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2802mi · 11 months

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How I would make an adaptation of MK1 (1992) that would not stray from its original direction

INTRODUCTION

Upon seeing story mode of the recent MK reboot (2023) , somehow called MK1, I started thinking more and more about my favourite MK story, which is original MK from 1992. I asked myself, what does MK 1992 have that further games and movies depicting the Earthrealm Tournament did not have? The answer is actually simple, but I don't think many people are aware of what made MK 1992 so distinctive.

When you pay attention to the original story of Mortal Kombat 1992, you actually realise, that original MK is a standalone story. MK2 and further show us heavily modified version of how events of Earthrealm Tournament played out, including the existence of Outworld and changing it from secret tournament that you hope to leave alive to a game between two dimensions where you fight not for yourself but Earthrealm or Outworld. Also, you get characters like Jax, Sektor, Cyrax or Sheeva included in the Earthrealm Tournament, which does not feel right. The proper adaptation of MK 1992 story should focus on basics I present below, which are:

-The only characters are the original 7 player characters + Goro + Reptile + Shang Tsung, so no Cole Young, no characters from sequels or Mythologies.

-No mention of Outworld, no mention of Netherrealm, the only place of action is Shang Tsung's island, maybe some locations in Earthrealm showing the invitation of our heroes.

-Characters have limited abilities, no further than their special moves in games and fatalities, both censored and uncensored versions of the game. Which means no Avengers stuff like Sub-Zero freezing entire area or Johnny Cage surviving falling from >50m of height.

-Characters depicted have their stories and motivations based of their bios and endings in the game and not their sequels or prequels, so no retcons like Sub-Zero working alongside Scorpion to kill the good guys or Raiden suddenly loving Earthrealm and defending it despite his arcade ending being launching Armageddon.

-Adaptation would be either as a comic book or animated series. Characters' and stages' appearances based strictly off the arcade game, so The Pit does not look like its counterpart from MK2, as depicted in MK9. In case of animation, the voice actors for characters would be: Sub-Zero -> Steve Blum, Scorpion -> Patrick Seitz, Sonya -> Tricia Helfer, Johnny Cage -> Andrew Bowden, Kano -> Michael McConnohie, Shang Tsung -> Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Goro -> Gary Anthony Williams, Raiden -> Richard Epcar, Reptile -> Steve Blum, Liu Kang -> Tom Choi

Now I can start the story and show you how I would depict the Earthrealm Tournament based solely on MK 1992.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

The first scene would be the writing of the invitation to the Mortal Kombat Tournament on the ancient scrolls, taking place soon. After that, we see Sub-Zero reading it in the Lin Kuei headquarters, with his gaze totally cold and unaffected. We can only hear a voice, reminging him, that 'he must stay focused on his mission, for which he will be rewarded with a bounty exceeding all the previous'. Next scene is Johnny Cage, returning home from his film award ceremony, noticing the scroll on his table, wondering, how did it ever get there, but upon reading what was written, he decides to take that chance. Later Raiden holding his scroll with invitation with his face showing total indifference, as Mortal Kombat tournament is nothing unusual or exciting to him. Scorpion and Sonya and Kano were not exactly invited and they will arrive to the island through pure coincidence like Sonya and Kano, or by sheer hatred and hunting Sub-Zero (Scorpion's case).

Liu Kang, however, is seen among other members of White Lotus society, holding his invitation with a serious, somewhat worried and anxious look on his face for he is actually acknowleged with the gravity of his situation: he is heading off to Mortal Kombat Tournament, which was originally held by Shaolin Monks, whom he belongs to, but centuries ago Kung Lao was defeated by Goro. The tournament then was taken by Shang Tsung, who corrupted it. Liu Kang knows it's his task to win the tournament and defeat the evil Shang Tsung and Goro, the undefeated champion as for now. Yet he accepts his fate as the best fighter among his Shaolin peers and after bitter-sweet goodbye, he is sent off to represent the Shaolin Order.

Liu Kang, Sub-Zero and Johnny embark the same ancient, wooden ship, which will take them to the mysterious island. Johnny is the center of attention: he is not yet aware of how dangerous his next days are going to be. He tries befriending other kombatants, who usually do not recognise him, even though he is a talented and awarded actor. He notices Sub-Zero on the deck, standing totally still, speaking to absolutely no one, staring at the ocean. After he tries speaking to him, the mysterious Lin Kuei assassin punches his stomach and throws him across the deck, his eyes turning from numb to cold anger. Cage was wondering if he will die by Sub-Zero's stare alone. Liu Kang runs up to the actor and lifts him off the ground, asking, if he is okay. Johnny is surprised by Shaolin's hospitality. They befriend each other and spend the following hours just by talking. Cage was happy to see that Liu Kang was actually a fan of his movies, despite living in the isolation. Kang was very curious about life in Hollywood, the mindset of movie star and the career in overstimulating society. Sadly he realised that his new friend is not aware of the true nature of the tournament - he will know later, and scream in fear.

The ship fianlly reaches its final destination - the island, which was very beautiful and full of colors and life, with plants and trees seen nowhere else in the world. The only thing that was odd, was that two motorboats, one civilian, one military, could be seen crashed on the beach.

Some kilometers away, a man can be seen running away from armed soldiers, led by their leader: Sonya Blade, who knew it was now or never to finally catch the man, who's alias was Kano. However, she and her team was ambushed by Shang Tsung's private army, which made her doubt her perception of reality. They were surrounded by men wearing oriental clothes and armor and aiming at them with very outdated weaponry. After quickly analysing the situation the team has gotten into, Sonya decided not to throw their lives away in vain and they surrendered.

This chapter/episode ends by Raiden casually descending from the sky and heading directly towards the host's palace. The last shot/panel depicts Scorpion jumping off the ship and following footsteps on the beach, further hunting for his prey - Sub Zero. He has found him - and now he will do everything to kill him.

CHAPTER 2: THE TOURNAMENT BEGINS

This chapter begins by the official inauguration of Mortal Kombat tournament. The host is dressed very rich, with his blue robes covered in gold and diamonds, much to Liu Kang's disgust of this display of vanity, confirming what his superiors told him about the host. He introduces himself as Shang Tsung - although no one can really be sure if that is his real name or just a nickname. His appearance is plain disgusting: balding, with thin white hair on his head, saggy skin and creepy looking face he announces that 'it has begun'. Asked about the prize which comes after victory, he only utters with a really unpleasant voice 'your continued existence'.

Kang and Johnny after the inauguration decide to train, as the following day, the fights begin. Cage has been heavily underestimated - having thought of him as living in another world, unprepared and inferior to Shaolin martial arts, Kang was bested by Hollywood star by simple leg sweep. Even though Liu Kang was the best among the Shaolin and chosen by the Secret White Lotus society to wrestle the tournament back from corrupted Shang Tsung, it mattered not in the face of having lost just the friendly sparring by being too relaxed and not taking the opponent seriously. The sudden realisation hit him harder than any fist could: he can actually lose. Even worse, he may actually die by the hands of fearsome Sub-Zero, who gave off the feeling of a killing machine. Or anyone else. It clouded young man's mind for a while with anxiety and fear, but he knew that to win, he must be in control of himself. So after few moments, he asked Cage to continue their training. It was a really constructive lesson for White Lotus' chosen, as Johnny Cage has trained with many martial arts masters, who taught him really well. Despite seeming like an unserious person who is just an actor, kombat revealed his true talent and skill as a disciplined fighter.

Sonya's team and Kano have been transported to some unknown location. Shang Tsung waited for them. The host informed them that he will not let them go - some abstract concept like international law or human rights was something foreign for him. In fact, hearing about 'human rights' from Blade, he laughed out loud unpleasantly. They were his property now - if they wanted to be free, they had to fight in the tournament. Tertium non datur. Kano with no problem agreed - Sonya after speaking with the rest of her team decided that she will fight and win the freedom for them all, asking for one more thing - fight with Kano and with her winning, taking him away to prison. Tsung agreed to that, hoping for more bloodshed in his tournament.

Sun has finally set. Everyone went to better or worse sleep. Except one man - heavily focused on his mission, Sub-Zero left his designated tent and immediately started infiltrating the island. Armed with short dao, he was sneaking around the palace and looking for ways to enter. He memorised every single one - as well as the tracks which host's armed guardians were using. When the time comes, they will prove useful to him - after finishing the task and escaping from the island. During his return to the tent, he was grabbed by his throat and thrown into the ground. The demonic voice only seethed 'MURDERER'. It narrowed very little in Sub-Zero's mind. He killed too much people to remember every single one of them, much less care about them. Yet he recognised the robes and the deformed face - it was Scorpion. He could not believe it. Did he kill him? If yes, did he come back to the living? Is he undead? Too many questions, and as no clear answer could be given, Lin Kuei assassin decided to be sure this time his past target was eliminated for good. He reached his dao and waited nervously for Scorpion's move. Quickly the fight broke up between the two, with one being totally quiet, and second screaming about finishing him, taking off his head, burning him alive, for all he has done. This time there were no fatalities - the fight was interrupted by Shang Tsung himself. Not pleased with another intruder on the island, he quickly examined him and sensing the pure hatred in his heart, directed towards Sub-Zero, he offered him a chance to challenge the cold-blooded killer in Mortal Kombat - in return, Scorpion is forbidden from even touching his object of contempt.

CHAPTER 3: BLOODSHED

Sonya did not want to talk to anyone in the Kourtyard - everything pissed her off, everyone was a rival or a potential obstacle to her freedom. Especially the sight of Kano, whom she wanted rotting in prison after all these years of chase, was making her angry. She was stressed very much, knowing that her and her teammates' freedom depended entirely on her.

Suddenly, the drums started playing. The very first pair of kombatants entered the arena. It was the first time Raiden could be seen - a seven feet tall, with glowing blue eyes his dominating presence could make anyone run away. But it was too late for his unnamed opponent, who despite his effort, lost both round very quickly and beaten thoroughly, asked for mercy. There was none. Raiden raised his hands and shouting some irrecognisable words, which sounded like 'GIMMIMAMONEYYYY' he shot a spark from his palms, resulting in loser's head exploding.

'Raiden wins', said Shang Tsung, watching this spectacle with much delight.

'Flawless Victory.'

'Fatality.'

The host raised his right hand and closed his eyes, with his face becoming relaxed and losing a couple of wrinkles. Raiden, rumored to be a god of thunder, looked at him with contempt, as if he knew something about this elderly man that others did not. With a disgust on his face, he cleaned his white clothes from blood. Decapitated body was taken off the arena, as new fight took place. An unfortunate fighter from Middle East, at least he looked like it, lost his fight with Sub-Zero. The Chinese assassin also killed him, ripping his head off. With spine. That was too much to bear for Johnny, who realising that he dies if he loses, threw up. His life is in danger, he might die on some weird island no one knows about and no one will ever solve the mystery of JC's death. Kano, the kombatant of the third fight, ripped a heart off his rival on arena. He looked directly in Sonya's eyes as he did it, hoping to intimidate her. Now it has truly began.

'The next is Johnny Cage! A disciplined and famous around all the world actor, who will surely show his skills on this arena against his opponent and not die like the previous ones!' Shang Tsung laughed and started clapping his hands. Johnny, now wondering if he lost his mind, entered the arena, thinking of how that old prick knew of him and even worse, if that old man can read his mind. 'There is something truly terryfying about the host', he thought. Nevertheless, his opponent looked even more stressed than he was, so he decided to be calm and win his survival, at least for now. When the fight ended in Johnny's favor, Tsung yelled

'FINISH HIM!!!'

Cage looked at his defeated rival, who's eyes watered and were begging for mercy, even though his mouth was deadly silent. Johnny Cage had his mind in pieces, about what he should do now. He decided to do the right thing in the end. He kicked the loser in the chest and shouted back to the host 'I will not kill him!', which enraged the old man, who only said in return 'Johnny Cage wins.' After descending from the arena, he felt like he will faint from all the stress. Liu Kang approached him and placing his hand on his shoulder, he only said to him 'You are a good man. And a hero, even if you don't know it yet.'

CHAPTER 4: THE LEGENDARY SEVEN

The Shaolin was right. Johnny's act was indeed heroic, saving that man from death. It was the first act toward cleansing the corruption of this once noble tournament. Even more, it was the first time, when someone openly defied the intimidating Shang Tsung, who despite looking physically weak due to his age, presented a very threatening aura. He only smiled seeing kombatants lose their lives, repeating this weird gesture of raising his hand and closing his eyes. When someone was not killed however, the old man looked at the victor with pure hatred. Liu Kang became seriously worried. Could it be possible that there was some kind of ritual in play? Is it just the way this man seeks pleasure from looking at carnage and death? Is he cursing their dead bodies? Does he defile their souls? Or even worse, does he steal them? White Lotus members shared rumours of some dark magic taking place during the tournament, but these were just rumours which were unconfirmed, as surely there would be some kind of visual sign of sorcery. Maybe that gut wrenching feeling that everyone got when they saw Tsung raising his hand after each fatality could be the sign of it? He came up to Johnny sharing his worries, to which Cage just replied 'just like Hollywood. These soul-sucking execs and producers sometimes too get too drunk on their power and--' he did not finish as Kang looked at him with some kind of grave disapproval. Hollywood's prodigy quickly realised why, and corrected himself, explaining that it's just the atmosphere of working with producers and the show business. 'When this ends, I invite you to the Shaolin order. It is of no use for someone like you to waste himself on these charlatans', ended their conversation Kang.

They came up with a plan - that whatever Shang Tsung is doing with the dead, it's surely something horrible and is used as a means to spread corruption to this tournament. Which is why they have to convince everyone else to refrain from killing their enemies, no matter how much they cared not for them or hated them. After the surprisingly rich and pompous dinner the host organised for the remaining seven kombatants, which were Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Kano, Raiden, Cage and Liu quickly went to enact their plan. They decided to come up to Sonya first.

'What do you want from me?' She quickly and laconically asked, seeing two men approach her. Her guard was already up, fearing confrontation.

'Relax, babe' said Cage, in his nonchalant manner, but upon seeing her face flush with red, the Shaolin quickly stated their business.

'We ask you not to kill Kano tomorrow if you win the fight. And anyone else for that matter.' Her eyes were now unnaturally big, looking at him with sheer disbelief. 'You expect me not to kill him? That scumbag? Do you know how many people he killed? How many women he raped? What if I have no choice but to put down this dog for good--' but was interrupted by Cage, who replied with 'Bend this motherfuckers knee backwards if you want to eliminate him for good' Sonya smiled at this suggestion, but listened further to what this handsome, although kind of giving an immature vibe guy had to say. 'Whatever shit is happening here, me and Liu-Liu are sure only Shangsy is benefitting from it. I mean, not to sound like some kind of conspiracy theory wack, but have you seen his face, looking at fatalities?'

'You believe in fairies and wizards with magic hats, Cage?' Sonya asked.

'Maybe? I am not an expert. But his pleasure alone of staring at death like it's Marilyn Monroe herself on the bed is disturbing, so just spare Kano's life just to spite that old creep.'

After hearing this argument, Sonya finally truly smiled for the first time since she had started pursuit of this dangerous criminal. Her posture became relaxed, her face stopped being stiff with anger and revealed that she is in fact a beautiful woman. Seeing that hers and theirs interests align, but also they are genuine, honest men, she decided to stick with them and aid them. After a short consultance among them, they decided to go to Sub-Zero, as speaking to Kano was not an option, Scorpion may be hard to talk to, and Raiden obviously looks at them with contempt and disdain so they will decide if speaking to Japanese ninja and thunder god even makes sense.

They waited for the Lin Kuei near his tent. Seeing that he returns and is constantly looking around him, seeking danger, they approached him openly and firmly, after Johnny said to Kang 'I knock you speak', as if they were going to principal's office in school. Liu started to enjoy his humour, Sonya had yet to get used to it.

'Sonya Blade.'

'Liu Kang.'

'Johnny Cage!'

After this short and direct greeting, Sub-Zero, the menacing assassin who killed at least 6 people here since the start, quickly looked at them and analised if they are armed and if they were working with Scorpion. No marks of the Japanese clan could be seen on them and Kang's face looked Chinese, so it calmed down the Lin Kuei a bit. He crossed his arms and standing in complete silence, he waited for what they had to say. After quick glares exchanged between the trio, Sonya decided that she will speak to him.

'Sub-Zero, we know that professionally you are an assassin. We ask you firmly that you kill no one else in this tournament.' The only answer was one eyebrow raised by him, which was enough for Blade to read it as listening what she has to offer.

'I know that you are not here to win this tournament. Whatever you are here for, I don't care about it at all. I am here against my will and as you saw how this tournament looks, you know it's rigged and mainpulated. Shang Tsung wants you to kill people so he benefits from it. How exactly, we don't know. The most important thing is, that he serves only himself and we must defeat him if we want to get what we want. However we don't want to cross your path and for you to stay in our way to our goals. Can we agree?'

Finally, they heard Sub-Zero utter his first words.

'Stay in my way and I will kill you. Otherwise, I agree to the deal.'

Blade has not seen the former sentence as the threat, only as the insurance for the Lin Kuei assassin. It was the latter that mattered.

Later, having approached Scorpion, he listened carefully and they thought he would agree, but he could not be convinced of not killing Sub-Zero. That is why he is here for. When he was speaking about the Chinese warrior, his eyes looked dead inside. Johnny seeing the 'blue one' and the 'yellow one', as he codenamed Sub-Zero and Scorpion in his head, could not ultimately decide which one was more intimidating.

Liu Kang decided to speak with the Thunder God. Having approached him, he said in unsusual for him, cocky manner

'Raiden. We ask you to stop killing your opponents in the tournament.'

'Consider to whom you speak, mortal. Who do you think you are, that you do not call me Lord Raiden and bow to me? Why should I care whether more or less of you die?'

Liu smirked and looked at Johnny. Cage knew that this face meant. 'Watch me', he could read from Kang's smile. The Shaolin's chosen continued.

'We are here on equal footing, during this tournament. You are here no more and no less powerful than we are. Which means, you are vulnerable to death. It is entirely in your interest that we agree on not killing each other.'

'You speak like you could actually win. I have met many arrogant men like you - all dead by my hand, in mere seconds. This tournament is no exception.'

'Your victory is not guaranteed. You are in your human form, which could be damaged or destroyed, and in this rigged tournament, I would not risk it making me your mortal enemy. All I ask is we fight on a fair ground when the time comes, and whoever wins, spares the opponent.'

'You are not in any position to demand anything from me, you pathetic weakling. I will kill you after I punish you for your stupor in the kourtyard.'

Liu Kang knew that it is his last chance in life to wrestle the tournament back - if he dies, he dies. Failure was not an option.

'Then may the best man win.' Liu said it to the god's face, and they have gone to train Sonya for her fight tomorrow.

CHAPTER 5: THE LADDER

The fight between Sonya and Kano will take place in palace gates. The beautiful scenery will soon be dirty from blood and sweat. Sonya hoped that it will be mainly Kano's blood and not hers. Liu Kang teached her that during tournament fights, what matters the most is the balance and avoiding relishing in anger and hatred, which betray you ultimately. After both she and criminal got introduced on stage, she set her guard up and waited patiently for announcement. Which was hard, as Kano tried to psychologically throw her off the balance, yelling at her, 'BITCH I WILL KILL YOU. I WILL RAPE YOU. I WILL RIP YOUR HEART. I WILL HOLD IT AT IT WILL STILL BEAT. I WILL WIPE THE ISLAND WITH YOUR ENTRAILS'.

'FIGHT!' happily announced Shang Tsung.

Kano screamed as loud as he could and ran to Sonya, hoping to take her down to the ground and make advantage of their weight difference. Kano was behaving like a rabid dog. He threw punches in blind berserk rage, hoping for one lucky blow that will knock her unconscious and then he will humiliate her. He has landed several blows on her, so round 1 was in his favour. Things have gotten very bad for Sonya. Is she loses, she dies. However, her nemesis seemed to lose the steam. He was not as fast as in previous round and his blows were not as hard. She took advantage of his weakness and impressively ended the round two, smacking his face by throwing him using her legs while handstanding. Even Sub-Zero, watching this fight, nodded in approval. Round 3 was all or nothing - Kano regained some of the energy, however his nose was broken and he is losing blood right now. He ran and jumped like a cannonball, pushing Sonya to the ground. He grabbed her by the throat and started choking her and slamming her skull. She has mere seconds to do something or she dies, with the man she hates on top of her. Nothing could be more humiliating for her, and perhaps that thought alone made her fight for her life - she put a finger in his eye and his hold of her dropped. She quickly started punching his face just so his balance is thrown off and regaining vision is impossible. Then, the unexpected happened - Kano grabbed his knife and tried to slash her. Fortunately for her, his show off backfired, as he threw the knife at her and missed. It was time for her surprise - she activated the blaster in her gauntlet, knocking the criminal to the ground.

'FINISH HIM!'

Sonya hesitated. It was her chance - he would kill her. Or maybe, he would rape her on stage and Shang Tsung would force everyone to watch. The thought of that alone created a conflict in her head whether she should just kill him and not risk any further encounters. Finally, having heard Johnny's 'BEND THAT MOTHERFUCKERS KNEE BACKWARDS', she smiled and stepped on. With full force, she twisted her boot on Kano's knee and watched as he squirmed and yelled, with helplessness this time, 'FUCKING PSYCHO BITCH WHORE CUNT I WILL--', after he passed out. Blade quickly checked if all her teeth are still intact and with utter contempt, she spat at defeated opponent.

'I have defeated the challenger, Shang Tsung! I demand you give him to me and give back my freedom!'

'You will demand NOTHING! Freedom is granted only after you defeat everyone!'

Sonya quickly realised that she may be trapped here forever, as even if she defeats Liu Kang and Johnny, then she might not win against Raiden - who will pop her head like a bubble gum. Her satisfaction with the victory was very short-lived.

It was too much for her. She went to the beach and did not want to talk to anyone - sitting alone she could let her emotions out - she started crying, hoping that waves will deafen the pathetic in her opinion, sign of weakness. She wanted just few tears out - but she could not control it. Maybe she is truly so pathetic that she does not deserve freedom?

'Miss Blade, maybe we can negotiate', she heard.

She didn't turn her face to him - even though it was Shang Tsung, who could backstab her or have his men abduct her, she didn't care. As long as he didn't see her face covered in blood and tears, everything was fine.

'What do you want from me? I am your bitch anyway, I know you will never give me freedom. So fuck off.', She told him.

'Yes you are.' Even though she never heard him swearing, that confirmation that he indeed sees her as his property made her even more angry. Shang Tsung continued, 'I am here to offer you freedom. As you see, our interests align, and a deal could be done. I just need you to do me a favour, if you are interested of course.'

'Cut the bullshit and tell me already. I have no time for your elaborate introductions.'

'I need you ma'am to defeat Liu Kang.'

'He's just a Shaolin boy, are you scared of him? I thought a man so powerful like you could handle him himself.'

'I like my life as it is now, ma'am. Mr Liu seeks to defeat you - never trust these boys from the Shaolin order. Do you think yours and his goals are the same?'

'We want you to fuck off and that's all, creep. You will not get into my head.'

'He was sent here to depose me - and he is focused on his mission alone. All you have done - your ridiculous agreement is only because that little boy is afraid of dying. If the Shaolin told him to kill you, he certainly would. I think they even taught him that specific technique of theirs, where you cause as much pain as possible before killing. Are you certain that he actually has any honour? I would disagree. He only cares about his order - about you, not at all. I, however, want to prevent him from causing you further pain - if you defeat him and send him home, be it alive or dead, I will grant you freedom and for your men.'

'How should I know you will keep your part of deal?'

'I hold all the best cards already, Miss Blade. You can disagree, but you still fight Liu Kang tomorrow. Then, even if you win, you would have to face many more challenges, and I don't think that Mr Sub-Zero, or Mr Scorpion will hesitate to kill you. They were born killers.'

'I can handle them.'

'Or be it Lord Raiden. Have you seen a man win a fight against a god? Because from what I see, he is really enjoying this tournament - as he knows that no one can challenge him. Not even that snotty Shaolin who is arrogant beyond belief.'

Shang Tsung saw the change in Sonya's mood - he has broken her. She finally agreed to fight Liu Kang and not yield, in exchange for her freedom. Which may finally not be obtained at all, as she didn't trust Tsung - but she had no choice. When the host disappeared, she felt that weird feeling that she feels no pain and body damage, at least physically. Psychologically, she was ripped to pieces.

The fight took place in Shang Tsung's palace, full of ornaments and red carpets and columns. He preferred it that way - he wanted to be sure that she and Kang won't plot against him. Fight between them was bitter - both knew that they are fighting for their people first, and that their friendship was perhaps something temporary. Sonya however, could not force herself to brutalise Liu like Kano - even though she fought for freedom since she enlisted in the Special Forces, she valued friendship - she also saw that Liu is conflicted in his soul and certainly pulls his punches. Seeing no further sense in her life, Blade made the decision - she set herself to recieve a punch in the jaw from Liu Kang. Angry Tsung, seeing that she failed him, yelled to Shaolin that he must finish her. Sonya started begging the victor to do it - as she feels empty, broken and without any honour left, having made a deal with that 'old psychopath'. Liu Kang stared at her with utmost shock - she betrayed him, yet she looked at him with utter shame and resembled not the Blade he has met earlier, full of pride and determination. Frustrated enough, the host grabbed his sword and pulled it out, saying only 'I will finish you myself then.' Unexpected happened. That 'snotty, arrogant boy', hugged her and replied to him 'I WILL NOT LET YOU KILL HER', as if he wanted to get slashed by the sword instead of her. Shang retreated and ordered the guards to take her away. Sonya returned the hug, telling to Liu that 'Thank you. You are my good friend. Please defeat him.' She looked like she would sob in any second.

'I will save you. I will beat him and I promise you I will wrestle your freedom back. Be strong.' he assured her. Then, the guards went in and took her away.

CHAPTER 6: THE LADDER, PART II

Although the fight did not end in the old man's favour entirely, the results were satisfying enough - he has seen the Shaolin's chosen with a conflict in his heart. He is not as strong as he considered himself to be. That conflict was certainly a chance to exploit and break him before he poses any further threat. Shang Tsung also thought about Johnny Cage - he is also dangerous, but others don't see it, which amused the host. Johnny's aura suggested that he has a true warrior's heart - despite behaving like an immature manchild. There was also something unusual about his aura itself - it manifested some kind of 'green energy', whatever that was. Shang immediately realised what must be done - he has to pit Liu Kang against Johnny Cage so he has only one threat to deal with against of two. He knew that Scorpion and Sub-Zero were not that much of a threat - and also knew that Raiden can be dealt with. In fact, he needed Raiden the most. If only he could kill him - and take his soul - the soul of the god - then he would become a god himself. He would ascend to the pantheon of gods and have a greater influence than ever. That would come with a risk, of course. Taking a god's soul could be too much to bear for Shang Tsung, and rip his body to pieces. But risks are to be taken if you want to have what you want.

The host approached Sub-Zero when he was meditating and started analising his soul - something was not right about him. He needed to investigate immediately. Could it be that this man had his special abilities? After all, his nickname, 'Sub-Zero', indicated that he was a cryomancer, a very rare type of human. The Lin Kuei clan surely have to be proud of him, although considering he is a thief and an assassin, they can't boast about him too much, even though there are legends around all the world about this 'Sub-Zero'. Shang Tsung started talking to the cryomancer and offered him a life of luxury and riches and all he would wish for - in exchange for abandoning Lin Kuei and service to Tsung. After all the elaborate arguments and depicitons of what the assassin could have - the only reply was

'My loyalty is to Lin Kuei only.'

Even though that reply angered the host deeply, as Sub-Zero could be a very powerful asset, it was only a ploy to read his mind - something Shang could easily do with others, sensing their auras and using them against people. But cryomancer's souls are harder, much harder to read - the only thing that could be sensed was that something is very off. Did he choose to side with Liu Kang? Why exactly is he here for? The Lin Kuei surely are not that stupid enough to send their best assassin into a tournament which they know is rigged by its host. Whatever Sub-Zero and the Lin Kuei are plotting, it is for the best that he is dealt with.

'Tomorrow you will fight Scorpion. If you take my offer, I can rig the fight so you win easily and don't die.'

Having heard no reply at all, be it verbal or nonverbal, Shang Tsung vanished. Sub-Zero however, despite being always cold and calculated, knew that his mission must be done quickly - the sorcerer is very powerful and even worse, he suspects him. He thought about this snake's offer - would it be truly worse than what he wanted, which was a retirement and peaceful life? After a few moments, he made his choice. He will complete his task, flee the island and end the life of an assassin.

The fight took place in the kourtyard. The choice was not a coincidence - Shang Tsung knew that Scorpion wanted to kill Sub-Zero. Not only kill, but humiliate him also, so everyone sees the fall of the legendary Lin Kuei. Scorpion, seeing his nemesis on stage, almost leaped at him before the fight even started - he had every reason to hate him. Some time ago, the Lin Kuei marked the Japanese ninja to be murdered. They wanted be sure that the job was done, so they sent Sub-Zero after him and ordered the decapitation of the rival's clan member. Scorpion now roams the Earth as an undead spirit of vengance - he is here only to kill that blue bastard who separated him from his loving wife and child, who he will surely never see again - he is not a human anymore. He is a dead man walking, existing to avenge his death. Which can be done now. After the host calls the fight to begin, Sub-Zero stands calmly and waits for his clearly unbalanced emotionally foe. He tries to read his moves. When there is a chance, Sub-Zero strikes at Scorpion with his slide attack, which takes his enemies by surprise - but this time, the surprised one is the Lin Kuei assassin himself, as yellow ninja completely disappears, like he was made of ash. Blue warrior gets hit in the back of the head by teleporting enemy, which makes everyone awe. The fight is now balanced, as both kombatants have their supernatural abilities. It worries Sub-Zero deeply - what else can Scorpion do now? After bloody fight between the two, Scorpion reaches his Kunai and throws it, targeting his enemy. He yells 'GET OVER HERE' and starts pulling the string, hoping to pummel him to death. The last chance. With the rest of his power, the cryomancer shoots an ice orb into the spectre - and freezes his body so he can't move. With his last breath he kicks Scorpion in the jaw, knocking him out and winning the fight. This time, Shang Tsung does not pressure the assassin to rip the spine off - he needs the undead for his bidding and who said that Sub-Zero can't later 'accidentally' meet Scorpion who will gladly slit his throat? The Lin Kuei looked at Liu Kang and Johnny - he had a deal with them. He will surely fight both of them or one of them soon. They are not to be underestimated. But they seem like honorable men, who defied the host earlier - so he spares Scorpion now, and they spare him in case he loses the fight. Having made his choice, he stops choking his rival and raises his fist with pride, signaling to his for-now allies, that the deal is still in effect.

Next fight is now between Liu Kang and Johnny - taking place in The Pit. Shang Tsung certainly knew what he was doing - he pitted them both here, so they fight on a narrow bridge with spikes below, which must result in death of either movie star or the Shaolin. Before the fight, Johnny winks at Liu. Also, he notices something strange on the moon. Looks like Santa Claus. Not that it matters now, but it was very funny to him. As a surprise to Liu, he beats his friend effortlessly, leading to a double flawless victory. Not wanting to throw Cage off the bridge, sending him to a dishonorable death by spikes already dirty with corpses, he tries to punch him so that he falls flat on bridge. Unfortunately, Cage slips. Liu quickly grabbed him and even though technically it would be a fatality, he pulled him back on the bridge. He knew what Johnny did - he yielded the fight, but didn't tell anything to his friend. Needless to say, he did it perfectly. 'No wonder he has won so many acting awards', Kang thought, but didn't admit it. He said to Johnny

'You are a hero and a friend for sure, but a dumb one.'

Johnny just winked. 'I already did everything what I wanted in life. You however, have that saggy bony ass to kick - for your Shaolin bros. Don't fail it!' he winked again.

'Mr Liu, I think that fight has been done unfairly, very unfairly. You jeopardise my tournament and make mockery of it. I think that a punishment is in order.'

As the punishment, Kang was sent to the bottom of the Pit. The smell of rotting corpses there was unberable, so unberable that he almost puked. He noticed easily the way out - the door leading to stairs. Dumbened by the odor, he tried to escape - only to get kicked in the stomach and flying few meters. He has never seen that guy before, not before, not during the tournament. He looked a bit like Scorpion and Sub-Zero, but... green? Liu was trying to focus, trying to figure out whether this ninja is not one of them, but he only yelled

'YOU HAVE FOUND ME'

'NOW PROVE YOURSELF!!'

He was unlike anything before. Never has Liu Kang fought someone so fast, so strong, so unpredictable. He had to watch out for both Kunai attacks as well as slides similar to those used by Sub-Zero. The mysterious warrior could also disappear and appear somewhere else, just like Scorpion. In fact, he could be both of them at the same time. Could it be so improbable, after everything they saw here on the island? But the time for thinking was later. For now, he had to defeat his opponent, who could be victorious. Shaolin count on Kang. Johnny and Sonya count on Kang. Liu Kang counts on Kang. Failure is not an option. The teared skin on chest and back brought much pain to our Shaolin - he had to focus, use that pain and not panic. After a battle against much skilled, faster, stronger, unpredictable fighter, Liu somehow emerged victorious. How? He does not know himself. Could it be the importance of his quest? Could it be the power of friendship? Could it be sheer luck? He thought on luck as the most probable, considering that his skin is full of wounds by the sharp nails of the green ninja and is out of breath. He has proven himself just like was asked by the mysterious man. He came up to him, bowed and asked 'I defeated you, even though you proved to be a serious challenge. I want to know your name.'

'You have defeated Reptile.' the ninja said and tried to stand up, but could not because of sprained ankle.

CHAPTER 7: ICE AND THUNDER

Having returned from the Pit, everyone was shocked to see Liu Kang so wounded and struggling to move. Raiden smiled. He relished in the thought of killing the kombatant soon. He already knows how he will do it - he will use his powers to reduce him to ash - so that every single human bows to Lord Raiden as they should. He was bored with the tournament - as the god among men, he defeated them without any trouble. Why should he be limited to humans, when he could just depose Shang Tsung himself and make a tournament for gods? For him, the sorcerer was a waste of breath who tries to appeal the thunder god, surely because a god taking part of a tournament raises the prestige of the event.

Kang was angered to hear that he will fight Sub-Zero very soon - this time, it's the first challenger of the seven kombatants, who is not his friend - it's up to debate whether the assassin will honour his part of the agreement and not just slay him. Also, he was a very skilled, adapting fighter - but also he is here clearly for something else rather than victory in the tournament. He decided to go to Johnny, asking whether he could train him further.

'Have you seen Ninja Mime?' asked the actor.

'Does it have anything with fighting? Because if not, then stop'

'Yeah it does. Can you please let me finish? Besides, you should watch it when you come back from the island, maybe show your Shaolin bros'

'Why for? I don't get it. You are already popular in America. You want to export yourself to Chinese Market?'

'Liu-Liu, don't take this as an offence, but you are like a book when you fight. I can read you easily.'

'So what? I have won every fight so far!', Liu Kang now became unreasonably cocky.

'I beat your ass fair and square China Boy', Johnny became irritated by Liu's ignorance, especially because he knew that even if Sub-Zero spares him, Raiden will not. Shang Tsung will not.

'During the sparring. That does not count.'

'Dude you want to win? Then take my advice. In my movie, the titular Ninja Mime was unpredictable - he did what everyone thought he would not do, and presented himself as wacky and goofy, and yet kicked everyone's ass. Why? Because his enemies underestimated him and thought of him as not a threat. Be like water, just like Bruce Lee said. You kinda look like him, you know?'

'But how do I become unpredictable?'

'Be like me.'

The fight between two Chinese men in the palace was a torture to watch for Shang Tsung. Looking at them, both waiting for the other one to do something, was boring. It was tiring. Tedious. Frustrating. They both stood still and have not moved one bit. Then Liu Kang started stepping slowly forward. He also learned about other martial art, called 'the drunken fist', but as he did not want to embarass himself, he started to pretend that his leg is hurting very much and that he is immobile. He put all of his heart in the act - making Sub-Zero believe that he can strike, only to have this round won by Liu, who surprised him by casting a flame from his hands. Next round Sub-Zero got the upper hand by waiting so much time that Liu lost his temper and tried to knockout the assassin. It resulted in round 3 lasting without a single punch for two hours, as both of them knew that patience is the key. They stood still, both with their guard up. The breaking point was when they both fired their orbs, resulting in vapor covering the room. This was when both of them fought fiercely, ultimately leading to Liu Kang's victory. To his surprise, the Lin Kuei assassin got up and bowed to him. Sub-Zero knew that now Shang Tsung now will have to focus on rigging the tournament to eliminate Liu Kang and that gives the Lin Kuei the time and space to do what he was sent here for, as now no one can challenge him to the fight.

Few days later, it was finally announced that Liu Kang will fight the god Raiden. Johnny was very worried about this fight. Even though he believed in his friend, he knew that Raiden is no joking matter - even for someone who laughs about everything. The fight will take place in the Warriors' Shrine - where every kombatant got his statue. In the middle, there was a statue which depicted a giant muscled man with four arms. Liu Kang, having looked at the statue, thought 'I haven't seen him before. That must be the legendary Goro, who defeated Kung Lao. I better be prepared for him.'

Raiden arrived to the fight an hour late - he knew he will not be disqualified as Shang Tsung needs him, so he did not need to bother. Kang bowed before the fight as always to show the respect to the thunder god who will now kombat him - in return, he got none of that respect back. The fight started poorly for Liu Kang - a god in human form who was taller than him by about a feet (around 35cm) wiped the arena with him by just flying and tossing him around. Raiden toyed with him like a sadist who tortures bugs before frying them with sunrays. Round 2 was in favour of Liu, who pretended to be afraid and scared and waited for Raiden to fly to him so he could grab him and use his weight against him, tossing him to these statues. One of these tosses hurt thunder god's back badly - he was now struggling to walk and kick and every punch he threw made him fell pain. Shaolin then ended the round by punching Raiden's chest as hard as he could. Something cracked in Raiden's psyche - during round 3, he started teleporting whenever Liu tried to punch him. Liu Kang decided than to change his tactic, as he is dealing with a god - a cowardly one for sure, but still powerful. He started to stand still, hoping for Raiden to try his flying-yelling gimmick once more so he can throw him to the ground and defeat ultimately. Raiden however, started walking slowly to Shaolin, trying to make advantage of being much taller and having further arm reach. It's now or never - Liu Kang pointed at his chest and asked loudly 'HEY WHAT'S THAT ON YOUR CHEST?!' and when Raiden looked down and leaned forward, he was hit with an uppercut to the jaw - so fast and powerful - that he made few steps back and collapsed. Knowing it's the time, Kang quickly ran and placed his foot on god's throat.

'I told you about the risk of arrogance - I could kill you now just by crushing your throat. Yield.'

'FINISH HIM!!!' Shang Tsung screamed so loudly it pierced everyone's ears. He knew that now even though totally unexpected, this outcome is now even more beneficial. Liu Kang kills Raiden, Shang Tsung steals Raiden's soul and becomes a god. That boy just needs to push his heel further down.

'Yield. SAY IT!!! You challenged me and you lost, I won.'

'I... I y-yield.' exclaimed defeated Raiden. He lost. He has lost. He has lost. He will go mad soon.

'I want you to remember this fight forever. Just so you remember that you are not invincible. That if you ever come back to corrupt this tournament, I WILL beat you into submission again.' After making this threat, Liu took the heel from the throat and bowed respectfully after the fight. Raiden just went up, took his hat and put it back on his head, and flew away, humiliated forever.

'Send me to the Mortal Kombat current champion, Shang Tsung. I defeated all the challengers and by the rules, I DEMAND YOU GIVE ME GORO!' Kang started talking to Tsung with voice full of determination.

'You will not fight him yet. You have a next fight in three days.'

Johnny immediately ran up to his friend and told him 'You are now truly unpredictable warrior, Liu-Liu. You showed that jobber god his place. Though I never thought I would see a god defeated by gimmick I used in 'Ninja Mime', I am talking seriously'.

'I learn from the best' replied the Shaolin and smiled.

Meanwhile Tsung checked the underground of his palace to examine if the surprise he has for the kombatant soon is ready. Looked like it was. He hoped that it will kill him, or at least cripple him. That boy became too dangerous.

The next fight took place in the Kourtyard again, with everyone nervously awaiting that secret kombatant. Everyone was shocked. It was a mirror match, although no one could explain, how is it possible to have two Liu Kangs on the same arena. The original proved better than a copy, which resulted in copy laying on the ground and turning into dust. Who knew if that was the only sorcery made by Shang Tsung? Can he make the clones of other kombatants? Could he make a clone of himself? Now his magic abilities were confirmed, only making him more menacing as both the fighter and schemer. And yet, Liu Kang was not given a fight with Goro yet. He has three other challenges coming up before he has a chance to try to defeat the giant.

CHAPTER 8: RIGGED TOURNAMENT

Next fight was postponed very greatly, although no one knew, why. No one even bother to ask the host of the reason. Meanwhile night before the fight, much more happened. The guards started dropping dead - someone killed them. Whoever did it, made it flawlessly. No footsteps could be found, but the fact alone that someone breached the palace without noticing was very worrying for Shang Tsung. He realised that he is being hunted. By whom exactly? He hoped that it's not Raiden, no matter how delighted he was by seeing him defeated. Maybe these Special Forces came for Sonya? Maybe the Lin Kuei? Their Japanese counterparts? Now not only the lavish luxurious lifestyle was endangered - but the sorcerer's life itself. He has to solve it before something truly terrifying happens.

He runs quickly to the Warrior's Shrine, patiently waiting for his armed men to come. His breath was heave, heart pummeling, skin full of sweat. Then, he felt a chill on his body. To be more exact, all his body was now frozen to the bone. A punch shattered his body and frozen head taken. Sub-Zero now knew he has to run. NOW. He completed his task - he assassinated Shang Tsung, as ordered by one of his wealthy enemies. Now it's time to escape, while he has time. Unfortunately for him, it ran out.

'I have always heard the legends about the assassin cryomancer', said Shang Tsung. He somehow is in a jump distance from Sub-Zero, grinning devilishly as never before. 'I know you are the best of the Lin Kuei - and needless to say, you performed very well, both on the Kourtyard, and now, enacting a flawless assassination. The problem is, I have survived every single one assassination. Had you taken my offer, you would have lived peacefully. Maybe under my heel, but you would be safe under my influence. Now that I know you were sent here to kill me, I hereby end my hospitality I had for you. Shame on you, Sub-Zero.'

After this monologue, Tsung snapped his fingers, ordering Reptile to kill the cryomancer. The fight was now to the death - even though the assassin proved to be a very formidable warrior and fighter, he was bested by sorcerer's bodyguard.

Reptile looked at Tsung, waiting for an order.

'Let him go.' said the old man and again snapped his fingers, making Sub-Zero completely unable to move. He was now stiff like these statues. 'I know Scorpion is somewhere here. He will soon find you, bore you to death with his monologue about vengance and then, finish you for good. Have a nice day.' Shang Tsung laughed loud and left with Reptile. As he said, soon after Scorpion came up to his nemesis, handed to him on a silver platter. He walked around him, thinking of best way to enact revenge. Should he use his spectre powers and burn him? Or maybe he should rip his head with his spine? Or just torture him, mutilating his body? Suddenly, Sub-Zero punched Scorpion and tried to run away, seemingly breaking away from the spell Shang Tsung cast on him. Scorpion though reappeared in front of Sub-Zero.

'To the death.' said calmly cryomancer and reaching for his short dao, he fought to death with his nemesis one last time. Severely wounded after previous fight, he was bested this time and waited for Scorpion to kill him. The spectre took off its mask, now revealing that there was only a skull under. Scorpion exhaled a huge flame at Lin Kuei warrior, burning him to death. His revenge was now complete. Unfortunately for him, he will never rest again.

Liu Kang was shocked to face a duet of Sub-Zero and Scorpion, always having thought of them as mortal enemies. But, as the kombat further proved, they were clones, just like his mirror match was. Next fight, with quasi Sonya-Kano duo only proved that further. The third endurance match was something he feared greatly - he knew that Tsung will pit him against Cage-Raiden clones duo. He didn't know if he will beat them - he knew that no tournament would allow clones, but that is now that psychopath's event - he freely does whatever he wants, playing with other people's lives like they are toys.

When that fight came, it was clear that the host uses psychological wafare against Liu Kang. He brought Sonya Blade, now in chains, looking like she didn't eat for a week. It angered the Shaolin and thought of beating the sorcerer with a stick. The clones came to the palace, much to the Johnny's disappointment that his clone looks so ugly. He hires better body doubles than whatever was now standing in front of Kang. The fight was very tough, even though a cloned Raiden was much weaker than original. Also the cloned Cage did not have not only his charm and looks, but the original had skills and talent that the doppleganger did not. After emerging victorious, Liu Kang just stood and stared at the sorcerer, speaking firmly

'I think Goro is hungry for a fight. Either allow me to fight him or yield the tournament!'

Shang thought carefully before he said anything. His gimmicks were now limited. He lost kombatants, his clones. He has no other choice.

'You will fight Goro. TOMORROW AT THE DAWN!'

The perspective of fighting the Goro himself made Liu Kang very anxious. The Great Kung Lao was bested by him - so why should he, Liu Kang, a 24-year old Shaolin boy be any different? Even though he won every fight in the tournament, he knew that nothing was guaranteed.

Suddenly during the night, both he and Johnny were surrounded by men in dark clothes, who reached for their daggers. Among them, one had red glowing eye - it was Kano.

'Son of a BITCH' whispered Johnny.

'How are you even walking?' asked Liu Kang.

'Well, the Shangy knows somethin' 'bout the Chinese medicine, mate' Kano laughed. 'Allright boys, KILL THEM'

Both Liu and Johnny knew that their best option was to escape, as fighting bare-handed against multiple opponents armed with daggers is going to end in their deaths. By pure luck and clear mind, they escaped, knowing that now they will be searched for. Friends decided to hide and pick the assassins one by one, having no chance in open fight. Liu Kang was barely controlling his anger. By now, he wanted to slit Shang Tsung's throat open, for making this island a living hell, despite how beautiful it was. Torturing Sonya, making up rules just to remain the host, sending clones to fight, it was all disgusting to the Shaolin. They defeated the assassins by surprise, leaving only Kano.

'It's me and you boys', he smiled, as he attacked them both with his knives. They had to be careful - one successful slash could kill them. Kano was also stronger and faster than usually - not only he has his knee miraculously healed, he looks younger than he used to and his muscles are more defined. Now it was Johnny's time to shine - he came up to Kano, and punched his testicles so hard, that Kano collapsed on the ground and couldn't move. Johnny pummelled his face - out of sheer anger that because of this scumbag, Sonya is now tortured in Shang Tsung's palace. That he tried to kill them. He spat at him, as he detested him completely.

CHAPTER 9: THE FINALE

It was the dawn, finally. It angered Tsung to see that Shaolin brat alive - what he didn't know was that Cage went to free Sonya from imprisonment. Even if he knew, he wouldn't bother - he will lose the tournament soon, if Goro fails. Walking with Liu Kang to the Goro's lair, he started talking.

'It will be great honour for you, Liu Kang, to be ripped to pieces by him. He is hungry for you.'

'How could you know?'

'Your Shaolin masters never told you how Goro defeated Kung Lao? Of course they wouldn't tell you, otherwise you would never come here'

'So? How did he die?'

'He tore all his limbs, slowly and ate him alive. Goro told me that Lao cried for mercy and begged to be spared, like a pathetic weakling he was. The legends are not true. Your hero Lao was a weak man, both in heart and the body. You are no match for him'

'You are afraid, Shang Tsung.'

'Of you?'

'Yes. You are afraid that I will win. That sending clones against me was not sufficient and your assassins failed. That no matter who I fought, I won.'

'Nobody who has challenged Goro, has lived after.'

'You are afraid that I will. You cannot hide it.' said Liu Kang, looking Tsung in his eyes. He knew that he has to be sure of himself, if he intends to win.

Finally, he entered the Lair. The sorcerer was right. Many bones were thrown around, although it was not sure if these were kombatants or just Goro liked to eat human meat. Finally, Goro and Liu Kang met. After bowing to Goro with respect, he told him

'Goro, I am here to challenge you in Mortal Kombat. You will be defeated.'

'I am very pleased to hear that.' exclaimed Goro. Even though he was a monster, an ancient human-dragon hybrid, there was something noble and high-class about his manners.

'Before we fight, I want you to ask one thing. You fought with King Lao himself. How did the fight end?' Liu hoped for an honest answer.

'He was a great warrior. He had been fighting fiercely and honorably. Even though I finished him, he looked me in the eye when I snapped his neck. He was brave till the end.'

'Why did you kill him?'

'Shang Tsung asked me to.'

'Five hundred years ago?'

'Exactly.'

It made Liu Kang feel uneasy, fearing that Shang Tsung may end up even harder to beat than Goro. What ultimately matters now, however, is defeating Goro.

'Worry not, Shaolin. I will give you a warrior's death.'

For Liu, it mattered not whether he died or not. If he fails now, he can die anyway. He started casting flames at Goro, which only angered him. Halfdragon tried to stomp him to the ground, without much sucess. Liu knew that fighting Goro in close distance means death - he is even taller than Raiden by a huge margin, he also has four arms, rendering many techniques he learned useless. But then, Shaolin saw the giant jumping. When he landed, the ground trembled and Kang fell on the floor. He was grabbed by the throat and was told 'It is fine. When you die, you will be remembered as the Great Liu Kang, who progressed that far in the tournament.' He interrupted Goro by casting a flame targeting his eyes. Monster screamed in pain, holding his face with one hand, and using three others to hit the man. Liu attacked his knees, knowing that if he manages to do that, then he will make Goro immobile. When one of the knees popped, Liu started casting fireballs at him, hoping to enrage the monster, who is now partially blind and with only one leg working. However, Goro hit him in his head with backhand - Liu is now feeling dizzy, trying to hold himself on both feet. He finally gathers all strength he has and using the Flying Kick, he kicks Goro's jaw. Goro is defeated.

In the same time, Johnny Cage is now the action man - not just playing one of these. After taking away Kano's knives and equipment, he sneaks to the palace and fights off the remaining guards one by one, using his skills from the movie sets. He proves himself capable by his skills in use of naginatas, bows, and arts of distraction. He found her. Releasing her from hostage, he tells her

'Liu Kang is fighting Goro now. If he makes it, then Shang Tsung is defeated for good.'

Sonya has smiled for the first time in many days, as she is tortured in both physical and psychological ways. When freed, she however quickly returns to life and her former self, telling Johnny

'I am not your damsel in danger. We both go and free my men. You up?'

'Hell yeah I am!'

They go to the dungeon in which Sonya's men were held and they both prove themselves to be a really working team, despite looking like from two different worlds. He turned out to be a mature man, who can be serious and practical when the time comes, she on the other hand has a sens of humour, even when they are fighting Tsung's guards.

In the Lair, Tsung is surprised to see Goro laying unconscious on the ground. Liu Kang looks at him with a stare full of passon and desire for that final confrontation.

'Shang Tsung!' Liu yelled. 'I have defeated all your kombatants. You are alone now. No one can fight your fight. Be a man, and face me in Mortal Kombat!'

It was a very dangerous move to make. He was directly after his fight with Goro and was hit in the head - he is certainly not in the best condition to fight him. On the other hand, it's now or never. If he does not fight him now, that coward will certainly make more clones. Send more assassins. Heal Goro and throw him again against him. He can't let that happen.

'You are sure? You cannot win this fight. I have the sould of Great Kung Lao - of all other great fighters and warriors - their souls only make me more powerful. You will become one of them. I will use your soul to kill more Shaolin. It's your last time to yield, boy.'

'I am sure. You enslaved my friend. You sucked the soul of Kung Lao. You tried to kill me in dishonorable ways - only because you are a coward, who is afraid to fight! Why would you need all these souls if you have no bravery of any of them!

When Shang Tsung tried replying, Kang interrupted him, saying 'No more talking. FIGHT!'

'So be it.' replied Tsung and summoned a fire skull, directed at Liu Kang. It was so fast that Shaolin couldn't dodge it - it knocked him on the ground. Sorcerer laughed loudly, although with uncertainity in his voice. 'The supposed champion, who loses to an kind, elderly man? Are you sure you do not want to yield?' Hearing that Liu says something, but very quietly, he decided to approach him, hoping for his opponent to yield, even though on his knees and breathing heavily. Which was a mistake on his part, as young man only faked his condition - he got up on his feet quickly and punched the sorcerer in his face with great force.

'Nice one, child. You are not the only one with tricks though.' said the host, changing his appearance to Scorpion.

'What?!' asked Kang, fearing what his enemy could also do. He became even more determined to defeat him. His hopes of shapeshifting being just the facade have failed - Tsung copied abilities as well, so he constantly teleported as Scorpion, much to Liu's frustraton. He didn't fight Scorpion in this tournament, so he cannot use tactics from the fight. He has seen how Sub-Zero defeated Scorpion however, so he stood and patiently waited for that cowardly sorcerer to finally attack. When there was an occasion, he kicked Tsung in his stomach with full force. That unfortunately, didn't make him lay on the ground. He changed his form to Raiden, hoping that if he uses his quasi powers, then he will toss Kang to the ground and kill him. That also failed, with Shang changing his form to other kombatants, sometimes in the middle of the blow. Managing to strike the Shaolin's prodigy a copule of times, he changed into his basic form and started summoning fire skull one after another, so Liu gets killed by them. However now with Kang knowing of these skulls, he actually managed to dodge them.

'You see, you can't win! Surrender and I will spare you, boy!'

'You are sweating.' calmly replied Liu Kang, throwing the sorcerer off the balance. He knew he can win. He knew that he must win.

Then, Tsung changed his form into Goro. Liu hoped that it was the best he could do and not turn into some demon form.

After a long fight with gimmick using Shang Tsung, they both realised that this is the end and one of them ends up defeated. The host changed his form from one to another, but he could not decide which should he use. Liu Kang however decided that it's now or never - and by the Flying Kick he knocked Tsung on the ground, barely conscious.

'SAY IT! YIELD!' yelled at the defeated.

Victor noticed that sorcerer's body is convulting and shaking - at first he thought that he damaged his brain, but then he realised that the trapped souls escape the body - among them, the one of Kung Lao. The ancient warrior manifested himself in a form visible to Kang and saying not one word, he bowed to him, and spread into air.

Liu Kang then found Johnny and Sonya, who managed to apprehend Kano and contact with a ship near the island - the trio was finally saved, and the tournament returned to the Shaolin. Shang Tsung died of old age - as he lived more than five hundred years, these souls were his life support. Raiden was not seen around mortals ever again, and there were rumours about Scorpion being seen in Japan. Kano ended up in max security prison. Sub-Zero's loss was mourned among other Lin Kuei assassins, who pledged to hunt down Scorpion and avenge their brother. Sonya was promoted in the army. Johnny Cage has made a movie 'Mortal Kombat', with many successful sequels. Liu Kang studied the previous Mortal Kombat tournaments, restoring pride and honour they had once.

THE END

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Turtlethon Extra Slices: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) (part 2 of 3)

This is the second part of a special retrospective Turtlethon entry examining the 1990 live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. The first part can be read here.

April is taken back to her home by the Turtles, situated above an antiques store which she inherited. The team are keen to come in after she lets slip that she has frozen pizza in the kitchen, and a friendship is soon formed as she warms to their antics. Returning home, the brothers are thrilled at how everything turned out, but their elation turns to horror as they find their own home ransacked, Raphael screaming in anguish at the discovery that Splinter has been kidnapped. The group soon return to April, tearful and defeated.

The next morning, Charles drops in on April, his son in tow, having received a call from Chief Sterns about Danny’s exploits the previous night. Under continued pressure from both Sterns and the mayor he again encourages her to back off in her investigations, under the pretence that this is for her safety; throughout their conversation the Turtles use the art of invisibility to hide their presence from April’s boss, and while Danny briefly spots Michaelangelo’s reflection in a mirror, when he turns around, a stuffed toy occupies the same spot.

While presumably driving him to school, Charles scolds Danny for his recent behaviour, questioning why he needs to steal when they’re not short on money. Danny can’t provide any real justification for his actions and, at an opportune moment, escapes from the car into a nearby subway.

In the hideout of the delinquent youths, where the music of MC Hammer plays and the Pepsi pours freely (the local Wilmington bottler was clearly exceptionally generous in providing pallets of soda that appear throughout this movie), we see not only the boys behind this crime wave hanging out, but also a training exercise taking place. Tatsu (Toshishiro Obata / Michael McConnohie), a fearsome ninja warrior, spars with a youth before exploiting his willingness to bow, kicking him to the floor. The session soon ends, with the sound of a gong summoning everyone in attendance for the arrival of their master.

The first appearance of Shredder (James Saito / David McCharen) is a grand cinematic spectacle, and easily one of the most impressive pieces of filmmaking on display in the entire production. Seen first in shadows, then followed from above, the camera spins around the villain to take in his helmet in detail before Tatsu steps in to unroll his cape, revealing his spiked shoulder blades. A ceremony follows in which Shredder recognises one of the boys as an official Foot Clan ninja. He goes on to address his army of youths, reminding them that only those who display effort, discipline and loyalty are worthy of wearing the dragon doji. As he reiterates his bond with the hoodlums, declaring himself to be their father, a tracking shot reveals that Splinter is being held in chains nearby. Shredder speaks of the threat posed by the Turtles and how it must be extinguished, leading to the emergence of Danny from the crowd.

April makes a further appearance on the news, talking to a co-host about her discussions with immigrants of Japanese ancestry. In those conversations, she was told how the current crime wave resembles the actions of the Foot, a band of notorious criminals who were once active in their old homeland. Charles watches this with concern and is soon the recipient of a phone call from a furious Sterns, who can be heard yelling “I thought we had a deal!” Without revealing their true identities April makes a point of thanking her rescuers on air, in particular Raphael. This leads to some teasing from the other Turtles, the group watching as they continue to hide out in her home.

Things become heated as Raphael is keen to strike back and rescue Splinter as soon as possible, Leonardo insisting that they hold back to allow April’s investigations to provide them with a lead. Seeing a row brewing, Donnie and Mikey quietly escape to the kitchen. Leonardo scolds Raphael for his attitude problems, leading the hot-headed Turtle to storm out.

Raphael is performing ninja moves on the roof when he’s spotted by Casey Jones, who’s intercepting radio transmissions from atop a neighbouring building nearby. More concerningly, a group of Foot ninjas have also picked up on Raph’s presence and soon begin to surround him.

April returns from work and is keen to show the Turtles around the antiques store; in what could be considered a throwaway line but one that ties back to the themes of the film, she concedes to her new friends that keeping the business going as a loss-making venture as a way of maintaining her connection to her late father is perhaps foolish, but Donatello assures her it isn’t. The Turtles goof around with the items on display before returning upstairs, unaware that above them Raphael has found himself overwhelmed by Shredder’s army of ninjas. Finally, Raph is hurled through the glass roof of the apartment as the Foot knock down every available entrance to surround April and the other Turtles. An extended sequence follows – excised in the UK versions of the film upon its initial release, both in the cinema and on home video – where Michaelangelo spots that one of the ninjas is “a fellow chucker”, each then attempting to one-up the other in a demonstration of their abilities in using nunchucks – before a full battle involving everyone breaks out.

More than any other scene, the fight that follows is perhaps the best encapsulation of what the movie is trying to be in terms of presentation, a raucous brawl incorporating both martial arts moves and slapstick. The Foot warriors use axes to swing at the Turtles with wild abandon, missing our heroes each time and providing ample room for one-liners, but gradually destroying the floor as they do so. By the time Donatello expresses his concerns about even more members of the gang being packed into the crumbling building, it’s too late – the floor collapses beneath them, dumping everyone in the antiques store below. Before the Turtles and April have even had a chance to recover, they’re confronted by Tatsu, who sends still more minions after them.

April tends to an unconscious Raphael as the other Turtles struggle to put up a fight, now wildly outnumbered. An unlikely ally emerges in the form of Casey Jones, who after taking a moment to express his immediate attraction to April soon joins the fight. Another errant swing from a Foot ninja’s axe leads to the severing of a cable and an electrical fire, which quickly spreads. April and the Turtles escape outside through a hidden hatch, while Casey stays behind to hold off the ninjas; in doing so, he happens to overhear an incoming answering machine message from Charles, who has caved to the pressures placed upon him and reluctantly made the decision to fire April. With the police now on their way, Tatsu orders his men to retreat as our heroes escape in an old VW camper van. Danny is seen watching from a distance as the building becomes engulfed in flames.

Shredder learns of the night’s events and is furious, demanding information from Splinter about the identities of the Turtles and the secrets behind their fighting skills. Upon receiving no answer, he tells the rat that he will continue to hang there until he dies. On his way out, he visually expresses his disapproval with Tatsu’s performance; after Shredder leaves, Tatsu in turn takes out his frustrations on the underlings in a nearby locker room, leaving one of them bloodied and beaten; Danny again is present for this and gets a close-up view of what being a member of Shredder’s “family” can entail. He goes on to discover the captured Splinter, who through everything remains kind and receptive, even to a member of Shredder’s gang, and offers to listen to his problems. When Danny insists that his own dad has little regard for him or his well-being, Splinter refutes this, telling him that “all fathers... care for their sons”.

Our heroes retreat to the countryside and an abandoned farmhouse where April’s family once resided; in what might be considered a subversion of expectations Casey finds himself unable to repair the camper that brought them there, and so it won’t be modified into the Turtle Van, the film instead going in a different direction. Casey off-handedly reveals hearing the answerphone message from Charles during their escape, but his lack of tact in breaking the news leads to a row; Donnie and Mikey remark on the clear romantic tension between the two of them after both storm out.

In the days that follow, April chronicles the progress of her new friends through art and in writing as they begin the process of healing after their humbling defeat at the hands of the Foot. Donatello engages in light-hearted joshing with Casey as the two work together to try and revive an old pick-up truck; Leonardo maintains a vigil over a still-unconscious Raphael, who has been placed in a bathtub as part of the healing process; Michaelangelo is... also here, but curiously absent from April’s musings, and she continues to grow closer to (and bicker with) Casey over time. Eventually Raph wakes up, and in a brief but heartfelt scene, Leonardo eagerly hugs his brother, apologising for their row days earlier. More time passes and the Turtles continue to recuperate, training again as a reunited group but still haunted by the loss of Splinter.

Tatsu provides Shredder with an update on the status of his criminal empire; as the scene opens, we see that even cases of Archie comics are considered fair game for the Foot. We learn that in addition to the Turtles, Danny has also dropped off the radar, and Splinter refuses to provide any further information. Tatsu asks Shredder why the Turtles are of such concern. In his response, we get the first hint that perhaps Shredder, too, is haunted by past events, as the description given to him of the fighting style used by the Turtles reminds him of events that occurred years earlier.

Leonardo is meditating outside and momentarily establishes a connection with Splinter, drawing upon the same vaguely mystical psychic bond with the Turtles that the team’s sensei occasionally utilises in the cartoon. Now convinced his master is still alive, Leo has the whole team join him in a meditative ritual around a campfire that night. The flames turn blue as the image of Splinter appears to the Turtles, informing them that they’ve reached the final and most important lesson of their ninja training: “that ultimate mastery comes not of the body, but of the mind”. He encourages the Turtles to look out for each other and closes by reminding them that he loves them. The group is visibly moved by the experience, with Michaelangelo being particularly tearful; my reading on this is that it’s intended to reflect him being the most reluctant to address the prospect of a life without Splinter earlier in the film.

The next morning, the Turtles return to the farmhouse, meeting up with April and Casey. Leonardo closes the door on the second act of the film with a single, decisive line: “It’s time to go back.”

Continued in part 3!

#Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #TMNT #TMNT 1990 #Ninja Turtles #Steve Barron #1990 #Film #Turtlethon #90s films #1990s movies #1990s films

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