#mk9 2011

We begin Genesis’ events in the aftermath of Armageddon, dead bodies strewn about, on and around a giant pyramid. The camera pans around the sight of large vultures feasting upon the corpses, some of the bodies having recognizable weapons laid near or protruding out of them. As the camera gets closer to the pyramid, we can begin to hear the sounds of a fight coming from the top of the giant structure.

Following these sounds, we see Dark Raiden battling Taven. Taven had just defeated Blaze, but that wasn’t enough to save him from Dark Raiden’s wrath. Raiden would be the one to win, he must be the one to win. He was the protector and defender of Earthrealmer after all, and Fujin nor Liu Kang just weren’t up to the task in the dark god’s eyes, their corpses littering the pyramid along the other dozens of bodies that surrounded him.

Raiden: “You have battled valiantly, Taven. But I am afraid you have reached your end. Earthrealm will prevail.”

Taven: “Look around you, Raiden! Earthrealm is no more! The only things of Earthrealm remaining here are you and Kami! Can’t you see that? You’re just fighting for yourself like the rest of us at this point!”

Raiden: “If you think Earthrealm is lost you are mistaken. As long as I live, Earthrealm will thrive. I doubt a son of Argus would understand.”

Kami: “While we know how Argus can be, Taven is correct, father. Look around you. Look at all of the bodies that litter the pyramid and beyond. Bodies that belong to friends and foes alike. To say that any realm is thriving at the moment would be a flat out lie unless you were to the Netherrealm or potentially the Chaosrealm.”

Raiden: “You dare speak back to me? My own daughter?”

Kami: “Well, yeah. I’m not about to follow you through this narcissistic version of you, when we’re probably going to die anyways! I’d rather die in battle, fighting for my ideals, rather than the twisted ones from the dark version of my father!”

Raiden: “Then so be it.” Raiden then powers up his lighting, glowing a bright red from Raiden’s darkness.

Kami: “W-What? You were actually going to strike me down!? What the hell, dad!?” Kami shouts in disbelief. This somehow snaps Raiden out of his darkness to see Taven’s fried corpse that lies between him and his daughter.

Raiden: “D-Did I do that?”

Kami: “Uh, yeah… if Taven hadn’t’ve moved me aside, that would’ve been me… you didn’t like that I had disagreed with you, so you were going to strike me down…” Raiden doesn’t respond. That’s when his pocket begins to glow. Raiden takes out his amulet, it having a large crack in the middle of it. Kami takes out her own, seeing that hers was in a similar condition.

Kami walks towards Raiden, so they could compare their amulets as their amulets continued to crack.

Kami: “What does the cracking mean, father? Does it mean our end?”

Raiden: “I assume so. If that is the case, we should leave a message for anyone who could hear us.” The two then speak into their amulets as they begin to crack away more and more, until both end up cracking into dust.

Kami: “What now, father?”

Raiden: “I-I don’t know.”

Kage: “Good, because we do!” The pink oni shouts, as she and Shao Kahn are seen climbing up the pyramid and walking towards Kami and Raiden.

Shao: “Let’s start with bashing your heads in! Your time is up, thunder gods!”

Kage: “And shredding you to pieces!” Kage then pounces on Kami, being true to her word and shredding the goddess apart with her flaws and teeth sinking into her flesh as Shao decapitates Raiden with his gigantic war hammer, the two thunder gods being no more.

Once the bright light fades, we see the two thunder gods standing beside Fujin, Iris, Varian, Andrius, Kung Lao and Liu Kang. Looking around we can see that the group are at Shang Tsung’s Mortal Kombat tournament. As they look around, they can see several familiar faces.

Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Kenshi Takahashi, Nightwolf/Erron Black, Bi-Han, Cyrax, Sektor, Zale, Justus, Spyte, Scorpion, Quan Chi, Reptile, Floyd, Rebellius, Jade, Kitana, Skarlet, Cyrus, Goro, and Kintaro, Megan and Shang Tsung currently no where in sight, despite this being their island and tournament.

Liu Kang: Lord Raiden! What is wrong?”

Fujin: “Are you alright, brother?”

Kung Lao: “Lady Kami, are you ok? You look unwell.”

Iris: “Kami, dearest, do you need anything? Andrius is here if you are feeling ill.”

Varian: “Yeah! Andi can patch you two right up! Right Andrius?” Kami interjects before Andrius can respond.

Kami: “Thank you all, but I think I’ll be fine for now.”

Raiden: “I feel the same here. I just had the strangest visions…” Raiden and Kami then pull out their amulets to see that both of them are cracked.

Andrius: “Raiden, Kami! Your amulets! But we’ve been standing here the entire time! What in the realms is going on?”

Raiden: “It is nothing that you should worry yourself over, Andrius. I believe the tournament is about to start, so let’s divert our attention there for the time being.” The rest of the group nods, listening to Raiden’s words and not wanting to prod any further.

The camera then pans elsewhere, it now following Megan and Shang Tsung, Megan wearing an elegant dark blue dress, heeled boots, and freshly applied lipstick, while Shang Tsung wore a pretty casual looking outfit, at for for his status, Shang Tsung wearing purple pants, a green shirt, black boots, purple leather fingerless gloves, and a black leather jacket with a red and orange Asian dragon design on the back of it.

Shang Tsung stands in the middle of where the Outworld side was standing, between the Edenians, Goro, Kinataro, Quan Chi and Scorpion. Megan goes to stand with the other Edenians so she’s out of the way, but Shang Tsung grabs her gently by the waist and brings Megan to his side. While Megan is surprised by this, she doesn’t complain, appreciating the attention from her lover.

Johnny: “Sheesh! Now how in the world did he manage to pull her?” An Earthrealmer by the name of Johnny Cage mumbles, Megan and Shang Tsung having caught his attention.

Shang Tsung: “Welcome kombatants! I am Shang Tsung, your host of this little tournament! In the coming days, each of you will fight. How many battles each of you participates in fully depends on your strength and stamina. Some of you are here on your own volition. Others are here by chance.” During Shang Tsung’s welcoming speech, Johnny’s eyes drift from where Megan and Shang Tsung stood, to looking around and taking in the surroundings, the actor having never stepped foot outside of Earthrealm up until today. As he looked around, a woman by the name of Sonya Blade happened to catch his eye.

Johnny: “Oh, ho, ho! Hello beautiful. Johnny Cage, at your service~” Johnny mutters softly.

Sonya: “No, thank you Cage…” The soldier declines, somewhat disgusted with a hand raised.

Johnny: “You seriously haven’t heard of me? “Massive Strike”? “Citizen Cage”? “Ninja Mime”? None of those ring a bell?” As Johnny is listing off his movies, Sonya’s eyes land on the person that’s she’s been looking for a while now, and the very reason that she was on this weird and creepy island in the first place.

Sonya: “Kano. And he has his vampire with him…” Sonya mutters, quiet enough for Kano to not hear her.

Johnny: “Kano? Vampires? I believe I was in that one… what was it about again?” Johnny thinks out loud. He then sees where Sonya’s eyes were looking and saw a man with a cybernetic eye and a pale man with black sclera, glowing red irises, and sharp fangs sticking out of his mouth walking to where Megan and Shang Tsung were, going somewhere behind them, Skarlet going with them once she sees them. “Ah, I see.”

Shang Tsung: You all will be participating in one of the most important Mortal Kombat tournaments in history! This tournament is the tenth after nine Outworld victories and will be the one to decide Earthrealm’s fate once and for all. Once you have defeated all of your opponents, you will face one final challenge. Me!”

Johnny: “Wait, so that old man is the final challenge? We don’t even get the option to fight her instead? Sheesh… If this is the storyline we’re sticking with then you might as well give me the award now. Belt? Medal? What even is the reward for winning this tournament anyways?”

Shang Tsung: “Not a chance, Mr. Cage! You will get your reward in time.” The sorcerer spits from behind Johnny. Johnny jumps at the sudden voice behind him, turning to see that sure enough, Shang Tsung was now right behind him, causing Johnny to look confused between where Shang Tsung was and where he currently was right in front of him.

Johnny: “H-How the hell did you-”

Shang Tsung: “A magician never reveals his secrets, Earthrealmer.” Shang Tsung smirks as he walks back to where he was at Megan’s side, putting his arm back around her. “Our first opponent will be Johnny Cage!”

Johnny: “Hell yeah I am!” Johnny yells, ready to show off to everyone, glad that Shang Tsung chose him to go first. “So, sorcerer, who’s my first opponent going to be?” Shang Tsung then leans down to hear Megan’s idea on who Johnny should face first.

Megan: “What about Reptile? He hasn’t fought in a tournament in a while and we have to test him somehow.” She whispers into her husband’s ear. Shang Tsung nods before placing a peck on Megan’s cheek. Megan blushes at this, causing Shang Tsung to smirk.

Shang Tsung: “Your first opponent is Reptile!” A figure then reveals itself on the roof to one of the buildings surrounding where the tournament was taking place, showing the bipedal reptilian, who then jumps down to fight.

Johnny: “Nice stunt and makeup dude! Who’s your agent?”

Reptile: “I serve Megan Shang and Shang Tsung as well as their son. Though you will die before you get the chance to face any of them.”

Johnny: “Wait, they have a kid?” Johnny replies in surprise, looking around the island to see if Reptile was telling the truth. But before the actor can look around for long, he hears Shang Tsung’s voice.

Shang Tsung: “Begin!” The host shouts, officially beginning the Mortal Kombat tournament. Johnny and Reptile begin their fight, Johnny surprisingly coming out victorious despite Reptile’s invisibility and acid spit. The lizard man leaves the stage without a word, not wanting to deal with Megan or Shang Tsung after his defeat.

Johnny: “You just got Caged! Yeah, I'm so awesome! I’m taking you down, I’m taking you down, I’m taking you down, I’m taking you down!” Johnny flexes as he celebrates his win, going down the front row. “And I'm taking you out on a date~ What do ya say, beautiful?” He says once he gets to Sonya. As this is happening, Raiden’s group minus Raiden himself and Liu Kang quietly laugh at Johnny’s antics, finding the actor to be quite amusing.

Sonya: “Ugh, no thank you. Still not interested.” Before Johnny can reply to Sonya’s remark, Shang Tsung speaks.

Shang Tsung: “Ready for your next opponent, Cage?”

Johnny: “You bet I am, magic man.”

Shang Tsung: “Who should Cage’s next opponent be, my dear?” He asks.

Megan: “Hmmm.” Megan thinks for a moment, her eyes scanning the crowd. “I think seeing Johnny facing that swordsman over there, Kenshi Takahashi I believe it was, could be fun.” Shang Tsung smirks, seeing Megan’s vision, rubbing her waist and placing a kiss on her forehead.

Shang Tsung: “Your next opponent is Kenshi Takahashi.” Shang Tsung announces, the Japanese swordsman walking up to the stage.

Johnny: “Be careful Kenshi, wouldn't want my shine to reflect off of your sword and blind those beautiful brown eyes of yours.”

Kenshi: “Thanks for your concern, Cage, but I'll be fine.”

Johnny: “If ya say so, tattoo.” Despite some large scratches and cuts from Sento, Kenshi’s sword, Johnny comes out victorious. Kenshi bows without saying anything before walking off to where Kano, Justus, and Skarlet had seen walking to previously.

Johnny: “Any more opponents for me, beautiful?” Johnny looks over at Megan with a smirk on his face. This causes Megan to look at her husband, Shang Tsung.

Shang Tsung: “That is all of your opponents for today, Cage. Matches will resume at first light. If you want to fight more then-”

Rebellius: “But I want to fight him now!” A voice from the crowd shouts, a tall, slim, red-haired man with an eyepatch seen walking up to the stage.

Rebellius: “Shouldn’t he be able to fight three opponents like the rest of us? I know you two may want to retire to your quarters, but I’m sure everyone else wouldn’t mind one more fight.”

Megan: “I know you’re a Chaosrealmer, Rebellius, but it is getting rather late.”

Rebellius: “Oh I’m aware of that, starlight, but what’s one more fight? Plus, you heard the man, he said he wanted another opponent, so why not let him face me?”

Shang Tsung: “I will allow it, Rebellius. But only this one fight until tomorrow’s matches.”

Rebellius: “Will do!” The Chaosrealmer booms. “You ready Earthrealmer?” He asks, turning to Johnny.

Johnny: “You better believe I am…uh…what was your name again? Rebellious? Like the word?”

Rebellius: “Exactly like the word, just spelt differently. Just take out the o and you have my name!”

Johnny: “Are all Chaosrealmer names like that? If so, I may need you for naming some of my movies and writing some of my lines.”

Rebellius: “I would be happy to. If you can beat me that is.”

Johnny: “Oh, you’re on! Let the chaos begin!”

Rebellius: “Oh, I am starting to like you already!”

Johnny: “Oh, I knew you would, eyepatch.” After a while of Johnny struggling against Rebellius due to him not being used to fighting a Chaosrealmer, Rebellius decides to go easier on Johnny, allowing for the actor to win.

Johnny: “Hell yeah, baby! Three out of three!” He celebrates, somewhat out of breath. “Thank you for letting me win back there, Rebellius. You could’ve easily tore me to shreds, but you did.”

Rebellius: “Of course. Winning means nothing to me, so while yes, I could’ve easily washed you, I decided to let you win. Earthrealm needs to win more than Chaosrealm does at the moment.”

Raiden: “Rebellius is correct, Johnny. As Shang Tsung said, this is the most important tournament in a long time, especially for the sake of Earthrealm.”

Johnny: “I'm sorry, but who are you? Nice hat.”

Liu Kang: “He is Lord Raiden. Protector of Earthrealm.” Liu Kang spits as the rest of Raiden’s group walks up to Johnny and Rebellius.

Johnny: “Earthrealm? Um, ok. Are you doing some sort of fantasy thing? If you need any acting tips I'd be more than happy to help you out.”

Liu Kang: “It is not a thing, Cage. This is real, and if we don't win this tournament then we are as good as dead.”

Johnny: “Uh yeah, I kind of got that from what Raiden said.” Johnny comments.

Fujin: “Calm yourself, Liu Kang. Johnny is new to Mortal Kombat and all of the realms and people involved. He wasn't raised around it like you were.”

Liu Kang: “My apologies, Lord Fujin. His arrogance got the better of me.”

Kung Lao: “Oh, and did that arrogance remind you of anyone? Is that why you got mad so quickly?”

Iris: “Don’t provoke him, Kung Lao. Save your fighting and provoking for your turns in the tournament.”

Kung Lao: “Yes, Lady Iris.” Kung Lao nods, listening to the doctor’s words.

Johnny: “And where have you three been my entire life~” Johnny flirts, looking over to where Iris had spoken, Kami and Varian being behind her.

Andrius: “Traversing realms and protecting Earthrealm since before you were born” Andrius smirks. This causes Johnny to chuckle a bit.

Johnny: “If you say so emo. Listen, I know you guys probably have your stuff to get back to, and I have a winning streak that I need to be sure to not lose. I am not losing this early into the game. Plus, I kind of want to try and shoot my shot with Sonya a little more if she’ll let me and see if Rebellius wants to train some more…” The actor mumbles the last part.

Fujin: “This tournament is more than just a chance for your personal glory, Johnny. We are here to save Earthrealm and other realms from Shao Kahn’s grasp. The more people we have on our side the better.”

Johnny: “Wait, so me wanting to continue my streak helps you out as well?”

Varian: “As an Earthrealmer, it helps both you and us.” Varian adds. Before anything else can be said, Shang Tsung interrupts.

Shang Tsung: “Now that you’ve had time to think, will you finish your opponent, Mr. Cage?”

Johnny: “Um, finish him how exactly?” Johnny asks, a slight blush on his face.

Megan: “By killing him of course. Don’t worry, he’s a Chaosrealmer, and one of the top ones at that as Rebellius is the current Cleric of Chaos. After his brother Havik passed away and all.”

Varian: “So, Rebellius is Cleric of Chaos now? That explains why no one has seen him…” Varian thinks out loud to herself.

Johnny: “I’m sorry, gorgeous, what? You expect me to kill someone that I just met? Someone that I’ve just started taking a liking to? I don’t care if he can regenerate or not!”

Shang Tsung: “It’s either kill the Chaosrealmer or be disqualified from the tournament. Ending your precious winning streak as well as losing points for Earthrealm.”

Rebellius: “It’s fine Johnny. As you said, I’ll just regenerate, so whatever happens to me, I’ll always come back. It’s typically tradition to kill your opponents in the tournament, especially your last one. The only reason you weren’t expected to kill Reptile or Kenshi is because those were sort of like test runs to see if you were capable. Beating me was a true sign of your strength, so them asking you to kill me is proof that you’re in the tournament now.”

Johnny: “Uh right. While I don’t fully understand, you know more than I do, so I’ll take your word for it, Rebel. See you when you come back.” Johnny waves before “killing” Rebellius, earning his spot in the Shangs’ tournament.

Shang Tsung: “The night shall now commence. Our tournament will resume at first light.” Shang Tsung bows before him and Megan walk off the stage and towards their palace to their quarters for the night. Johnny then goes to where Raiden’s group was, not knowing where else to go after defeating Rebellius and not seeing Sonya.

Raiden: “You did well, Johnny.”

Johnny: “Thanks. Though I’ll admit it was weird having to kill someone. You know, like actually having to kill someone. No special effects or anything.”

Iris: “Yeah, it does take some getting used to.”

Kung Lao: “I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it in no time.”

Andrius: “If you ever need any tips on non lethally finishing opponents, feel free to talk to me. I can also patch you up as well if you need me to.” Andrius offers.

Johnny: “Thanks doc. Having a medical professional on standby can be pretty useful, especially at a place like this one.”

Andrius: “Precisely why I came here. I don’t trust those sorcerers one bit.” Andrius sneers, the plague doctor not liking Shang Tsung in particular, Raiden and the rest of the group leaving Andrius to his conversation (Varian sticking close by to make sure nothing happened to Andrius, her also not trusting the island)

Johnny: “So I take it this is their island? Given what Reptile said, they have a son? Reptile being a servant of sorts for them?”

Andrius: “Syzoth is correct. He serves the Shang family, that family consisting of Shang Tsung, his wife, Megan Shang, originally Megan Verena, and their son, Cyrus Shang. Together the family lives in the giant palace that’s on this island. You probably saw Cyrus when arriving on the island, as he and Syzoth show the kombatants of the tournament to their rooms, Syzoth and Cyrus knowing the island like the back of their hands.”

Johnny: “Come to think of it, yeah, I did see him. He’s the one that led me to my room actually as he wanted my autograph and a selfie. He told me that while he didn’t really care for my movies that much, I was the first and only celebrity that he had met and wanted something to remember the moment.” This causes Andrius to smile, remembering the conversations and interactions that he’s had with the boy.

Andrius: “You didn’t write anything bad on the autograph, did you, Johnny?”

Johnny: “Of course not! Say, did you want to catch up with your friends? I haven’t seen Sonya in a bit, and I want to make sure she’s ok with these weirdos around.”

Andrius: “That’s fine. I’ll see you around, Johnny.”

Johnny: “See ya, Doc!” Andrius then continues to where Raiden and the rest went, Varian following at his side as Johnny went to find Sonya.