of the souls he had absorbed flowed out of his body, since he was unable to complete his deed. Everything that had been stolen came back to the victims. However, the feel of their absorbed souls was enough to make everyone fell unconscious to the ground, including both gods.
The sorcerer felt a strong pain from the lightning and the impact with the rocky floor. He widened his eyes, wondering who had interrupted his plan. It couldn't have been Raiden or anyone there, as their souls were being sucked out, leaving them completely vulnerable. It couldn't be the Elder Gods either, since Cetrion had killed them along with Kronika.
Shang Tsung was confused and dismayed, he didn't know from whom such thunder had come that he was able to stop it, even with the power of the crown. When he got up, he saw the others knocked out on the floor. But before he could repeat what he did, he heard a huge portal opening behind him.
"Cease!" He heard a very familiar voice. "Before you doom us all!"
From this portal a figure emerged, it was the god of thunder and fire, Liu Kang. He had come back from the beginning of the universe to stop his enemy. His eyes and entire body shone with fury; it was time to stop his madness.
"Liu Kang!" He said, looking at him with deep distaste. "I thought your duties required that you stay behind."
"A lie, something you know well."
"I see now." He smiled mischievously and took on a sarcastic tone. "You were waiting to sacrifice the lives of your friends to finally make your grand entrance!"
This annoyed the deity, who, without thinking, quickly attacked the sorcerer with a lightning bolt, electrocuting him. When the attack ceased, he looked at him with annoyance.
"You underestimate my prowess, Chosen One" The sorcerer said as he walked while still looking at him with contempt. "I have the Crown! You may have attained godhood, but I am the Keeper Of Time. You are no match for me!"
"Kronika said much the same, Shang Tsung. You will share her fate." Liu Kang replied pointing at him, lighting his body on fire, preparing for the final combat. "Now hand over the crown, this is your only chance."
"My only chance?" He answered, steadfastly refusing to lose all his power. I was prepared to fight his greatest enemy, determined to finish him of. "It's my triumph, and your final moment! Your worthless existence is at its end!"
The final battle had begun. The fate of all realms would depend on this meeting.
Shang Tsung wasn't an easy opponent at all, being a sorcerer with thousands of years of training, his power surpassed any mortal. Kronika's crown made his strength increase even more. Liu Kang had already fought him in the past and defeated him, but this was different. He was no longer a simple long-lived sorcerer, he had the power equivalent to a Titanide, with the ability to even defeat the Elder Gods.
However, the champion's adrenaline and courage made him fight like never before. He had a great innate fire within him, the energy that Raiden had given him and a great determination to avenge his friends and defend the safety of the realms at all costs. Kronika had a motive to stop Raiden and Liu Kang from fusing, his combined power would match her strength, upsetting her plans.
The fight was arduous, stressful and bloody, it seemed not to end. When one attacked, the other countered equally or stronger, weakening bit by bit. At that point, the sorcerer felt an enormous insecurity, he didn't think that the battle would be so difficult. He thought having Kronika's power would beat him fast like he did Raiden and Fujin moments ago. He began to get desperate and lose the technique that made him effectively damage his opponent.
And when they both had few vitality left, the tension became higher than ever.
In a desperate attempt, Shang Tsung used his magic, possessing the chosen one's body and drawing him to himself. He quickly grabbed his neck and tried to suck his soul out of him the same way he tried Kung Lao. But his magic was no longer as powerful as he used that little energy he had left to possess his body.
Then Liu Kang took advantage of that and responded with a tremendous blow in flames and thunder directly to his torso. This caused the witcher to be thrown backwards, but before he could even get up, the god attacked him again. He launched an innumerable number of spheres of fire and thunder towards his body, which managed to completely weaken the sorcerer.
At that moment, Raiden and Fujin, who had been unconscious all this time, finally managed to wake up. They got up quite confused since the last thing they remember is seeing Shang Tsung absorbing their souls. They turned to where the fight was and saw the Earthrealm's champion turned into a god giving the final blows to their traitor. Both were surprised, since they also thought that him would stay at the beginning of time to protect the Hourglass. They didn't expect him to return to face the warlock. This one lay on the ground quite wounded and finally defeated. The now God of Thunder and Fire, Liu Kang, had emerged victorious.
"Make no mistake Shang Tsung. You have chosen this fate." He said satisfactorily before his rival.
Using his new powers, he gave a blast of strong power to Shang Tsung, who was thrown backwards again. He quickly tried to get up, but suddenly, he noticed that the tips of his fingers were turning to sand. The evil man was absorbed, seeing how his body began to disintegrate gradually.
"No more timelines will be twisted by your evil." The champeon began to get closer to his body.
Shang Tsung tried with all his might to get up, but to no avail. His hands had disappeared along with his feet, preventing her from standing. He tried to get away, to defend himself, but it was useless. In the last seconds of his existence, he witnessed his biggest enemy reach out and snatch the crown from his head. He fought to keep himself from ceasing his existence, until his body became nothing more than insignificant sand.
The brother gods quickly approached Liu Kang, who now held the crown in his hands. He was relieved to see his allies safe.
"It's over." The chosen one sketched seeing the crown and then the brothers.
"Liu Kang, you've arrived!" Said Fujin relieved that someone got in the way of Shang Tsung's actions.
"You won. Now it's your turn to forge a new era." Added Raiden, who felt proud that his student was able to defeat such a powerful being and save the universe.
"But Kronika...!" Interrupted the god of the wind, since they had not arrived with her.
"Don't worry." Liu Kang said calmly. "I fought with her before coming here, I absorbed her power to make sure I defeated Shang Tsung."
A very smart move.
"What will you do now?" Raiden asked.
"I will return everyone to their respective times, I will erase the existence of Shang Tsung, Shao Kahn and his allies. They will no longer be a nuisance to the realms anymore" He answered with total serenity. The two brothers smiled relieved, they had a good candidate for Keeper Of Time in front of him. Someone they know would never betray them or do anything against them. But then, he changed his expression and tone of voice to a serious one. "I will only entrust the two of you with a task."
"Tell us, Lord Liu Kang" Thunder god asked, ready for anything.
"Keep this secret. What happened here only you know." Suddenly the face of both gods changed to one of astonishment and a little confusion. "They mustn't know of my existence or what I did. I want to dedicate myself to protecting the Sands Of Time while you protect Earthrealm. But they can't know it was me."
The two looked at each other a little strangely, it wasn't a usual request that they deny their victory, much less their existence.
"But, why?" Fujin questioned, it seemed strange to him that he gave them that order, but their Lord had a justified answer.
"I don't want any more conflicts between the realms over the Hourglass. That's why I will protect it and keep it in a place where no one can find it. If I need you, I'll call you."
His tone was quite calm but serious. Although the brothers found their request a bit strange, they knew they had a formidable warrior. He had defeated Shang Tsung himself and has always shown his willingness to fight for the good of Earthrealm. Besides, they didn't want any more trouble with the timelines either.
"Okay, we trust you will do well." Raiden said convinced and smiling at him, as did his brother.
"Thank you, I trust you both too." He agreed with his head and immediately afterwards, he opened a portal to be able to withdraw. But before leaving, he turned his body around looking at his masters. "I'll go to the Hourglass, I'll take care of the rest. If the others ask, you defeated Shang Tsung and destroyed the crown."
"Of course, Lord Liu Kang," answered the god of the wind before saying goodbye.
The new Keeper of Time looked for the last time, with great nostalgia, at his former masters. The three smiled at each other before the final goodbye. It was time to leave and exercise a new responsibility that was imposed on him. He entered the portal with the crown in his hands and it immediately closed.
At that instant, Raiden and Fujin heard groans from people, causing them to turn around and direct their gazes at the allies. The warriors of Earthrealm and Outworld, who were present throughout the conflict but unconscious in the final battle, awoke from their swoon.
"What happened?" Jacqui said on the ground and confused, barely coming to her senses, brushing a hand against her face.
"Is everyone okay?" Asked General Kotal, who was just getting up and seeing how his soldiers began to regain consciousness. Then he turned to see Jade, who was nearby and also waking up. "Jade!"
"I'm fine." She got up thanks to the help of her lover and just like him, she was confused. "What happened?"
By that time most of those present had gotten up or were helping their other companions to stand up. The only ones who didn't wake up were the Netherrealm demons, who didn't resist Shang Tsung's attack.
"Raiden, Fujin!" Liu Kang said who had recovered his reason just like the other Shaolin and Kitana companions. These last approached and looked worried. "Where is Shang Tsung?"
"Do not worry." Raiden responded, slightly showing his palm to reassure him. "We finished him and Kronika."
"But how? And the crown?" Kung Lao asked, evidently amazed but worried since he didn't see the crown anywhere. A few minutes ago, he was dying and out of nowhere they had finished with their enemies.
"It was destroyed. We must leave this place before time is restored" Fujin said a little hurriedly, but in a calm tone so as not to raise suspicions.
The others were puzzled but relieved that all their allies and companions were fine and that the person who was about to kill them had already been defeated.
"Wait!" Jacqui interrupted altered. "Where are Johnny, Sonya and Cassie?"
"Didn't they come with you?" Kitana asked.
"No! I haven't seen them during all this" She was quite worried, she was afraid that something had happened to her best friend and her parents. Even Jax and the Earthrealm warriors began to worry about their safety as well, since they hadn't seen them arrive on the island. Plus they didn't find Kuai Liang or Scorpion either.
Suddenly, a portal opened in front of everyone. Being something that appeared out of nowhere, many prepared to fight if it was any threat. But then several familiar figures emerged from the portal. It was Queen Sheeva, along with Baraka, Johnny, Sonya, Cassie, Kuai Liang, and Scorpion. Seeing these people, everyone was reassured to see that it was a false alarm. The Shokans who were present were stunned to see their queen alive.
"Cass!" Jacqui said smiling to know that best friend was safe and sound. The latter also smiled and ran towards her and both shared a hug. So they split up. "Where the hell had you been? Weren't y'all on the third boat?
"That's what we were going to do! But Shao Kahn attacked us!" explained the blonde.
"Queen Sheeva, they told me that..." Kitana said surprised, since they told her that she was dead.
"My shokans brought these warriors from Earthrealm to Outworld as slaves in the name of Shao Kahn." the Shokan interrupted before the Kahn could continue. "Sindel wasn't able to kill me, but she made them believe that you did."
"Wait a minute." Nightwolf interrupted with a frown. "Sindel?"
"Yes, she deceived us all!" Answered General Kotal. "She wasn't a victim as we thought. She was the one who killed King Jerrod for Shao Kahn, healed his wounds, and attacked our ship."
The gods and the Matoka were surprised, they had seen Sindel being resurrected. They saw how she was willing to defend Earthrealm and that she claimed to have been forced to marry her conqueror, but it had all been a farce.
"What did you do with Sindel and Shao Kahn?" Asked Raiden, since he realized they weren't there.
"They were executed." General Osh-Tekk replied. "Liu Kang and Kitana took care of them."
Then the brothers saw the Edenian and the chosen one respectively. The young monk nodded, confirming that it was them. But suddenly they noticed Kitana's face, who looked averted and quite sad. They knew from her expression that she had to murder her own mother.
"We're very sorry about what happened." Fujin said, approaching her.
"It's okay." She outlined in a low voice and looking up. "It's the best for the realms. My allies and I will restore Outworld from Shao Kahn's damage. They have our support if Earthrealm is attacked."
Sheeva, Kotal, Baraka and Jade looked at the Earthrealm warriors, agreeing with the new Kahn. They were willing to keep matters peaceful between the races and realms. They could finally live a more peaceful and prosperous life for their inhabitants. Besides, having the Earthrealm armies on their side, they could face any future threat.
"You also have ours, Kitana." Liu Kang said, taking her gently by the shoulder and smiling at her.
"Thank you. We'll be in touch in case we need you." She thanked returning the smile. All the Earthrealm warriors were in full agreement.
"We must return to our times before another problem arises." Interrupted the god of the wind.
Then Jacqui and Cassie turned to see their parents. It was time for the final goodbye.
"Well... I guess this is goodbye." Cassie said a little sad and wistful to some young Johnny and Sonya. The couple smiled at her.
"It's a see you soon, princess." Johnny Cage replied happily to his future daughter.
"At least we are certain that we will have an exemplary daughter." General Blade said proudly with a hand on Cassie's cheek. "We are so proud of you."
The girl changed her expression, smiled and didn't hesitate to hug her parents, who hugged her back. They would take advantage of these last moments together like family. On the other hand, Jacqui saw both versions of her father. She knew that the one from the present would go with her but the one from the past would go back to his time.
"Hey, we have an extraordinary daughter! I couldn't be more proud of her!" Said a young Jackson Briggs to his older version placing one of his metallic hands on his shoulder.
"I know!" He answered, smiling at his past self and at her daughter, who smiled at both of them "I just want you to do me a favor."
"Yes?" Asked the young man.
"Go to the rehabilitation center "TobiasEd" and find the doctor Vera. She's the one who gave us our little Jacqui."
"I'll look for her, I promise!" He assured, then he looked at her future daughter and extended his arms. The girl without hesitation went and hugged him tightly. Until finally they separated, and she left with her present father.
While that was happening, Kuai Liang looked at Scorpion. Even though he was facing his brother's killer, he had already made his peace with Hanzo. But before they could say their goodbyes, the young Shirai Ryu had something very important to say to the Lin Kuei.
"Kuai, I have not forgotten the promise I made to Hanzo before his death." By that time, he already knew the truth about what had happened to his family and his clan thanks to his version of the present. "I will look for you in the past and we will join forces. I will take it upon myself to bring back the Shirai Ryu in his honor."
"Very well." He answered smiling proudly seeing that Scorpion had changed. He was quite hurt by the death of his friend, but now there was a chance he would return in that future. "I hope to see you again, Hanzo."
Both bowed goodbyes, promising that they would be allies. Grand Master Hasashi's death would not be in vain. In that, Jade saw Kotal, she knew that they would both have to separate and return to their times. The lovers hugged each other tightly when they noticed it was goodbye. But there was still a hope they could reunite again.
"Tell me where I can look for you." Asked the brunette, caressing his face.
"I am in the Flesh Pits where Shang Tsung experimented on me. Set me free, so we can be together again."
"I will, I promise!" the Edenian woman promised.
Lastly, Kitana walked over to Liu Kang.
"Thank you for everything. I have to go back to Outworld and fix everything that Shao Kahn did to my people." Said the now Kahn, knowing the great responsibility she would have to assume.
"Thanks to you, Kitana." He replied gently taking both woman's hands and smiled at her. "I'll be there when you need me."
"Rather, when you need US!" Kung Lao joined the conversation with his characteristic sarcastic tone. The other Shaolin emitted a dry laugh just like the one in love with him.
"Thank you." She thanked again and hugged the chosen one. Taking him by surprise, but this time he hugged her back and kissed her cheek. Even though they both wanted to keep their embrace, there was no time for that, so they had to part ways. When finished, Kitana approached her allies and Liu Kang approached his respectively. Now they were all ready.
"It's time to go." Raiden said when he saw that everyone present had said goodbye.
After saying that, sands in the shape of a tornado began to surround the warriors. At first, they were scared, but the gods knew this was done by Fire God Liu Kang controlling the Hourglass. Seeing that, Raiden and Fujin didn't flinch, the others calmed down as they realized the sands were returning all the warriors to their corresponding homes and times.
Sonya Blade, Johnny Cage, Young Jax, Scorpion, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Nightwolf, Raiden, and Fujin were sent back twenty-seven years in the past to Earthrealm. While Kitana, Jade, and Baraka were sent back twenty-seven years in the past, but to Outworld. And finally, Sheeva, Kotal, Jacqui, Cassie, Jax, Kuai Liang and the armies stayed at the same time, only the first two returned to Outworld and the others to Earthrealm.
The Timequeake was over, and the timelimes were restored.