Youphemism
Gunslinger since pre patch (sh/out to The Farmer)
This is a thread where all who have read the comics or who would like to find out what happens in the comics can come and see what happened and read about them and discuss them!
Volume 1 - Blood Ties:
Issue 1
Chapter #1 - Prelude:
Definitely not disappointed so far!
Chapter #2 - Scorpion's Apprentice Part 1 (thanks to @Dark for the summary)
Chapter #3 - Scorpion's Apprentice Part 2
Issue 2
Chapter #4 - Caged Part 1:
Chapter #5 - Caged Part 2 (thanks again to Dark for the summary):
Chapter #6 - Kotal Kahn: Sekret Origin (thx to Dark once more)
Issue 3
Chapter #7 - Betrayal In Outworld Part 1
Chapter #8 - Betrayal In Outworld Part 2
Chapter #9 - Betrayal In Outworld Part 3 (thanks to @Shad !)
Issue 4
Chapter #10 - Scorpion: Sekret Origin
Chapter #11 - Kamidogu
Chapter #12 - Rumble In The Jungle
Volume 1 Overview!
Volume 2 - Blood Gods:
Issue 1
Chapter #13 - Cold Nights
Chapter #14 - City of Ice and Hellfire
Chapter #15 - Losing Ourselves
Issue 2
Chapter #16 - Sub Zero: Sekret Origin
Chapter #17 - The Oni/Shokan Uprising Part 1
Chapter #18 - The Oni/Shokan Uprising Part 2
Issue 3
Chapter #19 - Outworld: Sekret Origin
Chapter #20 - Deadly Allies Part 1
Chapter #21 - Deadly Allies Part 2
Issue 4
Chapter #22 - Just The Two Of Us
Chapter #23 - Cage Family: Sekret Origin
Chapter #24 - Departures and Arrivals
Issue 5
Chapter #25 - Blood On The Sand
Chapter #26 - Watch The Throne
Chapter #27 - Blood and Gods
Volume 1 - Blood Ties:
Issue 1
Chapter #1 - Prelude:
Kenshi! Scorpion! Sub Zero! Kano! Hsu Hao! Raiden? Quan Chi? Sonya? Daegon? Mavado?
Kamidogu! Shirai Ryu! Red Dragon! Netherrealm War! KENSHI'S SON?!
Turns out Kenshi has a son named Takeda! Not sure if he ties in with Takeda from the original MK lore but we'll soon find out I expect
He also had a wife named Suchin who was a badass!
Kano using that cursed Kamidogu on Sub was HYPE.
Scorpion looks buff as FUCK.
Sub Zero looks pretty cool with his hood down.
Kano is as evil as ever.
Hsu Hao got rekt lmao.
Also Kenshi was working undercover? Maybe as an agent for the Special Forces?
The Red Dragon guys look cool too, but we saw them before in the previews months ago.
Kamidogu! Shirai Ryu! Red Dragon! Netherrealm War! KENSHI'S SON?!
Turns out Kenshi has a son named Takeda! Not sure if he ties in with Takeda from the original MK lore but we'll soon find out I expect
He also had a wife named Suchin who was a badass!
Kano using that cursed Kamidogu on Sub was HYPE.
Scorpion looks buff as FUCK.
Sub Zero looks pretty cool with his hood down.
Kano is as evil as ever.
Hsu Hao got rekt lmao.
Also Kenshi was working undercover? Maybe as an agent for the Special Forces?
The Red Dragon guys look cool too, but we saw them before in the previews months ago.
Definitely not disappointed so far!
Chapter #2 - Scorpion's Apprentice Part 1 (thanks to @Dark for the summary)
The issue starts off with the section that was previewed. Fox and Takeda are facing eachother in a training exercise and Fox easily wins. Immediately after, we come back to them "years later" in the same situation. Fox wins again and Scorpion lectures Takeda on not playing around and using his speed to his advantage. Fox stands up for him, which causes Scorpion to give Fox the task of protecting Takeda from the coming threat. As he accepts this job.. he hears a strange voice in his head, claiming to be "his own thoughts in his own head".
Scorpion had received an unexpected and unwelcome visitor earlier that day, Raiden. He mentions Scorpion still safeguarding the dagger that Raiden gave to him, it looks like it could be another kamidogu. Raiden is there to warn him of a threat. "The Netherrealm invasion damaged cosmic barriers that protect earth from realms beyond. Before I could repair them, something broke through. A powerful demon from another realm." This being apparently wants to destroy earth's champions (Scorpion, Johnny, and Sonya are included among them.) Raiden mentions there being far fewer of them than there used to be, and Scorpion blames Raiden for it. He leaves to warn the others. "He's a liar and a fool, but when Raiden pays you a visit.. People are going to die.
Fox is to protect Takeda, and both are to kill this demon before it kills them, should they need to. They are surrounded by an army of assassins, and safe as they can be.
Fox is awoken by the voice in his mind. "Fulfill the blood code". He is instructed to pick up the dagger(kamidogu?) and mutilate his face. "The flesh is a lie, the blood code is truth". He wakes up Takeda and puts the dagger to his throat. His face is completely peeled off(Meat style). It's revealed that he murdered the rest of the Shirai Ryu, as they all lay around them, dead. He will take Takeda to Hanzo and show him that he is not afraid of death.
Scorpion had received an unexpected and unwelcome visitor earlier that day, Raiden. He mentions Scorpion still safeguarding the dagger that Raiden gave to him, it looks like it could be another kamidogu. Raiden is there to warn him of a threat. "The Netherrealm invasion damaged cosmic barriers that protect earth from realms beyond. Before I could repair them, something broke through. A powerful demon from another realm." This being apparently wants to destroy earth's champions (Scorpion, Johnny, and Sonya are included among them.) Raiden mentions there being far fewer of them than there used to be, and Scorpion blames Raiden for it. He leaves to warn the others. "He's a liar and a fool, but when Raiden pays you a visit.. People are going to die.
Fox is to protect Takeda, and both are to kill this demon before it kills them, should they need to. They are surrounded by an army of assassins, and safe as they can be.
Fox is awoken by the voice in his mind. "Fulfill the blood code". He is instructed to pick up the dagger(kamidogu?) and mutilate his face. "The flesh is a lie, the blood code is truth". He wakes up Takeda and puts the dagger to his throat. His face is completely peeled off(Meat style). It's revealed that he murdered the rest of the Shirai Ryu, as they all lay around them, dead. He will take Takeda to Hanzo and show him that he is not afraid of death.
Chapter #3 - Scorpion's Apprentice Part 2
This continues on from the end of comic #2 where Fox took Takeda hostage. We start off hearing Takeda questioning what Fox has done to Hanzo and not seeing anything, then through slowly opening eyes we see an upside down picture of Fox, face still mutilated, and Takeda being held with the dagger Fox used to cut his face off. Fox tells Takeda that he has put Hanzo in a state of mental entropy through the use of one of Hanzo's poisons. Takeda thinks Hanzo is dying but Fox reassures him that he isn't and is merely reliving old memories so that Fox could "slaughter his clan without interruption" in an attempt to bring back Scorpion.
We see Hanzo beaten and hung upside down by chains. Fox tells Takeda to "spare" Hanzo's life as, having lost another Shirai Ryu, Hanzo could become something unimaginable. Fox wants Takeda to prove he's "brave enough to take a life."
Then we see the preview we saw of Scorpion reliving his worst day. It goes to Japan and Scorpion making his way through Lin Kuei. He encounters his wife and son frozen in ice and drops to his knees. Then it cuts to Sub Zero asking how losing everything has made him feel, and we can see a red glow in Sub's eyes. Hanzo replies to the demon attempting to recreate his memory, telling him that he and Sub-Zero "never talked about 'feelings'." At this point Scorpion realises none of it is real and that it's just a memory and Scorpion is unleashed once again.
We go back to Takeda and Fox. Takeda tells Fox he can't kill Hanzo but Fox tries to manipulate him into killing Hanzo by telling him that Hanzo has been harder on him than anyone else and that he wasn't chosen to be a warrior Fox tries to approach Hanzo and Takeda pulls him back with a whip-like weapon. Fox shoots a red energy out of his hand at Takeda, hitting him through a wall, as he tells him "Too little, too late."
Hanzo awakens and bursts out his chains. Scorpion reawakens. He grabs Fox and breathes a large flame at Fox's face before stabbing him through the heart (x-ray-like shot here) with the dagger Fox has been carrying. But Fox says "Thank you" and hits Scorpion with red energy from his hand calming him back to Hanzo. He tells Hanzo how blood makes him more powerful as his chest and eyes glow red and his face begins to regrow. He assumes Raiden never told Scorpion about the dagger or "its connection to Quan Ch--" and before he can finish his sentence we see a sword go through his chest and come up through the top of his head before we see Takeda on the other side of the sword.
Hanzo approaches Fox's dead body and takes the dagger before putting a hand on Takeda's shoulder. The next shot shows Takeda and Hanzo in front of a burning pile of bodies, the Shirai Ryu. Takeda questions how Hanzo thinks they are honouring the Shirai Ryu by leaving and asks why they don't "rebuild" as they are walking back along a snow-covered setting. Hanzo tells him they will rebuild, but first they have to find the one who gave Hanzo the dagger and that Hanzo will show Takeda how to make a god beg for mercy.
We cut to the Sky Temple, thunder everywhere outside. Raiden is having a conversation with Fujin. Raiden talks about how this "thing" is travelling through the realms and that his "vision is too clouded to find it." Fujin tells him the price is too high, but what price? This is when we see Raiden pull out a dagger glowing red as he says "What price? Among the humans...it is considered noble to give blood." We see that the red dagger Raiden pulls out is The Kamidogu Of Order. He tells Fujin that it has enhanced his sight before and that with a few drops of blood he'll find the demon.
The last page shows Raiden releasing red lightning and having a vision which reveals future plot points in the comic! He says "We are too late, it has begun!"
Stop reading now if you don't want to know what Raiden sees in his vision that reveals what will happen in the future comics!
It shows:
1. Scorpion and Takeda backpacking through a wintry setting (as seen in this comic)
2. Frost and Cassie in a fistfight, Cassie getting punched by Frost
3. Kotal Kahn squeezing a heart and drinking the blood. A silhouette of Ferra/Torr is in the background and a ninja is standing behind Kotal. He seems uncoloured but Shaun Kittelsen has said it's Reptile but not to let the lighting affect our view!
4. Reiko and Mileena and Reiko has his arm round her like they're in a relationship!
5. Sub Zero in the air, moon behind him, shooting an ice ball FIGHTING the Tekunin?!
6. Kano stabbing the hand of a Shokan with facial hair, possibly Goro!
7. Jax training his daughter, she's punching a punching bag but has braids and a slightly darker skin tone.
We see Hanzo beaten and hung upside down by chains. Fox tells Takeda to "spare" Hanzo's life as, having lost another Shirai Ryu, Hanzo could become something unimaginable. Fox wants Takeda to prove he's "brave enough to take a life."
Then we see the preview we saw of Scorpion reliving his worst day. It goes to Japan and Scorpion making his way through Lin Kuei. He encounters his wife and son frozen in ice and drops to his knees. Then it cuts to Sub Zero asking how losing everything has made him feel, and we can see a red glow in Sub's eyes. Hanzo replies to the demon attempting to recreate his memory, telling him that he and Sub-Zero "never talked about 'feelings'." At this point Scorpion realises none of it is real and that it's just a memory and Scorpion is unleashed once again.
We go back to Takeda and Fox. Takeda tells Fox he can't kill Hanzo but Fox tries to manipulate him into killing Hanzo by telling him that Hanzo has been harder on him than anyone else and that he wasn't chosen to be a warrior Fox tries to approach Hanzo and Takeda pulls him back with a whip-like weapon. Fox shoots a red energy out of his hand at Takeda, hitting him through a wall, as he tells him "Too little, too late."
Hanzo awakens and bursts out his chains. Scorpion reawakens. He grabs Fox and breathes a large flame at Fox's face before stabbing him through the heart (x-ray-like shot here) with the dagger Fox has been carrying. But Fox says "Thank you" and hits Scorpion with red energy from his hand calming him back to Hanzo. He tells Hanzo how blood makes him more powerful as his chest and eyes glow red and his face begins to regrow. He assumes Raiden never told Scorpion about the dagger or "its connection to Quan Ch--" and before he can finish his sentence we see a sword go through his chest and come up through the top of his head before we see Takeda on the other side of the sword.
Hanzo approaches Fox's dead body and takes the dagger before putting a hand on Takeda's shoulder. The next shot shows Takeda and Hanzo in front of a burning pile of bodies, the Shirai Ryu. Takeda questions how Hanzo thinks they are honouring the Shirai Ryu by leaving and asks why they don't "rebuild" as they are walking back along a snow-covered setting. Hanzo tells him they will rebuild, but first they have to find the one who gave Hanzo the dagger and that Hanzo will show Takeda how to make a god beg for mercy.
We cut to the Sky Temple, thunder everywhere outside. Raiden is having a conversation with Fujin. Raiden talks about how this "thing" is travelling through the realms and that his "vision is too clouded to find it." Fujin tells him the price is too high, but what price? This is when we see Raiden pull out a dagger glowing red as he says "What price? Among the humans...it is considered noble to give blood." We see that the red dagger Raiden pulls out is The Kamidogu Of Order. He tells Fujin that it has enhanced his sight before and that with a few drops of blood he'll find the demon.
The last page shows Raiden releasing red lightning and having a vision which reveals future plot points in the comic! He says "We are too late, it has begun!"
Stop reading now if you don't want to know what Raiden sees in his vision that reveals what will happen in the future comics!
It shows:
1. Scorpion and Takeda backpacking through a wintry setting (as seen in this comic)
2. Frost and Cassie in a fistfight, Cassie getting punched by Frost
3. Kotal Kahn squeezing a heart and drinking the blood. A silhouette of Ferra/Torr is in the background and a ninja is standing behind Kotal. He seems uncoloured but Shaun Kittelsen has said it's Reptile but not to let the lighting affect our view!
4. Reiko and Mileena and Reiko has his arm round her like they're in a relationship!
5. Sub Zero in the air, moon behind him, shooting an ice ball FIGHTING the Tekunin?!
6. Kano stabbing the hand of a Shokan with facial hair, possibly Goro!
7. Jax training his daughter, she's punching a punching bag but has braids and a slightly darker skin tone.
Issue 2
Chapter #4 - Caged Part 1:
We're back at the Sky Temple and the red lightning emanating from Raiden has calmed down. We see Fujin blasted into the corner with a giant hole in his abdomen. Raiden tends to him quickly, healing his wound, but his arm is still bleeding. The price he pays for using blood magik. He says the bloodshed could begin with Cassie Cage.
Then we cut to Venice, California, to Johnny Cage's condo. Cassie and a dark-skinned woman called Jacqui are sparring. Jacqui taunts Cassie telling her she's like her dad - she doesn't know when to shut up - and Cassie talks about Jacqui not getting "Uncle Jax's robo-arms" while she got Johnny's Shadow Kick and Cassie Shadow Kicks Jacqui. Cassie ends up falling into and breaking Johnny's blueberry award for worst actor in Ninja Mime. Cassie explains that Johnny won't be angry about it breaking and Jacqui asks if that's why Cassie left/ran away from Sonya.
We cut to a redacted location, and we encounter Sonya with some people. A Dr. Goodman reminds her that "The General's orders were clear: don't start an interrealm war." He also tells her that Cassie snuck off base again. When it's suggested that a team could be sent to Johnny's to get her Sonya says no and that Johnny can deal with her. Sonya places her hand on a door which recognises her as Colonel Blade and when we go inside the room we see Kotal Kahn, D'Vorah and another man chained up.
Kotal explains how he has been at war with Mileena for 10 years and how the fight for the throne has diminished Outworld. He also explains that Mileena is working with the Red Dragon there in Earthrealm and he has come to "eradicate them". He plans to do this with his "deadliest warriors", D'Vorah and the man chained up on his left, who we're told is Erron Black. Kotal threatens Sonya, telling her to help or Earthrealm will suffer Outworld's fate. D'Vorah gets annoyed when Sonya turns her back to Kotal and breaks free from the chains. She tries to attack Sonya with one of her ovipositors but Sonya grabs it saying "Don't even try it!" and kicks her in the jaw (nice x-ray shot here of the bones). Erron breaks free as well as Kotal who says they're not there for kombat. Kotal urges Sonya to forge an alliance as the fate of their worlds depends on it.
It cuts to Cassie and Jacqui in front of a club. Jacqui and Cassie must be under 21 as Jacqui is paranoid they will get caught and her dad doesn't handle bad news well, whoever he is. Cassie reassures her they won't get caught and they skip the entire line, Cassie pays the bouncer at the door that asks if they're on the list, and after a quick comment from him regarding telling Johnny that someone thought Ninja Mime was an underrated classic, Jacqui and Cassie head into the club.
They end up watching an MMA fight, with Cassie telling Jacqui she can watch and learn more than just one fighting style. Cassie goes to sign up and Jacqui watches what's going on in the ring. She sees one of the fighters in the ring break the other ones neck and Jacqui becomes alarmed. This isn't just an MMA fight. She hurries to find Cassie to warn her. Cassie doesn't believe her at first until the announcer starts talking about the first ever celebrity deathmatch and she realises what she's in for with a "F.M.L." Two men grab Cassie and Jacqui, one takes Casie to the ring and Jacqui is taken back to the spectator's area. The announcer says "Let's hope she fights better than her dad acts eh?" to a round of laughter from the audience but Cassie takes it in her stride saying "Let the haters hate, Cage. The people want a show. Give 'em one." We are then introduced to her opponent: 21 wins, NO losses, 13 flawless victories, 21 fatalities
Frost.
Frost says "Some Beverly Hills brat? This kill's gonna be all too easy." and the comic leaves us just before Caged Part 2.
Then we cut to Venice, California, to Johnny Cage's condo. Cassie and a dark-skinned woman called Jacqui are sparring. Jacqui taunts Cassie telling her she's like her dad - she doesn't know when to shut up - and Cassie talks about Jacqui not getting "Uncle Jax's robo-arms" while she got Johnny's Shadow Kick and Cassie Shadow Kicks Jacqui. Cassie ends up falling into and breaking Johnny's blueberry award for worst actor in Ninja Mime. Cassie explains that Johnny won't be angry about it breaking and Jacqui asks if that's why Cassie left/ran away from Sonya.
We cut to a redacted location, and we encounter Sonya with some people. A Dr. Goodman reminds her that "The General's orders were clear: don't start an interrealm war." He also tells her that Cassie snuck off base again. When it's suggested that a team could be sent to Johnny's to get her Sonya says no and that Johnny can deal with her. Sonya places her hand on a door which recognises her as Colonel Blade and when we go inside the room we see Kotal Kahn, D'Vorah and another man chained up.
Kotal explains how he has been at war with Mileena for 10 years and how the fight for the throne has diminished Outworld. He also explains that Mileena is working with the Red Dragon there in Earthrealm and he has come to "eradicate them". He plans to do this with his "deadliest warriors", D'Vorah and the man chained up on his left, who we're told is Erron Black. Kotal threatens Sonya, telling her to help or Earthrealm will suffer Outworld's fate. D'Vorah gets annoyed when Sonya turns her back to Kotal and breaks free from the chains. She tries to attack Sonya with one of her ovipositors but Sonya grabs it saying "Don't even try it!" and kicks her in the jaw (nice x-ray shot here of the bones). Erron breaks free as well as Kotal who says they're not there for kombat. Kotal urges Sonya to forge an alliance as the fate of their worlds depends on it.
It cuts to Cassie and Jacqui in front of a club. Jacqui and Cassie must be under 21 as Jacqui is paranoid they will get caught and her dad doesn't handle bad news well, whoever he is. Cassie reassures her they won't get caught and they skip the entire line, Cassie pays the bouncer at the door that asks if they're on the list, and after a quick comment from him regarding telling Johnny that someone thought Ninja Mime was an underrated classic, Jacqui and Cassie head into the club.
They end up watching an MMA fight, with Cassie telling Jacqui she can watch and learn more than just one fighting style. Cassie goes to sign up and Jacqui watches what's going on in the ring. She sees one of the fighters in the ring break the other ones neck and Jacqui becomes alarmed. This isn't just an MMA fight. She hurries to find Cassie to warn her. Cassie doesn't believe her at first until the announcer starts talking about the first ever celebrity deathmatch and she realises what she's in for with a "F.M.L." Two men grab Cassie and Jacqui, one takes Casie to the ring and Jacqui is taken back to the spectator's area. The announcer says "Let's hope she fights better than her dad acts eh?" to a round of laughter from the audience but Cassie takes it in her stride saying "Let the haters hate, Cage. The people want a show. Give 'em one." We are then introduced to her opponent: 21 wins, NO losses, 13 flawless victories, 21 fatalities
Frost.
Frost says "Some Beverly Hills brat? This kill's gonna be all too easy." and the comic leaves us just before Caged Part 2.
Chapter #5 - Caged Part 2 (thanks again to Dark for the summary):
Back at Special Forces HQ, Sonya is threatening to kill D'Vorah if Kotal moves, he gets upset and prepares to attack. Raiden comes in and zaps the shit out of everyone. Kotal is pissed and says "Earthrealm. Our fate will be yours." Kotal and his comrades prepare to leave, Kotal opens some kind of portal. Raiden says to him "You promised me you wouldn't use that portal stone anymore, Kotal." Kotal replies with "And after the netherrealm war, you promised our worlds would cooperate." Raiden informs Sonya that he's looking for her daughter.
Now back to the match between Frost and Cassie, Frost is beating Cassie until she gets the upper hand and knocks Frost out. Cassie's told to finish her and refuses, until they aim snipers at her and put Jacqui at gunpoint. Right before Cassie unwillingly kills her, the place is attacked by who Cassie thinks is her mother Sonya but actually turns out to be the Black Dragon's Jarek and Tasia (from MK: Special Forces). Jacqui uses the distraction to get the keys to the cage, and frees Cassie. They take Frost to safety to make up for almost killing her. Jarek and Tasia confront them, they request Cassie's presence. Cassie and Jacqui start running, and Cassie starts taking pictures on her phone. Jacqui doesn't understand why she's taking selfies until Cassie explains that she's leaving a trail knowing that they can't outrun Jarek and Tasia. A portal opens and sucks Cassie and Jacqui in, but Cassie lets go of her phone so that it stays there and whoever finds it can look at the pictures and figure out what happened to her and where she is.
Sonya is scrolling through the phone and sees multiple "Daddy Cage" calls in Recent Calls. Then it shows a picture of Erron Black on her phone. Knowing that Erron is one of Kotal's second-in-command, Sonya tells one of her soldiers that she is getting Johnny and the Special Forces squad and going to Outworld. "Kotal Kahn is a dead man" she says.
Now back to the match between Frost and Cassie, Frost is beating Cassie until she gets the upper hand and knocks Frost out. Cassie's told to finish her and refuses, until they aim snipers at her and put Jacqui at gunpoint. Right before Cassie unwillingly kills her, the place is attacked by who Cassie thinks is her mother Sonya but actually turns out to be the Black Dragon's Jarek and Tasia (from MK: Special Forces). Jacqui uses the distraction to get the keys to the cage, and frees Cassie. They take Frost to safety to make up for almost killing her. Jarek and Tasia confront them, they request Cassie's presence. Cassie and Jacqui start running, and Cassie starts taking pictures on her phone. Jacqui doesn't understand why she's taking selfies until Cassie explains that she's leaving a trail knowing that they can't outrun Jarek and Tasia. A portal opens and sucks Cassie and Jacqui in, but Cassie lets go of her phone so that it stays there and whoever finds it can look at the pictures and figure out what happened to her and where she is.
Sonya is scrolling through the phone and sees multiple "Daddy Cage" calls in Recent Calls. Then it shows a picture of Erron Black on her phone. Knowing that Erron is one of Kotal's second-in-command, Sonya tells one of her soldiers that she is getting Johnny and the Special Forces squad and going to Outworld. "Kotal Kahn is a dead man" she says.
Chapter #6 - Kotal Kahn: Sekret Origin (thx to Dark once more)
Ages ago in the realm Osh-Tekk, ruled by Kotal's father; Kotal K'etz.. They were conquerors that defeated all enemies, until Shao Kahn arrived with Goro. After the battle, they surrendered and agreed to serve Shao Kahn if he allowed K'etz to keep his portal stone. It is given to Kotal Kahn for him to fulfill the right of 'realmwalk' to inherit his father's helm. Kotal is sent through the portal to Earthrealm.
He wandered until he found the amazon and saved them from an attack. He believed he sent here to save this tribe, rather than conquer it. He became more than a warrior, he was a god. (Somehow gains powers of the sun) He trained the tribe and they named him Buluc the war god. They drank the blood of their enemies.
He returns to outworld expecting his father's praise, his father gives none. He is disappointed in him, Kotal refutes by saying he protected the weak. His father demands the portal stone and Kotal strikes him and returns to earthrealm. His entire tribe had died, it seemed to be a disease that was brought to them through the blood of the men they defeated.
Returning to present day. Kotal Kahn is giving a speech in front of the people of outworld. Around him are Reptile, Erron Black, D'Vorah, his father, and a woman of his race. Mileena drove outworld to near destruction, but Kotal took the throne from her to restore the realm. They have driven Mileena's forces deep under ground, and they have no need to worry about her anymore. But as his father told him, even the mightiest warriors are defeated by the smallest threats. So they will hunt Mileena and her co-conspirators and eliminate all threats to the empire. The people cheer his name.
In the golden desert, General Reiko bows to Mileena. "The Red Dragon have agreed to my-- OUR plan". Reiko is dismissed. Mileena offers Goro the chance to finish Kotal Kahn and in return she will restore the Shokan to their former glory.
He wandered until he found the amazon and saved them from an attack. He believed he sent here to save this tribe, rather than conquer it. He became more than a warrior, he was a god. (Somehow gains powers of the sun) He trained the tribe and they named him Buluc the war god. They drank the blood of their enemies.
He returns to outworld expecting his father's praise, his father gives none. He is disappointed in him, Kotal refutes by saying he protected the weak. His father demands the portal stone and Kotal strikes him and returns to earthrealm. His entire tribe had died, it seemed to be a disease that was brought to them through the blood of the men they defeated.
Returning to present day. Kotal Kahn is giving a speech in front of the people of outworld. Around him are Reptile, Erron Black, D'Vorah, his father, and a woman of his race. Mileena drove outworld to near destruction, but Kotal took the throne from her to restore the realm. They have driven Mileena's forces deep under ground, and they have no need to worry about her anymore. But as his father told him, even the mightiest warriors are defeated by the smallest threats. So they will hunt Mileena and her co-conspirators and eliminate all threats to the empire. The people cheer his name.
In the golden desert, General Reiko bows to Mileena. "The Red Dragon have agreed to my-- OUR plan". Reiko is dismissed. Mileena offers Goro the chance to finish Kotal Kahn and in return she will restore the Shokan to their former glory.
Issue 3
Chapter #7 - Betrayal In Outworld Part 1
In Outworld, Kotal Kahn is addressing his men. He informs them that Prince Goro has disappeared in pursuit of Mileena into the Golden Desert, and so his father Kotal K'Etz will lead the search for him and continue to find Mileena, carrying the Wrath Hammer of Shao Kahn.
After his speech Kotal Kahn speaks with his father about how speeches are not enough to win the war and how Reiko has destroyed their northern trade route. K'Etz reaffirms that Kahn has support from his family and that he will get to eat Mileena's heart before the public, but Kahn says that she is not the threat. He recalls of his and Reiko's previous service to Shao Kahn, how Reiko is a genius, and how Reiko seduced Mileena to become her closest advisor. Kotal Kahn's spies have discovered Reiko's location and he tells his father to kill Reiko and Mileena. "History is written in blood, not speeches" he says.
In the Golden Desert, General Reiko is thinking about Kotal. "formidable, proud and hopelessly devoted to his family. A good Osh-Tekk boy." He thinks back to when Kotal revealed a quality of the Osh-Tekk people, that they become more powerful in the sun but, conversely, they also become weaker in the dark. Prince Goro is sitting nearby Reiko and tells him he's killed an Osh-Tekk before, but Reiko tells him the plan.
The next day Kotal K'Etz is leading the Osh-Tekk army towards the temple in the Golden Desert where Mileena, Reiko and Goro are. There is a narrative of Reiko revealing the plan to Goro as we see the Osh-Tekk army playing right into his hands, doing exactly what Reiko says they'll do. Reiko says he leaked his/Mileena's/Goro's location to Kotal who would send the Osh-Tekk, which we see. Mileena's faithful servant Rain then makes it cloudy so the Osh-Tekk cannot rely on the sun for power, in turn making them doubtful, but they will continue on anyway because of their pride...towards Goro. With the Osh-Tekk arrived at the temple, Kotal K'Etz lets Goro know he is not happy that Goro has been a traitor to the Kahnum and they begin to fight. K'Etz hits Goro in the face with the Wrath Hammer (cue x-ray shot) but he gets right back up, broken teeth and blood coming from his mouth. Goro shoots a green fireball and stamps on K'Etz. Reiko's narrative reveals that he/Goro/Mileena are working with the Red Dragon who have got their hands on cloaking technology used by the Tekunin, and we see the Osh-Tekk being killed. Then we see Mavado leading these Red Dragon, followed by his Red Dragon mercenaries. Cut back to Goro who smashes K'Etz's head into a rock (cue another x-ray shot), explaining that even though Kotal Kahn sent Goro into the desert to catch rats, he is no ratcatcher. Taking the Wrath Hammer, he beheads Kotal K'Etz.
Cutting back to Kahn, he is learning of his father's death from Reptile. Reiko's narrative also describes what Kahn is doing, firstly saying Kahn will destroy himself. We see Kahn pulling out his sword and apologising to his father before uttering:
"By my father's soul, I, Kotal Kahn, Emperor of Outworld...invokle the gods before gods...bind my soul by this blood code. Make of me a blood god...grant me the power to disarm Goro...permanently."
After his speech Kotal Kahn speaks with his father about how speeches are not enough to win the war and how Reiko has destroyed their northern trade route. K'Etz reaffirms that Kahn has support from his family and that he will get to eat Mileena's heart before the public, but Kahn says that she is not the threat. He recalls of his and Reiko's previous service to Shao Kahn, how Reiko is a genius, and how Reiko seduced Mileena to become her closest advisor. Kotal Kahn's spies have discovered Reiko's location and he tells his father to kill Reiko and Mileena. "History is written in blood, not speeches" he says.
In the Golden Desert, General Reiko is thinking about Kotal. "formidable, proud and hopelessly devoted to his family. A good Osh-Tekk boy." He thinks back to when Kotal revealed a quality of the Osh-Tekk people, that they become more powerful in the sun but, conversely, they also become weaker in the dark. Prince Goro is sitting nearby Reiko and tells him he's killed an Osh-Tekk before, but Reiko tells him the plan.
The next day Kotal K'Etz is leading the Osh-Tekk army towards the temple in the Golden Desert where Mileena, Reiko and Goro are. There is a narrative of Reiko revealing the plan to Goro as we see the Osh-Tekk army playing right into his hands, doing exactly what Reiko says they'll do. Reiko says he leaked his/Mileena's/Goro's location to Kotal who would send the Osh-Tekk, which we see. Mileena's faithful servant Rain then makes it cloudy so the Osh-Tekk cannot rely on the sun for power, in turn making them doubtful, but they will continue on anyway because of their pride...towards Goro. With the Osh-Tekk arrived at the temple, Kotal K'Etz lets Goro know he is not happy that Goro has been a traitor to the Kahnum and they begin to fight. K'Etz hits Goro in the face with the Wrath Hammer (cue x-ray shot) but he gets right back up, broken teeth and blood coming from his mouth. Goro shoots a green fireball and stamps on K'Etz. Reiko's narrative reveals that he/Goro/Mileena are working with the Red Dragon who have got their hands on cloaking technology used by the Tekunin, and we see the Osh-Tekk being killed. Then we see Mavado leading these Red Dragon, followed by his Red Dragon mercenaries. Cut back to Goro who smashes K'Etz's head into a rock (cue another x-ray shot), explaining that even though Kotal Kahn sent Goro into the desert to catch rats, he is no ratcatcher. Taking the Wrath Hammer, he beheads Kotal K'Etz.
Cutting back to Kahn, he is learning of his father's death from Reptile. Reiko's narrative also describes what Kahn is doing, firstly saying Kahn will destroy himself. We see Kahn pulling out his sword and apologising to his father before uttering:
"By my father's soul, I, Kotal Kahn, Emperor of Outworld...invokle the gods before gods...bind my soul by this blood code. Make of me a blood god...grant me the power to disarm Goro...permanently."
Chapter #8 - Betrayal In Outworld Part 2
The Golden Desert, Outworld. Goro is giving a speech to his Red Dragon men with Rain standing at his side. He explains that Mavado, who is in the capital, reports of Kotal Kahn making his way towards them...alone. We see Kotal heading towards Goro, riding on A DINOSAUR NO LESS, and Goro tells his men that Kotal will die like his father did: at Goro's hands.
To the side we see Reiko and Mileena conversing. Now that K'Etz is dead Mileena says she will be able to take the Kahnum, but Reiko says Goro is a problem. He tells her that Goro plans to use her claim to the throne to overthrow Kahn and kill her to take the Kahnum for himself. Mileena cannot believe that Goro would commit treason but Reiko states that he never trusted him, telling her that he once betrayed Kahn just as Kahn betrayed her. Mileena is ready to attack Goro, but instead they retreat somewhere leaving Goro to face Kotal Kahn alone, and Reiko says he'll kill either traitor who survives.
As Kotal approaches, Goro tells Rain to kill the sun so Kotal is left powerless and Rain begins to form clouds using his lightning-like power. Kotal chants "Up the stair path to the fire's edge I pray the sky to scorch the land!" as he cuts himself to harness the power of blood magik and hits Rain with a huge ray of sunlight, burning him to near-death in the process. Goro sends his first wave of Red Dragon minions to attack but Kotal jumps into action with his Tecpatl in one hand and his Macuahuitl in the other. He cuts through all the Red Dragon, even poking one of the men's eyes out, eventually skewering two of them on his Macuahuitl and telling Goro to face him in kombat. Goro decides to "handle" Kotal himself. Kotal and Goro exchange words before Goro shoots a green energy at Kahnm and Goro explains that he would've killed the Osh-Tekk ages ago had it not been for Shao Kahn claiming that they could be of use in war. Goro grabs Kotal by the throat and tells him to struggle and die with dignity...just like his father. Kotal then rips off one (or two, it's hard to see) of Goro's arms and proceeds to cut the others off with his Macuahuitl. Goro kneels before him, begging for Kotal to kill him. Reptile, D'Vorah and Ferra/Torr appear out of nowhere (Reptile must have been keeping them invisible) and they attack the Red Dragon. Goro tells Kahn to finish him: "Kill me, you bastard...", but Kotal tells him that he won't because it would be an act of kindness before throwing Goro's words back in his face.
Later. Reptile tells Kotal that Goro will be returned to Kuatan but that unfortunately Mileena and Reiko have escaped. Kahn says that they cannot hide forever, and Kahn, Reptile, D'Vorah and Ferra/Torr begin to return to Z'Unkahrah. D'Vorah lets Kotal know of her concerns about him taking such unnecessary risks, and he knows it was extreme. He says the dagger's magik took a heavy toll on him and that he must rest and regain his-- and suddenly out of nowhere Kotal Kahn is shot. D'Vorah runs over to him claiming "Hunters!" but in the last panel of the last page we see a caped Sonya followed by four other caped people with their hoods up. She is still holding her gun, affirming that he is not a hunter: "Not quite. Just a concerned parent wondering...where the hell is my daughter?"
To the side we see Reiko and Mileena conversing. Now that K'Etz is dead Mileena says she will be able to take the Kahnum, but Reiko says Goro is a problem. He tells her that Goro plans to use her claim to the throne to overthrow Kahn and kill her to take the Kahnum for himself. Mileena cannot believe that Goro would commit treason but Reiko states that he never trusted him, telling her that he once betrayed Kahn just as Kahn betrayed her. Mileena is ready to attack Goro, but instead they retreat somewhere leaving Goro to face Kotal Kahn alone, and Reiko says he'll kill either traitor who survives.
As Kotal approaches, Goro tells Rain to kill the sun so Kotal is left powerless and Rain begins to form clouds using his lightning-like power. Kotal chants "Up the stair path to the fire's edge I pray the sky to scorch the land!" as he cuts himself to harness the power of blood magik and hits Rain with a huge ray of sunlight, burning him to near-death in the process. Goro sends his first wave of Red Dragon minions to attack but Kotal jumps into action with his Tecpatl in one hand and his Macuahuitl in the other. He cuts through all the Red Dragon, even poking one of the men's eyes out, eventually skewering two of them on his Macuahuitl and telling Goro to face him in kombat. Goro decides to "handle" Kotal himself. Kotal and Goro exchange words before Goro shoots a green energy at Kahnm and Goro explains that he would've killed the Osh-Tekk ages ago had it not been for Shao Kahn claiming that they could be of use in war. Goro grabs Kotal by the throat and tells him to struggle and die with dignity...just like his father. Kotal then rips off one (or two, it's hard to see) of Goro's arms and proceeds to cut the others off with his Macuahuitl. Goro kneels before him, begging for Kotal to kill him. Reptile, D'Vorah and Ferra/Torr appear out of nowhere (Reptile must have been keeping them invisible) and they attack the Red Dragon. Goro tells Kahn to finish him: "Kill me, you bastard...", but Kotal tells him that he won't because it would be an act of kindness before throwing Goro's words back in his face.
Later. Reptile tells Kotal that Goro will be returned to Kuatan but that unfortunately Mileena and Reiko have escaped. Kahn says that they cannot hide forever, and Kahn, Reptile, D'Vorah and Ferra/Torr begin to return to Z'Unkahrah. D'Vorah lets Kotal know of her concerns about him taking such unnecessary risks, and he knows it was extreme. He says the dagger's magik took a heavy toll on him and that he must rest and regain his-- and suddenly out of nowhere Kotal Kahn is shot. D'Vorah runs over to him claiming "Hunters!" but in the last panel of the last page we see a caped Sonya followed by four other caped people with their hoods up. She is still holding her gun, affirming that he is not a hunter: "Not quite. Just a concerned parent wondering...where the hell is my daughter?"
Chapter #9 - Betrayal In Outworld Part 3 (thanks to @Shad !)
Sonya threatens Kotal with a bullet between the eyes unless he reveals the whereabouts of Cassie. Reptile takes exception to Sonya's insults and false accusations, and flicks out his tongue in attack, only for it to be caught by the hooded man next to her - Johnny Cage (the rest of the hooded figures are revealed to be the previously seen other members of the Special Forces group) .
Cage defuses the situation offering medical supplies, but D'Vorah slaps a couple of grubs on Kotal, which eat the bullet and secrete coagulant oils (which Johnny finds a little gross. After thanking D'Vorah, Kotal states that he'll only speak with Cage, who he addresses as Raiden's champion, (drawing ire from Sonya at Cage's smug agreement). Cage shows Kotal the cellphone with Cassie's photo of Erron Black; Kotal understands the association; Erron Black is an intermediary between the Black Dragon and Kotal, and is the only person Kotal deals with. Kotal states that as a proud son who's recently suffered a loss, he would never hire Kano to steal children. D'Vorah points out that Kotal's troupe were all frustrated by their prior reception by Sonya in Earthrealm, and muses that Erron could have acted on that.
A short distance away, Mavado watches the conversation through binoculars and orders his men to stand down; they have a new objective.
Kotal reveals that Erron is securing their norther trade route and assigns D'Vorah and Reptile to escort them; Sonya stipulates that Outworld's problems belong to Outworld.
We switch scenes to a forest where Black Dragon grunts (decked out in some awesome black armor depicting their insignia on their chests) are leading Cassie and Jacqui onward. Cassie fakes a fall and struggles to break free, but she takes a laser shot to the chest which knocks her and Jacqui against a tree.
The shot comes from Kano, who advises them to never pick a battle they can't finish, and tells them the next escape attempt will cost someone a leg.
Erron Black promptly advises Kano against this as the prisoners are worth more to them intact. He warns against eye beams, calling Kano's equipment a piece of junk liable to blast a hole through someone. This prompts Kano to refer to it as a new eye; we flash back to the fight for the Kamidogu:
Years ago, Sub-Zero knocks Kano back against a pillar and breaks free from his hold; Kano stabs him in the shoulder for his trouble. He tells Sub-Zero the dagger possesses whomever it cuts; the curse can be broken by killing the possessed. Sub-Zero states that he's "already been dead once - never again!" With this, he freezes the side of his head and rips most of Kano's prosthetic device out of his head. Sub-Zero grabs the Kamidogu dagger from the ground and escapes out the window as Kano tells him "this isn't over".
Back in the present, Kano muses that he never saw Sub-Zero again, but his thoughts are interrupted as the two Black Dragon grunts now carrying Cassie and Jacqui are cut down by Mavado and his Red Dragon. A standoff begins as Mavado announces his intention to take the hostages.
Back in Earthrealm, Hanzo and Takeda make camp with their destination, the Sky Temple, visible in the distance. Takeda states that he's not tired and that they should have pushed on, but Hanzo warns him against the dangers of the storm. He notices that the clouds are approaching, and their campfire is struck by lighting; Raiden emerges from the blast, and, eyes crackling with red lightning, grabs Hanzo by the throat, admonishing; "You should not have come!"
Cage defuses the situation offering medical supplies, but D'Vorah slaps a couple of grubs on Kotal, which eat the bullet and secrete coagulant oils (which Johnny finds a little gross. After thanking D'Vorah, Kotal states that he'll only speak with Cage, who he addresses as Raiden's champion, (drawing ire from Sonya at Cage's smug agreement). Cage shows Kotal the cellphone with Cassie's photo of Erron Black; Kotal understands the association; Erron Black is an intermediary between the Black Dragon and Kotal, and is the only person Kotal deals with. Kotal states that as a proud son who's recently suffered a loss, he would never hire Kano to steal children. D'Vorah points out that Kotal's troupe were all frustrated by their prior reception by Sonya in Earthrealm, and muses that Erron could have acted on that.
A short distance away, Mavado watches the conversation through binoculars and orders his men to stand down; they have a new objective.
Kotal reveals that Erron is securing their norther trade route and assigns D'Vorah and Reptile to escort them; Sonya stipulates that Outworld's problems belong to Outworld.
We switch scenes to a forest where Black Dragon grunts (decked out in some awesome black armor depicting their insignia on their chests) are leading Cassie and Jacqui onward. Cassie fakes a fall and struggles to break free, but she takes a laser shot to the chest which knocks her and Jacqui against a tree.
The shot comes from Kano, who advises them to never pick a battle they can't finish, and tells them the next escape attempt will cost someone a leg.
Erron Black promptly advises Kano against this as the prisoners are worth more to them intact. He warns against eye beams, calling Kano's equipment a piece of junk liable to blast a hole through someone. This prompts Kano to refer to it as a new eye; we flash back to the fight for the Kamidogu:
Years ago, Sub-Zero knocks Kano back against a pillar and breaks free from his hold; Kano stabs him in the shoulder for his trouble. He tells Sub-Zero the dagger possesses whomever it cuts; the curse can be broken by killing the possessed. Sub-Zero states that he's "already been dead once - never again!" With this, he freezes the side of his head and rips most of Kano's prosthetic device out of his head. Sub-Zero grabs the Kamidogu dagger from the ground and escapes out the window as Kano tells him "this isn't over".
Back in the present, Kano muses that he never saw Sub-Zero again, but his thoughts are interrupted as the two Black Dragon grunts now carrying Cassie and Jacqui are cut down by Mavado and his Red Dragon. A standoff begins as Mavado announces his intention to take the hostages.
Back in Earthrealm, Hanzo and Takeda make camp with their destination, the Sky Temple, visible in the distance. Takeda states that he's not tired and that they should have pushed on, but Hanzo warns him against the dangers of the storm. He notices that the clouds are approaching, and their campfire is struck by lighting; Raiden emerges from the blast, and, eyes crackling with red lightning, grabs Hanzo by the throat, admonishing; "You should not have come!"
Issue 4
Chapter #10 - Scorpion: Sekret Origin
We begin where chapter 9 ended, with a blood magik-fuelled Raiden telling Hanzo he should not have come. Hanzo tells Raiden it isn't him, it's the daggers. Raiden says the Kamidogu opened his eyes to the blood code, it's secrets, its power, and that the demon has come to set them free. Takeda approaches Raiden from behind wielding a katana and Scorpion warns him not to use it but Takeda has "had enough with this blood code business" and pierces Raiden through the back and out through his chest with the sword. Raiden cuts his hand on the part of the katana protruding from his front telling Takeda that he should've listened to Hanzo as he summons a large bolt of lightning, electrocuting Takeda in the process. A box with the words "I don't want to die like that..." appears at the bottom of the panel and we cut to a different scene.
We flash back to a few weeks before, Takeda and Hanzo are hiking in the Himalayas. Takeda is continuing his sentence about how he doesn't want to die "...possessed by some evil entity, unable to control your own body" but that Hanzo knows what that's like. Takeda remarks about how he's never seen the moves Hanzo did during his fight with Fox, "All that hellfire." Takeda wonders what he himself could do with that kind of power and asks why Kanzo won't teach him his "hellfire style" to which Hanzo says "It's not a style. It's my curse..."
Flashback now to a lifetime ago, a narration continued by present time Hanzo. "...a burden I've carried since the day everything changed. The last seconds of my life passed like hours. The massacre of my clan was an outrage. But it was nothing compared to what my eyes held in those final moments..." We zoom out to see Sub Zero holding Hanzos ripped-off head and spine by his hair.
"My beautiful family...frozen. As the village blazed around us, I prayed that ice would thaw. I prayed not to the gods, but to the fire itself..." Sub Zero moves his head next to a block of ice containing his kneeling wife and his son in her hands.
"For Kana, my loving wife. For Jubei, my innocent child. I died." We see black.
"But my soul kept praying for fire..." Out of the black comes a left hand.
"...until someone answered." We see Quan Chis face now, left hand outstretched, saying "There you are."
In the Netherrealm, still in this flashback to a lifetime ago. Hanzo is being held up above the fires of the Netherrealm lava by chains around his wrists and neck. Quan speaks to him: "Hanzo Hasashi. You are here to suffer, yet my torturers report that fire does not burn you. Why?". Scorpion, blood coming from his mouth, utters "My--my family..." The narration continues:
"Quan Chi never controlled me. I was never his revenant. I was a volunteer. My loss had become a fire within." Quan telekinetically frees Hanzo and brings him over towards himself. Then we see Hanzo's hands on fire and tears coming from his closed eyes.
"The dark sorcerer stoked the flames with promises of justice and vengeance. Hellfire consumed my heart, my name, and my conscience. To Quan Chi's delight..." Hanzo opens his eyes and we see nothing but white. Quan stands smiling.
"...Scorpion was born. I found vengeance, but there was little justice in it." We see Hanzo in ninja garb with Quan standing behind him, he is Scorpion now. Scorpion is maskless and using the mouth of his skull as a flamethrower to burn someone who's screaming "It wasn't me! Nooo!!"
"The fire remained, no matter how many battles I fought. I kept fighting...even after my life was restored." We see a kind of montage of fights, one panel showing Quan and Scorpion fighting with Liu Kang, one showing Scorpion flaming uppercutting MK9 Johnny Cage and the last panel showing Hanzo in Scorpion costume with flaming hands, clearly unsure of himself.
Cut back to the Himalayas and Hanzo is finishing off the story. He says he didn't deserve a second chance and that after murdering so many "suicide sounded just."At least until someone saw the hellfire for what it was. Takeda assumes rage, but Hanzo tells him it's not. "It's the moment I failed my family and my clan. My shame, my pain, my loss that I can never lose." We see his eyes go white and his hand flame up for a second before he regains control. He tells Takeda that to become Scorpion he has to relive that moment but if he stays that way for too long it could have destructive consequences for himself. "Every time?" Takeda asks. "Every time" appears in a separate text box as we cut to a different scene.
Cut back to present day, Raiden and Takeda holding onto the sword and Raiden calling down the large bolt of lightning. Hanzo teleports from in front of Raiden to behind him, grabs Takeda and teleports away. Raiden tells Hanzo he "can't run from a god".
Cut back to Hanzo and Takeda from the previous few weeks in the Himalayas. Takeda enquires about the wise man who helped him since he'd never been mentioned before to him, and Hanzo tells Takeda it's because Takeda specifically asked him to avoid mentioning the man - his father, Kenshi.
Back to present day Raiden, still possessed by the blood magik. He pulls out his Kamidogu dagger saying "Chaos is coming to Earthrealm and I am its--" before Scorpion teleports out of nowhere saying "Gimme that!" and takes the dagger before Raiden has enough time to react. "That's a lot of teleporting, Hanzo. How much fire do you have left?" Raiden asks. Scorpion reappears out of a portal and says "Enough for a lifetime." as he elbows Raiden in the face. Cue x-ray shot of Raiden's skull cracking to end the comic.
We flash back to a few weeks before, Takeda and Hanzo are hiking in the Himalayas. Takeda is continuing his sentence about how he doesn't want to die "...possessed by some evil entity, unable to control your own body" but that Hanzo knows what that's like. Takeda remarks about how he's never seen the moves Hanzo did during his fight with Fox, "All that hellfire." Takeda wonders what he himself could do with that kind of power and asks why Kanzo won't teach him his "hellfire style" to which Hanzo says "It's not a style. It's my curse..."
Flashback now to a lifetime ago, a narration continued by present time Hanzo. "...a burden I've carried since the day everything changed. The last seconds of my life passed like hours. The massacre of my clan was an outrage. But it was nothing compared to what my eyes held in those final moments..." We zoom out to see Sub Zero holding Hanzos ripped-off head and spine by his hair.
"My beautiful family...frozen. As the village blazed around us, I prayed that ice would thaw. I prayed not to the gods, but to the fire itself..." Sub Zero moves his head next to a block of ice containing his kneeling wife and his son in her hands.
"For Kana, my loving wife. For Jubei, my innocent child. I died." We see black.
"But my soul kept praying for fire..." Out of the black comes a left hand.
"...until someone answered." We see Quan Chis face now, left hand outstretched, saying "There you are."
In the Netherrealm, still in this flashback to a lifetime ago. Hanzo is being held up above the fires of the Netherrealm lava by chains around his wrists and neck. Quan speaks to him: "Hanzo Hasashi. You are here to suffer, yet my torturers report that fire does not burn you. Why?". Scorpion, blood coming from his mouth, utters "My--my family..." The narration continues:
"Quan Chi never controlled me. I was never his revenant. I was a volunteer. My loss had become a fire within." Quan telekinetically frees Hanzo and brings him over towards himself. Then we see Hanzo's hands on fire and tears coming from his closed eyes.
"The dark sorcerer stoked the flames with promises of justice and vengeance. Hellfire consumed my heart, my name, and my conscience. To Quan Chi's delight..." Hanzo opens his eyes and we see nothing but white. Quan stands smiling.
"...Scorpion was born. I found vengeance, but there was little justice in it." We see Hanzo in ninja garb with Quan standing behind him, he is Scorpion now. Scorpion is maskless and using the mouth of his skull as a flamethrower to burn someone who's screaming "It wasn't me! Nooo!!"
"The fire remained, no matter how many battles I fought. I kept fighting...even after my life was restored." We see a kind of montage of fights, one panel showing Quan and Scorpion fighting with Liu Kang, one showing Scorpion flaming uppercutting MK9 Johnny Cage and the last panel showing Hanzo in Scorpion costume with flaming hands, clearly unsure of himself.
Cut back to the Himalayas and Hanzo is finishing off the story. He says he didn't deserve a second chance and that after murdering so many "suicide sounded just."At least until someone saw the hellfire for what it was. Takeda assumes rage, but Hanzo tells him it's not. "It's the moment I failed my family and my clan. My shame, my pain, my loss that I can never lose." We see his eyes go white and his hand flame up for a second before he regains control. He tells Takeda that to become Scorpion he has to relive that moment but if he stays that way for too long it could have destructive consequences for himself. "Every time?" Takeda asks. "Every time" appears in a separate text box as we cut to a different scene.
Cut back to present day, Raiden and Takeda holding onto the sword and Raiden calling down the large bolt of lightning. Hanzo teleports from in front of Raiden to behind him, grabs Takeda and teleports away. Raiden tells Hanzo he "can't run from a god".
Cut back to Hanzo and Takeda from the previous few weeks in the Himalayas. Takeda enquires about the wise man who helped him since he'd never been mentioned before to him, and Hanzo tells Takeda it's because Takeda specifically asked him to avoid mentioning the man - his father, Kenshi.
Back to present day Raiden, still possessed by the blood magik. He pulls out his Kamidogu dagger saying "Chaos is coming to Earthrealm and I am its--" before Scorpion teleports out of nowhere saying "Gimme that!" and takes the dagger before Raiden has enough time to react. "That's a lot of teleporting, Hanzo. How much fire do you have left?" Raiden asks. Scorpion reappears out of a portal and says "Enough for a lifetime." as he elbows Raiden in the face. Cue x-ray shot of Raiden's skull cracking to end the comic.
Chapter #11 - Kamidogu
Following on from the end of chapter 10, we are at the Sky Temple as a red-eyed, blood magik-fuelled Raiden fights Scorpion. Scorpion elbows Raiden in the face, stabs him in the chest with his spear, and wraps it around his neck, telling him that “if he’s in there, he hopes this hurts”. Bringing him to his knees and strangling him, Hanzo, in full Scorpion mode, blames Raiden for giving him the dagger, destroying the second Shirai Ryu, and now killing Takeda. But Kenshi’s son calls to him, severely weakened. Scorpion goes to assist him, while Raiden, now freed of the demon corrupting the Kamidogus blood magik and coughing, apologizes, telling them that he is now purged and that they must act quickly to save Takeda’s life.
(It isn’t explained specifically, but the implication is that, going by Kano’s explanation from one of the earlier comics, only death can free someone of the Kamidogu curse. It seems that Scorpion stopped Raiden’s heart just long enough for it to count as a momentary death for a god who can never die – this is likely how Raiden is freed.)
The two take Takeda to the Jinsei Chamber, home of Earthrealm’s life force. Raiden attempts to heal Takeda (awash in blue energy and lightning), but he does not wake up. He states that the Netherrealm is fighting for Takedas soul, but that Takeda is fighting back; Hanzo taught him well. Takeda then awakens, feeling ‘invincible’, which Raiden says is a side effect of the Jinsei. Raiden now explains his actions:
We flash back to the aftermath of the Netherrealm war: Raiden implores the Elder Gods to destroy Shinnok’s amulet which now keeps him prisoner; they banished him once, he returned and they banished him again; he needs their help to end this. The Elder Gods explain that destroying the amulet would release Shinnok; that which binds him also keeps him safe. Raiden suggests safeguarding it within a dark dimension; The Elder Gods agree; but a lock is only as good as its key – by their behest, the seven Kamidogu daggers appear before Raiden.
Each blade has tasted the blood of the One Being, its essence dwells within them. United, their force will contain Shinnok, with the help of the blood of a god – the elder gods enact a ritual, sending the Kamigodu flying into Raiden’s flesh. The ritual worked.
Back in the present, Raiden explains that it was not safe to keep the Kamidogu in one location; he entrusted each one to deadly champions. Hanzo is irate at this, as Raiden never explained their possessing, psychotic side effects. Raiden tells him in was in the champions’ best interests to consider them nothing more than sacred relics in the event they were ever pressed for information (“you can’t betray ignorance”.) He did not, however, foresee a demon corrupting the blood magik. Scorpion suspects Quan Chi; Raiden doubts this, and states that Fujin is investigating the Netherrealm border, just in case. Scorpion asks who else has these daggers; Raiden states that all the other Kamidogu are accounted for...except one, stolen years ago…
Bukkittinggi, Indonesia:
Sub-Zero crashes through a window, pursued by generic Tekunin. Addressing him as Kuai Liang, they advise him to stop running. "Conversion deletes weakness...rejoin the Lin Kuei." Sub-Zero, wielding the remaining dagger, tells them that they aren't Lin Kuei and that he has no weaknesses before cutting just above the scar left by Kano when he cut Kuai with the same dagger before. Hovering in midair, Kuai unleashes a massive ice wave which freezes all the Tekunin; and hears the voice of the demon in the dagger saying “Blood is the path. The time of the blood god is near.” as his veins glow bright red with blood magik.
Raiden notes that Sub-Zero never returned, Scorpion postulates that he betrayed him. Raiden states that whoever corrupted the Kamidogu is clearly after Shinnok’s amulet; Sub-Zero must be saved, to save themselves. He asks for Hanzo’s help. At Takeda’s prompting, Hanzo agrees.
In Outworld, An unknown person addresses Reiko, who is studying texts; Goro’s failure was a setback but it revealed blood magik as the source of Kotal’s strength. Reiko has done everything the mysterious figure – who he addresses as ‘cleric’) - has asked, but obtaining the daggers could take years. The cleric says he already knows where they are. Reiko wants to know how much longer he must share Mileena’s bed; the cleric assures him that when the daggers are united, Reiko will not need Mileena, or even the cleric himself. Reiko smiles as he is told by the cleric that when the daggers are united he will be emperor of Outworld, and the blood god…
(It isn’t explained specifically, but the implication is that, going by Kano’s explanation from one of the earlier comics, only death can free someone of the Kamidogu curse. It seems that Scorpion stopped Raiden’s heart just long enough for it to count as a momentary death for a god who can never die – this is likely how Raiden is freed.)
The two take Takeda to the Jinsei Chamber, home of Earthrealm’s life force. Raiden attempts to heal Takeda (awash in blue energy and lightning), but he does not wake up. He states that the Netherrealm is fighting for Takedas soul, but that Takeda is fighting back; Hanzo taught him well. Takeda then awakens, feeling ‘invincible’, which Raiden says is a side effect of the Jinsei. Raiden now explains his actions:
We flash back to the aftermath of the Netherrealm war: Raiden implores the Elder Gods to destroy Shinnok’s amulet which now keeps him prisoner; they banished him once, he returned and they banished him again; he needs their help to end this. The Elder Gods explain that destroying the amulet would release Shinnok; that which binds him also keeps him safe. Raiden suggests safeguarding it within a dark dimension; The Elder Gods agree; but a lock is only as good as its key – by their behest, the seven Kamidogu daggers appear before Raiden.
Each blade has tasted the blood of the One Being, its essence dwells within them. United, their force will contain Shinnok, with the help of the blood of a god – the elder gods enact a ritual, sending the Kamigodu flying into Raiden’s flesh. The ritual worked.
Back in the present, Raiden explains that it was not safe to keep the Kamidogu in one location; he entrusted each one to deadly champions. Hanzo is irate at this, as Raiden never explained their possessing, psychotic side effects. Raiden tells him in was in the champions’ best interests to consider them nothing more than sacred relics in the event they were ever pressed for information (“you can’t betray ignorance”.) He did not, however, foresee a demon corrupting the blood magik. Scorpion suspects Quan Chi; Raiden doubts this, and states that Fujin is investigating the Netherrealm border, just in case. Scorpion asks who else has these daggers; Raiden states that all the other Kamidogu are accounted for...except one, stolen years ago…
Bukkittinggi, Indonesia:
Sub-Zero crashes through a window, pursued by generic Tekunin. Addressing him as Kuai Liang, they advise him to stop running. "Conversion deletes weakness...rejoin the Lin Kuei." Sub-Zero, wielding the remaining dagger, tells them that they aren't Lin Kuei and that he has no weaknesses before cutting just above the scar left by Kano when he cut Kuai with the same dagger before. Hovering in midair, Kuai unleashes a massive ice wave which freezes all the Tekunin; and hears the voice of the demon in the dagger saying “Blood is the path. The time of the blood god is near.” as his veins glow bright red with blood magik.
Raiden notes that Sub-Zero never returned, Scorpion postulates that he betrayed him. Raiden states that whoever corrupted the Kamidogu is clearly after Shinnok’s amulet; Sub-Zero must be saved, to save themselves. He asks for Hanzo’s help. At Takeda’s prompting, Hanzo agrees.
In Outworld, An unknown person addresses Reiko, who is studying texts; Goro’s failure was a setback but it revealed blood magik as the source of Kotal’s strength. Reiko has done everything the mysterious figure – who he addresses as ‘cleric’) - has asked, but obtaining the daggers could take years. The cleric says he already knows where they are. Reiko wants to know how much longer he must share Mileena’s bed; the cleric assures him that when the daggers are united, Reiko will not need Mileena, or even the cleric himself. Reiko smiles as he is told by the cleric that when the daggers are united he will be emperor of Outworld, and the blood god…
Chapter #12 - Rumble In The Jungle
Outworld, the Jungle:
D’Vorah spears a lizard with one appendage and eats it; Sonya is disgusted. D’Vorah offers to regurgitate it to share it, only for Sonya to cut her off. Johnny offers Reptile 10 bucks, betting that "[his] baby mama snaps before D’Vorah.” Sonya is snappy as usual, Johnny defends himself by insisting he’s trying to keep a light atmosphere. Quiet time ensues as the party looks up to find Erron Black heavily beaten, bleeding and tied to a tree above them. Sonya orders him to be cut down so he can tell them where Cassie and Jacqui are.
We flash back to the confrontation between Kano/Erron Black and Mavado over Cassie and Jacqui. Kano tells Mavado that Black Dragons don't bargain with Red Dragons, but Erron Black says they don't bargain, period, and that the girls are property of Kotal Kahn. But Mavado says they're property of Reiko. The girls conspire to escape in the commotion while Mavado reminds Kano that his crew of Red Dragons outnumbers his crew two to one and Kano uses his upgraded cybernetic eye to take off one of the Red Dragons heads with a laser blast and Kano says "One down. Rest o' you to go."
The fight begins, the Black Dragon wielding swords and whips and the Red Dragon wielding electric batons. Kano and Mavado clash, pressing a dagger and a hooksword against each other, with Erron Black pulling out two guns to fight. The girls decide they should run. Erron Black comes over saying "Girls, I can get us out of here but if you want to live, you need to fight. Understand?" as he unties them. Jacqui, now untied, says she understands perfectly, and punches Erron in the face.
Kano promises to reunite Mavado with Hsu Hao, mocking his death a few years back at the hands of “a blind man and a dead guy”. Kano has him on the ropes but Mavado is saved by one of the Red Dragon goons hitting his cybernetic eye with a projectile. "Tried to tell you Kano. I've got the numbers." Mavado says.
Jacqui continues to pound on Erron, who’s trying to explain something, and she is in turn punched out by Kano. He helps Erron up and tells them that they have to fall back, as Cassie helps Jacqui up, and Kano asks Erron for the teleportation stone. Erron says they have to take he girls but Kano laments Erron’s behavior; “This is why you could never be Black Dragon, Erron. You’re trying to save people instead of exploiting them.” With that, he flees, leaving an angry Erron ("Kano! Sonnuvabitch!") to Mavado’s mercy. Mavado slashes him up and decides he'll take the girls, only to be startled by Jacqui and Cassie wielding machine guns ("Hey, Captain Hooks! It's flattering to be wanted but we'd rather be free."), who gun down more of his men. Mavado states that Reiko wants them alive, "but he didn’t say in one piece.”). He attacks, and Jacqui grabs him from behind. Cassie breaks Mavado’s leg at the knee (cue x-ray shot), grabs one of his swords, and vivisects him from groin to neck, spilling his guts everywhere.
Back to the present, Johnny Cage looks in bewilderment at Mavado’s remains (“My little princess did THIS?”) as Sonya commends her ability to stay alive ("Thatta girl."). Erron Black rises, bloodied, and tells them the Red Dragons left with the girls and left him to pass on a message: “You are invited to Shang Tsung’s island.”
Sonya states that Tsung is dead, and asks who is there. The answer is Reiko’s spiritual advisor, an ancient cleric. On Shang Tsung’s island we see silhouettes of Cassie and Jacqui at the doors of a building, and inside, with Reiko standing alongside him before a banquet, the cleric addresses his new guests: “Please enjoy this feast we’ve prepared. It may be your last."
The cleric? Havik.
D’Vorah spears a lizard with one appendage and eats it; Sonya is disgusted. D’Vorah offers to regurgitate it to share it, only for Sonya to cut her off. Johnny offers Reptile 10 bucks, betting that "[his] baby mama snaps before D’Vorah.” Sonya is snappy as usual, Johnny defends himself by insisting he’s trying to keep a light atmosphere. Quiet time ensues as the party looks up to find Erron Black heavily beaten, bleeding and tied to a tree above them. Sonya orders him to be cut down so he can tell them where Cassie and Jacqui are.
We flash back to the confrontation between Kano/Erron Black and Mavado over Cassie and Jacqui. Kano tells Mavado that Black Dragons don't bargain with Red Dragons, but Erron Black says they don't bargain, period, and that the girls are property of Kotal Kahn. But Mavado says they're property of Reiko. The girls conspire to escape in the commotion while Mavado reminds Kano that his crew of Red Dragons outnumbers his crew two to one and Kano uses his upgraded cybernetic eye to take off one of the Red Dragons heads with a laser blast and Kano says "One down. Rest o' you to go."
The fight begins, the Black Dragon wielding swords and whips and the Red Dragon wielding electric batons. Kano and Mavado clash, pressing a dagger and a hooksword against each other, with Erron Black pulling out two guns to fight. The girls decide they should run. Erron Black comes over saying "Girls, I can get us out of here but if you want to live, you need to fight. Understand?" as he unties them. Jacqui, now untied, says she understands perfectly, and punches Erron in the face.
Kano promises to reunite Mavado with Hsu Hao, mocking his death a few years back at the hands of “a blind man and a dead guy”. Kano has him on the ropes but Mavado is saved by one of the Red Dragon goons hitting his cybernetic eye with a projectile. "Tried to tell you Kano. I've got the numbers." Mavado says.
Jacqui continues to pound on Erron, who’s trying to explain something, and she is in turn punched out by Kano. He helps Erron up and tells them that they have to fall back, as Cassie helps Jacqui up, and Kano asks Erron for the teleportation stone. Erron says they have to take he girls but Kano laments Erron’s behavior; “This is why you could never be Black Dragon, Erron. You’re trying to save people instead of exploiting them.” With that, he flees, leaving an angry Erron ("Kano! Sonnuvabitch!") to Mavado’s mercy. Mavado slashes him up and decides he'll take the girls, only to be startled by Jacqui and Cassie wielding machine guns ("Hey, Captain Hooks! It's flattering to be wanted but we'd rather be free."), who gun down more of his men. Mavado states that Reiko wants them alive, "but he didn’t say in one piece.”). He attacks, and Jacqui grabs him from behind. Cassie breaks Mavado’s leg at the knee (cue x-ray shot), grabs one of his swords, and vivisects him from groin to neck, spilling his guts everywhere.
Back to the present, Johnny Cage looks in bewilderment at Mavado’s remains (“My little princess did THIS?”) as Sonya commends her ability to stay alive ("Thatta girl."). Erron Black rises, bloodied, and tells them the Red Dragons left with the girls and left him to pass on a message: “You are invited to Shang Tsung’s island.”
Sonya states that Tsung is dead, and asks who is there. The answer is Reiko’s spiritual advisor, an ancient cleric. On Shang Tsung’s island we see silhouettes of Cassie and Jacqui at the doors of a building, and inside, with Reiko standing alongside him before a banquet, the cleric addresses his new guests: “Please enjoy this feast we’ve prepared. It may be your last."
The cleric? Havik.
Volume 1 Overview!
THE PREQUEL TO THE VIDEO GAME PHENOMENON IS HERE!
For years, a tenuous peace has existed between the realms, time enough for old champions to fall and a new generation to rise. But peace can never last for long...
The Thunder God Raiden has seen visions of a great evil entering our world, one so powerful it could change the very face of the universe. The one hope to stop the sinister force lies in six ancient relics, mystical blades imbued with the Blood Magik of the One Being: the Kamidogu daggers. But Raiden and his allies are not the only ones searching for the all-powerful weapons. Another has spent years acquiring each blade through cunning and guile. For not only can the Kamidogu daggers contain a god, they also have the power to create one...
Kombatants old and new will fight for the future of our realm and the realms beyond in this red-hot debut by writer Shawn Kittelsen. Together with artists Dexter Soy (DC UNIVERSE VS MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE) and Veronica Gandini (JUSTICE LEAGUE BEYOND 2.0), they'll start this action-packed newest chapter in the Mortal Kombat saga off with a bloodbath!
For years, a tenuous peace has existed between the realms, time enough for old champions to fall and a new generation to rise. But peace can never last for long...
The Thunder God Raiden has seen visions of a great evil entering our world, one so powerful it could change the very face of the universe. The one hope to stop the sinister force lies in six ancient relics, mystical blades imbued with the Blood Magik of the One Being: the Kamidogu daggers. But Raiden and his allies are not the only ones searching for the all-powerful weapons. Another has spent years acquiring each blade through cunning and guile. For not only can the Kamidogu daggers contain a god, they also have the power to create one...
Kombatants old and new will fight for the future of our realm and the realms beyond in this red-hot debut by writer Shawn Kittelsen. Together with artists Dexter Soy (DC UNIVERSE VS MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE) and Veronica Gandini (JUSTICE LEAGUE BEYOND 2.0), they'll start this action-packed newest chapter in the Mortal Kombat saga off with a bloodbath!
Volume 2 - Blood Gods:
Issue 1
Chapter #13 - Cold Nights
Z'Unkahrah, Outworld. Erron Black, still sore and bruised, is begging for Emperor Kotal Kahn's mercy. Kahn claims crushing his skull would be mercy considering he almost provoked another war which they cannot afford. He is thinking about how they can repair the offense with Earthrealm when Sonya and Johnny walk in, claiming that a start would be allowing them safe passage to Shang Tsung's Island and threatening to hurt them if their daughter is hurt. Johnny tries to console Sonya and she retorts with a "Fuck off." They begin to fight when Kahn stops them and orders D'Vorah and Reptile to take Erron Black to the dungeon. Kotal explains to Sonya and Johnny that Reiko and Goro killed the rest of the Osh-Tekk to spite him and that he is now all that remains of his race. Johnny is sympathetic and says "you know we'll do whatever it takes to bring our family home." Kahn gives them his fastest ship and a group of warriors, telling the Special Forces soldiers that they will save Sonya and Johnny's family and that Reiko will pay for his crimes. Sonya, wary, asks what the catch is and Kahn tells her "[they] must survive the coming dawn".
As Kotal is explaining why, we see images of Kuatan, the subterranean kingdom of the Shokan. We see an armless Goro on his knees in front of the Shokan King Gorbak as Kotal talks about how he defeated Goro, as repentance for killing his people, but refused to honour him with a noble death. He expected King Gorbak to reject his son as the Shokan are a proud race but, blinded by vengeance, Kahn made a mistake in thinking that. Goro begs King Gorbak to kill him, claiming he is not worthy to be his heir, but Gorbak places his hands on Goros shoulders and sheds a tear, telling him to rise. Kahn did not count on the fact that all fathers love their sons, and rather than rejecting Goro, King Gorbak began to plot an uprising against Kotal Kahn, deciding to strike at night when Kotal cannot call upon the power of the sun and is less powerful. Tonight the Shokan would march on Z'Unkahrah!
Kahishari, Japan. Hanzo and Takeda are walking and Takeda asks if Hanzo lost the last time he and Sub-Zero fought. Hanzo explains that it was a technical loss since they were interrupted. Takeda asks what the plan is for the rematch and Hanzo tells him Takeda is. Hanzo becomes wary of how quiet it is where they are, and he realises Sub-Zero is close as the wind gets colder and Takeda asks if they should grab jackets. Hanzo tells him to ready his sword and stash his bag, and to be ready to attack. Hanzo looks around the corner, spotting Lin Kuei cyborgs. They pounce around the corner to attack and begin slicing Tekunin in half before Takeda realises they are all frozen solid. They look up and see that the whole city is frozen, but even as a revenant of Quan Chi Kuai Liang wasn't powerful enough to do that kind of thing. Takeda suggests that the Kamidogu is powerful enough and that Kuai could already be possessed. They follow the ice, keeping an eye out for Sub-Zero, and Hanzo tells Takeda to stick to the plan no matter what the fight brings out of Hanzo. They approach a completely frozen building with Kuai standing atop a staircase. We see the demon corrupting the blood magik speak to Sub-Zero: "Your brother's murderer! His apprentice cannot be trusted...they defy the blood code! Remove their spines." Then the blood demon speaking through Kuai asks "Is that you Hanzo? I barely recognize you without the fire in your eyes." Kuai destroys the frozen building behind him and Hanzo tells him that killing him won't bring back the people he killed but it will stop him from hurting more. Kuai asks who will stop Hanzo as he has used a lot of hellfire to fight the blood code and Scorpion is getting stronger. Hanzos eyes turn white and he puts his mask on, readying his spear, as he reminds Takeda that whoever possessed Fox and Raiden is controlling Sub-Zero. The demon says it doesn't matter who is controlling whom as "tonight Scorpion and Sub-Zero finally get the rematch we've all been waiting for. Soon the Kamidogu will be mine...as will Hanzo Hasashi's soul!" We see Havik, standing at a table with a dead body on it, lifting the still-connected organs of the body up. We can see that he is the demon that has been corrupting the Kamidogu.
As Kotal is explaining why, we see images of Kuatan, the subterranean kingdom of the Shokan. We see an armless Goro on his knees in front of the Shokan King Gorbak as Kotal talks about how he defeated Goro, as repentance for killing his people, but refused to honour him with a noble death. He expected King Gorbak to reject his son as the Shokan are a proud race but, blinded by vengeance, Kahn made a mistake in thinking that. Goro begs King Gorbak to kill him, claiming he is not worthy to be his heir, but Gorbak places his hands on Goros shoulders and sheds a tear, telling him to rise. Kahn did not count on the fact that all fathers love their sons, and rather than rejecting Goro, King Gorbak began to plot an uprising against Kotal Kahn, deciding to strike at night when Kotal cannot call upon the power of the sun and is less powerful. Tonight the Shokan would march on Z'Unkahrah!
Kahishari, Japan. Hanzo and Takeda are walking and Takeda asks if Hanzo lost the last time he and Sub-Zero fought. Hanzo explains that it was a technical loss since they were interrupted. Takeda asks what the plan is for the rematch and Hanzo tells him Takeda is. Hanzo becomes wary of how quiet it is where they are, and he realises Sub-Zero is close as the wind gets colder and Takeda asks if they should grab jackets. Hanzo tells him to ready his sword and stash his bag, and to be ready to attack. Hanzo looks around the corner, spotting Lin Kuei cyborgs. They pounce around the corner to attack and begin slicing Tekunin in half before Takeda realises they are all frozen solid. They look up and see that the whole city is frozen, but even as a revenant of Quan Chi Kuai Liang wasn't powerful enough to do that kind of thing. Takeda suggests that the Kamidogu is powerful enough and that Kuai could already be possessed. They follow the ice, keeping an eye out for Sub-Zero, and Hanzo tells Takeda to stick to the plan no matter what the fight brings out of Hanzo. They approach a completely frozen building with Kuai standing atop a staircase. We see the demon corrupting the blood magik speak to Sub-Zero: "Your brother's murderer! His apprentice cannot be trusted...they defy the blood code! Remove their spines." Then the blood demon speaking through Kuai asks "Is that you Hanzo? I barely recognize you without the fire in your eyes." Kuai destroys the frozen building behind him and Hanzo tells him that killing him won't bring back the people he killed but it will stop him from hurting more. Kuai asks who will stop Hanzo as he has used a lot of hellfire to fight the blood code and Scorpion is getting stronger. Hanzos eyes turn white and he puts his mask on, readying his spear, as he reminds Takeda that whoever possessed Fox and Raiden is controlling Sub-Zero. The demon says it doesn't matter who is controlling whom as "tonight Scorpion and Sub-Zero finally get the rematch we've all been waiting for. Soon the Kamidogu will be mine...as will Hanzo Hasashi's soul!" We see Havik, standing at a table with a dead body on it, lifting the still-connected organs of the body up. We can see that he is the demon that has been corrupting the Kamidogu.
Chapter #14 - City of Ice and Hellfire
Scorpion and Takeda are preparing to fight Sub Zero, who is still possessed by Havik. Scorpion asks if he is speaking with Kuai or "the demon in the dagger" and Havik, talking through Kuai Liang, explains that the dagger is a key and not a vessel. As he says the real power is in the blood Kuai cuts his wrist with the Kamidogu dagger. Kuai points at Takeda as Havik explains he was there when Takeda cut Forrest Fox's head in half, provoking Takeda, but Scorpion holds him back telling him "whoever's behind this...is going to burn!" Then Scorpion sends two spears into Kuai Liang and as he pulls them out they have been set on fire. But Kuai grabs the spears just before they are removed from him and begins to freeze them. We see Scorpion still holding on, his half of the spears on fire and Kuais half frozen. Kuai breaks the spears then sends an ice ball flying towards Scorpion who teleports away to avoid it. Kuai tells him to "get over here" and as Scorpion reappears behind him he sends an ice blast behind him, spearing Scorpion through his upper torso. Kuai throws him over his left shoulder and begins to lecture Scorpion, telling him he keeps denying that he's a wraith, that he's telling himself he's a man though deep down he knows the man is a lie. With the final remark he slides, knocking Scorpion down, then he kicks him into a block of ice. "This "Hanzo Hasashi" is a weak impostor of a long-dead warrior. When he is destroyed, the real Scorpion will rise." Kuai looks to his side and becomes alarmed that his Kamidogu dagger is gone, then we see Takeda not far from Scorpion taunting Kuai to see how the fight goes without blood magik. Kuai begins to build energy as Havik explains that there's still enough magik left in Sub-Zeros blood to "freeze a moment in time". Then a gigantic ice explosion occurs, freezing Scorpion and Takeda and everything around, and Kuai is released from the grip of blood magik and Havik's control. He wonders what happened and if he caused what happened, noticing Hanzo in one of the icicles. Suddenly Hanzo breaks out of the icicle and holds a sword to Sub Zero and we cut to a conversation.
Z'Unkahrah, Outworld. Kotla Kahn, Sonya Balde and Johnny Cage are conversing, organizing what happens in case of a fire breaking out as defence for the city to prepare for the coming Shokan assault. D'Vorah enters with Lt Shaun Shamrock and another of Sonyas militants behind her as she informs Kotal of Shokan being spotted over the mountains. Kotal steps outside and we see the Shokan army approaching the city, but Kotal notices there are fewer Shokan than they expected. Instead they notice the Shokan are not alone and are joined by Oni Warlords.
Z'Unkahrah, Outworld. Kotla Kahn, Sonya Balde and Johnny Cage are conversing, organizing what happens in case of a fire breaking out as defence for the city to prepare for the coming Shokan assault. D'Vorah enters with Lt Shaun Shamrock and another of Sonyas militants behind her as she informs Kotal of Shokan being spotted over the mountains. Kotal steps outside and we see the Shokan army approaching the city, but Kotal notices there are fewer Shokan than they expected. Instead they notice the Shokan are not alone and are joined by Oni Warlords.
Chapter #15 - Losing Ourselves
Z'Unkahrah, Outworld. Dawn. The Shokan and Oni are getting ever closer to the city, one of the Shokan declares "Death to Kotal Kahn! Your king commands it!". We cut to D'Vorah, Ferra/Torr, Reptile and Kotal Kahn inside. D'Vorah is prepared to parlay with the Shokan, and Reptile say he and Kotal's other warriors are prepared no matter what. Kotal Kahn hands D'Vorah a contract telling her to be unwavering as she hands it over as we check in with the Earthrealmers preparing to help Kotal in the war. Sonya confirms that the barricades are secure to Johnny, as he confirms he's in position while trying to tell her he has new positions they could incorporate. Johnny is cautious that "all hell's about to break loose" because of the diplomats he and Sonya are dealing with in Kotal and D'Vorah. We see D'Vorah and Ferra/Torr heading towards the Shokan in preparation for their exchange, her by treading on her ovipositors and them on a dinosaur. They talk to Kintaro and as she hands over the contract Kintaro hits it out of her hand telling her the Shokan do not seek charity, demanding that Kotal Kahn surrenders to King Gorbak or the Shokan will "raze Z'Unkahrah." D'Vorah affirms that Kotal will not surrender to which Kintaro says it's an hour earlier for Z'Unkahrah's fall. We cut to Johnny and Sonya talking over their earpieces as Johnny sees an Oni warlord approaching with a giant battering ram. We now see Sonya checking that Johnny is still alright by asking him if he can hear her as the wall to the city explodes.
We cut back to Hanzo and Kuai Liang who are fighting in the frozen area they were in before. Kuai is telling Hanzo what happened wasn't his fault. Scorpion asks him if he blames the Kamidogu as he hits him with a flaming backflip kick and breaks his ice sword with one of his flaming swords. Kuai is pleading that the dagger possessed him as he defends himself by throwing an ice ball at Hanzo which is beat by one of his flaming swords. Kuai knocks him down with a slide and tells him he'll return with him to Raiden and explain what happened but Hanzo asks him "Just like your brother explained the Lin Kuei's crimes against the Shirai Ryu?!" Kuai tells him to move on and that there is no Lin Kuei since the cyberized ones destroyed them and that he's all that's left. Scorpion tells him that if they really are the last of their clans then they'll finish this. Two Netherrealm spirits/demons/revenants' heads and arms appear from the ground and grab Kuai by the legs as Hanzo plunges his swords into his chest, commanding his soul to the Netherrealm. As he dies Kuai implores that he's not a monster and that they both did horrible things while he was possessed and they were working for Quan Chi. He asks Hanzo if he remembers the agony of being controlled by an evil spirit, he tells him no. He remembers the last time he held his son and the last time he heard his wife call his name. He remembers "The agony of losing them." Then he pulls off his mask and breathes a giant flame on Kuai Liang as Takeda calls out Hanzos name. Takeda begins to explain to Scorpion that he doesn't know what it's like to be controlled because all the evil he's done has been out of vengeance and that that vengeance misguided him. Since he has the Kamidogu now he tells Hanzo he has a choice: give into vengeance like the blood demon wants or help save the world so they can rebuild the Shirai Ryu like they'd planned. Hanzo returns to his human form and removes his swords from Kuai Liangs body, telling him he'll live. Maybe not for long but long enough to reflect on his misdeeds. Takeda gives him the Kamidogu and Hanzo says he'll take it to the Sky Temple, then Takeda remarks that Hanzo probably "won that rematch" but Hanzo doesn't feel it's a win since he's losing himself. As Hanzo and Takeda talk about the possibility of a next time him and Kuai meet we see Kuai's body curled up, burned, and lying in a pool of blood in the shape of the MK dragon logo.
We cut back to Hanzo and Kuai Liang who are fighting in the frozen area they were in before. Kuai is telling Hanzo what happened wasn't his fault. Scorpion asks him if he blames the Kamidogu as he hits him with a flaming backflip kick and breaks his ice sword with one of his flaming swords. Kuai is pleading that the dagger possessed him as he defends himself by throwing an ice ball at Hanzo which is beat by one of his flaming swords. Kuai knocks him down with a slide and tells him he'll return with him to Raiden and explain what happened but Hanzo asks him "Just like your brother explained the Lin Kuei's crimes against the Shirai Ryu?!" Kuai tells him to move on and that there is no Lin Kuei since the cyberized ones destroyed them and that he's all that's left. Scorpion tells him that if they really are the last of their clans then they'll finish this. Two Netherrealm spirits/demons/revenants' heads and arms appear from the ground and grab Kuai by the legs as Hanzo plunges his swords into his chest, commanding his soul to the Netherrealm. As he dies Kuai implores that he's not a monster and that they both did horrible things while he was possessed and they were working for Quan Chi. He asks Hanzo if he remembers the agony of being controlled by an evil spirit, he tells him no. He remembers the last time he held his son and the last time he heard his wife call his name. He remembers "The agony of losing them." Then he pulls off his mask and breathes a giant flame on Kuai Liang as Takeda calls out Hanzos name. Takeda begins to explain to Scorpion that he doesn't know what it's like to be controlled because all the evil he's done has been out of vengeance and that that vengeance misguided him. Since he has the Kamidogu now he tells Hanzo he has a choice: give into vengeance like the blood demon wants or help save the world so they can rebuild the Shirai Ryu like they'd planned. Hanzo returns to his human form and removes his swords from Kuai Liangs body, telling him he'll live. Maybe not for long but long enough to reflect on his misdeeds. Takeda gives him the Kamidogu and Hanzo says he'll take it to the Sky Temple, then Takeda remarks that Hanzo probably "won that rematch" but Hanzo doesn't feel it's a win since he's losing himself. As Hanzo and Takeda talk about the possibility of a next time him and Kuai meet we see Kuai's body curled up, burned, and lying in a pool of blood in the shape of the MK dragon logo.
Issue 2
Chapter #16 - Sub Zero: Sekret Origin
Kuai Liang is lying face down on the frozen ground. A voice asks "At death's door again, Kuai Liang?" They tell him to stop struggling since he'll bleed out faster that way and that as his life passes away before his eyes to ask himself what it all means.
We cut to MK9, Kahn's Coliseum. Sub Zero is just about to win the fight between him and Scorpion and Kahn is yelling "FINISH HIM!" Kuai tells Kahn he does not kill for him, but for his brother. As he is charging up his frozen energy three cyberized Lin Kuei teleport around him telling him he has "defied the Cyber Initiative" and that "the Lin Kuei must be purged of biological error." Kuai struggles telling them he will not be turned. Then we see darkness, him waking up and seeing he has a robotic body and Sindel killing him. Then a panel of Quan Chi noting how remarkable it is that "this cyborg still has a soul" and how he can work with it.
We are in the Netherrealm where Quan is standing in front of Cyber Sub Zero who is being held by revenant Smoke and Jax. Kuai questions why Smoke is helping Quan as Quan tells him Smoke works for the Netherrealm and that so will he. Quan likes that Kuai's soul is resilient and that he needs those in his army but Kuai tells him he's not his slave. Quan decides to test his resilience and begins doing some sorcery to remove Kuai's armour as technology can't be trusted. We see Kuai's organs floating in mid-air as Quan says he has faith in tradition, blood, sorcery. Quan's magic rebuilds Kuai Liangs body, the skull over his brain, the muscle, the skin, then remarks on how that's better and asks Kuai who he serves. Kuai responds "Quan Chi."
We cut to revenant Sub Zero, Scorpion and Jax fighting soldiers in Quan Chi's fortress. Scorpion tells Sub Zero to save Quan Chi. Sonya kicks Quan Chi in the face as Raiden chants spells. Sub Zero rushes to save Quan and Raiden loudly finishes his spell and in a small speech bubble we see the question "Whom do you serve?"....before Kuai Liang wakes up.
Months later. Kuai Liang awakes from his nightmare shouting "I'm not a slave!". He is slightly traumatised, a voice standing nearby tells him he is far from hell but Kuai wants him to get out of his head as he charges up his ice energy. We see the voice is Raiden and he tells Kuai he is in the Sky Temple and dissipates the ice with his lightning. Kuai can't understand how he is alive but Raiden explains that he mixed his power with Quan's and it restored his life. Kuai remember the crimes he committed and doesn't know how he'll live with that but Raiden tells him he can make amends and that Earthrealm needs his help.
Cut to the present. We find out the voice that spoke to him at the beginning, asking him what it all meant, is Bo Rai Cho. Kuai tells him that he feels he's "doomed to kneel before sorcerers and demigods" but Bo asks him if he's figured out why he's here. Kuai says he must commit Hara-Kiri and Bo Rai Cho laughs telling him they have wine for melancholy. He also explains that Raiden owes Kuai a favour.
We cut to the Sky Temple where Hanzo and Takeda are talking to Raiden who commends Hanzo on sparing Kuai Liang's life. Raiden tells him they now need to head to the Kang Shaolin Temple where the Kamidogu of Chaosrealm awaits them, while Raiden himself will meet with Jax, keeper of the Kamidogu of Earthrealm.
Over to Jax's farm we see Jax cutting logs of wood with his axe, where a voice tells him he looks back at full strength and Jax questions what they are doing here. They want something Jax has but he won't give it to them. The voice offers Raiden's knife for his daughter's life, to which Jax replies "Nobody threatens my Jacqui." The voice is Reiko.
We cut to MK9, Kahn's Coliseum. Sub Zero is just about to win the fight between him and Scorpion and Kahn is yelling "FINISH HIM!" Kuai tells Kahn he does not kill for him, but for his brother. As he is charging up his frozen energy three cyberized Lin Kuei teleport around him telling him he has "defied the Cyber Initiative" and that "the Lin Kuei must be purged of biological error." Kuai struggles telling them he will not be turned. Then we see darkness, him waking up and seeing he has a robotic body and Sindel killing him. Then a panel of Quan Chi noting how remarkable it is that "this cyborg still has a soul" and how he can work with it.
We are in the Netherrealm where Quan is standing in front of Cyber Sub Zero who is being held by revenant Smoke and Jax. Kuai questions why Smoke is helping Quan as Quan tells him Smoke works for the Netherrealm and that so will he. Quan likes that Kuai's soul is resilient and that he needs those in his army but Kuai tells him he's not his slave. Quan decides to test his resilience and begins doing some sorcery to remove Kuai's armour as technology can't be trusted. We see Kuai's organs floating in mid-air as Quan says he has faith in tradition, blood, sorcery. Quan's magic rebuilds Kuai Liangs body, the skull over his brain, the muscle, the skin, then remarks on how that's better and asks Kuai who he serves. Kuai responds "Quan Chi."
We cut to revenant Sub Zero, Scorpion and Jax fighting soldiers in Quan Chi's fortress. Scorpion tells Sub Zero to save Quan Chi. Sonya kicks Quan Chi in the face as Raiden chants spells. Sub Zero rushes to save Quan and Raiden loudly finishes his spell and in a small speech bubble we see the question "Whom do you serve?"....before Kuai Liang wakes up.
Months later. Kuai Liang awakes from his nightmare shouting "I'm not a slave!". He is slightly traumatised, a voice standing nearby tells him he is far from hell but Kuai wants him to get out of his head as he charges up his ice energy. We see the voice is Raiden and he tells Kuai he is in the Sky Temple and dissipates the ice with his lightning. Kuai can't understand how he is alive but Raiden explains that he mixed his power with Quan's and it restored his life. Kuai remember the crimes he committed and doesn't know how he'll live with that but Raiden tells him he can make amends and that Earthrealm needs his help.
Cut to the present. We find out the voice that spoke to him at the beginning, asking him what it all meant, is Bo Rai Cho. Kuai tells him that he feels he's "doomed to kneel before sorcerers and demigods" but Bo asks him if he's figured out why he's here. Kuai says he must commit Hara-Kiri and Bo Rai Cho laughs telling him they have wine for melancholy. He also explains that Raiden owes Kuai a favour.
We cut to the Sky Temple where Hanzo and Takeda are talking to Raiden who commends Hanzo on sparing Kuai Liang's life. Raiden tells him they now need to head to the Kang Shaolin Temple where the Kamidogu of Chaosrealm awaits them, while Raiden himself will meet with Jax, keeper of the Kamidogu of Earthrealm.
Over to Jax's farm we see Jax cutting logs of wood with his axe, where a voice tells him he looks back at full strength and Jax questions what they are doing here. They want something Jax has but he won't give it to them. The voice offers Raiden's knife for his daughter's life, to which Jax replies "Nobody threatens my Jacqui." The voice is Reiko.
Chapter #17 - The Oni/Shokan Uprising Part 1
Z'Unkahrah, Outworld. The Shokan have begun fighting with Kotal's forces along with Sonya, Johnny and their forces. Sonya can't get a hold of Johnny over comms and a voice approaches her telling her to watch her back. The Lieutenant gets out the way as a giant axe-swinging Oni breaks through the wall. Sonya summons purple energy and punches the Oni in the face. The Oni swings his axe and chops the Lieutenant beside her in half.
As Kotal looks over his city in the midst of war he asks himself what his father would do and how he stops an unstoppable army. He wonders if he regrets not killing Goro, for letting vengeance get in the way of pride, since now his father and the entire Shokan army are after him.
Cut to Johnny checking on a soldier named Pierce. He grabs his shoulders to help him move but his body has been halved and he just moves the torso. As he remarks on how Sonya will blame him he remembers that he should get in touch with Sonya. He tries her comms through the earpiece but there's static so he heads onwards into the battlefield. He gets over a small hill of bricks to find King Gorbak and two Shokan warriors standing not far away. Gorbak points at Johnny and tells them to leave no survivors and tear the city to rubble.
We cut to D'Vorah and Ferra/Torr who are inside Kotals building. Ferra wants to "cut up Shokans" but D'Vorah silences her as they head towards Kotal. She notices his blood magik dagger is still where it was so he has not powered himself up with it but they don't know where he is.
Back to a blood-soaked Sonya and Lieutenant Shaun Shamrock. Shaun gets ready to "kill this son-bitch" but Sonya tells him to ease up on the use of "the B-word". Suddenly a giant axe breaks through a nearby wall and Shaun pulls out two pistols as he tells the Oni to "suck bullets". Sonya calls out to Shaun as the axe splits his upper half in two. The Shokan then punches Sonya to the floor as she's looking to Shaun and begins to laugh. Sonya shoots a purple beam at him for laughing at her, calling him a "son-bitch" just like Shaun. The Oni dies and Sonya can't believe it but Kotal arises behind him with a bloodied macuahuitl telling Sonya he is happy to see her for once. They have both received the sanguine baptism today.Johnny appears as Sonya and Kotal are talking, shouting at them to "Run, you idiots!" as the Shokan army follow him.
As Kotal looks over his city in the midst of war he asks himself what his father would do and how he stops an unstoppable army. He wonders if he regrets not killing Goro, for letting vengeance get in the way of pride, since now his father and the entire Shokan army are after him.
Cut to Johnny checking on a soldier named Pierce. He grabs his shoulders to help him move but his body has been halved and he just moves the torso. As he remarks on how Sonya will blame him he remembers that he should get in touch with Sonya. He tries her comms through the earpiece but there's static so he heads onwards into the battlefield. He gets over a small hill of bricks to find King Gorbak and two Shokan warriors standing not far away. Gorbak points at Johnny and tells them to leave no survivors and tear the city to rubble.
We cut to D'Vorah and Ferra/Torr who are inside Kotals building. Ferra wants to "cut up Shokans" but D'Vorah silences her as they head towards Kotal. She notices his blood magik dagger is still where it was so he has not powered himself up with it but they don't know where he is.
Back to a blood-soaked Sonya and Lieutenant Shaun Shamrock. Shaun gets ready to "kill this son-bitch" but Sonya tells him to ease up on the use of "the B-word". Suddenly a giant axe breaks through a nearby wall and Shaun pulls out two pistols as he tells the Oni to "suck bullets". Sonya calls out to Shaun as the axe splits his upper half in two. The Shokan then punches Sonya to the floor as she's looking to Shaun and begins to laugh. Sonya shoots a purple beam at him for laughing at her, calling him a "son-bitch" just like Shaun. The Oni dies and Sonya can't believe it but Kotal arises behind him with a bloodied macuahuitl telling Sonya he is happy to see her for once. They have both received the sanguine baptism today.Johnny appears as Sonya and Kotal are talking, shouting at them to "Run, you idiots!" as the Shokan army follow him.
Chapter #18 - The Oni/Shokan Uprising Part 2
Z'Unkahrah, Outworld. Hours of battle later. Bodies of Outworld soldiers hanging, a beheaded wolf, hundreds of corpses on the ground whether Oni, Shokan or one of Kotals soldiers. Shokan warriors that are still alive are chanting Gorbaks name as Kotals macuahuitl clashes with Gorbaks swords. He cuts Kotals abdomen as he remarks on how underwhelming fighting him is considering how he did against Goro. Kotal says he and Gorbak have always been allies but Gorbak declares the end of the era of Kahns and the beginning of the reign of the Shokan.
D'Vorah is piercing a Shokan beast with her ovipositors, pulling out organs and snapping his neck. Reptile warns D'Vorah of another behind her but Reptile pounces on him.
Gorbak pins Kotal to the wall, pushing his swords against Kotal's macuahuitl. Kotal asks himself how to stop an unstoppable army and Gorbak tells him he'll die before solving that riddle. Kotal says "It's...the same way you stop...the undead" as his macuahuitl pushes into his shoulder. "Destroy the head!" Kotal presses into Gorbaks right eye and twists the head before bringing his hands together around both sides of Gorbaks head, clapping it and causing it to explode. Kotal approaches the battlefield and all stop fighting as he exclaims the Shokan to hail to their king as he throws Gorbaks body on the ground. They retreat in fear as they realise Gorbak is dead.
D'Vorah is carrying a wounded Reptile as her and Kotal reflect on how the Shokan will probably return and that more sacrifice will be needed to win the war. Kotal tells her to take Reptile to the infirmary as he will tend to the wounded. Johnny and Sonya are standing nearby, Sonya tells Johnny they need to leave, get the girls and go home. Johnny tells her it's a great plan but that there's one problem and falls to the ground. Johnny says one of the Shokan bit him and we see a wound in his abdomen. Sonya presses down to keep pressure on the wound and tells him that for once he needs him to keep talking and not fall asleep. Johnny apologises for Cassie freezing her out and that he was the same way at her age, but Sonya doesn't feel that a teenage girl with the mind of Johnny Cage is reassuring. Johnny begins to request something if they don't make it out alive together but when Sonya says "Shut up Johnny." he's too happy at her calling him Johnny to finish his sentence.
Kotal tells D'Vorah that tomorrow they will sail to Shang Tsung's island, retreive Cassie and Jacqui to keep his promise to Sonya and finish Reiko. When D'Vorah asks about what'll happen with them and the Shokan Kotal states he fears neither them nor death.
Cut to the Shokan. Some are beating drums as corpses are being burned. Kintaro approaches Goro and informs him that the Draco and Tigrar families have decided that Goros injuries disqualify his claim to the throne. A traditional battle for the crown will happen after the war is done and Goro says he will enter it. When he wins and is crowned he will show the Shokan council no mercy.
Back to Kotal Kahn. He is infuriated as his dagger is missing. He blames D'Vorah but she swears she did not steal it. She begs him to let her stay in Z'Unkahrah to defend his throne and that they will search for the dagger but Kotal can already feel its power fading as it's far from where they are already.
To Shang Tsung's island. Havik is impressed at the thiefs achievement. "Stolen from Kotal's own chambers? During a Shokan siege? Bold move." The thief is Skarlet, who has a mask and black clothing with a red groin cloth. Havik remarks on Reikos choosing Skarlet wisely, and she knows that Havik has mastered blood magik and wishes to learn which Havik tells her she will. First though Havik has the heir to an ancient warrior power, a power that can be taken, but in order to get it the warrior must fight. Down into a dungeon we see the warrior bestowed with the power that Skarlet will fight curled up on the floor chained to the wall by the neck. It's Cassie Cage.
D'Vorah is piercing a Shokan beast with her ovipositors, pulling out organs and snapping his neck. Reptile warns D'Vorah of another behind her but Reptile pounces on him.
Gorbak pins Kotal to the wall, pushing his swords against Kotal's macuahuitl. Kotal asks himself how to stop an unstoppable army and Gorbak tells him he'll die before solving that riddle. Kotal says "It's...the same way you stop...the undead" as his macuahuitl pushes into his shoulder. "Destroy the head!" Kotal presses into Gorbaks right eye and twists the head before bringing his hands together around both sides of Gorbaks head, clapping it and causing it to explode. Kotal approaches the battlefield and all stop fighting as he exclaims the Shokan to hail to their king as he throws Gorbaks body on the ground. They retreat in fear as they realise Gorbak is dead.
D'Vorah is carrying a wounded Reptile as her and Kotal reflect on how the Shokan will probably return and that more sacrifice will be needed to win the war. Kotal tells her to take Reptile to the infirmary as he will tend to the wounded. Johnny and Sonya are standing nearby, Sonya tells Johnny they need to leave, get the girls and go home. Johnny tells her it's a great plan but that there's one problem and falls to the ground. Johnny says one of the Shokan bit him and we see a wound in his abdomen. Sonya presses down to keep pressure on the wound and tells him that for once he needs him to keep talking and not fall asleep. Johnny apologises for Cassie freezing her out and that he was the same way at her age, but Sonya doesn't feel that a teenage girl with the mind of Johnny Cage is reassuring. Johnny begins to request something if they don't make it out alive together but when Sonya says "Shut up Johnny." he's too happy at her calling him Johnny to finish his sentence.
Kotal tells D'Vorah that tomorrow they will sail to Shang Tsung's island, retreive Cassie and Jacqui to keep his promise to Sonya and finish Reiko. When D'Vorah asks about what'll happen with them and the Shokan Kotal states he fears neither them nor death.
Cut to the Shokan. Some are beating drums as corpses are being burned. Kintaro approaches Goro and informs him that the Draco and Tigrar families have decided that Goros injuries disqualify his claim to the throne. A traditional battle for the crown will happen after the war is done and Goro says he will enter it. When he wins and is crowned he will show the Shokan council no mercy.
Back to Kotal Kahn. He is infuriated as his dagger is missing. He blames D'Vorah but she swears she did not steal it. She begs him to let her stay in Z'Unkahrah to defend his throne and that they will search for the dagger but Kotal can already feel its power fading as it's far from where they are already.
To Shang Tsung's island. Havik is impressed at the thiefs achievement. "Stolen from Kotal's own chambers? During a Shokan siege? Bold move." The thief is Skarlet, who has a mask and black clothing with a red groin cloth. Havik remarks on Reikos choosing Skarlet wisely, and she knows that Havik has mastered blood magik and wishes to learn which Havik tells her she will. First though Havik has the heir to an ancient warrior power, a power that can be taken, but in order to get it the warrior must fight. Down into a dungeon we see the warrior bestowed with the power that Skarlet will fight curled up on the floor chained to the wall by the neck. It's Cassie Cage.
Issue 3
Chapter #19 - Outworld: Sekret Origin
Z'Unkahrah City, Outworld. Kotal Kahn's coronation day. Kotal is giving a speech to a large crowd who are chanting "Ko-tal Kahn!" as he speaks.
"Thee are those among you...who think I am a single-minded warrior. It's true, I live to fight...but with purpose. The throne of Outworld...is not a seat or a title. It is this city...Z'Unkahrah! Mileena's first mistake was neglecting this place and the citizens who call it home. I vow to defend these walls with my life!"
Cut to today. Kotal is reflecting on the promise he made to his people as he stands with D'Vorah and Ferra/Torr, accepting that if dying means protecting his capitol then dying is his duty. Reptile is reflecting on when Kotals duty was to kill him...
Many years ago, the MK9 tournament. Reptile is on his knee before Shao Kahn in his throne room who thinks Shang Tsung has his own agenda and that Reptile is needed at the tournament, whether to spy on Shang Tsung, compete, just do whatever necessary to ensure Outworld is victorious. (Present day Reptile is talking about how he never meant to compete but that everyone dreams of winning and that maybe him winning could lead to finding a way to bring his people back.) We see Reptile and Johnny Cage fighting in front of monks: panels of Johnny uppercutting, kneeing and nutpunching Reptile before Johnny standing atop Reptile in victory. (Present day Reptile reflects on how he failed and continued to fail, leading to him not being welcome in the presence of the Emperor and him realising he would be a target so he slept with one eye open.) We see Kotal standing in the shadow behind a sleeping Reptile, dagger in hand, but he turns away instead of killing him.
Present day. Reptile and Kotal Kahn are still continuing their conversation. Kotal realises Reptile knew he was there the night he was sent to kill him. Reptile talks about how he met his new commander the next day: Kotal Kahn. Shao Kahn had reservations about Reptile being one of Kotals men but he'd hand-picked Reptile so it was out of his hands. Reptile is unsure why Kotal spared him and Kotal explains that Shao Kahn would rather conquer another realm instead of looking after his own empire so Kotal did it for him. He also explains that "Good spies are fine tools" and Reptile realises that Kotal saw value in him where Shao Kahn didn't, and he still does. As Reptile goes to tell Kotal that he has value too even without his family there Kotal leaves for the night. D'Vorah state that she doesn't want to remember Kotal as dour as he is and Ferra/Torr approach Kotal asking if he wants to hear their story. He says he'd rather have solitude but Ferra begins anyway.
A desert, Ferra/Torr are being attacked by Tarkatans. Ferra explains that they tore the two of them apart, chaining Torr to the desert by the wrists and caging Ferra, and that neither are good alone. Kotal appears and frees Torr with his macuahuitl who then rips the grating off the cage trapping Ferra, freeing her too. She explains that Kotal also made them dinner and we see a small fire around which Torr and Kotal are holding and arm and a leg.
As we cut back to the present we see Ferra and Torr "mmm" upon reflection of their meal, and when D'Vorah asks what happened to the Tarkatans Kotal simply says "Dinner." D'Vorah guesses there was probably a bounty put on their heads for that. Kotal is appreciative of their "testaments of loyalty" but if they truly wish to show how loyal they are then they must leave him to his fate. As Reptile goes to suggest something else Kotal begins to shout at them that when they all worked for Shao Kahn they did not defy him even as he headed for his death and he demands the same respect. D'Vorah retorts that she never respected Shao Kahn, that the Kytinn respect no leaders under any circumstances...
The Arnyek Islands, ages ago. We see two of the Kytinn elders and D'Vorah standing as Shao Kahn, Goro and Reiko appear form a portal. (Present day D'Vorah explains that on the day before the invasion the Kytinn elders were too busy arguing to build a defence. She refused to participate, knowing the argument had been going on for too long and that all they would do was scatter.) We see the Kytinn scatter, but not D'Vorah. Shao Kahn approaches her and asks her why she doesn't flee and if she is their queen. She tells him that she isn't the queen, but is Shao Kahn's humble servant. (Present day D'Vorah explains that it was a necessary lie to tell as she hated him.)
Cut to Shao Kahn's throne room, D'Vorah and Goro stand on either side of Shao Kahn as he sits on his throne as they watch the chained Kytinn get taken away. The next panels show Quan talking to Kahn and D'Vorah holding Kahn's bloodied mask. (Present day D'Vorah explains that Kahn spared the Kytinn to make them slaves except D'Vorah who found shelter in his shadow as she waited, watching sorcerers like Quan manipulate Kahns lust for conquest which would ultimately destroy him. She could've gone free after his death, but to where? The shadow of the ruler was home now.) We see D'Vorah kneeling before Mileena as she tells her she is her humble servant. As proof D'Vorah goes to kiss Mileenas boot at her command but she kicks her in the face. D'Vorahs lack of retaliation is enough for Mileena to be convinced. (continued in next spoiler)
"Thee are those among you...who think I am a single-minded warrior. It's true, I live to fight...but with purpose. The throne of Outworld...is not a seat or a title. It is this city...Z'Unkahrah! Mileena's first mistake was neglecting this place and the citizens who call it home. I vow to defend these walls with my life!"
Cut to today. Kotal is reflecting on the promise he made to his people as he stands with D'Vorah and Ferra/Torr, accepting that if dying means protecting his capitol then dying is his duty. Reptile is reflecting on when Kotals duty was to kill him...
Many years ago, the MK9 tournament. Reptile is on his knee before Shao Kahn in his throne room who thinks Shang Tsung has his own agenda and that Reptile is needed at the tournament, whether to spy on Shang Tsung, compete, just do whatever necessary to ensure Outworld is victorious. (Present day Reptile is talking about how he never meant to compete but that everyone dreams of winning and that maybe him winning could lead to finding a way to bring his people back.) We see Reptile and Johnny Cage fighting in front of monks: panels of Johnny uppercutting, kneeing and nutpunching Reptile before Johnny standing atop Reptile in victory. (Present day Reptile reflects on how he failed and continued to fail, leading to him not being welcome in the presence of the Emperor and him realising he would be a target so he slept with one eye open.) We see Kotal standing in the shadow behind a sleeping Reptile, dagger in hand, but he turns away instead of killing him.
Present day. Reptile and Kotal Kahn are still continuing their conversation. Kotal realises Reptile knew he was there the night he was sent to kill him. Reptile talks about how he met his new commander the next day: Kotal Kahn. Shao Kahn had reservations about Reptile being one of Kotals men but he'd hand-picked Reptile so it was out of his hands. Reptile is unsure why Kotal spared him and Kotal explains that Shao Kahn would rather conquer another realm instead of looking after his own empire so Kotal did it for him. He also explains that "Good spies are fine tools" and Reptile realises that Kotal saw value in him where Shao Kahn didn't, and he still does. As Reptile goes to tell Kotal that he has value too even without his family there Kotal leaves for the night. D'Vorah state that she doesn't want to remember Kotal as dour as he is and Ferra/Torr approach Kotal asking if he wants to hear their story. He says he'd rather have solitude but Ferra begins anyway.
A desert, Ferra/Torr are being attacked by Tarkatans. Ferra explains that they tore the two of them apart, chaining Torr to the desert by the wrists and caging Ferra, and that neither are good alone. Kotal appears and frees Torr with his macuahuitl who then rips the grating off the cage trapping Ferra, freeing her too. She explains that Kotal also made them dinner and we see a small fire around which Torr and Kotal are holding and arm and a leg.
As we cut back to the present we see Ferra and Torr "mmm" upon reflection of their meal, and when D'Vorah asks what happened to the Tarkatans Kotal simply says "Dinner." D'Vorah guesses there was probably a bounty put on their heads for that. Kotal is appreciative of their "testaments of loyalty" but if they truly wish to show how loyal they are then they must leave him to his fate. As Reptile goes to suggest something else Kotal begins to shout at them that when they all worked for Shao Kahn they did not defy him even as he headed for his death and he demands the same respect. D'Vorah retorts that she never respected Shao Kahn, that the Kytinn respect no leaders under any circumstances...
The Arnyek Islands, ages ago. We see two of the Kytinn elders and D'Vorah standing as Shao Kahn, Goro and Reiko appear form a portal. (Present day D'Vorah explains that on the day before the invasion the Kytinn elders were too busy arguing to build a defence. She refused to participate, knowing the argument had been going on for too long and that all they would do was scatter.) We see the Kytinn scatter, but not D'Vorah. Shao Kahn approaches her and asks her why she doesn't flee and if she is their queen. She tells him that she isn't the queen, but is Shao Kahn's humble servant. (Present day D'Vorah explains that it was a necessary lie to tell as she hated him.)
Cut to Shao Kahn's throne room, D'Vorah and Goro stand on either side of Shao Kahn as he sits on his throne as they watch the chained Kytinn get taken away. The next panels show Quan talking to Kahn and D'Vorah holding Kahn's bloodied mask. (Present day D'Vorah explains that Kahn spared the Kytinn to make them slaves except D'Vorah who found shelter in his shadow as she waited, watching sorcerers like Quan manipulate Kahns lust for conquest which would ultimately destroy him. She could've gone free after his death, but to where? The shadow of the ruler was home now.) We see D'Vorah kneeling before Mileena as she tells her she is her humble servant. As proof D'Vorah goes to kiss Mileenas boot at her command but she kicks her in the face. D'Vorahs lack of retaliation is enough for Mileena to be convinced. (continued in next spoiler)
As present day D'Vorah explains that she was hesitant to stand with Kotal even when he defied Mileena, we cut to what looks like the Outworld marketplace where Mileena is standing with three Tarkatans and Kotal is standing with Reptile and at this point it's basically supposed to be the part in MKX where Kotal, Reptile and D'Vorah are sitting in a room and Mileena barges in asking what they're talking about where Kotal is saying Outworld demands new leadership and whatnot. We see Mileena stabbing one of her sais into Reptile's chest. Present day D'Vorah talks about how seeing Reptile protect Kotal with such conviction made her realise that although tyrants ruled with fear Kotal Kahn leads with respect and that he is the only leader she's ever respected.
We cut back to the present day scene where Kotal Kahn says that his coming sacrifice will be him leading with respect. He tells D'Vorah, Reptile and Ferra/Torr that they have "all fought like Osh-Tekk" and that his father would be proud. Suddenly the ground starts rumbling and just as suddenly it stops. Reptile and D'Vorah suggest it's either an earthquake or the Oni warlords, and the ground begins to tear in half. Kotal remarks that they're "tearing down the city" but a voice tells them it's the opposite and that the "cavalry" is there to save them. Then we see the voice is Kano and he's standing with Tasia, Jarek and the cause of the rumblings: Tremor.
We cut back to the present day scene where Kotal Kahn says that his coming sacrifice will be him leading with respect. He tells D'Vorah, Reptile and Ferra/Torr that they have "all fought like Osh-Tekk" and that his father would be proud. Suddenly the ground starts rumbling and just as suddenly it stops. Reptile and D'Vorah suggest it's either an earthquake or the Oni warlords, and the ground begins to tear in half. Kotal remarks that they're "tearing down the city" but a voice tells them it's the opposite and that the "cavalry" is there to save them. Then we see the voice is Kano and he's standing with Tasia, Jarek and the cause of the rumblings: Tremor.
Chapter #20 - Deadly Allies Part 1
Earthrealm. Raiden has teleported down to a farm. He calls out for "Briggs" but sees Jax unconscious on his couch through a big hole that's been made in the house. Vera appears explaining that he won't be waking up for a while due to all the meds.
Flashback to the day before. Vera is trying to get in touch with Jacqui and is leaving a voicemail when Jax comes flying through the window behind her. Vera is trying to check on him but he tells her to run, then Reiko breaks a hole in the wall. Red-eyed, he explains that he just wants the dagger Raiden gave him and he promises he'll spare Jacqui. Jax tells him no and Reiko charges at him, sending him into the other wall. He holds a sword to Jaxs neck and grabs Vera by her neck, telling Jax he won't stop at just their daughter and that he'll make everyone in his life suffer. He has a choice: the dagger or his family.
Vera explains to Raiden that they gave Reiko the dagger, and Raiden remarks that Reiko having more than one Kamidogu dagger is troubling. Vera asks about Jacqui and Raiden informs her that Jacqui isn't the only one missing.
Shang Tsung's island. Havik watches over as Skarlet is fighting with Jacqui, a chained Cassie nearby telling Jacqui to get out. Skarlet hits Jacqui in the jaw with her knee (cue x-ray shot) and she's knocked out. Cassie asks Havik why he's doing what he's doing to them and he explains that he's trying to access the power Johnny wielded to defeat Shinnok since a mortal beating an elder god is impossible. The only explanation is that the Cage bloodline are warriors bred to fight the gods themselves whose true power is exposed when their loved ones are near death. Havik questions if Jacqui's life is worth anything to Cassie but she pleads she's not like her dad. Reiko enters telling Havik he has the Kamidogu of Earthrealm, who is pleased as it would only require one more to make Reiko the blood god. When Reiko questions how there could only be one more to collect considering they only have two Havik tells him that Raiden has collected three already and that every step he takes only hinders Earthrealms protection further.
Z'Unkahrah city, Outworld. We see Kano, D'Vorah, Ferra/Torr on a beast and Kotal Kahn on a larger beast exclaiming "MY EMPIRE WILL NOT BE CONQUERED!!". We see Kintaro, the Shokan and Oni warlords. Kintaro is telling his men that Kotal is a coward because, as Mileena and Reiko called upon the Red Dragon for help, Kotal needs the aid of the Black Dragon to help him keep his throne so they need to remind Kotal that true Outworlders need no help from Earthrealm. Both armies begin to charge but Kotal halts them as he challenges Kintaro to Mortal Kombat, to decide things the honourable way, but Kintaro declines. Kotal looks to Kano who tells Tremor to jump in. Kintaro is not impressed by one man but he causes a wave of earth to come up and knock down the Shokan and Oni. Kintaro orders his men back to their feet, while Kotal asks Kano why Tremor has stopped. Kano tells him that it would bring down the whole town if it was to continue since earthquakes are an imprecise weapon. But to account for the devastation and precision Kano feels Kotal requires he attaches a weapon over his hand.
Cut to Sonya and Johnny in a room. Sonya isn't sure she made the right call deciding to stay inside while everyone else fights. Johnny doesn't know himself, telling her that either Kano will betray Kotal and they've just handed over an empire to their worst enemy or Kano stands to make a fortune as Kotals arms supplier and that relationship could flood Outworld with Black Dragon tech. Sonya is still worried but Johnny tells her that she can't save every realm, every person. He tells her they'll take the ship to Shangs island and go get the girls since they're what matters most. Sonya thanks him, calling him Johnny, and gives him a hug which he tells her to go easy on because of the injury to his ribs.
Suddenly there's a gigantic explosion outside, we see a huge mushroom cloud and multiple soldiers silhouettes being sent back, and we cut back to Kano and Kotal. When Kotal enquires as to what sorcery caused such an effect Kano tells him it's science. "Why bother with magic when we have the power of the atom at the touch of a button?" Over half of Kintaros army were wiped out by the blast, but the Shokan never surrender. When Kano asks what's next Kotal tells them to finish the remaining soldiers.
Flashback to the day before. Vera is trying to get in touch with Jacqui and is leaving a voicemail when Jax comes flying through the window behind her. Vera is trying to check on him but he tells her to run, then Reiko breaks a hole in the wall. Red-eyed, he explains that he just wants the dagger Raiden gave him and he promises he'll spare Jacqui. Jax tells him no and Reiko charges at him, sending him into the other wall. He holds a sword to Jaxs neck and grabs Vera by her neck, telling Jax he won't stop at just their daughter and that he'll make everyone in his life suffer. He has a choice: the dagger or his family.
Vera explains to Raiden that they gave Reiko the dagger, and Raiden remarks that Reiko having more than one Kamidogu dagger is troubling. Vera asks about Jacqui and Raiden informs her that Jacqui isn't the only one missing.
Shang Tsung's island. Havik watches over as Skarlet is fighting with Jacqui, a chained Cassie nearby telling Jacqui to get out. Skarlet hits Jacqui in the jaw with her knee (cue x-ray shot) and she's knocked out. Cassie asks Havik why he's doing what he's doing to them and he explains that he's trying to access the power Johnny wielded to defeat Shinnok since a mortal beating an elder god is impossible. The only explanation is that the Cage bloodline are warriors bred to fight the gods themselves whose true power is exposed when their loved ones are near death. Havik questions if Jacqui's life is worth anything to Cassie but she pleads she's not like her dad. Reiko enters telling Havik he has the Kamidogu of Earthrealm, who is pleased as it would only require one more to make Reiko the blood god. When Reiko questions how there could only be one more to collect considering they only have two Havik tells him that Raiden has collected three already and that every step he takes only hinders Earthrealms protection further.
Z'Unkahrah city, Outworld. We see Kano, D'Vorah, Ferra/Torr on a beast and Kotal Kahn on a larger beast exclaiming "MY EMPIRE WILL NOT BE CONQUERED!!". We see Kintaro, the Shokan and Oni warlords. Kintaro is telling his men that Kotal is a coward because, as Mileena and Reiko called upon the Red Dragon for help, Kotal needs the aid of the Black Dragon to help him keep his throne so they need to remind Kotal that true Outworlders need no help from Earthrealm. Both armies begin to charge but Kotal halts them as he challenges Kintaro to Mortal Kombat, to decide things the honourable way, but Kintaro declines. Kotal looks to Kano who tells Tremor to jump in. Kintaro is not impressed by one man but he causes a wave of earth to come up and knock down the Shokan and Oni. Kintaro orders his men back to their feet, while Kotal asks Kano why Tremor has stopped. Kano tells him that it would bring down the whole town if it was to continue since earthquakes are an imprecise weapon. But to account for the devastation and precision Kano feels Kotal requires he attaches a weapon over his hand.
Cut to Sonya and Johnny in a room. Sonya isn't sure she made the right call deciding to stay inside while everyone else fights. Johnny doesn't know himself, telling her that either Kano will betray Kotal and they've just handed over an empire to their worst enemy or Kano stands to make a fortune as Kotals arms supplier and that relationship could flood Outworld with Black Dragon tech. Sonya is still worried but Johnny tells her that she can't save every realm, every person. He tells her they'll take the ship to Shangs island and go get the girls since they're what matters most. Sonya thanks him, calling him Johnny, and gives him a hug which he tells her to go easy on because of the injury to his ribs.
Suddenly there's a gigantic explosion outside, we see a huge mushroom cloud and multiple soldiers silhouettes being sent back, and we cut back to Kano and Kotal. When Kotal enquires as to what sorcery caused such an effect Kano tells him it's science. "Why bother with magic when we have the power of the atom at the touch of a button?" Over half of Kintaros army were wiped out by the blast, but the Shokan never surrender. When Kano asks what's next Kotal tells them to finish the remaining soldiers.
Chapter #21 - Deadly Allies Part 2
Mileena is speaking about how the Shokan and Oni have torn Z'Unkahrah apart and under Kintaro's command will never surrender. By the end of the night Kotal will be dead and she will be Outworld's empress again. We then see she is sitting over Rain's wounded body and we hear someone calling for her. It turns out to be Ermac who has urgent news from Z'Unkahrah. Mileena asks if Kotal's head is on a spike yet and they tell her it isn't but also that his forces might yet win as they have the help of the Black Dragon and the Earthrealm weapons decimate the Shokan. She smashes a vase in anger and decides they should mount an attack while Kotals forces are still recovering from the battle. She asks about Reiko and the Red Dragon who are still not back from Shang Tsungs island and tells Ermac to summon them as Reiko has to make good on his many promises. Rain awakes, confused, and asks Mileena where he is. Mileena explains that the Red Dragon brought his scorched body to her keep there in the Setian Valley. Worriedly he asks where Reiko is and she tells him he is away and they escaped Kotal but Rain warns her that Reiko is going to betray her. Mileena demands to know everything and Rain tells her that when the Red Dragon brought him there he heard them talking about it and that Reiko is loyal to another named Havik. Reiko told her Havik was strengthening their cause and she believed his judgement, as did Ermac. She asks them if any of their thousand souls can reveal Haviks true nature and they tell her that his name causes confusion within them, chaos. He is an enigma. Mileena is stressed about it, remarking that this is why everyone calls her paranoid, and she tells Ermac to gather the Tarkata as they're about to take a visit to Shang Tsung's island.
Cut back to Kotal in Z'Unkahrah. He is standing over Kintaro, macuahuitl to his neck, asking him if he surrenders. When Kintaro tells him they'll never surrender he presses the macuahuitl harder to his neck and Kintaro tells him to give him what he denied Goro. Kotal lifts the macuahuitl from his neck and when Kintaro asks him why he must denigrate he tells him that the Shokan were not his enemy until Goro contracted with Reiko and Mileena and that he's always admired the Shokan's strength. Kotal exclaims to all that Mileena and Reiko are common enemies and that they should kill them together instead of killing each other to Reiko and Mileenas benefit. He tells Kintaro that he will never command him to surrender and that he only asks that Kintaro fight. He outstretches his hand to help him up and Kintaro grabs it. The armies chant in anticipation of their upcoming alliance.
Kotal, D'Vorah and Ferra/Torr are standing on one side of a table opposite Kano, Mileena, Tremor and Jarek. Kano is there to collect his pay but Kotal tells him he's not giving him anything as he owes Kotal for endangering his strategic alliance with Earthrealm. Kano tells him that kidnapping the girls was Erron Black's plan and pulls out the Portal Stone as a tool to get Kotal to pay him. Kotal pounces at him, breaking his arm (cue x-ray shot) to obtain his Portal Stone back. As Tremor threatens to bring the building down if he doesn't release Kano he is shot in the shoulder. Sonya and Johnny appear, and D'Vorah is ordered to take Kano and his "clan" to the dungeon. As he's being taken Kano says it'd be a shame if Cassie didn't make it to legal age which provokes Johnny but Sonya holds him back. Sonya asks if Kotal is going to kill them but he tells her he's going to hand them over to her after he's answered for his crimes, for which she's thankful, but before that they need to find the girls. Kotal says they are going to set sail tonight and Sonya questions Kotal coming since she didn't think he would. He explains that Reiko and the Red Dragon are deadly allies that require an alliance of their own to defeat. Sonya agrees, which she remarks on as uncommon for them.
Kang Temple, Henan Province, China. Hanzo and Takeda are in front of a statue of Liu Kang and Takeda asks Hanzo if he ever fought Liu. He tells him he did in Kang's first tournament but when Takeda asks who won he tells him it wasn't a traditional match. Takeda feels Liu Kang must have been a badass if Liu managed to beat Hanzo. A man approaches, it's Shujinko. He explains that he knows why they're here but that unfortunately he can't give them the Kamidogu of Chaos because they have fallen into the wrong hands: Raidens. Shujinko explains that he cannot be trusted and that he did not believe it himself until someone proved it to him...a humble cleric. Shujinko would like them to meet him so he opens a door and there is the man himself who says that he has long wanted to meet them in the flesh. Hanzo recognises him and his eyes begin to turn white. It's Havik.
Cut back to Kotal in Z'Unkahrah. He is standing over Kintaro, macuahuitl to his neck, asking him if he surrenders. When Kintaro tells him they'll never surrender he presses the macuahuitl harder to his neck and Kintaro tells him to give him what he denied Goro. Kotal lifts the macuahuitl from his neck and when Kintaro asks him why he must denigrate he tells him that the Shokan were not his enemy until Goro contracted with Reiko and Mileena and that he's always admired the Shokan's strength. Kotal exclaims to all that Mileena and Reiko are common enemies and that they should kill them together instead of killing each other to Reiko and Mileenas benefit. He tells Kintaro that he will never command him to surrender and that he only asks that Kintaro fight. He outstretches his hand to help him up and Kintaro grabs it. The armies chant in anticipation of their upcoming alliance.
Kotal, D'Vorah and Ferra/Torr are standing on one side of a table opposite Kano, Mileena, Tremor and Jarek. Kano is there to collect his pay but Kotal tells him he's not giving him anything as he owes Kotal for endangering his strategic alliance with Earthrealm. Kano tells him that kidnapping the girls was Erron Black's plan and pulls out the Portal Stone as a tool to get Kotal to pay him. Kotal pounces at him, breaking his arm (cue x-ray shot) to obtain his Portal Stone back. As Tremor threatens to bring the building down if he doesn't release Kano he is shot in the shoulder. Sonya and Johnny appear, and D'Vorah is ordered to take Kano and his "clan" to the dungeon. As he's being taken Kano says it'd be a shame if Cassie didn't make it to legal age which provokes Johnny but Sonya holds him back. Sonya asks if Kotal is going to kill them but he tells her he's going to hand them over to her after he's answered for his crimes, for which she's thankful, but before that they need to find the girls. Kotal says they are going to set sail tonight and Sonya questions Kotal coming since she didn't think he would. He explains that Reiko and the Red Dragon are deadly allies that require an alliance of their own to defeat. Sonya agrees, which she remarks on as uncommon for them.
Kang Temple, Henan Province, China. Hanzo and Takeda are in front of a statue of Liu Kang and Takeda asks Hanzo if he ever fought Liu. He tells him he did in Kang's first tournament but when Takeda asks who won he tells him it wasn't a traditional match. Takeda feels Liu Kang must have been a badass if Liu managed to beat Hanzo. A man approaches, it's Shujinko. He explains that he knows why they're here but that unfortunately he can't give them the Kamidogu of Chaos because they have fallen into the wrong hands: Raidens. Shujinko explains that he cannot be trusted and that he did not believe it himself until someone proved it to him...a humble cleric. Shujinko would like them to meet him so he opens a door and there is the man himself who says that he has long wanted to meet them in the flesh. Hanzo recognises him and his eyes begin to turn white. It's Havik.
Issue 4
Chapter #22 - Just The Two Of Us
Continuing from the last comic we are at the Kang Shaolin Temple where Hanzo is ready to attack Havik. Shujinko stand in front of Havik to defend him. telling Hanzo to stand down as he is "a man of god and guest of the Shaolin". Hanzo tells Shujinko he's been deceived and that Havik is an agent of the blood demon, but when Shujinko credits this as a serious accusation and asks for proof Hanzo can't come up with any but says his voice is familiar. Havik shrugs it off as a misunderstanding and asks Shujinko if it's alright if he can speak in private with Hanzo, so Shujinko takes Takeda who is hesistant to leave Hanzo alone with him. "Just the two of us!" Havik says, before acknowledging that Hanzo is angry since he's travelled all the way over to the temple just to find out Raiden is a traitor. When Hanzo questions this Havik explains that Hanzo's claiming that a 'demon' is trying to unleash the true power of the Kamidogu which can only be done by uniting the Kamidogu daggers and therefore they must all be collected. Havik then points out Raiden has been collecting the daggers.
Shujinko and Takeda are talking elsewhere about Kenshi. When Shujinko mentions that Kenshi thought Takeda would be safe at the Shirai Ryu Temple when he left him there Takeda questions Shujinko's knowledge of Kenshi's past. Shujinko explains that Kenshi came to him after he dropped Takeda off, and was questioning his choices, but realised that his war with Daegon was more important. Shujinko explains to an unaware Takeda that Daegon is Kenshi's mortal enemy and founder of the Red Dragon, who also claims to be a son of Argus. Takeda realises this is why Kenshi was running from the Red Dragon when he and his father first met. Shujinko explains that Kenshi's choice to go after Daegon and the Red Dragon is the reason he is where he is now.
Scorpion is done with Havik's "slander" and ends their conversation. He walks over to the Kamidogu dagger, telling Havik that he is taking it back with him, but as he reaches it his hand goes right through it and it begins to melt away. Havik points out that someone as legendary as Shujinko wouldn't just leave the Kamidogu on display like that, and when Hanzo asks Havik where it is he swears that he doesn't have it but that he'll tell him the truth about Raiden. He says Raiden's utterly corrupt and he knows this because....he corrupted him. Suddenly the skin around his mouth is ripped off and he begins to look like the Havik we've seen before, the skeleton of his nose and mouth exposed with his eyes still human. Havik explains he corrupted all of the people he corrupted using only a few drops of blood. He tells Hanzo he's next and that Takeda won't save him.
Takeda asks Shujinko why Hanzo didn't tell him that Kenshi went after Daegon and Shujinko answers that it was probably to stop him from running after his father. Shujinko mentions that it was more than vengeance that turned him into Scorpion, first he had to die. As he says this he pulls out the Kamidogu dagger and his eyes begin to burn red, clearly under the influence of blood magik, and he jumps towards Takeda.
The Sky Temple. Fujin (YES FINALLY HE'S BACK OWGRLNGERIGNELBGNERW) returns to the Sky Temple where Raiden stands facing the Jinsei. Raiden asks Fujin if he found anything at the Netherrealm border, and Fujin tells him the retaining seals are untouched and that there's no trace of Quan or his revenants but that there is a new cause for concern: in sorting the boundaries protecting Earthrealm they have left a weak point between the realms, which is where Shang Tsungs island is. Raiden suggests they should investigate there at once as they suspect that could be the incursion point but Fujin tells him he already attempted to go there but was repelled by a powerful spell similar to Raidens retaining seals. As Fujin questions if Raiden maybe needs to tell him something Raiden detects something in the Jinsei, and as he puts his hand in it he's hit by a giant lightning bolt that sends him flying back. Fujin makes sure he's ok and Raiden tells him the Jinsei has been rejecting him ever since the morning, to which Fujin says that the Jinsei can sense the influence of the Kamidogu. He asks Raiden how many Kamidogu he's obtained and he tells him three but they're safe there in the Sky Temple, and that Outworld is exposed to Shang's island as is Earthrealm. He mentions that Johnny and Sonya are there and that they must be warned, and that they must check to see if Kotal Kahn is an ally.
The Docks of Z'Unkahrah City, Johnny and Sonya are getting ready to board Kotal's ship. Sonya complains that the hours taken to load Kotal's ship are not hours they nor Jacqui and Cassie can afford. She's getting worried and Johnny tries to calm her but she notices the Black Dragon symbol on crates Kotal's men are loading. She opens it to find a WMD, and when Kotal approaches checking to see if everything is ok she says she was just making sure the crate was packed. Sonya tells Johnny they'll talk about this later, which Johnny says are the words every boy is just dying to hear. Kotal takes her and Johnny to their quarters.
On Shang Tsung's island we see two of the Kamidogu daggers. A hand picks one up but a voice tells them to take both as they need to be used at the same time and irght over the heart. The hand cuts a chest horizontally with both daggers, blood begins to spurt and the hand cleans one of the daggers with a cloth. The voice tells them to take the power and pain as they will shed blood together and take over Outworld and Earthrealm and eventually slaughter the Elder Gods themselves. The hand? Skarlet, and she's holding on to a bleeding Reiko to absorb his newfound power from the Kamidogu.
Shujinko and Takeda are talking elsewhere about Kenshi. When Shujinko mentions that Kenshi thought Takeda would be safe at the Shirai Ryu Temple when he left him there Takeda questions Shujinko's knowledge of Kenshi's past. Shujinko explains that Kenshi came to him after he dropped Takeda off, and was questioning his choices, but realised that his war with Daegon was more important. Shujinko explains to an unaware Takeda that Daegon is Kenshi's mortal enemy and founder of the Red Dragon, who also claims to be a son of Argus. Takeda realises this is why Kenshi was running from the Red Dragon when he and his father first met. Shujinko explains that Kenshi's choice to go after Daegon and the Red Dragon is the reason he is where he is now.
Scorpion is done with Havik's "slander" and ends their conversation. He walks over to the Kamidogu dagger, telling Havik that he is taking it back with him, but as he reaches it his hand goes right through it and it begins to melt away. Havik points out that someone as legendary as Shujinko wouldn't just leave the Kamidogu on display like that, and when Hanzo asks Havik where it is he swears that he doesn't have it but that he'll tell him the truth about Raiden. He says Raiden's utterly corrupt and he knows this because....he corrupted him. Suddenly the skin around his mouth is ripped off and he begins to look like the Havik we've seen before, the skeleton of his nose and mouth exposed with his eyes still human. Havik explains he corrupted all of the people he corrupted using only a few drops of blood. He tells Hanzo he's next and that Takeda won't save him.
Takeda asks Shujinko why Hanzo didn't tell him that Kenshi went after Daegon and Shujinko answers that it was probably to stop him from running after his father. Shujinko mentions that it was more than vengeance that turned him into Scorpion, first he had to die. As he says this he pulls out the Kamidogu dagger and his eyes begin to burn red, clearly under the influence of blood magik, and he jumps towards Takeda.
The Sky Temple. Fujin (YES FINALLY HE'S BACK OWGRLNGERIGNELBGNERW) returns to the Sky Temple where Raiden stands facing the Jinsei. Raiden asks Fujin if he found anything at the Netherrealm border, and Fujin tells him the retaining seals are untouched and that there's no trace of Quan or his revenants but that there is a new cause for concern: in sorting the boundaries protecting Earthrealm they have left a weak point between the realms, which is where Shang Tsungs island is. Raiden suggests they should investigate there at once as they suspect that could be the incursion point but Fujin tells him he already attempted to go there but was repelled by a powerful spell similar to Raidens retaining seals. As Fujin questions if Raiden maybe needs to tell him something Raiden detects something in the Jinsei, and as he puts his hand in it he's hit by a giant lightning bolt that sends him flying back. Fujin makes sure he's ok and Raiden tells him the Jinsei has been rejecting him ever since the morning, to which Fujin says that the Jinsei can sense the influence of the Kamidogu. He asks Raiden how many Kamidogu he's obtained and he tells him three but they're safe there in the Sky Temple, and that Outworld is exposed to Shang's island as is Earthrealm. He mentions that Johnny and Sonya are there and that they must be warned, and that they must check to see if Kotal Kahn is an ally.
The Docks of Z'Unkahrah City, Johnny and Sonya are getting ready to board Kotal's ship. Sonya complains that the hours taken to load Kotal's ship are not hours they nor Jacqui and Cassie can afford. She's getting worried and Johnny tries to calm her but she notices the Black Dragon symbol on crates Kotal's men are loading. She opens it to find a WMD, and when Kotal approaches checking to see if everything is ok she says she was just making sure the crate was packed. Sonya tells Johnny they'll talk about this later, which Johnny says are the words every boy is just dying to hear. Kotal takes her and Johnny to their quarters.
On Shang Tsung's island we see two of the Kamidogu daggers. A hand picks one up but a voice tells them to take both as they need to be used at the same time and irght over the heart. The hand cuts a chest horizontally with both daggers, blood begins to spurt and the hand cleans one of the daggers with a cloth. The voice tells them to take the power and pain as they will shed blood together and take over Outworld and Earthrealm and eventually slaughter the Elder Gods themselves. The hand? Skarlet, and she's holding on to a bleeding Reiko to absorb his newfound power from the Kamidogu.
Chapter #23 - Cage Family: Sekret Origin
Somewhere on the Lost Sea. Johnny is telling Sonya there's plenty of room in the bed but she says she's fine sleeping on the floor. He can't blame Kotal for thinking they'd sleep in the same room considering their sexual tension is "so, so obvious". H wonders where they went wrong but she tells him they were wrong from the start.
Flashback to several years ago, in the Jinsei Chamber just at the end of the first chapter of MKX. Johnny is carrying Sonya whose nose is bleeding, and she's trying to ask "Johnny" if it's over and they got Shinnok. Johnny tells her to take it easy, that the Jinsei Chamber will heal her and that Raidenh as a plan to make sure Shinnok never breaks out again. Sonya tells him she's never seen him be selfless in battle like that, but he says that was nothing considering she took a direct hit from Shinnok's amulet. He asks her if he may take her to dinner and a movie, and she says as long as it's not one of his movies.
Four months later, California outside Johnny's apartment. Sonya rings the bell for J. Cage (there are also E. Boon, T. Lansdown, D. Kirtzic and B. Chard as bell options) and Johnny says he'll be right down. He answers the door in nothing but a towel around his waist and sunglasses and when Sonya asks if that's how he answers the door he says it's only for the pretty ones. She tells him they need to talk, and Johnny sarcastically remarks that that's the phrase every guy is dying to hear. They sit on his couch, and he goes on about how glad he is she came by since she could try his famous shadow pancakes for once and that he gets she doesn't want a boyfriend and that they just celebrated saving the world like two adults- and she puts two of her fingers over his mouth as she tells him to shut up for once. Sonya tells Johnny she's pregnant.
A few years later in Johnny's apartment. Sonya is loading her gun and putting on a silencer, Johnny comes out in a housecoat and questions why she's up at 3am. Kenshi's in trouble. He was undercover with the Red Dragon since before Cassie was born but now he needed an exit strategy and Sonya was leading the extraction. Johnny tells her she'll miss Cassie's birthday, and she says she doesn't want to miss it, but she says that one day Cassie will understand that when duty calls, people make sacrifices.
Ten hours later in Northern Pakistan, Sonya and Kenshi are fighting off Red Dragon. She expected a stealth extraction but Kenshi tells her they paid off every terrorist from there to India. Sonya asks where their ride is and she finds out it's moving south so they take care of the Red Dragon, Sonya by gun and Kenshi by telekinesis. Sonya sees the helicopter coming in but notices a woman with an RPG aiming at it. She aims at her with her pistol but hesitates as she sees the womans daughter standing beside her, looking at Sonya. Kenshi tells her to take the shot so with a tear in her eye and quietly telling the child to look away she shoots the mother.
Back on the ship on the Lost Sea, Sonya is telling Johnny that the child kept watching her even after she shot her mother. She wanted to believe she was setting the little girl free from a mother who cared more about field artillery than field trips...like Sonya herself, like Cassie. Kotal knocks on the door to tell them they're near the island, but Johnny suggests to Sonya that they keep talking since it'll be a while before they're ready to storm the beach, and Sonya doesn't know what else there is to say. She gave up her daughters childhood to make her world safe and it was the right thing to do up until a few weeks before when she ran away and now they're relying on the kindness of a barbarian. She's reflecting on her past decisions and it upset that her daughter never got to understand how much her mother loved her.
We see Cassie on the floor of a cell. She hears a noise through the bottom of the door, someone walking up. The door is opened in her face, and then the person at the door kicks her in the face as well, bursting her lips. It's Jacqui, but she has a cut on her arm and glowing red eyes. She's trying to tell Cassie Skarlet can free her with the blood code but Cassie is telling Jacqui this is insane. Skarlet tells Jacqui to hold her steady, as there are special guests coming the next day: Cassie's parents. Cassie tells her to bite her and as she goes to tell her what she'll do if Skarlet hurts them she's interrupted by Skarlet stabbing her in the chest with a Kamidogu dagger and telling Cassie that she'll give her parents "a proper bloody welcome!"
Flashback to several years ago, in the Jinsei Chamber just at the end of the first chapter of MKX. Johnny is carrying Sonya whose nose is bleeding, and she's trying to ask "Johnny" if it's over and they got Shinnok. Johnny tells her to take it easy, that the Jinsei Chamber will heal her and that Raidenh as a plan to make sure Shinnok never breaks out again. Sonya tells him she's never seen him be selfless in battle like that, but he says that was nothing considering she took a direct hit from Shinnok's amulet. He asks her if he may take her to dinner and a movie, and she says as long as it's not one of his movies.
Four months later, California outside Johnny's apartment. Sonya rings the bell for J. Cage (there are also E. Boon, T. Lansdown, D. Kirtzic and B. Chard as bell options) and Johnny says he'll be right down. He answers the door in nothing but a towel around his waist and sunglasses and when Sonya asks if that's how he answers the door he says it's only for the pretty ones. She tells him they need to talk, and Johnny sarcastically remarks that that's the phrase every guy is dying to hear. They sit on his couch, and he goes on about how glad he is she came by since she could try his famous shadow pancakes for once and that he gets she doesn't want a boyfriend and that they just celebrated saving the world like two adults- and she puts two of her fingers over his mouth as she tells him to shut up for once. Sonya tells Johnny she's pregnant.
A few years later in Johnny's apartment. Sonya is loading her gun and putting on a silencer, Johnny comes out in a housecoat and questions why she's up at 3am. Kenshi's in trouble. He was undercover with the Red Dragon since before Cassie was born but now he needed an exit strategy and Sonya was leading the extraction. Johnny tells her she'll miss Cassie's birthday, and she says she doesn't want to miss it, but she says that one day Cassie will understand that when duty calls, people make sacrifices.
Ten hours later in Northern Pakistan, Sonya and Kenshi are fighting off Red Dragon. She expected a stealth extraction but Kenshi tells her they paid off every terrorist from there to India. Sonya asks where their ride is and she finds out it's moving south so they take care of the Red Dragon, Sonya by gun and Kenshi by telekinesis. Sonya sees the helicopter coming in but notices a woman with an RPG aiming at it. She aims at her with her pistol but hesitates as she sees the womans daughter standing beside her, looking at Sonya. Kenshi tells her to take the shot so with a tear in her eye and quietly telling the child to look away she shoots the mother.
Back on the ship on the Lost Sea, Sonya is telling Johnny that the child kept watching her even after she shot her mother. She wanted to believe she was setting the little girl free from a mother who cared more about field artillery than field trips...like Sonya herself, like Cassie. Kotal knocks on the door to tell them they're near the island, but Johnny suggests to Sonya that they keep talking since it'll be a while before they're ready to storm the beach, and Sonya doesn't know what else there is to say. She gave up her daughters childhood to make her world safe and it was the right thing to do up until a few weeks before when she ran away and now they're relying on the kindness of a barbarian. She's reflecting on her past decisions and it upset that her daughter never got to understand how much her mother loved her.
We see Cassie on the floor of a cell. She hears a noise through the bottom of the door, someone walking up. The door is opened in her face, and then the person at the door kicks her in the face as well, bursting her lips. It's Jacqui, but she has a cut on her arm and glowing red eyes. She's trying to tell Cassie Skarlet can free her with the blood code but Cassie is telling Jacqui this is insane. Skarlet tells Jacqui to hold her steady, as there are special guests coming the next day: Cassie's parents. Cassie tells her to bite her and as she goes to tell her what she'll do if Skarlet hurts them she's interrupted by Skarlet stabbing her in the chest with a Kamidogu dagger and telling Cassie that she'll give her parents "a proper bloody welcome!"
Chapter #24 - Departures and Arrivals
Hanzo kicks Havik in the side of his right knee, causing it to break (cue x-ray shot). Flames burning around his hands, he snaps Havik's neck telling him that by killing the Shirai Ryu just to provoke Hanzo he has signed his own death warrant. Hanzo snaps Havik's neck by twisting his head around, and as his body is lying on the ground but the head is facing up Hanzo sends some fiery punches to his face leaving it melted and disfigured before heading towards the door. Havik begins to speak. He tells Hanzo not to leave as they're not finished, that Hanzo is holding back as he's afraid of what his angry actions would cause. Hanzo is sent flying through the door and Havik is trying to convince him to become an agent of chaos, explaining that Raiden, Outworld, the Shirai Ryu are all fading or gone and Takeda is only one touch of the Kamidogu away from being Havik's slave. Shujinko walks out, red-eyed, holding Takeda in front of him with the dagger to his throat. Takeda apologises to Hanzo but he tells him it's not his fault. Hanzo asks Havik what he wants from him and Havik tells him he wants them to be friends, to "liberate the realms from order" with blood and fire so there are no more gods, only them. He will give him Takeda back if he gives in to his nature. Havik punches him in the face, telling him it isn't a choice and that Scorpion will protect him as even if he wants to die he can't because of him. Havik asks how far he has to go to unleash Scorpion and Hanzo tells him "all the way", which is what Havik was hoping he'd say. Hanzo tells a teary-eyed Takeda that he always has a choice. Havik picks Hanzo up and sends his fist right through Hanzo's stomach. Takeda calls for him and breaks from Shujinko to run over to him, pleading for Hanzo to come back, to tell him what to do, but Havik tells him Hanzo can't say much with both lungs collapsed. Hanzo quietly utters Takedas name, as Takeda is hoping Havik burns, and when he comes over to listen to him Hanzo tells him to run. Takeda tells him Shirai Ryu don't run, they fight, and begs Hanzo to fight as he holds his body in his arms. Havik wonders where Scorpion is but Takeda tells him there was no Scorpion and that Hanzo makes his own decisions. Havik tells him to leave and Takeda tells him he won't rest until Havik pays before walking away from the Temple.
On Shang Tsung's island Johnny, Sonya, Kotal and D'Vorah have just arrived. Kotal tells his scouts to fan out into the forest and the rest to form a perimeter. As Johnny and Sonya begin to advance into the island Reiko appears, with a Red Dragon ninja and Skarlet at his sides. Reiko says if he had a daughter and she were kidnapped he'd have been there days earlier and that maybe Johnny and Sonya aren't fit to be parents. Johnny tells him to "get fucked" and Kotal tells Reiko that his war is with Kotal himself while questioning Reiko's choice to incite further conflict with Earthrealm. Reiko says he seeks to conquer, not conflict, and to merge the realms like Shao Kahn wanted to but under Reiko's own rule. He tells them he'll return the girls...if they even want to leave. Johnny and Sonya are shocked as they see what appears. Skarlet presents them, a red-eyed Jacqui that remarks that Johnny and Sonya probably spent longer arguing with each other than looking for the girls and that it was a good thing they were saved by the blod code, and Cassie. She is also red-eyed, cracking her fingers and covered in scars. She says the island is their home now and Reiko is their god and to prove it they're going to kill them.
On Shang Tsung's island Johnny, Sonya, Kotal and D'Vorah have just arrived. Kotal tells his scouts to fan out into the forest and the rest to form a perimeter. As Johnny and Sonya begin to advance into the island Reiko appears, with a Red Dragon ninja and Skarlet at his sides. Reiko says if he had a daughter and she were kidnapped he'd have been there days earlier and that maybe Johnny and Sonya aren't fit to be parents. Johnny tells him to "get fucked" and Kotal tells Reiko that his war is with Kotal himself while questioning Reiko's choice to incite further conflict with Earthrealm. Reiko says he seeks to conquer, not conflict, and to merge the realms like Shao Kahn wanted to but under Reiko's own rule. He tells them he'll return the girls...if they even want to leave. Johnny and Sonya are shocked as they see what appears. Skarlet presents them, a red-eyed Jacqui that remarks that Johnny and Sonya probably spent longer arguing with each other than looking for the girls and that it was a good thing they were saved by the blod code, and Cassie. She is also red-eyed, cracking her fingers and covered in scars. She says the island is their home now and Reiko is their god and to prove it they're going to kill them.
Issue 5
Chapter #25 - Blood On The Sand
On the left, Kotals army of Osh-Tekk, Outworld warriors and Shokan. On the right, Reiko, Skarlet, the Red Dragon and a possessed Cassie and Jacqui. Reiko says he loves bringing families back together. Sonya pleads with Cassie, telling her that although she isn't the greatest mother she's here for her and that it's time to come home. Cassie asks if home is the base or the bachelor pad, and Jacqui tells Sonya she's sick of Cassie going on about being ignored because she's mentioned it so many times. Cassie throws a punch at Sonya, asking if she has her attention now, but Sonya stops the punch with her hand telling her she's not fighting her. Cassie goes to axe kick Sonya but she dodges it and sweeps her to the ground as she tells her that once this is done she's grounded. Jacqui goes to punch a blocking Johnny, betting that her dad is hiding on the farm and saying that it sucks having a coward for a role model as she punches him in the stomach. Johnny throws her to the ground and tells her the real Jacqui would never call him a coward, but she gets up and punches Johnny straight in the teeth saying Cages never know when to shut up.
Kotal is slicing Red Dragon apart with his macuahuitl, calling Reiko out for still relying on them to fight his battles, as D'Vorah pierces them with her ovipositors. Reiko compliments Kotals skill and remarks that Shao Kahn would be just as proud to see himself destroy Kotal as Kotal's father would be disappointed to see his son fall. Kotal tells D'Vorah Reiko is his and D'Vorah says she'll bleed Skarlet dry. Kotal advnaces at Reiko with his macuahuitl but he blocks it with his hand. Face to face, Kotal says Reiko always envied the Kahn's power. Reiko says he envied Kotals blood magik but he barely scratched the surface of it because he lacked the ambition Reiko had, the godliness could have been his. Reiko uppercuts Kotal and D'Vorah calls out to him but Skarlet takes advantage and stabs D'Vorah with a normal dagger. D'Vorah tells her she knows all about her, how she absorbs strength through blood. But she says Kytinn blood is especially strong, and as she does this she pulls the dagger out, cuts her hand with it and sprays Skarlet with her blood as she mentions it's also highly toxic, burning her in the process. She leaps towards Reiko who is standing over Kotal and telling him his champions are so loyal and quick to defend him...and ready to die. Just as D'Vorah reaches them Reiko grabs her out of the air and rips her in half from head to toe. Kotal kneels at D'Vorahs remains as Reiko tells him he'll spare him to serve as a slave if he surrenders. Kotal tells him that even though he's stolen his family, blood magik and comrades, without "Mileena's Edenian lackey" he cannot steal Kotal's sun. Skarlet is awaking and is beginning to head for Reiko to help him when a sudden loud noise alarms everyone. Kotal, Reiko, Skarlet, Johnny, Sonya, Cassie, Jacqui, their armies, everyone faces the sea. Ships are arriving and people are jumping off of them. Reiko smiles as he says it's now a party and Kotal damns all his enemies as the leader of the ship comes down and begins to speak. They tell Kotal and Reiko that they do not have permission to kill each other and that that privilege belongs to them: "the true Empress", Mileena who is accompanied by her Tarkatan army.
Kotal is slicing Red Dragon apart with his macuahuitl, calling Reiko out for still relying on them to fight his battles, as D'Vorah pierces them with her ovipositors. Reiko compliments Kotals skill and remarks that Shao Kahn would be just as proud to see himself destroy Kotal as Kotal's father would be disappointed to see his son fall. Kotal tells D'Vorah Reiko is his and D'Vorah says she'll bleed Skarlet dry. Kotal advnaces at Reiko with his macuahuitl but he blocks it with his hand. Face to face, Kotal says Reiko always envied the Kahn's power. Reiko says he envied Kotals blood magik but he barely scratched the surface of it because he lacked the ambition Reiko had, the godliness could have been his. Reiko uppercuts Kotal and D'Vorah calls out to him but Skarlet takes advantage and stabs D'Vorah with a normal dagger. D'Vorah tells her she knows all about her, how she absorbs strength through blood. But she says Kytinn blood is especially strong, and as she does this she pulls the dagger out, cuts her hand with it and sprays Skarlet with her blood as she mentions it's also highly toxic, burning her in the process. She leaps towards Reiko who is standing over Kotal and telling him his champions are so loyal and quick to defend him...and ready to die. Just as D'Vorah reaches them Reiko grabs her out of the air and rips her in half from head to toe. Kotal kneels at D'Vorahs remains as Reiko tells him he'll spare him to serve as a slave if he surrenders. Kotal tells him that even though he's stolen his family, blood magik and comrades, without "Mileena's Edenian lackey" he cannot steal Kotal's sun. Skarlet is awaking and is beginning to head for Reiko to help him when a sudden loud noise alarms everyone. Kotal, Reiko, Skarlet, Johnny, Sonya, Cassie, Jacqui, their armies, everyone faces the sea. Ships are arriving and people are jumping off of them. Reiko smiles as he says it's now a party and Kotal damns all his enemies as the leader of the ship comes down and begins to speak. They tell Kotal and Reiko that they do not have permission to kill each other and that that privilege belongs to them: "the true Empress", Mileena who is accompanied by her Tarkatan army.
Chapter #26 - Watch The Throne
Skarlet is remarking to Mileena on how awkward the situation is but Mileena questions why. Skarlet reminds her that Reiko lost faith in her and turned to Skarlet herself, but Mileena tells her that Reiko will betray her too. Skarlet believes Mileena is just jealous and says Reiko has empowered her as she uses the blood of a dead Red Dragon ninja to create a blood ball which she sends at Mileena, knocking her down. A nearby Tarkatan calls on his soldiers to defend Mileena but Skarlet creates blood tentacles which pierce and kill them as Mileena tells her she is not empowered but Reiko's puppet. She sends her sais flying into Skarlet's chest, but as she tells Mileena she's as much Shao Kahn's daughter as she is her eyes glow red. She tells Mileena she will share the throne with Reiko, "Immortals in the blood code, bound by--" but she is cut off by something, a green energy surrounding her. It's Ermac. He gives Mileena the honour as he holds Skarlet up by telekinesis and she kicks her in the head from above before rolling along the ground in a ball, destroying half of one of Skarlet's legs. Skarlet tells her brutality won't kill her but Mileena says she'll torture her instead as she pushes the back of Skarlet's head into the ground with her foot.
Kotal says to Reiko that Earthrealmers say "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned", but Reiko tells him they'll say it differently. "Hell hath no fury like a blood god!". The god Kotal could never be.
Ermac is bringing an object to Mileena: Shao Kahn's hammer. She wields it and hits Reiko across the side of the face with it, remarking that only Shao Kahn's true heir could kill a man on the first swing, but Ermac says Reiko is not dead and that the blood code will sustain him. Mileena tends to her other problem: Kotal. She questions his comment that she is insane and unfit to rule, but tells him that she's just mad enough to let him live a few more hours and that they should deal with Reiko first before they settle their differences.
A ship has its first sight of the island ahead. On the hull is Kintaro, sighting the battle on the island through a telescope, telling his men they'll crush both Reiko and Mileena on the same day. He's not sure what to think of Mileena saving Kotal's life, one of his men causes an uproar of laughs from the other Shokan on board by suggesting she maybe "wants ta get stabbed by his macuahuitl" but they go silent when another guesses that it's maybe because Reiko has a power so deadly it requires sworn enemies to band together to survive. The other voice is Queen Sheeva, emerging from a room. She acknowledges that her men are eager to join the fray but she cannot afford to lose more Shokan after the massacre at Z'Unkahrah so she tells them to stay anchored and wait for a strategic opportunity to enter the battle. One of the men, Kona, asks her if it's alright if they make bets while they wait and she allows it, telling him to put her money on Kotal Kahn. Her men shout "All hail the queen!" in unison. Kintaro is kneeling beside her and she tells him that they will acknowledge their commitment to Kotal, but as the battle conditions aren't favouring them instead of saving his life they will avenge his death.
Outside the entrance to the Sky Temple. A tired Takeda is admiring the nice weather outside the Temple before realising how concerning that actually is. The doors open and he mutters to himself "What would Hanzo do?" over and over to keep himself calm as he descends a helical staircase before noticing something alarming. Fujin is hanging from the wall with a thin pole or staff in his abdomen (NONONO). Takeda runs over to help him and he explains that Raiden is possessed and took the Kamidogu. Takeda suggests getting help but Fujin tells him that the Jinsei will heal his wounds, then they must intercept Raiden as he is unaware of what he is doing. We see Raiden with red thunder in his eyes on one side of the panel possibly traversing somewhere in the universe, and in a small box on the other side of the panel Takeda tells Fujin that Raiden isn't the real threat. Havik is.
Kotal says to Reiko that Earthrealmers say "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned", but Reiko tells him they'll say it differently. "Hell hath no fury like a blood god!". The god Kotal could never be.
Ermac is bringing an object to Mileena: Shao Kahn's hammer. She wields it and hits Reiko across the side of the face with it, remarking that only Shao Kahn's true heir could kill a man on the first swing, but Ermac says Reiko is not dead and that the blood code will sustain him. Mileena tends to her other problem: Kotal. She questions his comment that she is insane and unfit to rule, but tells him that she's just mad enough to let him live a few more hours and that they should deal with Reiko first before they settle their differences.
A ship has its first sight of the island ahead. On the hull is Kintaro, sighting the battle on the island through a telescope, telling his men they'll crush both Reiko and Mileena on the same day. He's not sure what to think of Mileena saving Kotal's life, one of his men causes an uproar of laughs from the other Shokan on board by suggesting she maybe "wants ta get stabbed by his macuahuitl" but they go silent when another guesses that it's maybe because Reiko has a power so deadly it requires sworn enemies to band together to survive. The other voice is Queen Sheeva, emerging from a room. She acknowledges that her men are eager to join the fray but she cannot afford to lose more Shokan after the massacre at Z'Unkahrah so she tells them to stay anchored and wait for a strategic opportunity to enter the battle. One of the men, Kona, asks her if it's alright if they make bets while they wait and she allows it, telling him to put her money on Kotal Kahn. Her men shout "All hail the queen!" in unison. Kintaro is kneeling beside her and she tells him that they will acknowledge their commitment to Kotal, but as the battle conditions aren't favouring them instead of saving his life they will avenge his death.
Outside the entrance to the Sky Temple. A tired Takeda is admiring the nice weather outside the Temple before realising how concerning that actually is. The doors open and he mutters to himself "What would Hanzo do?" over and over to keep himself calm as he descends a helical staircase before noticing something alarming. Fujin is hanging from the wall with a thin pole or staff in his abdomen (NONONO). Takeda runs over to help him and he explains that Raiden is possessed and took the Kamidogu. Takeda suggests getting help but Fujin tells him that the Jinsei will heal his wounds, then they must intercept Raiden as he is unaware of what he is doing. We see Raiden with red thunder in his eyes on one side of the panel possibly traversing somewhere in the universe, and in a small box on the other side of the panel Takeda tells Fujin that Raiden isn't the real threat. Havik is.
Chapter #27 - Blood and Gods
Sonya has sent her boot flying into Cassie's face, and she's telling a hesitant Johnny to hit Jacqui back. Sonya shoots a pulse of purple energy at Cassie while Jacqui is on top of Johnny telling him not fight back and to just die, but just as she's about to hit him Sonya hits her with a pulse of purple energy too. Sonya points out that the blood code isn't just possessing the girls but is also giving them super strength. Johnny put on his glasses and with a "All righty then. Shades on...gloves off" he shadow kicks Jacqui in the jaw.
Kotal, wielding his macuahuitl, Mileena, wielding Shao Kahn's hammer, and Ermac are standing over a bloodied hand. Mileena points out that even though fools mock her face she's never looked as bad as Reiko does. We see his face being regenerated thanks to his blood magik powers, and Kotal says that although the power of the blood code is awe-inspiring it does have limits and consequences. They need to push Reiko far enough that the blood code will swallow his soul, and to do that they need to kill him. And keep killing him. Mileena happily agrees but tells Kotal that she is not following the orders of a pretender but that killing Reiko is why she came to the island. Reiko gets up on one knee with a "KILL ME?!" and Ermac tells him to hold still, which he tries to force by using telekinesis on Reiko's arms, but Reiko says he is more than a novitiate for the blood god, that he is the vessel and his blood reigns. He grabs Ermac's foot from the air and swings him into Kotal and Mileena. Reiko approaches a rising Kotal from behind, talking about how painful it must be for Kotal to have lost such a rare weapon without exploiting its potential. He cuts Kotal across the back, and Mileena's side, telling them he could enslave them but won't so they can witness his rebirth and see the end of his journey that began when he emerged form the shadows.
The Kreeyan Temple, many conquests ago. Past Reiko is holding a fiery torch and standing before a statue in a burning building while present day Reiko is describing how he had an army that conquered a backward little kingdom in Shao Kahn's name. He was accustomed to burning down the holy house of his vanquished foes to dominate their spirits as well as their cities. The statues face is normal and it has something attached to its forehead, but the next box shows Reiko looking at it and the last shows the statues face is now a skull. Reiko explains that the statue sang a prophecy to him, a single phrase over and over: "Reiko's blood reigns". When he returned to Shao Kahn he was adopted by him and he fashioned him as his apparent next in line, but Reiko could see Quan was manipulating him for his own ends. At this point we see Shao Kahn with his hand on Reiko's shoulder in his throne room and Quan standing nearby. We next see Shinnok's hologram standing with Quan holding the skull of Shao Kahn, just like at the end of MK9, and Reiko standing behind a wall nearby. He explains that he cursed the goddess and her false prophecy and decided that if he could not reign then he would not serve. The next panel shows Reiko kneeling in the middle of a forest somewhere with a sword to his stomach preparing for Hara-Kiri. A voice is telling him to do it, he who loses everything has everything to gain. The voice tells Reiko he abandoned his realm and ventured across the void, following a prophecy sung by a goddess: Reiko's blood reigns. The voice is Havik. He introduces himself as Havik, cleric of chaos, and tells Reiko that before his blood reigns it must run and stabs him in the chest with a Kamidogu dagger.
Present day Reiko explains that he didn't die in that forest but that Havik gave him the faintest taste of the blood code instead. Everything Reiko's done led him to now and he says his prophecy will be fulfilled at last. Kotal says that maybe the prophecy is true, maybe he is immortal and maybe his blood will reign, but as Havik himself said... first his blood will run. And as Kotal says that he charges at Reiko, cutting his legs off with his macuahuitl, while Ermac uses his telekinesis to rip his head off and Mileena claws at his internal organs.
Kotal, wielding his macuahuitl, Mileena, wielding Shao Kahn's hammer, and Ermac are standing over a bloodied hand. Mileena points out that even though fools mock her face she's never looked as bad as Reiko does. We see his face being regenerated thanks to his blood magik powers, and Kotal says that although the power of the blood code is awe-inspiring it does have limits and consequences. They need to push Reiko far enough that the blood code will swallow his soul, and to do that they need to kill him. And keep killing him. Mileena happily agrees but tells Kotal that she is not following the orders of a pretender but that killing Reiko is why she came to the island. Reiko gets up on one knee with a "KILL ME?!" and Ermac tells him to hold still, which he tries to force by using telekinesis on Reiko's arms, but Reiko says he is more than a novitiate for the blood god, that he is the vessel and his blood reigns. He grabs Ermac's foot from the air and swings him into Kotal and Mileena. Reiko approaches a rising Kotal from behind, talking about how painful it must be for Kotal to have lost such a rare weapon without exploiting its potential. He cuts Kotal across the back, and Mileena's side, telling them he could enslave them but won't so they can witness his rebirth and see the end of his journey that began when he emerged form the shadows.
The Kreeyan Temple, many conquests ago. Past Reiko is holding a fiery torch and standing before a statue in a burning building while present day Reiko is describing how he had an army that conquered a backward little kingdom in Shao Kahn's name. He was accustomed to burning down the holy house of his vanquished foes to dominate their spirits as well as their cities. The statues face is normal and it has something attached to its forehead, but the next box shows Reiko looking at it and the last shows the statues face is now a skull. Reiko explains that the statue sang a prophecy to him, a single phrase over and over: "Reiko's blood reigns". When he returned to Shao Kahn he was adopted by him and he fashioned him as his apparent next in line, but Reiko could see Quan was manipulating him for his own ends. At this point we see Shao Kahn with his hand on Reiko's shoulder in his throne room and Quan standing nearby. We next see Shinnok's hologram standing with Quan holding the skull of Shao Kahn, just like at the end of MK9, and Reiko standing behind a wall nearby. He explains that he cursed the goddess and her false prophecy and decided that if he could not reign then he would not serve. The next panel shows Reiko kneeling in the middle of a forest somewhere with a sword to his stomach preparing for Hara-Kiri. A voice is telling him to do it, he who loses everything has everything to gain. The voice tells Reiko he abandoned his realm and ventured across the void, following a prophecy sung by a goddess: Reiko's blood reigns. The voice is Havik. He introduces himself as Havik, cleric of chaos, and tells Reiko that before his blood reigns it must run and stabs him in the chest with a Kamidogu dagger.
Present day Reiko explains that he didn't die in that forest but that Havik gave him the faintest taste of the blood code instead. Everything Reiko's done led him to now and he says his prophecy will be fulfilled at last. Kotal says that maybe the prophecy is true, maybe he is immortal and maybe his blood will reign, but as Havik himself said... first his blood will run. And as Kotal says that he charges at Reiko, cutting his legs off with his macuahuitl, while Ermac uses his telekinesis to rip his head off and Mileena claws at his internal organs.
Last edited:
