SHEEVA: In some ways. But we can only guess which Kahn will
prevail in this struggle. We gain no advantage, choosing sides
now.
As she talks, two Shokan guards escort Liu Kang and Kung Lao
into the throne room.
LIU KANG: Princess!
Kitana turns to face him.
KITANA: Liu Kang? Why are you here?
LIU KANG: Kotal Kahn has been captured by the Tarkatans. We must
act quickly, before he is executed.
Upon hearing this news, Sheeva rises from her seat.
SHEEVA: My people will not rally to a Kahn held in chains.
Kitana motions to the Shaolin Monks.
KITANA: We have Earthrealm’s support, your Highness. With yours,
we can guarantee victory.
SHEEVA: There is no path to victory without the Tarkatans. If they
can be swayed to Kotal Kahn, it would be to our advantage to join
him.
KITANA: I will return, Queen Sheeva, with the Tarkatans at my
side. Together we will march on Shao Kahn.
The scene cuts to a Tarkatan campsite. Kollector, flanked by two
Tarkatans, walks past a prisoner cart. The Tarkatans are dragging
the unconscious body of Kotal Kahn behind them by his feet. The
cart is opened up and the Tarkatans unceremoniously dump Kotal in
the back. The door slams shut as Kotal wakes up and pulls himself
up to his feet.
Next to another cart full of prisoners, Shao Kahn stands with
Skarlet. They both watch two more Tarkatans dragging a struggling
Jade into a nearby tent and start walking to the tent themselves.
SHAO KAHN: What is it about Jade’s blood that intrigues you,
Skarlet?
SKARLET: Edenian blood is most sweet, your Excellency. It is also
a rare commodity.
Behind them, the carts of prisoners begin to ride off. Shao Kahn
stops and turns back to the carts as Skarlet walks into the tent.
The scene cuts to a cliff overseeing the Tarkatan camp. Kitana,
Liu Kang and Kung Lao step to the edge, alongside some Outworld
horses and a couple of Kotal’s scouts. They look out across the
camp, easily spotting the large procession of Shao Kahn’s forces
and the prisoner carts they escort.
LIU KANG: Where are they taking him?
KITANA: To the Koliseum, no doubt.
KUNG LAO: Then we attack now.
KITANA: We’ll never sway Baraka to Kotal’s side by taking the
offensive. We must turn Baraka first, then attack Shao Kahn
together.
Below them, the cart with Kotal loaded in it leaves the
campsite.
KUNG LAO: The Tarkatans won’t grant an audience. Their instinct
will be to attack.
LIU KANG: Not to mention Jade. At the first sign of trouble,
they could kill her.
Behind Kitana and the monks, the Outworld scouts saddle up
on their mounts.
KITANA: I have an idea.
The scene cuts to the Tarkatan camp. A male warrior sharpens his
arm blade on a grindstone. Another flexes his blades as a human
would with his arms. Another mounts an Outworld steed. Many more
stand guard wielding pikes, ready for trouble. One suddenly
turns his head and snarls. Two Outworld soldiers – both male with
well toned physiques and wearing face concealing masks – escort
a captured Kitana through the campsite.
SOLDIER 1: Who is in charge here?
They proceed to walk through the camp unmolested, though the
Tarkatans tail them suspiciously.
Inside the tent seen earlier, Skarlet holds both her hands
against Jade’s face.
SKARLET: Almost done. Then time to feast.
The tent pulsates with the blood magic she is performing. Jade
begins to scream in agony. Her eyes turn bloodshot and the
veins in her face ripple against her skin. As Jade moans in
agony while Skarlet violates her with blood magic, the Outworld
soldiers bring Kitana into the tent. Upon seeing the princess,
Skarlet stops her ritual and Jade falls unconscious to the floor.
SKARLET: Princess Kitana?
SOLDIER 1: Our gift for Shao Kahn. We wish to join his fight
against Kotal.
Skarlet seductively walks over to her.
SKARLET: All those years, the Kahn’s high and mighty daughter. Now
brought low by common soldiers. Have you learned, finally, that
you’re no better than the rest of us?
She leans in to place her hands on Kitana’s face, but the first
soldier pushes her back.
SOLDIER 1: She is for Shao Kahn. We demand to see Baraka.
SKARLET: You won’t be seeing anyone… Liu Kang.
She backs up and points in his direction, addressing the
Tarkatans around her. She speaks in the Tarkatan language, but
this time the speech is translated for the audience.
SKARLET: Nor arka! [Grab them!]
The Tarkatans growl in rage. Realising the plan is blown,
Kung Lao plants his fist into the gut of the nearest Tarkatan
and drops him with a punch to his neck. He dodges a stabbing
lunge from another Tarkatan and throws him to the ground.
Liu Kang knocks out a charging Tarkatan with a three punch
combo, while Kitana draws her fan blades and stabs at Skarlet,
who dodges and blocks the strikes. Skarlet brings out her knife
but gets tagged with a roundhouse kick to the face. She staggers
and flees from the tent, with Kitana in hot persuit.
After running a short distance, Skarlet turns around and swipes
at Kitana with her knife, but the princess jumps over her and
rolls to her feet, bringing her fans into a fighting stance.
A warhorn sounds around the camp behind them.
SKARLET: You betrayed your father, Kitana!
KITANA: I was Shao Kahn’s ‘daughter’ by conquest. He stole Edenia
from its rightful ruler, the father I never knew!
SKARLET: Because your people, and your bloodline, were weak.
They fight. Skarlet’s blood magic proves to be a difficult
challenge for Kitana to overcome, as she lacks the same prowess.
But she more than makes up for it with her agility and fighting
skill, and she takes the battle to Skarlet, eventually leaving the
assassin down and out.
KITANA: There is more to power than conquest, Skarlet.
Just at that moment, Liu Kang, Kung Lao and Jade walk up to
Kitana, with Jade being helped along by Lao.
KUNG LAO: As requested, zero casualties.
KITANA: Jade, are you alright? We must find Baraka quickly to save
Kotal.
JADE: Baraka won’t join us. Kotal’s hate for the Tarkatans runs
too deep. If I hadn’t stopped him, Kotal would’ve executed them
all.
Another voice cuts into the discussion.
BARAKA: Yes… Kotal has made his intentions plain.
Baraka walks into the campsite area, and he is not alone – over
thirty more Tarkatans are with him. Liu Kang, Kung Lao and Jade
all get into fighting stances as they approach, but Kitana holds
up a hand in peace.
KITANA: Baraka, please listen. No more Tarkatans need to die.
BARAKA: Kotal Kahn threatens all Tarkatans. In the New Era,
Shao Kahn will rule.
They fight. As the leader of the Tarkatans, Baraka is the
strongest, fastest and most savage of his race – all advantages
he presses against Kitana. But for all of his strength, the
princess of Edenia outclasses him in speed and skill. Playing to
her own advantages, Kitana manages to take control of the battle
and Baraka is eventually left on his knees, defeated.
KITANA: Here me, Baraka. I speak truth.
Behind them, Liu Kang, Kung Lao and Jade continue to fight against
the Tarkatan horde, though most merely stand to one side and watch
the fighting. Baraka remains on his knees.
KITANA: Jade, Liu Kang, Kung Lao. Stand down!
Kitana’s words give all three pause for a moment, but when more
Tarkatans charge them they are forced to strike back.
BARAKA: Khut! Nar kombat trakka! [Hold! Cease your kombat!]
At the command of their warchief, the Tarkatans finally stand down.
Baraka rises back to his feet and addresses Kitana.
BARAKA: Speak. You’ve earned the chance.
KITANA: Shao Kahn has pitted Outworld’s peoples against one
another for millennia. And for what? The honour of dying in his
wars? We must fight for each other, Baraka, not with each other.
BARAKA: Kotal wants us dead. He said as much to my face.
KITANA: Aid us, and I’ll make sure you sit at Kotal’s table.
She turns away from him.
KITANA: Which do you prefer, Baraka? To be Shao Kahn’s slave? Or
Kotal Kahn’s trusted ally?
Baraka ponders her words for a moment as she turns back to him.
BARAKA: No one has ever made Tarkatans such an offer. But these
are your words, not his.
KITANA: Help me save Kotal Kahn. We’ll ask him together.
BARAKA: He offers less, I’ll slit his throat.
KITANA: If he offers less, Baraka, I’ll help you.
The scene cuts to the Koliseum. Kotal Kahn is imprisoned in the
center of the stadium in a stock. He struggles within it, but
cannot even move a muscle. Shao Kahn stands next to him (with
Kollector slightly behind), addressing the crowd.
SHAO KAHN: You’ve suffered too long at this pretender’s hands. But
I’ve returned, and I will save you from his madness!
The crowd – only caring about seeing a good show – cheers his
words. Shao Kahn magically summons his warhammer into his hands.
SHAO KAHN: Only I can rebuild the empire. All realms will tremble
before me! Outworld will again be conquerors, never the conquered!
The crowd begins to chant Shao Kahn’s name, increasing in
intensity. He roars in triumph as they cheer in excitement. Shao
walks over to Kotal, preparing his warhammer to crush Kotal’s
head into paste. But before he can properly begin his swing, a
loud banging resounds throughout the Koliseum.
Shao Kahn’s soldiers walk over to the main doors of the stadium.
Though they are barred, the doors vibrate as the banging
continues. The soldiers draw their weapons as the bars on the
doors begin to splint and break. Finally, we see the other side
of the doors; six Outworld soldiers hold a battering ram and
slam it into the door, breaking it open.
Behind them, numerous other soldiers, Tarkatans and Shokan – as
well as Kitana, Jade, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Sheeva, Baraka and even
the older Erron Black – raise their hands and cheer. Taken aback,
Shao Kahn’s soldiers back up as the new arrivals stride into the
Koliseum. The crowd also falls into a shocked silence as Kitana
faces down her adopted father.
SHAO KAHN: Where’s this boldness been hiding, Kitana? Had you
shown it before, I’d have had no need for Mileena.
Kitana slowly walks toward him.
KITANA: My ‘sister’ was an unholy monster. Exactly like you,
‘father’.
As soon as she is within striking range, Kitana pulls out her
bladed fans and lunges at Shao Kahn, who backpedals just in time
to avoid being vertically sliced down his chest. He dodges
several more swipes and parries one with his warhammer, swinging
it back at her. Kitana dodges two of his strikes, then attacks him
again with the fans, forcing him to parry them.
The rest of the soldiers have now started fighting. In the midst
of this, Jade quietly picks the lock of the stock holding Kotal.
Kitana finally lands a stab into Shao Kahn’s kidney, sending the
Outworld Emperor down to one knee. She readies her fans for a
killing blow, but Kollector charges in on her flank. She dodges
his clumsy swipe and slashes him across the chest with her fan,
drawing blood. He backs off for a moment, clutching his chest,
then he snarls at her.
KOLLECTOR: Ungrateful shrew. Born to privilege which you throw
away.
KITANA: Who are you to judge me?
KOLLECTOR: You have not known cold or hunger. If you had, you
would value the gifts Shao Kahn gave you.
They fight. Kollector fights with utter viciousness and with all
the magic and every weapon he can pull out of his backpack. Kitana
though has thousands of years of kombat experience and manages to
find a counter to his every move. The fight is fierce, but she
eventually manages to leave the Naknada down and defeated.
Around them, the crowd cheer on the mass fighting.
KITANA: Be grateful you still breathe.
Across the Koliseum, Shao Kahn power walks through the fighting
soldiers, shoving several out of his way, but Kotal Kahn – though
barely able to stand upright – pursues him. As Shao turns around,
Kotal throws some sand into his face and tackles him, hoisting him
up onto his shoulder. Kotal charges Shao into one of the
Koliseum’s walls, with the impact being so strong that several
onlookers in the stands above fall down to the arena floor.
The rest of the crowd cheers on the carnage as Kotal grapples
Shao in a bearhug. Shao headbutts Kotal to stun him, and then
forces his arms down between Kotal’s, pushing out with enough
strength to break the bearhug. Shao Kahn then hoists Kotal up in a
bearhug of his own. Kotal tries to grab onto his helmet, but Shao
clinches the hold, causing the weakened Kotal to lose his grip.
Shao then lets go of the bearhug and lifts Kotal onto his
shoulders, hooking Kotal’s right arm and leg under his arms.
Kotal struggles but is unable to break free of the backbreaker
rack that Shao has him caught in. As Kotal growls in vain, Shao
laughs in response, lifts Kotal as high as he can and slams his
spine against his back. A sickening crack can be heard as Kotal
falls limp. Jade watches this with clear horror on her face.
JADE: KOTAL!
Shao Kahn throws Kotal Kahn to the ground and summons his
warhammer. He brings it over his head for a killing blow… and
takes a slash across the chest from Kitana’s bladed fan, sending
him staggering backwards. Kitana faces him in a fighting stance.
KITANA: Surrender or face the consequences!
SHAO KAHN: Surrender, on the brink of victory? You’re as feeble
minded as Jerrod.
KITANA: KING Jerrod. The father you murdered and stole me from!
SHAO KAHN: I wanted Jerrod’s wife, not his heir. I kept you only
to appease your mother. Do not expect mercy this time.
They fight. The battle proves to be the most difficult of Kitana’s
life. Shao Kahn’s strength, magic power and fighting experience
all greatly surpass hers, with only her speed and agility
outshining his. But Kitana refuses to let the man who killed her
father dictate her life any longer. With all the heart and
determination she can muster, Kitana dodges his attacks while
landing surgical strikes of her own, and after an epic melee,
she stands victorious over Shao Kahn.
KITANA: I’ll not inherit your cruelty.
As Shao Kahn tries to rise, she blasts him in the face with a
roundhouse kick, knocking him onto his back. She strides over
to him and rips his mask off his face, throwing it aside. For
the first time in her life, Kitana looks down on the face
of the warlord who has both ruled and ruined her, and she
readies her fans.
Shao Kahn stares back at her, snarling and defiant. As it turns
out, his face doesn’t look dissimilar from a regular human,
though his curved nose, orange glowing eyes and sharpened teeth
stand out, as does the lack of hair.
But whatever Shao Kahn is, it ultimately does not matter to
Kitana. She brings her bladed fan down and across his face,
slashing his eyes and drawing a large spurt of blood. The crowd
recoils in horror as Shao cries out in agony, and around them all
the soldiers stop fighting to take in the spectacle.
KUNG LAO: She did it!
LIU KANG: Of course she did.
Kitana looms over Shao Kahn for a few moments, but he remains
unmoving. Satisfied that he is beaten, Kitana walks over to
Kotal and Jade. Kotal is leaned against one of the pillars,
breathing heavily, and Jade is feeling his legs, which are
unresponsive.
JADE: Do you feel anything?
KOTAL KAHN: Shao Kahn… has crippled me. Left me defenseless.
Jade leans in close to Kotal.
JADE: Not while I am by your side.
KOTAL KAHN: You would… have me? Even with my hardened heart?
JADE: I know your heart.
She places her hand on his chest.
JADE: It can change.
Kotal places his own hand on hers, a smile crossing his face.
Kitana walks over and bows to him.
KITANA: It is over, Kotal Kahn. The throne is secure.
KOTAL KAHN: Thank you.
Behind Kitana, Baraka and Sheeva walk up to the Emperor.
KOTAL KAHN: Baraka, Sheeva. I have not served your peoples well.
Yet, still you aided me. I will not forget.
BARAKA: We don’t need charity. We will share in Outworld’s rule.
KOTAL KAHN: That is up to her now.
He points toward Kitana, who looks confused at his words.
KITANA: What?
KOTAL KAHN: The throne is yours. You have united Outworld…
Kitana Kahn.
Across from them, Kung Lao lightly slaps Liu Kang on the chest.
KUNG LAO: She’s now officially out of your league.
Kitana looks back at Kotal and Jade, the latter of whom has a huge
smile on her face.
KITANA: I am humbled, Kotal.
She looks up and addresses the entire Koliseum.
KITANA: From this day on, may all our peoples fight together as
one.
Across the stadium, the united members of Outworld – human,
Tarkatan and Shokan – all cheer in response.
RAIDEN: The news from Outworld is indeed hopeful.
The scene cuts to the Fire Gardens. Raiden stands on the porch
of one of the houses, addressing Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Cassie,
Jacqui and Jax, as well as Liu Kang and Kung Lao, who have
returned from Outworld.
RAIDEN: But the location of Kronika’s Keep remains a mystery. It
is beyond the realms and has proven to be beyond my sight.
SCORPION: Do you know of Kharon, Raiden?
SUB-ZERO: Kharon, of course.
RAIDEN: Who is Kharon?
SCORPION: Master of the ancient ship of the dead. Sub-Zero and I
met him during our time as revenants.
SUB-ZERO: He travels in the space beyond realms, transporting
damned souls to the Netherrealm.
SCORPION: If the Keep lies there, Kharon may know its location.
RAIDEN: Would he help us?
SCORPION: It is possible, but I cannot be sure.
RAIDEN: I urge you both to investigate.
Hanzo raises his fists to his chest and Sub-Zero clasps his hands
together, both of them saluting Raiden.
SCORPION: We will leave immediately.
As they walk off, Cassie addresses Raiden.
CASSIE: Locking down Outworld’s army is huge. But still, I’d feel
better if we had more manpower.
RAIDEN: The Shaolin will join us. Liu Kang and Kung Lao travel now
to aid the monks’ preparations.
Liu Kang raises a straightened palm to his chest, while Kung Lao
clasps his hands together in salutes of their own.
CASSIE: Good. I’ll be leaving soon to go after Johnny and Sonya.
JAX: I’ll go too.
JACQUI: We’re both going.
CASSIE: No. Raiden needs you for an intel op.
JAX: We need to get Sonya back.
RAIDEN: Undoubtedly. But Kronika’s behaviour makes it clear that
while mighty, she is not all-powerful. Otherwise why would she
attempt to steal Jinsei?
JACQUI: Think maybe she’s still building strength?
RAIDEN: A distinct probability.
JAX: Then what’s her next move?
RAIDEN: With the Dragon Grotto’s Jinsei fountain sealed, there is
no greater energy source in Earthrealm than the Well of Souls
beneath Shang Tsung’s island.
JACQUI: Then we’d better go check it out.
She and Jax (who is now smoking a cigar) walk off. Raiden looks
to Cassie.
RAIDEN: I regret that I cannot join you. I must keep vigil for
signs of Kronika’s further tampering with time.
CASSIE: We all have our duty.
RAIDEN: I am told you defeated Shinnok, Cassandra Cage. You will
defeat the likes of Kano. But proceed with caution. If either
Johnny or Sonya die, you will cease to exist. It will be beyond my
power to save you.
Cassie says nothing, contemplating his words.
The scene cuts to darkness. A rabid crowd can be heard cheering.
We see from the perspective of someone as their eyes slowly open
to take in the sights of the crowd, separated by a large steel
cage, admist a dingy looking bar with purple lighting.