The scene cuts to the Sky Temple. An old warrior – recognisable as the native Outworlder Bo’Rai Cho – sits on a bench outside of the main temple doors. While he’s waiting, he opens a hip flask and drinks from it. A few moments later, Raiden teleports next to the doors.
BO’RAI CHO: Raiden! Raiden, my old friend!
He walks up to Raiden and shakes his hand.
RAIDEN: Master Bo’Rai Cho. I am pleased to see you. It has been many years.
BO’RAI CHO: Too long, yes, too long. We old warriors need to stick together, eh?
RAIDEN: Most certainly. I presume recent circumstances precipitate your arrival?
BO’RAI CHO: Yes, yes. I’m concerned that Shinnok may return. I’ve been trying to contact you. I feared the worst.
They walk into the temple.
RAIDEN: When Kano misappropriated Shinnok’s Amulet, he left behind a snare. Disabling it required that I travel to many strange realms. I must retire to the Jinsei Chamber. Regain my strength.
The scene cuts to the two of them walking in the underground tunnels leading to the Jinsei Chamber.
BO’RAI CHO: You are close to recovering it, then? Shinnok’s Amulet?
RAIDEN: I do not know. Disabling Kano’s snare demanded my full attention. Once I am rejuvenated, I will confer with General Blade.
BO’RAI CHO: If only we could have destroyed Shinnok during the last war. If only he were mortal.
They reach the chamber. Raiden charges his hand with lightning, but does not release. Instead, the chamber doors respond with the Japanese incantation on them lighting up and they open. The two of them take a moment to bask in the cool light of the Jinsei before walking in to the chamber.
BO’RAI CHO: Such beauty. Like gazing upon the Elder Gods themselves.
RAIDEN: I hold out hope that we can turn this crisis to our advantage.
BO’RAI CHO: How so?
RAIDEN: Quan Chi’s magic binds the souls of many we hold dear. Capture him, and we can force him to release them.
BO’RAI CHO: Liu Kang and Kung Lao restored? I suppose it is possible.
RAIDEN: As long as Quan Chi lives.
He hangs his head down for a moment, before looking up into Bo’Rai Cho’s face.
RAIDEN: I’ve long regretted losing our comrades’ souls to Netherrealm’s evil. Kung Lao and Liu Kang… they were like sons. I would move the Heavens to bring them back into the light.
The scene cuts to the Outworld Kove. The caption “Outworld – Twenty Five Years Ago” reads at the bottom left of the screen. On the docks, Shaolin monks are being loaded onto a waiting ship by Tarkatans. Raiden crouches behind cover with Kung Lao and Liu Kang, looking obviously more youthful and not undead.
KUNG LAO: It is as Master Bo’Rai Cho said. The Shaolin masters are aboard that ship.
LIU KANG: Bo’Rai Cho said two ships.
RAIDEN: The other has disembarked. We need to determine it’s location.
KUNG LAO: They will talk. I will see to it.
LIU KANG: No extraordinary means, Kung Lao.
KUNG LAO: They raided the Wu Shi Academy! Killed Master Wen!
RAIDEN: Even with Tarkatans, there are boundaries we do not cross.
KUNG LAO: Yes, Lord Raiden.
LIU KANG: I still cannot believe Shao Kahn would order such a brazen attack.
RAIDEN: It demonstrated Earthrealm’s vulnerability. Shao Kahn knew we would have no choice but to agree to a new tournament.
KUNG LAO: Liu Kang defeated Shang Tsung. He will beat Shao Kahn.
RAIDEN: In good time, Kung Lao. First we free the Shaolin.
They get out of cover and make for the docks. Over on those same docks, a Tarkatan punches a bound monk down to his knees. Behind them, another Tarkatan smashes a monk in the face and drags him forward. D’Vorah walks behind them, stopping to talk to Baraka, who leads this force.
D’VORAH: All are aboard? This One leaves with the tide.
BARAKA: We are ready.
D’VORAH: Shao Kahn demands the hostages be unharmed.
BARAKA: Their wounds are not fatal.
D’VORAH: I would hope, Baraka. For your sake.
RAIDEN: For yours as well.
D’Vorah and Baraka turn to face Raiden, walking toward them with Liu Kang and Kung Lao behind him.
RAIDEN: If you harm them, you answer to me.
Baraka orders his soldiers to attack in the Tarkatan tongue. They charge toward the Earthrealmers. Raiden ducks under a blade swipe from a Tarkatan and punches him twice in the face, knocking him from the docks. Kung Lao punches another in the stomach and throws him off, before hitting another in the face with a roundhouse kick that sends him splashing into the river.
As Kung Lao runs his fingers across his razor sharp hat, Liu Kang charges in with a flying kick on another Tarkatan that knocks him across the docks, unconscious from the hit. Raiden punches and kicks two more Tarkatans into the water and approaches D’Vorah and Baraka in a fighting stance.
D’VORAH: (To Baraka) Tarkatans are beaten so easily?
Baraka growls in anger. He charges Raiden, just as several more of his species charge in from behind. Liu Kang and Kung Lao decide to engage them, leaving Baraka to Raiden. He ducks a punch from the Tarkatan leader, blocks a kick and catches his arm off a failed elbow. When Baraka extends his blade, Raiden pushes it away, then blocks an elbow smash from his other arm. Baraka manages to knee Raiden in the stomach and punch him in the face, but the Thunder God dodges a stab attempt, slaps Baraka’s arm away and dissipates into thin air with a crackle of electricity.
Raiden reappears to Baraka’s side and punches him in the face. Baraka tries a backward slice that is dodged, and then tries to impale Raiden with both his arm blades. Raiden blocks the attack, grabs Baraka’s arms and electrocutes him, sending him staggering back.
Raiden barks out a threat in Baraka’s own Tarkatan language.
BARAKA: Empty threats, Raiden. You will not see the tournament!
They fight. Despite being a vicious brawler equipped with arm blades and a battle rage that knows no fear, Baraka is not able to stand against the God of Thunder. The battle is fierce, but it ends with the Tarkatan facedown on the docks amongst his kinsmen.
RAIDEN: You will return to the Wastes with no prize.
He walks toward the docked ship. Liu Kang and Kung Lao are still fighting the Tarkatan horde behind him.
RAIDEN: (To D’Vorah) Step aside.
D’Vorah replies with two swift punches. Raiden blocks them both, ducks a third and hits D’Vorah in the face with a punch of his own. He throws another, but D’Vorah ducks this one and punches him in the stomach. She follows through with two more punches to the face and tries a kick. Raiden blocks it, dodges one of her stingers and teleports away when she fires off all four at him.
He reappears behind her. D’Vorah is quick to react, and yells out a chant in the Kytinn tongue, unleashing a swarm of insects from her belly. Raiden summons lightning from the heavens that strikes the ground between him and D’Vorah, disintegrating all the insects that pour out of her. They both break off their attacks and regard one another.
D’VORAH: Such power. What are you, Raiden?
RAIDEN: I am of truth and light. I protect Earthrealm.
D’VORAH: This One cares not for Earthrealm and worships no gods.
They fight. In spite of her unique powers and fighting skill, not even D’Vorah is a match for Earthrealm’s protector. While she puts up a determined effort, she is unable to overcome Raiden’s godhood and is eventually knocked unconscious.
RAIDEN: When a god speaks, heed him.
By now, Liu Kang and Kung Lao have now defeated the Tarkatans. The Shaolin monks approach the Thunder God.
KUNG LAO: They were not so vexing. All sneers and growls.
RAIDEN: Let us free those aboard this vessel. Then you will find the second ship.
KUNG LAO: Where will you go, Lord Raiden?
RAIDEN: The tournament beings soon. Join me as soon as you are able.
They walk toward the ship.
LIU KANG: We will succeed, Lord Raiden.
RAIDEN: Of that I am certain.
The scene fades in to Raiden in the present day, embathed inside the Jinsei itself. He remains hovering in the depths of the blue light for several moments, until the chamber itself begins shaking and rocks fall from the ceiling. Realising something is wrong, Raiden looks up to the roof and spots Bo’Rai Cho desperately reaching toward him from a hole created in the ceiling. Behind him, laughter is heard and Cho is dragged away as quickly as he appeared.
RAIDEN: Bo’Rai Cho!
In the Sky Temple courtyard, Bo’Rai Cho is thrown to the ground and blasted by the magic from Shinnok’s Amulet, causing him to cry out in agony. Raiden runs out into the courtyard, and soon finds himself surrounded by the revenants Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Kitana, Sindel and Smoke. D’Vorah stands next to Shinnok, holding Johnny Cage captive.
SHINNOK: Yet another of your allies falls to me. When he dies, I will claim his soul.
RAIDEN: You know not his power. His soul cannot be subjugated.
Shinnok and D’Vorah walk into the temple, D’Vorah dragging Cage along for the ride.
LIU KANG: Shall we kill him, Lord Shinnok?
Shinnok turns around to his minions, smiling at this question.
SHINNOK: Not yet. He will bear witness as I conquer his realm. Then I will imprison him as he did me.
He turns back toward the temple and walks in.
RAIDEN: I would not boast of victory prematurely.
SHINNOK: I have already won, Raiden.
The temple doors are closed behind Shinnok, leaving Raiden with the revenants. They circle him and lightly push him, goading him to attack. He eventually fires out with a kick that forces them back. Smoke attacks, but Raiden blocks a punch and kick from him and knocks him back with a knee to his chin. He blocks a punch from Kitana and electrocutes her face. This leaves him open to Liu Kang, who punches him in the face from the side.
Kang follows through with his bicycle kick, knocking Raiden to the ground. As he gets to his knees, Kung Lao pummels his face with his fists. As Raiden falls, Lao kicks him in the face, and Liu Kang jumps on his back as he rolls over onto his stomach. Kang, Lao, Kitana and Sindel all mercilessly kick Raiden while he is down, while Smoke recovers and stands back to his feet.
Beaten to the ground, Raiden can do nothing as Kung Lao picks him up and wraps him in a sleeper hold. The other revenants watch with glee as Raiden chokes and struggles for breath. Even in a nearly helpless state though, the Thunder God manages to charge up with electricity once more and fights free.
Kung Lao realises something is wrong and breaks the sleeper. He leaps up and grabs a roof section of the temple in the nick of time, as Raiden cuts loose with a lightning attack directed through the ground. The other revenants are caught by the attack and rendered unconscious. Kung Lao jumps back down as Raiden stands back up and puts on his hat.
RAIDEN: Kung Lao, desist!
The former monk runs his fingers across his hat in response.
KUNG LAO: I serve Shinnok and the Netherrealm.
RAIDEN: Because Shao Kahn murdered you!
Lao points his finger at Raiden.
KUNG LAO: Something YOU allowed to happen! I will not be so passive in your demise!
They fight. Raiden discovers to his dismay that Kung Lao has lost none of the speed and skill that carried him to victory many times in life. But even with that and the beating he suffered against him earlier, Raiden is still the God of Thunder and he proves it by taking the fight to Kung Lao. After an exhausting battle, Raiden leaves the revenant unconscious.
RAIDEN: You deserved a better fate.
Almost immediately following the fight, Liu Kang runs up behind Raiden and rabbit-punches him in the back of his head. Raiden still has the awareness to block an elbow strike, and he manages to kick Kang in the stomach. He blocks two more strikes from Liu Kang and kicks him in the side, ducks another punch, but takes a barrage of blows to the sternum.
Raiden rallies with an overhead strike, but Kang catches both his arms. For a moment, the two kombatants struggle to break the other’s grip. Liu breaks first – to pummel Raiden in the side repeatedly. He then lands a right hook that staggers the Thunder God, then a roundhouse kick that takes him to his knees. Raiden struggles back to his feet, clearly not at his best.
RAIDEN: This is not your destiny, Liu Kang.
LIU KANG: More visions, Raiden? Do you still see the future?
RAIDEN: The visions are gone, but I know what should be.
LIU KANG: I was put here by your hand.
RAIDEN: An accident, which haunts me to this day!
Liu Kang considers this for a second, but launches into a charging punch. Raiden teleports behind him and hits a rabbit-punch of his own. He pummels Kang in the side, blocks several counter-attacks, lands two punches in his stomach and a final spin kick to his abdomen that knocks him away. The former Mortal Kombat Champion struggles to his feet.
LIU KANG: I should thank you. You freed me. The Elder Gods you blindly serve? I will help Shinnok end their rule!
They fight. The battle proves to be one of the toughest the Thunder God has ever endured. Weakened from his recent ordeals, Raiden struggles greatly against the one man who has fought him to the same limits as Shao Kahn once did. Even though he takes several serious blows in the melee, Raiden hurls every last bit of his strength against the revenant Liu Kang… and just barely manages to defeat him.
RAIDEN: I regret our paths have led here.
As he turns toward the temple, Raiden grimaces in pain. His various wounds have caught up with him, including a serious one in his right side. Nonetheless, he bravely walks into the temple.
The scene cuts to inside the Jinsei chamber. D’Vorah is spraying another noxious liquid from her mouth onto Johnny Cage. This particular liquid acts as a cocoon that Johnny has become completely trapped in. Behind them, Shinnok has walked onto the floating rocks surrounding the Jinsei itself. He slowly reaches a hand into it and gives an estatic smile as the magic from his hand begins to corrupt the Jinsei, turning it from a light blue hue to a viscous red. Raiden manages to reach the chamber, even though walking is clearly paining him.
RAIDEN: You will not defile the Jinsei, Shinnok!
As Raiden approaches, Shinnok nonchalently raises his hand. A skeletal palm is summoned and it grasps Raiden firmly, knocking his hat from his head and crushing his bones. Raiden screams in agony, and those screams are only amplified as Shinnok clenches his fist, causing the skeletal hand to crush Raiden further, flowing with the dark energies of Shinnok as it does so. Each time the grip hardens, the magicks scorch Raiden’s body, blackening his clothing and skin.
SHINNOK: We have battled for eons, Raiden. Now finally, it ends.
Shinnok fully floats into the Jinsei. He spends a few moments absorbing it’s essence before roaring out loud, changing it’s colour from blue to fully red. The red cloud of corrupted Jinsei bursts through the roof of the Sky Temple, reaching out to the clouds above and corrupting them with their blood red hue.
Over at the Lin Kuei Temple, Sub-Zero rushes out to find the corruption spreading just over the mountaintops beyond. It takes less than a few seconds before the clouds above the temple are enveloped as well. He watches it all with dismay.
In the refugee camp, the Outworlders and Special Forces soldiers all rush for cover as the corrupted clouds spread towards them like wildfire.
Inside the corrupted Jinsei, Shinnok breaths it in, slowly turning into another being before the awed eyes of D’Vorah. His voice deepens and his laughter turns more demonic. His face swells into that of a hellish skull with horns where his ears should be, no visible nose save a point of light, and that same white light enimates from his eyes and throat. His hands sport three enlarged claws instead of five fingers, his skin tone changes from porcelain white to charcoaled grey, and yellow scars of light adorn his now muscled form, the biggest going vertically down the center of his chest to where his amulet resides – in his abdomen. He has now become as corrupted as the Jinsei.
SHINNOK: Yes… Tremble before me, Elder Gods, as I absorb Earthrealm’s power.
Even though he is barely alive at this point, Raiden still finds words to speak that go unheard by the corrupted ruler of the Netherrealm.
RAIDEN: No, Shinnok. Even now… others come to defeat you.