> Mortal Kombat: Defenders of Equestria > by KnightGomora1994 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Long ago... in a realm hidden from the eyes of Shao Kahn, and Shinnok... there lived a peaceful land, populated... not by humans, but by ponies. The land... of Equestria. The Equestrians, like humans... lived peacefully along side other creatures. Such as Dragons, Griffons, and many other mythical beasts. Ruling this glorious land, was Princess Celestia... and ruling by her side was her sister Princess Luna. The two were both Alicorn... a race mixed of three of the pony races. The Earth Ponies who tend to the fields... the Pegasi who watch over the whether... and the Unicorns who specialize in magic. The sisters were tasked with different jobs... Celestia was in charge of raising the sun, to bring warm days... and Luna was in charge of raising the moon, to bring cool nights so that all the ponies could sleep. But she didn't wish for them to sleep, they wished that they would be awake... to see her beautiful night sky. For the ponies loved only Celestia for bringing the sun up every day... witnessing her glory, Luna's heart... began to ache. But her rage replaced her sorrow... the day she had enough, was the day she became a being consumed by the darkness of her own heart. That being... was Nightmare Moon. Fearing to face her younger sister in combat, Celestia couldn't reason with her. Instead... she banished her to the moon, by using the Elements of Harmony. But in doing so... she lost connection to the Elements. How do I know...? Because I was there that night... I was there the night Celestia lost everything." Outside in the Everfree Forest, the guards searched everywhere for Princess Celestia, but she didn't wish for them to find her. So she hid herself away in hopes no one will ever find her. For her loss, was too much for them to bear... suddenly, what seemed like lightning crashing in a distance. A strange figure appeared, and approached the crying alicorn when she didn't pay attention. Suddenly, she felt the gentle touch of feathers wrapping around her. She gasped and saw who it was... it was an Alicorn, but unlike her, this one was male... his eyes glowed blue, and his fur was a bluish silver. She began to cower in fear, and quickly backed away. "Please, stay away from me!" she pleaded as tears ran down her face. "Calm yourself Princess... I'm not here to hurt you..." the male Alicorn assured her. Not convinced of what he said, Celestia turned away from him to hide herself. "Go away... please..." she said to him wishing to be alone. "I will not..." he responded to her as he calmly approached her. "Because she wouldn't want you to be alone..." he said to her mentioning her sister. Celestia's eyes widen in surprise as she looked to him. "She...?" she asked him but slowly began to realize whom he meant by. She lowered her gaze and sat down. "I didn't want this... I never wanted to hurt her the way I did, all I wanted was to... to..." she could barely speak the word, thinking back to what happened. The male Alicorn reached over to her cleaning her tears, not bearing to see her cry. "What happened to your sister wasn't your fault... everyone is responsible for their own destiny..." he said to her as his wing reached and wrapped around her. "You have the makings of greatness within you princess, but you must remember your sister for who she was... not who she's become." His words rang softly in Celestia's hears, as she felt hope for the first time in her heart. She lowered her head a bit but she wrapped her hooves around him knowing she needed someone to comfort her. At the moment, he knew she was suffering a great loss... but he wrapped his arms around her to let her know she wasn't alone. Celestia exhaled a bit finally calming down a bit. "Thank you..." she said to him and looked to him curiously. "But... who are you...?" she asked. Forming a smile, the male Alicorn stood up and bows to her. "I am Raiden.... God of Thunder..." he introduced himself to her. Surprised of his title, Celestia found it almost hard to believe. "You're a god...? But... what are you doing here...?" she asked him. "I witnessed what you have gone through... and knew that you needed help." Raiden explained to her. "Though my place is needed in Earthrealm, you are just as important..." he said to her, Celestia found his words were true, a smile formed over her face. "Come... let us return to your home... your subjects will be worried about you." he said to her and walked beside her to the Castle of the Two Sisters. Meanwhile, Celestia couldn't help but glance to him, feeling something in her heart. She only smiled as a small blush formed on her face and looked ahead as they returned to the castle. "From that day, I visited Celestia when ever she needed my guidence. Over that time, I told her of the Mortal Kombat Tournament, and what was at stake should Earthrealm fall into Shao Kahn's hands. She knew very well what was important to me, but I promised her that Shao Kahn will have no knowledge of her realm, or her people." 1,000 years later Celestia watched as her student Twilight, who recently became a new Alicorn Princess enjoy her time with her friends, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. Suddenly she felt a familiar presence approach her, making her smile warmly. "I was wondering when you would arrive..." she said to Raiden and turned to face him. "Its been a while..." "My apologies for being late princess, I had an urgent matter to face in Earthrealm." Raiden informed her and looked to her prize pupil. "I see your student has passed her test..." Looking to the new Alicorn, Celestia smiled proudly of her achievement. "Yes... and I am proud that she did..." she said and turend to face him. "What has happened back in your realm...? I'm curious to know what you went through." Turning to face her, he knew he couldn't keep it a secret. "The Fallen Elder God Shinnok tried to destroy Earthrealm..." he said to her. "But he failed to do so, thanks to the warriors of Earthrealm, and Edenia." Now that he brought it up, Celestia grew a playful grin over her face. "Speaking of... has your student Liu Kang joined the Edenian Royals...?" she asked him wanting to know of Liu Kang and Kitana's relationship. Hearing about that, Raiden had to break the bad news to her. "I'm afraid Liu Kang remained in Earthrealm after Shinnok was defeated... he feels that Earthrealm is his responsibility." he said to her knowing that she was hoping for those two to be together. Feeling her smile fade, Celestia hoped for a different outcome. "Oh... that's a shame. He has no idea what he's missing..." she said as she looked out. "But I'm happy that the realms are safe from the forces of darkness." Looking out to Equestria, Raiden only smiled knowing that she was right. Suddenly he remembered something and looked to her. "There is... one other thing you should know about." he said to her as Celestia turned to him curiously. Raiden hesitated a bit, but knew there was no way of telling her. "I... have become one of the Elder Gods... and now that I have become on, it would mean I won't be able to see you as often as I could before..." he informed her. Hearing this, Celestia almost felt heart broken... knowing that she may never see her friend ever again. But she needed to do something before she missed her chance. "I... I am happy that you have become one... but... Raiden, I... I have something for you..." she said to him. "Celestia, you don't-" before Raiden could decline her offer, Celestia held out a Equestrian Relic. It resembled a bit like his amulet, but it had her symbol on it. "What is this...?" he asked. "It is my amulet... if anything were to happen to you or your comrades, this amulet will send their souls here to Equestria, and be reborn to start a new life. I also want you to hold onto it, to always remember me..." Celestia said to him forming a smile as tears brimmed in her eyes. Seeing it happen, Raiden felt what she was feeling, and knew he shouldn't decline it. He smiled and used his magic to take it, and placed it within his belt around his waste. "I will cherish it Celestia..." she reached to her face cleaning her tears. "Just as I have cherished the memories we've spent together..." he reminded her of them. Celestia smiled at him feeling his hoof to her face, and she soon looked to his blue eyes, as he looked into hers. The two Alicorns felt a deep connection between each other, unlike anything they felt before. The slowly leaned to one another, and felt their lips meet. This moment... will never be forgotten for as long as they live. 1 year later in Earthrealm "A year had passed, since Shinnok's defeat... I returned to Earthrealm to visit Liu Kang and Kung Lao. But when I arrived... the monks of the Wu Shi Academy were gathered at the arena overlooking something I couldn't see... I had find out what had happened." "Let me through!" Raiden moved passed the monks to find out what happened, but when he reached the center of the arena. His eyes widened with horror, feeling his heart sink to his stomach. He looked as Kung Lao, held the dead body... of Liu Kang. "Kung Lao... what.... what has happened...?" he asked him. Turning to face his master, Kung Lao's tears were running down his face feeling sadness and regret. "Lord Raiden... Liu Kang... has been murdered..." he said to him. Feeling his heart pounding from hearing it... Raiden's sadness began to take over for the first time. He kneeled down and held the shaolin's dead body in his arms. "No... this can't be...!" his tears ran down his cheek as he held Liu Kang close to him. A warrior... who was the Champion of Mortal Kombat, but was like a son to him since the first tournament. "That day... my life was turned upside down, I had felt just felt the same sorrow that Celestia felt when she banished her sister. I relinquished my status as Elder God, to return to Earth and face Shang Tsung and Quan Chi... to make them pay for what they did. But my efforts, we in vein... the Deadly Alliance had won, but when they thought the won... the original ruler of Outworld, Onaga... the Dragon King, returned. That was the day, my life truly changed... I summoned all the power in my disposal... and unleashed it against Onaga, sacrificing my life. From that day forward, I become a being... known as Dark Raiden. In my new life, I did unspeakable things... things that would frighten Celestia. I knew I couldn't involve her with my affairs, or see me for the monster I've become. Then came for the battle for Edenia... where it was to be our final battle. Never knowing who may win... for it was the dawn.... of Armageddon." KnightGomora1994 presents: Based on Stories and Characters by Ed Boon and Lauren Faust ----------------------------------- Mortal Kombat Defenders of Equestria ----------------------------------- Staring: Jordan Rodrigues as Liu Kang Sunil Malhotra as Kung Lao Kari Wahlgren as Kitana Andrew Bowen as Johnny Cage Steve Blum as Sub-Zero, Baraka and Reptile Tricia Helfer as Sonya Blade William C. Stephens as Jax Richard Epcar as Raiden Jamieson Price as Ermac and Noob Saibot Rhaasan Orange as Cyrax and Kintaro Mela Lee as Jade Lani Minella as Sindel and Sheeva Ken Lally as Smoke Daniel Lujan as Nightwolf Mathew Mercer as Kurtis Stryker Ike Amadi as Shao Kahn David Lodge as Kabal JB Blanc as Kano Andrew Kishino as Sektor Cary-Hiroyuki Togawa as Shang Tsung Darin De Paul as Quan Chi Patrick Seitz as Scorpion Karen Strassmen as Mileena Kevin Michael Richardson as Goro Troy Baker as Shinnok and Erron Black Tara Strong as Princess Twilight Sparkle Ashleigh Ball as Rainbow Dash and Applejack Andrea Libman as Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy Tabitha St Germain as Rarity and Princess Luna Cathy Wesluck as Spike Nicole Oliver as Princess Celestia Vincent Tong as Flash Sentry Etc. "The battle between the forces of good and evil... resulted only in ending both sides. All over the battlefield, my comrades... and that of Shao Kahn's... laid dead across the Edenian grounds. All their lives, lost... and the only ones who remain... are me, and Shao Kahn. For it is to be our last fight against each other..." Raiden cried out as he hit the ground badly injured, Shao Kahn however remained powerful as he approached to weak thunder god. "Where are the Elder Gods Raiden...?" he asked him letting out a chuckle. He approached Raiden and lifted him up from the dirt. "Their pathetic Mortal Kombat shackles me no longer!" he started beating him mercilessly, and tossed him away. As Raiden flew through the air... his amulet fell off and shattered on the ground. Raiden landed afterwords, spitting out blood as Shao Kahn walked toward him. "They masquerade as Dragons... but are mere toothless worms..." he raised his foot and stomped on Raiden's chest. "My venom spreads... it is the end of all things..." flames started to surround him revealing Blazes power. "Armageddon!" "S-STOP!!!" Raiden tried pleading to him, but his words only fell on deaf ears. "It is done..." Shao Kahn said to him and picked him up. "Your time has passed...!" he said to him and tossed him away seeing him land on the ground leaving him at his mercy. "Ages wasted in foolish resistance... now is the dawn of my rule..." Raiden listened to him as he looked over seeing his shattered amulet. He was about to reach for it, but suddenly remembered something. He reached to his belt and found Celestia's Amulet still intact. He reflected on Celestia's words, and held it in his hand chanting an incantation. Shao Kahn started hearing him speak the incantation, believing it was a prayer to the Elder gods. He let out a chuckle, and walked in front of him. "Yes... pray to the worms Raiden... as your world ends..." he rose his warhammer about to end him. But Raiden finished his incantation, and lightning struck from the skies above. Shao Kahn looked to it seeing a portal open above the pyramid, he turned to Raiden. "What have you done?!!" he demanded to know. Raiden looked to the battlefield, seeing the souls of his comrades and that of Shao Kahn ascend to the portal. He looked to the evil emperor with a glare. "I made a promise to someone... that I would survive to see her again. And now I am sending the souls of all who perished here to a realm not even you can reach." he explained to him. Watching what was happening, Shao Kahn watched as it happened and turned to Raiden. "NO!!!" he went to stop him, but it was too late as Raiden was protected by a barrier. The souls of every Kombatant from Earthrealm was sent away, while his allies were restored to their bodies. Raiden watched it and shut his eyes knowing his mission was complete. He looked to the sky seeing what he believed was Celestia's cutiemark. He will never forget the first day he met her... and the last day he ever saw her. "Celestia... forgive me..." he muttered as light shined around him. Canterlot, Equestria Celestia's eyes shot open as she felt what had happened in Edenia, she got out of bed and ran to her balcony looking to the night sky. She watched seeing several shooting stars flying down, and watched as three fell down in the Everfree Forest. Sensing where they were from, tears began to form in her eyes... suddenly Luna rushed into her room. "Celestia, what is it...?" she asked her. Turning to her young sibling, Celestia showed that her sorrow had returned. "Luna... I..." she closed her eyes and fell to her knee's. Luna rushed to her and held her to comfort her of what happened and what she saw in her vision. Taking the moment to collect herself, Celestia looked to her sister with much eagerness in her eyes. "Luna... send a scouting party to the Everfree Forest..." "The Everfree...? But why...?" Luna asked her. Celestia turned to the forest knowing of what she saw. "We're going to have some visitors... and let Princess Twilight know of what's going on. We'll need all the help we need to help our new guests." she said to her as she stared at the forest on the edge of Ponyville. Castle of Friendship, Ponyville At the Castle of Friendship, Twilight was wide awake and starring at the Everfree... she did not know what was going on, but she knew that the strange meteor shower was not normal. Suddenly, Spike ran into the room with a letter. "Twilight! We just got a letter!" he rushed over to her. Twilight turned to it and saw it had Luna's Royal Seal. "It's from Princess Luna..." she used her magic to open it and read what was inside. "Princess Twilight... as you know, a strange meteor shower had occured this very night, but you must also know that I was not responsible for it. My sister has informed me that we have received visitors from another realm, but not by their free will. We need for you and your friends to aid the search for these lost individuals in the Everfree Forest, and bring them to Canterlot as soon as you can. The fate of the realms is in our hooves now... yours truly, Princess Luna." Spike looked to Twilight feeling curious. "Lost individuals...? Realms...? What does she mean by that...?" he asked Twilight wondering what's going on. "I don't know Spike..." Twilight responded to him and looked out to the forest. "But what ever is going on... I'm sure we'll find out tomorrow morning." she said as she walked inside to get some rest. She even glanced back to the Everfree Forest, not knowing what will await her and her friends within. > Chapter 1 Johnny Cage > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everfree Forest, Ponyville The next morning in Ponyville, Twilight was waiting on the edge of the Everfree Forest for her friends. She checked the time to see when they will arrive. Then soon enough, Rainbow Dash showed up just in time. "Okay, I'm here Twilight... but did you have to get me here this early...? You know I prefer sleeping in..." she reminded her of her sleep schedule. "I'm sorry to interrupt your beauty sleep, but it was important we be here... are the others on their way...?" Twilight asked her. "Yeah, I saw Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity heading here... couldn't see Pinkie Pie anywhere. Knowing her, she's likely gonna do something to spook the living daylights out of us." Rainbow replied to her as her expression formed to a deadpan look. And on record time, Pinkie jumped out the bushes. "Hey! No fair Rainbow Dash! You spoiled my surprise!" she complained to her. "Sorry Pinkie, but we don't exactly have time for games..." Twilight said to her as she approached. "Besides, last night I got a letter from Princess Luna, saying that there are lost individuals inside the Everfree Forest." she explained to her. Gasping from hearing it, Pinkie grabbed hold of her face. "Are you serious?!! Lost, but new ponies?!! WE GOTTA FIND THEM!" she cried out about to head in. But Applejack managed to step on her tail to keep her from going in. "Slow down there Pinkie, we have no idea where they could be, and the forest is dangerous." she reminded her. "I have to agree with Applejack..." Rarity said as she approached. "Most of all, we have no idea how they will react when they see us..." "Well, we can't just leave them inside the Everfree alone... who knows what may find them?" Fluttershy asked as she approached them. "Fluttershy's right, we need to get in, and make sure they get out of the forest safely." Twilight said to them and looked to the forest. "Let's just hope we're not too late..." she muttered feeling worried for who may be lost within the forest. Everfree Forest, Crash Sight A groan is heard within the forest, laying on the ground was an Earth Pony, with red fur, dark brown hair... he wore an outfit that resembled that of a martial artists, that had a dragon on it, and he wore a red headband and a pair of spiked armbands. He woke up from being unconscious, and found himself within the forest. "Where am I...?" he asked as he was about to stand on his two hind legs, but he lost balance and fell down. He managed to break his fall only to notice something different about him, he looked to his hand... only instead of a hand... it was a hoof. Shocked of what he's seeing, he looked to a river and rushed to it and looked to his reflection, and saw his appearance. He was Liu Kang, the former champion of Mortal Kombat... only when he looked at himself, he could hardly believe his own eyes. "What happened to me...?" he asked but soon heard something near by, he turned to the source and found another Earth Pony. Only... this one was different, he walked over to him seeing he had darkish tan fur, blonde hair, wearing blue pants, and had arm wrappings around his front hooves. But what made him more recognizable, was the tattoo on his chest. It was the famous movie actor, Johnny Cage. Liu couldn't believe his eyes when he saw him, but he needed to check if he was alive. "Cage!" he held him up. "Cage, wake up!" he yelled at him as he shook him a bit. Eyes squinting, Johnny's eyes began to open... just until he saw Liu Kang, he instantly screamed out and backed away. "What the hell?!!" he cried out about to get up, only to fall and face plant on the ground. "Ow!" he looked at himself seeing what he's become. "You gotta be FREAKING KIDDING ME! I got turned into a freaking horse?!" he asked and looked to Liu. "Alright, I can already guess that you had something to do with this..." he pointed out to him. "Cage, hold on this isn't-" before Liu could reason with him. "You're going to fix this!" he yelled out and charged at him. Liu panicked but dodged his punches to avoid getting hit. But Cage managed to land a few body blows against Liu Kang's rib cage, and he went for an uppercut. Liu however expected this, and blocked his strike, even though he was in a new body... he was still a shaolin. He kicked Cage in the leg, and sucker punched him in the face. Shaking his head from being stunned, Johnny turned to Liu showing a glare. "Not bad... but you'll have to do better than that!" "Cage, listen to me... what ever happened to you, happened to me too." Liu tried to explain to him, but he blocked Cage's next attack, only to get a hard punch from Johnny's right hoof. "Nice try pal, but now its time to finish this!" Johnny said to him and prepared for his signature move, he rose his leg, and performed his Shadow Kick technique, causing Liu to fall down and roll on the ground. Johnny charged at him as Liu prepared to throw another attack, but Cage performed the splits, and punched Liu right in the groin. Causing him to scream in pain of it. "Yeah, you like that...?" he asked and eventually kicked him down to the ground. "You just got Caged!" he smirked. Groaning from the pain that was inflicted on him, Liu knew that he needed to convince him. "Cage... we were friends, we fought together in the Mortal Kombat tournament..." "Yeah, I think I'd be able to recognize ya if you were there... sorry pal, but its time to put your lights out..." Johnny was about ready to finish him. "Cage, don't! It's me, ITS LIU KANG!" Liu cried out only to shut his eyes waiting for the finishing move. But after waiting a moment, Liu noticed that Johnny's hoof didn't reach him completely... he looked to him noticing how shocked he was to hear his name. "Cage...?" Taking a moment to process this, Johnny looked at his old ally seeing beyond his equine appearance. "Liu...?" he backed away realizing what he had done. "But... you're dead... Shang Tsung killed you..." he reminded him of his untimely death. "I was... but now..." Liu Kang looked to himself. "Somehow I'm alive..." "Sure are..." Johnny said to him and looked at the environment around him. "Where are we... the Living Forest...?" he asked. "No... this realm doesn't feel like Outworld..." Liu said to him as he looked around the forest. "But if we're here, we better look for the others... they might have been sent here as well." he was about to leave with Johnny, till suddenly out of no where, a Chimera attacked from behind, causing them to dodge its lethal claws. The Chimera snarled at its prey. "What have we here...?" asked the Goat head as she grinned evilly. "Two morsals lost in the woods by the looks of it." said the Tiger head as she growled at them. Eyes widened, Johnny was slowly processing what was going on. "Liu... please tell me my ears are playing tricks on me...?" he asked the monk. "I hear it too Cage... no time to discuss it now, run!" Liu said to him and ran away from the beast. "GET THEM!!!" said the Snake head of the Chimera, as they chased after the two Earth Ponies. Meanwhile, Twilight and her friends were looking through the forest to try and find who were in the forest. "Twilight, are you sure that we're going the right way...?" Rarity asked her. "According to the map, we should be getting close to where they landed..." Twilight informed them as she followed the map. Suddenly she heard screams coming from where they were heading. Applejack's ears perked hearing the familiar sounds of a Chimera. "Oh nelly... that's not good..." she ran off to find them. Only to see Liu Kang and Johnny running from the Chimera. She took the chance to whistle for their attention, and it worked. "HEY! THIS WAY!" she called out to them. Seeing her, Liu Kang and Johnny ran towards her to escape the hungry beast. "Get back here! We just want to feast on your flesh!" the Tiger head said to them. "Yeah, screw that!" Johnny said to her and leaped past two tree's with Liu and Applejack. The Chimera meanwhile, given her large size... got stuck between the tree's and struggled to get free. Cage meanwhile, was laughing at their predicament. "Oh man, I bet you've never been so embarrassed in your life!" he said to them only to see the snake come at him. "WHOA!!!" he dodged its venomous bite. Hissing at her prey, the snake stared straight into his eyes trying to hypnotize him. "Come closer... I promise I won't hurt you..." she said to him. Johnny looked at her eyes for a moment, but smirked and smacked her silly catching her by surprise. "Nice try, but the whole hypnotism thing doesn't work if I'm wearing shades." he said to her and walked away. He and Liu eventually looked to the Mane Six, but turned their attention to Applejack. "That was some fast thinking there, nice hat by the way..." he complimented her. "Thanks, it was my fathers..." Applejack said to him. Surprised of what he saw, Johnny shook his head and rubbed his ears. "Okay, don't freak out Johnny... this has to be some sort of weird dream..." he muttered to himself. "Sorry darling, but this is all real..." Rarity said to him. Cage was about to speak but his jaw literally dropped from realizing she was right. "Oohhh... I feel sheepish..." he said to them. Liu Kang shook his head but looked to Applejack. "We thank you for saving us... I am Liu Kang, this is Johnny Cage..." he introduced themselves. "Liu Kang and Johnny Cage...? Kind of odd names don't ya think...?" Applejack asked him. "And what's with his name being on his chest...?" Rainbow Dash asked him as she pointed at it. Johnny pushed her hoof away. "For your information skittles... it's tattooed." he said to her not knowing he just pushed one of Rainbow's buttons. "What did you just call me...?" she asked him. "Oh no, here we go..." Fluttershy panicked knowing what will happen. "Oh, I'm sorry... maybe I wasn't clear. I called you ski-" Johnny was about to finish what he called her, then out of no where, Rainbow Dash gave him a clean uppercut, sending him flying. He hit the ground, letting out a painful groan from what just happened. "Okay, didn't see that coming..." "You asked for it pal... care to finish it...?" she asked him. "Rainbow, no!" Twilight exclaimed to her, but it was too late. Johnny soon got up, and popped his neck. "You know... I can take this moment to blow off some steam... bring it!" he challenged her. Rainbow smirked as she gladly accepted, she charged at him and went for his face. But Johnny managed to dodge her attack, and threw a fast right hook at her. Suddenly to his surprise, Rainbow dodged it with her incredible speed. "Whoa..." he muttered. "Ha, you'll have to do better than that!" Rainbow threw a roundhouse kick at him. Quickly reacting, Johnny blocked her attack and managed to land a few body blows to her ribcage, and kicked her away. Hitting the ground, Rainbow quickly got back up glaring at him. "Alright pal... now I've had it!" she leaped into the air, preparing to kick him as hard as she could. Johnny anticipated this, and smirked as his right hoof began to glow green. He tossed a High Forceball, landing a direct hit against Rainbow. The Mane Six were shocked of what they saw, and couldn't believe what they saw... neither could Twilight. "Wait a mi-... How did-... WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!" she exclaimed. "Was that magic...?!" asked Pinkie Pie. Liu Kang chuckled knowing what it really is, but he chose to keep it to himself as he watched what will happen next. Johnny watched as Rainbow Dash was falling down. "Alright, time for you to cool off!" He performed his Shadow Kick ability, and kicked her straight in the stomach, sending her straight into a pond that was near by. "Oh yeah!" he cheered out. Meanwhile, the Mane Six were slack jawed of what they just witness. Twilight especially... "That... isn't... possible!" she exclaimed. "You were using some sort of magic, but you're an Earth Pony! HOW DID YOU DO THOSE MOVES?!!" she demanded to know how he did it. "Believe me, I have no idea either... I mean its been with me ever since I was a kid..." Johnny explained to her. Suddenly his ears perked from the sound of water dripping. "Ooooohhhh boy... she's standing right behind me isn't she...?" he asked them, earning a nod from all of them. He turned around seeing a fierce glare from a soaked Rainbow Dash. "You... are so dead...!" she was about to hurt him like nobodies business. Suddenly she felt something sharp against her neck. She looked to what it was, and it was a blade floating with the aid of a magic aura. Liu Kang recognized it as one of Kitana's Fan Blades, he looked around to find where she was. "You can come out now... you don't have to hide Kitana..." he called out to her. Hearing his voice for the first time in ages... she couldn't believe it at first, but she stepped out of hiding. Revealing herself as an Alicorn, wearing a blue outfit, and a tiara. She pulled her fan blade away from Rainbow Dash and looked to Liu Kang as tears brimmed in her eyes. "Liu...?" she asked. Liu Kang calmly walked to her, knowing she wasn't a threat. "Its okay Kitana... its me..." he smiled at her. Even though she and Liu Kang were in different forms, it did not change the bond they had between them. Her tears ran down her face, as she embraced the shaolin in a warm hug. "It is you... thank the gods..." she said as she held him crying tears of joy. Johnny smiled seeing it, but looked to Twilight who was awestruck from seeing her. "Yo, you might wanna close your mouth... you're drooling..." he pointed out to her. Realizing it, she cleaned her mouth and walked to them. "Your majesty..." she said to her gaining Kitana's attention. She soon bowed to her in respect. "Its an honor to meet you... I am Princess Twilight Sparkle..." she introduced herself. "The honor is all mine... I am Princess Kitana, of Edenia." Kitana replied to her. "That's a beautiful name..." said Rarity as she approached them. "My name is Rarity... and might I say, your outfit is just lovely." she observed Kitana's outfit. "Is this how all Edenian's dress where you are from...?" she asked the Edenian princess out of curiosity. "In a manner, yes... also, I wish to thank you and your friends for finding Liu and Mr. Cage..." Kitana expressed her gratitude to them. "But I must ask, what realm do we reside in...?" she asked. "You're in Equestria yer majesty... where you are currently is the Everfree Forest. It's considered to be one of the most dangerous places in all of Equestria." Applejack explained to her and realized. "Oh, and pardon my manners... I'm Applejack, I work on an apple farm not far from here." "I'm Pinkie Pie, a fun loving pony, and best party planner around." Pinkie said to them. Feeling nervous as always, Fluttershy stepped up to them. "M-My name is... Fluttershy... oh, and the mare who attacked is Rainbow Dash..." she pointed to her as Rainbow Dash let out a snort. "I'm really sorry for the way she acted..." she apologized. "Hey, its all good... we were just trying to blow off some steam." Johnny assured her. Liu soon decided to ask the most important question. "Princess Twilight... if this forest is so dangerous, why did you come in here to look for us...?" he asked her. Forgetting all that had happened, Twilight thought back to her mission. "That's right! Princess Luna sent me a letter mentioning lost individuals, and I can tell that it is you three. We came in here to escort you to safety, and bring you to Canterlot." she explained to them. "Hold it! Let me get this straight... there is more than one princess in this world...?" Johnny asked them. "You better believe it bub... there's three, adding Twilight who was recently coronated." said Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash is right, despite her rudeness... the Alicorns are a mix of all three pony races. The Earth Ponies, the Pegasi, and the Unicorns." Rarity explained to them. "There's Princess Celestia who is princess of the sun, Princess Luna who is princess of the night, and Princess Cadance who is the princess of love." "Wow... guess they're quite popular around here." said Johnny. "So what princess are you...?" Liu asked Twilight. "I'm the Princess of Friendship... I recently got that title upon defeating Tirek." Twilight said to him. "Now... lets not waste anymore time, we need to get to Canterlot." Liu Kang looked to both Kitana and Johnny knowing that they needed answers, so they turned to Twilight and nodded to her and followed her to their home town. Ponyville, Equestria Upon walking into town, the two former Earthrealmers and Edenian looked at the town and its townsfolk, seeing how happy they were. "Wow... look at them all, though there has been much chaos where we're from... this place looks like there hasn't been a war in their life." said Johnny. "Yes, it does seem that way... but Princess Twilight, did you not say that you recently defeated someone by the name of Tirek...?" Kitana asked her. "I did, Tirek is a centaur that had the ability to steal a ponies magic, he first started off with Unicorns when he first returned." Twilight explained to her. "But it didn't end there did it...?" Johnny asked. Twilight shook her head in response. "No... he started going after Earth Ponies, and Pegasi." she said to him. Nodding his head a bit trying to process everything, Johnny turned to Liu showing how clueless he was. "I'm confused..." he admitted. "What she means is... that everything in this realm has magic, the plants, the tree's, even the living residents of this realm." Liu started to explain to him putting it together. Dumbfounded, Johnny was literally losing his mind. "Well this is just freaking terrific..." he muttered under his breath. "Ignore him..." Liu said to the Mane Six. "But how long will it be until we reach Canterlot...?" he asked. "It's just a train ride there, might take an hour or two to get there." Rarity said to him. "That will give us plenty of time to get to know each other." she smiled. "Rarity's right, there is so much about you three that we need to know... like what's your birthday, how old are you, what's your favorite food, and most importantly-" before Pinkie could finish asking, Johnny covered her mouth to stop her from asking further questions. "As much as we would like to explain, think you can tone it down a notch...?" he asked her receiving a nod from her. "Alrighty, I've been in this world for half an hour, and I'm surprised I haven't been burnt alive by a dragon yet." he walked to the train with the others. Twilight watched him go and noticed someone waiting by the train station, it was Flash Sentry. Her face lit up, and hid behind Liu Kang. Surprised of how she's acting, he knew there was something between him and her. "Is he someone you know...?" he asked. "You could say that..." Twilight responded showing a blush on her face. Seeing it, Liu Kang and Kitana looked to each other and smiled knowing what it was. Liu looked to her knowing what to do. "Twilight... if it is something you kept to yourself for quite some time, then don't be afraid... fear only clouds your mind." he spoke to her with much wisdom. Twilight was surprised of it but she took it to heart, and took a few deep breathes and walked to the station with them. Shao Kahn's Dungeon, Outworld Screams are heard within the walls of Shao Kahn's Dungeon, within one of the cells... was Raiden, who was being tortured by Mileena. He cried out in agony as she caused deep cuts all over his body with her sai's, Shao Kahn ordered her to extract any information she could get from Raiden. But he refused to tell her, the evil emperor soon walked in. "Anything...?" he asked his daughter. Turning to her father, Mileena lowered her gaze. "Forgive me father, but he refuses to speak, no matter how many times I cut him." she said to him. The emperor approached Raiden with a fierce glare. "You can't hide them forever Raiden, you will only die in trying..." he said to him. Panting from exhaustion and the loss of blood, Raiden looked to him with a glare. "I will gladly accept my fate Shao Kahn... for you will never reach the realm I sent them to..." he said to him as he spat blood in his face. Grunting from it, Shao Kahn growled at the thunder god about to kill him. Suddenly, Quan Chi stopped him from doing so. "There may be another way emperor... one that would require less effort." he said to him and looked to Raiden. He walked over to him his hands reached over and grabbed Raiden's head. Using his power to search through his memories, seeing the land of Equestria, the residents, and the Princesses who rule the land. "NO!!!!" Raiden shook him off trying to break free of his chains. "I know now where you sent them Raiden... now there is nothing you can do to stop their demise." Quan Chi said to him and walked out of the cell. Chuckling from hearing it, Shao Kahn turned to Raiden with a cruel grin. "I will let you live Raiden... only to see your comrades and all who defend them die." he said to him and walked out of the cell with Mileena. Raiden watched as they left and lowered his gaze. "Celestia..." he muttered. Canterlot, Equestria "You're 10,000 years OLD?!!" Rainbow cried out in shock as they arrived in Canterlot. "Yes, true I look like I am in my twenties, but Edenian's don't age like humans do." Kitana explained to them. "Goodness, I wish we could all go to Edenia to see what its like." said Fluttershy as she looked to the others as they nodded in agreement. Smiling at it, Kitana would have loved to show them her beautiful realm. Other than the battlefield she was killed on. "Maybe someday, I can take you girls there... but for now, we need to go to see this Princess Celestia of yours." she reminded them of their task. Feeling the train stop, Flash stepped up and looked to them. "Right this way, the Princesses will be in the throne room waiting for you..." he informed them and lead them to the throne room. Looking around the city, the Earthrealm Protectors saw just how magnificent the city was. "Amazing..." said Kitana as she looked around. "The structure is almost similar to that of the Edenian Castle..." she observed the towers. "Maybe perhaps Celestia visited your realm...?" Rarity asked. Kitana chuckled a bit at the thought of it, Celestia? In Edenia...? That actually would have been amazing, only if Shao Kahn hadn't taken the beautiful realm. Suddenly, out of no where... "Well, if it isn't the commoners of harmony..." said a familiar face that rang in Rarity's ears. She turned to who it was and saw that it was none other... than Prince Blueblood. Rarity could never forget the horrible night that she went through with him, so she sent him a scowl of disgust. "Blueblood...!" she muttered at him. Seeing him, Johnny looked to him surprised. "Who and what now...?" he asked. "The fella there is Prince Blueblood, Princess Celestia's nephew... how that happened, I will never understand." Applejack said to him. "One night during the Grand Galloping Gala, he ruined Rarity's best dress, all to protect himself..." "Huh... he's a real Grade A prick isn't he...?" Johnny asked out loud. "I see the commoners have brought some new friends... whether or not Twilight Sparkle has become an Alicorn, she is still a commoner by birth..." Blueblood said to them. This immediately got on Kitana's bad side as she shot a glare that could easily slice through steel. "Despicable swine!" she spread her wings showing her fan blades. "If you know what is good for you, you will show some respect!" she roared out at him only to be stopped by Liu Kang. "Liu, what are you-" before she could ask. "We can't do anything brash... too many witnesses..." Liu pointed out. "Yeah, come on he ain't worth it..." Johnny said to her. Smirking at him, Blueblood soon took notice of his name tattooed to his chest. "And what kind of buffoon draws his own name upon his chest? Makes you look like a foal!" he laughed. But that did it... Johnny immediately snapped from hearing it. "That's it..." he quickly landed a punch to Blueblood's face, forcing him to fall to the ground. Crying out in pain, Blueblood's nose was bleeding from the sheer pain he was feeling. Rarity was amazed from what he did, true it was a brutish move, but he did it because Blueblood went to far with that last remark. She turned to the former actor, and patted his shoulder. "Well played Mr. Cage... personally I was going to do that myself..." she admitted to him. "Yeah me too, but the smug jerk got what was coming to him." said Rainbow Dash as she smirked. "Anyhow... lets get moving... I'm sure Princess Celestia is still waiting on us..." Applejack reminded them as they walked away. Blueblood meanwhile, got up holding his bleeding nose, and looked to where Cage was. He glared at the earth pony for what he did to him, he wanted to make him pay dearly for it. Within the Canterlot throne room, Princess Celestia awaited her guests, and just then... the doors opened, and she looked to see Twilight and her friends. She smiled at them and stood up from her throne. "Twilight... its good to see you've made it..." she said to her and looked to Flash Sentry. "Thank you for escorting them Flash..." "You're welcome your highness... I will take my leave..." Flash bowed to them and left the chambers. Twilight soon approached her. "We brought three new guests that you requested us to find Princess..." she said to her and gestured Liu Kang to step up with Kitana and Johnny. They stepped up and bowed to her, Johnny glanced to Liu with a smirk. "Even for a pony princess... she's gorgeous..." he whispered. "Shut up Cage..." Liu whispered in response. He rose up and looked to Princess Celestia. "Your majesty... it is an honor to finally meet you. I am-" before he could introduce himself. "Liu Kang, yes... you are Raiden's prodigy." she said to him and smiled. Showing surprised reactions to the Princess of the Sun, Liu Kang and the other protectors couldn't believe how she knew. "You know Lord Raiden...?" Liu asked her. "Know him...? He has been my life long friend for a thousand years." Celestia replied to his question and looked to Kitana and Johnny. "And you two must be Princess Kitana, and the famous actor, Johnny Cage." she reminded him of his original title. Chuckling at it, Johnny rubbed the back of his head. "Well... former actor actually... I left that life right after I joined the tournament..." he explained to her. Celestia turned to Liu Kang to ask first. "Tell me Liu Kang, what has become of my dear Raiden...?" she asked him Surprised of hearing this, Johnny couldn't help but interrupt. "Hold it, your dear Raiden...? You mean you and he are...?" he asked and received a silent nod from her. His jaw literally dropped to the ground, showing just how shocked he was from knowing it. "Wow... Raiden having a girlfriend...? Seriously, what's he got that I don't...?" he asked. "Godlike power...?" Liu Kang stated. "A personality that doesn't feel at all like sandpaper?" Rainbow added to it with a smirk. Johnny could only give them a deadpan expression from hearing it. "Jerks..." he muttered. Suddenly the doors behind him slammed open catching his attention, he turned only to see a bloodied nose Blueblood. Giving him a deadpan stare, he sighed in response to his entrance. "You again...? Haven't you had enough misery for one day...?" he asked. Panting in anger and frustration, Blueblood glared at him. "You... miserable, insufferable, little retch! How dare you hit me leaving me bleed!" he exclaimed. Celestia looked to Cage surprised, Johnny only shrugged his shoulders in response. "Hey, you deserved it pal... most of all, you disrespected me, my friends... even disrespected those who were kind enough to escort us here. If anyone is what you described me as, you're the leading definition you hypocrite!" he said to the unicorn with a glare. "I couldn't agree more darling..." said Rarity as she stepped up. "Now you best leave because we're in the middle of a very important-" before she could finished her sentence, Blueblood slapped her to silence her. This caused the rest of the mane six and the protectors to gasp in shock, Blueblood stood over her glaring. "You keep quiet you annoying, nuisance of a commoner, you have not right to speak to me, nor do you have a right to be in my pre-" Blueblood's sentence was cut short, when Johnny shadow kicked him away from Rarity before he could land another hit against her. Rarity witnessed what had happened, and looked to the former action hero who stood between her and Blueblood. True he was a stranger in this realm, but he went out of his way to defend her honor. Johnny glared at Blueblood for what he did. "You know... I've seen a lot of jerks where I'm from, in fact people mostly think my tricks are just wires and special effects. But let me tell you, I am the special effects..." he said to him as he took a stance. Roaring out in anger, Blueblood charged at him to hurt him. But Johnny managed to block his attacks knowing he is a complete amateur when it comes to fighting. "I have had it with you, you are going to die here like the dog you are!" he threatened him as he tried to land an attack on him. But Johnny had a plan to make sure the enraged unicorn doesn't get up. He dodged a right hook from him, swung his left landing an uppercut to Blueblood's chin knocking out some of his teeth. He threw a couple of jabs at his rib cage fracturing them, and he performed the splits, and punched him straight in the groin. Causing him to go stiff as a board, the mane six winced from seeing it happen as Johnny stood up on his hooves. "I give myself a ten for style on that one." he smirked at him as he pushed Blueblood seeing him fall to the ground, seeing him groan in pain. "You should probably put some ice on that..." "While I do not approve of violence in my lands, for you to defend one of my subjects is very much appreciated..." Celestia walked up and smiled at him. "And I thank you for that Mr. Cage..." Johnny let out a chuckle. "It was nothing really..." he said to her. "Don't be silly..." Fluttershy approached him. "You defended Rarity from Blueblood's abuse, that qualifies as a very good deed." she said to him. "And I for one, am grateful of what you have done for me..." Rarity said to him and kissed his cheek as a show of gratitude. His face turned bright red from what she gave him, but Johnny still had his heart set on a certain Special Forces leader. Meanwhile, Twilight approached Celestia as they looked to Blueblood. "What will be done with him...?" she asked the Sun Princess. Scowling at her nephew, she was disgusted with the way he mistreated subjects. "Starting as of today, he is officially stripped of his royal title, and will be taken to the Canterlot Dungeon." she said to her as two guards grabbed Blueblood and dragged him away to the dungeon to get locked up. She then turned her attention to Liu Kang. "Now then, as you were saying before certain interruptions...?" At that time, Liu Kang explained all that had happened... the return of Onaga, Raiden's sacrifice and resurrection into Dark Raiden, and the events of Armageddon. This left Celestia... heartbroken of what had happened. "It... cannot be..." her tears began running down her face. Seeing it happen, Liu Kang lowered his gaze seeing the sadness in her eyes. "I am truly sorry Princess Celestia..." he said to her and looked to her. "Then after that happened, we ended up here... in Equestria... how, we are not certain..." "That is what we've all been wondering, how did they come here if they already died...? And isn't Liu here supposed to be a zombie...?" Pinkie asked the most obvious question. Celestia cleaned her tears and looked to them. "Before your death Liu Kang... Raiden returned to Equestria to see me after defeating Shinnok. To tell me of how he became one of the Elder Gods, it would have meant that he wouldn't be able to see me as often as he could originally. So I made him this..." she used her magic to show an astral form of the amulet she gave Raiden. "So that he would always remember me... and if anything were to happen to his comrades, he would use this amulet to transport their souls to Equestria, to be reborn and start a new life." she explained to them as everything became clear. Liu Kang looked to his comrades finally understanding what happened. "That explains everything... that's why Raiden sent us here so that we may survive..." he said to them. "But what do you think has become of Raiden...?" Kitana asked. "I'm wondering the same thing, if he managed to transport your souls here... its possible he may still be alive." Twilight suggested them as she approached. "I mean this Shao Kahn must be keeping him alive..." Applejack thought it through for a moment and started to figure it out. "If Shao Kahn is keeping him alive, he's gonna try and find out where Raiden sent them..." she said to them. Right on cue, Flash Sentry rushed into the throne room in a panic. "Princess Celestia, strange ponies are attacking Canterlot, the west entrance!" he said to her alarmed. "These ponies, what do they look like...?" Liu asked him. "They have sharp fangs, and have blades coming out of their arms." Flash described them. Liu's eyes widen realizing what they were. "The Tarkatan Horde!" he exclaimed. "Tarka-what now...?" Applejack asked in confusion. "Big, ugly, monstrous humanoid creatures with a craving for flesh..." Johnny explained like they were in the middle of a horror flick. "If they are here, then so is Baraka..." said Kitana as she looked to the others. Rainbow Dash looked to them feeling eager. "Well what are we waiting for? We have to stop them!" she was about to fly out, but Twilight used her magic to stop her from going. "What the...?! Twilight what gives?!" she asked her trying to break free. "We've never faced anything like this Rainbow, the only ones who can handle these creatures are Liu Kang and his friends." Twilight explained to her knowing that they were not fully prepared, fighting wise. She then turned to the protectors knowing what to do. "We will help evacuate the civilians, you handle the horde." she said to them. Nodding to her, Liu Kang looked the others. "We must hurry..." he rushed outside with the others to stop the horde as Twilight and her friends rushed to evacuate the civilians. Within the streets, Baraka and his horde of Tarkatan's attacked everything in sight. He looked like an Earth Pony, but his sharp fangs, and bladed arms are what made him and his kind different from the normal Earth Ponies. He cackled despite how different he looked. "Yes... flee little equines, flee for your lives... there is no where for you to hide...!" he snarled but soon heard some of his Tarkatan being taken down. He saw it was Liu Kang, Kitana, and Johnny Cage taking out his Horde. Cage looked to where he was, and glared at the Tarkatan Leader. "Liu, I'll take care of Baraka, you and Kitana hold off his soldiers!" he ran off the face him alone. Seeing this, Rainbow Dash rushed to a rooftop to watch the fight. Fluttershy noticed it and flew to where she was. "Rainbow Dash, you're supposed to be helping with the evacuation..." she said to her. "I handled my end, I gotta see how this plays out." Rainbow said to her as she watched Cage go for Baraka. Fluttershy looked to where he was and decided to watch as well. Grinning at Cage's approach, Baraka extended his blades from his arms. Sharpening them as he prepared for kombat. "So it is true... you have come back from the dead..." he said to cage as he sported his fanged grin. "And I see you've gone through a face lift Baraka...it suits you." Johnny mocked him knowing he was getting on his bad side. Baraka glared at him retracting his blades. "I'm going to enjoy picking your bones clean!" he threatened him. He charged at him going for a strike, but Cage blocked his attacks to keep him from sticking his blades into him. Baraka extended his blades and went to chop his head off, but Cage ducked down and pulled a backflip, kicking Baraka in the face. "Wow! I know he and I got off on the wrong hoof, but he is awesome!" said Rainbow as she watched the fight. Baraka scraped his blades together, shooting a shard towards Cage. Only to miss as Cage dodged it throwing a force ball at Baraka landing it against his face. "Man, how does he do those tricks...?" she wondered. "I don't know... but like he and Liu Kang explained, they all have unique abilities. So its probably natural for anyone to show rather unusual skills that are beyond Equestria's knowledge." Fluttershy said to her and looked to the fight. Cage dodged a lethal bite from Baraka, and dodged his blades getting behind him. Baraka turned to him only to get elbowed in the face feeling his muzzle crack, Cage get behind him and struck the Tarkatan leader in the neck, fracturing his spine. Baraka shrieked from it and backed away from him, he shook his head and shot a menacing glare at Cage. "How can you still be so strong even in this form?!!" he asked demanding to know. "Hey, I'm at a loss here myself... but one things for certain, you go and hurt these innocent ponies...? You're sure as hell gonna answer to me." Johnny said to him. Baraka only snarled in response extending his blades, and charged at him to cut him to pieces. But Cage grinned as he kicked a rock to his face landing it straight into his mouth. "Bullseye!" he cheered and did a back spin kick against the rock in Baraka's mouth, knocking out a few teeth in the process. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy winced from what happened. "Boy, tooth fairies gonna love this guy..." said Rainbow Dash as she saw most of the teeth that Baraka lost. Cage chuckled bit. "Sorry Baraka... but looks like you're gonna get your boney butt back to Outworld." he said to him unaware that a Tarkatan soldier was right behind him. Reacting immediately, Rainbow Dash charged at the Tarkatan and kicked it square in the face, sending it flying towards a building. Cage saw it slam into a wall, and turned to Rainbow Dash surprised. "Shouldn't you be handling the evacuation..?" he asked her. "Relax JC, its all taken care of." Rainbow replied crossing her hooves. "Besides, you almost lost your head there." she reminded him earning a deadpanned look from Cage. He soon turned his attention to Baraka, who fled with the rest of his horde, back to Outworld. "Looks like they're high tailing it out of here..." he said as the portal closed. Cage turned to Liu and walked over to him to get a head count. "Anyone hurt...?" he asked. "Some of the civilians were injured, but no sign of any fatalities." Liu said to him. Suddenly Pinkie appeared out of no where, surprising them to no end. "You guys were amazing! The way you fought those monsters, you were like WAH!!! And you were like HIYAH!!! It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen in my life!" she cried out in excitment. "I doubt this is all over..." Twilight said to them as she approached. "Because if Shao Kahn found Equestria, it's likely he will stop at nothing until it is conquered." "My student is correct..." Celestia appeared before them. "This attack may only be a warning of battles yet to come... any Equestria needs defenders that know how to face the threat we're facing. I know that I may be asking much of you, but will you help protect my realm, and all who live in it...?" she asked the protectors if they will accept this task. The former Earthrealm Protectors looked to each other, they knew that the ponies of Equestria couldn't defend themselves against a foe that wasn't of their realm. Liu turned to Celestia knowing it was important to her, and he knew Raiden would want that more than anything. "We will... in honor of our Lord Raiden, we will fight to defend your realm." he said to her. "But we cannot do it alone... our comrades are out there somewhere." Kitana reminded them. "And you will have us by your side to find them." Twilight said to them as she smield along with her friends. Squeeling in excitement, Pinkie could hardly contain herself. "I'm so excited!" she cried out. "But if we are to face the forces of Outworld, we're going to need to learn how to fight them. And we know just the fella's to help us with that..." Applejack pointed out to the defenders, knowing they had the skills to teach them. Nodding to the Mane Six, the Protectors looked out to the land of Equestria... knowing that they will be in for an adventure of a life time. But questions still remaind in their hearts, will they find their remaining comrades...? And will they be able to save Raiden from the evil Emperor. > Chapter 2 Sonya Blade > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shao Kahn's Throne Room, Outworld Within the throne room of Shao Kahn's Fortress, Baraka had returned his emperor to report what had happened. The news that was given, did no bold well with the emperor. "You failed me! I gave you one simple task, and you returned to me to report that you were defeated... by mere equines?!!" he asked him. "Not just equines my lord... these were the Earthrealm Protectors, reborn into a realm that we know nothing about..." Baraka informed him, only to get smacked. Shao Kahn growled at the Tarkatan leader and walked back to his throne. "How could the Elder Gods have hidden this from me...? Even more, how did Raiden know about it?!" he demanded to know. Approaching to answer, Shang Tsung bowed to him to speak. "It is possible, that he learned of its existence long before we did sire... and as embarrassing as it is to know of Baraka's defeat. We at least know that the Earthrealm Protectors are guarding this new realm." he said to the emperor. "Why Raiden would send them to that retched place, I wouldn't care otherwise... I want them dead.. for good!" Shao Kahn exclaimed to him. "Yes sire... I will have Kano and Ermac search for the remaining protectors... and kill them before they have a chance to reunite with their comrades." Shang Tsung bowed to the emperor and walked away to find Kano. Growling in frustration, Shao Kahn wished nothing more than to rip Raiden's heart out. But if he did... how will he manage to reach this new realm that was discovered? He grinned underneath his helmet, knowing that keeping Raiden alive was the best option to go with. Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville, Equestria As The Mane Six and the three protectors were on their way back from Canterlot, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were on their own adventure within the Orchard. The reason for it was that Applebloom saw something descend into her families orchard last night, but her friends didn't believe her. "Applebloom, if something did fall out of the sky and land in the orchard, we would have heard it..." said Scootaloo as she followed her with Sweetie Belle. "Scootaloo has a point... what if was all just a dream..?" Sweetie Belle asked her. "Believe me Sweetie Belle, if it were a dream... Princess Luna would have appeared in my dreams. I'm telling you, something landed in my families orchard, and we need to find out what it is." Applebloom said to them as she walked along the path to where the crash sight was. Knowing she was eager, they couldn't help but follow her to where she was going. Once they arrived, they looked around trying to find what they were looking for. Scootaloo walked along searching through the orchard, when suddenly she tripped over something causing her to scream and fall to the ground. Sweetie Belle being the closest to her location, ran to where she was. "Scootaloo, you alright?!" she helped her get up. "No, I tripped over something..." Scootaloo replied and looked to what it was, seeing a hoof laying on the ground. Sweetie Belle looked to it and saw it lead into a bush. "Scootaloo, help me out here..." she gestured and grabbed the hoof and struggled to pull who ever was in the bush. Scootaloo rushed over and helped pull out who was laying unconscious. It was a mare. wearing a green special forces uniform, twin wrist blasters, and had blonde hair. "Whoa... Applebloom wasn't kidding, something... or somepony landed in her families orchard..." Sweetie Belle observed the strange mare. "Yeah... Applebloom! We found something!" Scootaloo called out to her. "I found something too! But I'm going to need help lifting him! He's heavier than a bunch of rocks!" Applebloom called out from where she was. Suddenly, the mare began to stir letting out a groan. Scootaloo turned to her seeing she was starting to wake up, and when she did.... the mare looked to them with a bit of confusion. "What in the world...?" she groaned as she rubbed her head. "Could've swore I heard children around..." "Well you did miss..." said Sweetie Belle, catching the mares attention. Looking to Sweetie Belle, the mare was already starting to grow nervous of what was going on. "Am I crazy, or did I just hear a random pony talk...?" she asked. "Random?! Hey lady, you're not one to talk!" Scootaloo exclaimed to her. Realizing she wasn't crazy, and noticed the tone of her voice, the new mare formed a scowl. "Now you hold on just a second young lady, you're yelling at an adult, therefore you shou-" the mare soon noticed something about her she didn't realize. She saw that her hand wasn't exactly a hand, it was a hoof. She looked to her entire body seeing she had become an earth pony herself. True she would be freaking out, but she only formed a deadpan expression. "Okay, its every girls dream to have a pony... but to become one...?" she moaned in frustration. The two members of the CMC were confused as to what she meant by that, but Sweetie Belle walked up to ask the next question. "Pardon me miss... but who are you, and what do you mean by that...?" she asked her. Sighing knowing this is gonna be a lot to take in, but she looked to Sweetie Belle managing to calm down. "My name is Sonya Blade of the Earthrealm Special Forces. This form you see, isn't exactly my true form..." she explained to them as simply as she could. "You mean you're an alien...?" Scootaloo asked her. Snickering at her question, Sonya couldn't help but laugh at her question. "Well not exactly... its complicated, you'll understand." she said to her. Suddenly, Applebloom ran up to them. "Girls, I need your help here! I can't lift a stallion that's as big as my brother and has strange metal arms." she said to them not noticing Sonya. Hearing the last part, Sonya's eyes widened a bit knowing who she meant. "This stallion, you said he had metal arms right...?" she asked receiving a nod from the young earth pony. "Black hair, goatee, wearing a camouflauge vest, smells like he's smoked a few cigars...?" "Not sure about the last part, but that's right... you know him...?" Applebloom asked her. "Take me to him please, I know a way to wake him up." Sonya said to her as Applebloom lead her to where the stallion was. Meanwhile, in another part of the orchard, a portal from Outworld opened up... walking out of it, was a Unicorn colt, with an emerald green horn, wearing a black and red outfit, with a gold piece on his chest. The other was an earth pony, had a strap going over his left shoulder, had armbands around his hooves, greenish pants, and had a cyborg eye. It was Ermac and Kano who arrived, and took quick notice of their forms. "Just when ya though this day couldn't get any weirder." said Kano as he looked around. Ermac ignored the situation and looked around. "We sense they are close by... we will find them West of here." he said to the Black Dragon mercenary. "Alrighty... lead the way then." Kano followed the necromancer into the orchard. Little do they know of what was in store for them. Meanwhile, Sonya and the CMC walked to where her partner was in the orchard. Sonya looked to Applebloom... "You sure this is the place...?" she asked her. "Sure is, trust me... I know my way around my family's apple farm." Applebloom assured her. She then looked ahead finding where she left her partner. "There he is!" she pointed out to him. "Sonya looked to where he was, and rushed over to him. "Jax!" she called out his name and smacked him a couple times. "Jax, Jax!" she slapped him harder this time. "Ow! Hey... thought I was supposed to be rescuing you..." he said to her. "Yeah well, I couldn't wait..." Sonya replied to him. "Just what have we gotten ourselves into this time...?" she asked her fellow Special Forces member. "Good question... but what ever's going on, we need to figure it out pronto..." Jax said to her. He eventually took notice of the CMC, and smirked looking to Sonya. "Please tell me you didn't..." Sonya blushed from the thought of it. "No! No, they're not my kids!" she cried out. "Uh-huh..." Jax replied and looked around. "I don't know how much I can take with this dimensional travel..." he looked back to her. "But you sure do look good in this form..." he complimented her. "Jax!" Sonya gave him a disapproving look. "What you do..." Jax said to her and looked to the CMC. "Now there's the matter of you three... lets start off with names... my name is Jackson Briggs... but my friends call me Jax. You've already met Sonya..." he pointed out. "It's nice to meet ya... I'm Applebloom." the earth pony introduced herself. "I'm Sweetie Belle..." said the unicorn. "And I'm Scootaloo." said the Pegasus. Chuckling a bit, Sonya smiled and sat down next to Jax. "Those are cute names... but can you tell us where we are...?" she asked them. "You're in my families apple orchard in Sweet Apple Acres, its settled near a town called Ponyville, and the land we live in is Equestria." Applebloom explained to her and her partner as to where they were, but looked to them confused. "But why do you ask...? isn't this land your home...?" she asked. "Actually kiddo, we're not exactly from around here..." Jax said to her, and noticed Scootaloo looking at his arms. "Oh... yeah don't worry about these... they're state of the art bionics... had them made after my arms were taken..." he explained to her. "Wait, so these aren't your real arms...?" she asked him feeling surprised. Shaking his head, Jax looked to his bionics remembering when Ermac took his originals. "I'll never forget that moment... the day Ermac took away my arms..." he said as he shut his eyes. "Who's Ermac...?" asked Sweetie Belle. Then out of no where... "We... are Ermac..." he said to them as he floated down to them. The CMC yelped when they saw him, and looked to see Kano as well who was chuckling as he approached. "Hello love... been a while Sonya." he said to her. Glaring at him, Sonya recognized that accent from anywhere. "Kano... nice to see you're still as ugly as ever...!" she insulted him. "Now that's not a nice thing to say, especially in front of the little ones..." Kano smirked at her. Jax got in front of the young fillies glaring at them. "You touch them you'll answer to me...!" he said to them. Smirking at him, Ermac accepted his challenge. "We took your arms, now we will rip out your heart!" he charged and tackled him. The CMC took cover behind a bush, and watched the fight. Meanwhile, Sonya and Kano stood still as one glared at the other. "Just like old times, eh Sonya...?" Kano asked her with a grin. "Only this time, its going to be a different fight." Sonya replied to him and charged. Kano blocked her attacks, and pulled out a knife and went to strike her with it. But Sonya managed to dodge it and kick the blade out of hoof. "Playing fair was never your best forte." "I fight my own way love, remember...?" Kano asked and went to use his Eye Laser against her, but Sonya managed to punch his face redirecting his blast as it hit an apple tree setting it on fire. Applebloom panicked from seeing it. "Oh no! My sister is gonna be angry!" she cried out. "Well there's nothing we can do about it Applebloom, we need to stay put!" Scootaloo said to her knowing this fight is gonna last. Sonya blocked a hard kick from Kano and leaped over kicking him in the face. Stumbling, Kano got back up and glared at the special forces pony. He lunged at her rolling up into a ball hitting her like a cannon ball. Sonya hit the ground from the impact she felt, she looked and saw Kano go to stomp her head, but she rolled away from his assault. "You still got it, I'll give ya that Sonya... but I'm afraid this will be the end for you..." he went to kill her, but Sonya leaped over him pulled out a line snaring his neck choking him. He struggled to get free, but Sonya struck his spine and threw him over sending him straight at a tree. He hit the ground and felt a few apples hit his face. "Why you dirty little-" as he got up, he felt his head hit a tree branch causing his ears to ring. He groaned and fell down to the ground unconscious, Sonya smirked at seeing it. "I guess the expression the apple doesn't fall far from the tree takes this to a whole new meaning." she said as she turned to the CMC who stared at her with amazed and shocked expressions. "You girls okay...? she asked them. "That was the most awesome thing I've ever seen in my life!" Scootaloo cried out with a bright smile on her face. "Where did you learn to fight like that?!" she asked her as Applebloom and Sweetie Belle doused the fire with a bucket of water that was near by. "I trained for years, that's how I was able to join the army, and get transferred to-" Sonya then realized her partner was in trouble. "I don't have time to explain, I need to find Jax!" she ran to where Ermac took him. At that time, Ermac was blasting at Jax no matter where he hid himself. Just when he was done with him hiding, he used his levitation to pull him out of hiding. Jax struggled fearing what he will do to him next, but before Ermac could rip off another limb... Sonya blasted him with her energy rings forcing him to drop her partner. "You took his arms, you won't be taking anything else!" she glared at him. The CMC helped Jax stand up and get him to safety, Ermac turned to Sonya with a scowl and floated in the air. "If you will stand in our way... then we will take a part of you!" he went to strike her. Sonya dodged his attacks and blocked a punch that was aiming for her ribs. She took his arm and pinned it against his back and twists his hoof at the wrist causing him to scream in pain. "You won't get that chance pal...!" Sonya got him back up and punched his jaw dislocating it. She then went for a few body blows turning Ermac's muscles into grounded meat. Ermac went for a strike, but Sonya blocked it and aimed one of her energy rings underneath his chin and blasted him away. Ermac hit the ground, but got back up with the help of the souls within him. "You have indeed improved in that new body of yours... but one thing remains the same, we are many, you are one..." he said to her and went for a strike. Sonya blocked his attacks and glared. "All those souls you have... doesn't matter how many you have, you're still gonna lose." she said to him and dodged the next attack. But was caught off guard as Ermac blasted her causing her to yelp in pain. Ermac wen to kill her, unaware of what was behind him. "Gotcha!" Jax grabbed him from behind, holding his arms down. "Sonya, now!" Charging at him, Sonya leaped into the air and kicked Ermac square in the face sending him flying into a tree. She and Jax cheered and gave themselves a high hoof. "That felt good..." she said as she turned to where Ermac was. Groaning in pain, Ermac glared at her one last time. "This isn't over Sonya Blade..." he warned her and vanished to retreat to Outworld without Kano. "That takes care of him... what about Kano...?" Jax asked Sonya. Realizing this, Sonya ran back to find where Kano laid unconscious, but by the time she got there... he was gone. "Damn it...! He gave us the slip..." she muttered. "We'll see him again... besides, we need to worry about our own situation." Jax said to her. Approaching them, the Applebloom sighed in relief of what they did. "That was the most amazing thing I've ever seen in my life! But who were those guys...?" she asked them. "The one with the red eye was Kano, a Black Dragon Mercenary... the other was Ermac, he is a specter with millions of souls inside his body..." Sonya explained to her and her friends. "But if he and Kano found their way here to this realm, you guys are in more trouble than I thought..." "We better find some help, and find out who else may be here." said Jax. Remembering something, Sweetie Belle soon approached and tapped on Jax's leg. "I think I know who can help, Princess Twilight, she's one of the rulers around here. Not only that, I saw her and her friends leaving for Canterlot not too long ago with some unfamiliar faces." she said to them. "Hey that's right! One was red, and wore a red headband, and an outfit with dragons on it, one who looked like a blue Alicorn, and the other who had his name drawn on his chest. They were heading to Ponyville Train Station." Scootaloo explained to them. Hearing it as her eyes widened, Sonya knew exactly who she was talking about. "Would this pony happen to be wearing sunglasses last you saw him?" she asked her. "Yeah, how did you know...?" Scootaloo asked her in surprise. Her surprised expression changed into that of a scowl knowing who it was, she looked to her. "Which way's the train station...?" she asked her and her friends. "Ooohhh boy, someone's gonna-" before Jax could finished his sentence, Sonya wrapped her arm around his neck choking him. "Ah-ah! One more word, and you're road kill..." Sonya threatened him. Ponyville Station The train had just arrived, letting its passengers off. "Boy, feels good to get out of that train..." Johnny stretched feeling exhausted from the ride back to Ponyville. "You know I just noticed, the sun doesn't usually set around here..." he pointed out. "Yes, why is that Twilight...?" Kitana asked her. "Well, you see the Princesses are the ones responsible, Princess Celestia raises the sun to bring us day, and Princess Luna raises the moon to bring us nights." Twilight explained to them. "They have the power to do that...? Makes me wonder what you are capable of..." Liu said to her. Rainbow Dash eventually wrapped her arm around him. "She is the Princess of Friendship, but she's still gonna try and work it out as she learns." she said to him. Suddenly... "Johnny Cage..." said a familiar voice causing him to tense up. He recognized the voice and turned to who it was. It was Sonya Blade who was scowling at him. "I hope you're not too busy..." she said to him. Chuckling nervously, Johnny knew that expression from anywhere. "Sonya...! Hey, w-what a surprise, we were just gonna start looking for you..." he soon noticed Jax standing with the CMC. "And Jax..." he chuckled. "I didn't realize you two were in town..." "I wouldn't make excuses in situation's like this Cage, she's already mad as is..." Jax warned him. "Uhhh, who might this be Mr. Cage...?" Rarity asked him. "Weeelll... Rarity, meet Sonya Blade, Sonya meet Rarity..." Johnny introduced them. "Now if you'll excuse me..." he was about to run off. But Sonya grabbed hold of his tail stopping him. "I don't think so Cage, I've been on my period, and I should take it out on someone. That someone being you..." she said to him. Johnny panicked knowing she was serious, but Rainbow Dash got her to let go. "Hey, back off lady... you wanna fight someone, try me...!" she challenged the Special Forces mare to a fight. "Ooooohhh, cat fight...!" Johnny muttered only to get a glare from both mares. "Shut it Cage!" they yelled in unison. Sonya then turned to Rainbow Dash holding her glare. "Careful what you wish for!" she said to her and threw a punch only to see Rainbow disappear leaving a rainbow trail. She looked around, only to get punched from behind... she looked and saw that Rainbow had already disappeared. Rainbow attacked from behind again and kicked her in the leg, Sonya grunted from it and went to strike her only to see she was gone. "Ha! Can't hit what you can't keep up with!" Rainbow said to her and went for another strike. But Sonya smirked and aimed her energy ring and blasted at her. "Whoa!" she dodged some of the blasts but one managed to hit her causing her to hit the ground. "Oww... that was knew..." she muttered but got back up and glared at her. "Alright... if that's how you wanna play it... then for real... hooves only..." "Fine by me...!" Sonya agreed and charged at her throwing a left hook. Rainbow managed to dodge her attack and blocked a kick from her. Sonya noticed she was going for an uppercut, but she blocked it only to get a kick to the face. Grunting in pain, Sonya stumbled a bit and looked to her. "You're good... but you'll have to do better to knock me out..." Rainbow Dash charged at her about to throw another kick at her, but Sonya blocked it and punched her in the stomach causeing her to cough up a little blood. But Rainbow wasn't going to back down, she threw a punch at her. But Sonya blocked it and threw her down to the ground and pinned her down holding her arm against her back. "Surrender!" she said to her. Struggling to break free, Rainbow Dash was too stubborn to quit. But given the situation that Sonya was about to dislocate her shoulder, she couldn't risk it. "Alright! Alright you win!" she took the chance to surrender as Sonya let her go. Applejack was surprised from what just happened. "I can't believe it... she actually got Rainbow Dash to surrender..." she muttered. Liu Kang looked to her surprised. "She never surrendered before...?" he asked her. "No, she's too stubborn to quit, but Sonya managed to do it without even breaking a sweat." Applejack replied to him. Looking to the defeated mare, Liu Kang sensed that surrendering to Sonya must have really wounded her pride. Sonya meanwhile glared at Johnny, and walked toward him. "Alright Cage... you and me, right here and now...!" "Whoa Sonya, can we just talk about this...?" he asked her trying to avoid the fight. "Sorry Mr. A-List, but there's no running away from this!" Sonya said to him and attacked him without warning. Johnny avoided her attacks trying to survive. But he knew he needed to fight back, so he dodged her next punch and hit her in the face. Feeling it happen, Sonya slowly turned to him with a scowl. "Seriously...?" she asked barely feeling it as a punch. Johnny had a moment of silence. "I'm sorry..." he apologized, but Sonya kicked him down causing him to roll on the ground. Groaning in pain, Johnny knew that the gloves needed to come off. "Alright... you want a fight...? You got it!" he threw a force ball at her seeing her hold up her guard, but he anticipated it and used his Shadow Kick to kick her down as the force ball hit her face. The Man Six watched as the two duked it out, Fluttershy covered her eyes from it. "Are they usually like this...?" she asked them. "More like always..." Kitana replied and looked to the fight. "But I must say, Sonya does look like she needs to let out some anger." she admitted. "Now that you mention it, she does seem rather more upset than angry... perhaps its a personal issue...?" Rarity asked. Liu Kang watched the fight, thinking of what it could be. "Its possible that during the fight of Armageddon, Johnny didn't focus on saving Sonya... but focus more on staying alive..." he theorized. Johnny landed a few hits against Sonya, but when he went for another punch, Sonya caught his hoof and kicked him in the stomach. Grunting from the attack, Johnny started feeling dazed from it. Sonya charged up her energy rings and blasted him, straight in the chest knocking him off of his hooves. Johnny landed on the ground, feeling shear pain from the blast he took. "You finished...?" he asked her. Taking deep breaths... Sonya finally managed to calm down after letting out all that anger. "Yeah... I think I'm good now.." she replied to him and sat down. "Sorry I did that..." "Hey, no worries... you need to let out that anger, I get it..." Johnny assured her and smiled. "Besides, you owed me since we first entered the tournament..." he reminded her of their first fought together. Chuckling from remembering it, Sonya smiled and looked to him. "How can I forget...? You were trying to hit on me when we first met, thinking I was an actress." she remembered it clearly. "Wait, you mean you two fought before...?" Pinkie Pie asked. "Yeah, but I beat her... and now we're even..." Johnny explained. Seeing that they've finally let go of the past, Jax walked over and put Cage in a headlock. "Glad to have you guys finally making up..." he chuckled humorously. Struggling to get out of his grip, Johnny was trying to catch a breath. "Jax... can't...breathe...!" he exclaimed as he tried to get free. Realizing it, Jax released him from the headlock letting him breathe. "Thank you..." he said to him. Suddenly, Twilight rushed up and observed his bionics. "Oh my gosh... look at these, are they prosthetics...?" she asked him. "Yeah, surgically placed on... not something you want to try though." Jax replied to her. "Right..." Twilight cleared her throat and looked to the others. "Well... now that we got that out of the way, we should head for my castle. You guys will need plenty of rest after all this excitement." Castle of Friendship Night fell as they arrived, the Protectors looked in awe seeing the castle from the outside. "Wow... the Edenian Palace would probably pale in comparison to this place..." said Jax. "Sad, but true..." Kitana muttered to herself. "Wait till you see the inside..." said a voice as the protectors as the looked around. "Down here...!" called the voice as they looked down seeing it was Spike. "Whoa, a little dragon? Funny, I was expecting you to be a lot bigger..." said Johnny as he let out a snicker. "Hey, I'm still a baby dragon buster!" Spike flared his nostrals at him. Chuckling at it, Liu Kang approached him. "Never mind him young one, sometimes he doesn't know when to be respectful to others." he pointed out earning a scowl from Johnny. "Hey, its cool... I'm Spike by the way..." he introduced himself to the Shaolin. "I'm Liu Kang, these are my comrades..." he introduced them. "We'll be staying with Princess Twilight and her friends until things have been worked out." he explained. "Wow, in that case welcome to our home." Spike welcomed them earning a surprised look from Sonya. "Wait, you live here with her...?" she asked him. Nodding to her, Spike gestured to himself. "I happen to be Twilight's number one assistant." he boasted. Kitana giggled at him and rubbed his head. "Well aren't you simply a lucky one." she said to him as she rubbed his head, causing the little dragon to blush in embarrassment. "Well, I should warn you guys that this will be a long tour... in fact I'm still trying to learn my way around this place." Twilight mentioned as she lead them inside. Hours had passed, and Twilight soon lead them to their rooms. "Okay... these are the guest rooms... I hope you guys make yourselves at home." she said to them. As the Protectors looked to their rooms, Johnny couldn't help but look to her with his eyebrows arched. "We're gonna be in separate rooms...?" he asked. "Sorry Cage, but no hanky panky in this castle." Twilight replied to him. Jax laughed at Johnny knowing he was outwitted, Sonya at the time smirked at him as she alked by. "Better luck next time Cage..." she walked passed him heading to her room. Johnny's shoulders slumped down as he had a depressed look on his face. "This is worse than having an agent in Hollywood..." he muttered. Raising a brow from hearing it, Rainbow Dash looked to Cage. "What's Hollywood...?" she asked. Surprised of her question, Johnny couldn't help but smirk feeling a song coming up. "Well... since you asked, I'll tell you." he said to her. (Danny's Arrival Song belongs to Cat's Don't Dance) Johnny Cage: Since I was a little boy I had a dream My name in lights: "Johnny Cage the Action Star" Got on a bus and came to the town where dreams can come true It's gonna happen for me It could happen for you He gestured to the Mane Six, as they looked to him in surprise. "Who us...?" Rainbow asked. Liu Kang smirked as he watched what was happening. "This might be good..." he whispered to Kitana. You can do anything if you try The most impossible dreams can come true If you believe it! This is my kinda town It's as clear as the nose on your face! This is the time! This is the place! This is the time! This must be the place! He tap danced as he felt the music flow around. Pinkie at that time was grooving to the music, like she always does and start tap dancing as well. She and Cage tap danced beside one another, and Cage took the spotlight. Hollywood! Where the streets are paved with gold! Where the kitties never grow old! In Hollywood! Hollywood! Where the stars don't shine at night! They walk around in the broad daylight In Hollywood! Jax nodded feeling impressed of how well he sang. "I gotta admit, I never thought I'd see this coming from Cage." he admitted as he watched him perform. Dig that face Ya ain't seen nothin' like it anyplace! It's right up on the movie screen If you know what I mean! Look at me I'm gonna be the cat to see! I'm goin' down in history Just watch me! Sonya peeked through her door watching her, true Johnny could be a real blockhead sometimes, but a smile formed across her face. Something she never had before until now, she walked back into her room to let him have his fun. Hollywood! Where the streets are paved with gold! Where dreams can never grow old! Right here in Hollywood!! As his song ended, The Mane Six, and protectors who watched his performance clapped their hooves from his performance. "Wow! Hollywood must have been the best place to be if you're a good action star." said Rainbow Dash. "Yeah, but it didn't last... my career went down hill after a while..." Johnny admitted to them. Feeling sorry for him, Fluttershy walked over and wrapped her wing around him. "We're sorry it happened... I guess not all good dreams come true..." she said to him. "Not always..." he replied to her. "Well... for now, lets get settled in... we have a long night." Liu Kang said to them and turned to Kitana. "Good night Kitana..." he smiled at her. "Sleep well Liu..." Kitana replied and walked into her room. Noticing Liu was watching her, Applejack smirked as she let out a chuckle. "Ooohh... somepony has a crush on the Edenian Princess..." she teased him. He didn't mind, Liu Kang shook his head a bit. "You're not wrong there..." he admitted her and walked straight into his room. Rarity gasped in surprised from hearing it. "He does! He truly does~!" she sang out. "And he didn't even deny it..." she pointed out looking to the others. Chuckling a bit, Johnny crossed his arms. "They've been that way since they met in the tournament..." he informed them of their relationship. "Hold on guys, Kitana is ten thousand years old." Twilight pointed out. "So what? Princess Celestia is engaged to a Thunder God who's probably lived longer." Rainbow said to her. "She's got a point..." Jax agreed with her. Twilight stuttered, trying to explain to them. But her tongue was literally tongue tied at the moment as she let out a groan in frustration. "Forget it!" she walked to her room. "Well ya'll, we best head on home. That means you too Applebloom..." Applejack said to her. Applebloom complained and followed her. "Come on Applejack, can't I stay a little longer...?" she asked as Applejack kept telling her no. Twilight giggled watching them go, the others eventually left and she looked outside. Her smile faded as she began to wonder what's going through Princess Celestia's mind. The news about Raiden had truly shocked her, she wished she could help... but she knew that her teacher needed time. "We'll figure something out Princess... and we'll bring Raiden back, I promise..." she said to herself and headed to her room. Canterlot Castle, Celestia's Chambers Luna walked into her sisters chambers to check on her, but rather than finding her in her bed... Luna found Celestia sitting near the window looking out. "Sister, you should be resting..." she advised her. She then noticed that she wasn't listening, she approached her and found that her tears were running down her face. "Sister...?" Feeling her tears run, Celestia cleaned them up and looked to her. "How could I let this happen Luna...? How could I have let Raiden stay behind while his comrades escaped...?" she asked her. "Sister, you did what you could... what ever happens to Raiden, its not your fault." Luna assured her. "And if he is still alive, we will find a way to bring him back... whether he is corrupted or not..." she pointed out. But Celestia merely gave her a disapproving look from that last part. "You certainly know how to help..." she said to her and looked away. "All I'm saying, is don't give up on him... just as you didn't give up on me when I turned into Nightmare Moon." Luna advised her as he placed her wing over her sister. Celestia at that moment smiled briefly, but she looked out to the night sky thinking back to the night Raiden visited her. "You're right Luna... what ever we will face in the future, we need to be prepared. Not just for our sakes, but for the ponies of Equestria." she said to her sister. Luna smiled at her sister seeing much hope in her eyes. "You truly believe that we'll bring Raiden back, don't you...?" she asked. Nodding her head, Celestia turned facing her. "I do Luna..." she turned back to the night sky as tears brimmed in her eyes. "Because I love him..." she said to her knowing what she said was true. She will never forget the day he helped her when no one else would. Fluttershy's Cottage, Ponyville On her way home, Fluttershy hummed a bit but noticed Angel Bunny running towards her. "Oh, what is it Angel...?" she asked him as he tried to explain to her in his own language. "Are the otters having trouble...?" see's him shake his head. "The Cardinal lost his voice?!" she started to panic only to get lightly slapped by Angel. He grabbed her head and turned her to an unconscious unicorn laying on the ground. Gasping from seeing it, she ran over to him. "Mister...? Mister, are you okay...?" she asked him. Taking notice of his outfit, he was wearing a yellow ninja outfit, with dark great trim, dark pants, wearing a dark hood with a yellow mask. He even wore silver armbands around his fore hooves, revealing a kunai that was hidden. a She looked at the stallion and gently rolled him over to look at him. "Who are you...?" she wondered only to notice his eyes squint. His eyes revealed themselves showing they were almost pale white, causing her to silently gasp. He looked at her but his vision was blurry, not being able to see her face as he reached out to her and whispered a name. "H-Haru... mi..." he said as he passed out. Fluttershy was surprised of what he said. Harumi, who was she...? She wondered but she shook her head and lifted the stallion up, taking him inside her cottage to recover. Who ever this stallion was... she will find out soon. > Chapter 3 Scorpion > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fluttershy's Cottage, Ponyville Day finally shined upon Equestria, the animals at Fluttershy's Cottage were looking at the strange stallion that slept on Fluttershy's couch. Fluttershy was wide awake, and she worked on making some tea for her unknown guest. She soon took notice of the animals looking curiously at the sleeping stallion. "Please everyone, don't make him feel crowded..." she said to them and looked to him. Curiosity began to fill her mind as she looked at his mask. She wanted to reach over and remove it, but she pulled away to keep herself from doing so. "Leave it alone Fluttershy... you mustn't touch things that don't belong to you..." she said to herself and headed back to the kitchen. While unaware to her knowledge, the stallion's eyes slowly opened, and looked towards her direction. He watched as she went into the kitchen and quietly got off the couch. Fluttershy poured the hot water into a pot and put some tea bags inside it. She turned around, only to see the stallion standing right in front of her. She gasped and dropped her tea tray, but before it could hit the ground... the stallion caught it and kept it balanced. Surprised of his reflexes, Fluttershy looked to him looking into his eyes. "Are you the one who sheltered me...?" he asked her. She didn't know how to respond, but she nodded her head in response. "I did..." she said to him trying to stay brave, feeling fear in her heart. Noticing this, the stallion set the tea tray onto the counter and touched her hooves to help calm her down. "Calm yourself... take slow deep breaths..." he instructed her. Seeing her do so, he saw how relaxed she's become. "Better...?" he asked her. "Yes, thank you..." she said to him and looked to him. "I see you're feeling better after resting on my couch..." "It was the most comfort I had in a while..." he responded to her. Realizing she didn't get his name, she fixed her hair a bit. "I forgot to ask... but what's your name...?" she asked him wishing to know it. He closed his eyes and bowed to her. "My name is Scorpion..." he rose his head looking to her. "Of the Shirai Ryu..." he said to her. Surprised of his title, Fluttershy couldn't help but realize that he may not be from her realm. "W-Well Scorpion... I... I'm Fluttershy... are you, by any chance.... from Earthrealm...?" she asked him. Shaking his head, Scorpion looked to her knowing of her curiosity. "No... I used to be of Earthrealm, but I was reborn in the Netherrealm." he explained to her and walked to the living room. Fluttershy followed in pursuit with the tea, and set it on the table. "If you don't mind me asking... but how did you get here in Equestria...? I thought Celsetia's Amulet only sent the Protectors of Earthrealm..." she said to him as she poured the tea. Looking to his hooves but taking notice of his horn, he started to focus seeing it glow. Seeing his magic aura envelope the tea cup, he held it up to him looking at his reflection. "Before I came here, I had unfinished business with a certain sorcerer..." he began explaining. Netherrealm, 10 hours ago Quan Chi walked to his study, to learn the secrets behind the amulet Raiden had. Suddenly, his instincts kicked in as he dodged an attack from a chained kunai. He turned seeing his former servant Scorpion, who glared at him. "Murderer...!" he claimed him to be for the death's of his family and clan. "Scorpion... you know what I did was to get Sub-Zero out of my way." Quan Chi explained to him. "But he wasn't the murderer I sought, you were! You made me into a puppet, burrowed your way into my head!" Scorpion exclaimed to him. "I thought that by killing Sub-Zero, my soul would be at peace... but all this time you lied to me, and used me to kill those who were a threat only to you!" he gripped his kunai. Seeing this, Quan Chi knew that he couldn't let him kill him. "You were my best servant... but now you have only become a disappointment... Noob!" he summoned Noob Saibot to defend him from the ninja specter. Looking to his old enemy, Noob glared at him and stood in his fighting stance. "Again we meet Hanzo..." he said to him. "Bi Han...! So it is true that Quan Chi resurrected you...!" Scorpion said to him. "He has... he perfected me into the perfect warrior." Noob explained to him. "You however have become defective in your design... and will therefore be destroyed." Glaring at his old enemy, Scorpion knew he needed to survive if he wanted to kill Quan Chi. "I killed you once... I will have no problem killing you again!" he threatened him as Noob went for a strike. Scorpion blocked his attacks and dodged a kick, Noob anticipated this and pulled a round house kick hitting his face. Scorpion stumbled a bit and looked to him... true he had become powerful, but he was still Bi Han. Noob threw a few punches at him, but Scorpion blocked each attack and dodged one that was coming for his face as he threw a left hook landing it against Noob's face. Grunting from it, Noob backed up from it and shook his head turning his attention to Scorpion. "You won't so much as get near Quan Chi...! Not while I draw breath..." Noob said to him and went for a strike, but Scorpion grabbed his arm and jabbed him in the throat causing him to choke. He then threw a few quick jabs at Noob's torso, and pulled a backflip, kicking Noob in the jaw as hellfire covered his feet. Noob hit the ground as Scorpion remained standing, but he wasn't about to let Scorpion win this fight. Black ooze covered his body, and he threw a copy of himself at Scorpion, holding him in place as Scorpion struggled to break free. "Now I will have my revenge on you Hanzo... for taking my life...!" he went for the finishing blow. But Scorpion refused to die here, so he quickly turned using the Noob copy as a shield. Noob was shocked from what just happened, and Scorpion glared at his enemy as flames engulfed his fist. Throws it upper-cutting his foe into the air, the then threw his kunai at him piercing his shoulder. "GET OVER HERE!!!" he pulled the chain with Noob following it. He threw a punch at him landing a right hook against Noob, knocking him out cold. "Perfection does not mean that you are invincible...!" he said to him and turned his attention to Quan Chi. "As for you..." Seeing his glare, Quan Chi secretly held a green flaming skull. "Scorpion, please... there's really no need for any of this..." he said to him faking his cowardly act. "You got away with many things Quan Chi, but this time I am going to finish you!" Scorpion gripped one of his swords. But Quan Chi threw the skull at him, landing a direct hit against Scorpion causing him to fall down. Chuckling at him, Quan Chi walked toward him with a sadistic grin across his face. "Your path of vengeance ends here Scorpion...! Now you can join your family in hell..." he said to him seeing the ninja specter stand up. Holding where he had been injured, Scorpion only held his fierce glare towards Quan Chi. "If you think this will be enough to kill me, you're mistaken...!" he stood in his battle stance. Quan Chi smirked at his foolish bravery, but stood in his stance as Scorpion charged. He blocked his attacks, and landed a kick to Scorpions ribs, fracturing a few of them. Feeling it happen, Scorpion saw Quan Chi going for a killing blow... but he vanished through hellfire and appeared behind him, striking him in the face. Quan Chi stumbled from the hard blow, but managed to balance himself and turn to Scorpion with a glare. "Perhaps bringing you back from the dead was my greatest mistake... just as taking pity on Sub-Zero, will prove to be your greatest mistake!" he exclaimed to his former servant. "This has nothing to do with him! All that matters to me... is seeing you dead for taking the lives of my family and clan...!" Scorpion roared out as hellfire surrounded his body. Quan Chi summoned two skeletons to defend him, they charged at Scorpion to kill him. Dodging their attacks, Scorpion pulled out his sword and slashed through both of the, scattering their bones. Seeing this happened, Quan Chi panicked knowing there was no stopping him. Scorpion lunged at him as hellfire surrounded his body, striking the evil sorcerer as he grabbed his head throwing his knee at his jaw dislocating it and sending him in the air. He then threw two kunai's at him, one landing in his chest, the other piercing his skull. He pulled hard on the chains, slamming Quan Chi down on the ground breaking his neck. Scorpion glared at the helpless sorcerer as he brought his kunai's back. "Now... you feel the same pain I felt..." Groaning in pain, Quan Chi turned to him seeing him gripping his sword. He summoned enough strength to bring forth his strongest demons to surround him. Scorpion saw it seeing that he was out numbered, he knew he couldn't fight against this many demons. "Kill him!" Quan Chi ordered his demons, they charged at him to finish what Quan Chi started when he injured him. But Scorpion summoned his hell flames, and disappeared to escape, leaving Quan Chi to his own rage. Present day "That is how I ended up here... it was my only chance to escape." Scorpion explained as he touched his torso where he had his bandages. "I couldn't face that many demons at once, despite my injuries..." he directed his attention towards Fluttershy. "That was when you found me... took me in when I laid dying..." "I couldn't just leave you there out there... I mean... it would go against my nature as a caring pony..." Fluttershy said to him while hiding her face in her mane. "And... for what its worth, I'm really sorry for what happened to your family and clan." she lowered her gaze thinking about his story. "I can't imagine what it was like for you to go through so much pain and torment..." Seeing it, Scorpion also noticed the compassion in her eyes. A smile formed behind his mask, and he set his tea down. "For that, I am grateful to you... but I do not wish to over stay my welcome. Your rabbit here doesn't seem to like me anyway..." he pointed out seeing Angel Bunny glaring at him. Seeing it, Fluttershy quickly pulled him away. "I am sorry about him, Angel Bunny doesn't always take kindly to strangers." speaking of strangers, an idea popped into her head. "Oh, that reminds me... if you're here, then you should join up with Liu Kang and the others..." she said to him. Surprised of hearing his name, Scorpion could hardly believe it. "Liu Kang...? but, he was killed by Shang Tsung..." he said to her. "I know, he told me and my friends what happened, but here he is very much alive. I'll explain on the way... come on, I'll lead you to Twilight's castle..." she helped him stand up. Feeling unsure of how he and the others would react, Scorpion knew he had no where else to go if he was to stay here. He followed Fluttershy out the door, heading to the Castle of Friendship. Castle of Friendship Stretching from a good nights rest, Johnny sighed as he breathed the morning air. "Man I haven't slept that well in a long time..." he said as he stretched his back legs. "It's almost as if I were sleeping on a cloud..." "I know... to be honest, this realm feels a lot similar to Earthrealm..." Liu Kang said to him. "Though it is different in origin, there are some similarities to it." "Not too similar, and in case you two forgot... we're still in a realm that we have little knowledge about, and no way around." Sonya pointed out to them. "Sonya's got a point..." Jax said as he approached them. "If we're gonna be staying here, we need more knowledge of this place." Suddenly, Twilight appeared before them teleporting with her magic, causing Johnny to jump and scream from it. "Holy crap Twilight, you almost gave me a heart attack!" he exclaimed to her. "Sorry Cage, but if you guys are looking for a way to learn about Equestria... I may be able to help with that." Twilight said to them and lead them to her library. "Welcome to my library..." she showed just how many books she had so far on the shelves. "As you can see, most of the copies from the Golden Oak Library are still being replaced with new copies that Princess Celestia is sending to me from Canterlot..." "You read all of these...?!" Johnny asked in surprise earning a nod from the young Alicorn. "Wow, it must be a field day for you to go through so many..." said Sonya has she looked around, and suddenly noticed a large mirror standing in a corner. "What's with the mirror...?" she asked. Twilight looked to it knowing what it was. "Its a gateway actually... a portal to an alternate reality..." she explained. "But it only opens once every thirty moons." "That long...? Where does it lead to...?" Liu Kang asked her as he observed the mirror. "When I used it last, Spike and I traveled to a place that is similar to Equestria... but different in others. When I arrived, I turned into what you call a human. When Spike arrived, apparently he..." Twilight let out a small giggle. "Was turned into a dog...." Bursting out laughing, Johnny could hardly contain himself of it. "Aw man, you must've embarrassed little guy...!" he said to him only to get an elbow to the ribs by Sonya. "Eh... it wasn't all that bad... least I got a lot of attention from the ladies..." Spike said to him as a smirk formed across his face. Jax chuckled from hearing it. "Even a dragon is more of a ladies man..." he said directing that comment towards Johnny, earning a disapproving look from him in return. "He's not wrong..." said Kitana as she revealed herself shelving some of the books she read. "Good morning everyone... I trust that you all slept well...?" she asked them. "We did actually... when did you get up...?" Liu asked her. "Two hours ago, Twilight brought me to the library to look at some of the books she currently had..." Kitana showed some of the history books she looked through. "They truly have amazing history... how Equestria was founded, how the three tribes got along even though they fought causing a blizzard to fall over the land..." "That actually happened...? There used to be war between the tribes...?" Sonya asked Twilight feeling surprised. "Yes, but that was a long time ago, and the blizzard wasn't caused by the war. It was caused by spiritual creatures... called the Windigo's... spirits that brought winter cold, that nothing could survive. The crops and fields would be blanketed by snow, houses would be torn apart... and the three tribes would blame each other for it." Twilight explained what occurred what happened all those years ago. "Wow... and I thought politics in Earthrealm were messed up..." said Jax as he crossed his hooves. "Hey, no ones perfect..." Sonya replied to him patting his back. Walking to the book shelves, Twilight placed the book where it belonged. "I have to agree with Sonya... back then, no pony was perfect till the three tribes put aside their differences so that they could finally live together in peace." she said to them as she placed the last book on the shelf. "Now... back to business, if we're going to be facing Shao Kahn. Me and my friends are gonna have to learn how to defend ourselves, and you guys are out best shot in learning how..." she said to them. "Well, I've never been much of a teacher..." Johnny pointed out to her. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do just fine..." Twilight assured him. "Anyways, Liu Kang... seeing that you're sort of the leader, I was thinking that maybe you and I can-" before she could ask... "Actually Twilight, Kitana already volunteered to be your instructor, I for one think its a good idea." Liu Kang said to her. Twilight went stiff as she mentally shattered like glass, she shook her head getting out of her stiff moment. "What?! But... why...?!" she asked the shaolin. "Because I think you and Kitana will work quite well together... I know you had high expectations to train with me, but the ways of the shaolin can't be learned by just anyone." Liu Kang explained to her, hoping that she will understand. Mentally defeated, Twilight could only sigh and give an understanding nod. "Alright..." she responded to him. Kitana smiled and approached her. "Don't worry Twilight... when it comes to Edenian training, you might learn it quickly." she assured her. "Easy... right..." Twilight responded, wishing she could still learn Liu's fighting style. But when it comes to Kitana's... how bad could it be to learn a different fighting technique...? Ponyville, Schoolhouse Fluttershy and Scorpion at that time were walking to the castle heading passed the schoolhouse, Scorpion looked to it hearing the bell ring. The children that attended rushed out the door, even the CMC who hadn't noticed him just yet. He smiled behind his mask seeing them go by, thinking back to his son. "If my son were here... he would have wanted to be amongst them..." he said to Fluttershy. Smiling from hearing it, Fluttershy looked to the fillies as they went to play. "He would have liked Ms. Cherrilee, she is the best teacher around. She helps fillies in discovering their true talents, its how ponies get their cutie marks." she explained to him. "Cutie marks...? You mean the strange markings on your flanks...?" Scorpion asked her as they walked together. "Yes... you see, a cutie mark represents a ponies talent, in what they are good at. For me, I got three butterflies... which represents my love for animals." Fluttershy explained. "Fascinating..." Scorpion admitted to her, before he could ask another question. His ears under his hood perked from hearing something, he turned only to see Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon picking on the CMC. "What in the name of..." he walked over to them. "Scorpion wait...!" Fluttershy called out to him, but he ignored her. "You blank flanks should know by now... that you're never gonna get a cutie mark, no matter how hard you try!" Diamond Tiara laughed at the CMC. "You'll just remain the same ordinary blank flanks, that you will always be!" she exclaimed to them. Scootaloo at that moment, has had just about enough of her ranting. So she was about ready to punch her for everything she said, but then out of no where, Scorpion grabbed her arm stopping her from doing something reckless. Scootaloo looked to him surprised as Scorpion walked over to Diamond Tiara. "Why do you punish those who are different from you...?" he asked her. Seeing his cold dead eyes, Diamond Tiara couldn't help but feel scared of them, but she tried to hide it. "B-Because I can... blank flanks like those three have no place here..." she explained to him. "Sounds more like you're the one in power, hurting those who can't defend themselves... but you know something...?" Scorpion leaned down to her reaching her eye level. "Where I came from... there is a special place for bullies such as yourself..." he said to her as his face changed to a flaming skull briefly, but long enough to spook the living daylights out of Diamond Tiara. "Now... leave before I change my mind..." Panicking, Diamond Tiara ran away screaming as Silver Spoon followed in pursuit. Scootaloo was surprised from what happened, and looked to the ninja specter. "What did you do...?" she asked him. "It is best you don't want to know young one..." Scorpion replied and looked to Fluttershy. "My apologies for leaving you side..." he offered his apologies to her. "Oh, no its okay... I mean, you were trying to defend these little fillies..." Fluttershy responded to him, before she could ask a question... something caught her attention. Something strange was moving passed the bushes, she couldn't tell what it was... until it shot acid at Scorpion causing her to panic. "Look out!" she tackled him down, avoiding the acid spit. After hitting the ground, Scorpion turned towards the invisible assailant and saw it reveal itself as Reptile. The Raptor spy of Shao Kahn, he hissed at Scorpion causing the CMC to scream. "What is that thing?!!" Applebloom cried out. Glaring at the Zaterran, Scorpion knew who it was. "Reptile... I never expected to see you here..." he said to him. "Shao Kahn demands your death, by request of Quan Chi...!" Reptile informed him of the bounty he had on his head. "Really now...? Did you even bother to ask why he wants me dead...?" Scorpion asked him. Licking his lips, Reptile only snarled. "I don't care... as long as you die in the end!" he charged at Scorpion with the intent to kill him. But Scorpion blocked each of his attacks, but turned to Fluttershy and the CMC. "Fluttershy, get the children out of here!" he dodged another attack from Reptile as Fluttershy nodded in response and took the CMC away from the fight. Reptile hissed and shot his tongue at Scorpion wrapping in around his neck causing him to choke. He struggled for a moment, but he focused his power, and vanished through hell flames appearing behind Reptile. Reptile shrieked from it, but disappeared to hide from Scorpion... the ninja specter searched for the Zaterran to find where he was. But when he wasn't looking, Reptile appeared behind him and jabbed his hooves against Scorpion's side, causing him to cry out. He went to strike him, but Reptile disappeared again... leaving Scorpion vulnerable. Scootaloo watched it happen feeling worried for the colt who stopped her from hitting her childhood bully. "We gotta help him!" she cried out. "You three are not going out there and getting hurt!" Fluttershy said to them with a stern tone. "You girls need to stay here, I'll head to the castle and tell Twilight and the others what's happening..." she said to them as she flew off. Meanwhile, Scorpion was struggling to find where Reptile was... given the extent of his injuries from his previous battle with Quan Chi, he didn't know whether or not he could keep fighting. Reptile saw this as an opportunity, he sneaked towards the injured unicorn... like a snake sneaking up on its prey. Noticing it, Scootaloo watched as leaf's were being stepped on headed towards Scorpion. She realized what was going to happen, and she grabbed a stone and threw it at Reptile, landing a direct hit against his head causing him to grunt. Hearing it, Scorpion turned sharply blocking an attack from the Zaterran. He punched the sneaky lizard twice in the face, but before he could land a third... Reptile dodged and disappeared. Seeing it happen, Scootaloo started to realize what was going on. "Girls, did you see that...?" she asked them. "Yeah, that lizard guy can stay invisible... but should something come into contact with him, he loses focus..." Sweetie Belle theorized. "But he'll just go back to being invisible again, how do we stop that...?" Applebloom asked them. Thinking about it, Scootaloo looked around the area and found a couple of paint cans. Just at that very moment, Scootaloo found a way to beat Reptile's camouflage. "Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, grab those paint cans!" she ran over to them with her friends grabbing three of each different colors. Scorpion meanwhile was twirling his kunai looking very carefully for Reptile, but while he was unaware... Reptile was slowly sneaking towards the specter. Acid spilling from his mouth, fangs ready to dig deep into the throat of his enemy. He went for the kill, but suddenly... "NOW!!!" Scootaloo yelled out as she and her friends spilled paint onto the Zaterran, revealing where he was. "What?!!" Reptile exclaimed and looked to them. "You insolent little mammals! How dare you!" before he could attack them, Scorpion appeared through hellfire, and struck Reptile in the jaw. He grabbed his arm pinning it against his back, dislocating his shoulder causing him to shriek. He then leaped over a tree branch, throwing two kunai's at the Zaterran seeing them pierce his shoulders. He landed on the ground, and pulled the chains, lifting Reptile off his hooves. Feeling his body go over the branch, Reptile panicked as Scorpion pulled as hard as he could, slamming the Zaterran on the ground. Seeing he laid on the ground unconscious, or so it seemed... Scorpion cautiously approached Reptile to see if he was out cold. But to his surprise, Reptile's eyes snapped open as he leaped into the air shooting his tongue at him, but Scorpion caught it causing Reptile to panic. "COME HERE!!!" he pulled Reptile down towards him, and threw a right uppercut against his jaw. Seeing him land on the ground finally unconscious, Scorpion let out an exhale standing down. "Lizards may eat scorpions... but this one still has some fight in him..." The CMC soon rushed towards him. "Wow, that was amazing mister! The way you fought him was unlike anything I've ever seen before!" Scootaloo cried out. "I liked the way you used that chain thing." said Applebloom. "And you're-" before Sweetie Belle could compliment the ninja, Scorpion looked to them with a disapproving scowl. She panicked knowing what it meant. "And you're clearly very angry with something..." she pointed out to him. "You three were supposed to leave the fight to me, why aren't you with Fluttershy...?!" he asked the three fillies. "She went to get Twilight and the others, I'm sure she'll be back soon." said the young Earth Pony as she rubbed her head a bit. "Also, this was Scootaloo's idea." she pointed right at her. Seeing it, Scorpion shut his eyes and calmed down knowing that they were only fillies. He can't blame them for that, so he looked to them giving them a nod in understanding. "Still... you should never involve yourselves in matters that don't concern you." he said to them the best way he could. At that time, Fluttershy and the others arrived to find that Reptile had been defeated. But she looked to Scorpion and rushed to him. "Scorpion, you alright...?" she asked him feeling worried. "I'm alright... just a couple of burns, that's all..." Scorpion replied to her but took notice of Liu Kang and the other Earthrealmers. He could hardly believe his own eyes the moment he saw them. "So everything Fluttershy said was true... you're all here..." he said to them. Johnny let out a small chuckle from hearing it. "Not that we're happy to see you either Scorpy..." he said to him. Snickering from hearing it, Pinkie Pie tried to hold in her laughter. "Scorpy...!" she couldn't contain herself anymore, and burst out laughing from the nickname. "That's enough Pinkie...!" Liu Kang said to her in a stern tone, and turned his attention to Scorpion. "Why did you protect these fillies from Reptile...?" he asked the ninja specter. Scorpion shut his eyes for a moment, but opened them back up looking to him. "Because it seemed like the right thing to do... these fillies were innocent, I couldn't let them face the wrath of the Zaterran." he explained as the CMC looked to him surprised. "It was the only right thing I've done before serving Quan Chi..." Taking a moment to process all he had heard, Liu Kang sensed a great change within Scorpion... something he had not seen since they first fought in the Mortal Kombat tournament. He approached Scorpion and stood in front of him. "If you were willing to protect them... then that will give us reason enough to trust you..." he said to him. "Whoa, whoa, hold on Liu... you're kidding right...? Did you forget how many times this guy tried to kill us in the past?" Johnny pointed out to him to remind them of some personal history. "Cage has a point, there's not telling what his guy might do." said Rainbow Dash as she gave Scorpion a skeptical look. "Hold on now Dash, we shouldn't just judge somepony by their image... true these guys have some history, but sometimes when you know them for so long, you start to understand them a little better. Ain't that right Liu...?" Applejack asked him. Liu nodded his head in agreement and looks to Scorpion. "If you truly betrayed your master, you are more than welcome to join us..." he offered him the chance to join their ranks. Hesitant... Scorpion didn't know what to do, suddenly he felt a gentle hoof against his shoulder, and he looked to Fluttershy who gave him a pleading look to accept the offer. Looking at her eyes, Scorpion couldn't possibly say no. Though in most cases he would... but this young mare took him in, aided him when he was injured, and offered her friendship to him. He soon turned to Liu Kang, to give him his answer. "If it means stopping Quan Chi from ruining more lives... then I will gladly accept your offer." he said to the monk. Smiling in return, Liu Kang bowed to him as Scorpion did the same. The Mane Six smiled seeing it, but unaware to their knowledge... they were being watched. By savage eyes... a pair of glowing, orange, savage, beastly eyes were watching them from the tree's. It began to growl, but Jax's ears twitched from hearing it. He turned to it, seeing something fast charge right at them. "Look out!" he got in the creatures path, and blocked the attack of what appeared to be claw marks on his bionics. The girls yelped from seeing it, and looked to what appeared to be a very large wolf. But it was no ordinary wolf, it managed to stand on its rear legs... standing like a man in Earthrealm. It was a werewolf in broad daylight... it howled and caused the Mane Six to panic from seeing it. "What in the blue blazes is that?!" Applejack cried out. "Looks like a werewolf, and here my producer said I can't do horror movies." Johnny said to them as he backed away with them. The beast snarled at them as he revealed something over his face. Kitana looked to it seeing red paint over its eyes... she recognized the pattern and realized who it was. "Nightwolf...?" she asked. "Night-who-now...?" Rainbow Dash asked her with her eyebrows arched. "One of our allies... he is a Shaman Warrior from Earthrealm who joined us in the fight in Edenia..." Kitana informed them as she looked to the massive wolf. "But it would seem he is trapped within his animality..." she observed it. "Animality...?" Twilight asked her. "The spirit beast which guides you... you can even transform into it. But how did this happen to Nightwolf...?" Liu asked only to dodge his swiping claws. Scorpion blocked his attacks feeling his intense strength. "It must have been an affect of Blaze's power...! It must have infected his animal spirit, and caused it to go on a vicious rampage!" he said to them as he kicked the massive wolf away. "How do we fight something that could kill us with one swipe?!" asked Rainbow as she avoided its snapping jaws. Knowing his power over hellfire, Scorpion looked to Nightwolf believing he could pull it off. "If I can weaken him, I might be able to extract the fire spawn's power from the wolf spirit." he theorized. "Sure you can handle it...? You're still recovering from your injuries..." Sonya pointed out to him. Scorpion simply nodded to her and looked to Nightwolf, he walked towards him knowing it was both a good, yet crazy idea to the point he will end up getting killed. Nightwolf turned seeing him, and snarled viciously at the Ninja Specter. "I know you're in there somewhere Nightwolf... and I won't rest until I get you out of this rage..." he said to him and dodged a swipe of Nightwolf's claws and blocked his next attacks. Scorpion then grabbed a branch, breaking it from the tree it came from. He swung it at Nightwolf smacking him once, and swung it again smacking him across the face as the branch broke. The Mane Six winced seeing it, knowing that it had to be painful. "That looked like a skull fracture for sure..." Rainbow Dash pointed out. Nightwolf snarled and struck Scorpion away and turned to the heroes and charged at them. "Oh boy, look out he's coming for us!" Nightwolf struck at them, but Kitana blocked his attack only to feel his claws tear through her outfit, causing her to cry out and hit the ground. "Kitana!" Liu cried out, and blocked Nightwolf's next attack. "Get away from her!" he landed a few punches against his ribs and kicked him back. Scorpion threw his kunai piercing Nightwolf's shoulder. "COME HERE!" he pulled him away and leaped over the werewolf, slamming his back hooves against Nightwolf's face. Causing him to yelp, as Liu Kang joined in a tag team and charged at him and landed a hard punch to his torso. He punched Nightwolf in the face, and punched him in the torso, he then slammed his hoof against his hoof against his mussel causing it to crack. He then kicked him in the side, punched him in the face and gave him a backhoof, and slammed his hoof against the back of his neck. And for the final blow, Liu Kang kicked the werewolf in the face turning him around slamming his hooves against his back and fractured his chest. "Yeah Liu! You got this!" Applejack cheered out. "He may got him, but Scorpion's got this in the bag." Rainbow Dash boasted. Charging at Nightwolf, Scorpion pulled out his sword and slashed at Nightwolf with the blunt side, but used it to strike a nerve to paralyze him. Nightwolf grunted from it and struggled to stay up, but Scorpion noticed a tree branch above him and leaped to it grabbing hold of it. The giant wolf turned to him eyes widened as Scorpion swung on the branch, and kicked him in the face sending him flying. Nightwolf crashed against an apple tree, he was about to get up, but Scorpion tied him down with his chains around the tree. Whistling from seeing it, Applejack tipped her hat to the ninja specter. "Mighty fine tying there you got... now you better not do anymore damage to this here tree... its Apple Family property!" she exclaimed. "Don't worry... my hell flames won't do anything to the tree... can't say the same for Nightwolf..." Scorpion looked to the thrashing werewolf seeing him struggle. "The poor thing... his transfer here must have been different from when Raiden sent him here.." Fluttershy felt sympathy for him. Sonya touched her shoulder knowing how she feels. "Don't worry... if Scorpion and Liu Kang know what to do, they'll save him..." she assured her as she looked to them. "They have to..." she muttered. Liu Kang and Scorpion approached Nightwolf seeing he was still thrashing, they looked to each other and nodded knowing what needed to be done. They turned to the snarling wolf, and focused their power on extracting Blazes power from Nightwolf. He began to feel the Fire Spawns power leave his body, his eyes reverted from orange to his spiritual green. He soon fell unconscious as the wolf spirit left his body, reverting him back to equine form. Scorpion took the Fire Spawns power, and destroyed it so that it would never corrupt another soul. "It is done..." he said to them. Groaning, Nightwolf began to stir, opening his eyes seeing his allies and that of new ones. "Wha...?" he muttered as he sat up. "What happened...?" he asked as he rubbed his head but soon realized as he looked to them as well as his own body. "Am I in the spirit realm...?" he asked them. Jax chuckled at his question. "Not even close partner..." he helped him stand up. Standing on his own four hooves, knowing it was a familiar feeling... Nightwolf rubbed his head trying to remember what happened. "I was... laying dead amongst the Pyramid of Argus... my soul... and that of my wolf spirit..." he put it all together, and realized what had happened to him. He turned to his allies wanting to know. "Did I hurt anyone...?!" he asked feeling panicked. "Whoa, relax Mr. Wolf... you didn't hurt anypony... although you almost hurt Kitana..." Pinkie mentioned to him only to get disapproving scowls from everyone. "What...?!" "That aside..." Kitana turned to her ally. "You didn't know what you were doing... therefore we forgive you..." she said to him. Although... "I for one, can't... look what he did to your outfit Kitana!" Rarity pointed out to the claw marks on her outfit. "This to me, is a crime against fashion! You will need a new outfit, something that will speak Princess of Edenia." she said to her. Surprised of how she's acting, Kitana shook her head of it. "Really Rarity, that isn't necessary..." she assured her. "Nonsense darling! I want you to have something that will suit you perfectly... free of charge!" Rarity said to her with a kind smile. Twilight tapped her shoulder and leaned to her. "Believe me, its best not to refuse her offer... otherwise she's gonna go into her usual drama..." she said to the Edenian Princess remembering the last time Rarity made dresses for her and the rest of her friends. Surprised of her explanation, Kitana knew there was no way of convincing Rarity, so she nodded to the white unicorn and smiled. Meanwhile, Fluttershy walked to Scorpion who was recovering from his wounds. "Will you be alright...?" she asked him. The specter turned to her and nodded in response. "Yes, I am more than a little relieved that you and your friends are unharmed..." he said to her. Smiling at his response, Fluttershy adjusted her hair a bit but looked to him. "Thank you for that... but you still need some time to recover from your injuries." she reminded him knowing the extent of them. She soon turned to Nightwolf realizing something else. "Most of all, where will Nightwolf stay...?" she asked. "If its alright, I prefer someplace outdoors... wide open space... not confined in a small room." Nightwolf said to her. Hearing this, Applejack smiled and approached him tapping his shoulder. "You're more than welcome to stay at Sweet Apple Acres, there is plenty of room for you there..." she offered to him. "Hey yeah, you'll have plenty of room at Applejack's place." Johnny said to him. Even though Nightwolf's people in Earthrealm had a bad history back in the times of the old west, he looked to the mare sensing something in her heart. It was pure, not tainted like those his ancestors faced in the past... thinking back to her offer, Nightwolf nodded his head to her. "I accept your offer Miss Applejack..." he said to her. "Aw please, call me AJ..." Applejack replied to him, earning a smile in return from the shaman. Suddenly she realized something very important. "Wait a second..." she looked around for Reptile, seeing no sign of him. "Where'd that Reptile fella disappear to?" she asked them. Seeing he's gone, the Earthrealm protectors realized that he may have given them the slip. "He must have gone back to Outworld to report his failure to Shao Kahn..." said Sonya. "I would be willing to wager, that Shao Kahn will not be pleased when he finds out he failed..." Rarity let out a small giggle knowing she is one hundred percent correct. "Anyways, given all that has happened we should get the little ones home... come along Sweetie Belle..." she walked away with her younger sister. "Yeah, I should get the squirt home too..." Rainbow Dash grabbed Scootaloo and flew away from the group. "Guess that leaves me with Applebloom and Nightwolf..." Applejack said as she turned to them. "You two ready...?" she asked them. Nightwolf nodded his head to her. "Lead the way AJ..." he said to her as Applejack took lead and headed to her families form with him and her sister. Meanwhile, Twilight turned to the rest of the group. "I know we've all had quite the experience... but seeing now that things have cooled off.... why don't we take a tour around Ponyville...?" she asked them. "We would like that... it would help us to become much more familiar with our new life." Liu Kang said as he looked to the others. "What do you think...?" "Well I'm game..." said Johnny. "Of course..." Kitana replied to him. "I guess its better than reading books all day..." Sonya muttered under her breath. But Twilight's ears perked from hearing t as she looked to her with a scowl. "I heard that...!" she said to her. Jax go between them to stop a fight from breaking out. "Alright you two, break it up, lets not start a fight after everything that's happened..." he said to them. Knowing that he was right, Twilight cleared her throat and looked to them. "Anyways, lets get the tour started shall we...? Lets get moving while the day is still young..." she and her friends lead the Earthrealm Protectors to Ponyville. Scorpion followed them as well, but he stumbled a bit about to fall... but Fluttershy managed to catch him while he still had strength. She held him up with as much strength she had, she looked to him wrapping one of her wings around him. "Lean on me if you're having trouble standing..." she said to him. Knowing he had been weakened, Scorpion nodded to her and leaned a bit as he followed the tour with her. Rarity glanced back noticing it, a smile formed across her face as her thoughts instantly went to romance. Castle of Friendship, 15 hours later Night fell over Ponyville, and everypony had gone to bed... but there was one who was still awake. Liu Kang was practicing his martial arts to become more familiar with the body he now has, he even took the chance to test out his control over his chi. He held out his hooves and saw fire rising from them. He smiled knowing he still had it... suddenly, a knock came from his door. He walked to the door and opened it and saw who he was expecting. "Nice of you to join me... Flash Sentry..." he said as the door opened wide revealing the Castle Guard himself. "Sorry I came late... the train had some problems..." Flash explained what happened during his travel. "Its alright... I was patient..." Liu assured him as he let him in. "Princess Celestia sent me a letter saying you wished to speak to me..." he sat down in front of the guard looking to him. "So... what about...?" he asked him. Flash hesitated a bit, believing he may reject his request. But he bowed to him with his eyes shut. "I... I wish to learn the ways of the Shaolin..." he requested of him. Liu Kang was surprised by this request, its not every day that someone asks to learn from the Shaolin. But he grew curious as to why he wanted to learn, so he decided to test him. "If you wish to know it, you must have a reason for it... I have met many who had selfish reasons for learning from the White Lotus. Are you doing this so that you could impress...?" he asked him. "No, that's not the reason...!" Flash exclaimed keeping his head low. "The reason is... I've come from a long line of Sentry's, who's duty was to protect those in need. I have done little to prove my worth... I... I want to prove to my family I can be the colt my father was... to protect those I love..." he went into a state of silence for a minute or two. "I know you believe I am being selfish in my reasons... but I will understand if you choose not to accept me..." Amazed by his words, Liu Kang felt just how honest he was in his reasons. He even sensed how much he cared for a certain princess, he smiled shutting his eyes. "In my realm... the Shaolin care about only what's in your heart. Not whom your heart desires..." he looked to him. "Very well... starting tomorrow morning, we will start your training..." Flash raised his head looking to him, he smiled a bit and nodded. "I promise I won't let you down..." he said to him. Meanwhile on the other side of Liu Kang's door, Twilight overheard their conversation. She was surprised from everything she heard, but she smiled proudly of Liu's decision. Suddenly... "Eavesdropping are we...?" asked a familiar voice causing Twilight to tense up. She turned around finding Kitana look at her with her eyebrows arched. "Kitana, its not what it looks like, I swear...!" Twilight tried to explain to her. But before she could, Kitana let out a giggle showing she was only teasing the young princess. "Calm down Twilight... its perfectly fine." she assured her and walked beside her. "So... who is Flash Sentry to you...?" she asked her. Upon hearing the question, Twilight's face turned a bit red as she looked away. "Flash... was someone I knew in the world on the other side of the magic mirror in my library. I suppose you could say I... well..." she gulped as she tried to explain what happened during her adventure. But Kitana figured it out before she could even explain. "You fell in love, didn't you...?" she asked her. "NO! I mean yes, but that isn't..." Twilight panicked for a bit. "It's alright Twilight... believe me, I know love when I see it." Kitana explained to her as she thought back to the first time she and Liu Kang met. "When I met Liu Kang... I actually tried to kill him." she explained but soon noticed a shocked expression on Twilight's face. "I didn't succeed though... I asked him to finish me, but instead, he showed me mercy... I didn't realize it, but when he won the first tournament..." she smiled remembering that night. "I felt exactly the same way you have..." Surprised by her tale, Twilight felt that in a way, she and Kitana were more alike than she realized. "I guess it must have been love at first fight huh...?" she asked her with a smile over her face. Kitana smiled at the thought of it. "You could say that... for now, you should get some rest. Now off to bed with you..." she said to her. Not wanting to argue with her future teacher, Twilight headed straight for her room to get some rest. Their training will be hard, but it will be worth it in the fight against Shao Kahn. > Chapter 4 Cyrax > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Castle of Friendship, Library As day broke, Rainbow Dash flew into the Library to check on Twilight's training. "Hey Twilight, you in here...?" she asked only to see no one around. She walked through the library trying to figure out what to do, suddenly she noticed something on the table. It was Sonya's wrist com. "Hello..." she muttered and looked around. True she shouldn't mess with it, but what harm could there be in learning a little bit of technology...? She reached to it about to touch it, but then out of no where... "Just what do you think you're doing...?" asked a feminine voice causing the blue mare to panic. She turned around seeing Sonya standing before her, she even noticed a skeptical look on her face. "Didn't your mother ever teach you not to touch things that didn't belong to you...?" she asked her. Sweating like crazy, Rainbow Dash pulled away as quickly as she could from her wrist com. "Sorry... I didn't know it was yours..." she said to her and looked to it. "What is that thing anyway...?" she asked her. "Its my wrist com, it allows me to communicate with my comrades, or look at maps of the realm I'm in... but its been on the fritz ever since I got here. I've been getting help from Princess Twilight to add a few elements of Equestria to it, so that it can adapt to your realm..." Sonya explained to her. "Wow... it can do all that...? That's actually pretty cool..." Rainbow Dash admitted as she watched Sonya install some crystals to work with her wrist com. Upon doing so, it activated and started working properly. "Hey its working...!" she watched as a projection of a map, she was psyched out from seeing it, but she soon noticed two signatures on the map. "Hey, what are these things...?" Seeing them, Sonya checked them to see what they were. "Strange... I got two signatures, heavy tech signals..." she looked at them and turned to Rainbow. "This world doesn't have technology what so ever, does it...?" she asked her. "Well if you count Vinyl's DJ booth, no... not a whole lot... why...?" Rainbow asked her out of curiosity. Sonya looked to the signatures starting to recognize it. "I have a hunch we may have found two cyber ninja's... but which ones...?" she wondered as she stared at them. "We should check it out... you and me will head there, and find them. If they're hostile, we can take them..." Rainbow said to her as a smirk crossed her face. Sonya returned with a smirk of her own. "You know, even thought you're quick to rush into a fight, you're not so bad..." she said to him as she put her wrist com around her hoof. "Lets get going, those cyber's aren't going to find themselves..." she walked out of the library. "Right behind you...!" Rainbow followed in pursuit, not knowing what they will face out there. Outskirts of Ponyville Meanwhile, a few miles outside Ponyville, two ponies looked around their surroundings. But strangely... they did not look like ordinary ponies, they appeared to be surrounded what most would consider as a suit of armor. One was a Pegasus, with yellow armor, with light and dark grey patches. His mane and his tail mostly appeared to look more like cables, and his eyes were green. The other, was an Earth Pony, with grey armor, and was dark grey under it. Rather than having cables for his mane and tail, they appeared to look more like wisps of white smoke... and his eyes were a natural red. The two looked around scanning the area for any activity, but there was nothing at the moment. The grey armored Earth Pony looked to his comrade. "We should stick together and keep moving Cyrax... we must find the nearest settlement and find out where we are..." he said to him. The yellow Pegasus, whom he named Cyrax, nodded in agreement. "You're right Smoke... if there is a chance our comrades are alive, we need to hurry before anything else does." he said to him. When all of a sudden... "Well, look what we have here brother..." said a rather annoying voice as the two Cybers turned around seeing who spoke. It was none other than the Flim Flam Brothers themselves. "Seems we have two lost ponies... but might I say, they are wearing such fascinating attire..." said Flim. "I couldn't agree more dear brother... in fact, we could make a lot of bits by selling them. What do you think..." Flam asked his brother. "Splendid idea!" Flim complimented Flam's idea and looked to the two Cybers. "If I may ask, but would you two be interested in selling those armors for a fair price...?" he asked them. Cyrax merely looked at them, not showing any expression what so ever. His eyes began to glow, as he observed their forms. "Scanning species data files..." he spoke out as he scanned the two brothers. "Species identified... unicorns, likely twins, and extreme Con Artists from the looks of them..." he pointed out. Flam scoffed at hearing it. "Con Artists?!!" he cried out. "We sir, are very good business colts trying to make good money!" Flim yelled at him. Smoke walked over to Cyrax tapping his shoulder. "Lets go Cyrax, they're not worth our time..." he said to him as he and Cyrax walked away from them. Not being able to let it slide, Flim took a rock and threw it at Cyrax's head. But Cyrax's motion sensors detected it, and one of his wings extended and sliced the rock in half showing just how sharp they were. The two brothers were stunned by mere shock, and Smoke was more than a little surprised. "Cyrax, how did you...?" "I'm still trying to figure that out myself..." Cyrax admitted but looked to Flim and Flam. "As for you two... you never... should have tried to attack a Lin Kuei assassin..." he said to them. Glaring at him, Flim and Flam stepped up to gang up on him two to one. "What do you say brother...? Shall we teach this armored freak a lesson...?" Flim asked his brother. "By all means, let us show him what we got...!" Flam turned and charged at Cyrax and went to hit him. But Cyrax blocked his attacks, and threw a punch at him only to see him grab his hoof. Scanning the situation, Cyrax's arm twisted around getting free and grabbed hold of Flam. He knocked his metal head against Flam's face causing a fracture. Flam cried out in pain of it, and his brother Flim went for an attack. But Cyrax dodged his attacks, knowing they were amateur a best. He grabbed hold of his arm and landed a quick jab to his face. He turned and pulled a flip kicking Flim in the jaw, causing him to fall down to the ground. Flam grabbed hold of Cyrax from behind holding him down. "I got you now!" he said to the cyber Lin Kuei as Flim got back up from the ground and went to hit him. "Nice try!" Cyrax's chest opened up as he launched a net at Flim snaring him. Flim struggled to get out of it. "What is thi-" before he can ask, Cyrax kicked him away and broke free of Flams grasp. He leaped into the air dropping a bomb onto the ground. The brothers saw it land between them as they looked at it wondering what it was. But the minute it started ticking, they didn't realize until it combusted into an explosion, causing them to fly into the air. At that moment, Smoke appeared behind Flam and grabed hold of him. He threw him towards Cyrax letting him throw a hard hit towards his abdomin. Flam coughed up some blood from the blow, but Cyrax was not finished... he grabbed hold of the unicorn and threw him at their cart seeing him crash against it. "That's one down..." he said seeing him knocked out. He turned to Flim who looked that he wasn't willing to surrender. "You hurt my brother... now you are going to pay for that!" Flim struck at Cyrax landing a few punches, but this did not faze the cyber as he dodged the next few strikes. He ducked under the next punch and blasted Flim into the air, his body split apart as he reformed into the air, kicking him in the back causing it to fracture. He then grabbed hold of him and slammed him on the ground as she stomped on his head. He backed away knowing he was still alive. "Be thankful that I choose not to take your lives..." he said to them. Groaning in pain, Flim got up and rushed back to the cart. "Lets get out of here brother...!" he tried to pull the cart as much as he could. "Here... let me help you with that..." Cyrax blasted the back of their cart, sending them straight down the road. Amused, Cyrax turned to Smoke. "We should get moving... during our fight, I saw a town not too far from here..." he said to him. "Do you believe our friends are there...?" Smoke asked him. "If they are... we may even find Sub-Zero..." Cyrax said to him and looked out holding onto his hopes. Meanwhile, further down the road, Sonya and Rainbow Dash were enroute to where Cyrax and Smoke were. Along the way, Sonya told Rainbow everything about Cyrax and and the other cyber Lin Kuei. Learning this filled Rainbow Dash with shock, and utter disbelief. "I can't believe they would do that... I mean, turning all those warriors into... glorified robots...? That's just messed up..." she admitted to her. "So did I... having to be turned into cyborgs was not what most Lin Kuei wanted. There were those who went against their Grandmasters plan. Those being Sub-Zero, Smoke, and Cyrax..." Sonya explained to her and looked out. "But there was one who embraced the Grandmasters vision... Sektor... who is now currently the leader of the Tekunin Clan." "Wow, he must have a very sick twisted mind..." Rainbow Dash admitted from hearing it. "More than you know..." Sonya agreed with her, but her ears soon perked from hearing something. "Get down!" she ducked down with Rainbow as a missile flew over them, hitting a tree. She looked to who fired it and recognized who it was, despite looking like a red armored unicorn with a dark grey body under it and silver abdomen, and his eyes were blue. It was Sektor himself, he has been following Sonya ever since she left the castle. "You have spoken your last words Sonya Blade..." he said to her. "Sektor... I see you're back from the scrap pile of your Tekunin Warship..." Sonya replied to him. "Everything on that ship was destroyed because of you and your Special Forces...! Now I come here looking like this." Sektor gestured to himself. "Jeez, he's got a real problem... has he ever tried Anger Management...?" Rainbow asked in the form of a joke. Sektor took notice of Rainbow Dash sensing her as an enemy as well. "And I will gladly kill your friend here..." he readied another rocket, forcing Rainbow Dash to panic knowing what the last one did to a tree. But before Sektor could lock on, Cyrax flew towards him and struck Sektor in the face. Forcing him to launch the missile in the other direction. Sektor stumbled a bit and turned to him. "You...!" "Still picking on those smaller than you Sektor...?" the yellow cyber asked him. "Cyrax...!" Sektor stood up and looked to him. "Still defending imperfect organics...?" Smoke rushed to Sonya and Rainbow Dash. "Ms. Blade...? I assume that it is you...?" he asked her. "You're right Smoke... how can I tell...? You still smell like a burned out fire..." Sonya replied to him and looked to Cyrax. "My wrist com detected your signatures, me and Rainbow Dash came to find you both as quickly as we could." she informed them. "Guess it seems we found you instead..." Cyrax said to her and looked to Sektor. "I suggest you all stay back... this is personal..." he walked toward the red cyber circling him as Sektor formed the same motion. "You never should have left the Lin Kuei...!" Sektor said to him readying kombat mode. "Sub-Zero reformed the Lin Kuei to how it should have been... the Grandmasters plan for cyberization was flawed!" Cyrax exclaimed to him. "His plan is not the only thing that is flawed!" Sektor charged at Cyrax and struck at him, only to see him dodge his attacks. But he was not going to let Cyrax out think him. He dodged one of his attacks and landed fast kicks to his sides, and pulled a back spin kick hitting his jaw. Cyrax stumbled a bit from it and saw that Sektor was going for a hard punch. He avoided it and grabbed his arm, landed powerful jabs against his rib cage and slammed a strong right hook against Sektor's cheekbone. "Whoa! He's got good reflexes! But probably not as good as mine." Rainbow Dash boasted with a smirk. "I wouldn't boast just yet..." Smoke advised her and looked to the fight. Sektor lit his flame throwers, and shot fire at Cyrax to burn him. But Cyrax's body split apart and came back together behind Sektor, leaving Rainbow Dash with her jaw dropped from what she saw. Cyrax grabbed Sektor and kneed him in his stomach two times and threw him over. Smoke looked to Rainbow noticing her expression. "I must suggest you close your mouth before you start drooling..." he said to her. Realizing it, Rainbow Dash quickly cleaned the drool off before it could drip. Sektor turned to Cyrax after getting back up, he aimed a missile and fired it at him. But Cyrax was quick to react as he threw one of his bombs at it, causing a large explosion. Seeing nothing but smoke and dust, Cyrax scanned the area trying to find Sektor. But he was gone, no where to be seen. Seeing the smoke clear, Rainbow Dash looked around for him. "Hey... where did he go...?" she asked as she looked around. "Damn... it must be his camouflage..." Sonya looked to her wrist com trying to pinpoint his location. "He must have planned that attack, using the explosion as a smokescreen to hide himself..." "Is there any way of finding him...?" Rainbow Dash asked her. "Unfortunately, he must have made his camouflage more advanced than before... I won't be able to use my wrist com to track him down... we need something that could help make him more visible. But sadly, we don't have any paint cans around..." Sonya pointed out. Suddenly, an idea popped into Rainbow's head as she looked towards a rain cloud and smirked and turned to Sonya. "Don't worry, I got ya covered...!" she flew towards the cloud and grabbed hold of it. This surprised both Sonya and Smoke from seeing it happen, they watched as she gathered more rain clouds creating a large one. "One case of rainfall coming up!" she punched the cloud letting it rain on the whole area. Cyrax looked around as it rained, but behind him... the silhouette of Sektor became visible as rain dropped over his body. Rainbow Dash saw it as her eyes widened. "Behind you!" Reacting quickly, Cyrax turned and pulled a back spin kick landing it against Sektor's face. His camouflage deactivated in the process, Cyrax took the chance to attack. He threw a fast punches against Sektor, kicked him in the neck causing his eye lights to flicker. Standing back, Cyrax launched his net at him snaring the red cyber. Sektor struggled to break free, but Cyrax charged at him and threw a hard punch at his face, knocking him out of commission. Seeing he is knocked out, Cyrax stood down. "Both the Tekunin and the Cyber Lin Kuei, are finished..." he said to him. Rainbow flew down to him and landed on the ground. "Oh man, you are like... so.. AWESOME!!!" she cried out in excitement. "Now I really want to learn the ways of the Lin Kuei...!" Smoke approached her as soon as she said that. "The only way to do that is if you meet Sub-Zero..." he informed her. "Wait, Sub-Zero isn't with you...?" Sonya asked him. "No... ever since we got here, we've been searching for him. We were hoping we could find him in the town nearby..." Cyrax explained to her of their situation. Sonya was surprised as she looked to Rainbow Dash, who shared the same expression with her. Her face soon turned into a frown as she looked to the two cybers. "We're sorry you two, but Sub-Zero might not be there..." she said to them. Both Cyrax and Smoke looked down knowing that their efforts were in vein. But they didn't have time to despair as they looked toward her. "Then with your permission, we will need a place to stay for the time being." Cyrax said to her. "No sweat... we have a place that you can stay in, and trust me... its big." Rainbow Dash said to them. Believing their word, the two cybers followed their comrades to Ponyville to settle in. Not aware of what, or who they may face in the small town. Ponyville, Equestria Everypony in town watched as the two cyber ponies walked through the streets, they clearly sensed there was uneasiness amongst the residence. Never have they seen the likes of them before, nor would it be the last. Cyrax glanced seeing the way they were looking at them, sensing how nervous they were. "I take it there is no technology in this realm...?" he asked. "Yeah, seeing you two might give them the wrong ideas..." Rainbow Dash said to him. "Perfectly understandable... this world, given how strange it may be... it may be better off without Earthrealm's technology." Smoke said to them. "Well now that you bring it up, can't you guys shed that cybernetic armor...?" Rainbow Dash asked them as she pointed to them. "Its not that simple Ms. Dash..." Cyrax said to her as he walked by her. "When the old Grandmaster had the Cyber Initiative turn us into who we are, he wanted to make sure that it was permanent... therefore leaving us the way we are." he explained to her as he looked to his cybernetic body. "I was one of those who stood against the Grandmasters plan... in fact, I chose to join the Lin Kuei..." hearing this surprised Rainbow Dash of what he did, he looked to her to assure her of one thing. "But I never said I would surrender my free will..." "So... you left...? Knowing that they would hunt you down...?" Rainbow asked him. "Yes, Cyrax left the Lin Kuei, defying their laws..." Smoke explained to her and looked to that of himself and his comrade. "But when the Lin Kuei found him, he was going to face death... but the Grandmaster wanted him alive. I soon became cyberized when they captured me in Outworld." "That explains so much now..." Rainbow Dash muttered to herself. Nodding at hearing it, Cyrax soon looked ahead and noticed a familiar ninja ahead of them. It was Scorpion spending some time with Fluttershy. He was surprised, even though he couldn't express it. He still remembered that night when he took Bi Han's life, his body split apart leaving Rainbow, Sonya and Smoke. "Whoa, hey where did he go...?!" "One good guess..." Sonya pointed to where Scorpion was. Scorpion at that time, sensed Cyrax's hostility, and grabbed Fluttershy vanishing from his attack. Cyrax looked around and saw him reappear. "There you are...!" he glared at the ninja specter. "Cyrax, what is the meaning of this...?!" Scorpion demanded to know. "Don't play dumb with me Scorpion...! You think that I would forget what you did...?! Killing Bi Han, and nearly killing Kuai Liang?!" Cyrax asked him as his eyes glowed a bit. Seeing this, Fluttershy began to worry and looked to Scorpion. "Scorpion, what's going on...?" she asked him. Knowing that Cyrax was on a warpath, he couldn't let his rage get unleashed on Fluttershy, or the other residents of Ponyville. He turned to her, knowing she mustn't get involved. "Fluttershy, I need for you to stay back..." he said to her as he looked to Cyrax. "This is a personal matter..." he marched to the street preparing for a fight. "I may have killed Bi Han... but we both know that he was reborn as Noob Saibot..." "Which you caused! I will not rest until I make you pay!" Cyrax charged at him and unleashed his fury against the ninja specter. Scorpion blocked his attacks and leaped back dodging an attack as Cyrax punched the ground. He looked to where Scorpion was, but detached his entire body and reformed behind him. He struck Scorpion down to the ground, and saw him slam into it. Fluttershy gasped seeing it and saw Sonya and the others running to her. "Sonya, what is going on here...?!" she demanded to know. "Fluttershy, believe me when I say, I had nothing to do with this..." Sonya said to her. "Its the truth... Cyrax acted of his own will and attacked Scorpion..." Smoke assured her and looked to the fight. Fluttershy looked to the battle seeing Cyrax attack Scorpion with a powerful punch. "But he was doing nothing wrong..." she said to them. "That isn't entirely true... its not something that he isn't doing, it's what he did..." Sonya said as she watched Scorpion block Cyrax's kick. But as he did, Cyrax leaped and swung his other leg and kicked him in the face causing him to stumble. Scorpion shook off how dazed he was and blocked another attack from Cyrax, he flipped backwards landing a hard kick against Cyrax's jaw. He grunted from the assault, but Cyrax didn't let it faze him as he saw Scorpion throw his chained kunai. He blocked the attack with his wings and charged at him activating his saw blade. He blocked Scorpion's next attack and struck him with his saw blade leaving a few scratches. Rainbow Dash winced from seeing it. "Ouch, that's gotta hurt..." she muttered. "This is insane..." Fluttershy whispered to herself watching the fight. Cyrax pulled out two bombs and threw them at Scorpion. The ninja specter saw it, and quickly teleported the explosives as they appeared behind Cyrax, blowing up behind him. He felt the force of the explosion hit him, forcing him to crash against the wall of Sugarcube Corner. Seeing it happen, Pinkie Pie poked her head out the door with a scowl. "Hey! What's the big idea?!!" she demanded an explanation. "Long story..." Sonya and Rainbow Dash said in unison as Cyrax pulled his head out of the wall and turned to Scorpion. He spread his metal wings and charged at him. Seeing him use his bladed wings, Scorpion dodged his attacks to avoid further injury. He eventually caught Cyrax's wing and smacked him across the face and kicked him in the stomach. But as it happened, Cyrax grabbed hold of Scorpion's leg and punched him in the face. Seeing he is dazed, Cyrax landed and uppercut, launching Scorpion into the air. He leaped up and grabbed hold of him, and slammed him on the ground. He backed away from the injured ninja, seeing he is defeated. "This is the end for you Scorpion..." he pulled out his saw blade, preparing to end his life. But before he could, Fluttershy got in his way, defending him. Cyrax was surprised by her action. "Move out of the way..." he said to her. "No, I won't let you hurt him any more...!" Fluttershy protested against him as she stood firm. "He wasn't harming anypony, yet you attacked him without warning! If you honor this Bi Han, then honor who he was in life..." she said to him. Cyrax was surprised of what she said, he looked to Scorpion seeing him stand up holding his injuries. He wanted to end his life, but something in him realized that this is what the old Cyber Lin Kuei would have done. He looked down knowing it was wrong, so he deactivated his saw blade putting it away. Seeing it happen, Scorpion walked to him. "I know you respected Bi Han... I myself did once before..." he said to him. Cyrax looked to him, and realized what he meant into his words. "You wanted me to attack you..." he said to him. Scorpion nodded his head and looked down. "It was to release your anger, to unleash your agression. Not a moment goes by that I wish I could undo what I did... if I had realized that Quan Chi was the true murderer of my family and clan, I could have spared Bi Han of his fate." he admitted to the cyber ninja. Hearing it come from him... Cyrax looked down understanding what he tried to do. "It made me feel worse..." he said to him. Fluttershy approached him placing a hoof on his shoulder. "Sometimes we all have to face our own mistakes. Even if we can't see them for what they are..." she said to him. He looked to her, even if he couldn't show any expression, Cyrax knew that her words were true despite what he tried to do. He nodded to her. "You speak wisely young one... I apologize for my aggression..." he apologized to her. Fluttershy nodded in reponse, suddenly Pinkie Pie showed up with a glare. "I'd forgive you myself... IF YOU HADN'T CRASH INTO THE WALL OF MY HOME!!!" she exclaimed as she directed everyones attention to the large hole in the wall. Even Mister and Misses Cake were examining it from the inside of Sugarcube Corner. Scorpion looked to it and chuckled a bit. "That would entirely be my fault, I will take full responsibility..." he said to them. Sonya walked up to them. "We're sorry for the damages, we will have the damages paid for. Meanwhile, we need to get Cyrax and Smoke to Twilight's castle..." she informed them. "Thank you dearie..." said Mrs. Cake. "We appreciate it..." said Mr. Cake as the Pound and Pumpkin Cake were causing a ruckus inside the shop. "No little ones! Don't do that!" he rushed to stop them. Chuckling at seeing it, Sonya turned to Scorpion remembering his injuries. "You best get those looked at, can't have you wandering through town looking like a bloody mess..." she said to him. "I'll make sure its taken care of..." Scorpion replied to her and walked with Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash turned to the two cybers and walked up to them. "So, you ready to head for the castle...?" she asked them. "We are... we need to meet with this Twilight Sparkle you spoke of, and hope she could help us in locating Sub-Zero..." Smoke said to her. They nodded to him and headed straight for the Castle of Friendship. Never knowing what awaited them, or to who was watching them in the shadows. Shao Kahn's Dungeon, Outworld Raiden, still chained to the wall, his wounds slowly healing given his weakened state. His thoughts meanwhile, returned to the days he spent with Celestia when he was still himself back then. Suddenly, the door to his cell opened, and he looked to who it was. It was Quan Chi who had his smug grin on his face. "Come to torment me some more sorcerer...?" asked the thunder god. "You assume much Raiden... and here you are, still despairing over silly little equines..." Quan Chi said to him. "The ponies of Equestria have nothing to do with this, leave them out of this...!" Raiden pleaded to him. Quan Chi only laughed at his plea, and kneeled to him. "So its true... not only do you care for the humans of Earthrealm... but for these creatures as well..." he said to him as he pulled out Celestia's Amulet. Raiden's eyes widened in horror from seeing it, and Quan Chi smirked seeing his expression. "More particularly... you care for one close to you..." Raiden lunged at him but his chains held him back, but it didn't stop him from glaring at the evil sorcerer. "If you so much as touch Celestia, I will make sure you suffer a fate worse than death!" he threatened him. A chuckle is heard from behind the cell door, he looked to see Shao Kahn standing in the doorway. He chuckled with his arms crossed. "How the mighty have fallen..." the dark emperor said to him as he approached him. "But since you have shown to have affections to this Celestia... we will see to it that she suffers the most..." he said to the thunder god causing him to fall further into despair. He turned to Quan Chi, with a smirk. "See to it that Noob Saibot accomplishes his mission in that realm..." "Yes emperor..." Quan Chi bowed to him and walked out of the room. Meanwhile, Shao Kahn turned to Raiden seeing how broken he had become. "Don't worry Raiden..." he grabbed the thunder gods head and held him up. "You will live knowing... that everything you sought to protect will be destroyed because of your arrogance..." he let out a dark chuckle and walked out of the room. Raiden lowered his head knowing that Shao Kahn was right, he raised his head looking to the sealing of his cell. Knowing that he is alone, he knew there was nothing left to do... but pray. (This song is Parody of God Help the Outcasts, from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.) Raiden; I don't know if You can hear me Elder Gods Or if You're even there I don't know if You would listen To a my prayers He looked down thinking back to the times he spent with Celestia before he became an Elder God himself. He shut his eyes regretting ever leaving, and becoming who he is now. Yes, I know I'm just a fallen god I shouldn't speak to You Still, I remember you faces and wonder Were You all once outcasts, too? Tears formed in his eyes as he clenched his fists and looked up to the sealing. Gods help the Equestrians Innocent since birth Show them the mercy They don't find on earth Gods help her people Who look to You, still Gods help the Equestrians Or nobody will His thoughts returned to the ponies of Equestria, he remembered their smiles, their hopes and dreams, and even the love that they shared. Some ask for wealth Some ask for fame They even ask for glory to shine on their name Some ask for love they can possess They ask for the Gods to protect and guide them He soon lowered his gaze knowing that his prayers may not be answered. For the Elder Gods may have forsaken him the day he sacrificed himself. But I asked for nothing I can get by But I know so many Who aren't as lucky as I But please help her people The peaceful and just Show them the light The hope of Peace Gods help the Equestrians People of the light. He lowered his head feeling despair take hold, but he refused to give in. He rose his head showing a glare on his face, not only will he give up... he needed a plan to escape from the dungeon. But in order to do that, he needed to regain his strength. Castle of Friendship, Equestria Sonya and Rainbow Dash had arrived with Cyrax and Smoke to meet up with Twilight in the library. "Remember you two, Twilight and the others will still be new to technology, so it is best to make sure you don't say anything about it. she advised them of it. "We will keep that in mind..." Cyrax replied to her as they walked into the library, but when they entered the room... there was no one around. "Odd... you said she would be here..." "She was..." Rainbow responded as she looked around, but soon found a note on one of her books. She walked over to it to read it. "Dear Rainbow Dash, if you're reading this, I am currently training with Princess Kitana in the meadow. I estimate this might last a couple of hours, or all day. But I will be sure to check in with you as soon as I get back. Your friend, Twilght Sparkle..." she groaned knowing this was no how she planned it. "Kitana had to pick today of all days to train her...?!" "Relax Rainbow, I'm sure that it won't take that long..." Sonya said to her. All of a sudden her ears twitched from hearing a sharp sound. Her eyes widened and she looked to Rainbow Dash. "Get down!" she tackled the rainbow haired Pegasus down as dark shuriken's flew by piercing a few books on the library shelves. She turned to the source of the throw, and found that it was Noob Saibot. "Hello Sonya Blade... miss me...?" he asked her with a smug grin behind his mask. Sonya only glared at the phantom and stood up from the ground. "Noob...!" she was about to charge but she felt a sharp pain in her right hind leg, and saw that one of the shuriken's managed to hit her. "Awww... such a shame, I was hoping to torment you some more, but I'd rather hurt a target that is more active..." Noob turned his attention to Cyrax and Smoke. "You two I have more interest in..." he said to them. "Bi Han... what you are doing is wrong..." Cyrax said to him. "What I do is to ensure that Quan Chi and the Netherrealm is victorious... Smoke, Cyrax... you should join me in this conquest, and together we can destroy our enemies." Noob said to them, offering them a chance to do something they would never agree to. "Why protect these creatures, when they are so inferior to the likes of us... they will only revile you both as monsters." Listening to his words, Cyrax and Smoke looked to each other and nodded to one another. They looked to Noob and glared at him for everything he said. "The only one inferior here, is you... you joined Quan Chi and became this phantom... you tried to kill your own brother, you corrupted Smoke's mind..." Cyrax listed all the horrible things that he did in life. "You are not Bi Han... you're just a revenant dog!" Glaring at the last insult, Noob used his magic to form a crescent blade and stances. "If I'm a dog... then you're dog food...!" he charged at Cyrax going for a killing blow, but Smoke get in the way and blocked his attack as Cyrax leaped over and kicked him in the face. Stumbling from the blow, Noob threw a shuriken at him only to see him dodge the attack as Smoke threw a ball of smoke at Cyrax's hooves seeing him disappear. Rainbow Dash saw it surprised. "Whoa, where did he go?!" she asked as she looked around. She eventually saw a cloud of smoke appear above, and Cyrax dove down and kicked Noob in the chest knocking him down. Rainbow Dash's eyes were wide as saucers from what she saw, never before had she seen such team work, or skill be shown in her entire life. "Wow... their power is just intense..." Sonya smiled as she watched the battle. "That's the power of the Lin Kuei for you... trained to be assassins, but when Sub-Zero took over, that all changed..." she said to her. Smoke went for a strike towards Noob, but he blocked the cyber ninja's attack and kicked him away. But Cyrax managed to land a few punches against him, and landed a strong uppercut against the phantom, sending him into the air. He hit the ground and spat out black blood onto the ground and noticed he lost a tooth. Noob glared at seeing it and turned to them, forming his crescent blades to kill them. But Cyrax blocked his attacks, as Smoke disappeared and reappeared behind him grabbing his hoof stopping him from going for another strike. "You're finished...!" he said to him and landed a kick to his abdomen. Cyrax charged and swung a hard right hook, dazing the phantom as Smoke landed a left hook against the dazed phantom. Cyrax pulled a back spin kick landing it against Noob's face, as Smoke did a backflip kicking him in the jaw. Then the two cyber rose their back legs and kicked Noob in both the head, and his waist. Sonya and Rainbow Dash winced from seeing it, knowing that would be enough to cripple the dark assassin. But he still stood on his own hooves. "You... cannot defeat me...!" he said to them as he held his injuries. "You are nothing... but a bunch of cybernetic frea-" before he could finish his sentence, his whole entire body was frozen solid. "WHOA!!!" Rainbow Dash cried out seeing it. "How in the wide world of Equestria did that happen?!" she asked and looked to the cause of it. It was a greyish blue unicorn, with a blue assassin outfit, with dark grey fabric, and white patches to it. It was none other than the Lin Kuei Grandmaster, Sub-Zero. He looked to his former brother and approached him. "You're an even bigger disappointment brother..." he said to him. "Sub-Zero!" Smoke rushed to him with Cyrax. "Its good to see that you're alive..." he said to him. "You too Smoke..." Sub-Zero replied and looked to Cyrax. "You as well Cyrax..." Cyrax bowed to him as a sign of respect. "It is good to know you're alright..." he said to him and stood up. "But how did you get here...?" he asked the grandmaster. "When I woke up, I was alone and in this form... I eventually saw the fight between you and Sektor. So I kept to the shadows, not realizing that Bi Han was following you as well. So I rushed into this castle as fast as I could, and I arrived just in time." Sub-Zero explained to them and looked noticing Sonya Blade and Rainbow Dash. "Sonya Blade... I'm surprised you're here as well..." "Hello to you too Sub-Zero... nice to know you still care very little." Sonya said to him sarcastically. But Sub-Zero ignored the sarcasm and noticed Rainbow Dash starring at him. "You realize that its rude to stare...?" he asked her, snapping her out of her moment of awestruck. She shook her head and smiled a bit. "Sorry... but, I heard so much about you, and never would have thought I would meet you..." she responded to him. "But may I say what a great honor it is to finally meet you sir..." she said to him and bowed. "The honor is mine..." Sub-Zero responded to her. Sonya approached Noob looking at him. "So what are we gonna do about tall, dark and gruesome...?" she asked the grandmaster of what to do with his frozen brother. Sub-Zero looked to his former brother, and turned to her. "He will need to be relocated, we can't allow him to unleash his rage here..." he said to them. "And how are we supposed to haul a big ice cube out of here...?" Rainbow Dash asked him. "I may be able to help with that..." a voice called out, everyone turned and saw that it was Twilight who was standing beside Kitana. "I can teleport him someplace he won't be able to return from, once there, he'd have to travel long ways trying to figure out where to go." she explained to them. "That would be best... my brother will be around other equines..." Sub-Zero agreed to the idea. Nodding to the grandmaster, Twilight focused her magic to teleport Noob someplace far away. Choosing the location, she blasted Noob with her magic, and transported him away to that location. "That takes care of him..." she said as her legs began to shake. She started to collapse, but Rainbow managed to catch her. "Thanks Rainbow Dash..." "Looks like Kitana has been working you to the bone there Twi..." Rainbow said to her noticing slight bruises on her hooves. "When it comes to training with an Edenian, you need to treat it as if it were actual combat." Kitana said to her. "The same goes for the Lin Kuei... and it should have remained that way before the original grandmaster chose to cyberize all our comrades." Sub-Zero gestured to Cyrax and Smoke. "That is insane... and SWEET CELESTIA!!!" Twilight cried out seeing Cryax and Smoke, and observed their cybernetic bodies. "I never thought I'd see such advanced cybernetic bodies, true technology is still new to Equestria, but this is far more advanced from anything I've ever seen!" Surprised of how she's acting, Cyrax looked to Rainbow Dash as Twilight continued to observe him. "Is she always like this...?" he asked her. "That's Twilight for ya..." Rainbow responded as she shrugged her shoulders. She soon turned her attention to Sub-Zero, and grew a bit curious. "Um... excuse me, grandmaster...?" she earned his attention and she inhaled letting out an exhale. "There is something I would like to ask..." "You wish to know how to become a Lin Kuei, don't you...?" Sub-Zero asked her. Her eyes widened to the size of saucers, never before had Rainbow Dash's questions been guessed by someone else. "H-How did you know...?!" she asked him how he knew. Chuckling at how surprised she was, Sub-Zero turned facing her directly. "During the travels here, I overheard how much you began to admire the Lin Kuei, despite its dark past. Also... I sense in you a deep devotion, to fight along side your friends against the forces of evil... it is an admirable quality." he said to her. Rainbow Dash was surprised from everything he said to her, never before had anyone... especially an assassin see so much potential within her. She shook her head, and looked to him. "So... is it possible for me, even though I'm a Pegasus... to become a member of the Lin Kuei...?" he asked him if she could join his clan. Sub-Zero looked at her, seeing how determined she was to become one. True, he knew very little about the realm he now resides in. But he knew potential when he looked at it. "Even though you show much promise Rainbow Dash... you have much to learn if you plan to become a member of the Lin Kuei." he said to her as he noticed she was about to cheer. "But..." he stopped her from doing so. "Until you learn to have more discipline... you will fall short..." Rainbow looked into his eyes seeing how serious he was, she knew that she mustn't disappoint him. Otherwise her chances of helping her friends in the fight against he forces of Outworld will be slim to none. She shut her eyes and bowed to him. "I promise, I won't let you down..." she said to him. Sub-Zero looked at her and shut his eyes, nodding in response. "Then starting tomorrow, you will address me as Grandmaster.... he said to her. "Yes Grandmaster..." Rainbow Dash replied to him. Twilight and Kitana smiled for them, knowing that Rainbow Dash will have a lot to learn from Sub-Zero. But it would be wise for her to not get her hopes up, because Lin Kuei training will not be easy... and Sub-Zero will make sure of that. Sonya of course, was also proud of the fact she has a master of her own. Cyrax glanced to her noticing that she had tears in her eyes. "Sonya, are you crying...?" he asked her. Panicking from his question, Sonya quickly wiped her tears a way. "No, its just... I got something in my eye, I never cry..." she fibbed trying to hide it. But Cyrax, even though he can't show it... was smirking under his face plate, knowing that she was lying about it. But he chose to let it slide as he looked to Sub-Zero and Rainbow Dash, who was cheering at the fact she now has a master of her own. She will need all the lessons she needs to face against Shao Kahn and his forces, because if he invades Equestria... they will be unprepared for what may happen. > Chapter 5 Flash Sentry > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carousel Boutique, Ponyville The next day in Ponyville, Rarity was working on Kitana's new outfit since her old one was ruined by Nightwolf a few days back. The outfit that she will soon have was dark blue, with gorgeous blue pattern and silver trim. "Alright darling, I knew that you're still new to wearing your clothes as a pony. But I guaranty, these will just slip on..." she said to the Edenian Princess as she levitated her outfit to her. Kitana focused her magic and held the outfit with her aura and observed it. "It's beautiful... you certainly have an eye for detail Rarity..." she said to her. "Thank you dearie... I mean I am the best fashionista in Ponyville." Rarity boasted about it. This caused Kitana to giggle at how boastful she was. "Don't be too boastful, I will go to the dressing room to try it on." she walked to it to put on her new outfit. Smiling from hearing it, Rarity set her sowing equipment down and sorted it in perfect organization. Suddenly she heard the bell ring at her door. "I'll be right with you... just give me a second..." she used her magic to place the fabrics back in orders, and turned to the customer. "Now, how can I-" before she could ask, she looked and saw that it was Liu Kang. "Liu... I see you got my message..." she said to him. "And I almost knocked out the messenger..." Liu pointed out to Spike, who was resting on his back passed out. Seeing it surprised, Rarity used her magic to levitate him onto her sofa. "I am truly sorry he came to you unannounced, but I thought you'd be happy to know that the outfit you asked me to make has been finished..." she informed him and walked over to the wardrobe. "That's good to hear... Flash Sentry will need the right outfit for our training sessions..." Liu said to her and heard doors opening. He turned to it, and his eyes slightly widened in surprised from seeing Kitana in her new outfit. His face, despite his reddish skin... formed a blush from looking at her. Kitana looked to him and smiled noticing it. "What do you think Liu Kang...?" she asked him. Feeling tongue tied, Liu didn't know how to describe her as he pulled on his collar letting out a nervous chuckle. He cleared his throat snapping out of his little dilemma. "You look stunning Kitana..." he said to her. His compliment caused Kitana to giggle a little bit, Rarity noticed it and looked to Liu. "Liu..." she tried to gain his attention but failed. "Liu...!" she tried shouting a bit, but it didn't work either. So... it was time to let it out. "Liu Kang!" she shouted even louder. Jumping from her shout, Liu Kang snapped out of it and looked to her. "Flash's outfit..." she gave it to him. "Oh... heh, sorry Rarity..." Liu took the outfit. "How much do I owe you...?" he asked as he was about to pull out some bits. "No need darling, this ones free of charge...." Rarity said to him. Surprised of it, Liu Kang put them away and looked to her. "If you insist..." he said to her and looked to Kitana. "Good luck in your training with Twilight..." he said to her and smiled. "Same to you with Flash..." Kitana replied to him. Rarity watched as the two looked at each other, and a smirk grew over her face. At that moment Liu Kang broke eye contact and headed out the door, Rarity turned her attention to the Edenian showing her smirk. "You two truly have feelings for one another, don't you...?" she asked her. Kitana's face flushed red a little as she looked away. "Very... but its a bit... complicated..." she said to her. "Complicated or not, darling... you've got to tell me everything. Leave not details out..." Rarity said to her. Kitana smiled a bit knowing there was no way out of this situation. Shao Kahn's Throne Room, Outworld Walking through the throne room, Mileena opened a portal across from where the throne was, preparing to travel to Equestria. But suddenly... "Where do you think you are going Mileena...?" asked a familiar voice as she turned around seeing Shang Tsung. "Your father did not permit you to leave Outworld..." he said to her. "I've grown bored torturing Raiden... I need to stretch my legs somewhere I can find fresh prey..." Mileena said to him. "You do realize that Shao Kahn will be displeased that you left..." Shang reminded her of his rage. "So you keep reminding me..." she responded sarcastically and walked into the portal. Frustrated with her Shang Tsung only crossed his arms knowing her arrogance shows no bounds. Suddenly... "Let her have her fun..." said Shao Kahn as he approached. "Mileena can use a new playmate after having to torture Raiden the past few days..." "But sire... from what I learned from Ermac, our forms will change when we enter that realm. She may experience the same effects, and walk into uncharted territory. A realm we still know very little about..." Shang informed him of what he learned. "I already have Quan Chi looking into it. Once we have the information we need, we will have the means to invade that realm and enslave it. Kill anyone who stands in our way..." Shao Kahn said to him. Shang Tsung knew from past experience that the previous invasion against Earthrealm did not go as planned. Who is to say that this invasion will succeed where the others have failed...? Shang did not know what may happen, because should the Elder Gods learn of this plot... they would suffer the consequences. Castle of Friendship Training Arena, Ponyville As Liu Kang prepared to train, he was waiting upon Flash Sentry. Hearing the doors open, Liu Kang looked to his student seeing him in his training outfit. "How does it feel...?" he asked him. "Feels pretty light..." Flash replied as he leaped a couple times. "And surprisingly comfortable..." he pointed out. "It's to help you feel more flexible in the art of combat... if you are to become a Shaolin Warrior, you will have to learn the fighting ways my master taught me..." Liu Kang said to him as he adjusted his arm bracers. "Now... you ready...?" he asked the castle guard. Even though he will still be knew at this, Flash was determined to succeed. He looked to Liu and nodded his head, Liu smiled and stood beside him. "Now... follow my lead, and I will show you what it means to be a Shaolin..." he showed his fighting style as Flash Sentry followed his instructions. Meanwhile, Twilight was watching them from behind a crystal formation of her castle. She observed as Flash followed Liu Kang's instructions, but Liu corrected his posture a bit to make sure he had it down correctly. She giggled a bit, unaware she was being watched. "You just can't take your eyes off him..." said a familiar country voice. Twilight yelped and saw that it was Applejack, who looked at her with a smirk across her face. "Applejack, its not what you think...!" she exclaimed. A chuckle came out of Applejack as she nudged her friend a bit. "Come on Twi, ever since Sunset Shimmer took your crown, you couldn't stop thinking about the other Flash Sentry." she reminded her of the human version. "Its like in a way, this one reminds you of him... despite the differences." she said to the young Alicorn princess. Knowing she was right, Flash did remind Twilight of the human version of himself. She never let go of the fun times she spent with him, despite how brief they were in the other world. Hours passed, and Liu Kang helped Flash memorize each technique they developed. He adjusted his arm bracers and looked to his student preparing. "You ready Flash...?" he asked him. Stretching his muscles, Flash prepared for an actual fight. "Ready and waiting..." he replied. Focusing his chi, and forming it into flames. Liu Kang held them in his hooves and made them disappear. "Lets put your training to the test." he said to him. Flash stood in his fighting stance, and charged at Liu throwing some punches. Liu dodged his attacks. "More focus!" he blocked his next attack, and landed a punch against his side causing him to grunt. Twilight watched it happen as she started pulling her mane. Shaking off the pain, Flash looked to him and saw he was going for another strike. He blocked his attack and kicked him in the side, and rose his leg higher, kicking his master in the neck. He flipped backwards and kicked him in the jaw, causing him to fly into the air and fall to the ground. "Yes!" Twilight cried out. Liu got up from the dirt rubbing his chin. "Not bad... but the fight isn't over yet..." he reminded Flash as he charged at him and sent a few kicks at him. But Flash managed to block his kicks from getting him, only the next attack was a quick jab to his face, and a hard left to his right cheek. "Don't get cocky Flash, if this were a fight against one of Shao Kahn's minions, you'd be dead..." he went for another strike. Flash immediately blocked it with his left wing to distract him as he threw a right hook, connecting it with Liu's ribcage. He winced from the surprise attack, but retaliated with a dragon fire as he went to blast him. But Flash leaped over dodging it, he landed behind Liu and kicked him in the back. Twilight and Applejack were amazed at how well he's holding his own. "Wow... I should have made a bet on this match..." said Applejack as she watched them fight. "Don't go there AJ..." Twilight said to her and looked to the fight. Liu Kang exhaled and blocked Flash's next attack, and rapidly jabbed him in his chest. Flash stumbled back from the next punch Liu landed against him, he soon saw him about to land a flying kick, but Flash ducked from it as Liu's hoof grazed his hair a bit. He exhaled knowing that attack would've hurt like crazy, but he stayed focus as Liu Kang charged at him to land a few blows. But Flash managed to avoid his attacks, landing quick punches to Liu's face, and landed a strong uppercut against him. Liu Kang stumbled a bit shaking his head. Flash charged at him and leaped over kicking him in the face, forcing him to fall down to the ground. He landed on the ground, and looked to where Liu was and prepared for anything. "Do you yield...?" he asked him. Liu panted a bit but chuckled lightly, and looked to his pupil. "Well done Flash..." he said to him as he got up with his help. "Even though you still have a lot to learn, you might make a great Shaolin Master one day..." "Well, I'm not sure about that... but I will do my best to help those in need." Flash said to him as a smile formed across his face. Applejack let out a holler as he walked out with Twilight. "That was amazing Flash! You sure gave Liu here a run for his bits..." she said to him. "Your skills are almost equal to his, but you managed to pull through even thought it felt like your life was on the line." Twilight said to him as a small blush appeared on her cheeks. It was the same for Flash as his face turned slightly red, he smiled letting out a chuckle as he rubbed the back of his head. "For a moment there, I felt like I was gonna lose my life there." he admitted to her. "But, I'm glad I managed to win the fight, even though it was only a training exercise." "Least you survived..." Applejack patted his shoulder but looked noticing the sun going down. "Oh nelly, I better get back home... Nightwolf and Applebloom is watching over Granny, and I better check on them. See ya'll tomorrow..." she rushed off to Sweet Apple Acres to check on them. Liu Kang looked to Flash knowing that they had an entire day of training. "You should get some rest too Flash, you're going to need it." he said to her as Flash nodded in agreement. Liu then turned to Twilight. "Twilight, is it alright for you to let Flash stay here for the night...?" he asked her. Surprised of his question, Twilight's eyes were wide as saucers and she looked to Flash showing how red her face was. Him? Under her roof? True she'd be inclined to deny it, but that would make her look bad, so she took a deep breath and calmed down. "Of course..." she replied to Liu and turned back to face Flash. "Right this way..." she lead him inside. Liu Kang watched them go inside, and smiled knowing there connection is deeper than he could have imagined. But unaware to his knowledge... someone was watching his student. Within the castle, Twilight walked beside Flash heading to his own guest room. She glanced at him for a second, but quickly looked away as he looked to her. She still felt a bit nervous when he was around him, especially being this close. Given his training, Flash Sentry began to sense how nervous she was. "You alright...?" he asked her. She jumped a bit startled and looked to him forcing a smile. "Of course, why wouldn't I be...?" she asked him. "You've been quiet ever since we entered your castle..." Flash pointed out to her. "W-Well its just... a bit surprising that you will be staying the night here, and you would have gone back to Canterlot to work on your training there." Twilight said to him. Flash looked at her not feeling convinced of her excuse. "Princess, if its something personal... you don't have to tell me..." he said to her. "No! No... its not that... its just..." Twilight inhaled and sighed knowing that lying isn't right, she needed to be straight with him. "Its there was someone just like you... well, technically it was you. Just different... and I... may have kind of..." she gulped hesitating what to say to him. "Fell in love...?" Flash asked her... she didn't want to deny it, but she nodded her head in response. Flash smiled a bit and touches her shoulder. "I know you're nervous having me around... but that's normal for most ponies. But love... takes time, you should get to know that pony and see where your relationship goes from there..." he said to her and smiled. Surprised of his words, Twilight knew for certain that he was right. She smiled a bit, but she twisted her hoof and yelped about to hit the ground. But before she could land, Flash immediately caught her as she was only inches from the ground. "You okay...?" he asked her. She looked to him looking straight into his eyes, true she saw them from the other Flash Sentry. But when she looked at this one, she felt just as lost in his eyes. But she immediately snapped out of it and shook her head blushing. "Um, yes... I think I twisted my hoof a little..." she pulled away from him. "I'll be fi-" before she could finish what she was gonna say, she took a step with the hoof she twisted only to cry out in pain as she held it. Seeing it happen, Flash knew she was only trying to act tough as he took her hoof holding it in his. Feeling it, Twilight looked to him as a small blush was on her face. He looked to her with a smile, and walked with her. "Just stay close to me... I'll escort you to your room..." "But.. what about you...?" Twilight asked him. "I'm sure I'll find my room... don't worry..." Flash said to her as escorted her to her bedroom. Twilight followed him and took a small glance looking to him. Her thoughts returned to her conversation with Applejack, and began getting the feeling that she may be right. She smiled and looked ahead as they went to her room. As the entered, Flash walked Twilight to her bed and helped her get in it. He took her hoof and looked at it. "Just as I thought, you've been standing in that spot watching me train with Liu Kang for the past several hours.." he said to her. Surprised from what he said, Twilight was starting to feel curious. "How did you know...?" she asked him. "During the fight, I managed to take a quick glance and saw that you and Applejack were watching us." he explained to her. "I'm sure if you wrap some ice around it, it will help ease the pain." Twilight taking his instructions to heart, and did it without hesitating, even though it began to sting a bit. She hissed a bit from the pain that was still there, she looked to him and smiled a bit. "Thanks Flash... I guess my training with Princess Kitana was a little rougher than yours..." she admitted to him. Flash chuckled from hearing it. "Well... I wouldn't say that, I mean my training was tough... I just never thought trying to become a Shaolin would be this tough." he said to her. "You kidding? You should try training in the Edenian fighting style..." she argued but formed a playful smirk. The two ponies began to laugh together, knowing that they were having a good conversation. But Twilight soon noticed the sun disappeared, and the moon took its place in the sky... she looked to him and used her magic to form a wisp of her aura sending it to where he will find his room. "Follow it, and you'll find your room from there..." she said to him and smiled. Seeing it happen, Flash turned to her and smiled. "Thank you Princess..." he expressed his gratitude to her. "Please... just call me Twilight..." she said to him as a reminder to call her by her normal name. Flash blushed a little bit, but he smiled and nodded to her. "Of course... thank you Twilight..." he said to her and exited the room. Twilight watched him go as she started feeling butterfly's in her stomach. She sighed and laid down on her bed, feeling to softness of it. She then looked to her hoof thinking back to how he held it... it was just like back in the Canterlot High world. Only just a tiny bit different from how it was when she had hands. 4 hours later that night Flash was sound asleep in his guest room, sleeping comfortably under his blankets as he laid on the bed. But suddenly, his ears twitched purely by instinct as he felt a cool breeze flowing by. His eyes snapped up as he got the feeling something was watching him, he looked to the window of his room seeing it open. He even saw someone sneaking out of it, and he wasn't going to let who ever it was get away. He flew out the window and followed after who it was, he chased after them into the forest and looked around. "Who's out there?!" he called out for them. "I know you're there... there's no use hiding...!" he looked for them trying to keep his senses sharp. Suddenly he started hearing a sadistic chuckle within the forest. "So... you're Liu Kang's prodigy...?" asked a feministic voice as she remained hidden. "I must say, he picked quick the student..." Flash started to grow nervous of the situation. "What do you want with him...?" he asked her. "Oh nothing... I'm more interested in you..." she said to him as she appeared right behind him. "Flash Sentry..." Eyes widened seeing her, he was about to strike at her... but the assassin held a sai to his neck with her magic. He panicked sensing that she was pure evil, and she was a predator on the hunt. "W-What do you want with me if not my master...?" he asked her. "Oh nothing really... just want a nice little chat with my new playmate..." she said to her as her chest was against his back. "Tis a shame though that my form had to change... but my face remained the same..." she pulled down her veil as Flash glanced to her. His eyes widened seeing her sharp fangs. This was no ordinary pony, it was Mileena, clone of Kitana and daughter of Shao Kahn. "Hideous, I know... but I'm used to it by now..." Even though Flash was trying hard not to gag, he needed to stay strong... especially when it comes to this evil assassin. "Look, what ever it is you want, I won't say a thing..." he said to her. Mileena only chuckled at his bravery as she kept her sai to his neck. "You're a brave little pony..." she leaned closer to his face looking into his eye. "But sometimes bravery can be wasted when your enemy has you held hostage..." she said to him as she licked the side of his cheek. Flash cringed from feeling it. "YUCK!!!" he cried out and knocked her sai away and went to strike her. But she dodged the attack and leaped onto a tree branch and giggled at him. "Awww... touchy aren't we...?" she stood on the branch using her new found magic to bring her sai back to her. "Just so you know... I have you marked, therefore you can't escape me..." she informed him. "You sure have a sick twisted mind lady..." Flash pointed out to her. But Mileena giggled at what he said, taking it as a compliment. "I'm flattered... and don't worry... we'll soon have our fight..." she said to him and disappeared. Flash saw it happen and cleaned his cheek where she licked him, but he knew that she was far from finished with him. Morning broke, and Flash told Liu Kang and Kitana about his encounter from last night. They couldn't believe what they told him, but the had to be certain it was true. "Are you sure Flash...? Are you certain about who you fought...?" he asked his student. "I'll never forget a face as hideous as that... seeing those fangs..." Flash shuddered from remembering them. "It's gonna haunt me in my nightmares..." Putting it together piece by piece, Kitana knew that who he encountered was no mistake. "Mileena... of course she would come here of all place... but targeting your student...?" she looked to Liu with a scowl. "Is dishonorable..." "Just who is this Mileena...? And why did she target Flash..." Rainbow Dash asked her. "She is my clone..." Kitana replied to her. Twilight's ears perked from hearing it, and looked to her. "Your clone...? You mean like your twin sister...?" she asked her. "Yes, but as long as I am alive, she would appear as though she is unreal... a soulless husk... if I die, my soul and appearance would become hers, and Shao Kahn would have gained a true heir to his throne." Kitana explained to her and her friends. "Oh my... just, how hideous are we talking here...?" Fluttershy asked her. "Thats' what I wanna know... I mean how bad is it...?" Spike asked as he approached them. "Think of her as one of those Tarkatan's that invaded Canterlot, and picture it more female..." Johnny said to her, Rainbow at that moment pictured it in her head. Just at that very moment, Sub-Zero held out a trash can to her knowing what might happen. Rainbow's face turned green and she took the can and puked in it. Everyone winced seeing it while Sub-Zero shook his head. "If Mileena is after Flash, there has to be a particular reason behind it..." he suggested. "I've known her since the second tournament... it could be possible that's she's trying to get back at Kitana for rejecting her as a sister." Scorpion added his own suggestion. "And maybe that one time she tried giving you that teddy bear...?" Jax reminded him of what she tried giving him. Scorpion's eyes shut trying not to think about that day, meanwhile Rainbow Dash heard it and started laughing like crazy. "She... she tried to give you a teddy bear?!" she asked as she laughed uncontrollably. "Oh Celestia... Scorpion with a teddy bear, how rich!" she continued to laugh on to feel Scorpion's kunai fly pass he, causing her to turn pale from it. Scorpion scowled at her and brought back his kunai and put it away, meanwhile Flash cleared his throat and looked to the others. "I will have to mention, that when she held me hostage... there was a moment... where she licked my face... saying that I've been marked..." he added to the information. Twilight's eyes widened from hearing it, and she quickly grabbed him. "She did WHAT?!!!" she asked as her face showed a sign of anger. This got Flash in a panic, but Kitana quickly pulled her away. "I think I might know the reason she did it... it is either a mark for a hunt... or my clone is looking for a mate..." she suggested. "OVER MY DEAD BODY!!!" Twilight blurted out but covered her mouth realizing what she said. "Twilight darling, don't you think you're kind of overreacting...?" Rarity asked her. "No, I am not...!" Twilight objected to her question. "Twilight, we get you're upset about this... although upset doesn't even begin to describe how you're feeling. But my point is, Flash was held in a hostage situation, there was nothing he could do..." Applejack said to her. Hearing this from her best friend, Twilight inhaled and sighed. "You're right... what ever Mileena has planned, we need to be prepared for anything." she said to them. She then turned her attention to Flash, grabbing him with her magic aura. "You... come with me..." he walked away with her. The rest of the Mane Six and the Kombat Fighters watched it happen, knowing one thing for certain. "He's doomed..." Johnny broke the silence. Shao Kahn's Throne Room, Outworld Back in Outworld, Shao Kahn was waiting on Mileena to return... but she has yet to open a portal and report what what had happened. His patience was growing thin... so he took it upon himself to do what should have been done. "Goro!" he called out for the mighty Shokan seeing him walk in. Goro approached him and bowed before his emperor. "What is your command...?" he asked him. "You are to find Mileena... she has spent too long in that world." he ordered the Shokan as he opened a portal for him. "If she resists... you know what to do..." Nodding his head, Goro walked to the portal without question and entered it. Shao Kahn crossed his arms and looked out. Shang Tsung approached seeing it. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you just realized you made a mistake in lettering her leave." he chuckled. "Hold your tongue sorcerer, if Mileena has he reasons for staying in that retched realm... they better be the right ones..." the emperor said to him as he summoned his war hammer. "Has there been any word from Quan Chi...?" he asked. "I'm afraid he hasn't been in contact with us ever since you tasked him with learning everything about that amulet." Shang informed him of the situation. This made the emperor grow suspicious. "Do you suspect that he may be planning something...?" he asked the sorcer of Quan Chi's intentions. "It's possible... he's always been the type of sorcere to deceive first, betray later..." Shang pointed out to the Emperor. Shao Kahn's eyes squinted as he looked out wondering if it was wise to let him study the amulet that Raiden had. Castle of Friendship Training Arena, Ponyville Back in Equestria, Twilight and Flash stood in the middle of the training arena. Twilight was stretching her limbs to loosen up, meanwhile Flash was nervous about his current predicament. "Twilight, is this really necessary...?" he asked her. "My training with Kitana may have been rough... but I think maybe its time I put my skills against you." Twilight said to him as she finished her stretches. "Now... don't you dare hold back, you hear...?" Nervous of how she's acting, he knew that she was still really upset about what Mileena did. Flash knew that he mustn't hold back against Twilight, otherwise he'll be the one getting his flank kicked. He nodded to her and prepared for what's coming to him, Twilight stanced and charged at him going for a strike. Flash managed to avoid her attack, and blocked her elbow strike, she went to swing her left hoof at him. But Flash ducked under it and kicked her away seeing her stumble, she turned to him and went to strike again. Flash only managed to catch her hooves, and smiled at her. "Your skills are impressive... but I'm sure Kitana taught you more..." he said to her and jumped away as Twilight kicked at him. "Oh she did..." Twilight said to him and smirked. "So don't underestimate me Flash..." she advised him. He smiled and nodded to her as they continued their sparing. While they weren't aware Liu Kang and Kitana were watching them fight together, and it started to remind Kitana of the day on Shang Tsung's Island. "Does this remind you of anything Liu...?" she asked him as she smiled looking to him. He smiled in return watching his pupil practice with Twilight. "It does... it is just like when we first met..." Liu watched as the fight between the two ponies brought him back to when he fought Kitana. "You were trying to kill me... but I prevailed in the end." he said to her. "And rather than taking my life, you spared me..." Kitana smiled remembering that fateful day. "It was the first time anyone showed me a true act of kindness..." she looked to the fight seeing Kitana leap and trying to kick Flash. But he blocked her kicks and went for a back spin kick, only to miss her in the process. Twilight teleported behind him and kicked him in the back, sending him down to the dirt. Flash pulled his face out if showing a dirt clod in his mouth, he spit it out and got back onto his hooves and dodged Twilight's next attack. He quickly landed a fast jab to her arm, but avoided where she twisted her hoof from last night. Twilight let out a grunt from where he jabbed her, but she wasn't going to let it slow her down as she flapped her wings lifting her off the ground going for a dive kick. Flash anticipated this and caught her leg, causing Twilight's eyes to widen as he threw her down to the ground. She shook her head from it and looked to him. "You've been working hard... care for a break...?" Flash asked her. "No, I'm okay... lets keep going..." Twilight assured him as she went into her fighting stance, Flash smiled in return going into his fighting stance as well. The two ponies clashed with each other once again, their attacks were fast and fluent... neither one wanting to give up. Liu Kang knew this all too well, as did Kitana as she watched both their students combat each other. Twilight's wings spread as she used her magic to form a pair of fan blades made from her aura, she swung them at Flash as he tried to dodge them. He soon saw an opening as Twilight lunged at him and he dodged her strike and hit her in the leg causing her to lose balance, she struggled to balance herself... but she started falling over. Flash grabbed hold of her and threw her over onto the ground, and pinned her down. She struggled to break free, but she looked to him amazed at how well he managed to plan this whole fight out. He smiled at her, knowing that this fight was his. "Do you surrender...?" he asked her. Looking at him as she was panting from exhaustion, she knew she was defeated. "Alright... you win..." she replied and smiled at him. Flash smiled back at her and took her hoof helping her stand up, Twilight looked to him curiously. "How did you know I was going to lunge at you with that attack...?" she asked him. "It took me a while to wait for that attack, I knew you weren't willing to give up. So you resorted to using weapons, where I didn't possess any... a little something Liu taught me." Flash explained to her. She was amazed how he predicted her attack, her face soon formed into a smile as she fixed her hair. "I should never have underestimated the skills of the Shaolin..." she said to him as she reached to him and touched his hoof. Feeling it, Flash looked down seeing it and looked to her. A small smile formed on Flash's face, he and Twilight both started to lean to each other. Their lips only inches away from each other, but before Flash could reach her... his ears twitched and his eyes sharply turned seeing a pair of sai's flying at them. "Look out!" he grabbed her and dodged the sai's as their pierced the ground. Liu Kang and Kitana were surprised from the attack, and looked to where the attack came from as Flash and Twilight landed. Flash looked to who attacked them and saw that it was Mileena. "Don't even think about taking my prize little pony... he's mine...!" she said to her as she licked her fangs under her veil. "Yeah? You'll have to go through me first!" Twilight exclaimed to her only to see Flash hold his hoof in front of her. She looked towards him surprised of his action. "Flash...?" "I got this Twilight... its me she wants." he said to her and glanced to her direction. "Everything's going to be alright..." he smiled at her to assure her that he will win this fight. Twilight was nervous as to how this fight will turn out, Mileena is no ordinary warrior from what she heard. But more animal than anything else in any realm. She was about to object to his challenge, but an arm wrapped around her and she saw it was Rainbow Dash. "Relax Twi, if Flash say's he's got this... he's got this..." she said to her. "Trust in him Twi, have faith..." Applejack said to her. Seeing all her friends and that of the Kombat Fighters who nodded to her, Twilight looked to Flash and nodded to him. "Just be careful..." she said to him as he nodded in response. Mileena giggled as Flash stepped forward to face her. "You honestly believe you can defeat me...? Please... I know a rank amateur when I see one. As cute as you are, you will only end up dead... I suggest you surrender while you still can. I wouldn't want to mess up that pretty face of yours." she said to him as she tried getting under Twilight's skin. "You may have marked me... but that doesn't mean I belong to you. Two reasons why... my heart belongs to another, and you're freaking nuts!" he exclaimed to her. Hissing knowing that was meant to be an insult, Mileena used her magic to bring her sai's back to her. "I won't kill you... but maybe when I knock you out, I will kill that pretty little pony and make you mine!" she charged at him and struck at him with her sai's. Flash blocked her attacks, but he felt one of her blades scratch his arm causing him to wince in pain. He kicked her away and held his arm from the pain as Mileena took her sai and licked his blood. "Mmm.... tasty..." she giggled. Flash glared at the psychotic dark alicorn, but he couldn't let his anger take control of him. He needed to be smart against such a foe, he needed a good plan to outsmart her. He charged at her at full speed, and this got Fluttershy worried. "He's going to get killed if he charges at her!" she panicked. But she felt a hoof touch her should, and looked seeing Liu Kang with a smile. "Don't worry... he's got this under control..." he assured her as he looked to the fight. Mileena twirled his sai's and went to strike at him, but Flash blocked her first attack and knocked one sai away. "That's it Flash, disarm her to where she is vulnerable!" his teacher said to him as Mileena took her other sai and went to stab him. He managed to catch her arm and slammed it on a rock, forcing her to drop the sai from her hoof. She snarled viciously and went to strike him, but he dodged her attack and kicked her in the leg. Mileena grunted from it as Flash got behind her swinging his right hind leg and kicked her in the neck causing it to fracture. He leaped in front of her and pulled a backflip kicking her in the jaw causing it to crack. He pulled back his right hoof and yelled throwing it at her stomach, making direct contact and sent her flying towards the wall of the arena. "OHHHH!!! That had to hurt...!" Spike yelled out. But Mileena wasn't down yet, she got back up showing no way that she was going to surrender. "Just... one more taste..." she charged at him as her veil came off showing her sharp fangs. The Mane Six gasped in horror from seeing it, Rarity fainted from seeing it, and Rainbow Dash rushed to a bush and puked again. Flash knew at that moment she was going for a bite to take out a chunk of him. But he wasn't going to allow her to do that, not a chance in the Netherrealm. "Break her root!" Liu Kang called out as Flash pulled a slide kick maneuver and tripped Mileena down, she started to fall as Flash got back up, and punched her hard in the face. The Dark Alicorn fell to the ground, and the Mane Six cheered seeing that he won. Mileena was slightly conscious as she took one last glance to Flash before blacking out. "You... just keep on impressing me..." she muttered as she fell unconscious. Flash shuddered from hearing her. "Definitely not the kind I would go for..." he muttered. Liu Kang approached him and pat his shoulder. "You did good Flash... but knowing Mileena...? She'll won't stop..." he looked to the unconscious assassin. At that moment, Pinkie Pie's "Pinkie Sense" was starting to act up. "Whoa! I don't think we're out of the woods yet... in fact, tails twitching...!" she pointed seeing it twitching like crazy. Spike's eyes widened from hearing it. "Twitchy Tail...? Something's gonna fall! Run for your lives!" he dashed off into the castle leaving everyone in a state of confusion. Sonya was surprised of how he reacted and looked to the others. "There's nothing in the sky, I mean what's so special about your tail twi-" before she could ask, a large figure fell out of the sky and landed between the two shaolin warriors, and the unconscious Mileena. Sonya's jaw dropped as she looked to what fell, emerging from the crater... was none other... than Goro Half-Dragon. "Never mind..." she said to her. Goro looked to himself remembering the information from Shang Tsung, and looked to Liu Kang and Flash. "And here I believed Mileena would cause much trouble for me... but you seemed to make my mission easy for me..." he said to them. "Liu... what is this guy...?" Flash asked him noticing he had six limbs. "This is Prince Goro... a powerful Shokan warrior, and born of dragon blood..." Liu explained to him and looked to the monstrous four armed pony. "I know because I bested him during the first Mortal Kombat tournament." "I nearly bested you myself... and no matter the form, I will crush you where you stand...!" Goro threatened him as he let out a growl. But Liu only smirked as he stepped back. "I won't be your opponent this time..." he said to him and looked to Flash Sentry. "He will be..." Shocked of what he said, Flash looked towards Goro feeling scared out of his mind. "Hold it! Hold on... you... want me to fight that?!" he asked him. Rainbow Dash rushed up to them. "Flash has a point... I mean this guy could probably snap him like a toothpick." she pointed out to the Shokan. "I know he can beat him... don't let his size intimidate you Flash, there's always a way to overpower enemies larger than you." Liu Kang said to him as he backed away. Goro smirked as he approached the young prodigy, Flash looked to him feeling like he's starring at a colossus. "If you are too afraid, then it would be wise to run away..." he said to the Pegasus as he let out a deep chuckle. Hearing it, Flash knew he couldn't let it slide... he glared at the Shokan and backed away just a bit. "You know what... I'm not going anywhere, and I'm not running away from the lights of you...!" he said to the Shokan Prince. Seeing how much bravery he had, Goro grinned as he popped his neck joints. "Do your worst... but let me tell you a little secret boy. The one in the dirt... is by far... the easier of the two..." he said to him as he rose his hooves and snarled about to crush him. Flash dodged the powerful swing as Goro's hooves slammed on the ground causing it to ripple and shake. He went to strike Goro while he was in the air, but the Shokan... despite his great mass and size, was able to block his attack and throw a strong punch against Flash... landing it against his stomach causing him to grunt in pain of it. "Flash!" Twilight cried out about to help him. But Kitana stopped her from interfering. "Kitana, let me through! I have to help him!" she said to her. "This is a survival of the fittest Twilight, Shokan law... it would dishonor them should anyone interfere." Kitana explained to her as she looked to the fight. Flash spat out a little bit of blood and shook off the pain, meanwhile Goro was charging at him like a raging bull. Flash reacted quickly and leaped over him as Goro rammed his head against a tree. Turning to the massive brute, Flash knew that he needed to avoid his attacks entirely. But his evasive technique won't last long... because not only will Goro's stamina drop, so will his. He needed to go on the offensive, before Goro could attack him. The Shokan turned to him and growled popping his joints. "You lasted this long... but now it is time that I gave you a warriors death." he charged at him and punched at him. Using his speed and agility, Flash dodged his massive hooves to avoid another contact from the brute's punches. He ducked under the next punch, placing his hooves on the ground and launched a kick at Goro's jaw, forcing him to back up and shake his head from the surprise attack. Scorpion watched as it happened before him and Sub-Zero. "His skills are quite impressive..." said Scorpion. "Yes, but that does not make him Liu Kang..." Sub-Zero said to him. "That may be... but that won't stop him from fighting against this brute..." said Rarity as she turned to the fight. "From what I learned, he came from a long lineage of Sentry's, even to when the three tribes were at war." she explained. Goro at that moment snarled and swung his massive arms at Flash, only to miss him several times as Flash dodged his attacks. Seeing the massive pony slowing down, Flash knew that he was getting tired and took advantage of it. He blocked Goro's next attack, and kicked him in the leg forcing him to kneel. He kicked him a second time in the side fracturing a few ribs, Goro held his side as he backed away from the Pegasus groaning in pain. Flash exhaled knowing he is close to his limit, so he needed to end this quickly. Goro gathered what strength he had, and roared out charging at him... he went to crush him, but Flash made the first move as he flipped forward landing his back hooves against Goro's head, he then gave the Shokan an uppercut fracturing his jaw and launched him into the air. Seeing him come back down, Flash raised his left back leg and kicked Goro in the jaw breaking it even further, sending him flying down to the ground. "This fight ends now..." he said to the Shokan. Groaning from his attack, Goro was far from finished. "I don't think so..." he lunged at the Pegasus, grabbing hold of him in a bear hug. Causing him to cry out in pain as he tried squeezing the life out of him. "NO!" Twilight cried out about to help him, but Kitana held her back to stop her from interfering. "Let go of me, he's going to kill him!" she pleaded to her teacher to let her go. Kitana knew that the ways of the Shokan were wrong, but she needed to respect their ancient traditions. Flash meanwhile was struggling to get free as he felt Goro's muscles trying to break every bone in his body. "Liu Kang taught you well... but its a shame you never learned to control fire as he does..." Goro said to him as he continued to squeeze. Hearing his words, Flash shut his eyes and started to focus as he pretended to have passed out. Goro grinned but felt something burning his arms, he looked down seeing blue flames burning him as he cried out in pain dropping Flash. He landed on the ground, coughing to catch his breath... Flash looked toward the Shokan as he held blue flames in his hoof. Liu Kang saw it and was amazed he finally managed to perfect his technique. "Well how about that..." he smiled at his student. Goro was also impressed as he realized that he was wrong about the young Pegasus, Flash looked to him as a dragon formed from the flames he created, and launched a powerful dragon fire blast hitting Goro in the chest, forcing him to hit the wall of the arena and fall down to the ground groaning. "Stay down Prince Goro... enough blood has been shed..." he said to him as he panted exhausted. But rather than listen to him, Goro stood back up and shook off the pain and looked to him. "I did not expect Liu Kang to find a student... but even so, he has produced a warrior worthy of the Shokan..." he complimented Flash of his skill in battle. Flash was surprised of this, but he stood down as he looked to the prince. "Thanks... I guess..." he said to him. "But be warned young Sentry... should you face the Emperor, you will need all the help in this realm..." Goro advised him and his comrades. Surprised of his advice, Flash couldn't help but feel curious. "Why warn me if you fight beside him...?" he asked the Shokan. Goro turned and picked up Mileena holding her over his shoulder. "I respect my emperor... as I respect any warrior I face... I warn you so that we may fight again. One that will truly honor your ancestors..." he said to him as a portal opened behind him. "Until then... recover from your injuries, and keep practicing your fight style." he turned and went through the portal with Mileena. Seeing it close, Flash finally took the chance to exhale and lay down on the ground. The Mane Six and the Kombat Fighters rushed over to check on him. "Flash, that was so, awesome! The way you took him down, its amazing you were able to fight against somepony that is made of pure muscle." said Rainbow Dash. "I gotta hand it to ya Flash... you sure taught that prince not to mess with a pony." said Applejack as she tipped her hat to him with a smile. "Right?! Flash was like WAH!!! And Goro was all GRR!!! Oh! And they were li-" Pinkie's mouth was soon covered by Johnny to tone down her voice. "You did have us worried thought, you could have been killed..." Fluttershy said to him and hid her face behind her mane. "But at least you managed to beat him..." Sub-Zero soon approached him and touched his shoulder. "You indeed show much promise Flash Sentry... but you will need more training in regards to your form of Dragon Fire... with Liu Kang's teachings, you will make a fine warrior." he said to him. "I know I still have much to learn... but this power I've just discovered...? It's frightening... but that the same time, its amazing..." Flash looked to a small amber he managed to create. "I know I can used this power for the right reasons, never for those who want to use it to hurt ponies..." Twilight watched it happen and smiled looked to him, only to see him starting to fall down. "Whoa!" she cried out and immediately caught him with her hooves holding him up. She saw just how exhausted he was, and smiled at him knowing he needed rest. "I better get him inside to rest up... I'll head to Zecora's house to see if she can make a potion for healing injuries to muscles and bone..." she used her magic to levitate him, and take him inside. Liu Kang smiled watching them, but what made him more proud... was that Flash was able to harness the dragon flame just in time to best Goro. Kitana looked to him noticing his expression, she smiled at him knowing what it was. "You almost look like a proud father Liu..." she said to him. Chuckling in response, Liu turned towards her with a smile. "Maybe perhaps I am..." he replied to her and looked out. "I'm just relieved that he's safe from Mileena..." Rainbow Dash immediately shuddered from hearing her name. "I hope we don't run into her again... she is the leading definition of UUUUUUGLY!!!" she exclaimed. "She was created from Kitana's blood and mixed with Tarkatan blood you know..." Applejack pointed out to her. Rainbow ignored that fact and looked to her master. "But one thing still bugs me... why would she leave Outworld, if it wasn't ordered by the emperor himself...?" she asked him. "It is possible that she grew tired of waiting, and decided to go out on her own accord." Sub-Zero said to her and looked to the others. "And since she met young Sentry, she has her sights set on him..." "Hey, least we won't have to worry about her right...?" Johnny asked them. "I doubt it sugarcube... because knowing Outworlds best...? They'll be back, I can guaranty it..." Applejack said to them and looked out feeling worried. As did the others, they may never know who they may face against in the future. Meanwhile, Twilight opened the door to Flash's guest room and brought him inside. She set him down on his bed so that he may rest, she looked to him and smiled knowing that he was alright. As mad as she may be with him for fighting Goro, she couldn't stay mad at him forever. "You did good Flash..." she said to him. "Well... for a moment there I thought you were gonna kill me..." Flash joked a bit but winced from the pain he felt. Twilight smirked knowing he walked into that one. "Serves you right you crazy colt..." she said to him. Flash was about to protest to her about her comment, but before he could... Twilight kissed him on the cheek to stop him. His face turned red from feeling it, he looked to her as she pulled away from him. "Rest now... tomorrow I'll head to Zecora's house to get a potion." she said to him and walked out of the room. Flash watched her go and touched where she kissed him, he was surprised from it... but a smile formed over his face as he laid down to rest. Mileena's Chambers, Outworld Back in Outworld, Mileena was both frustrated... and surprisingly amazed from her fight against Flash. It had been so long since she had so much fun with anyone who was equal to Liu Kang's level. She sighed as she laid down on her bed. "I have certainly found the perfect playmate..." she muttered as she smirked under her veil. Suddenly, her chamber door opened as she looked to who it was. "Enjoy your time in that realm...?" asked Shang Tsung as he approached her. "You can say that..." Mileena sat up from her bed. "And to be honest, I had quite a fun experience... despite going against my fathers wishes. Also..." she stayed silent for a moment and let out a giggle. "I think I may be in love..." she walked over to a wall taking her sai, carving Flash's face on it. "But when it comes to love..." she carved out Twilight's face. "There is always the competition..." she stabbed the carving showing a menacing glare. > Chapter 6 Jax > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville On the Apple Family farm, Jax was helping the family out on harvesting the apples. Reminds him of his days in Earthrealm, when he worked on his families farm. Heck of a work out... true Equestria was different compared to Earthrealm. It didn't stop him from working, he soon heard the bell ring and turned seeing Applejack. "Lunch break ya'll!" she called out. Exhaling and wiping off some sweat from his brow, and headed to the house. "You guys have quite the orchard... sure takes me back to when I worked on my families farm." he said to them as he chuckled. "Of course I would always get in a whole lots of trouble with the neighbor..." "And yet, here you are now... grown and mature..." Applejack pointed out to him as she served them slices of apple pie. "Well... kind of..." Jax replied and looked to the slice and took a small bite from it. Just at that instant, his taste buds literally popped. "Wow...! That definitely knocked my taste buds out of the park, this is the best apple pie I've ever tried." he complimented the chef. "Thanks Jax... its an Apple Family Recipe..." Applejack said to him as she prepared more slices. Exhaling from the taste, Jax almost felt his saliva pouring out of his mouth. "Man, what Vera would give to try this..." he took another bite of his pie. Ears perked from hearing the name, and she seemed interested in who he was talking about. "Now's who's Vera...?" she asked the bionic armed pony as she sat down from across from him. Looking down, Jax thought back to his beautiful fiancé back when he was human. "Vera... is my fiancé..." he started explaining to her as he relaxed. "Before I had my bionics, I met her when I was just a teenager in high school... the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she was the one for me..." he smiled as he remembered her eyes, and beautiful smile. "But... turns out some punk was hitting on her, and I mean literally..." Jax's High School Years, before the first Mortal Kombat Tournament "I was on my way to see her, but by the time I got there... Jarek, a soon to be member of the Black Dragon was hurting her. I knew I couldn't let that slide..." Jax told his story to Applejack about Vera and Jarek. As jax walked through the halls, he heard the sounds of hitting and screaming around the corner. He rushed to see what was going on, and found that Jarek was hurting Vera. "Now then Vera, are we gonna make this easy for the both of us? Or do I have to knock it through that head of yours...?!" Jarek asked her menacingly. "Let go of me Jarek!" Vera tried to get free of his grasp. "Not until you say what I need to her!" Jarek went to hit her again, but suddenly his arm was grabbed. He turned and saw that it was Jax. Glaring at the abusive bully, Jax pulled him away from her and pushed him away. "Keep your hands off her Jarek...!" he warned Jarek holding a stern glare. Dusting his shoulders off and returned the glare. "Yeah...? What do you plan to do about it Briggs...?" he asked him. "I'm sure you already know the answer to that punk...!" Jax cracked his knuckles as he glared at him. The students around the school saw what was going on, and started gathering knowing there was going to be a fight. "No teacher is gonna help you this time Briggs..." he said to them as he held up his fists. "Don't need them... I got all I need right here..." Jax held up his fists preparing for anything. Jarek smirked and charged at him going for a punch, but Jax blocked his attacks and dodged the next kick and swung his left arm landing a hard punch. Jarek stumbled a bit and looked to him noticing his fighting stance was like that of a boxer, he glared and threw a few punches at him. Dodging his attacks, Jax went for another hard punch, but Jarek dodged and kicked him in the leg knocking him off balance. He threw a few punches against his face seeing him fall to the ground. "That the best you got Briggs?!" he asked as he kicked him while he was down. Jax grunted from it, but managed to block his next attack and kicks him away. Jarek groaned from it, and looked to see him getting back up. "I've got a lot more than that..." he charged and blocked Jarek's attack, managing to catch his arm and punch him in his stomach three times, and flips him forward seeing him land on the ground. "Stay down...!" But rather than listen to him, Jarek got back up and turned to him. "I'm not one to quit Briggs...!" he exclaimed and threw a few kicks at him. Jax tried to block them, but he was too fast for him to keep up. Jarek managed to land three kicks against Jax, and he struck him in the neck, leaving him in a daze. Jax tried to shake it off, but Jarek landed a few hard punches to his face and landed a hard uppercut against his chin knocking him down. Vera gasped from seeing it, but she couldn't lose hope. Meanwhile, Jarek circled the downed fighter, and chuckled at him. "Man, how your old man would be laughing at you right now..." he mentioned his father to him, and that... was a bad move. Jax's eyes snapped open clearing up from the daze of confusion, he looked to Vera seeing how concerned she was. But he knew he couldn't bear to see her this way, so he got himself back up from the ground and turned to Jarek. "You don't know my old man Jarek... in fact... he was a better man than your father will ever be." he pointed out and immediately touched a nerve. Jarek yelled out in anger and charged at him. He went for a strong right hook, but Jax ducked underneath it and punched him hard in his rib cage. The students cheered him on as Jarek lost himself to his rage and went for another punch, Jax meanwhile blocked each of his attacks and landed a fast punch against Jarek's face knocking out a tooth and see's him fall to the ground. "Cry uncle!" Spitting out the tooth he knocked out, Jarek fumed more in anger and got back up from the ground. He threw another punch at Jax only to get one heck of a hard right hook from him in return, but that wasn't gonna stop him for he resorted to another way. He pulled a knife out and scratched his arm causing him to wince in pain of it. Vera gasped seeing it, Jax backed away as he held his arm from where he was scratched and looked to Jarek who twirled his knife. "No more fair play... time to show you what happens when you mess with me!" he went to cut him again. Jax backed away seeing it, he knew he couldn't get him while he was holding that knife. So he dodged Jarek's attack to avoid getting cut or stabbed. When Jarek went for another jab with his knife... he immediately grabbed his wrist twisting it, and grabbed him by the neck. "Bringing a knife to a street fight...? First thing you wanna know is... the street always wins..." he said to him and slammed him on the ground knocking him unconscious. Seeing he was knocked out, Vera rushed over to Jax. "Are you alright...? she asked him feeling worried. "Yeah.. its just a scratch..." he assured her as he looked to his arm as it was bleeding. Vera however, was not convinced just by looking at it. She reached into her pocket and pulled out an old handkerchief and started cleaning his arm up and wrapped it around his arm. "You idiot... he could have killed you..." she said to him. "I know..." Jax replied and smiled looking to her. "Least you won't have to worry about him anymore..." he said to her as she smiled back. By that time, the teachers and Principle arrived seeing what happened... the Principle looked to Jarek who was starting to stir, but then looked to Jax noticing his injured arm. He walked over looking at it, and looked to him with a stern look. "What happened...?" he asked him. "Jarek was hurting Vera sir... I was trying to defend her." Jax responded and looked to where the knife is. "Things got heated up, then he pulled a knife on me and cut me..." he explained what happened. "Its true Principle... we saw it happen..." said one male student. "Jax is telling the truth..." said a female student. The Principle looked to Jarek who looked to him in fear... he approached Jarek and grabbed him pulling him off the ground. "You... my office... now...!" he dragged him away. "You too Briggs..." he said to him as he walked with Jarek. Hearing it, Jax looked to Vera seeing her worried expression. He smiled a bit and touched her shoulder. "Hey... don't worry, I might get let off easy... just wait for me after school okay...?" he asked her. Smiling at his request, Vera nodded to him as he smiled back and left with the Principle and Jarek. "Turns out I did get let off easy... got a two days suspension. As for Jarek, he got expelled for bringing a deadly weapon on Campus..." Present Day, Equestria "From that day, me and Vera started dating... and we knew that we'd always be together for the rest of our lives." Jax finished his story as he smiled a bit. "Till that day you fought against Shao Kahn's army huh...?" Applejack asked him and noticed as his smile faded. "Oh... sorry, I didn't..." "No... its alright, and given that Shao Kahn hadn't conquered Earthrealm yet, I know that she is still alive... safe..." Jax replied as he looked down thinking about her. He would give anything to see her again, even if he was a pony at the moment. Noticing it, Applejack felt sorry for him... being separated from the woman he loved. Soon, Applebloom approached him after hearing his story from outside and touched his arm. "We're sorry you had to go through all that Mr. Briggs... but I'm sure you'll see her again." she said to him to cheer him up. Seeing her smile at him, Jax returned with a smile and rubbed her head. "Thanks Applebloom... you sure know how to make a grown man feel better..." he said to her and chuckled realizing something he said. "I guess I'm not exactly a man, but a stallion..." he chuckled a bit as Applebloom giggled at how he realized it. Applejack smiled seeing how happy he was, to where she believed that he may have a chance to see her again. After lunch, Jax got back to work to help around the farm. Applejack at that time kicked a few tree's, but soon noticed Nightwolf in a distance sitting alone. He was still reflecting on what he did, and what he could have done when his wolf spirit took control of him. She began to worry about him, and looked to Jax. "How long has he been like that...?" she asked him. Looking to where Nightwolf was, Jax could only speculate. "I'd say since he started living here with you guys..." he said to her and sighed. "I've never seen him like this..." "It's because of the wolf spirit, isn't it...?" Applejack asked curiously. "Yeah... normally spirit animals from what I learned were meant to guide their companions, but for his spirit to be corrupted by Blaze...? That takes messed up to a whole different level..." Jax explained to her. Looking at Nighwolf, Applejack sensed a state of loneliness. "Was he always like this...?" she asked. "Ever since his people were oppressed by what his tribe call the white man..." Jax mentioned it to her as she looked to him surprised. "Back in the day, the English traveled to America in search of gold... the natives of that era referred to them as white devils, and the English referred to them as savages. For ages, Americans and the Natives hated one another, and when the time of the Old West came... well... lets just say things went down hill..." he explained. This immediately caught Applejack's attention as she recalled the fight between her family and the Buffalo Tribe... only it is much more different. "You mean to tell me, that they treated the natives like vermin...?" she asked to know what happened. "Seems that way... the remaining natives who survived walked along a trail, that they created not only with their feet... but with their own tears." Jax said to her and looked to Nightwolf. "His people had long since been victimized, that's when we met him in the Mortal Kombat Tournament." Applejack looked to where Nightwolf was, not knowing what it may have been like to be a victim, but she knew a lonely soul when she saw one. "I wish there were some way I could help him..." she said as she lowered her gaze. Jax reached over to her and touched her shoulder. "Its not your burden to bear... trust me, things like this take time." he said to her and left to get back to work. Applejack knew she shouldn't let it get to her... but seeing somepony in need was something she needed to handle. But she took Jax's advice to heart and went back to work, mentally praying that she may find a way to help Nightwolf. Meanwhile, Jax walked to a part of the orchard to get some fresh apples... suddenly he heard yells and grunts not far from where he was. He went to check it out, and found that it was Big Mac. Practicing his own form of boxing... he watched Big Mac practicing his stance, as he threw a few quick jabs in a form of shadow boxing. Smirking a bit, Jax soon approached him. "Your stance is off..." he said to him. Big Mac jumped as he went back to standing on all fours trying to act casual. "It's not what you think!" he exclaimed. "Whoa, chill man... I get it, you're trying to get yourself fit, and you want to help defend your family from Shao Kahn, is that right...?" Jax asked him of why he was training all by his lonesome. Wanting to deny it, Big Mac knew that lying wouldn't get him anywhere... because clearly it didn't for Applejack when she was young. "Eeyup... I can't let some monster from another world hurt my family. If anything happened to them... I would never forgive myself..." he said to Jax as he lowered his head. Jax nodded his head a bit, he looked to Big Mac and patted his shoulder. "Here, let me show you my technique... you might even be able to mix it with yours." he said to him as he walked over and helped fix his stance. "Basically what you're trying to do is a fighting style called boxing. Its an all fist fighting style, but in your case hoof... but if you really want to fight, you got to learn MMA." "MMA...?" Big Mac asked in confusion. "Mixed Martial Arts... its a technique that allows you to pull some kicks as well as punches. Like so..." Jax demonstrated as he threw a three hit combo and threw a high kick. Big Mac was surprised from when he saw his technique, true it was different from traditional boxing, but it could be affective. Jax turned to the large farm pony, and set his bionic hooves on the ground. "See...? Its easy... give it a try." he said to him. Nervous about it, Big Mac knew that being on his hind legs won't be easy... but he humored Jax and threw the same three hit combo, but when he went for a high kick he lost balance and hit the ground. Jax winced from seeing it, and watched as Big Mac pulled himself from the dirt. "Maybe this MMA thing isn't for me..." he said to him. "Don't sell yourself short... you have the talent, you just don't know it yet. Now... try it again, and this time... put a lot more strength into your legs and then go for that high kick." Jax instructed him. Big Mac didn't know if it were a good idea... but he knew he couldn't let his family down. So he stood on his hind legs, threw a three hit combo, and just at that moment. He put as much strength as he could into his legs, and threw a high kick and landed his hoof back onto the ground. "Perfect..." Jax nodded approvingly. "Wow... I guess I've been doubting myself quite a lot..." Big Mac admitted to himself. "Sometimes doubt is what keeps someone tied down... to the point they will never get up. But it takes strength to move passed it, and its that kind of strength you got. Never lose sight of it...." Jax said to him. His ear twitched hearing something sharp flying at them, he turned and blocked a knife with his arm and saw that it was Kano. Chuckling at the bionic armed pony, Kano approached with a sign of fear. "I never reckoned you as a teacher Briggs..." he said to him. "What...? Think I'm tied down as Sonya's C.O.?" Jax asked him. Kano only chuckled as his red eye glowed. "Reckoned I would have gut you first..." he threatened him. Big Mac turned to Jax as he pulled to knife out of his bionic arm. "Friend of yours...?" he asked him. "Not quite... Kano is the leader of the Black Dragon, a clan of mercenaries who kill for fun. Sonya's been hunting this guy ever since he killed her partner in cold blood... I'll never forget the look on her face when it happened." Jax explained to him remembering how angry Sonya was back then. Chuckling at going down memory lane, Kano looked to them knowing that was the best time he had. "I will admit... I enjoyed cutting up his smug face." he said to them. Glaring at what he said, Jax knew he went too far this time. "Stand back Big Mac... its time I settle this, and make sure he gets what he deserves..." he said to him as he stepped towards the one eyed murderer. "Care for a few rounds Kano...?" "You ask as if I had a choice in the matter..." Kano stood in his fighting stance. He pulled a knife and lashed at Jax to land a few cuts. Jax managed to block his blade, and knocked it out of his hoof. He grabbed hold of his arm and threw a few punches hitting against Kano's face. Shaking his head from it, Kano glared at Jax for it and saw him coming in for another punch. Kano managed to dodge it and punch his ribcage causing him to grunt in pain. "I ain't done with ya...!" Kano threw his left arm and slammed it against Jax's neck flipping him over. "Jax!" Big Mac was about to help him, but he felt one of Kano's fly passed his face scratching it. Kano smirked at him as he pulled out another knife "Stay back big boy... this doesn't concern you." he said to him about to go for a strike towards Jax while he was still on the ground. But Jax managed to dodge it and kick Kano off of him. He pulled himself off the ground and glared at the mercenary. "Now you've gone too far dead beat..." he saw Kano charge at him and blocked his attacks. "Not far enough...!" Kano replied and went to cut him with his extra knife. Jax punched at the blade and shattered it with his bionic arm. Kano was stunned from what happened, and went to hit him, but Jax blocked his attacks and landed a strong punch against Kano's cyborg eye causing it to flicker. Backing up to catch his breath, Jax charged at the mercenary and gave him a hard beat down. He landed five punches against Kano's face and gave Kano a strong uppercut sending him flying. "Alright Kano... I suggest you give up while you can..." he advised him. Groaning from the pain he received, Kano got back up and glared at him. "Since when have I ever ran away from a fight Brigg's...?" Kano asked him as he fixed his jaw. "Like that time Sonya had your flank handed to you further down the orchard..." Jax said to him and smirked humorously. Glaring at him as he remembered that moment. "She got lucky... but as of now...? I'm gonna rip your head off...!" Kano struck at him only for Jax to block his attacks. He went for a kick, but Jax caught his leg and punched him repeatedly in the face and threw him at a tree. He groaned from it but looked to Jax. "That the best ya got ya meathead...?" Smirking at the downed mercenary, Jax knew he still won't give up. "If you get back up, I'll just knock you back down again." he said to him as Kano charged at him to hit him. He blocked the mercenary's attacks, but what he didn't expect... was that Kano had hidden blades in his back legs. Kano swung his right leg as a blade came out and scratched his face. He winced in pain from it, but he caught his leg and threw him over slamming him one the ground. Shaking his head, Kano was about to get back up... but Jax pinned him down and punched his head knocking him out cold. "That should keep you down..." he said to him as he panted from exhaustion. Big Mac was astonished from what he just witnessed, he approached Jax seeing the unconscious Kano. "I have to admit... that was by far the craziest thing I've ever seen..." he admitted to him. "He'll be out for a while..." Jax informed and turned to Big Mac. "Got any strong rope to spare...?" he asked him as Big Mac nodded to him and grabbed it with his teeth. He walked over and helped hog tie Kano to make sure he didn't go anywhere. "I better get into contact with Twilight, she may need to use her magic to remove any sharp weapons he's got hidden." Castle of Friendship, Ponyville At the Castle of Friendship, Twilight had just got done using her magic to disarm the unconscious Kano of all his knives. She even found a few in places she doesn't even want to remember. Sonya had them spread on the table, and exhaled looking at each and every one of them. "He sure has a collection..." she muttered. "Don't remind me... I have to look at baby pictures of Spike to help forget what I just did..." Twilight said to her, as Spike had a completely red face hiding from them. "How can one mercenary have so many knives in so many places to hide them...?" she asked. "Believe me, you don't want to know..." Sonya said to her and firmly turned towards Jax with an angered expression. "As for you Jax... Kano was mine to handle, and you knew that! You could have told me he was here...!" she exclaimed to him. "Whoa, take it easy Sonya, it was a life and death situation, I had to do something." Jax explained to her of the situation and looked to Kano. "Besides... he needed to be taken down, otherwise he would have hurt the Apple Family..." Listening to his words, Sonya sighed and looked to him. "Your heart was in the right place Jax... but next time you fight against a foe stronger than you...? You contact me immediately... that's an order..." she said to him. "Yes ma'am..." Jax responded to her and smirked. At that moment, Kano started to wake up and found himself in Twilight's magic bubble and struggled to get out. "Hey! You can't keep me in here! I got business in other places you flee ridden vermin!" he exclaimed. "He always this rude...?" Twilight asked Sonya. "You have no idea..." Sonya replied. "I swear when I get outta hear, I'm gonna get my knives and gut every one of-" before Kano could finish his sentence, Twilight immediately put a muzzle on him to shut him up. Sighing relieved, Twilight turned to Sonya with her eyebrows arced. "So this guy got away with all kinds of murder, and you haven't been able to catch him after all this time...?" she asked her. "Until now that is... thanks to Jax." Sonya responded and looked to him. "Just glad you made it in one piece... but I still wish I was there to see you kick his sorry flank all over the orchard." she smirked at her partner. "You and me both, but why do I get the feeling that its far from over...?" Jax asked her and immediately his hairs started to tingle. He grabbed Sonya and ducked beneath a projectile attack. He turned and found that it was none other... than a possessed Sindel, and Ermac. "Oh man..." he muttered. "We came to retrieve our comrade Jackson Briggs... do not interfere..." Ermac advised him. "Yeah...? You gonna use Sindel to get him Ermac...?" Jax asked him. "We will, and she will not show mercy...!" Ermac said to him as Sindel stepped forward to face him. She smirked at him as her eyes glowed green. "You will die this day Jackson..." she threatened him. "I don't think so Sindel...!" Jax responded to her and stood in his fighting stance. Sindel grinned and struck at him with much fury, but he blocked her attacks managing to land quick jabs at her face. She grunted from it and shook her head and threw a kick at him, Jax managed to block her assault and threw her at a wall seeing her slam against it. "Sindel, you need to fight Ermac's control, this isn't who you are!" "Clearly you don't know me as well as you think Jackson Briggs... Shao Kahn will find this realm, and he will burn it down to the ground." Sindel said to him and unleashed a sonic screech against him. Jax covered his ears from it, but he thought quickly, and slammed his bionic arm against the ground causing the ground to shake and force her to lose balance. He charged at her and grabbed hold of her. "Gotcha!" he started pounding his hoof against Sindel's face and punched her away from him. He watched as she hit the ground, and stayed cautious. "Sindel please, think about Kitana... how do you think she would react to seeing you like this...?" he asked her. Feeling her conscious trying to break free of Ermac's control, Sindel struggled to fight it. "My... daughter..." she muttered a bit as she held her head in pain. "You will not break free...!" Ermac exclaimed and strengthened his power over her as Sindel let out a painful scream. At that moment, Kitana rushed into the room seeing it. "Mother...?!" she was about to run toward her, but Jax stopped her. "Stay back Kitana... trust me, she's under Ermac's control, and my only chance in getting through to her is to knock her out." Jax said to her as he focused on the fight. Sindel screamed out and glared at the soldier and charged at him going for a strong attack, Jax evaded her assault, and punched her in the stomach causing her to cough harshly. But Sindel wasn't going to let that attack stop her, her hair extended and wrapped around Jax throwing him over and slamming him down on the ground hearing him let out a large grunt in pain. He shook his head, and turned to Sindel. "Alright Sindel... you leave me no choice...!" he said to her and grabbed her hair. She gasped as Jax pulled hard swinging her around the room... she screamed as she crashed against the walls of the castle. Jax then pulled her towards him, landing fast punches against her face, he then landed fast punches against her stomach causing her to cough up blood. He launched her into the air and slammed his hooves on both sides of her head, he reached behind him as a grenade launcher on his back magnetized itself onto his arm. He aimed it and hit the trigger with his hoof, blasting her away. Shaking of the pain, Sindel refused to surrender and got back up. "That attack won't be enough to keep me down...!" she cried out. "You have a point there Sindel... in fact, I think a few more knocks to your head will do the trick...!" Jax responded to her as she charged at him. She struck at him only to miss as he dodged her throws, Jax finally managed to grab her next punch and throws her over his shoulder slamming her to the ground. Twilight and the others were watching it as it happened, Twilight could hardly believe her own eyes that Jax was holding his own against an Alicorn formed Sindel. Suddenly she started hearing hums as she turned towards Kano who was watching the fight as well. "You seem amused..." she said to him as she removed the muzzle. Kano finally gasped for air and sighed relieved. "Well I'm bit of a gambler sweetheart, and my money right now is going towards Jax at the moment. But I'm still rooting for Sindel to kick his sorry fla-" and just before he could finish what he was going to say, Twilight immediately put the muzzle back on him and looked back to the fight. Jax blocked another attack, and threw his elbow at Sindel's jaw cracking it. He then grabbed her and slammed her against the wall as a few books fell down and hit her in the head. She shook her head of it and glared at Jax, she focused her magic and blasted at him as Jax blocked it with his bionics. He struggled to stay on his hooves, but he knew he had to adapt and overcome the situation. He dodged to his right getting out of the beams path and charged at Sindel, she panicked from seeing it and went to blast him again. But before she could, Jax threw a powerful uppercut and made it contact with her jaw, sending her flying as she hit the ground unconscious. "Between you and me Sindel... evil doesn't suit you..." he said to her and turns to Ermac. "Now there's you to deal with..." "We took your arms Jackson Briggs... but now..." Ermac summoned the souls of many vanquished warriors. "Its time we finished you off for good!" he threatened him. Glaring at him, Jax knew that he needed to bring him down before he hurts anyone else. "I know one thing... the Ermac Kenshi saved... would be fighting what ever spell has him in Shao Kahn's pocket. Looks like I'm gonna have to knock some sense into you too punk...!" he said to him and stood in his fighting stance. Ermac charged at him and threw a few soul blasts at him, Jax countered it with an energy blast from his arm seeing it blast against the soul blast. He charged at Ermac only to see he leaped into the air and kicked him in the face, forcing him to fall down to the ground. Ermac chuckled as he lifted Jax into the air, preparing to rip him apart, but he soon felt a force take hold of him. He turned to see Twilight using her magic to hold him down. "You filthy equine...! You think your magic will hold us down?!" he asked her as the started struggling to break free. Twilight felt it and struggled to hold her magic around him. "Just long enough for a distraction...!" she said to him as Ermac's eyes widened and turned towards Jax. He saw him charging at him again and saw him land a powerful punch against his face sending him flying towards the wall. He was about to hit it, but he quickly used his magic to keep himself from reaching it. He looked to Jax and flew towards him tackling him down to the ground, throwing hard punches to his face. Feeling his attacks, Jax immediately took action and caught his next punch and smirked at Ermac. "You're still the same... I pity you..." he said to him. "Save your pity for the weak Jackson Briggs...!" Ermac replied to him as he floated into the air and rammed against him. Jax slid back from the impact, but he stood unfazed by it and looked to Ermac as he went for another ramming attack. He managed to dodge the attack and slam his bionic arm against Ermac's throat. He watched him flip backwards and hit the ground, Jax knew he was down, but not out of the fight yet. Ermac got up and used his telekinetic power to lift him up and slam him on the ground pinning him down. He grunted from it and saw he was about to finish him. Jax immediately launched an energy wave from his arm hitting his legs, Ermac stumbled from it losing focus of his telekinesis. Seeing his opportunity, Jax went for the attack, he grabbed hold of Ermac holding him down. "GOTCHA!!!" he held him down choking him out. He soon noticed the emerald amulet over his chest knowing he didn't have before. He grabbed hold of it and threw it onto the ground. "Twiligh, crush it!" Reacting quickly, Twilight stomped on the amulet crushing it as souls spewed from it. Ermac's eyes widened as he let out a gasp feeling it. He soon fell unconscious as Jax slowly lowered him down for him to rest. Twilight and Sonya rushed over to check on him. "Is he... dead...?" she asked him. "No, he's just out cold..." Jax said to her and looked to the crushed pieces of the amulet. "Looks like we found out how Shang Tsung managed to regain control over him. The amulet he was wearing must have been a link between him and Shang..." he theorized. "Mind control... that's got to be the most cruel thing to do to anyone..." said Twilight as she checked the unconscious Ermac. But her attention soon turned to Kitana as she tended to her stirring mother, she approached to check on them. "Kitana... you referred to her as your mother... is it really her...?" she asked her. "Yes... Twilight, this is Queen Sindel, my mother and ruler of Edenia..." Kitana introduced her to her mother. Twilight turned towards Sindel and bowed in respect. "It is an honor to finally meet you Queen Sindel..." she said to her. Smiling at hearing it, and bowed to her in return. "The honor is mine Princess Twilight..." she responded to her and looked around. "Your castle is indeed a jewel... the palace in Edenia may indeed pale in comparison..." she complimented her home earning a small blush of embarrassment from Twilight. "Well, its not that much really... other than having a dozen rooms that I still need to label..." she responded to the Edenian Queen, earning a giggled in response, but suddenly a thought came to her. "Your highness, can you tell me how exactly this Ermac managed to take control over you...?" she asked her. Sindel rubbed her head a bit still feeling the pain she felt from her fight with Jax. "I was traveling on an open road till I found this town... I was about to wander in, but that's when Ermac jumped me and brought me to Shao Kahn. Next thing I know, I'm fighting Jax, and he rendered me unconscious..." she explained to them. "Is there anything else you can tell us...? Anything you saw may help..." Jax said to her. Thinking about it for a moment, Sindel began to recall something, or someone that she saw. "Actually... when I was being escorted to the dungeon... I noticed in a cell, that Raiden was trying to regain his strength." she said to them. Gasping from hearing it, Jax, Kitana and Sonya looked to one another in surprised from hearing the news. "Raiden's still alive..." said Sonya. "Shao Kahn did keep him alive... and he's using him to try and cross into Equestria." said Kitana and looked to her mother. "Mother, this information must be explained further to Princess Celestia. She needs to know what's become of Raiden." she said to her earning a nod from her. "I'll get the tickets for the next train to Canterlot immediately." Twilight rushed out to the train station. Sonya soon turned her attention to Ermac who remained unconscious. "What do we do with him...? I doubt this place has an kind of dungeon..." she pointed out to them. "For now, we wait for him to wake up... if there's any sign of him waking up, I'll let you know. But for right now, didn't you promise Applejack that you'd look out for Applebloom...?" Jax asked her with a smirk. Sighing knowing she hated it when he reminded her. "Yes Jax, I better get down to Sweet Apple Acre ASAP." she said to him and walked out of the room. True she may act like she's tough as nails, but Jax knew there was another side to her than she realized. Ponyville Train Station At the Ponyville Train Station a few hours later, the train had just arrived to pick up Sindel and Kitana. Twilight approached them with the tickets. "This train will get you to Canterlot faster than any locomotive, I know its not much Queen Sindel, but I hope its enough." she said to her. "It is perfectly fine Twilight, and please... call me Sindel." the Edenian Queen said to her. Nodding in response, Twilight turned to face Kitana. "I guess for now this is goodbye..." she said to her. "For now, yes... but do not stop practicing everything I taught you Twilight. You will need to keep practicing until I return. If you like, you're more than welcome to train with Flash Sentry..." Kitana said to her and smirked earning a red faced Twilight in return. "Kitana, leave the poor child alone..." Sindel said to her and looked to Twilight. "But she is right about one thing Princess Twilight... you must take my daughters lessons seriously, even that of all your friends." she said to her and touched her shoulder. "Until then, stay safe young Princess... and may the Elder Gods watch over you." she said and walked onto the train with her daughter. Taking along with the, was Kanos till trapped in an aura of magic. "Come on love, lemme make a deal with ya, if ya let me go, I'll tell ya where to find Raide-" before he could offer his assistance, Kitana put the muzzle back on him not interested in his offer to save Raiden from Shao Kahn's Dungeon. They will save him without the help and betrayal of a Black Dragon thug. Twilight watched as the queen and her new mentor set out for Canterlot, and new that one day they were gonna meet again. She soon turned to Jax who arrived with a restored Ermac. "Did we just miss them...?" asked Jax. "Yes, they just set out for Canterlot, sorry if you were a little..." Twilight apologized to them and looked to Ermac. "So... how are you feeling after being controlled...?" she asked him. "Better... but we deeply regret our actions towards you and your allies." Ermac said to her and lowered his gaze. "If Shang Tsung hadn't found us, none of this would have happened." he said to them in regret. Jax reached over and touched his shoulder. "Ermac, we didn't know how it happened... you were taken against your will, and Shang Tsung turned you back to how you were. We can't blame you for that... even after our first encounter when we arrived in this world." he said to him. "Pardon me but, why does he say we...? And our...?" Twilight asked them. Turning his attention to her, Ermac stepped forward to explain. "We are a collection of souls of warriors, past and present... we were created by Shao Kahn to defeat his enemies. But we were freed from his control thanks to Kenshi Takahashi, who's location remains unknown..." he explained to her. Amazed from his explanation, Twilight forgot to write all of it down and shook he head. "Well... we will help any way we can to find this Kenshi... we just need a good description of him." she said to him as Ermac nodded in response. Jax smiled and looked out to the sunset, thinking back to when he was with Vera. Seeing the same exact sunset, hoping that one day he'll be able to show Vera the same sunset in Equestria. Sweet Apple Acres, Applebloom's Bedroom Later that night, Applebloom got done washing up and cleaned her teeth. Sonya helped her get ready for bed, and tucked her in. But before Applebloom could go to sleep, she looked to her curiously. "Sonya... what was your daddy like...?" she asked her. Smiling at hearing her question, Sonya turned to the young filly showing her expression. "My dad was my hero, he was in the Navy Seals fighting in Iraq back in Earthrealm. I looked up to him..." her smile began to fade remembering that one day. "But then... my mom found out... that he was killed in action." she lowered his gaze as tears brimmed. "I was devastated from when I heard the news... but I wasn't going to let that stop me. I was going to become a soldier, and live up to my dad's name..." she told the young filly. Looking at her, Applebloom felt sorry for the loss she endured. She reached over and touched her hoof. "You're not alone Sonya... in fact, me, Applejack and Big Mac... we lost our parents in an accident. Granny took us in when we had no where left to go..." she said to her. Sonya was surprised from when she mentioned it, never before had she believed that tragedy would also be caused in this realm of theirs. "But the thing about Family... is that it never truly dies, it lives on in your heart... they'll always be with you." Applebloom smiled at her. Looking at the young filly, Sonya could almost feel like her mother in some way. Almost... but she sighed and rubbed the little filly's head and put the blanket over her. "Get some sleep little filly... you'll need it..." she said to her. Before Sonya could leave however... "Think you can sing me a lullaby...?" she asked her. Hearing it, Sonya looked down thinking of anything she could remember. She couldn't think of any, but then... something occurred to her as she remembered something from her childhood. She turned to Applebloom and walked over sitting next to her in her bed. "I think I have something you might like... it was one of my favorite songs..." she said to her. (Angel's Lullaby belongs to Reba McEntire) Midnight, moonlight Shining through the curtain lace She holds Applebloom close so that she could make her feel comfortable. Paints a perfect picture on Your perfect face Sonya smiles as she remembered the way her mother used to sing to her. One sweet angel sleeping in my arms You are the promise I knew God would keep Applebloom listened as she started to feel drowsy from her song. Her eyes slowly started to close. You are the gift that makes my world complete And you'll never know how much I love you But I'll keep on telling you my whole life through Now I believe in miracles, and you're the reason why So dream on while I sing you my angel's lullaby Sonya finished the song and saw that Applebloom was sound asleep from her song, she smiled and gently got out of her bed so that she could sleep. She stepped out of the room quietly closing the door, she soon heard a chuckle and saw that it was Jax standing next to her. "What...?" she asked him. "Nothing..." he responded and let out a chuckle. "It's the first time I've ever seen you act so much like a mother to anyone around her." he said to her. Blushing from the thought of it, Sonya couldn't deny that it almost felt like she was acting like her mother. She turned to Applebloom watching her sleep, and smiled that Jax wasn't wrong. "I guess there's a first time for everything..." she said to him and landed a quick jab to his chest. "But if you so much as breathe a word to Johnny, you'll be in for it..." she warned him and walked away. Jax groaned a bit but chuckled a bit watching where she was heading. True she's tough, but she's still pretty soft. He looked outside to the moonlight as it shined over the orchard, if there was only one thing that could make this moment feel complete... it would be Vera, in his arms. Sharing this night together... maybe some day he may see her again. But until that time, he needed to help his friends in the fight against Shao Kahn. "Sleep tight Vera... I hope I'll see you again when this is all over." he muttered and headed to his bedroom, to dream about her. > Chapter 7 Smoke > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canterlot Throne Room, Canterlot Castle Within the Canterlot throne room, Sindel and Kitana had just arrived with the valuable information they had about Raiden. After Celestia had learned of what's become of him, her hopes were starting to rise... but she had to be sure of something. "Queen Sindel, are you certain that it was Raiden you saw within the dungeon...?" she asked her. "Positive, but even sorcerers such as Shang Tsung have the ability to shape shift. It is possible who I saw may have been Shang Tsung disguised as Raiden, or it is the thunder god himself." Sindel suggested and looked down to the floor. "So I know not whether to trust my eyes or not..." "But the important thing is that Raiden still lives... and he's trying to find a way to escape." Kitana said to them. Luna turned her attention towards her older sister. "But he is still Dark Raiden... you certain it would be wise to bring him to Equestria...? He could attack anyone he deems a threat to this realm, and realms beyond." she said to her, "I know Raiden, Luna. He would never do anything to harm anyone in Equestria... even if his heart has become blackened, it can change." Celestia responded to her sister and turned to the Edenian rulers. "A rescue mission will be necessary, but our forces are not prepared to face those of Outworld." "Which is why me, Liu Kang and the others are training each of your subjects the skills we have learned in the past. They will need them should we face Shao Kahn, and my abomination of a sister." Kitana added as she remembered back to when she first encountered Mileena. Luna sensed how much she hated Mileena, after all she was created from her blood and mixed with Tarkatan blood. Clearing her throat, Luna got back to the topic at hoof. "We will find as many as we can who will help support your mission, but for now you both must be exhausted from your long journey. Guards...? Please escort Queen Sindel and Princess Kitana to the guest chambers." she said to them as the guards escorted them. As they left, Luna turned to her sister who's face showed both hope... and despair. "Sister...? What's wrong...?" she asked her. Sitting in silence, Celestia looked to her sister as tears began to form in her eyes. "Luna... was it a mistake to give Raiden my amulet...?" she asked her. "What...? Sister, why would you ask something like that...?" Luna asked her in surprise. "If I hadn't given him my amulet, he would never be going through this kind of pain right now..." Celestia turned away as her tears ran down her face. "Its my fault he's suffering..." "No, its not sister!" Luna objected to what her sister as Celestia looked to her in surprised. "You did it because you love him, and you couldn't bear to see his comrades throw their lives away when they still had so much to live for. If our rolls were reversed, I would have done the same... so do not lose hope in Raiden, and do not let me see you in tears like this..." she said to her and held her close. "We will save Raiden... and restore him to who he once was..." Hearing those words, Celestia knew that she was right. She couldn't let this get to her, because if she had... her love for Raiden would never have existed. She cleaned her tears away, and looked to Luna. "You're right Luna... I must hold onto hope, and have faith that the protectors of Earthrealm will aid my student and her friends." she said to her and looked out. "Just hold on a little longer Raiden, we will get you out of there... I swear upon my soul, I will not lose you again." she thought to herself as she watched the stars. Meadows, Ponyville Morning broke, and within the meadows of Ponyville, Smoke was meditating in the meadow feeling calm and relaxed. Despite being turned into a cyborg... but during his meditation, Smoke began to see flash memories of when he was human. They flashed quickly through his mind, seeing his brain and spinal cord taken out and placed into a cybernetic body. His circuits went on overload as he let out a scream feeling his fear winning. He touched his face feeling only the metal over his face, suddenly he heard the sound of wings flapping, he formed a ball of smoke and threw it at who it was. Rainbow Dash panicked from seeing it and dodged his attack. "Whoa! Easy with the smoke balls Smokey!" she exclaimed. Seeing her, he sighed and stood down. "Sorry about that Ms. Dash..." he said to her. "What's up...? You look... even though you have no expression, like you've seen a ghost..." Rainbow Dash said to him. Silent for a moment, Smoke couldn't hide it. "More like... reliving them." he admitted to her and looked out. "I have been haunted by the very moment the Grandmaster forced me to undergo cyberization." he explained and looked to her noticing her attire. "I see Ms. Rarity managed to complete your Lin Kuei uniform." "Yeah, and I can say I'm actually rocking it." Rainbow Dash boasted proudly. Smoke could smirk at her boastful attitude, but given his cybernetic appearance, it will be impossible to accomplish. "It is a high honor to train with Sub-Zero... you're among one of many lucky trainee's before you. But you are almost like one in particular." he mentioned to her. "Wait, what...? Who...?" she asked him. Smoke remained silent for a moment but looked to the sky. "Frost... she was one of the best prodigies Sub-Zero ever trained, but..." Smoke looked down earning a curious look from Rainbow Dash. "She was overly ambitious, arrogant, impatient." he listed them down and looked to her. "She tried to take the Lin Kuei for herself, but Sub-Zero froze her solid in ice." Surprised from all that had happened, Rainbow Dash knew one thing... Frost was clearly out of her mind. "Boy... I hope I don't end up like her..." she muttered. "The only way to prevent that is if you show the patience needed to be Sub-Zero's apprentice... lose sight of his teachings, and you will lose the chance to be the Lin Kuei warrior he see's you as." Smoke advised her. But Rainbow Dash, being boastful as ever crossed her arms and smirked. "Hey, if Frost failed to accomplish follow Sub-Zero's example, doesn't mean I will too." she said to him. "Pride is only the first step... the rest are to be seen." Smoke responded. Feeling tested, Rainbow Dash knew this guy was really pushing her buttons. She needed to put her hoof down, and show the mechanical pony not to mess with her. "Alright Smokey, if you think I've got a lot of pride, let me prove you wrong then!" she challenged him to a fight. Turning her direction, Smoke could not refuse the challenge. "You have a fire deep inside you Rainbow Dash... but fighting me will be the biggest mistake you've ever made." he responded to her and saw her go for a charging attack. He dodged her flying kick and grabbed hold of her leg throwing her down to the ground. She grunted in pain from it and shook her head from it and turned to him. "That was a lucky dodge, it won't happen twice!" she went to strike at him, only to see him avoid her attacks with much quickness in his steps. "Hold still!" she exclaimed trying to land a punch. "You are blinded to your actions, therefore..." Smoke blocked her next punch and disappeared catching her off guard. He eventually appeared behind her and struck her in the leg, grabbing hold of her neck and throwing her over. Rainbow yelped hitting the ground, she let out a growl as her mouth was filled with grass and dirt. She spit it out and turned to him with much anger in her eyes. "Okay... time for you to see how fast I can be!" she dashed away leaving Smoke by himself. He looked around for her to try and pin point her location. But she was moving too fast for him to see, he was then struck from behind causing him to stumble from it. He went to strike only to hit nothing but wind, he began to worry about the situation at hoof. But he soon realized he is relying on his cybernetics, when truthfully he needed to rely on his instincts. He focused on where the next attack will be, he started to sense Rainbow Dash charging at him. He turned his entire body into vapors letting her pass through him. She panicked and screamed slamming into a tree, he chuckled seeing it happen. "Speed can be your greatest strength... but it can also be your greatest weakness when in a battle." he said to her only to receive a glare from her. She threw a kick towards him, but as she did... unexplained streaks of lightning began to form catching Smoke by surprise. She managed to land a painful hit against Smoke, causing him to short circuit a bit before she threw an uppercut, knocking him to the ground. He shook his head from it, and looked to her. "Lightning based attacks... some Lin Kuei warriors are born with different abilities and powers... but yours is as unique as Hydro's..." he complimented her. "Flattery won't get you anywhere...!" Rainbow said to him and went for another strike, but Smoke flipped backwards avoiding her strikes, he then caught her next strike. He pulled her over and flipped her over him slamming her to the ground. But Rainbow Dash broke her fall and tripped him over. "That trick's not gonna work on me again!" she went to strike him again. But Smoke managed to turn himself into vapors, escaping from her attack. He reappeared behind her and put her in a choke hold, she struggled to get out of it. "Struggling will only make it worse..." he said to her as she continued to struggle. Rainbow Dash looked for any opportunity and managed to knock the back of her head against his face, even though it was gonna be quite painful to do it. She had no choice and managed to break free as she rubbed her head... seeing him dazed, Rainbow Dash went to kick him between the legs where it would her him most. But as she kicked him there, she only managed to inflict pain upon her self causing her to cry out in pain of it. Smoke watched it happen, and shook his head from it. "Please, this isn't a bar fight..." Groaning from the pain, Rainbow Dash shook it off and looked to him. "What did the old Grandmaster make your armor out of...?" she asked him as she went for another attack. Smoke blocked her right hook, and sneaky uppercut. He dodged a few kicks, and managed to grab hold of her punches. "Titanium, from what I remember... really strong metal..." he explained as he managed to dodge her next attack. He grabbed hold of her arm and punched her in the gut, and slammed a strong elbow strike against her face and threw his back right leg against her chest sending her flying. She screamed as she hit the ground, groaning in pain from the fight knowing she had been beaten. "You're skilled... but you will need more training to reach Sub-Zero's expectations..." he said to her. "Yeah..." Rainbow agreed with him as she sat up. "This fight kind of proves that I've got a lot to learn..." she said to him as he lent her a helping hoof. She took it and stood up with his help. "By the way... who's Hydro...?" she asked him out of curiosity. "Hydro was a fellow Lin Kuei, who was converted into a cyborg by the Grandmaster. During his time being human, he controlled water with ease, something no other Lin Kuei had ever seen. His time being one of the Grandmasters cybers however was short lived... when the Grandmaster tested Cyrax and Sektor against him... he died fighting against them." Smoke explained to her of Hydro's fate against the two lethal ninja's. "Man... that's harsh..." Rainbow Dash muttered in surprise. "Sektor embraced his fathers vision... but Cyrax was forced against his will, as was I when they captured me in the Living Forest of Outworld." Smoke looked down remembering what they did to him. "I will never forget... the torment they put me through..." Feeling sorry for the cyber ninja, Rainbow Dash didn't want to know what it was like to know what it was like to be turned into a cybernetic ninja, but she didn't want to turn out like Frost either. She walked over to him and tapped him on the shoulder. "Hey... its not yoru fault you turned out like this... just because you're a cyborg now, doesn't mean you're not the same warrior inside." she reminded him of who he once was. Smoke looked to her feeling surprised, he knew he couldn't smile... but he gave her a gentle nod. "Thank you Rainbow Dash... and don't worry, I'm sure that you will not turn out like-" before he could finish his scentence, his sensors picked up an incoming projectile. "Get down!" he pulled her down ducking underneath an ice blast. He turned to attacker and found that it was the one person he was going to mention. "Frost...!" "Surprised to see me Smoke...? Took me long enough to find you... you are going to come with me to get reprogramed." Frost said to him. "And turn out like Sektor...? That's not going to happen, he corrupted my soul, and the Lin Kuei!" Smoke exclaimed. Glaring at hearing it, Frost immediately lost herself to her own anger. "Sub-Zero corrupted the Lin Kuei! When he came to this world and made peace with that Shirai Ryu filth! And took in a student to replace me!" she cried out as she gestured to Rainbow Dash. "I will kill you all, and restore the Lin Kuei's honor." Rainbow glared at her knowing that she was purely insane. "Like heck we're gonna fall to you..." she said to her. "You are a fool to even fight me novice... your arrogance facing Smoke showed me that much. You're just like me, and like me... Sub-Zero will cast you out, lock you up in an icy prison. You'll see it until you understand... and join me... for the Lin Kuei will be restored to what it was supposed to be...!" she said to her as Rainbow Dash went to strike her, but she blocked her attacks. (Song is Parody of Lions Over All from The Lion Guard) Frost; There is no greater power than to rule over the land We all have it inside us It's here where we stand My friends you'll see it's true Look close and you will find Killing every creature is destiny for our clan Frost blocked her attacks and saw Smoke appeared behind her going for a strike from behind. But she avoided his attack and kicked him away. So if we join together We will never fall Assassins must live forever Assassins over all Smoke blocked her attacks only to feel her grab hold of his arm and pinned it behind his back causing him to struggle to break free of her grasp. Assassins over all No creature is more grand She punched Smoke away and dodged Rainbow Dash's attack and kneed her in the stomach causing her to cough harshly. Assassins over all It's why we must rule the land We crush any resistance So enemies keep their distance Assassins, Assassins over all She dodged Rainbow's Next attack and blasted ice at her. But Rainbow Dash managed to avoid her attacks and dash passed her kicking her in the neck, and punch her in the face. Rainbow Dash; If we do what you suggest We'd be evil and cruel Using violence and threat That is no way to fight Frost formed an ice spike around her hoof and went to stab her, but Rainbow dodged it grabbing hold her arm and slamming her agaisnt a tree. Frost grunted from it and kicked her away. Frost; But if we're joined together We will never fall Yes, Assassins must live forever Assassins over all Assassins over all No creature is more grand/i] Frost went to kill her, but Smoke managed to catch her arm and knock his hoof against her face and kicked her abdomen, causing her to cry out in pain. Smoke; Stay noble and grand Frost; Assassin's over all It's why we rule the land She blocked his next attack only to get hit by Rainbow Dash, but she was not willing to give up as she went for another strike. Rainbow Dash focused her speed managing to avoid her attacks, and landed fast jabs to her face. Rainbow Dash; We must protect the land Frost; We crush any resistance Smoke grabbed hold of her next strike and kicked her leg and threw a smoke ball in her face causing her to be blinded temporarily. Smoke; Friendship and kindness! Frost cleared the smoke and struck his face and kicked him in the torso. Frost; So enemies keep their distance Rainbow Dash & Smoke; Will always find us Frost; Assasins, Assassins over all! She blasted them with a powerful wall of ice and managed to freeze their hooves to the ground. Rainbow Dash struggled to break free... but didn't want to risk injuring herself in the process, she looked to Frost with a glare of disappointment. "You know... for someone who was Sub-Zero's prodigy, I'm starting to see why he put you on ice." "Something he will not do a second time... which is why I plan to save you from that pain, because Sub-Zero is the living definition of betrayal...!" Frost said to her and went to kill her, but Smoke broke free of the ice and stopped her. He pulled her away, and kicked her down. "Maybe Sub-Zero had the right idea about you... your arrogance is what forced Sub-Zero to do what he did, and that's what lead to your downfall." Smoke said to her as he stood in his fighting form. "And you're still his loyal lackey...!" Frost shot an icicle at him, but Smoke dodged it and blocks her next attack. He threw a quick jab to her chest and struck her jaw with his elbow causing it to crack. Seeing her dazed, Smoke threw a smoke ball at her feet causing her to vanish and reappear in the air, she fell from the sky as Smoke leaped towards her and landed a strong uppercut against her jaw, knocking some teeth loose. She screamed from it as she hit the ground, she shook her head taking off her mask spitting the tooth out. Fuming with anger, Frost was not willing to give up. Meanwhile, Smoke broke the ice that held Rainbow Dash and she started to shiver. "Man... how does Sub-Zero live like this...?" she asked. "Years of training... believe me, I know..." Smoke said to her and turned to Frost. "But be prepared... this fight isn't over..." he advised her as Frost got back up and glared at them. She screamed out as ice and snow swirled around her, she blasted icicles at them only to see them split up going in separate directions. "On my mark Rainbow, you strike!" "You got it!" Rainbow Dash replied. "What ever you're planning, it won't work! I will kill you both!" Frost shot more icicles at them, but Smoke threw a smoke ball to where he was running, and vanished through it. Frost looked around for him to try hit him, but while she wasn't looking... Smoke appeared behind her and grabbed hold of her and struck her neck causing it to fracture. "Rainbow! NOW!" Smoke cried out as Rainbow Dash went for the chance she was given. She charged at Frost as her newly discovered lightning abilities activated and charged at a fast speed than usual. She threw her right leg and kicked Frost in the chest causing her to cry out in agony of it. Smoke also felt the electricity as his circuits went a bit haywire, but he broke free just in time as Frost dropped down to the ground. Groaning with much pain to her abdomen, Frost looked up towards Rainbow Dash with a glare and pointed at her. "I'll remember this...! This... is not... over..." she said to her and fell unconscious. Exhaling from what she did, Rainbow shook her back hoof a bit knowing it tingled a bit. "That felt good..." she muttered and turned to Smoke who was start to glitch a bit. She rushed over to him to see what was wrong with him. "Smoke, you okay...?" she asked him. "Y-Yeah... that charge your unleashed on Frost might have jolted some of my circuits..." Smoke admitted to her as sparks began to fly. "I should probably go see Jax before things get worse..." "Jax worked with your kind of tech...?" Rainbow Dash asked her. "Yes, he reprogrammed me during the Outworld invasion of Earthrealm. He'll see to it that my systems get repaired. You meanwhile should get Frost to Sub-Zero, just be careful... she can be a slippery one." Smoke warned her as he took off to meet up with Jax. Rainbow Dash grabbed Frost and dragged her. "Lets hope Sub-Zero keeps this mixed bag of nuts frozen solid." she muttered as she took Frost to where he is currently living. Sweet Apple Acres Upon arriving at Sweet Apple Acres, Smoke had just talked to Jax about his systems. Even though they were in a none technological environment, that didn't stop Jax given his bionic implants. He checked Smoke's systems to locate the problem, most of it checks out... but his radar system told a different story. "Most of your systems are a bit fried, nothing that I can't replace. But your radar is deep fried... it might take me a few months to get it repaired." he explained to him. "I appreciate the gesture Jax... but maybe its best I let go of it..." Smoke said to him and looked to his hooves. "I've been relying on my tech ever since I was converted... that I lost sight of who I was. From this point, I want to rely on my old instincts... to remind me of my humanity." Smirking at what he said, Jax knew that he made up his mind. "If you say so... the rest of your systems I can get fixed, just hold still for a moment, and it will be done in an hour or so..." he said to him and got to work on him. Meanwhile, outside the barn... Applejack was watching it happen, noticing that some of Smoke's parts popped out showing his circuitry, true technology is still new to her and all of Equestria. But to see something as advanced as that...? It's enough to surprise anypony, most of all leave a really bad taste in their mouth. She even felt bad for what happened to Smoke and Cyrax, and walked away to leave them be. But before she could, she bumped into Nightwolf who was on a stroll of the farm. "Nightwolf...? Finally out and about...?" she asked him. "Yes... I've taken much time to reflect upon my actions. I prayed to the Great Spirit to forgive me... but earning her forgiveness will not be easy..." Nightwolf replied to her. "I hear ya... also, sorry if my sister and her friends kept on bugging ya, sometimes its rare to see new ponies around here and hard to contain their curiosity." Applejack said to him. Nodding to her, Nightwolf took off the bandages that was over his brow and put his headband showing the paw of a wolf. Seeing it, Applejack grew curious about it, and his heritage. "So... how long have you been called Nightwolf...?" she asked him. Thinking back to when he was young, Nightwolf began to remember that time. "The mantle of Nightwolf has been passed down from generation to generation... any one could bear the mantle. Even a broken man with not future as I..." he explained to her earning a surprised expression from her. "There have been other Nightwolves...?" she asked him. Nightwolf nodded his head in response as Applejack shook her head a bit. "Wow... must be a really special mantle... who was the Nightwolf before you...?" she asked her second question. "I had forgotten her name, but she was a noble warrior of the Lakota." Nightwolf informed her and turned her direction. "But during her passing, the mantle was entrusted to me. An outcast who had no future... but the Lakota looked up to me, seeing that I had much to live and fight for, just like my ancestors before me." Amazed by his tale, Applejack saw just how broken, and determined he was. She smiled a bit as a small not clear to see blush form across her cheeks. "Well then Nightwolf... I'm proud to say that you are better than anypony I've ever met. You may be a native, but you're an honorable warrior." she said to him as she held out her hoof. "So what do ya say partner...? Friends and Ally's to the end...?" Seeing her offer and looks to the cowgirl who was smiling kindly at him. He smiled back as he reached out to her hoof and grasped it with his. "It would be an honor fighting by your side AJ..." he said to her as the two ponies had a moment, unaware that the CMC were watching them from behind the scenes. They grinning mischievously, knowing what was really going on between the Lakota and the Apple Farmer. Shao Kahn's Fortress, Outworld In Outworld, Reptile was wandering the halls by his lonesome... suddenly his tiny ears heard voices coming from the throne room as he approached. He turned invisible and looked inside seeing Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung talking with Quan Chi. "This land, Equestria from what I've read... is a peaceful land, holding no ties to the Mortal Kombat Tournament... the Elder Gods kept it that way, because they decreed that this realm was not to be touched." he explained after learning from Celestia's Amulet. "So this realm is not as important...? How strange..." Shang Tsung muttered. "And who are the rulers there...?" Shao Kahn asked the sorcerer. "There are several of them... Princess Celestia being the eldest of the monarchy... her younger sister Princess Luna, who once turned evil and tried to take over the land." Quan Chi explained to the monstrous emperor. "And who are the others...?" he asked him. "The other two rulers are Princess Mi Amore Cadenza of the Crystal Empire, and Princess Twilight Sparkle, from what I heard in recent reports is that she has become Kitana's student." Quan Chi informed Shao Kahn of the Edenian Princess. This immediately grew an interest in Reptiles point of view. But Shao Kahn could care a less of it as he pulled out his war hammer and smashed a column in fury. "So the Earthrealmers have found students... likely to fight against me should I travel to their world." he growled in anger. "Emperor, have you forgotten that the Elder Gods forbid you from crossing into the realm yourse-" before Shang Tsung could finish his question, Shao Kahn grabbed hold of his neck choking the life out of him. Growling at him, Shao Kahn pulled him closer to make his point clear. "I don't care what the Elder Gods forbid me to do... they cannot stop me, no matter how hard they try... because they fear me and my power... and they have a right to do so, as well as you!" he threw Shang down to the ground. Shang grunted from it as he coughed from being strangled, he panted and looked to the emperor. "So you're just going to defy them, and invade them...? Like you did with Zaterra...?" he asked him. Reptiles eyes widened in horror as memories of when he was a hatchling came rushing to his mind, he witnessed the slaughter of his own kind, the murder of his parents, the fall of his queen. These were moments that he would never forget for as long as he lived. "I could care a less about that sniveling lizard... he has failed time and time again, I should have put him down along with the rest of his kind...!" Shao Kahn declared unaware that Reptile was listening the whole time. "Emperor, it would be best to be careful of what you say... cause the walls could have unwanted ears..." Quan Chi pointed out as he looked to where Reptile was causing him to panic. He threw a soul skull at him, but Reptile managed to escape it as he revealed himself hissing at the white sorcerer. "How much did you hear...?" he asked the Zaterran. "Just enough for me to sink my teeth in your throat Sorcerer...!" Reptile snarled and turned his attention to Shao Kahn. "And you warlord... you disgust me the most. You conquered my realm, slaughtered my people and left me alive to amuse yourself as kombatants relentlessly beat me down! The Elder Gods were right to curse you by binding you to the Mortal Kombat tournament!" he exclaimed. Growling at the Zaterran, Shao Kahn summoned his war hammer. "Impudent lizard... General Kotal was foolish to let you live... I will see to it that I finish what he could not...!" he snarled as he charged at Reptile. But Reptile unleashed a wall of acid mist to block the emperors path as he disappeared and took off. Seeing it happen, Shao Kahn turned to the two sorcerers with much fury in his eyes. "Find him! Stop him by any means necessary!" Knowing that he will be pursued, Reptile knew that his only chance to survive was to go to Equestria. He headed for the nearest portal he could find, and headed to Equestria to do the one thing he may find difficult to do. Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville Back on the farm, Jax had just finished fixing some of Smoke's circuits. Smoke tested out his agility to get a good feel. They were working properly as he turned to Jax. "Thank you Jax... these new circuits will do nicely for the time being." he said to him as he tested a few kicks. "Just be careful, I wouldn't want to have you getting them damaged again." Jax advised him. Suddenly, he heard the sound of fireworks going off and looked to town square. "The circus in town or something...?" he asked. "Not sure, we should take a look and make sure its not an attack." Smoke said to him as they walked to town. Not knowing what was following behind them. As they entered Ponyville, they walks to where the fireworks were going off and saw a wagon standing in the middle of Town Square. "Must be a pretty small traveling circus..." he pointed out. "I hear ya..." Jax agreed with him. Suddenly, a puff of smoke shot up from the stage. "Come one... come all...! Come and see the most magnificent pony in all of Equestria! Give it up... for the Great... and Powerful... TRIXIE!!!" the unicorn mare stepped out of the smoke revealing herself to the crowd. Whom apparently... was not amused to see her after what happened with the Alicorn Amulet incident. Noticing the awkward silence, Jax began to feel a little bit uncomfortable with how they looked at her. "Man... and here I thought Blueblood was harsh. This is a whole other level of awkward..." he muttered. "Just who is this mare may I ask..?" Smoke asked them and felt a tap at his leg. He looked down seeing Spike who just arrived to see what the commotion was. "That's Trixie... she's... sort of a magician in Equestria. But she kind of boasted a few things about what she did, which were lies in fact. Then one day she showed up with a relic called the Alicorn Amulet, and had Twilight banished from Ponyville." he explained to the Cyber Ninja. Whistling at the fact, Jax knew that was messed up. "Talk about an Authoritarian..." he muttered. Trixie's ears twitched from hearing it and turned to the crowd. "Who said that?!" she looked around for who it was. "Come on, I demand that you reveal yourself!" she demanded to know who it was as she looked around the audience. "Come on... come out so Trixie can see you...!" But just in an instant, the entire crowd pulled away from where Jax and Smoke were snitching on them. They saw it and gave them disapproving looks of their actions. "Tattle Tales..." Jax muttered. "So it was you, brown pony, whom I've never seen before in my life." Trixie pointed out to him with a glare. "You dare to mock me of my talent?!" Smoke immediately elbowed Jax to keep him from saying anything. "I got this..." he said to him and looked to Trixie. He used his power to vanish through a puff of smoke and appeared on stage beside her. "Actually, it was me..." he said to her catching her off guard. Surprised of what happened, Trixie looked between both the crowd, and him feeling awe struck. "H-How did you...? You were over there... and now here you are on stage... what kind of magic is that?! How can you use magic? You're not even a unicorn!" she exclaimed to the cyber ninja. "The Lin Kuei have many secret techniques... thought I am not of Unicorn kind, I am able to control smoke to my will." Smoke explained to her. "You meanwhile, use nothing but parlor tricks to draw crowds, without reason for it." he said to her and got on her last nerve. Trixie's face turned red fuming with anger. "PARLOR TRICKS?!! I will show you a parlor trick!" she took her hat off and blasted at him. Smoke managed to dodge the blast and flipped around avoiding each blast of magic. "Hold still!" she went to blast him again, but Smoke teleported behind her and shoved her away. Watching her stumble, Smoke stood in his fighting stance as the crowd watched what was going on. Jax was also impressed of the upgrades he made. "Alright Smokey, lets see what else you can do..." he muttered. "How did he do that...?" Spike asked him about his abilities. "Smoke is capable of forming it from the concentrated compounds, whether its coming from a fire, or smoke pellets. But given his new body, he can do more than what he normally did when he was human." Jax looked to the fight between Trixie and Smoke. "It hasn't been easy for him ever since he became a cyborg..." Surprised of his explanation, Spike looked to the fight between the cyber earth pony and the unicorn mare. She went for a quick strike at him, Smoke avoided her punches and landed a few fast jabs to her torso and leaped over kicking her down. For a magician, you're quite skilled..." he complimented her. "Thanks, took a few years in self defense class, BUT THAT'S NOT IMPORTANT!" Trixie exclaimed as she went to strike him again. Smoke blocked her attacks and caught her hooves. "I don't know about that, maybe I'd like to more about you Ms. Trixie..." Smoke said to her as Trixie blushed from hearing it and threw a kick at him, forcing him to slide back from it. He looked to her surprised, and new he hit a nerve "Oh boy, that's not good..." he muttered. Trixie glared as her face was still red. "You... you have no right to flirt with me you stupid machine!" she yelled as she threw a punch at him and struck her hoof against his face causing him to stumble from the fierce attack. She went for another attack, but Smoke disappeared from her line of sight and appeared above her. He threw a smoke ball at her hooves causing her to disappear into thin air as the crowd looked around in surprise. Then suddenly, Trixie appeared in the air and fell down onto the stage, she shook her head of it and looked to him. "You're good..." "Took me years to perfect my technique..." Smoke replied to her as he watched her stand up. Brushing off her mane, Trixie smirked as she used her magic to snare him and slam him against the ground. "Your technique is pretty good... but what you lack in magic, I have the advantage!" Trixie raised him up and slammed him against the wall of her cart and went to slam him again. But he quickly turned to vapors letting go of his solid form as he finally escaped his magic aura. Surprised of what he did, Trixie made one fatal flaw. "Right... sadly I can't contain vapors.." she admitted but blasted at him. Feeling it hit him, Smoke fell down to the ground holding where he got blasted. He looked to Trixie who's horn was glowing bright as she was about to finish him. But he force smoke to fly passed her as he vaporized and appeared behind her and struck her at her neck and kicked her down. She hit the ground letting out a grunt, she wasn't going to stay down because she was too stubborn to surrender. She got back up and blasted him in the leg and charged tackling him down, Jax and Spike began to panic from seeing it. "Come on Smoke, you got this..." Jax muttered. "You sure?" Spike asked him receiving a nod from him. Trixie meanwhile was hitting Smoke across his face relentlessly as she panted from exhaustion. "This time, you're going down!" she went to knock his lights out, but Smoke dodged it and grabbed her arm throwing her off. She rolled on the ground and blasted at him to weaken him, only to see her blasts faze through his body as he was only a clone. Her eyes widened and turned to where he was, he was in the air and he threw a strong kick towards her, landing it against her face knocking her down. Seeing she was on the ground, he knew the fight was over. "Stay down Ms. Trixie... the pain will only get worse..." he advised her. Panting from exhaustion, Trixie's mane was over her face as she clenched her teeth. "Why...?" she muttered as she looked to Smoke with tears in her eyes. "Why is it that I have always been an outcast in this world of ours, where everyone else has everything I don't?! Tell me that much!" she demanded to know as her tears ran down her cheek. Seeing it happen, Smoke reached to her and cleaned one of her tears looking at it. He knew that she suffered, but he never imagined she suffered this much. He looked to her, knowing he couldn't bear to see her like this. "Because you're suffering more than anyone else... I know the pain you're going through all too well." he said to her as he earned a surprised look from Trixie. "I know what it means to feel sadness and pain... and why one would cry... but it is something I can never do..." Hearing his words, Trixie started to look passed the metal form, seeing that his words were true by heart. Her eyes squinted as she wrapped her hooves around him, holding him in an embrace she needed. Smoke was surprised of her action, but he put his hooves around her to comfort her. Jax and Spike smiled seeing it happen, suddenly... Jax noticed something approaching on stage, but it was invisible even to the ponies. But it didn't fool him as he picked up a rock and threw it at what it was, as the rock flew towards the invisible creature only to see it stop in mid air. The creature revealed himself to be Reptile, and the ponies immediately recognized him and screamed running from him. Smoke saw it, and turned to him. "Reptile...?!" Dropping the rock, Reptile turned to Jax and stepped off the stage. "Jackson Briggs... I came here requesting assistance..." he said to the Special Forcers soldier. "Assistance...? This is new, even for you Reptile..." Jax said to him. "I have my reasons Earthrealmer... now I ask to speak with the monarch of this realm, it is important I see her." Reptile said to him. However, before Jax could reply, Smoke got between them. He didn't fully trust the Zaterran that well given their history back in Outworld. "What ever you have to say to Princess Twilight or Princess Celestia, you can say to us..." he said to him. "I don't have time for your meddling Lin Kuei! My message to the monarch's is more important!" Reptile exclaimed to him. "I find that very hard to believe Reptile, this is another trick created by Shang Tsung! You will not reach the princesses!" Smoke declared and threw a punch at him. Reptile dodged his attack and grabbed hold of him throwing him over as he hit the ground, but Smoke broke his fall and throws Reptile at Trixie's cart seeing him crash into it. She gasped in seeing it, and turned to him with a scowl. "HEY! Watch my cart you jerk!" she cried out. "Sorry..." Smoke apologized only to get tackled by Reptile. He rolled on the ground but managed to kick him off as he got back up to face him. Reptile turned towards him and hissed as he stood in running position, Smoke began to picture what he was planning... so he needed to plan ahead of him. Reptile dashed towards him with rapid speed, Smoke went to kick him only to see Reptile duck beneath his attack and trips him. Hitting the ground, smoke looked towards Reptile who was smirking behind his mask. "Out fight won't be like last time Smoke..." he said to him. "You wanna bet...?" asked a voice as Reptile turned only to get a bionic hoof to his face. Sending him flying towards Sugar Cube Corner, making another hole in the wall. He saw as Pinkie poked her head out shooting a glare at him, which he knew was a bad sign. "Sorry Pinkie! I swear, me and Sonya will fix that!" "You better! Mr. and Mrs. Cake just got done fixing one hole! Now we have another to deal with and the Cake Twins are already thinking its fun to make holes!" Pinkie exclaimed as Reptile pulled himself out of the wall and attacked Jax. He blocked his attacks and grabbed his clawed hoof as Smoke leaped over and kicked Reptile in the face knocking him down to the ground. He hissed from the attack and snarled shooting an acid ball at them. Jax blasted against his attack as smoke charged at him, landing a barrage of punches against him. Jax went for the next attack and tripped Reptile into the air and caught him as he slammed the Zaterran on his shoulder fracturing his back. "Not as sneaky as you used to be!" he threw him of. Hitting the ground, Reptile shook his head from it and got back up. "What will it take for you both to understand, I am not your enemy right now?!" he asked them. "Oh I don't know, let us win... then we're convinced..." Jax said to him. Smoke looked to him unable to give him a deadpan stare. "Not the most logical idea Jax..." he said to him. "Believe what you want, but you will have to beat me into submission for that to happen." Reptile said to them he charged at them going to strike. Smoke formed himself into vapors flowing passed him, he grabbed his tail and swung him around towards Jax as he slammed his bionic hoof against his face. "Whoa! Look at them go..." Spike watched as they fought. Arriving just in time, Twilight and Rainbow Dash showed up as soon as they could. "Spike, what's-" before she could ask, Twilight soon took notice of Trixie standing next to him. "Trixie?!" she panicked. "Whoa easy princess, I'm not here to start trouble... if there's anyone you should worry about, its that green pony." Trixie pointed out as Reptile went to bite Jax, but Smoke appeared behind him and went for a strike. Sensing it, Reptile swung his tail smacking him away and kicked Jax in the face. "Can I safely assume this... Reptile, is not your friend...?" she asked the alicorn. Rainbow Dash approached her and shook her head. "Not even close... but we'll explain later..." she said to her as she turned to the fight. Reptile snarled as he went for another attack, Jax on the other hoof went on the defensive and blocked his attack and threw him down. Smoke appeared in front of him and kicked him in the face sending him in the air, as it happened, Jax grabbed hold of his legs and slammed him hard on his knee knocking the fight out of him. "Now that's gotta hurt..." Rainbow watched it happen. Reptile panted from exhaustion, knowing that he had no fight left in him. Smoke approached him preparing to terminate. "This is it for you...!" he went to kill him, but Reptile managed to kick him away to survive. Trixie watched it happen as Smoke flew towards them and instinctively formed a barrier to stop him from hitting them. But in the process of stopping him, electricity began to spark around him as he let out a scream in pain. "I FEEL LIKE I'M BEING TORN APART!" he cried out. "Trixie, what did you do?!!" Twilight demanded to know. "How should I know?! I just simply put up a harmless defensive spell!" Trixie said to her in defense. The ponies looked to smoke as his body glowed bright, and exploded as the cybernetic armor hit the ground. They saw it happened looked to see that Smoke was gone... for the moment anyway. They were about to mourn, but suddenly vapors of smoke began to flow passed them. They watched as the vapors started to form a solid form... and from beneath the vapors, emerged what appeared to be... the original form, of Smoke before he was cyberized. His eyes opened as he gasped and looked to himself starting to panic, Rainbow rushed to him and held him to stop him from having a nervous breakdown. "Easy Smoke, calm down... um, you are Smoke Right...?" she asked him. Taking a moment to collect himself, Smoke moved his mane out of his face and looked to her. "I... I think so... yet..." he looked to himself seeing his original self. "I'm whole again... but... how did this happen...?" he asked as he looked to the others. Not hesitating to answer, Trixie stepped up to him. "It was my fault... I simply put up a defensive spell, and I don't know how it could have changed you into... this..." she gestured to all of him. She lowered her head looking away from his gaze. "I am so sorry for what I did..." Hearing her apology, Smoke knew that she was speaking the truth, but he couldn't possibly stay mad at her for it. He smiled and reached over touching her head, this caught Trixie by surprise. "Its not your fault... none of us knew what would happen, so do not blame yourself for what happened to me." he said to her and smiled at her. Trixie looked at him and blushed a bit, but turned away hiding it as she smiled. Meanwhile, Reptile pulled himself out of the dirt and turned to face them. Twilight noticed it and approached him. "Why are you here Reptile...?" she asked him of his intentions. Seeing her, Reptile respectfully bowed to her. "Princess Twilight, my intentions in coming here were not to start a fight... but to warn you of what's to come in the future." he said to her. Castle of Friendship "I understand none of you trust me, but I have valuable information that you all must hear." Reptile said to them as the Mane Six and the Earthrealm Defenders were present in the throne room. "What ever it is scaley, we're not interested in hearing it." Rainbow Dash said to him with a glare. "Hold on Dash, he came here on his own volition, that's proof enough he's telling the truth." Applejack said to her. Nodding in response, Reptile looked to the other defenders. "As you know... Shao Kahn can only merge realms by victory in Mortal Kombat. But since the battle in Edenia, he feels as though he is no longer bound to the tournament. And because of your interference, he seeks to conquer your realm as he did mine." he informed them. "How barbaric!" Rarity exclaimed to him. "How cruel..." Fluttershy muttered. "So why turn on your master...?" Liu Kang asked him. Looking down thinking of his people. "Because he used my kind... not for workers... but for sport." he said to them as the Mane Six gasped in shock. "Once there were many Raptors... now I am all that is left." he remembered what Shao Kahn did to his people. "Of all the realms, this one is most peaceful... much like Zaterra. I would hate to see your realm conquered like mine was..." Seeing it, the Mane Six looked to each other wondering if turning him down would be the wisest choice. They soon turned to him to give him their answer. "Tomorrow morning, we will personally escort you to Canterlot to tell everything you told us to Princess Celestia... she and her sister Princess Luna will judge whether or not you speak the truth..." Twilight said to him. "I understand..." Reptile said to her. Twilight turned her gaze to Spike. "Spike, please escort our guest to the guest rooms." she said to him as Spike gave her a salute and escorted the Zaterran. As he left, Twilight turned her attention to Smoke. "Now, there's the issue with Smoke... how is it Trixie's magic triggered an unexplained reaction...?" she asked. "It's possible that when Smoke came into contact with her defensive magic, the magic current's flowing from it caused a chain reaction inside Smoke's body, and caused him to reform back into his old self." Sub-Zero theorized. "But with no further explanations, there's no telling how it happened." he concluded. "But hey, he's got his old self back... and its kinda surprising to see him with white hair..." Rainbow Dash pointed out as she looked at it. "Despite this strange transformation, I will look into how it happened and find if there's a way we can revert Cyrax to his original self as well." Sub-Zero said to them and looked to the frozen solid Frost. "As for Frost, she will need to be taken to Canterlot to be locked up... the six feet of ice around her will be enough to hold her till she arrives in its dungeon." he said to them. "We'll make sure her cell is especially modified to counter her ice abilities." Twilight said to him. As they agreed about their cell, Trixie approached Smoke and nervously rubbed her hoof. "Look... I know what I did may have been wrong... and I shouldn't have put up that barrier. I should have-" "Its alright Trixie..." Smoke interrupted her, leaving her in a state of surprise. "You freed me from my torment... gave back what I lost so long ago, and for that I am grateful." he said to her and formed a smile. Seeing it happen, Trixie's face slowly turned red, but she tries her hardest to hide it as she smiled from his gratitude. Twilight noticed it and could only smirk from their situation, but Applejack couldn't contain her silence."Ooohhhh~... somepony's got crush o the Lin Kuei..." she pointed out. Trixie panicked from hearing it. "IT'S NOT LIKE THAT!" she exclaimed. "Oh darling, we know that's not your face is telling us..." Rarity grinned at her. Smoke watched as they kind of teased her a bit, but he couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. Sub-Zero took notice of it, and smiled a bit. "You know there's no shame in what you're feeling towards this mare." he said to his old friend. Realizing what he means, Smoke turned away from him. "I don't know what you're talking about..." he denied it, but he couldn't fool his best friend Kuai Liang. But of course, he couldn't deny that there was some sort of connection between him and Trixie. Even if it was hard to deny it... he knew that in some way, Trixie wasn't as bad as everyone believed her to be. Changeling Kingdom Meanwhile in the Changeling Kingdom, Chrysalis... the Queen of all Changelings. Was pacing back and forth in frustration. "I cannot believe those accursed ponies thwarted me after so long...! But this time... this time I will beat them, and when I do... I'm going to bask in that glory... and-" "Fail miserably..." said an unfamiliar voice interrupting her. Chrysalis turned sharply to where the voice was. "Who said that?!" she demanded to know. Out of the shadows, was a unicorn pony, greyish brown fur, brown eyes, black hair and goatee. His horn was curve, and his robes were blue and red, with some yellows. The unicorn respectfully bowed to her. "It is an honor to meet you Queen Chrysalis... I am Shang Tsung... emissary of Emperor Shao Kahn." the unicorn sorcerer said to her. Suspicious of this mysterious unicorn, Chrysalis kept her guard up. "Well Shang Tsung... what brings you to my kingdom?" she asked. "I am here on behalf of Emperor Shao Kahn, he needs recruits in facing against our enemies... those enemies being that of yours and ours..." Shang Tsung summoned astral forms of the Mane Six and the Earthrealm Defenders. Seeing them, Chrysalis glanced to the unicorn. "What's in it for me...?" she asked him. "Help us in defeating them... and Equestria will not only be yours, but ours." Shang Tsung offered to her. Raising her brow, Chrysalis found this offer quite intriguing, but she knows that everything has strings attached. "Why should I trust a mere pony who offers so much...?" she asked him. Shang smirked at her question and his horn began to glow. "I am much more than that milady..." his form changed into Chrysalis herself, and changed into Twilight and soon reverted back to his normal self. This amazed Chrysalis beyond belief, Shang was also impressed with his progress in this form as he looked to the queen. "As you witnessed, Changeling's aren't the only ones capable of transformation." Amazed with the moment, Chrysalis couldn't help but feel her heart beating out of her chest as her face was red. She grinned as she approached the assumingly young stallion. "Where do we begin...?" she asked him as Shang Tsung grinned in response and opened a portal for them. He reached out to her with his hoof. "Right this way your majesty..." he said to her as Chrysalis took his hoof and walked with him into the portal, not knowing what may happen on the other side. All Shang Tsung knew... was that she was about to meet the most fearsome warlord in all of Outworld. > Chapter 8 Rainbow Dash > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shao Kahn's Throne Room, Outworld Within Shao Kahn's Throne Room, the emperor removed his old armor to strap on a new set. He felt as his servants strapped on his shoulder guards which were gold trimmed, with red plates inside. He placed a single armband on his right arm as spikes were on his other forearm. The servants put his waist guards around him as the placed his shin guards on his shins. He then grabbed his helmet and put it on as his eyes snapped open glowing. Suddenly the doors to the throne room opened, and he looked to the source of it, seeing Shang Tsung and Queen Chrysalis. "So nice of you to join us... Queen Chrysalis... welcome to Outworld." he welcomed her to his realm. "So you are the infamous Shao Kahn I have heard so much about... I imagined you being taller..." Chrysalis said to him as she observed the mighty emperor. "And yet you stand in my shadow..." he replied to her. Chrysalis walked to him but stumbled knowing she's never been on two legs before, but she took notice of his spikes, claws and scales around his body. His most distinct feature, were his eyes... they resembled must like a dragons. "You're no ordinary man, are you...?" she asked him. "I am Kahn of Outworld... a conqueror." the emperor replied to her and looked out. "Everything you see before you... is part of different realms I conquered. Those who surrender willingly are spared, those who defy... are annihilated..." he turned to Chrysalis gripping his fist. "I am in need of allies Chrysalis... I had heard that you suffered quite a defeat..." Hissing from remembering it, Chrysalis knew what he meant. "I was close to conquering Equestria for my hive to feed off their love... but Princess Celestia's student was so suspicious of my actions, I knew I couldn't let her interfere... but in the end, she thwarted my plans and left me humiliated!" she exclaimed in anger. "Something we have in common your majesty... I too have suffered many humiliating defeats at the hands of Raiden's Earthrealm Defenders. But now he is my prisoner, and his allies are still rather a pain in my neck." Shao said to her as he approached her. "I asked Shang Tsung to bring you here so we can work out an arrangement..." Curious to what he has to offer, Chrysalis didn't know whether to hear him out... or just leave. So she chose the simplest option. "What could you offer which I already have...?" she asked him. "I can give you power far greater than what you currently have... you and your armies will never go hungry again..." the emperor offered to her. Thinking it over, Chrysalis knew that this was indeed quite a generous offer. But she didn't trust this so called emperor as far as she could blast him... but she was cautious, so she wanted to make sure he was a man of his word. "If I join you, I want proof of this power you will give me..." Hearing it, Shao Kahn smirked under his facemask as Shang Tsung summoned the power promised to her. He sent it to her, giving her power beyond anything she never would have imagined. But the process... was quite painful as she let out screams of agony. She felt the power coursing through her as he eyes snapped open glowing. She panted as she looked to herself and began to grin, letting out a chuckle. "This power... is unlike anything I've ever imagined...!" "Shang Tsung's soul magic is indeed powerful, but there is more that you can understand about the power you possess. Shang Tsung will show you how to control it so that in future battles, you will not disappoint..." the emperor said to her. Looking to the mighty warlord, Chrysalis bowed respectfully to him as a sign of allegiance. "You have earned my loyalty... Shao Kahn..." she smiled as she looked up to him. The Emperor was please as she and Shang Tsung left the throne room, but he knew a sharp tongued devil when he saw one. And Chrysalis reeked of treachery, something he needed to keep an eye open for should she try anything against him like Reptile did. Down the hall, Shang Tsung escorted the queen to her guest chambers where she will rest for the night. "You will find your quarters are quite different from Equestria, but at least you'll be able to find comfort here..." he said to her as he opened the doors for her. Seeing her chambers, Chrysalis knew that it was certainly different from that of her home in the hive. But she'll looked passed it and turned to Shang. "Tell me... why is it your emperor really wants my help...?" she asked him. "Why not...?" he replied to her. "I'm serious Shang Tsung... I am Queen of the Changelings, a sadistic evil psychopath... its part of my charm." she reminded him of who she was. "Which is something I find quite attractive..." Shang admitted to her. Chrysalis smirked at his compliment and turned to him. "You didn't just recruit me for my help or my looks... I know deceptive beings when I see them. So tell me... why the sudden interest in me...?" she asked him. He looked at her knowing she had to know his personal intentions, he looked out to the empire. "Every fight I've been in... I faced defeat countless times. By the hands of the Great Kung Lao... and at the hands of Liu Kang. Till one day I finally snapped his neck and consumed his soul... but now with him restored... history will repeat itself." he explained and looked to her. "Then there's the issue with Princess Twilight... you suffered a humiliating defeat, and have plotted against her and her friends for years." Nodding her head, Chrysalis knew that he was right. "You speak the truth... but what is it you're offering...?" she asked him. "We have common cause Chrysalis... your revenge towards Twilight Sparkle, and mine towards Liu Kang. Help me... and I'll help you... or you can go back to that hole I pulled you out of." Shang said to her. Considering all that has happened with her, walking into a new realm, becoming a bipedal creature, meeting a powerful warlord that could kill her with one strike with his war hammer. What did Chrysalis have to lose...? She looked to the sorcerer and smirked as she grabbed him by his collar. "On the contrary... I'm in..." she said to him as Shang Tsung smirked in response. Sub-Zero's Training Ground, Ponyville Back in Equestria... Sub-Zero had spent days working on a training ground for Rainbow Dash's Lin Kuei training. So far, to his standard, its looking pretty well. He soon took the chance to practice to grow more used to his new body, he concentrated on the ice to remember the feeling of it. But before he could focus... "Good morning sensei!" Rainbow Dash cried out making him lose focus as the ice around him cracked. "Ohhh.... sorry bout that..." "It's fine... I wasn't focusing or anything..." Sub-Zero said sarcastically to the rainbow haired Pegasus. Feeling excited, Rainbow Dash quickly adjusted her outfit to be more comfortable. "So, what's the first lesson...?" she asked him. "The first step... is to show patience..." Sub-Zero advised her as he circled her. "Smoke informed me of your ability to control lightning... this true...?" he asked her. "Yeah... but it mostly happened when I was attacked by Frost, aka Elsa..." Rainbow mocked her name and smirked. Sub-Zero pondered it as he walked around her. "Given your swift speed, and strong loyalty to your friends. Controlling it would have been easy... but lightning has always been an unpredictable force of nature. Wielding it may take time... but it mostly depends on how well you progress." he said to her. "But yet you're an ice ninja... how are you gonna teach me to control lightning...?" Rainbow Dash asked him. "First off, the Lin Kuei are not ninja's... they're assassins... when I reformed it, I dedicated it to defending Earthrealm. Secondly... each technique is based on the elements of nature. Ice is formed from water, making it easy to wield... lightning is considered to be the cold blooded fire. A powerful yet dangerous element..." Sub-Zero informed her of it. "When controlling this force of nature... you must mimic its movements... focus it through your chi. Let it flow like water..." he started forming an ice ball and threw it at a tree seeing its trunk freeze. Rainbow saw it surprised and knew that it was not gonna be easy to control her new found power. But what did she have to lose? She inhaled and focused on how fire would work, but as she did... lightning began to flow from the tip of her hooves leaving her surprised as she lost focus. "Whoa... that was..." she shook her head and refocused on her training. "Focus Rainbow... focus... don't give into your wild urges..." she practiced the motions of her fighting style. Sub-Zero watched as she tried focusing the lightning around her, but they were completely unaware that they were being watched. Scootaloo was watching from the edge of the arena with her friends Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle. Amazed of what they're doing Scootaloo could barely contain herself. "Oh my gosh... this is amazing...! Rainbow Dash has power that no pony else could imagine...!" she quietly exclaimed as she possibly could. "I wonder what it would be like to have powers like those...?" Applebloom wondered and gasped looking to her friends. "You know what that means?" she asked them. "Yeah..." Sweetie Belle began to see where she was going with this. "Cutie Mark Crusaders Elemental Fighters!" they exclaimed only to see an icy sword pierce on the floor in front of them. They looked up only to see Sub-Zero giving them a disapproving look. "You best have a good explanation for trespassing..." he said to them with a firm voice. The CMC panicked knowing that his stare was as deadly as the ice around him, suddenly Rainbow Dash got between them. "Whoa! Easy there teach, they're friends of my... this is Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo..." she introduced them to the Grandmaster. "Charmed... but stay clear of the training grounds... this is no place for children." he advised them. "Hey, we just wanted to see Rainbow Dash as she trained with you. No need to give us the cold shoulder pal!" Scootaloo completely disrespected the Grandmaster, knowing she made a cold pun. Sub-Zero snapped his ice sword giving her a glare. "I suggest you watch your tone with me young lady... didn't your parents ever tell you to respect your elders...?" he asked her not knowing her history. Scootaloo glared at him but looked away as tears formed in her eyes. "My parents have never been around..." she said to him and literally caught him off guard. "I've lived most of my life sending letters to them when they were out in the world, and Rainbow Dash was the only one who has been like a sister to me..." she soon looked to him holding her glare. "You wouldn't understand even if it bit you in the flank!" she cried out. Little does she know of his history... he looked at her but turned and left her alone. "Just try not to get in the way... your... sister and I have much work to do." he advised her and walks to the center of the training grounds. Rainbow Dash was surprised how he reacted to what Scootaloo, but she followed after him to continue their training. Hours pass, and Rainbow Dash was getting the hang of her new found power. She felt energized and felt like she could take on the world. "Alright, I think I'm there... what's next teach...?" she asked the grandmaster. "Now comes the hard part of your training... defeating your teacher." he responded to her. Surprised of this, Rainbow Dash nervously chuckled. "You're kidding right...?" she asked him. Sub-Zero answered by going into his fighting stance as ice surrounded his hooves. "I don't kid around..." he said to her. Seeing how serious he was... Rainbow Dash knew that he was gonna go all out against her. She swallowed her fear, and hardened herself. "Alright teach... I'm prepared." she said to him as he nodded in response. He charged at her forming ice daggers to strike her. She panicked and dodged them to avoid getting cut. "Hey! You never said we were gonna use weapons!" she cried out. "Expect the unexpected Rainbow Dash...!" he responded and went to strike her again. She avoided his strikes and leaped above him landing a kick at the back of his head. He stumbled from it and turned to her as she stood in her fighting stance, he smirked knowing that her training my very well pay off. "Clever move... but think fast!" he yelled as he launched an ice ball at her. Seeing it, Rainbow quickly reacted in focusing her chi and blasted the ice with a strong lightning bolt. Perhaps too strong, because it blasted right through it and was close to hitting Sub-Zero. But he managed to dodge it, he knew she had power, but he never imagined it would be this powerful. Even she was surprised by her abilities, to the point she pulled herself back into reality. "Care to keep going teach?" Smirking behind his mask, Sub-Zero knew it was far from over. "If you have what it takes to control that power of yours... then lets keep going." he charged at her forming ice daggers. Rainbow smirked seeing it and blocked his attacked and kicked him in the side and threw him over. Scootaloo and the rest of the CMC watched as Sub-Zero broke his fall, and slide kicked Rainbow Dash knocking her off her hooves. She broke her fall in the nick of time, and managed to unleash a small lightning blast towards Sub-Zero, who in turn formed a wall of ice blocking it. "Wow...! These two are awesome!" Scootaloo exclaimed. Looking at her friend, Applebloom had a smirk across her face. "This coming from the pony who disrespected the grandmaster of all ponies...?" she asked her only to earn a scowl from her in return. Sub-Zero soon unleashed a barrage of icicles at Rainbow Dash, but as they flew towards her... Rainbow Dash blasted each shard and dodged a few that nearly hit her. She charged at lightning speed and slid under the grandmaster and leaped above him, landing a solid kick to his neck sending him flying. He grunted from the attack and crashed against some of the training equipment, Rainbow Dash panted a bit from exhaustion but knew he was far from done. "Come on teach, I know you're playing possum over there..." she said to him. Knowing he couldn't fool her, Sub-Zero emerged from the icy rubble and walked toward her. "Your skills have grown impressive... not a bad start. But you still have much to learn if you're going to become a Lin Kuei Warrior!" he exclaimed as he launched an icy clone towards her causing her to panic. She managed to dodge it, but Sub-Zero anticipated this and leaped above her and grabbed her by her right hind leg. He threw her towards the ground seeing her land against it sliding over the icy ground. She groaned from is but got back up, showing just how resilient she is towards him. "If you think that's enough to take me out, guess again...!" she said to him. "Yes! I knew Rainbow Dash would recover!" Scootaloo cheered. "I don't know Scootaloo, she's looking pretty tired out there... I think she's wasting her stamina..." Sweetie Belle said to her feeling worried. "Sweetie Belle's right, any fight will tire you out. And Sub-Zero might use that against her." Applebloom agreed as she explained to Scootaloo of the situation. She didn't care and new that Rainbow Dash still had enough energy to burn off. Sub-Zero formed his ice swords and swung them at Rainbow Dash, she countered his attacks by forming electric barriers around her as she observed his movements. She watched the blades movements and the way he waved his arms through the air. She started seeing the pattern and knew what he was gonna do. Sub-Zero threw his sword at her only to see her dodge as he started forming a ball of ice. Rainbow anticipated this, and kicked his hoof towards the air catching him by surprise. "Incredible..." he muttered. "You haven't seen anything yet!" Rainbow Dash yelled and kicked him square in the jaw causing it to fracture and sending him flying into the air. She flew towards him and swirled around him as she landed powerful jabs toward his entire body sending jolts of electricity through him. She then flipped backwards and landed her left hind leg over his head cracking it, and forced him to descend towards the training grounds and saw him crash on the ground. She flew down to him and walked over to help him. "Guess this counts as a pass...?" she asked with a smirk and offered him a hoof. Seeing it, Sub-Zero smirked and took her hoof standing up from the ground with her help. "You're a fast learner Rainbow Dash... but speed alone will not get you through this extent of your training. I do not wish for you to end up like Frost..." he said to her knowing his history with her. "Believe me, I don't want to be anything like her... nor would I want to be under her wing if she were grandmaster." Rainbow Dash assured him. Till suddenly, something occurred to her as she looked to him. "By the way, you reacted kind of strange towards Scootaloo when she mentioned that her parents haven't been around. Did something happen to you in your childhood besides being a Lin Kuei Assassin...?" she asked him. Silent upon hearing the question, Sub-Zero turned away and looked out to the Equestrian sky. "When me and Bi Han were just boys... the Grandmaster before me and Sektor... abducted us from our home." he explained catching both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo by surprise. "It was in the Winter when it happened... when me and my brother were brought to the Lin Kuei Temple. We were forced to fight one another... my brother was always the strongest, and I... was always in his shadow..." he looked down remembering that day. "Over the years, I never knew what happened to our parents... I wanted to visit them, but the Grandmaster forbade it... if I was to leave the temple, it would be considered desertion..." Surprised of it, Rainbow Dash shook her head and looked to him. "Now that's just crazy! No one should just keep their parents from seeing their sons!" she exclaimed. "On that I agree... but my brother wouldn't be as tolerant if we ever see him again." Sub-Zero said to her. Shuddering from remembering him, Rainbow Dash got the chills from the fact of him being mentioned. "I don't even want to see him again. He's already given me enough nightmares..." she replied. "Nightmares are easy to cast out once you know the way..." said a familiar voice as Rainbow Dash and Sub-Zero looked to who it was. It was Scorpion who watched the entire fight. "Pardon my intrusion, but I noticed you two training... you new protégé is making progress Sub-Zero..." he complimented his Sub-Zero's new student. "Thank you Scorpion... but her power still needs much work if she is to control it." Sub-Zero replied. Suddenly, a laugh is heard, it was a feministic type of laugh, and Rainbow Dash recognized the sound of the female's voice and looked up. It was none other than Lightning Dust, her former training partner from the academy. "You call that power...? She couldn't even take a little joke back at the academy." she said to them. Rainbow immediately glared at her knowing she was trying to get under their skin. Scorpion shared the glare and stepped up. "And who are you to show such disrespect...?" he asked her. "Her name is Lightning Dust..." Rainbow Dash gained their attention and walked toward her. "She was my former Lead Pony back at the Academy... she took risks that no pony would ever do, and she almost got my friends killed with a freaking hurricane!" she exclaimed to her. "Oh come on Dash, you were in on it!" Lightning Dust argued. "You were out of control, and I knew that you weren't meant to be my lead pony, just as I wasn't meant to be a wing pony!" Rainbow replied to her holding her glare. "Yet you became one, showing that you weren't willing to take risks like I was. That's what makes a Wonder Bolt, and now look at you... in a ridiculous outfit, and possessing powers that is beyond anything anypony has ever seen... I should be the one with that power! Not you!" Lightning Dust exclaimed. Hearing enough, Sub-Zero formed an ice sword. "I've heard enough from you!" he was about to end her, but Rainbow Dash held her hoof in front of him causing him to turn towards her seeing her expression. "Rainbow Dash, what are you doing...?" he asked her. Filled with silence... Rainbow Dash looks to Lightning Dust knowing she went too far this time. "This is my fight... she came here looking for trouble... and now she found it." she said to him and glanced to him. "You and Scorpion should stay out of this..." she said it as a warning to the cryomancer and the ninja specter. Scorpion was surprised by her response, but knew she meant business and looked to Sub-Zero. "Let her... she's serious, and if their history is as bad as she claims it to be, its best we don't interfere..." he said to him. Sub-Zero glanced to him but looked to Rainbow Dash seeing her glare at Lightning Dust, he knew he couldn't let her fight after going through an exhausting training exercise. But he knew she was not one to back down... so he nodded and stepped back with Scorpion. "Alright Rainbow Dash... do your worst...." he said to her and threw a high kick towards her. Rainbow Dash immediately dodged her high kick and grabbed hold of her throwing down to the icy ground seeing her slide across it. Lightning Dust got back up from her fall, but was slipping on the ice trying to keep her balance. Rainbow Dash smirked, knowing she was definitely out of her element. "What's the matter Dust...? Walking on thin ice?" she asked her. She struggled to stay balanced from hearing her remark, and sent her a glare. "Just you wait you piece of-" before she could finish her sentence, Rainbow Dash charged at her and slid across the ice knocking her down to the ground. Scorpion at that point let out a chuckle from seeing it happen. Sub-Zero also smirked at how easily distracted Lightning Dust was, but he knew that Rainbow Dash shouldn't underestimate her. Lightning Dust stood up and flapped her wings to float over the ice and glared at Rainbow Dash. "Alright Dash, now you're going to get it...!" she charged at her throwing a punch at her. Rainbow Dash managed to block her attacks and kept her balance over the ice, she waited for an opportunity to attack. "Hold still!" she cried out. "Why should I? You're the one taking risks here, but not me!" Rainbow replied as she ducked under her next attack, launching her right hind hoof landing it against her jaw. Lightning Dust grunted from it, but she grabbed hold of Rainbow's leg causing her to panic. She swung the rainbow haired pony, throwing her against a wall. "Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo cried out only to get stopped by Scorpion. He looked to her and shook his head knowing that this was a fight only Rainbow Dash will be able to win. He looked to the fight, seeing Lightning Dust march toward her. "What's the matter Rainbow Crash?! You're not unconscious yet are you? I'm just getting started!" she said to her as Rainbow Dash laid under the icy rubble. Rainbow Dash meanwhile knew that she was fast... but she needed to be faster. She closed her eyes to focus and tap into her power. Sensing Lightning Dust was close to reaching her, Rainbow's eyes immediately snapped open as lightning flowed around her. She kicked a large block of ice toward her, Lightning Dust leaped over it only to get tackled by Rainbow Dash. She was surprised knowing she had been caught off guard. Rainbow Dash yelled out and slammed Lightning Dust against the ice, causing it to crack and Lightning Dust to cough up blood. Rainbow stood up and glared at her. "One thing for you to know... don't ever call me Rainbow Crash...!" "She certainly has a temper..." Scorpion pointed out to Sub-Zero. "Something she will have to master over time..." he replied to his fellow grandmaster but looked to the fight and saw that Lightning Dust still had enough energy to spare. "Rainbow, look out!" he called out, but was too late. Lightning Dust kicked Rainbow Dash away, causing her to slide across the arena. She remained standing, but she shot an intense glare at Lightning for that sneak attack. "Do not give into your anger!" her grandmaster called out. "If you give into anger, you will be lost forever..." he advised her. Hearing his voice, Rainbow's eyes lowered knowing that she always lost herself to rage. So rather than lose herself to anger... she channeled it through her lightning and unleashed it. Lightning Dust at the moment didn't know what she was up to, but it didn't matter to her as she charged at Rainbow Dash to finish the fight. But Rainbow dodged it as a lightning strike swiped her opponent off her hooves flipping her over. Amazed by this development, Sub-Zero was intrigued by her new control over her ability. Lightning Dust meanwhile, was filled with anger of it and launched a barrage of kicks at her. Rainbow Dash countered her attack with lightning whips, blocking her attacks with incredible speed. "This power, this speed..." Rainbow thought to herself as she blocked her attacks and landed three quick jabs to her face. "It feels amazing... no, better than amazing..." she blocked another attack and landed her elbow against Lightning's face. "It's Awesome!" she flipped backwards and landed a kick to her jaw, sending her into the air and saw her crash onto the ground. Amazed of her progress and victory, Scorpion nodded in approval of her strategy. "She's learned well under your teachings..." he complimented the Lin Kuei of his pupil. Sub-Zero nodded in agreement and watched what will happen next. Rainbow Dash approached Lightning Dust to see if she was still going to fight, but one look at her and she showed she was unable to continue the fight. Panting from exhaustion, Lightning Dust knew that she was finished. "What are you waiting for...? You trained to be an assassin didn't you...? Finish me!" she said to her. Looking at her former partner, Rainbow Dash knew that she was serious... but she looked to her mentor, who in response, shook his head. Telling her that killing her will not change anything. Rainbow Dash nodded to him and looked to Lightning Dust. "Sorry Lightning... but that's not my way..." she said to her and walked to her mentor. Surprised of it, Lightning Dust couldn't believe what she just did for her. True she got her booted out of the Academy, but for a trainee assassin to spare her life? She could hardly believe it... meanwhile, Rainbow approached her teacher and bowed to him. "What did you think teach...?" she asked him. Closing his eyes, Sub-Zero smirked behind his mask and looked to her. "I can honestly say you are still a fast learner... but speed can also be your greatest enemy when in a fight. Therefore, you must always be prepared for what ever situation will come your way... the enemy will not back down like Lightning Dust did." he advised his pupil. Rainbow Dash nodded to him and walked beside him to continue their training elsewhere. Meanwhile, Scorpion looked to Lightning Dust who remained kneeling in the icy training grounds. He watched as she sulked in defeat, knowing that all her efforts had been ruined. In fact... he started to see a lot of him in her. He turned away from her and left the training grounds. Throne Room, Canterlot Within the Canterlot Throne Room, Reptile was brought forth to the Alicorn Princesses. They were skeptical of him, given his past reputation of being Shao Kahn's most loyal assassins. But hearing that he surrendered willingly, gives them some reason to give him the benefit of a doubt... but they had to make sure. "Reptile, you came to Equestria by your own volition, is this true...?" Celestia asked the Zaterran of his motives. "I did your majesty..." he replied to her as he kneeled down. "But why turn against your own allies...?" Celestia asked him. Reptile looked down, remembering what he heard back in Outworld. He soon looked up to her with his reptilian eyes. "Because my realm was conquered by Shao Kahn... he murdered my queen, and merged Zaterra with Outworld... I believed pledging my loyalty to him would spare my people. But he was ruthless... wiped my race to the brink of extinction. I watched as I stood by his side... regretting my actions from that day forward. So to this day, I sought a new path... to avenge my people... and help those who cannot fight for themselves. Your realm is peaceful, I admit it... but I would hate to see it conquered like Zaterra." he said to the Alicorn with much honesty in his words. To Celestia's and Luna's surprise, his words were genuine... but it was still unclear if they could trust him or not. Just at that moment, Princess Kitana approached Reptile and looked to the Canterlot Royals. "Your majesties... when I believed Shao Kahn to be my father... Reptile is a loyal Zaterran to a fault. Even though his actions were misguided... he was only fighting in his name in order to survive. I know you find it hard to trust Reptile, but we can give him a chance... if you can offer it..." she said to them. Luna looked to her older sister and turned her attention to Queen Sindel. "Queen Sindel, do you support your daughters claim that Reptile can be a great ally...?" she asked her. "Yes Princess Luna..." Sindel replied as she approached her daughter. "As sinful as Reptile may have been in his time serving the Emperor... I have no doubt that he can change. As well as other warriors that were forced into his service." she said as she looked to her daughter and the Zaterran. Luna looked to her sister feeling unsure about him, Celestia nodded to her knowing that they shouldn't doubt the word of the Queen of Edenia. "Very well Sindel... we will trust your word." she said to her and turned towards Reptile. "Now Reptile, you have spent all your life fighting for Shao Kahn, what can you tell us about his fortress...?" she asked him. Upon hearing her question, Kitana and Sindel focused their magic and formed an astral projection of Shao Kahn's palace for him to explain. "The fortress is vast and wide... it will feel like you're going through a maze. The throne room is at the top of the fortress, and the dungeon is down at the lowest level. But getting in there won't be easy if you're going to try and save Raiden..." he explained. "What's the easiest route to take to the dungeon...?" Luna asked him. "The fastest way to the dungeon is through a secret corridor..." Reptile reveals the secret corridor to them. "It leads straight out into the Wasteland's of Outworld, from there we take the lift that lowers us down to the lower levels of Shao Kahn's fortress." shows the lift that goes to the dungeon. "That is where we will find Raiden..." Celestia observed the schematics of the dungeon believing that this could help them. "Its a long shot, but its worth saving Raiden from Shao Kahn." she said to them. "Princess Celestia, you certain it is worth the risk...?" Sindel asked her. Celestia nodded to her in response and turned her direction. "I will do anything to save Raiden... if your husband was here, what would you do...?" she asked the Edenian Queen. Sindel pondered over her question and knew what the answer was. "I would do everything in my power to bring him home." she said to her. Celestia gave her a nod and looked to the fortress. "My student and her friends will need all the training they can get from the protectors... when they are ready, we go to Outworld." she declared as she glared at the fortress. Shao Kahn's Throne Room, Outworld Meanwhile in Outworld, Chrysalis... grown used to her new body, walks to a portal that Shang Tsung opened for her. "Once on the other side, I will be restored to how I was...?" she asked as she looked to the sorcerer. "Yes, the same is for the rest of the Outworld Warriors... the minute one enters Equestria, we change into the native species... for me, it would seem I became a unicorn given my magic prowess..." he explained to her and looked to the portal. "I will send you with one of my strongest allies..." he looked to the hallway knowing who was there. "Kintaro...!" Chrysalis started hearing large footsteps approaching, and turned around to see what it was. Or in this case... who it was. She looked up as her eyes widened seeing a massive tiger with four arms. It was Kintaro, of the Tigrar Clan of Shokan. She gulped and couldn't believe what she was seeing. "My, my... you're certainly a tall drink of water..." she said to him. "One which your enemies would drown of..." Kintaro said to her. "Kintaro is one of the second most strong Shokan in his kingdom, with his help... you may get the revenge you need." Shang said to her. Chrysalis meanwhile, was not convinced as she gave him a skeptical look. "You say that as if I might to fail..." she said to him and walked into the portal with Kintaro. Unaware that Shang was nodding his head knowing she was right... but regardless, it could give him a chance to witness her combat skills as he followed into the portal. Rainbow Dash's House, Ponyville Exhaling from all the hard training, Rainbow Dash finally got the chance to relax with her masters approval. "Man... that was some crazy training there teach... is that how you trained the rest of the Lin Kuei...?" she asked him. "It is the way of the Lin Kuei... though training will be harsh, it hardens them to be better at what they learned." Sub-Zero explained to her as he sat down. "Just glad you're not as harsh as the old Grandmaster... I mean for a Lin Kuei... you're alright." Rainbow Dash complimented him, and to her surprise... Sub-Zero let out a light chuckle. "Wow... that is literally the first time I heard you laugh." she pointed out. He turned to his student and smirked behind his mask. "Only because you continue to amaze me... true, your skills still need work, but with enough training, maybe you could be grandmaster some day..." he said to her. Surprised by his offer, Rainbow Dash lightly chuckled at the thought of it. "Me...? Grandmaster...? Pfft! Fat chance of that happening..." she replied to him and looked out. "To be honest... I have my own plans for the future..." she said to him. "Oh...? And what plans would those be...?" Sub-Zero asked her. Rainbow Dash thought it over as she looked at the clear blue sky above them. "I planned to become a Wonderbolt... they are the best, most awesome flyers in all of Equestria. When I first joined the academy, I was so excited... that's when I met Lightning Dust... man that mare was a dare devil, even more than me." she explained to him but her smile faded remembering what happened next. "But like I told you before that fight... she took risks that would injure herself and others around. She almost got my friends killed in a tornado..." Sub-Zero winced a bit from remembering it. "Yes, I recall you mentioning that..." he said to her. "After that, I tried to quit the academy... Spitfire finally came to her senses and had Lightning Dust kicked out of the academy." Rainbow finished her tale of what happened and looked to him. "I'm sure in the Lin Kuei, you would have done something else..." "You're not wrong, normally... they'd be executed..." Sub-Zero admitted to her. This immediately caused Rainbow Dash to gulp from the thought of it. "Glad that isn't me on the chopping block..." she muttered to herself. Suddenly a large footstep came from behind them, making them turn to the source and saw that it was Kintaro, letting out a tiger roar at them. Shang Tsung and Chrysalis soon approached them with evil grins. "Well now, this is quite a coincidence. The Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei... and his new prodigy..." Shang Tsung looked between them. "Looks like we were right to arrive here..." Chrysalis stood next to him as she grinned. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash glared at her knowing who she is. "Ugly as ever Chrysalis...?" she asked her only to get a hiss in response. "I take it she's an old enemy of yours...?" Sub-Zero asked her. "More than you realize... Chrysalis is the Queen of the Changeling's. They take the forms of those you love, and feed on that love to make them stronger. She used Twilight's brother during the wedding at Canterlot... while me and the others were too occupied with the wedding to listen to her." she explained and admitted one of her faults to her master. Shang chuckled at hearing it. "My, my, never thought I'd see the day that the most loyal of Princess Twilight's friends turned her back on her." he continued to chuckle as Chrysalis joined in the laughter. "They truly were easy to manipulate... after all, a wedding will do that to those who are excited to see the bride and groom." she responded with a sadistic grin. This immediately got under Rainbow Dash's skin as she shot a glare towards her. "You turned us against our friend and you're going to pay for that!" she shouted only to earn a snarl from Kintaro. Growling at his prey, Kintaro knew he couldn't let her live. "I am going to eat your heart... after I am through having my fun." he warned her and let out a ferocious growl. As fearsome as this monster of a tiger was, Rainbow Dash felt a bit intimidated by him. She felt a hoof on her shoulder and saw that it was Sub-Zero who walked up beside her with a confident expression. "Do not let his ferosity and size frighten you, his fangs and claws were overmatched many times before." he informed her. "But how can I face something that big...?" she asked her mentor. "Fight with your wits, rather than your courage... and look for weakpoints to weaken him." Sub-Zero advised her. Rainbow Dash turned her gaze to Kintaro knowing finding that weakpoint won't be easy to find. But she couldn't let her master down, so she looked to Kintaro and stepped forth. The Tigrar Shokan watched as she approached and smirked at her. "For a puny pony mortal... you will pose no problem. I will crush you with one blow..." he said to her with a grin. Rainbow only smirked in response. "Alright big boy... lets dance..." she provoked him. Kintaro snarled as he stood up on his hind legs about to crush her with his front hooves, but Rainbow Dash slid underneath him and kicked him right in the groin causing his eyes to widen. He groaned in pain of it as he held it gently, meanwhile Rainbow was rubbing her leg from when she kicked him. "Damn! That fricking hurt!" she exclaimed. Sub-Zero winced from seeing it, knowing that must have really hurt. Meanwhile Shang Tsung was not amused. "You imbecile! Get up and fight!" he exclaimed to him. Shaking off the pain, Kintaro glared at Rainbow Dash. He roared out and went to strike her, but Rainbow Dash used her speed to avoid the massive Shokan. "You'll have to do better than that stripes!" she said to him as she avoided his attacks and landed a high kick against his right cheek. He stumbled from it, but the impact Rainbow felt from it felt like she was kicking another rock. "Jeez, what is this guy made of?" she asked. "Pure muscle... and thick bone..." Sub-Zero said from the sidelines. "Thanks for the heads up!" Rainbow said sarcastically only to get punched by Kintaro and rolled on the ground. She groaned from it and held where the Tigrar hit her. But she didn't let it affect her as she turned to Kintaro with a glare. "Alright big guy... now you're asking for it..." she said to him as lightning started flowing around her hooves. Grinning at her, Kintaro charged at her and went for another strike, throwing his right hooves at her. Just as Kintaro was close to clobbering her again, Rainbow ducked beneath the colossal Shokan and jabbed at his muscles causing him to tense up and roar out. Chrysalis saw it in surprise, never before had she witnessed this kind of power. "When did she learn to do that...?" she asked. "It is likely that she had this power since birth and hasn't discovered it till now. Either that, or she realized her potential during her training..." Shang explained to her as he watched the battle. "Either way... this world has already become more interesting by the second..." he muttered. Kintaro snarled and struck at Rainbow Dash only to see her dodge as he only hit the ground leaving holes in the ground. "Hold still you little welp!" he shouted and went to crush her. But Rainbow kept dodging his attacks. "What's the matter tiger boy? Can't keep up with all that muscle?" she dodged his next attack and kicked him sending streams of lightning through his side causing him to roar out in pain. She dodged his next swing and slammed an electric uppercut against his jaw. Feeling it, Kintaro stepped back shaking his head from the jolt of electricity flowing through him. He opened his eyes seeing bit of a blur. He tried to focus, but just as he was about focus... Rainbow Dash unleashed a barrage of fast jabs to his chest leaving hoof prints. She then leaped into the air and landed her right leg on top of the Shokan's head causing it to crack. He backed up a bit and soon fell to the ground unconscious. "Ha! Guess those teeth and claws aren't always everything." she said to him. Sub-Zero nodded seeing his student succeeded against the Shokan, meanwhile Chrysalis glared at them for Kintaro's failure. "That's it... I have seen enough!" she shouted. "Indeed... we both have..." Shang stepped up with her. "I think its time to put you both out of your misery..." he said to them. Sub-Zero stepped up to his student and looked to her. "I'll take Chrysalis... think you can handle the sorcerer...?" he asked her. "Can you handle a crazy Changeling Queen...?" Rainbow asked in response as a smirk formed across her face. Sub-Zero smirked in return and looked to the queen. He walked toward her preparing for combat, while Chrysalis grinned at him and began her approach. "You certainly seem confident... for an assassin." she complimented the grandmaster. "I know about you... the Canterlot Wedding was a clever scheme. But there was no honor in it..." Sub-Zero said to her. Chrysalis grinned at him as she circled him. "Like there is no honor in betraying your own clan...?" she asked him as she walked up behind him him leaning to his ear. "Your brother will surely be disappointed..." she whispered into his ear. That got on his nerve as he lashed out throwing a kick at her. She dodged it as her wings flapped hovering in the air. "Touched a nerve didn't I...?" "There is one of two things you should know... the first is, I betrayed my clan for good intentions. The second... Bi Han, is no longer my brother." Sub-Zero said to her and blasted ice towards her. She dodged the blasts and charged toward him, tackling him away from Rainbow Dash's and Shang's battle. Shang Tsung observed the young pegasus as they both circled one another. "Sizing me up...?" Rainbow Dash asked him. "I merely find your abilities intruiging... like Raiden, you're able to control lightning." Shang explained to her. Rainbow chuckled a bit from the thought of it. "Least I'm not a god, because that would be way out of my league." she said to him. "Don't get me wrong, your abilities are unquestionably admirable... but you are anxious, trying to prove you can be anything. Tell me, what have you learned from your master...?" Shang asked her. Getting the feeling he's testing her, Rainbow decided to amuse him. She blasted a stream of lightning passed his head hitting a boulder behind him. "It's about controlling your energy... focusing it on a single point through out your entire body." she explained to him. "I see... but how is energy compared to skill...?" Shang asked as he swung his hoof slicing a leaf in mid air lettign it fall to the ground. "You will need a powerful stroke when fighting a powerful opponent." he advised her. Seeing what he did to the leaf, Rainbow looked towards him with a glare. "You didn't exactly come here to talk dirtbag..." she said to him as she stood in her fighting stance. Shang grinned in response and stood in his stance... and without warning, he charged at her with crazy speed and struck at her. "WHOA!!!" she quickly dodged his attacks trying to avoid getting hit. Shang sent some fast punches at her trying to hit her. "Your speed is quite impressive... but you're going to need more than that!" he quickly grabbed her arm and swung her around tossing her to a tree seeing her slam against it. She groaned from it but looked seeing him charging at her causing her to panic. She dodged an impaling punch that was aiming straight for her chest. "Nice dodge..." he pulled his hoof out of the tree. "Liu Kang wasn't kidding when he said you were the most dangerous guy in Outworld..." Rainbow said to him. Shang chuckled from hearing it. "You are right to be afraid Ms. Dash..." he said to her and attacked again. Meanwhile, Sub-Zero blocked Chrysalis's attacks and dodged an attack from her horn. She hissed and used her tail to trip him over onto the ground. As he did, Chrysalis yelled out and used her magic to hold him down. "I'm going to enjoy this..." she extended her fangs and went to bite down on his neck like a vampire. But before she could, Sub-Zero quickly formed icicles around his body to keep her away. She screamed and jumped back from him. "You ignorant colt! That could have killed me!" she exclaimed. "That was the idea..." Sub-Zero replied as he got up breaking the icicles off his body. "When it comes to fighting, you need to be ready to fight for your life..." Chrysalis hissed at him knowing he was serious. "In that case, I better get serious...!" she charged at him landing a kick against his stomach causing him to cough up blood. She went for a kick towards his neck, but the grandmaster blocked it and formed an ice dagger around his hoof. He went to strike her, but Chrysalis dodged to avoid getting stabbed. She soon bit down on the ice dagger and glared at him. "That the best you got...?!" she asked with her mouth full and crushed the dagger into cubes. Seeing it happen, Sub-Zero dodged Chrysalis's next attack and blocked at striking blow to his side. "For a Changeling Queen, you're quite powerful..." he complimented her. Grinning from it, Chrysalis thought it best to humor him. "It is because I feed on love... its what kept me alive for the past thousand years." she said to him. "That even explains your little team up with Shang Tsung... he has lived a lot longer, and has lived off the souls of fallen warriors." Sub-Zero pointed out to her. Intruiged from hearing this information, Chrysalis grinned at the grandmaster preparing her next attack. "Maybe when I'm finished with you, I will gladly deliver your corpse to him so he can pull out your soul!" she charged at him going for a strike only for Sub-Zero to block her attacks. Meanwhile, Shang Tsung threw a back spin kick towards Rainbow Dash causing her to duck from it and see her destroy part of a tree causing it to fall. "Jeez! If that were one of Applejack's tree's, she'd kill you!" she exclaimed and dodged another attack. As Shang charged at her, Rainbow Dash formed lightning around her hooves blocking each of his attacks. Feeling the stinging sensation of her lightning, Shang knew he needed to avoid those so he leaped back and blasted her with a barrage of fireballs. Seeing it in a panic, Rainbow Dash flew away from them and charged right at him. "Nice try buddy!" she yelled as she rammed against Shang's ribcage causing it to crack. Grunting in pain of it, Shang Tsung managed to grab hold of her. "Insect!" he lifted her off her hooves and slammed her hard onto the ground causing her to lose consciousness. Seeing it, Sub-Zero began to worry. "Rainbow Dash!" he went to help her, but Chrysalis tackled him down to the ground to stop him from helping her. Shang approached the unconscious mare and grabbed hold of her mane lifting her head. "Your master... chose poorly... I don't know what he saw in you, but its time I put you out of your misery..." he said to the unconscious mare and went to finish her. Feeling her instincts kick in, Rainbow Dash snapped out of it and blocked his attack. She yelled out and broke free of his grip kicking him in the face. Stumbling from it, Shang Tsung shook his head feeling dazed from her attack... but she was far from finished. She charged at the sorcerer and landed both her back hooves against his stomach causing him to cough harshly from it, she then threw a back spin kick landing it against his jaw fracturing it. Shang backed away from it as he was still in a daze, and Rainbow Dash leaped into the air with both her front hooves surrounded by electricity. She charged at him and landed them both against Shang Tsung's left cheek, causing it to crack. The Sorcerer fell down to the ground, groaning in pain from her assault as she stepped over him. "Still think my master chose poorly, chump?!" she asked him and looked to where Chrysalis had her master pinned. Chrysalis kept Sub-Zero against a tree and hissed at him. "This time, no icicles will save you...!" she snarled about to bite down on his neck. Without warning, Rainbow Dash yelled out and tackled her away while sending a stream of electricity through her body. Chrysalis rolled on the ground and groaned in pain from it. "Keep your hooves off him!" she warned her. Shang rubbed his face and looked to where Chrysalis was. He used his magic to bring her to him for safety. "You won this round child... but next time we meet... you will not be so fortunate." he warned her as he opened a portal to Outworld and rushed into it with Chrysalis. Seeing the portal close, Rainbow Dash sneered at seeing it but turned her direction towards Sub-Zero. "You okay teach...?" she asked him. "I'll live..." Sub-Zero responded and looked to where the portal was. "But we best heed Shang Tsung's warning... knowing him, he'll do anything to win..." he advised her. Rainbow Dash nodded in response and looked out, because not only will they have Shang and the rest of Shao Kahn's goons to deal with, but also Chrysalis. Shao Kahn's Throne Room, Outworld Back in Outworld, Shang Tsung was using his magic to heal Chrysalis's injuries from their battle. "This was certainly unexpected..." said Shao Kahn as he was sitting upon his throne. "Turns out some of those ponies have unforseen abilities..." Shang responded as he finished healing Chrysalis. Groaning a bit, the queen got up onto her feet with Shang's help. "I would have killed her master if that retched Pegasus hadn't interfered...!" she snarled in anger. "Their time will come..." Shao said to her as he stood up and walked to them. "Meanwhile, we will need more recruits..." he said to her as dark mist swirled around the room. Seeing it happen, Chrysalis recognized the black aether and saw it form into a familiar king. Someone she hated for quite some time since her rule. King Sombra, the former ruler of the Crystal Empire. "Hello love..." Sombra said to her with a sadistic grin. Sneering from what he just said, the queen turned her attention to Shao. "Oh for gods sake, please tell me you did not just bring him back to life...!" Chrysalis retorted towarrds the emperor. "We need all the help we can get Chrysalis... do not question my methods..." Shao responded to her and walked passed her heading out of the throne room. Sombra smirked as he leaned towards Chrysalis. "You can't touch me..." he mocked her only for Shang Tsung to jab him in the neck causing him to choke and cough from it. "You miserable little...!" "Next time you get near her, I swear I will rip your heart out myself..." the sorcerer warned him and walked away. Chrysalis was amazed of what he did as her face started to turn red. Despite their failure, she didn't care as long as she could still stay by his side. Ponyville, Equestria Night fell over Ponyville, and Lightning Dust sat alone thinking about her defeat at Rainbow Dash's hooves. She wanted to get payback, but is it really worth risking her life? She did not know... suddenly, she felt a pair of eyes watching her from behind. "You can come out now..." she said to the individual. Out of the shadows, Scorpion emerged and walked over to her. "I'm surprised you noticed..." he said to her. Lightning Dust turned away and sighed. "I've been watching my back since I left the academy... can't let my guard down for a second..." she said to him. She soon turned towards him with curiosity. "Why did you follow me...?" she asked the ninja specter. Looking at the young mare, Scorpion looked out thinking back to his past deeds. "Because you and I are somewhat... alike..." he replied to her. Scoffing at the thought of it, Lightning Dust couldn't believe a word he said. "We... are nothing alike..." she said to him. "We both suffered a great loss, you thrown out because of how reckless you were... and me, who lost an entire clan. Murdered by an evil sorcerer..." Scorpion explained to her, earning a surprised look from Lightning Dust. "Revenge has long consumed my soul because I sought to kill the one responsible for the death of my family and clan... but my rage was aimed towards the wrong person." Hearing his words, Lightning Dust turned away looking down to the ground. "I'm sorry to hear that..." she said to him. Scorpion turned to her knowing that vengeance is still consuming her as it did him. "Believe me... vengeance is nothing but a path of murder... there would be no justice in it. But I can help you overcome it..." he held out his hoof to her. "If you would let me..." he said to her. Looking at the ninja specter, Lightning Dust knew that he was trying to help her... but could she trust him...? Even she did not know... but she knew that this path she was on would not bring her peace, so she took his hoof and stood up beside him. Knowing it was the best course of action that she took, since the day she got kicked out. > Chapter 9 Twilight Sparkle > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shao Kahn's Dungeon, Outworld Within the cells of Shao Kahn's dungeon, Raiden was focusing on restoring his strength after all the torment he went through. Letting himself go into deep meditation, he was working on finding inner peace. But his meditation was interrupted when something slid on the ground in front of him. He opened his eyes and saw that it was Celestia's medallion, he turned looked to who threw it in seeing it was Quan Chi himself. "These ponies you tried to protect are truly something else..." he said to the fallen thunder god. Raiden merely let out a small chuckle as he glared at the sorcerer. "I doubt you came here to commend me Quan Chi..." he responded to him. "Not quite..." Quan said to him and kneeled down. "Because no matter how hard they fight... they will die. Along with their realm when Shao Kahn crosses over." the sorcerer explained only to quickly get on Raiden's badside as red lightning flows around th room. "Touched a nerve did I...?" he asked. "If you or Shao Kahn so much as touch them... I will see to it that you both suffer as much as I have...!" Raiden threatened the white sorcerer despite being Shao's prisoner. Chuckling at seeing his rage, Quan Chi stood up and backed away from the thunder god. "Raiden... when we're through with that realm, Equestria will be nothing but a memory for you. We destroyed your life once... and we will do it again. All you simply have to do... is watch..." he said to him and stepped out of the dungeon. Rushing to the door as it closed, Raiden glared at the white sorcerer. "This isn't over sorcerer! If you harm any of them, I swear you will regret it!" he gave the sorcerer his last warning. But his words fell on deaf ears as Quan Chi walked away... but that will not stop Raiden from giving up. He planned to escape, and see Celestia again... but to his mind... how will she react to how he appears...? Ponyville Train Station, Equestria Seeing the train on its way to the station, Twilight smiled knowing who will be on the train. "She's almost here... I hope things worked out in Canterlot." she said as she looked to Liu Kang and Flash. "I'm sure it will, Sindel is a strong warrior, and a wise queen. I have no doubt in my mind that she and Kitana accomplished a strategy to save Lord Raiden." Liu Kang said to her. He looked to the train and saw it stop before them, the doors opened and Kitana stepped out and looked to them with a smile. Twilight smiled in return and rushed up to her. "Kitana!" she held her with her wings wrapped around her. "I'm so glad you're back." Chuckling from it, Kitana returned the gesture. "I'm happy to see you too Twilight..." she said to her and looked to Liu Kang who approached them. "I'm even happy that you're here Liu..." Liu Kang smiled in response and bowed to her. "Things have been quiet around here without you... though I can't say the same for Johnny who is currently staying at Pinkie's house." he mentioned to her. "Least he's keeping busy..." Kitana pointed out and looked to Twilight. "Have you been keeping up with your training...?" she asked her. "Yes... I even developed some new techniques that might help with my fighting style. I can show you back at the castle..." Twilight said to her as they walked together. "Of course, Flash and I have been keeping up with our training... Rainbow Dash is learning more from Sub-Zero... and she's been getting better with her lightning abilities." she explained. "I found it amazing when we first learned about it. Our transfer here definitely had a strange affect on the ponies of this world." Liu Kang said to him. "I'm still learning to keep control over my fire..." Flash said to them and shudders from another thought. "And I'm still trying to get Mileena off my mind..." Kitana let out a chuckle and patted his shoulder. "Don't worry young Sentry... I doubt she will be coming any time soon." she said to him and looked to Twilight. "Now Princess Twilight, shall we continue your training...?" she asked her earning a nod from her as they left the train station. "I can't wait to show you what techniques I developed while in your absence... I know this world has had no use for violence, but if Outworld is planning to invade Equestria... its like you said, we need to be prepared for everything." Twilight said to her. "You're right Twilight... I look forward to seeing what you've come up with." said Kitana as the walked towards the training grounds near the Castle of Friendship. She took the chance to stretch after being on the train for so long... she turned to her student seeing her stretch. "You ready for this...?" she asked. "Please Kitana... I was waiting for this since you left." Twilight took a stance preparing for kombat. Kitana smiled and put on her mask preparing to fight. Twilight smirked and charged at her mentor going for a strike, but Kitana avoided her attacks and flipped backwards in avoid her slide kick. Seeing it, Twilight charged again to land an attack... but Kitana caught her hoof before she could connect her attack. What she didn't anticipate though... is that Twilight grabbed hold of her arm and threw her over causing her to hit the ground. "Not bad right...?" Shaking her head, Kitana smirked looking to her. "Not bad at all... what else you got...?" she asked as she managed to kick Twilight away and got back up. Twilight slid on the ground and stood in her fighting stance, Kitana charged at her and threw a few quick jabs. Twilght blocked her attacks and dodged her kick, and grabbed hold of her leg. "Well played... but you mustn't leave yourself open!" Kitana landed a few jabs against Twilight, and threw her other leg at her kicking her face causing her to fall to the ground. "Your enemies will always find a way to overpower you..." Twilight rubbed her face from it and shook her head trying to break out of her daze. "Point taken..." she stood up but felt a major head rush as she got dizzy from Kitana's attack. "Wow... I knew you were tough, but I never thought that would make me dizzy..." she admitted to her. "Give it a moment, it only lasts for a couple of seconds..." said Kitana as she gave Twilight a chance to gain her footing. Once she managed to set her head right and look to the Edenian Princess. "Right then..." she stances facing Twilight. "Again..." Twilight charged at her to attack her, Kitana however pulled out her fan blades and swept large gusts of wind causing Twilight to float in the air. "WHOA! You didn't say anything about weapons!" Twilight exclaimed to her. Kitana only smirked at her as she put the blades away. "Sometimes weapons will become necessary... even powers such as the one I just displayed. You can develop your own techniques, to outsmart your opponents to survive... but remember, all your attacks must be precise!" she went to strike her. Twilight immediately dodged her attack and kicked her in the back. She used her magic to catch her from hitting the ground and pulled her back up to kick her away. Kitana rolled across the ground from it and landed against the edge of the training arena. "Bet you didn't see that coming..." she said to her. Kitana shook her head from it and smiled as she got up. "Very well played Twilight, excellent form... but you overlooked one thing." she said to her. Twilight looked at her confused but looked down seeing one of her fan blades as it glowed blue. Her eyes widened as the handle of the blade smacked against her jaw in the form of an uppercut knocking her down to the ground. Kitana summoned it back to her and smirked. "Always mind your surroundings..." Groaning from her surprise attack, Twilight shook her head and scowled. "That was a dirty trick..." she said to her but smirked. "But I have a few of my own..." she disappeared leaving Kitana to try and defend herself as she looked around for the young alicorn princess. While she wasn't looking, Twilight appeared behind her and struck her from behind and wrapped her arm around her neck throwing her over slamming her down on the ground. Kitana struggled to break free and used her wings to throw her off. "I will admit, these wings are quite useful... minus when sleeping." she admitted to Twilight. "Believe me, I know that all too well... when I first became a princess, I was having a hard time sleeping because they kept on opening up. Trust me, you'll get used to it..." Twilight said to her and went into her fighting stance. "Shall we continue...?" she asked her. Kitana smiled and stood in her fighting stance. "Try to keep up..." the two princesses charged at each other and struck at one another, each attack being blocked by one another. Both Princesses being equal in both stamina and skill, they could easily be an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. Off in a distance, Rainbow Dash and the others were watching as the fight went on. "Wow, look at those two... Kitana's got some great skill, but Twilight's keeping up with her like its no bit deal." she pointed out. "I hear that... but don't you think they're kind of going overboard...?" Applejack asked her. Jax meanwhile let out a small chuckle. "Believe me, Kitana knows how to keep a cool head... but Twilight as far as I know has years behind her. Besides, Kitana is 10,000 years old you know..." he reminded them. "I've got to find out their secret to eternal youth..." Rarity muttered to herself only to get looks from everyone knowing that they heard her. "What? This beauty isn't going to last forever..." she said to them. "Drama queen..." Sub-Zero muttered under his breath. Rarity quickly got in his face giving him a glare. "Care to repeat that sir...?" she asked him. "I don't know what you're talking about..." he denied it only to continue getting glared at. Meanwhile, Kitana blocked another of Twilight's attacks and went to strike her with one of her fan blades. Twilight anticipated this and used her magic to make her blades vanish, she jabbed at her torso and flipped backwards landing a kick against her lower jaw and flapped her wings to charge and ram against the Edenian Princess' chest. Kitana let out a painful grunt and crashed against the ground outside of the arena. Twilight panted from exhaustion knowing she actually won. "Wow... that was... intense... but amazing!" she cheered out. Getting up from the dirt, Kitana let out a small chuckle and looked to her. "Well done Twilight... you truly have gotten stronger since I've been gone." she said to her. "Thanks... I modified most of your skills to my fighting style." she explained how she fought in the battle. "I think it best your opponents not underestimate the strength of an Equestrian Princess." Kitana replied to her and sat down to rest. "That last attack almost knocked the wind out of me, I'm glad it wasn't a killing blow..." she exhaled a bit. "Hope I didn't break any ribs..." Twilight said to her hoping that she didn't. "Not to worry, I'll be alright... I'm sure there is a healing spell in your library that can help with my injuries." Kitana suggested to her. Twilight smiled at hearing it and looked to the castle. "Kitana... you're living in the right place..." she said to her as her horn glowed and summoned the book she was talking about. "This has a lot of spells that can help with either injuries, or sickness... you can learn a lot from it." Kitana smiled as she used her magic to take the book. "Thank you Twilight, you should rest up for now..." she said to her earning a nod from her. Twilight left to let Kitana tend to her injuries and look through the book, meanwhile Kitana looked behind her and saw Liu Kang who watched the fight. "What do you think...?" she asked him. "She's making great progress... I will admit. She even proved too much of a challenge for Flash this time..." Liu Kang said to her. She smiled at hearing it but looked to him as the smile faded. "But do you believe she can hold her own against Shao Kahn and his army...? From what we heard from Sub-Zero, he's gathering allies from this world." she said to him. Liu Kang looked down knowing she has a point, with Shao Kahn gathering allies... things are going to get more difficult for them on their journey. But he turned to face her to give her an honest answer. "She can hold her own... I have faith in her and her friends. They may be ponies in this peaceful land, but they are strong and depend on each other for strength. That shows they can stop the forces of Outworld." Hearing this, Kitana nodded to him and looked out... hoping he is right. Outworld, Throne Room Sombra approached the throne while Shao Kahn was out, he sat down in it and chuckled feeling comfortable... but his moment out silence was interrupted. "That throne does not belong to you...!" said a mysterious voice. Sombra looked around only to see some emerge from the shadows. It was Nitara, the Vampire... she glared at the dark king knowing he wasn't as trusting as Chrysalis. "Vacate that throne, before I drain you of every last drop of your blood." she threatened him. Sombra glared at the vampire and stood up. "I don't know who you think you are... but no one commands a king...!" she said to her showing his demonic fangs. "You are no king... not even in Outworld. I know who you are... you were just a mere unicorn from that realm, and you gave yourself into darkness... resulting in the murder of a unicorn princess." Nitara said to him as she was slowly getting on his nerves. She smirked seeing it on his face. "Hit a nerve did I...?" "SILENCE YOU WENCH!" Sombra went to blast him with his dark crystal, but a gun shot is heard as the bullet shattered the crystal. Sombra looked to who it was, it was none other than Erron Black the Outlaw. He blew the smoke that was coming out of his handgun and glared at the dark king. "If you so much as touch my sugar bat, you'll be having another hole to breathe out of..." he threatened him as Nitara smirked hearing it. Sombra glared as he summoned a dark crystal scythe. "You dare to threaten me like your little vampire who-" before Sombra could finish, the doors opened up and he saw Shao Kahn enter the room. "Shao Kahn..." he stepped away from the throne putting his scythe away. Shao Kahn looked at him and scowled knowing what he was up to... but hid it to keep him from knowing. "What is going on in here...?" he asked them. "Oh... nothing really, I was merely admiring your empire, and your allies were causing quite an argument." Sombra lied through his teeth. "Why that no good sneaky snake in the-" before Erron could whip out his handgun, Nitara stopped him from doing so. Shao Kahn scowled at the dark king knowing he had his own intentions in regards to his empire, but he'll plan a way to deal with him later. "Even so Sombra... I'm afraid your presence lies elsewhere. You are to return to Equestria... to kill Twilight Sparkle..." he said to him. Hearing this and remembering the last time he encountered Twilight Sparkle... she ruined his plans for the Krystal Empire. His teeth grind together knowing what he will do to her. "Consider it done... Shao Kahn..." he said to him and disappeared from his sight... to accomplish his mission. Seeing it, Nitara looked to her emperor and approached him. "My lord... you certain it is wise to let him go...?" she asked him. "Do not think me a fool Nitara... I know what he is after, and he is not going to get it. If he fails in Equestria, it will be his punishment for trying to take my throne." Shao Kahn explained to her. Catching on to what Shao Kahn said, Erron smirked behind his mask knowing what he was doing. "So... you're actually sending him to get his hindquarters kicked out of him, and come back to us in defeat to learn his lesson... clever." he admitted to the emperor holding his smirk. "Yes... he may be a king, but I am Kahn of Outworld... if he so much as thinks I will surrender my throne to him. He is gravely mistaken..." Shao let out a dark chuckle as he sat down in his throne feeling amused. Crystal Empire, Equestria Back in Equestria, in the magnificent land of the Crystal Empire... Princess Cadance was caressing her belly knowing that she was with child. Her husband Shining Armor walked in to check on her. "How's the baby...?" he asked her as he wrapped his arms around her. Cadance smiled feeling his arms around her and looked to him. "The baby's fine Shining... she did kick a few times, but it wasn't serious..." she assured him. Shining Armor smiled at hearing it and kissed her cheek. "She's probably eager to meet her parents for the first time." he suggested. She giggled at hearing it and looked to him. "What makes you so certain it will be a she...?" Cadance asked him. "Well, its a possibility..." Shining said to her and smirked. "Besides... I'm sure Twily would love to have a niece." he smiled at her. Cadance could only smile knowing he could be right... suddenly she heard something outside and looked out the window. "What's happening...?" she asked as she and Shining Armor went to check on the Empire. But what shocked them most... was that the barrier around the empire was shattered in a miraculous and devastating way. The Crystal Ponies panicked in fear of what was happening, even the rulers were shocked of what happened. "How... could this happen...? Nothing could break the barrier..." Suddenly, clopping hooves were heard as they turned around and saw Sombra entering the throne room. Their eyes widened as Sombra grinned evilly at them. "Princess Mi Amore Cadenza... how long has it been since you last saw my face...?" he asked the alicorn princess only to see her shaking in fear. Cadance tried to stay brave as she looked at the tyrant. "Sombra... how could you be alive...? You were destroyed...!" she exclaimed to him. Appearing beside Sombra, was Noob Saibot as he emerged from the shadows. "Not everything remains dead forever... the Aether kept him alive, and each time I died... I was reborn...!" he chuckled beside his partner. "And now that we are here... we need you two for an important task. That being... your sister coming here...!" Sombra chuckled darkly as Shining Armor's and Cadance's eyes widened in horror knowing that they were after their sister. They knew that the had the full intention... of killing Twilight. Ponyville, Equestria Kitana healed up her injuries with the help of the spell book Twilight gave to her, just as she put the book back into the library... flames shot from Spike's mouth as a scroll materialized from the flames. He opened it and his eyes widened from what he read. "TWILIGHT!!!" he cried out. Right on cue, Twilight teleported into the library and approached. "Spike, what is it?" she asked him. "It's bad... it is major league bad! I just got a letter from your brother and Princess Cadance... the Crystal Empire is under attack!" he exclaimed to her to where she was shocked to hear of it. "The Crystal Empire...? Is this another part of Equestria...?" Sonya asked them. "Yes... the Crystal Empire is in the frozen north, pretty far from where we are now. My brother and my sister in law rule the Empire, and live amongst the Crystal Ponies who live there. The Empire was once ruled by a tyrant named King Sombra... who enslaved the Crystal Ponies for his own selfish needs..." Twilight explained to them and looked to Spike. "But who's attacking the Empire...?" she asked him. "That's just it, the ones attacking it are King Sombra and Noob Saibot!" Spike cried out earning shocked looks from everyone. "For Celestia's sake! How did Sombra come back?! And what is that creep Noob Saibot doing with him?!" Applejack asked her. Jax approached once he hear it. "Don't know, but why would Noob help this Sombra guy out with attacking your sisters alma mater, Twilight?" he asked her. "The Crystal Heart... its what protects the Empire from Sombra's dark magic. But with Noob Saibot being able to break it down to help him only makes matters worse." Twilight explained to him and looked to the others. "I have reason to believe that this is a trap, but my family is out there and I can't let them suffer by their hooves." "They won't..." Liu Kang walked up to her. "We will help you save them..." Kitana approached her and touched her shoulder. "We all will..." she smiled at her student. Twilight smiled in return knowing that they won't stand idle while Sombra and Noob Saibot threatens her family. "I do believe that taking the train is out of the question... it will be too long, and innocents will get hurt during that time... but I may have a faster method." "Oh...? And what method would that be...?" Rarity asked her. Sonya quickly picked up where she was going with this and approached her. "Portals... you mean to open one by means without Raiden. Our only chance in crossing between realms, how do you plan on pulling off this stunt Kitana? Even you can't open one big enough to transport us through." she said to her. "Actually, given my new form... I may be able to open one. But Equestrian magic is still new to me, I will need Twilight's assistance in creating one large enough to get us all through." she turned to her feeling eager. "Will you help me Twilight...? I can't open this portal with the magic I have..." she asked her for her assistance. Eager herself... Twilight nodded to Kitana and walked with her to the center of the library. Johnny watched as both their horns began to glow, surrounded by a powerful aura. "Ohhh yeah, something's happening alright..." he muttered as he watched only to get an elbow from Sonya. The two Alicorn Princesses focused all their magical power into creating a portal to the Crystal Empire, with enough concentration and focus... they succeeded in making a portal large enough for them to pass through. "They did it..." Flash muttered as he was amazed from what he saw. Twilight smiled from seeing it and turned to the others. "Come on everyone, lets get moving..." she said to them. The Earth Defenders and the Main Six nodded to her and approached the portal slowly entering it, praying that the Elder Gods watch over them as they head for the Crystal Empire. Crystal Empire Upon arriving in the Empire, the Earth Realm Defenders looked upon the empire seeing it in all its beauty. "Look at this place... its like looking at Heaven..." Jax pointed out as he looked at the crystal buildings. "With a hint of Hell along side it." Sub-Zero pointed towards the castle spire in the center of the empire. "This place is transforming to King Sombra's liking..." "Remind you of anyone...?" Scorpion asked him sarcastically. Fluttershy looked around sensing something wasn't right. "Where is everyone...?" she asked as she looked around. "You're right Fluttershy, its like we walked into a ghost town..." Applejack looked around seeing no one in town. Liu Kang looked around and turned to Cyrax. "Cyrax, can you see anyone on your radar...?" he asked him. Cyrax checked his radar to check for any life signs, he looked around trying to find who might be around. "I'm getting several signs of life... but there's something odd... they seem to be moving very fast." he said to them. Hearing this, they looked around hearing fast hoofsteps as it went around them. Jax heard it and looked around knowing who it was, he swung his bionic arm and slammed it against the attackers face. Grunting from it, the attacker revealed himself as Kabal. He stood up and looked to them smirking behind his mask. "Well... isn't this a surprise...? The Defenders of Earth Realm, all ponies and I can enjoy ripping them apart..." he let out a chuckle. "Hey, another cyber Lin Kuei! Why didn't you guys tell us?!" Pinkie asked them. "Don't let the mask fool you sweetheart... I'm all flesh, burnt flesh...!" Kabal said to her as he used his magic to pull out his hook swords. "And you're on my kill list..." "Oh yeah...? Eat this chuckle nuts!" Rainbow Dash blasted lightning at him, but Kabal avoided her attacks with his superior speed and dashed at her and rammed her against one of the buildings. "Rainbow Dash!" Applejack cried out and turned to Kabal with a glare. "That does it!" she was about to attack, but Twilight got in he way before she could make the next attack. "Twi, what are you doing?!" she asked her. "Let me handle this Applejack, I have a pretty good idea how to beat him." Twilight said to her and looked to Kabal. "Ohhh, I'm shaking in my custom leather boots... but as for your friends..." Kabal let out a whistle calling out the hypnotized Crystal Ponies. Their eyes widened seeing it as the Crystal Ponies charged at them to keep them occupied. "Now its just the two of us Princess... hope you're ready to take on a member of the Black Dragon... because you're in for a world of hurt." he charged at her to strike her with his hook swords. But Twilight quickly formed a pair of fan blades similar to Kitana's, but were half shapes of her six pronged star cutie mark. She managed to block Kabal's attack and strikes at him to block his attacks and leaps kicking him in the face hearing him grunt from her attack. He shook his head from it and looked to her smirking behind his mask. "Not bad Princess... but in a fight like this..." he dashed at her and hooked one of her hooves tripping her over. "Anything goes..." Twilight groaned from it and shook her head and got back up. "Come on Twilight, focus on his weak points... that's if he has any..." she turned to him and went into her fighting stance. Kabal grinned and dashed towards her about to lop her head off... but Twilight teleported escaping his strike and appeared above him. She blasted him down with her magic getting him to slow down as she landed on the ground. Kabal groaned from the attack and got up as he fixed his neck from the attack and turned to her. "Lucky shot princess... but its gonna take a lot more than that to take me out..." he threw one of his hook swords at her legs to trip her over, but Twilight blocked the attack and threw it back at him only for him to dodge as the blade as it pierced into the wall of a crystal building. He looked to her surprised knowing that she was not playing around. "Well... guess you're filled with all sorts of surprises." he said to her. "I learned from the best.... which is more than I can say for you Kabal." Twilight said to him as he charged at her again and went to strike her. She blocked his attacks and kicked his knee causing him to grunt in pain as she kneed him in his torso and threw him over her shoulder landing him on the ground. She went to hit him while he was still down, but he managed to block it and kick her away from him. He got back up and charged at her leaping into the air throwing a punch at her. Quickly reacting, Twilight grabbed his arm and blasted him with her magic. She summoned her fan blades and struck at him leaving several deep cuts into his body. She vanished and appeared behind him and slicing at his back and teleported in front of him landing a powerful blast against his chest causing him to fall down to the ground writhing in agony. He groaned from her attack almost as if he was burnt by Kintaro again. "Alright... now you've really gone and made me angry...!" he got back up and dashed at her throw fast and powerful jabs at her. Twilight struggled to keep up and block his attacks, but everywhere she looked she was getting beat up by Kabal. So she needed to quickly rely on her magic to get him to stay still, her horn glowed as she managed to catch Kabal dead in his tracks. "Hey! What the...?!" he struggled to break free. Gasping to catch her breath, Twilight glared at him knowing he went too far. "You know... sometimes it pays to have magic, if you know how to properly use it!" she swung Kabal and slammed him against a building and dropped his body onto the ground. Kabal groaned from what she did to him as he laid on the ground. "That... is the last time I mess with a pony that can easily whoop my ass...!" he grunted in pain as he remained on the ground knowing he won't be able to move. "Next time you won't be so lucky..." Twilight said to her and looked to the others. "Guys, I'm heading for the castle! Think you can handle this without me?!" she asked them. Kitana blocked a Crystal Ponies attack and turned to her. "Don't worry about us! Just go!" she yelled to her. Twilight nodded to her and ran straight for the castle, not know what awaited her inside the spire itself. Crystal Spire, Throne Room Upon reaching the throne room, Twilight looked around seeing the entire room surrounded in dark crystals. Knowing that Sombra is purely relentless in his ambition to take over. "Nice to see how you decorated the place Sombra...!" she called him out looking around for the mad king. Speak of him, and he shall appear. Sombra revealed himself upon the dark throne and grinned at her. "So nice of you to join me Princess Twilight." he said to her. His cheerfulness was only shared with a glare from the princess. "Oh...? Why the glare...? I thought you'd be happy to be here to save your family..." She glared at him as her horn glowed. "Where. Are. They?!" she demanded to know where her brother and sister-in-law were. "Ohhh... they could be in the dungeon, the top of the spire, or right behind you..." Sombra grinned as a shadow appeared behind Twilight. She sensed it and immediately turned around only to get smacked towards a wall, she crashed against it and fell to the ground and looked to her attacker as her eyes widened. "Shining Armor...?" she asked in disbelief. The older brother was wearing dark armor as he revealed his eyes showing they were dead white. "Shining Armor isn't here at the moment... you will have to die in order for him to be free..." said a dark twisted voice coming out of Shining's mouth. Her eyes widened realizing that Noob Saibot was controlling him, she glared and looked towards Sombra. "You monster... you better release him or so help me-" "You'll what...? Kill me...?" Sombra let out a dark chuckle. "Please princess... it is against your nature to take a life." he said to her and looked to Noob Saibot. "Noob... you are welcome to hurt her, but I want the pleasure of killing her myself." he said to him. "With pleasure...!" Noob Saibot said to him and looked to Twilight. "You certainly are a foolish ruler to stand against us... always trying to defend the lives of others. That is what makes you weak in a fight... I will see to it that your brother murders you with his own hooves...!" he went to hit her. Suddenly when he wasn't looking, Flash snuck up on him and kicked him away. He hit the ground and looked seeing the castle guard and glared at him. Flash returned the glare as he approached Twilight and helped her stand up from the ground. "You didn't think I was gonna let you face them alone did you...?" he asked her. Twilight smiled at him and looked to Noob with a glare. "Hang in there Shining Armor... I'll get you out of there. I just hope you'll forgive me for what me and Flash Sentry are about to do." she stood in her fighting stance alongside Flash in a tag team match against Noob Saibot. The possessed pony grinned and charged at them summoning a crescent moon blade and when to strike them. Flash dodged its sharp edge and pointed tip to keep himself from getting cut. Twilight blocked his blade with her fan blades and swung her left leg knocking the blade out of his hooves as Flash kicked it towards a wall to keep him disarmed. Seeing it, Noob glared at the two ponies and summoned a shadow clone to attack Flash. But Twilight wasn't going to let it happen as she used her magic to destroy the clone and charged at the dark pony landing a few punches against his rib cage. Flash joined the assault landing a hard punch against his face, causing him to stumble. Noob shook his head and saw him strike again only to dodge it and smacked him away, forcing him to fall away and went to strike him down. Twilight snared his arm with her magic and slammed him on the floor. "Last chance Noob, let my brother go!" she exclaimed. He groaned as he struggled. "Not a chance!" he got free and punched her side and kicked her in the face. She hit the ground as Noob went to blast her, but Flash shot a fireball at his face causing him to scream in pain of it. Noob glared at him and sent another shadow clone to strike attack him. Flash blocked the clones attacks and surrounded his hoof with fire and punched it through the face and charged at Noob. The Dark Ninja blocked his attacks as he tried to kill him, but Flash followed Liu Kang's training and dodged his attacks and punched against his weak points causing him to get weaker. "Twilight, now's our chance!" he called out to her as she got up and glared at Noob. Twilight struck him in the face as Flash punched at his sides making him grow weaker as his hold over Shining Armor starts to break. "Let. My. Brother. GO!!!" she swung a strong right hook and landed a hard uppercut against his jaw. As it happened, Noob screamed as he shot out of Shining Armor's body and hit the ground unconscious. Meanwhile, Shining Armor groaned as he started to fall down for Twilight to catch him. "I got you brother..." she said to him. He groaned a bit and looked to her. "Twilight... did you have to hit me that hard...?" he asked her. Twilight smiled a bit and held him. "Sorry BBBF... but I had to get him out somehow..." she said to him. He smiled but remembered and looked to Flash. "Flash... Princess Cadance is still locked up in the dungeon, you and I will go there while Twilight deals with Sombra..." he said to him as Flash nodded in response helping him up. Shining Armor focused every bit of his magic to teleport to where Cadance is. Seeing it, Twilight slowly turned her attention towards Sombra who watched the whole fight. Seeing her glare, Sombra sighed as he stood up from the throne. "Oh well... like they say, you want something done right, do it yourself..." he summoned a dark crystal scythe and looked at it. "Hope you're ready to die Princess Twilight..." he looked towards her. "Because these will be your last moments...!" Twilight glared at him and stood in her fighting position. "I wouldn't count me out just yet..." she said to him as she dodged an attack from him and avoided his weapons sharp edge. Sombra snarled as he went to decapitate her head, but she slid underneath his blade and flipped towards him landing a kick against his chest fracturing a few ribs. Sombra let out a painful cry feeling it and glared going for a killing strike towards her side, Twilight however anticipated this and twirled along the scythe and landed a strong left hook against Sombra's jaw causing it to dislocated. Sombra stumbled back and shook his head, he looked to Twilight and quickly put his jaw back before it became permanent. Twilight smirked at him seeing it happen and stood ready. "Not a bad style child... but I will not be bested by you again! The Crystal Empire is mine Twilight Sparkle!" Sombra roared out and charged at her with his scythe. Twilight looked towards him and watched he swung his scythe only to counter it with her fan blades. She took the two and shattered his scythe. She glared at him as magic flowed around her, she blasted Sombra in the chest and charged at him. She leaped into the air and kicked his chest shattering his ribcage, struck him with her fan blades and teleported behind him forcing the blades to return to her with Sombra still attached to them as she lifted him off his hooves and slammed him down on the ground shattering his neck. He groaned from it as Twilight got up from the ground. "The empire will never be yours... it belongs to Princess Cadance... the best ruler that ever lived." she said to him. Panting from the pain he was feeling, Sombra glared at her. "I killed one ruler of the Crystal Empire... I will kill another even if I must go through you!" he formed crystal claws around his hooves and struck at her. She panicked from seeing them and dodged them to keep him from leaving deep cuts in her skin. But one of his claws managed to cut her arm, causing her to yelp as she held it looked to him. He let out a dark chuckle as he slowly approached her. "Any last words Twilight...?!" he asked her. Panting exhausted and from the pain she felt in her arm, Twilight looked up noticing Kitana behind him and smirked looks to him. "I have much to say... you're a terrible ruler, you are not fit to be king, and you will die in the shadow of a great pony!" she exclaimed to him getting on his last nerve. Sombra snarled raising his claws to kill her, but before he could... Kitana threw her fan blades at his hooves piercing his arms causing him to scream in agony. Twilight smirked and powered all her magic into her horn and blasted him away seeing him crash against the wall. Sombra writhed in pain from where he was blasted, Twilight scowled at him as Kitana approached her. Seeing it, Kitana turned to her student and smiled touching her shoulder. "Well done Twilight..." she said to her earning a smile from her student. At that moment, Flash, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance rushed into the room seeing them. Cadance smiled at he sister in law and rushed to her holding her. Twilight returned the gesture holding her and smiles. "I was so worried about you..." Twilight said to her as she let go of Cadance. Her sister in law smiled at her knowing what she went through. "You did what you had to in order to save us... I couldn't be anymore prouder." she said to her and looked to Kitana. "Are you by chance...?" she asked her. Kitana nodded to her and bowed to her. "I am Princess Kitana of Edenia, its an honor to finally meet you Princess Cadance." she said to her and stood up. "And might I say... your sister here wasn't lying when she said you were the most beautiful mare in this realm." she said to her with a smile. "Thank you, I'm even lucky to have Twilight as a sister and Shining Armor as my husband..." Cadance smiled at her but looked seeing Sombra getting back up causing her eyes to widen. "Look out!" she tried to form a protective barrier, but Sombra moved faster than her magic. But suddenly... a three pronged boomerang flew towards Sombra cutting off his crimson curved horn causing him to scream out in pain as his scythe shattered. Kitana looked to who threw the boomerang, and her eyes widened but she smiled seeing who it was. It was Jade, her best friend and trusted ally. In the form of a unicorn... Jade caught the boomerang and glared at Sombra for what he tried to do. "Hurt Kitana... and you will answer to me you filth!" she exclaimed. Sombra writhed from the pain he felt and used what little magic he could use to vanish and escape. Kitana turned to Jade and held her showing that she missed her. "Jade... I was worried you didn't make it to this realm." she said to her. Jade held her and let go looking to her. "I'm sorry I was distant Kitana... but when I arrived in this frozen tundra, I discovered the empire when it was being overrun. So I rushed to the spire as fast as I could... that's when I found you here with this young one fighting a dark unicorn." she explained to her. Smiling from her explanation, Kitana touched her shoulder and nodded to her. "Its quite alright Jade... what matters now is that you're here. We have so much to talk about..." she said to her as both she and Jade let out a soft chuckle. Twilight saw quite a unique sisterly relationship between the two of them and smiled knowing that there will be much to talk about when they get back to Ponyville. Shao Kahn's Throne Room, Outworld Back in Outworld, Sombra was crying out in agony as his body slowly healed with the power of the aether within him. He panted exhausted as he looked straight towards Shao Kahn with a glare figuring out what he did. "You set me up! You didn't want the princess dead, you just wanted to be a personal punching bag!" he yelled at him. Chuckling at him, Shao Kahn laid back with a smirk. "I had to discipline you... do not think for a second that you could try to take my throne without me knowing! I have eyes everywhere Sombra... in Outworld, you are no king... or a Kahn, you are but a pawn." he pointed out to him with a glare. Sombra hissed as he was about to attack, but a large hand grabbed his shoulder earning his attention as his eyes widen in shock seeing who it was. A powerful centaur, Tirek... back in all his glory as he snorted with a glare. "If you so much as have a problem with that Sombra, you can take it up with me...!" he growled. "Tirek?! How?!! You were locked away in Tartarus!" Sombra exclaimed to him. "Was..." Tirek chuckled at him crossing his arms. "You see, Shang Tsung and Chrysalis paid me a little visit I my prison cell. They gave me an offer I found too satisfying to turn down. Believe me Sombra... I don't like Shao as much as anyone, but he is a far greater ruler than you will ever be." he chuckled earning a smirk from the emperor. "So you see Sombra, anything you try... will only fail." Shao stood up from his throne glaring at him. "If you so much as try to betray me... I will have your heart crushed in my bear hands...!" he growled at him showing that he meant every word of it. Sombra's hands shook a bit but her held his glare at the Emperor but looked away and left the throne room. Chrysalis watched him and turned to the emperor. "Shall I have him watched sire...?" she asked him. "No... he's learned his lesson. And I enjoyed watching every minute of his suffering." Shao Kahn smirked as he began to laugh along with his other allies. But Sombra... was far from amused, he was going to plan a way to get back at Shao Kahn for this humiliation, and he will enjoy every second of it. > Chapter 10 Jade > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Train on the way to Ponyville With Twilight's brother and sister in law now safe, the defenders were on their way back to Ponyville with Jade along side them. Meanwhile Jax overlooked the damage on his bionic arms. They were beyond repair, and he knew it... he sighed knowing there was no way he could repair them in the form he was in. "Man... the worst thing about being a pony, is that I have no hands to repair my arms with..." he muttered feeling depressed. Applejack touched his shoulder with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry... Twilight might know a way to fix them up. Maybe even alter them a bit, that way you're not having to deal with them locking up." she said to him and turned to Twilight. "Right Twilight...?" she asked her. "Theoretically yes, but I've never used a spell on bionics before. So there may be a few complications in the process." Twilight said to her and Jax. "Well that makes me feel better..." Jax said sarcastically to her. "I want all the help I can get, but I don't want there to be any complications should she work on them." he said to them. "Jax, come on... she's the smartest pony in this realm, I'm sure she can fix them no problem. "Johnny said to him. "Yes... do not doubt her skill." Jade said to him as Jax sighed and leaned against the wall of the train getting some rest. Jade meanwhile shook her head and looked to Kitana and Twilight. "So... you took in a student to learn our ways Kitana...?" she asked her and looked to her smiling. "I did... Twilight Sparkle has show great skill in our ways, even adding her own to improve it." Kitana explained to her and looked towards her student. Jade looked to her and smiled. "I noticed... you certainly have the strength and skill of an Edenian... but do you possess the knowledge of one...?" she asked her. "Well, not exactly... I didn't realize that I needed-" Twilight heard her letting out a light chuckle and looked to her surprised. Jade laughed for a bit and looked to her. "Don't worry your majesty, I was only teasing... besides, any ally of Kitana is my ally." she said to her with a smile. Chuckling nervously, Twilight began to wonder if she was serious. But she shook her head and focused. "Now... when you first arrived here, where were you...?" she asked her. "Since you asked, it is quite a long story..." Jade said to her. "We got time..." Twilight replied to her. Smiling at her response, Jade immediately got comfortable to tell her. "When I first arrived in this realm, I'm sure you can all imagine my surprise when I saw my new form..." she gestured to herself. "Believe me, I was beyond surprised..." Johnny said to her. "Be that as it may... I new I was not in Edenia, or Earthrealm. So I tried my hardest to find the closest village... I found one, that was inhabited by bird-like creatures... with feline features." Jade explained to them. "They of course were rather rude..." she pointed out to them. Flashback, Griffonstone The griffons watched as Jade wandered through their town, giving her scowls and greedy looks. Jade knew for certain she was in a tough situation here, probably worse than being stuck in a village of Tarkatan warriors. She knew she needed to get out of the town before she got in trouble, she went straight for the exit, but a griffon got in her war stopping her. "What's your hurry...?" she asked her. "I am merely passing through, now please step aside..." she said to her about to walk pass her. But the griffon grabbed hold of her stopping her. "I don't think so... you wanna pass through, you gotta pay bits. That's the rule around here in Griffonstone." she told her and pushed her back. "Now pay up...!" she yelled. "Listen to me, you do not want to cause trouble with me." Jade warned her. The griffon chuckled as she clenched her claws. "You have no idea who you're dealing with... I'm Gilda, of Griffonstone. You cause trouble here, you'll have to deal with me." she said to her as she walked toward her. Acting in self defense, Jade pulled out her staff and quickly blocked her attack and smacked her in the face with it. Gilda rolled on the ground from it and shook her head of what she hit her with, and turned to her with a glare. "Alright... if that's how its gonna be..." "If you start a fight with me, I will gladly end it...!" Jade stood in her fighting stance. Gilda glared at her and charged at her to strike her with her claws. Jade dodged her claws and blocked them to keep her from scratching her. She swings her staff hitting her side and slams it on top of her head, causing Gilda to cry out in pain holding her head. Shaking off the pain, Gilda glared at the Edenian Unicorn for it and snarled charging at her to claw her eyes out. But the unicorn avoided her attacks and blocked each of her attacks. "You're going to regret picking a fight with me you bi-" before she could finish her sentence, Jade jabbed her in the stomach with her staff forcing her to let out a grunt. She groaned from it as she held her stomach and coughed a bit but glared at her. "You've really gone and done it this time!" she threw her tail at her snaring her leg and swings throwing her at a building. Jade let out a grunt as she crashed against one of the houses and landed on the ground. She shook her head and looked seeing Gilda charge at her about to take her head, she quickly dodged her attack as Gilda's claws scratched through the wall behind her. She put her staff away and landed two quick jabs at her torso hitting her weak points. Gilda hissed from it and swung her claws at her only to miss as Jade ducked from her attack and leaped away. "Last chance to leave... I suggest you take it while you can." she said to her. Gilda only let out a scoff as her claws extended. "You think that's gonna stop me...? Think again little unicorn!" she leaped into the air and flew straight at her... Jade prepared to strike her, but Gilda kicked dirt at her causing her to temporarily go blind. "You're mine!" she charged at her and clawed at her arm causing her to cry out in pain and hold where she was scratched. "Hard to fight back when you can't see huh...?" Rubbing her eyes, Jade tried to focus her vision, but Gilda smacked her with the back of her hand causing her to stumble. The griffon landed a few hard punches against the green unicorn and swung her leg kicking her face. Jade hit the ground and groaned from pain. She shook her head touching the ground and felt water... she rubbed the water over her eyes to clean them as Gilda approached about to hurt her some more. But Jade's eyes snapped open and splashed the water in her face to distract her as she pulled out her boomerang and threw it at Gilda slicing a few feathers off of her causing the griffon the shriek from it. "Next time you want to fight dirty, pick on someone your own size!" she charged at Guild and struck her with her staff cracking a few ribs, she twirled it and smacked it against her jaw fracturing it. She pointed her staff at Gilda's head and let it extend, seeing it smack against the griffon's forehead sending her flying backwards hitting the ground. She groaned from it but shook off the pain glaring at the unicorn as she got back up onto her feet. "Stay down... or I will have to knock you down again..." "I'm not giving up... not by a long shot." Gilda said to her and charged at her. Sighing knowing how stubborn she is, Jade dodged her attack and struck her arm hitting its nerve points forcing them to go limp. Seeing it surprised, Gilda went to strike her with her other arm, but Jade hit the nerve points on her arm getting it to go limp with the other arm. Struggling from what she did, Gilda glared at her. "What the hell have you done to my arms?!" "I just simply paralyzed them... I tried to warn you." Jade said to her only to see her throw a kick. She quickly hits the nerve points on her leg as she quickly dodged her attack seeing her fall on the ground. The griffon cried out as she laid on the ground. "I swear, this just gets worse for you!" she cried out. "You're just embarrassing yourself... please... stay down... final warning." Jade warned her. But she refused to give up as she got up from the ground. "Hope this will be the only time you see a one legged griffon in an ass kicking contest..." she said to her as she hopped around on her only working leg. "Are all your kind this stubborn...?" Jade asked her. "Yeah, come with the job description of a griffon... now quit standing around... and fight me you god damn little-" Jade quickly threw her right leg up kicking her lower jaw as it clamped down on her tongue shutting her up. Gilda flew through the air and hit the ground finally unconscious from what Jade did. Jade dusted herself off and looked to the other griffons. "Anyone else care to try and fight me...?" she asked them only to see them back off. "Good... now... which way to the other settlements...?" she asked them as the all pointed Northwest towards the Crystal Empire. Looking towards it, Jade nodded and made her way there. Present Time "And that's how I came to be in the Crystal Empire when it was being invaded..." Jade finished her story. Rainbow looked at her surprised and shook her head. "Wait, wait, wait... you mean to tell me... that you fought my former friend who tried to mug you for your bits?!" she asked her. "I'm actually quite surprised you consider her a friend... are all griffons like that...? Jade asked them. "Well, griffons are as greedy as dragons... they had massive hordes of gold, even greater than what dragons had. Griffonstone is one place I always wanted to see." Twilight said to her. Jade let out a small chuckle and looked to her. "I'm speaking from experience... you don't want to see it..." she advised her. "Point taken... but I still want to go." Twilight said to her feeling eager. Jade rolled her eyes from hearing it but smirked. "You certainly are a student of knowledge..." she looked out the window looking at the wilderness outside the train. But what immediately caught her attention... was something flying through the dark clouds above them. She stepped closer to the window and looked around, earning everyone's attention. "Do you all see that...?" she asked them. Everyone looked outside the train seeing the shadowed figure, they watched as it got closer to the train. "What is that?!" Pinkie asked as the mysterious being flew above the train landing on top of it. The train shook from the impact and everyone in the train fell down to the floor from what landed on the roof. "What in the name of the Elder Gods was that?!" Sub-Zero asked them. "It must be a creature of this realm..." Scorpion said to him. Rainbow Dash poked her head out and saw what it was as her eyes widened. "Uhh... you could be right, but I don't recall a dragon wearing Outworld Armor..." she said to them. Liu Kang looked poked his head out of the window and saw what it was. "That's no ordinary dragon... that's Onaga..." he said to them as he got back in with Rainbow Dash. "Onaga... the former emperor of Outworld, the Dragon King himself..." he explained to them. "But what's he doing here?!" Rarity asked him. "Its possible that the transfer to your world also sent him here to find us..." Sonya put it in theory. "As impossible as it sounds, we still need to get him out of here!" Jax exclaimed as the train began to shake. Jade armed herself and rushed to the window. "Leave it to me!" she opened it and leaped outside landing onto the roof of the train and looked to the Dragon King. "Onaga... why are you here...?!" "I have been searching for Earth's Defenders since I arrived in this realm... never would have imagined you would be in this particular form." Onaga growled a bit as he stepped forward towards her. "But no matter the form... I won't let any of you stand in my way of getting my revenge on Shao Kahn...!" he snarled. "I understand your need for revenge against him... which is why you should join us Onaga." Jade offered a chance to ally himself with them. Sneering at the thought of it, Onaga stomped on the roof of the train causing everyone inside to panic. "Me, ally myself with defenseless ponies? You are sadly mistaken child!" he went to crush her, but Jade dodged his massive claws and twirled her staff striking at his muscles. But the Dragon King shrugged it off and swung his tail at her, only for her to leap back dodging it as the tail bent the roof. Johnny felt a bolt land on his head causing him to yelp. "What is she doing up there?!" he asked them. "If I have to guess, she's facing the Dragon King alone..." Nightwolf said to him. "Somepony's gonna have to help her... there's no way she'll stand a chance against that guy." said Applejack as she stepped up to the window. "AJ, what do you think you're doing?" Nightwolf asked her. "I can't just stand here and let her risk her life out there Nightwolf, you out of everyone here should know that" Applejack said to him as the fight above them got worse. Nightwolf looked back to her and nodded as he helped her get to the roof, Applejack reached the top and looked to the fight as Onaga swung his claws at Jade trying to kill her. "Hey!" she swung her lasso at him snaring it around his neck choking him as she pulled him away from Jade. "Nice timing there..." Jade said to her and charged at the Dragon King and leapt into the air kicking him at his chest knocking him over onto his back. Onaga let out a grunt as he shook his head and growled as he used his claw to break the lasso off and turns to Applejack. "You should have stayed inside where it was safe little pony!" he snarled launching a fireball at her. But Applejack's defensive instincts kicked in as a powerful aura surrounded her, allowing her to charge through the fireball without getting burnt. Nightwolf was surprised from what he had witnessed, Applejack was amazed as well as she looked to Onaga. "Ya know... when it comes to fighting a monster such as you, I try to hold back. But you...? I think holding back isn't gonna be an option at this point and time!" she exclaimed as Onaga snarled going for the kill. But Applejack dodged his attack forming a lasso out of spirit energy and throws it around his wrist snaring it. She pulled hard on the lasso as it forced Onaga to hit himself several times. Jade smirked as she charged at him swinging her staff smacking his legs tripping him over as his body slammed down to the ground. "Woo! You guys see that?! Applejack is really holding her own out here!" Johnny watched the fight between the two ponies and the Dragon King. "Cage, get your butt back in here!" Sonya grabbed hold of him and pulled him inside. "You trying to freeze yourself to death?" she asked him with a scowl. "Hey, you know I can't miss out on a good fight." Johnny said to her. Meanwhile outside Onaga roared out and breathed fire at the two ponies as they retreated from his fire breath and got between two train cars as the flames flew above them. Applejack panted from seeing it and looked to Jade. "Don't suppose you have an idea on how to get passed that...?" she asked the Edenian. "Onaga's fire is lethal... it will be difficult to sneak up on him." Jade replied and looked behind her. "And getting to the back of the train will be much worse because of the passengers..." Applejack tried to come up with a solution that wouldn't get them both killed and looked down towards the tracks. She looked to Jade with a smirk. "You thinking what I'm thinking...?" she asked her. "Most certainly... distract him..." Jade said to her as she slipped between the train cars going under the train itself. Applejack looked up seeing the flames cease as she held her hooves up. "Okay! I surrender! I surrender!" she climbed up seeing him. "You got me cornered... I have no reason to keep fighting." "That is the first smart decision you made since you came out here to fight me little pony... but your attempt to surrender is pointless." Onaga growled as he slowly approached her but realized something. "Wait... where is the Edenian?!" he asked her only to see a smirk form across her face. Jade appeared behind Onaga and charged at him from behind and struck at his spine with her staff, causing him to let out a painful shriek. He snarled at her throwing his massive claws at her, but she ducked under them and threw her boomerang at his face leaving a deep cut on it. He writhed from it and held it as he bled, meanwhile Jade caught her boomerang and put it away as Applejack approached her. "Not bad for a country girl..." she complimented her. "Likewise Jade... but lets save the compliments for later." Applejack said to her and turned to Onaga as he roared out and went to kill them. Applejack charged at him as a powerful orange aura surrounded her, she rammed against Onaga's chest as her aura formed into a bears claw punching against his face. She looked to it as the aura vanished leaving her in a state of surprise. "Wow... that's definitely something else..." "Focus Applejack!" Jade leaped over her and struck at Onaga with her staff and smacked it against his lower jaw cracking it. Onaga stumbled back as he slowly reached the edge of the caboose. He shook his head a bit but was in a daze as Jade and Applejack stood ready. The two ponies charged at Onaga and rammed him off the caboose leaving him in the frozen wasteland, Jade let out a sigh of relief as she took a chance to relax. "Its no wonder Shao Kahn dethroned him..." she said out loud. "You said it... wait, Shao Kahn did...?" Applejack asked her. "Yes... but lets get inside before we freeze to death..." she said to her as she and Applejack went into the train. Their friends gathered around them congratulating them on their victory. "You fought well you two... but I doubt we will see the last of Onaga." Sub-Zero said to them. "Sub-Zero's right... Onaga may be gone for now, but he will keep hunting us..." said Liu Kang. Nightwolf approached them and looked to Applejack. "You certainly surprised me out there Applejack... I have seen many unique beings reveal many different abilities. But you...? You have a strong spirit animal protecting you..." he said to her. "To be honest, I'm just as surprised as you were... I didn't know I had it in me to begin with." Applejack said to him as she looked to her hoof. "With this kind of power... I'm definitely gonna need a lot of help with it." she turned her attention to him. "Would you care to help me out...?" she asked him. Nightwolf smiled at her and nodded to her. "I will teach you everything about the spirits... and the ways of my people the Matoka. But know that animal spirits may be unpredictable... you must earn your spirit animals trust before you can trust it." he said to her. Applejack nodded in response as the other smiled for them. Jade meanwhile looked back to the frozen tundra knowing Onaga will still come after them, even if they reach Canterlot or Ponyville. Being a Dragon King, he'll definitely be back. Shao Kahn's Dungeon, Outworld Raiden calmly meditated trying to get back in touch of the thunder god he used to be... but the crimson red lightning around him began to flicker as he sensed someone coming. "Come out of the shadows Reptile... I know you're there..." he said to the Zaterran as he glanced behind him. Reptile emerged from the shadows and looked to him. "You knew I was here..." he said to him. "And that you betrayed Shao Kahn because of what he did to your people... but do you believe that you can be so easily forgiven...?" he asked him as he looked at him. Reptile lowered his gaze but looked to him. "My peoples honor is lost... but it can be restored. That is why I changed sides in this fight... you might not find it in your heart to accept it, but I do not need your permission to live. I only wish to undo the damage that Shao Kahn wrought upon Zaterra." he said to him. The Dark Thunder God looked at him but shut his eyes knowing that it won't be easy to accept he changed sides. But given his current situation, how can he refuse...? He looked to the Zaterran with curious eyes. "You spoke to Princess Celestia... what has become of her in recent events...?" he asked him. "Shao Kahn sent several of his forces to try and destroy Equestria, and the Earth Defenders who protect it... only to fail several times in trying. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, along with Queen Sindel are working on a plan to free you from this prison. Princess Celestia most of all... wants to save you more than anything." Reptile explained to him. Hearing it... Raiden lowered his gaze unsure of how she will react to his appearance. But... to know that Princess Celestia is trying to save him, fill his heart with hope that she still loves him. He looked to Reptile as his lightning slowly reverted to being blue. "Reptile... I need for you to deliver a message to her... I must do it quickly before the next guard comes by..." "I'm ready..." Reptile said to him as Raiden's lightning flowed to him leaving no burns. Reptile accepted the energy and stood up. "I will make sure she receives this message... you have my word." Raiden nodded to him and bowed. "May the Elder Gods watch over you..." he said to him as Reptile vanished. Ponyville, Equestria Back in Equestria, Johnny stepped out of the train and breathed the fresh air. "Man its good to be out of that train..." he looked to it seeing its bit of a wreck. "Well... what's left of it..." he pointed out to it. "It can be fixed... just bang out the dents, and it'll be good as new..." Sonya said to him as she looked at the train only to see it fall apart as a sweat drop ran down her face. "On second thought, just leave it... this is above our pay..." she said to him. "Yeah, way above..." Johnny agreed with her and looked to Jade. "Well Jade... welcome to our home away from home." he welcomed her. Jade looked at the small town and smiled at it. "I think its quite charming..." she complimented it as she looked around. Meanwhile, Flash approached Twilight to deliver the bad news. "Twilight... I'm afraid I can't stay in Ponyville, I just called back to Canterlot Castle by Princess Celestia. I don't know what it is, but it must be important. I'll come back as soon as I can to deliver the news." he said to her. "Do what you must, we'll be waiting here for you." Twilight said to him and quickly kissed his cheek. "Just be safe, alright...?" Flash nodded to her and went back into the train as it closed, Jade approached as the train departed the station and watched it leave. She turned her attention to Twilight with a goofy grin on her face. "Quite cute... you two engaged...?" she asked her. Twilight blushed from hearing it and rubbed her hooves a bit. "Its bit of a complicated relationship... given there's a war coming to our realm and all..." she said to her. Smiling at hearing it, Jade nudged her playfully earning her attention. "I was like you once... I too fell in love with a strong warrior." she said to her as she walked away with her and the others back to the Castle of Friendship. Twilight walked beside her and looked to her face. "You really did...? Who...?" she asked her. Jade looked to the sky remembering her beloved. "His name was Koatal... but everyone in Outworld referred to him as General Kotal. An Osh-Tekk warrior... his realm surrendered to Shao Kahn in order to survive. But Kotal wanted to fight Shao Kahn, his father however... forbade it... so he sent Kotal to Earth Realm. Where he first came across the humans before technology came to be... they worshipped him as a god for his power, and he taught them his ways... but doomed them in the end. The blood they ingested only killed them from the inside... Kotal's mistake haunted him for ages. When Edenia was conquered... it's when I first met him..." 10,000 years ago, Wastelands, Outworld In the Wastelands of Outworld, Kotal traveled by horseback as he investigated the Wastelands to find any Edenian refugee's or in any cases resistance fighters. He looked carefully, but his ears caught the sound of rocks falling as he looked to the cliff's. His instincts tensed up knowing he's being watched... just before he could move on, Jade was hiding behind large rocks and knocked them down the cliff earning Kotal's attention causing him to panic. He leaped off his horse turning into a panther running from the rock slide... he leaped out danger and slid on the ground and watched the rocks fall down and looked up to where Jade was as he changed back to his true form. "I'm amazed you've managed to catch me off guard... but I doubt that we have ever met." he said to her. "We have not met... General Kotal." Jade responded to him and leaped down to him. "I am Jade... Princess Kitana's bodyguard." she introduced herself. "You have a good name... but that does not excuse the fact you attacked me." Kotal said to her as he approached. Jade smirked behind her mask as she grabbed her staff. "Do you really wish to challenge me...? You might not survive this..." she said to him as she extended it twirling it. Seeing it, Kotal smirked at her and reached grabbing his sword. "I am more than capable of surviving this small confrontation." he said to her. Jade smiled and charged at him swinging her staff at him, but Kotal blocked her attacks with her sword and swung it at her. She avoided his attacks and struck at his chest forcing him to slide back. Het grunted from it as he held his chest looking to her. "You're strong..." he said to her. "You're quite strong yourself... no one has ever withstood that attack." Jade charged at him and went to strike him down, but Kotal threw his sword down and grabbed hold of her arm and threw her over slamming her onto the ground. He went to hit her while she was still down, but she rolled away from his attack and swung a kick at his face knocking him away. They got back up and stood in their fighting stances. The Edenian and the Osh-Tekk looked at one another, neither one budging. Kotal smirked and morphed into his panther form and charged at her snarling, but Jade knocked him away pointing her staff at him. Kotal meanwhile growled as he circled her and snarled leaping into the air tackling her down pinning her, he roared about to bite her. But she put her staff in his mouth to keep him from taking a big chunk out of her, she struggled as Kotal tried to bite through her staff and claw at her. "Didn't your mother ever teach you not t bite people?!" she threw him over to get him off her. Kotal slid on the ground and looked to her growling, but morphed back into his true self. "Then let us fight fairly..." he said to her. The two kombatants charged at each other as Kotal swung his leg at her only for her to block it as she grabbed hold of his leg and threw him at a rock seeing him slam against it. She charged at him and leaped stomping against his chest, kicking him through the rock. He yelled out in pain as he rolled across the ground and looked to her. "You're stronger than I thought..." She smirks at him and held out her boomerang. "I have had years of training... I am more than capable of fighting an Osh-Tekk warrior." she said to him as Kotal charged at him blades in hand. She blocked his attacks with her boomerang and scratched his arm and smacked him in the face causing him to stumble. He swung his blades at her to cut her, but Jade used her stamina and greater speed to out maneuver him. "Though you are a skilled Osh-Tekk warrior... you are no match for me!" she swung her staff at him smacking him in the head and shadow kicked him in the chest knocking him down to the ground. The Osh-Tekk held his chest from the impact, but his warrior pride forced him to shrug it off and stand up. "You certainly have strength... but as an Osh-Tekk warrior... I will not surrender." he said to her and charged at her. Jade blocked his attacks and punched against his rib cage and kneed him in the stomach. Kotal grunted from it but grabbed hold of her and threw her down pinning her. "Do you yield...?" he asked her. Jade struggled but looked to him with a smirked. "Not quite..." she said to him only to sneak a kiss to distract him and knee him where it hurts most. Right between the legs against his groin, causing him to groan in pain as he fell to the ground holding it. Jade got up and turned to him with a smirk. "Now the question is... do you yield...?" she asked him with a playful smirk. Sighing in defeat, Kotal rested his head against the dirt. "That was a dirty trick you know..." he said to her only to see her lend him her hand. He hesitated, but took it as she helped him stand up. "You could have killed me when you had the chance... why didn't you..." he asked her. Jade shrugged her shoulder in response and looked to him. "I can honestly say I'm not sure... perhaps you have shown to be a noble warrior, a man of true honor." she said to him with a smile. Hearing it, Kotal looked away and walked to his sword picking it up. "That honor you speak of... died when my father surrendered our realm to Shao Kahn..." he said to her. "He sent me to Earth Realm to grow into who I am today... he wanted me to claim his mantle... but when I traveled to Earth Realm, I made my own." he explained. Jade looked at the Osh-Tekk warrior feeling sorry for him for what he went through. She and her people of Edenia also faced the same pain he went through... she approached him and touched his shoulder. "I am sorry for what you went through... we all went through the same pain as you have and are doing everything we can to survive. But we have any chance to survive in Outworld, we must work together..." she said to him. Hearing her words, Kotal looked to her despite their fight with each other. He formed a small smile as he touched her hand to his shoulder. "I would be honored to fight by your side... Jade..." he said to her. She gave him a soft smile and looked seeing her steed and looked to her. "You're going to need a ride back to the fortress... come..." she walked with him to her horse and let him get on first. She got on behind him wrapping her arms around his waist as they set off back to Shao Kahn's fortress. From that day, a bond was forged between the two warriors... a bond that would last for eternity. Present Day, Ponyville, Equestria Jade smiled at remembering him and the time they spent with one another. "Kotal was a great warrior..." her smile soon faded as she looked down. "But... one day I received word that Kotal was killed in battle. I never saw him again..." she explained as tears brimmed in her eyes. Twilight couldn't help but shed a few tears and wiped them away looking to her. "I'm really sorry for your loss..." she said to her. "I appreciate your sympathy Princess Twilight, and I hope that you will be a great ally in the fight against Shao Kahn." Jade responded to her with a smile as she wiped away her tears. "Now... how about we head to your castle...? We still need to find many of our still scattered allies throughout your realm..." she reminded her. "Right... but before we do, would it be alright with you if we had a friendly match between us?" Twilight asked her. Jade chuckled at her question and turned facing her. "It would be a pleasure Princess Twilight... I want to see how Kitana's teaching has changed you while in this fight against Shao Kahn." she said to her as they went to the arena next to Twilight's castle. As they arrived, Jade walked onto the arena stage looking around it. "I must say, this is quite like the arena on Shang Tsung's island..." "Well, I wanted to stay traditional to the original. We've had quite a few fights here... you'd be surprised how many times Outworld tried to kill us on this arena." Twilight said to her as she walked to her spot on the stage and put in a few stretches to get ready. "I hope being on that train didn't make you tired..." Jade at that moment was also doing some stretches and glanced to her. "Actually, I had plenty of rest... the fight with Onaga was indeed a surprise for me, but I was fortunate that your friend Applejack came out to aid me." she said to her. "Applejack's a good soul, but when it comes to her friends getting hurt... she can definitely be the mother hen trying to protect her chicks." Twilight replied to her and realized. "By the way... you never mentioned your parents, are they... alive...?" she asked her. Hearing her question, Jade shook her head in response. "No... they died when Shao Kahn invaded." she said to her and looked out. "I was only a baby when it happened... and raised beside Kitana for the last 10,000 years... Hearing this, Twilight could only hypothesize one conclusion. "So basically... you and Kitana are like sisters...? she asked. Jade smiled and nodded to the young alicorn princess. "Well... bet you two have a better relationship than her and Mileena..." she admitted to her. The Edenian bodyguard chuckled as she turned to face her. "On that I agree... but now, let us see how well you remember Kitana's teaching's..." she said to Twilight as she prepared for kombat. Twilight did so as well, but to her surprise, Jade charged straight at her without warning and leaped with the attempt to kick her where she stood. But Twilight quickly reacted on instinct and dodged her attack and kicked her from behind. Stumbling from it, Jade quickly threw another attack at her landing it against Twilight's side. "You were fast on that last attack, but you were too confident if you think you can stun me." she said to her. Twilight meanwhile shrugged off the pain she received and looked to her with a scowl. "I haven't even started...!" she charged at her and threw a few punches at her. Jade blocked most of her attacks, but some of her punches managed to make contact with her face and abdomen. She teleported behind Jade and wrapped her arm around her neck throwing her over onto the ground. Jade shook her head from it and looked seeing Twilight go for another strike while she was down. She quickly dodged her attack and got back up looking to her. "Nice dodge there Jade..." she commended her on her agility. "Your skills are quite impressive Twilight... but as Kitana's bodyguard, you still have much to learn." Jade reminded her. Twilight smirked and charged at her with much determination to win. Jade stood firm as Twilight threw a punch at her, but she pulled out her staff and blocked each of her punches and threw a kick at her landing it against her face causing Twilight to stumble and fall to the ground. As I said... much to learn..." she said to her with a smirk. But Twilight wasn't gonna let that get to her as she got back up and threw a high kick at her, but Jade grabbed hold of her leg. But what she didn't anticipate was that Twilight threw her other leg managing to kick her in the face causing her to flip over and fall onto the ground. Twilight flapped her wings and smirked. "Not bad for a princess from another realm huh...?" she asked her. Chuckling from it, Jade got back up and looked to her. "Not bad... not bad at all... but this friendly exhibition match is far from over yet young princess." she reminded her. Twilight watched as Jade charged at her as she prepared for what was next. Jade managed to pull out two boomerang's and toss them at her causing the young alicorn to panic and dodge them. But when she wasn't looking, Jade smirked as the boomerang's came back and struck Twilight from behind. The green mare chuckled as she caught them with her magic putting them away. "Like I said... not over." Twilight groaned from it, and shook her head looked to her. "Lucky shot... but try this." she teleported and appeared behind her and punched her twice in the face and kicked her away. Jade screamed as she hit the ground and looked to her surprised. Twilight charged at her and threw her fan blades toward her, but Jade knocked them away only for Twilight to land a kick on top of her head causing it to fracture. Jade cried out in pain as she fell to the ground. "I hope you're ready to surrender..." Jade rubbed her head but stood up facing her. "Not yet..." she charged at Twilight as the young Alicorn went to strike her, but Jade dodged her attack and grabbed her arm pinning it against her back and kneed her in the back. Wincing from it, Twilight swung a kick at her, but Jade blocked it and kicked Twilight away. She rolled on the ground and turned to Jade and blasted at her with her magic, Jade meanwhile twirled her staff blocking the magic blasts and quickly teleports behind her landing a punch against Twilight's face. But Twilight managed to grab hold of her arm and throw her over onto the ground about to punch her while she was down, Jade how ever wasn't going to lose to her so easily. She blocked it and quickly wrapped her legs around Twilight's neck and threw her over pinning her to the ground and holding her grip. "Yield while you still can Princess... otherwise, you're going to run out of oxygen." she said to her. Struggling to break free, but slowly losing oxygen... Twilight knew she had no chance of winning. She tapped her leg to be released, and Jade quickly released her and stood up. "You are quite skilled... but Kitana has much to teach you Princess Twilight." Panting exhausted, Twilight shook her head and looked to her. "I wasn't expecting that... but you're amazingly skilled Jade." she commended her of her fighting skill. "And you Twilight, have good skill. I won't deny it... perhaps under my guidance, you could learn much princess." Jade said to her with a smile. "Thanks, but I think I'll stick with Kitana. Her fighting style is more familiar to me than yours." Twilight said to her earning a nod from her in return. The two bowed to each other and headed inside the Castle of Friendship to meet up with the others, to let them know of everything that had happened. Canterlot Throne Room In Canterlot, Reptile had returned to Equestria and approached with Sindel towards Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. "Princesses... Reptile has returned. He has news on Raiden..." she informed her. Celestia stood from her throne and approached him. "What news have you brought...? What has become of Raiden...?" she asked him eagerly to know what has happened to the thunder god. "When I looked upon him, he seemed to regain his full strength... he still doesn't fully trust me." Reptile informed her. At that moment, Ermac approached to interject into the conversation. "We agree with Raiden's point of view... despite you turning against Shao Kahn, you could have ulterior motives..." he said to him. "Believe what you want Ermac... but I have something from Raiden himself." Reptile said to them as electricity flowed around him. The princesses watched as the lightning flowed around the room and formed an astral projection of Raiden in his human form. Celestia was surprised by his appearance, but still recognized him as the Alicorn she met so long ago. "Celestia... my dearest love... I'm sure you're aware of the events that unfolded in Edenia, that all my allies had arrived in Equestria. You have no idea how much it pained me to use your medallion to send them there so that I remained behind." he said to her as Celestia felt tears brim. "But there is something you must know... I am working on a way to break out... but I can't do it alone. I need the help of my allies, and that of your student, Princess Twilight." Surprised of hearing it, Luna looked to Celestia with worry. "Sister, do you think...?" she asked her. "I know this is hard for you... seeing me the way I am, hearing what I have become..." Raiden looked down in shame. "It pains me to imagine what is going through your mind... seeing me as a tyrant... a monster..." he looked to her as tears brimmed. "But if you still plan on rescuing me, do so with haste... I don't know how long it will take till Shao Kahn plans to execute me. Aid your subjects the best to your abilities... I know how much you despise violence, but a war is coming to Equestria. You need to prepare your forces for anything that could happen... I love you Celestia... I pray that we will be together soon." he said to her and vanished. Reptile saw it happen and looked to the Alicorn Princess, seeing the sadness in her eyes but approached her. "Your majesty... what do you plan to do...?" he asked her. Having a moment of silence to herself, Celestia took in a deep breath knowing what she needed to do. She turned to them with a stern look. "No matter what Shao Kahn does... we will stop him and his forces. We will save Raiden... and ensure that everyone returns safely..." she said to them and walked to the throne and reached touching the wall of it as the Mortal Kombat dragon symbol appeared on it. It slowly opened revealing what was inside it, a pair of warrior's garments that was made by Raiden before he became an elder god. "Don't worry Raiden... I promise, we will save you..." she muttered to herself knowing the dangers of going to Outworld. But that will not stop her from saving the one being she loves. > Chapter 11 Kung Lao > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outworld Coliseum Within the walls of the Outworld Coliseum, Kintaro snarled as he went to kill Kung Lao, but the shaolin relied on his quick speed and agility to attack the Tigrar Shokan hitting him with fast jabs at the beasts muscles. Causing him to roar out in pain as Kung Lao leaped into the air kicking him in the face, defeating him. He let out a chuckle as the crowd around him booed at him wishing Kintaro had won. But Kung Lao didn't care one bit as he bowed to them and turned to Raiden. "You see, Raiden? Earth Realm is free-" before he could finish his sentence, Shao Kahn snuck up behind him and grabbed his head snapping his neck. Seeing this caused major shock towards the thunder god. "Kung Lao!" he cried out. "NOOO!!!!" Liu Kang cried out seeing his friend and brother fall down to the ground, dead. Shao Kahn reveled in his part in killing the foolish monk, while Raiden lost himself in rage. "I will strip the flesh from your bones!" he roared out, but a second voice was heard over his monologue. Sunset Shimmer's House, Canterlot High Universe "Not cool Shao Kahn! You murdered my favorite character in the Mortal Kombat franchise!" Sunset Shimmer exclaimed as she sipped her coffee continuing the game. "Don't worry Kung Lao... you will be avenged!" she cried out as she played as Liu Kang in the fight against Shao Kahn. "That's it, that's it-" she played only to see Shao Kahn ram against Liu causing her to wince. "Oh, that looked like it hurt, but I'm not giving up!" she continued the fight against the dark emperor. After finally managing to win round 2, Sunset let out a cheer in victory as she spun around in her chair. "Yes! I beat him!" she cried out and sighed as she watched Liu Kang loom over Kung Lao's dead body. She reached to the screen, touching it... feeling sorry for the young monk. "Oh Kung Lao... if only there were some way to undo this..." Suddenly, she got a text from Pinkie Pie and looked to her phone and looked at the text. "Hey Sunset, hope I'm not interrupting your fun with Mortal Kombat 9. But I thought we'd get together and play two player... if you're interested." she read the text imagining Pinkie's voice playing in her head. She sighed knowing she was gonna keep asking if she didn't reply, so she wrote back to her saying. "Sure Pinkie, I'll bring my Playstation 3 to your place so we can have fun with the others. See you soon." she sent the text to her and put her phone away and exited out of story mode on Mortal Kombat 9 about to pack it up. But out of no where, something crashed through the roof of her house causing her to scream and turn to what fell in her house. But it wasn't really a what... it was more like who. To the humanized unicorn's surprise, it was an unconscious Kung Lao laying on the floor of her house. To her shock and surprise, Sunset could not believe what she was seeing. So she grabbed her phone and decided to call Pinkie and heard her pick up. "Hey, Pinkie...? On second thought... you might want to bring everyone over to my place. You're not gonna believe what's happened..." she said to her as she hung up the phone. She looked to the monk and walked closer to him to get a closer look. She hovered over him and looked at him as she removed his hat. Upon seeing his face, she knew that it was really the real him... but how he got in her house, was a complete mystery. She reached over to touch his face, but suddenly Kung Lao grabbed her wrist catching her by surprise. She gasped as Kung Lao threw her over and pinned her down. She struggled to break free but looked to him, seeing Lao in his panicked state. He panted harshly as he held her down. "Who are you?! How did I get here?!" he demanded to know. "Hey, take it easy... I wasn't trying to hurt you!" Sunset said to him as she struggled. "Now will you let go of me?!" she asked him to release her. Seeing his actions and realizing she's an innocent civilian, Kung Lao released her and backed away. "I'm sorry... I was only acting on instinct..." he said to her. "Hey, its cool... but, you are Kung Lao right...? Descendent of the Great Kung Lao...?" she asked him out of curiosity. In response, Kung Lao nodded to her knowing she was right. "I am... but how is it you know of me...?" he asked her. "Well... I have always believe that Mortal Kombat was just a video game, but to see you here...? Real as this world...? It's just hard to believe..." Sunset explained to him as she showed him the Mortal Kombat 9 cover. Earning a surprised look from Kung Lao, as he looked at it. "Look, I know its confusing to say the least... but tell me... what do you remember before you came here...?" she asked him. Kung Lao touched his head trying to remember... but it soon hit him as he finally realized what happened. "I... I was in Edenia with all my friends and allies... we... we were at war with Outworld." he recalled as he looked out the hole he made seeing the sky. Edenia, a few days ago before they journeyed to Equestria The war in Edenia raged on, Raiden and his allies fought hard and valiantly to survive as they all had the power of Blaze controlling them. But one by one, each of the kombatants fell by either blade, or fist... Kung Lao meanwhile stood facing Shinnok... the Fallen Elder God. "I won't let you win Shinnok...!" he said to him as he stood in his fighting stance. "There is nothing you can do to prevent the destruction of your friends monk... the prize is lost, and now we will all perish together!" Shinnok roared out charging at him. Kung Lao blocked the gods punches and dodged his next attack, he then grabbed hold of his arm and spun around grabbing Shinnok by the throat and slamming him down to the ground. The Fallen Elder God got back up and blasted him away, causing Lao to slide across the ground and glare at him. "No matter your efforts, your resistance is futile!" "Least I know what I'm fighting for... you and your twisted mind games caused all this to happen. I won't let you get away with it!" Kung Lao charged at Shinnok as the Fallen Elder God went to blast him again, but the monk dodged his attack and landed a kick at his face and threw fast jabs at his chest. He took his hat and sliced at Shinnok's neck and threw it behind him as it floated in mid air spinning like a saw blade. Kung Lao shoved him towards the hat as it carved up his back causing him to bleed out. He teleported behind Shinnok and threw the hat in front of him going through the same motion and shoves him into the hat's bladed brim face first. The Fallen Elder God screamed from it as Kung Lao charged at him from behind and kicked him down taking his hat back. "Bet that hurt..." Groaning as his injuries healed, Shinnok glared at the monk and summoned a pair of large bone hands. "I will crush you like insignificant bug that you are!" he exclaimed as the arms went to crush Kung Lao. This made the monk panic as he avoided each attack that came at him. "Hold still worm!" he cried out. "In your dreams devil!" Kung Lao yelled and dodged another attack and teleported behind Shinnok, flipping forward as he landed a kick on top of his head, fracturing his skull. The Lord of the Dead cried out as he crashed on the ground, but he wasn't going to go down so easily as he got up from the ground and looked to Kung Lao. He charged at him summoning a bone scythe and swung it at him, Lao pulled out a broadsword and blocked his attacks. Shinnok let out a battle cry as he swung his scythe at his head, but the monk dodged his weapon and struck the handle of it shattering it to pieces as Shinnok knocked the broadsword out of his hand disarming him. "You should have stayed in Earth Realm, boy!" he summoned his amulet from the dead remains of Quan Chi and blasted him away. Feeling the blast hit him, Kung Lao fell to the ground feeling the burns from Shinnok's amulet, but he wasn't going to let this evil god defeat him so easily. He picked himself up off the ground and turned facing the fallen god, and prepared to continue the fight. "For Liu Kang... the Shaolin... and for Earth Realm...! he charged at him as Shinnok went to blast him again, but Kung Lao took his hat and bounced it against the ground as the blade of it knocked the amulet loose from his hand. The monk charged at him landing rapid jabs against Shinnok's face, and kicked him in the jaw, breaking it as he fell down to the ground. "You better stay down Shinnok...!" he warned him. "No... no, I will not be defeated by a mortal!" Shinnok charged and leaped into the air kicking at Kung Lao's chest knocking him away, but the monk managed to stop himself from falling as he teleported and appeared behind Shinnok, jabbed at his back hitting his nerve points slightly paralyzing him. Panting a bit exhausted from the battle, Kung Lao knew he won't be able to keep this up, so he needed to finish this battle quickly. As Shinnok turned facing the shaolin monk, he summoned all the power from his amulet and blasted at him. But Kung Lao avoided the attack and charged at him. The God of Death wasn't going to allow him to get any closer as he continued to blast at him with his amulet. But his efforts were pointless as Kung Lao grabbed hold of his broadsword and charged at him, he took one swing with the sword chopping off the hand that held the amulet. Shinnok screamed in pain of it as he held his arm, the monk took the sword and severed the fallen elder gods head from his shoulders, leaving him helpless as he laid on the ground. Kung Lao loomed over the head and kicked it away towards the rest of the fighters. "Good luck getting back to your body..." suddenly, he heard a snarl and looked seeing Baraka charge at him blades extended. But Kung Lao kicked him away towards a rock and quickly threw his had at his face, splitting his skull wide open killing him. But when he wasn't looking, Shinnok's arms grabbed hold of him pinning him down to the ground. He looked towards where the head was as the body was still moving, Shinnok glared at the monk as the giant hands slowly crushed him. "I... won't... die alone... I promise you...!" the God of Death said to him. Kung Lao's eyes widened as he screamed and his bones were slowly crushed by the giant hands of the Fallen Elder God. Slowly but sure, his life slipped away, and his body became lifeless upon facing death since the Outworld invasion of Earth Realm. He slowly gathered enough strength to look towards the Pyramid of Argus, seeing Liu Kang's zombie form who was now permanently dead as Dark Raiden fought Shao Kahn, he reached out to him as tears fell. "Forgive me... brother..." he said to him as his life slipped away and his arm limped to the ground. Present Day, Sunset's Home "Next thing I know, I'm here in your house... alive..." Kung Lao finished his explanation and looked to Sunset. "I'm sorry for attacking you the way I did..." he apologized to her. But Sunset shook her head in response and looked to him with a small smile. "Its alright, really... it hurt a little, but I'll be fine." she assured him despite still feeling some pain in her arm. Smiling knowing that she is secretly lying through her teeth and approached her grabbing her arm. "Hold still..." he said to her and fixed her arm up to make it better only to hear her yelp in pain. "Hope it helped a bit..." Rolling her shoulder, Sunset felt that the pain was gone and looked to her. "Wow... that actually helped... thanks." she said to him. "No problem... so..." Kung Lao looked to the Mortal Kombat 9 game and looked back to her. "How popular am I in this game...?" he asked her out of curiosity. Shrugging her shoulders, Sunset knew he needed to know. "You definitely have leaps and bounds compared to Liu Kang..." she said to him. Chuckling from hearing it, Kung Lao looked outside. "Beat that Liu..." he muttered but soon sensed something coming to Sunset's front door and stood up going on the defensive. Rainbow Dash rushed into the room and saw Kung Lao forming a panicked look on her face. "Sunset, look out!" she charged at Kung Lao and went to strike him. Panicked from what she was going to do to him, so he quickly dodged her attack and threw her over as she screamed falling onto the bed. She immediately got back up and looked to him with a scowl. "Back up buddy! I'm lethal, and I will hurt you!" she warned him. "Whoa, whoa, easy... I wasn't trying to hurt her..." Kung Lao said to her. "Rainbow Dash, listen to me! He's telling the truth... sure, he accidentally crashed through the roof of my house, but he's totally innocent. I swear..." Sunset said to her as she walked over to Lao. "Everybody... this is Kung Lao..." she turned to the monk. "Kung Lao... these are my friends. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and of course... Rainbow Dash." Surprised by the introduction, the girls couldn't believe what they head and looked to him. "No... way... that can't be!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed out of disbelief. "You're just a video game character! How in the living heck are you even real?!" she asked him trying to process everything she's experiencing. "Believe me... I wish I knew, one minute I'm dead in Edenia... next thing I know, I'm here." Kung Lao explained to her and looked to the rest of her friends. "For all I know, I need to find the rest of my allies... if I'm here, they might be here as well." Thinking of a way to help him, Sunset quickly realized there is a way someone could help. She rushed to her backpack and pulled it out. "I hope you're there Twilight... because we need your help right now." she muttered and opened the book earning a surprised look from Kung Lao and looked to him. "It is a magical book, it allows me to communicate with a friend of mine from another reality." she explained to him. "That's not strange at all..." Kung Lao responded to her. "Hey, you learn something knew every day..." Sunset took a pen and started to write. "Dear Princess Twilight, I know this may sound crazy. But Kung Lao is here in our world, and we might need your help with finding the rest of his friends. If you have any information, please contact me as soon as you possibly can. Your friend... Sunset Shimmer." she finished her message. But suddenly, she got a rather quick response from the book. "Wow, that was fast..." "She must keep that book close to her at all times..." said Rarity as she approached looking to the book. "What does it say...?" she asked her. Looking at the message, Sunset took the moment to read it out load. "Dear Sunset, you will not believe this... but we happen to know where his friends are. They are currently here in Equestria with us... even Liu Kang was surprised when he heard your message, and is happy to hear that his friend and brother is safe. Me and him are on our way to Canterlot High to see him... we'll see you soon. Your friend... Princess Twilight Sparkle." she finished reading the message. Hearing this from Sunset's mouth, that Liu Kang was there as well... it shocked Kung Lao beyond belief. Liu Kang, alive? He could almost believe what he heard... but if he is on his way with this Princess Twilight, he had to know for sure if it was him. "If they're on their way here..." he turned facing Sunset. "How will they get here?" he asked. "No one knows, but the portal to this world is sitting right in front of our school." Sunset explained to him. Hearing this, Kung Lao grabbed his hat and puts it on. "Then lets get going... I need to stretch my legs before they fall asleep." he said to them. "Whoa there!" Applejack stopped him and grabbed his hat. "You may be a popular Mortal Kombat character, but you gotta lose the hat." she said to him earning a confused look from him. "Reason being, weapons are not allowed on school grounds." she explained to him. "Hey... my hat stays with me, I can't just leave my hat here... otherwise, I'd be defenseless should something happen." Kung Lao said to her earning a harsh scowl from her as the monk and the cowgirl size each other up. "If you plan to go toe to toe with me, you best think twice about that." he warned her. Immediately getting between them, Sunset pushed the two away from each other to stop their bickering. "That's enough, both of you... look, we just had a rough time with the Battle of the Bands, we're in no way prepared for what may happen next. Trust me, I'll make sure he doesn't use his hat in public unless it were completely necessary. Understand...?" she asked them. Kung Lao and Applejack looked to each other knowing that they are gonna have a hard time getting along, but if they want to help each other... they needed to hurry to CHS before Twilight and Liu Kang arrived, so they nodded to Sunset in understanding. "Good, now lets get going." she said to them and walked out. Rarity approached Kung Lao and grabbed his shoulders. "Come along Kung Lao, let us hurry after her... wouldn't want to be late..." she said to him as she pulled him away from Applejack. Still feeling lots of tension about him, Applejack shook her head and followed after him with the others. But unaware to their knowledge... a small... blue light floated out from behind Sunset's television as it watched Kung Lao as he walked out of the house with Sunset and her friends. The little wisp sensed something from him, and quickly followed as the door closed. Canterlot High School At Canterlot High School, by the Canterlot Statue... two figures stepped out of it. One, being Twilight, in her school attire rather than Kitana's custom outfit that Rarity made for her. The other, being Liu Kang in his warriors robes as he looked around seeing the school feeling surprised. "So this is Canterlot High..." he said to her and looked to himself seeing he is back in human form. "I'll admit, it is good to be back in human form..." "And good to know you don't look at all like a zombie..." Twilight pointed out and looked around. "They should be here by now..." she muttered. "Perhaps they are running late...?" Liu asked her but soon heard running feet and looked seeing them running towards them. Rushing to them, Sunset approached Twilight and smiled. "Twilight, nice of you to come back..." she said to her and turned her attention to Liu Kang and panicked quickly bowing. "You must be Liu Kang... I know so much about you, Champion of Mortal Kombat, murdered by Shang Tsung, turned into a zombie by Dark Raiden..." she listed them down. "Yes, not one of Raiden's wisest choices..." Liu admitted and looked to her. "But you must be Sunset Shimmer... Twilight told me about you on the way here." he said to her. "Hopefully she didn't mention a few details..." she cleared her throat and backed up. "Anyways... there's someone who's been wanting to see you." she turned to Lao. Seeing him approach, Liu Kang couldn't believe his eyes... but one look at his fellow monk, he knew for certain that it was the real Kung Lao. He approached him as the two monks stood before each other, they hadn't seen each other since Liu Kang's death at the Wu Shi Academy. "Kung Lao..." Smiling at him, Kung Lao held out his hand as Liu took it and shook it firmly. "Liu Kang..." he responded and hugged his fellow shaolin as tears brimmed. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you..." he said to him. Hearing it, Liu Kang simply smiled and held him after being apart for so long. They were more than friends, but brothers to one another. "It wasn't your fault Kung Lao..." he said to him as he let go of him. "There was no way of knowing what would happen in that time, what's important right now is that you and I are here. Brothers in arms once again..." he said to him. Kung Lao formed a smile and nodded to his brother, meanwhile the Main Six of the human world smiled happily for their reunion. Pinkie of course, was crying her eyes out. "Oh by the Elder Gods! This is such a beautiful moment, I can't stop crying!" she cried out as she sobbed tears of joy for the two shaolin monks. "Pinkie Pie, please don't cry... we're happy too..." Fluttershy said to her. "Yes darling, so please... stop the waterworks and lets take this chance to hang out with Twilight before she heads back to Equestria." Rarity said to her and looked to the princess. "Wouldn't you agree darling...?" she asked her. "You can definitely say things have started to change when Liu Kang and his friends showed up... but in sort of a good way." Twilight said to her and the others. But suddenly, something immediately caught her attention as she looked towards a bush noticing a small blue light. "Helloooo..." she walked towards it. Watching it happen, Sunset followed her curious to what she saw. "What is it Twilight...?" she asked her only to look and see what she found. The small blue light that has been following them since they left Sunset's house. "Oh my god... is that what I think it is...?" she asked her. "Yes... its a Willow of the Wisps..." Twilight responded to her as she observed the little wisp. "But how did it get here...?" she asked. "I'm not sure... but its possible it came here the same time the Dazzling's came here." Sunset theorized as she examined it. "Actually, I arrived here the same time as Kung Lao did..." said the little wisp earning surprised look from the girls and the shaolin monks. "What...? You never saw a talking wisp before...?" she asked them. Rarity let out a scream as she backed up into the others falling to the ground, meanwhile Kung Lao approached the wisp and kneeled down to her. "Never thought that I would have a spiritual companion... who are you little wisp...?" he asked her. "Oh, sorry... but give me a second." she said to him as she began to glow brightly. Kung Lao shielded his eyes from the intense light, as it began to dim... revealing a teenager in the wisps place. Her skin was light blue, her hair was a soft raspberry blue, her clothes were a grey shirt with a violet heart with wolf features. Her jacket was dark blue with violet trim, her skirt was the same violet color, and she wore dark blue shorts. She smirked holding a hand to her hip and looked to them. "Now then... onto introductions. My name, is Chi... I was created by your ancestor. The Great Kung Lao..." she introduced herself. "Wait, you were created by my ancestor...?" Kung Lao asked her. "Yes... he created me in case something were to happen his direct descendent." Chi said to him. Surprised by this, Kung Lao could almost believe her. But if she truly was created by his ancestor... there was only one way to find out if it were true. "If that's so... how capable are you in defending yourself...?" he asked her. Smirking at his question, Chi walked towards the school but turned to him. "If you want to know... give it your best shot..." she said to him as a way of accepting his challenge. Kung Lao saw her take a stance seeing it as a similar form of northern shaolin martial arts. He smirked at her preparing to fight. "Now hold on you two, don't-" before Applejack could interfere, Liu Kang got in her way to stop her. "Liu, what the hay are you doing?!" he asked him. "Let them fight... some battles are a test of skill, and he needs to earn her trust." Liu explained to her and looked to the fight. Seeing this, Applejack looks to the fight knowing she couldn't stop it even if she tried. So the Main Six stood and watched as the shaolin and the wisp stood and faced each other preparing to fight. At that instance, Chi made the first move and charged at Lao throwing a fast punch towards him. Quickly reacting, Kung Lao blocked her attacks and threw quick jabs at her. But to his surprise... Chi's body formed into that of a serpent, avoiding his punches and grabbed his arm making his eyes widen. "Didn't see that coming..." he muttered only to get lifted off the ground and thrown at the wall of the school crashing against it. The Main Seven and Liu Kang winced and cringed from seeing it happen to him. "Bet that hurt..." said Rainbow Dash as she cringed from seeing it. "I almost felt it..." said Sunset as Chi tossed Kung Lao to the ground sliding on the ground. "You alright Kung Lao...?" she asked him. Groaning from what happened... Kung Lao sat up shaking his head from what happened. "Did anyone else see what happened...? Because that was a total embarrassment..." he said as he rubbed his head. Chi was laughing as she held her stomach feeling like she's going to bust a gut. But she looked to him with a serious expression. "That all you got...? I thought you were supposed to be the descendent of the Great Kung Lao... perhaps I made a mistake..." she taunted him. And boy did it work... Kung Lao stood up from the ground and charged at the wisp throwing fast punches at her. But Chi kept dodging as her elastic body dodged his punches. She then threw a punch at him, but while she wasn't looking... Kung Lao took off his bladed hat and went to slice at her. She panicked and quickly dodged the blade, only for Kung Lao to grab hold of her and kicked her down seeing her roll across the ground and crash inside a bush. Putting his hat back on, Kung Lao smirked and looked towards the bush. "How was that, little spirit...?" he asked her. Groaning from what happened, Chi quickly realized she over estimated his abilities. But she got up out of the bush and turns to him. "Alright... no more Ms. Nice Wisp!" she threw a punch at him as her fists shot blasts of energy at him. Seeing this, Kung Lao blocked each and every blast she threw at him and leaped back avoiding her blasts. He soon grabbed hold of his hat and tossed it behind her, earning a surprised look from her as she looked to him. "What... was that...?" she asked him. Smirking at her question, Kung Lao immediately disappeared through light and teleported behind the wisp as she looked behind her seeing him. "Now you know..." he said to her as he swung a backspin kick landing it against her face sending her flying through the air seeing her crash against the ground. "Disappointed yet?" he asked her. Shaking her head from it, Chi got back up and turned to him. "So far, I'm impressed... but you haven't won yet." she reminded him as Kung Lao smirked and stood in his fighting stance. The wisp meanwhile, gave the shaolin a devious smirk as she charged at him and leaped into the air. Kung Lao was about to attack her, but she shape shifted into a blue wolf and snarled knocking him down to the ground. "WHOA NELLY!!!" Applejack cried out. "Now that's something you don't see in every Mortal Kombat game...!" "You said it, she's a completely different character." Rainbow Dash pointed out watching the fight. "Although, animalities aren't that uncommon.. right Liu Kang...?" Sunset asked him. Hearing her question, Liu turned directly towards her to answer. "You're right about that Ms. Shimmer... every kombatant has an animality, but they rarely use them to kill their opponents. This is more like she can fight as both a wisp, a human, and a beast." he explained to her. Meanwhile, Chi was in the middle of trying to maw Kung Lao's face as he tried to keep her from doing so as he struggled a bit. "This is not what I had in mind...!" he exclaimed and quickly kicks her off. "But you're not the only one with a few tricks..." he said to her as his eyes began to glow. He tossed his hat to the ground as his body changed into his leopard animality, and snarled at Chi with fangs and claws showing. The two beasts circled one another as their growled and snarled at each other... Chi meanwhile leaped into the air as Kung Lao leaped at her as the both struck at each other with their claws landing back on the ground. Kung Lao turned facing Chi and charged while her back was turned, tackling her down to the ground as the two beasts clawed at one another. The Main Seven watched it as they winced and cringed from seeing the brutal fight between a leopard and a wolf. "This is insane... should someone stop the fight before ASPCA are called? Or worse, the police!" asked Rarity. "Rarity's right, this is going to draw a lot of attention if this keeps going..." Fluttershy said to them. Hearing this, Liu Kang turned to them knowing what had to be done. "The only way for it to end is for the other to be defeated, or forced to surrender." he said to them and looked to the fight. Meanwhile, Chi charged at Kung Lao and leaped snarling about to bite down on his neck. But Kung Lao avoided her bite and bit down on her arm and threw her down pinning her down. He changed back to his human form, and kept her pinned down. "Do you yield?" he asked her. Changing back to her human form, Chi wasn't willing to surrender just yet as she vanished and appeared behind him wrapping her arms around his neck trying to choke him out. Kung Lao struggled from it as he tried to break free... but it soon hit him as he recalled his training back at the Wu Shi, and figured it would be better to battle with his wits rather than brute strength. So feeling the wisp trying to knock him out by choking him out, the shaolin passed out from it. Smirking at it, Chi released him only for Kung Lao to snap his eyes open and grab hold of her. Her eyes widened in shock from seeing what had happened. "Not good!" she got pulled towards him as he flipped her onto the ground holding her up on his knee, throwing down rapid punches against Chi's face leaving large bruises against her face. The shaolin pulled her up and kneed against the back of her head, knocking her away from him seeing her hit the ground. She groaned in pain from it as Kung Lao stood up looking at her. "If you were truly created by my ancestor, I can honestly say I'm impressed..." he admitted to her. Groaning from his assault, Chi sat up from her defeat showing her bruised face. "I should never have underestimated the skill of the Great Kung Lao's heir..." she admitted and smiled. "Give me a quick second..." she said to them as she wiped the bruises off her face like nothing ever happened. "Much better..." Twilight was surprised from what she had just witnessed as she approached the wisp observing her. "Amazing... I knew wisps were unique in their own way... but I never would have expected something like this." she said to her. "Well, wisps can't actually get hurt and have permanent marks to go along with them." Chi explained to her and looked towards Kung Lao. She stood up facing him and bowed. "Kung Lao... heir to the Great Kung Lao... I apologize for doubting your abilities. Can you ever forgive this little wisp for being so arrogant...?" she asked him as she looked to him with puppy dog eyes trying to look sad and cute. Seeing this, Kung Lao knew that she was just messing with him to the point he shouldn't. But given that his ancestor appointed her to be by his side, how can he question his motives? He looked to the wisp and reached over touching her shoulder. "There's no need to forgive... I was only testing your skills, and it is quite amazing you were able to keep up with my fighting style. But with a few adjustments, your fighting style could be improved..." he said to her as he pulled his hand away. Chi looked to him sensing the purity in his heart, and smiled as she gave him a playful punch to his shoulder. "Thanks brother... I'll keep that in mind." she said to him. Meanwhile the Main Seven approached along with Liu Kang to congratulate Kung Lao on his victory and welcome Chi to their group. Shao Kahn's Throne Room, Outworld In Outworld, Shao Kahn sat alone in his empty throne room... filled with spite and hatred for the Earth Realm Defenders. No matter how many times he tried to win against them... they continue to win with the aid of the ponies of Equestria. Suddenly, the silence was broken as the doors to his throne room were opened. He looked and saw that it was Sheeva who broke the silence as she walked into the throne room. "Sire... you will not believe who I came across in my scouting mission in Equestria..." she said to him. "And whom might that be...?" the emperor asked her. Right on cue, Onaga approached seeing the emperor and glared in hatred of him. "Does this answer your question Shao...?" he asked him as he folded his wings. "I take it you never expected to see me again..." Glaring at the Dragon King, Shao stood from his throne summoning his war hammer. "You dare come here... after you tried to betray me when I was close to obtaining the power of Blaze?!" he shouted at him slamming his hammer against the ground. Onaga snarled at him spreading his wings. "You speak to me of betrayal...?! You poisoned me and stole my throne! Therefore, you are not one to speak of it you hypocrite!" he roared out. The two leading heads glared at each other about ready to rip each other apart. But before they could kill one another... Sheeva got between them stopping them. "Stop, both of you! There will be time for you both to kill each other later... right now, we must focus on the Earth Defenders. I had just received news that Liu Kang and Princess Twilight had just traveled to a parallel world." she informed them. Backing away, Onaga wrapped his wings around him like a cloak. "Why should we care about that...?" he asked her. "For once I am in agreement... give us one good reason why, Sheeva..." Shao said to her making his hammer vanish. "It would be a good opportunity to strike them while they are vulnerable... with Liu Kang out of the way, the Earth Defenders would be leaderless. Giving you a chance to invade Equestria..." Sheeva explained to them. Thinking it through... the two rulers looked to each other knowing that she makes a valid point. Shao looked to her and nodded to the female Shokan. "Very well... you shall go with Mileena... she's served her punishment long enough." he said to her as Onaga nodded in agreement. Right on cue, Mileena appeared before them as she stretched from being in her room for so long. "It feels good to be out of that room after so long... so... where to father...?" she asked him. "You will be going to the parallel world with Sheeva to kill Liu Kang, along with Princess Twilight..." Shao explained her mission to her. Hissing from hearing her name, Mileena summoned one of her sai's and threw it at one of the guards piercing its head. She turned to him with a glare that was mostly meant for Twilight. "Consider the job done father..." she growled and walked away with Sheeva to a portal to that world. Watching her go, the Dragon King let out an amused chuckle from seeing what she did. "She certainly is the daughter you should have had..." he admitted to him but gives him a glare. "Do not think I'm not going to kill you later..." he warned him. "Same with you pathetic lizard..." Shao responded to him returning his warning to him. Canterlot High School, Gym Back at Canterlot High, the Main Seven and the shaolin monks were in the gym talking about what has happened in recent events in Equestria, giving Kung Lao and Chi a chance to get caught up. "So all that happened... man, what was I doing when I was unconscious...?" he asked himself. "You were still a soul at that time... so your arrival to Equestria didn't happen until the vortex had you sent here to this world." Chi explained to him earning surprised looks from everyone else. "Wow... and I thought I knew everything..." Pinkie muttered as she held her head a bit. "That aside... if Shao Kahn is looking to invade this realm... Equestria, is it?" Kung Lao asked Sunset as she nodded to him. "Then it will need all the help it can get... how soon do we leave...?" he asked them. "Now hold on darling, you just got here... I'm sure your job can wait..." Rarity said to him. "Actually Rarity, Equestria's protection is more important right now... I know it sounds like we're leaving early, but its important that we return as soon as possible." Twilight said to her and looked to Sunset Shimmer. "We could also use your help as well..." she said to her. Surprised from what she said, Sunset looked to her with her surprised expression. "Me...? But... what if Princess Celestia doesn't accept my help after everything I did...?" she held her arm and looked away. "The horrible things I said to her..." she muttered. Hearing it, Liu Kang approached her and gently touched her shoulder. "Forgiveness isn't always easy to earn... it takes time, and patience... but once you face Princess Celestia, it will be like facing the demons of your past." he explained to her as Sunset looked away knowing it will be hard for her to face them. "Liu's right... I made a lot of mistakes in the past that almost got me killed... I can't even begin to imagine what awaits me. But I know if we stick together, we can survive this... all of us..." Kung Lao said to her as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry... if you have trouble facing her... we'll be right by your side." Hearing it, Sunset looked to him seeing the honesty in his eyes... she didn't know how to react, but she smiled at him and nodded to him. Chi at that moment smiled and leaped in the air cheering. "Alright! We're going to Equestria!" she cheered out. Suddenly the doors to the gym get punched open revealing two familiar faces. She turned to them seeing its Sheeva and Mileena. "Aww crud... they just killed the mood..." "Oooohh Princess Twilight... hope we're not late for class." Mileena said to her as she pulled out her sai's. "Because I have special plans for you for taking my Flashy from me!" she roared out. "He was never yours to begin with, you psychotic nut ball!" Twilight exclaimed to her. Mileena hissed at her preparing to attack, but Chi formed into a serpent and coiled around her throwing her at the bleachers seeing her crash against them. "Mess with her, you mess with us!" she exclaimed to her. Kung Lao stood beside her standing in his fighting stance. "On that, I agree..." he said to her as Mileena got back up and hissed at them. She charged at them to kill them violently, Kung Lao dodged her attacks and knocked her away as Chi grabbed hold of her slamming her elbow against her nose causing it to bleed. Mileena snarled from it and threw her sai's at Chi to kill her, but the wisp managed to catch them and throw them to the ground as she leaped into the air kicking her in the chest knocking her down. Kung Lao managed to catch her and looked to Chi. "Good form, Chi!" he threw her over slamming her on the ground. "Thanks Lao!" Chi responded and saw Mileena teleport above them, and went for a dive kick at Kung Lao. Chi however wasn't going to allow her to harm her partner and grabbed hold of her leg. "Not cool lady! No one pulls a sneak attack and gets away with it!" she threw her away. Mileena screamed as she crashed against the ground, but she got up and glared at her. "If anything... you should have learned not to upset me...!" she snarled and charged at them. Chi smirked and went to strike her, but Mileena ducked from her punch and grabbed her arm and flipped her over as Chi flopped onto the ground and groaned from it. "Now lets see what color you bleed...!" she went to kill her. Chi panicked and quickly dodged it grabbing hold of her arm, she kneed Mileena in the head as Kung Lao threw his hat at the female tarkatus, scratching her face forcing her to scream. "Nice one Lao...!" Chi quickly kicked her away breaking free of her grip. She flipped backwards slamming a strong kick against her jaw making her fall back. Kung Lao took the chance to teleport and appear in front of her, and spin around tackling her chest. Forcing her to roll across the floor, Lao held his hat and waved his arm in a pattern and tossed his hat as it struck Mileena in the pattern Kung Lao made. She let out a couple of grunts from his attacks but glared at him. She charged at him and threw a few jabs at him landing a few at his ribcage, she kicked him at his leg causing him to grunt as she went to bite down on his neck. But he grabbed her arm forcing her to bite it, causing her to wince as tears brimmed forcing her to cry out. He pulled a back spin and kicked her in the jaw seeing her fly across the room, seeing her crash against the weight set. "Hope that did it..." Suddenly, Mileena busts out of the weights that held her down as she let out a roar and glared at both the monk and the wisp who looked to her with panicked looks. "Okay... she's tougher than we fought..." she admitted. "There's no stopping that crazy woman...!" Rarity said to her friends. "Trust me, she's tougher than she looks..." Sunset pointed out looking to Mileena. "Not only that, she's still Kitana's half sister..." "Don't worry you two... she's almost exhausted..." Liu Kang assured them as Mileena charged at Kung Lao with what strength she had left inside her. The Shaolin avoided her quick jabs and blocked her punch landing the palm of his hand against her face fracturing it, Chi took the chance to join the fight by jabbing at Mileena's abdomen leaving big bruises on them and she threw a strong uppercut slamming it against the tarkatus' jaw launching her in the air. Kung Lao saw it as the one chance to finally bring her down, and leaped into the air grabbing her. "Time for you to take a nap!" he threw her down seeing her land right on her head fracturing both her head and her neck and plopping onto the ground. "Nice work partner..." Chi said to him patting his shoulder. Meanwhile, Mileena was slowly regaining conscious as she held her head. "Curse that hat wearing monk...!"she muttered under her breath only to hear a low growl behind her. She turned around and saw Chi glaring and growling at her, causing Mileena to panic. "Now look, hold on... this is all just big misunderstanding... I'm sure we can work this out." she tried to reason with her. But Chi wasn't in the mood to listen as she snarled at Mileena close to biting her as the tarkatus screamed at the top of her lungs, quickly shutting here yes as Chi snapped her jaws in front of Mileena getting her to flinch and open her eyes seeing she was only inches away from her. Chi smirked at the tarkatus but soon glared at her with eyes that went from violet, to red instantly as she growled at her. "The next time you mess with me or my partner... I'LL BITE YOU IN TWO!!!" she roared at her causing Mileena to scream from hearing it and faint showing how pale white she turned. The Main Seven were surprised to see this side of her as they stayed a good distance away. "Remind me not to get on her bad side..." Applejack said to them. "Ditto..." Pinkie agreed with her. "Ohh, but its not over yet... look...!" Fluttershy pointed as Sheeva approached Kung Lao. Turning to the female shokan, Kung Lao knew that it wasn't over as she approached him. "That was a good display... both of you fought valiantly. But I will face only one of you in single kombat... my honor against your own, to show who is truly the greatest warrior here..." she said to them. Chi was about to accept the challenge, but Kung Lao stopped her from doing so as he turned facing her. "Not this time Chi, let me handle this one..." he said to her. Chi didn't want to miss out, but she couldn't go against his wishes either. She nodded her head to him, and backed away for him to face Sheeva. The Shaolin turned towards the Shokan and stepped forth to face her. "You wanted a challenge Sheeva... well you got one." he said to her. Sheeva let out a deep chuckle as she stood in her fighting stance. "Now I know why they call you the lesser Shaolin Monk... always so boastful..." she said to him. "In every way, I am Liu Kang's equal... I won't let some shokan say otherwise." Kung Lao said to her as he stood in his fighting stance. The female shokan went to strike him, the shaolin dodged her punches and grabbed one of her arms punching against her muscles forcing her to cry out in pain as he swung a back spin kick at her. But Sheeva managed to grab hold of his leg causing him to panic. "Not good..." he yelped as she swung him towards a wall. Everyone watched as Kung Lao crashed against it landing on the ground, they winced from it knowing that had to hurt. Rainbow Dash leaned towards Sunset with a worried expression. "What are the chances that he might lose..." she asked her. "On a scale of one to ten... I say six..." Sunset said to her. Sheeva walked towards Kung Lao as he was still down, he rolled onto his back and saw her standing over him. "I don't suppose we can talk about this...?" he asked her only for her to grab him by is neck. "Guess not!" he panicked as she tossed him over. He rolled onto the ground and stood back up seeing her charge at him, he took his hat and threw it at her foot tripping her as she stumbled towards him as he landed a strong uppercut against her jaw sending her flying through the air crashing against the wall. "So far he seems to be holding his own, but she's twice his size... and she could just as easily snap him like a twig like Goro." Applejack pointed out to everyone. "He's not giving up yet, so we need to have faith that he'll make it through this." Twilight said to them. Meanwhile, Sheeva got back up from the ground and glared at the Shaolin for his assault. "You certainly have skill... but this is the end!" she blasted him with a fire ball, seeing it land against his chest forcing him to fall down. She chuckled as she walked towards him, and leaped in the air. "This is the end for you monk!" she descended towards him. Kung Lao rolled onto his back and saw it happening, his eyes widened knowing where the situation was going. She's basically a big boot, about to crush him like a bug. He quickly got out of the way, as Sheeva crashed onto the floor causing the boards to break. The Main Seven flinched seeing it knowing that could have been Kung Lao, he meanwhile got back up and charged at her landing a few strong punches against her face, and grabbed hold of her flipping her onto his knee. He threw fast jabs at her face, and kneed her in the back of her head throwing her over. She hit the ground groaning from the intense pain on her face, but she wasn't out of the fight yet. She got back up and glared at the monk, he saw the glare she gave him but was not intimidated by it. "Last chance to surrender peacefully Sheeva... take your friend here, and go..." he advised her. "Shokan's never surrender, we fight to the end!" Sheeva exclaimed and charged at him. Chi watched as she charged at Kung Lao and turned her arm into a snake letting it slither in front of the her and quickly trips her over. She screamed as she stumbled towards Kung Lao, giving him a chance to throw a few punches at her chest, landing a couple against her face, fracturing her cheek bones. He turned to Chi with a scowl knowing what she did. "Chi, didn't I tell you to let me handle this?" he asked her. She shrugged her shoulders from his question, refusing to answer while forming a halo over her head to show how innocent she is. But Kung Lao didn't buy it, one bit... Meanwhile, Sheeva shrugged off the pain she was feeling and growled at the monk while his back was turned. She grabbed hold of him and held him up in the air. "Crud!" he struggled. She held him tightly as she slowly started to rip him apart. "Time for you to die Shaolin!" she slowly pulled his arms and legs to rip him piece by bloody piece as she listened to him scream. "Chi... now would be a good time for you to do something right now!" Sunset cried out knowing Kung Lao needed help. Hearing it, Chi couldn't deny that fact as she looked to the fight. She glared at the shokan and rushed towards them, and leaped kicking her in the jaw, breaking it. Sheeva dropped Kung Lao giving him a chance to finish the fight, he leaped up and kneed her in the face breaking her nose. She cried out and fell to the ground, groaning in pain from it. Kung Lao got up seeing she's finally down, and looked to Chi giving her a look. "I know... I know, I should have stayed out of it... but I had to get you out of that situation." she said to him. He did want to scold her, but given what he went through... how can he deny that fact? "I will admit, you did a good job..." he said to her landing a playful punch on her shoulder. He soon turned his attention to Sheeva who slowly regained consciousness. "Alright Sheeva... last chance... return to Outworld, while you still can..." he said to her. Getting up from the floor, Sheeva walked towards the unconscious Mileena and picked her up as a portal opened. But before she left for outworld, she turned towards them with a glare. "You got lucky monk... but next time we meet, you will die..." she warned him as she walked into the portal as it closed. "Well, she has some nerve... I hope we never see her any time soon..." said Rarity as she crossed her arms. "I hear ya Rarity... but you have to admit, she is a tough opponent..." said Applejack as she glanced to Sunset. "I take it this isn't the only time we might see them...?" she asked her. "Knowing Shao Kahn, he'll be relentless... which is why I have to return to Equestria and help stop him." Sunset said to her and looked to the others. "I'm sorry guys, but I need to help Princess Twilight and the others in this fight against Outworld..." she said to them. "Hey, its cool Sunset... besides, the Friendship games are only months away, so you got all the time you need." said Rainbow Dash. "We'll even cover for you while you're away..." "Thanks guys, I appreciate it..." Sunset said to them and looked to Kung Lao and Chi. "So... you guys ready to see my real home...?" she asked him and his half sister. The two looked to one another and smiled looking to her. "If it means saving it from Shao Kahn, why not..." Kung Lao said to her. "Yeah, but if we're gonna be fighting this overlord... give me a sec to slip into something more comfortable." Chi said to them as her clothes began to glow. Forming into her warriors outfit, that had the same colors as her clothes, with a pair of shoulder guards, arm bracers and shin guards similar to Scorpions armor. She looked to them and smiled. "Alright... ready..." "Wow... I have to admit, for a wisp... you're full of surprises." Twilight said to her. "Yes... I look forward to fighting by your side Chi." Liu Kang side to her and bowed to her. Chi bowed to him in return and they both stood up straight. He turned to his attention to Twilight, Sunset, and Kung Lao. "You three ready to head to Equestria?" he asked them. The fellow shaolin and the wisp smiled and nodded to him, and the group left the room to head back to Equestria. "Fair warning Kung Lao... when we get to Equestria, you might be in for a surprise..." Twilight warned him. "Gee, can't wait..." Kung Lao said sarcastically as they walked out the door together. Shao Kahn's Dungeon, Outworld In Outworld, a guard holding the keys to Raiden's cell approached to deliver his meal. She approaches the door and took the key unlocking it. "Lunch Raiden..." she said to him as she walked into the room. "I hope you haven't lost your appetite... by the way, I snuck in a little surprise in the bread..." she informed him as she set the tray down. Raiden took it and smiled a bit. "Thank you Lin... its nice to know there are some Outworlders have some dignity..." he said to her as he set the tray down on the ground. She shrugged her shoulders from the thought of it . "Not all Outworlders are evil... they just live in fear of the emperor, trying to survive." she said to him and frowned a bit. The thunder god looked to her and reached touching her shoulder. "Then you should leave... be away from here. You do not want to be around what will happen..." he said to her. Lin looked at him taking his words to heart and walked out of the room. Raiden looked to his food and looked out knowing Celestia will come for him. He took a bite out of his bread to keep up his strength, and looked to the keys he took from Lin and hid them away. "I'm sorry Lin..." he muttered and continued eating. > Chapter 12 Kurtis Stryker > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Castle of Friendship, Equestria Back in Equestria, Liu Kang and Twilight stepped out of the mirror and looked back as Kung Lao and Chi emerge as an Earth Pony and a wolf. Kung Lao wobbled a bit and panicked falling to the ground, landing face first. "Ow!" he cried out and shook his head and looked at himself. He inspected himself and saw that he was an earth pony, and looked to Twilight with a look. "I take it, this is the surprise you were talking about...?" he asked. Sunset approached him and helped him up. "Yeah, I forgot to tell you... that everyone in Equestria is a pony." she said to him. "You'll get used to it Kung Lao... but right now, I think there are some friends of ours that want to say hello..." Liu Kang said to him and looked seeing the doors open. Kung Lao turned seeing their friends enter the room and smiled seeing them rush over. "Kung Lao!" Johnny called out pulling him into a hug. "Man its good to see you..." he said to him as he let go of him. Sonya patted him on the shoulder and chuckled. "We were worried about you... when we first heard you were in the other world, we wanted to join you. But Twilight insisted to take Liu Kang with her, she didn't want you instantly bombarded..." she explained to him. "I'm glad you didn't... I was still in a state of shock from all that happened." Kung Lao said to him and looked to Jax. "Jax... look at you..." he said to him and noticed his new arms. "New arms...?" he asked him. "Yeah, just got myself an upgrade... turns out Equestria metal is tough stuff than anything on earth." Jax explained to him as he held up his bionic arms. Kung Lao chuckled and looked seeing Sub-Zero. "Sub-Zero... its good to see you too." he said to him but noticed Scorpion standing beside him making Kung Lao's eyes open wide in shock. "Scorpion?!" he was about to attack him. Sub-Zero quickly stopped him from attacking. "Kung Lao, stop! He is not our enemy this time... Scorpion has turned against Quan Chi, and Shao Kahn." he said to him. "And he's not alone... Reptile is in Canterlot, working along side Princess Celestia." Fluttershy explained to him. "Yeah, that's hard to believe..." Kung Lao said to her and looked to Scorpion. "I understand your mistrust... but my alliance to Quan Chi and Shao Kahn is finished." Scorpion explained to him. Sunset approached Kung Lao and touched his shoulder. "Kung Lao, calm down... I don't like it as much as you do. But he has a more tragic backstory than anyone here..." she said to him and looked to Scorpion. "We'll trust you... but only if you swear you won't betray us in the end..." she said to him. Nodding in agreement, Scorpion held his hoof to his chest and bows. "I swear on my life, I will not turn against you." he swore to them and stood up. "I know I did many horrible things in the past... killing Bi Han, nearly killing the new Sub-Zero..." he looked to him. "But my anger was manipulated and misdirected by Quan Chi... I regret every moment of it..." "It's true... he would never do anything to hurt us. Not even me..." Fluttershy said to them. Chi walked up to him and looked at the ninja specter earning his attention. She stared at him for a moment earning surprised looks from everyone as they stared at her. "Anyone want to explain why there is a big blue wolf in the castle...?" Johnny asked them. "A little FYI pal, I happen to be Kung Lao's partner..." Chi said to them earning a shocked expression from him. "Wow, didn't see that coming..." Jax muttered in surprise. "My name is Chi, its nice to meet you guys..." she introduced herself and smiled only to look back to Scorpion trying to read him. "Well... as far as history is concerned... he can be trusted. For now..." she said to them and walked to Kung Lao. Twilight sighed in relief and looked to everyone. "Okay, I'm sure everyone is pretty tired... so why don't we call it a night and get some sleep...?" she asked them which they all nodded in agreement. "Alright, tomorrow morning... we'll make our way towards Canterlot to meet with Princess Celestia and Princes Luna. We're all working on a plan to save Raiden..." she said to them. They nodded to him but the doors slammed open as Spike ran in. "Twilight! Sonya! Bad news, bad news!" he cried out. "Whoa, easy little guy... what is it?" Sonya asked him. Taking a few deep breathes, Spike took the chance to explain as quick as he could. "Kano escaped from the Canterlot Dungeon, and has gone into hiding!" he exclaimed. Sonya's eyes widened from hearing it as her eyes twitched in utter anger. "WHAT?!!!" she cried out. Hours later after Sonya's outburst Kung Lao walked down the hall after getting a quick drink of water, and getting used to walking on all fours and having no hands in this realm. Till suddenly, something caught his attention... it was the sound of music coming from the room he was approaching. He walked up to the door and opened it up quietly seeing that it was Sunset Shimmer practicing on a guitar. Never before had he seen her play before, but he was amazed at how well she played it. He was about to step out, but his hat tapped against the door earning her attention causing her to panic. "Kung Lao?" she tried to hide the guitar and turned to him. "W-What are you doing in here?" she asked him. "My apologies, I didn't mean to intrude... I heard you playing the guitar, thought I'd take a quick look." Kung Lao said to her. "Well... I will admit, I played a lot for my friends back at CHS." Sunset explained as she brought her guitar back out. "When I play... I feel at peace as I let go of my dark past..." she said to him. Hearing it, Kung Lao looked to the guitar but looked to her. "What did happen in your past...?" he asked her. Sunset lowered her head but looked to him. "I wasn't always a good person Kung Lao..." she looked away from him. "When I first arrived in Canterlot High... I was a complete mess. I bullied everyone, always got what I wanted, stole Princess Twilight's crown, put it on and turned into a raging she demon. Turned all the teenagers into my personal mindless puppet army... and tried to conquer Equestria. But when Twilight arrived... she changed my life... removed the darkness from my heart. And here I am today..." she looked to him. The shaolin looked at the unicorn and reached over touching her shoulder. "But it still haunts you to this day, doesn't it...?" he asked her. She nodded her head to him and looked to the guitar. She smiled a bit and looked to him. "Would you care to hear a song...?" she asked him. Kung Lao nodded in response and smiled a bit. Sunset took her guitar and tested a few strings to get the right tune she's looking for and gets it right. She began playing the song, shutting her eyes hearing the rhythm. The song "What we have is you" belongs to Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts by DreamWorks We may not have sunshine starlight or weather But we have each other and that's even better She played for Kung Lao, that amazed him by the sound of her voice. He heard music before, but when he listened to her voice, it really showed just how much he missed out on. Sunset smiled noticing his reaction to her song, and strummed her guitar strings continuing her song. You don't need the sun to keep you warm when you've got arms wishes come from you and not a random shooting star She smiled as she played her guitar keeping the shaolin entertained through the entire song. We may not have storm clouds but the sky's always blue We have something special here What we have is you She shut her eyes strumming her guitar. What we have is you What we have is you She finished the song and looked towards Kung Lao, who had an amazed expression on his face. "What did you think...?" she asked him. Shaking his head snapping out of it, Kung Lao looked to her and smiled. "It was beautiful... I heard some good music before, but that was something else entirely." he said to her. Sunset smiled from hearing it and set her guitar down. "You should head to your room, we're setting out for Canterlot in the morning." she advised him. "Right, of course..." Kung Lao headed for the door but turned to her. "Good night Sunset..." he said to her. "Good night Kung Lao..." Sunset responded to him as she smiled. The monk smiled back and closed her door walking out, closing the door letting out a sigh. He was about to walk to his room only to see a grinning Chi standing in front of him, causing him to jump and let out a small scream. "For god... sake Chi, don't scare me like that!" he exclaimed. "Sorry Kung Lao, couldn't help but notice you were in Sunset's room and grew quite curious... what were you two doing in there, if I may ask...?" Chi asked him with a goofy grin. Kung Lao crossed his hooves and looked away. "I don't have to explain anything..." he said to her hiding a blush. "Your face says otherwise brother..." Chi said to him pointing out his red face. Kung Lao gave her a disapproving look, and walked away heading to his room. Chi let out a playful chuckle, and followed. "Its official... you like her..." she followed him as Kung Lao tried to hide his denial, making Chi giggle with amusement as her tail wags. "Oh my tails swinging, maybe I'm in love... La-La-La-a-ao, La-La-La-a-ao." she sang to herself getting on Kung Lao's nerves as the headed down the hall. Manehatten, Equestria In the city of Manehatten, Coco Pommel exited her place of business and headed back to her apartment. "What a day... that was the biggest sale I had today." she said to herself as she walked down the street only to see rain clouds form in the sky. "Oh dear... good thing I brought a rain coat..." she put it on as the rain began to fall upon the city. She rushed her way home, but something immediately caught her eye in an alleyway. She looked inside and cautiously approached what she saw, but rather than what... it was actually who. An unconscious blue Pegasus laying on the ground, wearing a blue and white shirt, wearing dark shoulder armor, pants, and a hat with the word SWAT on it. "Oh my... sir? Sir, are you alright...?" she tried to wake him. But the Pegasus wouldn't wake up, and she panicked looking around. She looked to him and could only think of one thing, she grabbed hold of him and carried him over her back slowly carrying him to her apartment to recover. The next morning In Coco's apartment, the Pegasus laid on her couch recovering from his injuries covered in some bandages. His eyes began to squint and start opening. He looked around the room seeing where he was... he slowly sat up groaning in pain. "What happened...?" he asked as he held his head but soon noticed something very off about himself. He pulled his hand away only to find its a hoof, his eyes widened and he screamed falling down to the floor. Hearing it, Coco Pommel poked her head out of the kitchen seeing he's awake. "Oh, you're awake..." she walked over to him. "I hope you didn't hurt yourself..." Seeing her and hearing her speak, the Pegasus quickly got up and backed away. "Ma'am, I must ask that you stay back... I'm an officer of the law, and I will not hesitate to use lethal force." he warned him. "Whoa, calm down sir... its alright, you're safe." Coco assured him as she slowly approached him. "Calm down... its alright..." she gently touched his hooves getting him to calm down. "I know you're shocked... you're scared, your confused... but take this chance to breathe... and you'll be alright." she said to him. The Pegasus took a few deep breathes and slowly calmed down. "There you go... now... would you care to tell me your name sir?" she asked. Exhaling a bit, the Pegasus finally calmed down and looked to her. "Kurtis Stryker, of the Earth Realm Special Forces ma'am... I was stationed in Edenia fighting alongside my friends against Outworld. But somehow I ended up here looking like a mule..." he explained to her earning a giggle from her. "What...?" She giggled a bit and looked to him. "You're not a mule... you're a pony, a Pegasus pony at that..." she said to him. Surprised from it, Stryker looked to his wings as they opened up. "Well... didn't see that coming..." he muttered and looked to her. "Now would you mind telling me your name, and where I am?" he asked her. "Oh yes, my name is Coco Pommel... I'm a fashionista working in the city of Manehatten in the land of Equestria." Coco explained to him. Stryker shook his head and held it a bit. "Wow, I'm literally thrown through a loop..." he turned to her. "Are you saying I'm in another realm, that is similar to my own...?" Coco looked at him with a confused expression. "When you put it that way, yes... also..." she grabbed his badge and held it out to him. "You say you're an officer of the law, do you work with the castle guard in Canterlot as well...?" she asked him. Seeing it, Stryker took it and looked at it. "Can't say I do..." he admitted to her and put the badge on and looked to her. "But I need to rejoin me colleagues... where ever they are..." he grabbed his shirt and put it on about to head to the door. "Wait!" Coco immediately stopped him. "You can't go with these kind of injuries..." she said to him. "Coco, I appreciate you concern, but I've been through tougher scrapes before I showed up here. Now if you'll excuse me..." Stryker walked passed her and tried to open the door, but couldn't because he's never used hooves before. He tried again, and again, but failed with every attempted and sighed in defeat and looked to Coco. "Can you help me out here...?" he asked her. Rolling her eyes amusingly, Coco walked over and opened the door for him to let him out. "There you go... you sure you don't want to rest?" she asked him. "There's no rest for the wicked Ms. Pommel... I need to get going. Thank you for your hospitality..." Stryker said to her and walked out the door. Seeing him go, Coco soon realized something and stepped out of her room to go after him. "Mr. Stryker, wait! Do you even know where to go?" she asked him only to see him go stiff as a board from her question. "I'll take that as a no... come on, I'll take you down to the Manehatten Station, from there you can take a train all the way to Canterlot." she said to him. Stryker let out an exhale and looked to her. "That would be greatly appreciated... lets get going befo-" before he could finish his sentence, he noticed something around the corner of the hall, and saw a cyberized red unicorn walking around it and saw that it was Sektor. His eyes widened as Sektor launched a group of rockets at them. "GET DOWN!" he tackled her down as the missiles flew over blasted the rest of the apartment complex. Sektor walked towards them letting out a chuckle. "You're fortunate to survive that... but you won't be so lucky when you face me Kurtis Stryker." he said to him. Glaring at him, Stryker got up in front of Coco to protect her. "Sektor... nice to see your ugly mug hasn't changed." he said to him. "But much has changed... take our forms for example." Sektor pointed out to him. "Yeah, big shock for me, no surprise for you..." Stryker responded and looked to Coco. "Get out of here Ms. Pommel, its not safe here." he said to her as Coco panicked and ran for the stairs. Stryker turned towards Sektor and glared at the cyber ninja. "You've done some really low stuff back then Sektor... but targeting civilians...? That's going too far..." he said to him. "These organic creatures don't deserve to live... and neither do you..." Sektor charged at him and threw a punch at him, Stryker quickly blocked the cyber's attacks and punched against his armor and dodged Sektor's next attack and threw a backspin kick against his face knocking him over. Sektor hit the ground, but wasn't going to surrender as he got back up and charged at him going for a kick. Stryker dodged the attack knocking his kick away and land a punch at his face only to get grabbed by Sektor and thrown over onto the floor. The Cyber Ninja raised his right hoof about to crush his skull, but Stryker dodged his attack and grabbed hold of his arm throwing him off him. He got back up as well as Sektor and landed some strong punches against him and tackled him through a window falling down to the street. "AW CRAP!" he cried out as they fell, but his wings quickly spread as he flapped them getting away from the cyber ninja. Seeing him crash against a carriage, Stryker turned his attention to his wings seeing them flap. "Well... these are certainly useful... but getting used to them is another story." he said to himself as he tried flying down but struggled and fell down to the ground. "Ouch!" he groaned a bit holding his muzzle. Meanwhile, Sektor pulled himself out of the wreckage of the broken down carriage, and turned his attention to Stryker. "So you can fly... but it won't save you!" he held out his hooves firing his flame throwers at him. Stryker dodged the flames to avoid getting burnt, but a bit of flame managed to hit his leg as he leaped over a carriage grabbing a heavy bag and threw it at Sektor as he got hit by heavy gold bricks that were inside. Seeing it, Stryker looked to who possessed the gold and looked to the bag. "Well... that was useful, but a waste of money..." he muttered but quickly took notice of his burning leg and panicked frantically as he tried to put the fire out. Coco Pommel rushed over with a pale of water and poured it on the fire giving Stryker a chance to sight in relief. "Thank you..." he thanked her but saw Sektor going for an attack and quickly pushed her out of the way and blocked his attack. He grabbed hold of his arm and elbowed him in the face causing the metal to bend. He then put his arm behind his back and dislocated his shoulder, causing him to scream in pain as he shoved him away. Feeling the pain in his shoulder, Sektor quickly put his shoulder back into place test its functions and looked to Stryker. He charged at him throwing a kick towards him. Stryker blocked the attack, but the cyber ninja leaped up and kicked Stryker in the head, throwing him towards the park as he crashed into a bush. "Now you burn!" he went to burn the whole bush only to feel a shovel hit the back of his head. He turned and saw that it was Coco Pommel interfering with the fight. "Your interference is futile..." he struck the shovel breaking it in half. She yelped from it and fell to the ground seeing him approach her. Her eyes widened with fear as the cyber ninja stood over her glaring. He prepared to burn her alive, but suddenly an unfamiliar sound was heard. It was a gun shot that came from Stryker's pistol that he held with his wings as the bullet struck Sektor's shoulder, forcing him to turn around seeing him. "You touch her, and you answer to me!" he said to him and fired a few more shots at him. Sektor shielded himself from the shots but aimed his flame thrower at him. Stryker wasn't going to give him the chance to fire it, so he fired another shot at his flame thrower, blocking the flames as the pressure blew it up. Sektor screamed from it as he held his arm from it and glared at Stryker. "No more weapons pal... there's a police brutality coming up!" he put his pistols away as he stood in his fighting stance. Sektor glared at him as he stood ready to fight as well. "Then I will enjoy killing you!" he charged at the officer and went to strike him. Stryker dodged a few of his punches, along with a strong kick that Sektor threw at him. He blocked an elbow strike, and slammed his arm against his elbow causing his arm to dislocate hearing him scream from it. He threw Sektor and slamming him against a carriage, pulling him away and slamming him on the ground. He backed away and watched as Sektor got back up. "You should consider giving up Sektor... because you're not gonna get very far..." he warned him. But the stubborn cyber ninja charged at him to attack him, Stryker dodged his attacks and managed to elbow him in the face and land a swift uppercut against his jaw. Sektor stumbled and shook his head from it and went for another punch. But the law enforcement agent dodged his punch and landed a kick against his abdomen, grabbing hold of his wires and pulled him down slamming him on the ground. "Stubborn machine..." Sektor groaned from it but got up looking to him. "This fight has gone on far enough... I will end this, here and now!" he exclaimed as his chest opened preparing a missile. Stryker panicked seeing it, knowing it will be powerful enough to level the entire block of the city. "This is it for you Kurtis Stryker, enjoy your trip to hell!" He was about to fire the missile, but Stryker charged toward him and kicked the missile in his chest causing it to malfunction as Sektor panicked trying to get the missile out. But his hooves prevent him from getting the missile out of him, Stryker knew this was bad, so he ran to Coco and grabbed her. "We need to run, now!" he ran off with her as Sektor screamed trying to get the missile out. But it was too late, the missile explode from the inside and blew him up with it. The explosion traveled through the streets as Stryker and Coco ran from the flames. Stryker looked back seeing them getting closer, he immediately grabbed Coco and pulled her into an alley to escape the flames. As the flames died down, the two panted as they looked out and looked to each other. "You okay Ms. Pommel...?" She panted exhausted but nodded to him. "Yes... I'm okay..." she said to him and looked out. She stepped out seeing the damage Sektor caused. "What happened to him...?" she asked him. "He self destructed... all that's left of him is scrap metal and wires..." Stryker said to her and looked to what's left of him. "But knowing the guys from Outworld... they'll rebuild him..." Looking at Sektor's remains, Coco looked away trying not to puke. "That was insane..." she muttered. "I'm sorry you had to see that... let's work on helping those who might have been hurt." Stryker said to her as Coco nodded in agreement. The two headed into the apartment complex to check for any injured, and prayed that no one was killed during the fight against the evil cyber ninja. Canterlot, Equestria Meanwhile in Canterlot, the Main Six, the Earth Defenders, along with Sunset and Chi headed for the throne room to meet with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Sunset meanwhile was a nervous wreck as she walked towards the throne room, this quickly caught Chi's attention as she walked beside her. "Hey, you alright...?" she asked her. "Not really Chi, its been so long since I last saw Princess Celestia... what if she doesn't accept or forgive me? What if she turns down my help? what if-" Chi immediately slapped her to snap her out of her dilemma. "Sunset! Get. A. Grip! Of course she'll forgive you, from what I know, she's not the kind of person... er... pony, to hate anyone. So don't let it get to you... I'm sure things will work out just fine..." she assured the flaming haired unicorn as they walked into the throne room. A moment after they walked in, Sunset stared in fear as Princess Celestia stood over her with a harsh glare towards her. Chi watched it and glanced to Sunset letting out a nervous chuckle. "Maybe not..." she stepped away. Sunset gulped as she stared at Princess Celestia and lowered her head bowing to her. "Princess Celestia... I know you aren't pleased to see me after so long. I was a terrible student... I put a lot of pressure on you, I tried to do things my way... I couldn't even give friendship a chance. Because I didn't know the first thing about it... but..." she raised her head looking to her. "My time in the other world... taught me what friendship is like. I made friends there... they accepted me even though I did horrible things to them. I know I don't deserve to be your student... or that you will forgive me... but..." she looked down as tears began to fall. "I am so... so sorry for how I treated you..." Looking at her former pupil, Princess Celestia approached her and lightly set her wing around her earning her attention. She shifted her glare to a smile, and hugged the young unicorn. "I have already forgiven you Sunset... it is I who should apologize, I didn't give you a chance like I did with Twilight. You may not be my student anymore, but you will always be welcomed here my dear." she said to her as tears brimmed in her eyes. Witnessing this, Jax smiled as he cleaned a tear that started to form in his eye. "Now that is a reunion worth witnessing..." he said to the others. "Sure is..." Sonya agreed with her commanding officer. Rolling his eyes, Reptile approached them. "Not to interrupt this tender moment, but we still have a meeting..." he reminded them. Releasing Sunset, Princess turned to the Zaterran knowing he was right. "Of course..." she walked to the other royals, Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor being present. "Now, you all are wondering why I summoned you all here..." "One being that Kano miraculously escaped, no shock there..." Sonya muttered. "Yes, that is one of them... the other being a plan to rescue Raiden..." Luna said to them as she approached. "Our Zaterran friend here gave us useful information that will allow us to sneak into Outworld, and get into the dungeon where the thunder god is being held." "There is a secret tunnel deep in the Wastelands of Outworld that leads to the prison, I shared the information with the royals... but it might be heavily guarded the next time we take that passage." Reptile said to them. "Makes since, given that Shao Kahn is a paranoid nut..." Spike spoke up as he crossed his arms. "That aside... where is Kano?" Sonya demanded to know. "We are still working on locating him... we are monitoring Ponyville, Canterlot, and all places in Equestria where he could hide." Celestia explained to them. "Oh please, he's not one to let you catch him..." said an unfamiliar voice. "Who? What?! Where...?" Johnny looked around and looked up seeing Discord floating above him. "WHO THE LIVING FU-" before he could finish his sentence. Discord covered his mouth. "Watch your mouth young man, its rude to swear in front of the princesses..." he vanished and appeared beside Celestia. "Allow me to introduce myself... my name is Discord, chaos given life, and personal friend of the Alicorn Princesses themselves." "Not to mention most disturbing creature alive..." Scorpion said to him. "Scorpion... don't be rude... he's a dear friend, he wouldn't do anything to harm us." Fluttershy said to him. "Like that time he betrayed you and joined Tirek...?" Sub-Zero asked her earning a surprised look from everyone as he looked to them. "I did some reading..." "Okay, so I made some bad decisions in my life, but that's no reason to hold a grudge against me." Discord said to them and turned to Scorpion. "And Fluttershy, what is the Specter of the Nether Realm doing staying at your place? I could have swore he was supposed to be living in that hell hole." Glaring at the being of chaos, Scorpion pulled out his kunai in defense. "Care to run that by me again you freak of nature?" he asked him. "Oh, I most certainly would like to run that by you again ghost boy..." Discord said to him as the two beings glared at one another. "ENOUGH! Both of you, now isn't the time to be fighting amongst each other..." Sindel said to them. "Our main focus should be on saving Raiden, and finding anymore of our allies that survived." "Sindel's right... the more we squabble, the closer Shao Kahn is to invading Equestria." said Smoke as Trixie stood beside him. The two beings glared at each other but backed away from one another as Scorpion put his kunai away. "Speaking of, didn't any of you happen to know that Kurtis Stryker is in Manehatten...?" asked Discord. "WHAT?!!" Everyone exclaimed in surprise. Manehatten, Equestria Back in Manehatten, the ponies gathered what was left of Sektor as they stuffed him in the trash in the alley way and left him there. Meanwhile, Stryker and Coco checked on some of the civilians that were injured in the first assault. Most of them had a few scrapes and bruises, as well as a few burns from the explosion. But they weren't too serious as Stryker gave them permission to head home. "So far, it looks like there have been no fatalities... everyone was lucky today." he said. "Yes, but who or... what was that thing...?" asked Coco about Sektor. "That was Sektor... former Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei, turned leader of the Tekunin Clan..." Stryker explained to her as he looked to the remains in the trash can. "He was once human... but he went under cybernetic enhancement, turning himself into a cyborg..." "Why would someone do such a thing...?" asked Coco. "Power... absolute power... that was all he wanted. Also to turn the rest of the Lin Kuei into cybernetic warriors. No emotion, no fear of dying..." Stryker explained and looked to her. "Till now that is..." he smirked as he thought back to when Sektor panicked when the missile was still inside him. "Well... I'm just glad everyone is safe..." said Coco but hears something and turns seeing a portal open seeing Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Twilight, walked out of the portal with Liu Kang, Reptile, and Smoke. "Oh my... its the Princesses...!" Seeing them, Stryker was surprised when he saw them, but what surprised him more was seeing his ally Liu Kang brought back to life as he approached him. "Liu... is that you...?" he asked him. "Of course, you know anyone else who wears a red headband?" Liu asked him. "Nitara would count, but she's no where to be seen. How are you even alive...?" Stryker asked only to see Reptile approach forcing his eyes to widen. "Reptile?!" he whipped out his pistol. Acting in self defense, Reptile knocked the gun out of his wing and kicked him away. "Stand down Stryker, I am not here to fight you..." he said to him. "Nice try Reptile, but I'm not falling for it!" Stryker said to him and struck at him. Reptile blocked his attacks trying to defend himself. He struck at the cop to fight back and throw a fast punch hitting his face, Stryker shook his head from it and grabbed his arm smacking the Zaterran in the face, and punched him in the stomach. He grabbed him by his head and slammed him through a window on a carriage, Reptile shook his head and glanced to him snaring his neck with his tail and throwing him off. Stryker crashed against another carriage, shaking his head as he held his neck when Reptile had his tail around him. The Zaterran pulled his head out of the carriage and turned to him. "Stand down Stryker, we have more pressing matters than this...!" he said to him. But Stryker didn't want to hear it, as he charged at the Zaterran Kirin throwing a kick, however Reptile dodged it and spat acid at him. Seeing it, Stryker pulled up a door on a carriage blocking the acid from hitting him. He kicked the door at him, seeing it slam against his chest knocking him down. "Time to put you out of your misery for good!" he pulled out his extra pistol to shoot him in the head. Seeing it, Reptile quickly knocked it out of his wing with his tail and kicked him in the torso. Stryker stumbled from it as Reptile threw a few quick jabs at him. Stryker blocked each of his jabs to keep him from giving him a beating, he soon grabbed hold of his arm and slammed an uppercut against his jaw, fracturing it. He grabbed hold of his batons and swung it against his ribs, causing them to fracture even worse than his jaw. Reptile let out a grunt from it as he held his ribs from the pain he was feeling. Stryker went to slam his baton against his head, but Reptile dashed out of the way getting behind him and grabbing hold of him. He lifted him in the air and slammed him on the ground. "Last chance Stryker, surrender!" "Not a chance lizard lips!" He broke free of his grip and kicked him away getting back up. Reptile snarled at him knowing there was no reasoning with him, he charged at Stryker to finish the fight. But Stryker blocked his attacks as he threw a few punches at him and landed a kick against his neck making him stumble. He grabbed him and slammed his knee against his snout causing his nose to bleed. Grunting from it, Reptile shook his head from it and quickly blocked his punches. The two fighters blocked one another's attacks as they also managed to land a few punches against each other. Reptile grabs his arm and punched his abdomen and kneed him in the stomach, making Stryker upset and elbowed him in the ribs and punched his face. Reptile hissed from it and looked to him. "Forgive me Princess..." he snarled and blasted acid at him. Stryker ran from it and got behind a carriage as the acid breath began to burn the carriage away. He grabbed a grenade and throws it over the acid seeing it land next to Reptile, and watched as it exploded and sent Reptile flying back and crashing against a wall. Stryker took this chance and charged at him pulling out a flashlight and flashed it in his face blinding him. Seeing Reptile kneel, he took the flashlight and knocked it against his skull, fracturing it... he then took a baton and smacked it against his jaw. He pulled out a Taser and stunned him as the electricity flowed through out his body and sent him flying and crashing against the ground. "Looks like you won't be getting up from that..." he said to the Zaterran. Seeing him about to finish Reptile, Princess Celestia took the chance to stop him and used her magic to hold him. "Enough! Kurtis Stryker, you will restrain yourself..." he said to him as he pulled Reptile away. "Reptile speaks the truth, he is not your enemy this time... he is here to aid us in the fight against Shao Kahn..." Liu Kang helped Reptile stand up and looked to Stryker. "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding Stryker, we were trying to explain... but you wouldn't listen to us..." he said to him. Feeling Princess Celestia release him, he sighed relieved and looked to him. "Hey, its alright... I'm the one who should apologize, but I'm not trusting that lizard as far as I can shoot him." he advised them. "Fair point..." said Liu Kang and looked to Princess Celestia. "I hope his actions won't have him arrested for police brutality..." he said to her. "Not at all..." Celestia replied to him but senses something looking around. "Who's there?!" she demanded to know. Walking out of hiding, Kano chuckled as he looked to her. "Here I was hoping to stay hidden... but cats out of the bag..." he said to them with a grin. "Celestia... looking great luv... how's Raiden these days?" he chuckled. Princess Celestia glared at him about to attack him, but Luna stopped her from doing so. "Sister, don't... he is a scoundrel trying to get under your skin..." she said to him. "Oh I'm just getting started luv... now..." Kano looked to the others. "Who should I gut first...?" he asked them. Stryker glared at him and approached them. "Princess... let me handle this. I would leave this to Sonya, but I have a personal score to settle with this guy." he said as he walked towards him. "Aww... still a little sore because I killed you on the pyramid...?" Kano asked him as he chuckled. "Maybe this time, I'll carve your face off...!" he pulled out a knife and went to cut him up. But Stryker avoided his blade, blocking his attacks, preventing himself from getting cut or stabbed. He took his baton and blocked his knife and knocked it away, smacking the baton against his bionic eye causing him to scream. He glared at the cop and went to punch him. Stryker grabbed hold of his arm with his baton and landed an uppercut against his chin, and kicked him behind his head. Kano stumbled from it and shook his head from it, and turned to him and blasted him with his eye laser. Panicking from it, Stryker prepared for it, but a magic barrier shielded him from the attack. He turned seeing that it was Twilight who formed the barrier, she looked to him giving him a nod. Stryker nodded to her and whipped out his pistol firing it at Kano, hitting him in the shoulder getting him to stop firing his eye laser. "Not this time Kano!" he charged at him, leaping into the air and kicking him in the face. Kano flew back and crashed against a trash can, he shook his head from it and glared at the cop for it and got back up. "Alright... you got lucky that time. But lets keep this between us shall we...?" he charged at him throwing a punch at him. Stryker blocked it, but Kano managed to sneak a sucker punch against his face. He kicked at him as a blade stuck out piercing his shoulder forcing him to scream as he got pinned to the ground. "Time to make sure you stay dead mate..." he went to kill him. Struggling as he saw Kano about to stomp his skull and cave in his face, Stryker dodged it and grabbed his leg and landed a kick to his groin. Kano groaned from it and backed away pulling the blade out of Stryker's shoulder, he held his groin as he groaned in pain of it. Stryker got up holding his shoulder, and looked to him. "That's why you should have worn a cup..." he said to him. Groaning from where he was hit, Kano glared at him for it and shook off the pain. "Taking cheap shots is more my style... but of course, what can I expect from a cop? A dirty one at that..." he pointed out to him. "This coming from a Black Dragon thug...? You're not one to talk..." Stryker said to him as Kano took a knife and threw it at him. The cop quickly took his baton and let the knife pierce into it, he exhaled from it seeing how close it was to reaching him. "That was close..." he muttered as he saw Kano charging at him. He blocked his punches and threw his baton away throwing a kick at Kano's side bruising his ribs. He grabbed Kano's head and slowly dug his hoof into his eye causing him to writhe in agony from it, but Kano knocked it away and knocked his head against Stryker's forcing him to fall to the ground. He went to stomp on the cops chest to pierce his heart with the secret blade hidden in his boot, but Stryker wasn't going to give him the chance as he rolled across the ground as Kano stomped on it as his blade got stuck in the ground. He struggled to pull it out, but his attention soon turned to Stryker as his eye widened knowing what's coming. He chucked nervously and held up his hooves, only to see a smirk on Stryker's face that made him panic. "Smart thinking..." he said to him and landed a hard punch against his face knocking him down. "One more thing... don't ever call me a dirty cop...!" Kano groaned but looked to him. "You got lucky... but I didn't come alone...!" he said to him. Hearing loud hoof steps approaching, Stryker turned to the cause and his eyes widened seeing who it was. Motaro... the war chief of Shao Kahn's army. He snorted at them and growled stamping his hooves, Princess Celestia looked upon the massive centaur, knowing he was no Tirek. "Stryker, you can't fight against him... I'm well aware of what Motaro is capable of." she said to him. Chuckling from hearing it, Motaro stomped his hoof on the ground. "You should listen to her little pony... so run along, you're all alone against me." he said to him as he snorted at him. The cop glared at him, only to see Reptile approach and stand beside him. "Who said he's alone...?" he asked him. He smirked as he glanced to Stryker, who smirked in response and looked to Motaro and stood in his fighting stance with Reptile. Motaro growled seeing it and roared out as he swung his tail at them. The duo avoided his tail and charged at the centaur, who swung his tail at Reptile. The Zaterran leaped over the tail and snarled kicking him in the face as Stryker charged at him and smacked the centaurs side with his baton. The centaur roared out in pain of it and growled at them, he leaped up standing on his hind legs and went to stomp on them. They quickly dodged his attack to avoid getting crushed, Reptile leaped into the air and shot acid at the centaur. But Motaro quickly blocked the attack and grabbed hold of him about to crush him with his bear hands. But Stryker tossed a grenade at him, seeing it blowing up in his face getting him to drop Reptile as he landed on the ground. "You okay Reptile?!" he asked earning a nod from him. Motaro snarled at Stryker and swung his spiked arm at him, but the cop dodged it and blocked his attack and punched his ribcage and his face. Leaping into the air kneeing him in the jaw, causing the centaur to fall over and hit the ground. Stryker whipped out a pistol and went to shoot him while he was still down, but Motaro smacked it out of his wing with his tail and got back up snarling at him as he grabbed hold of him and slamming him against a carriage choking him. "A little help here...!" he said with a raspy voice. Reptile charged at Motaro from behind and leaped above him and snared his tail around Motaro's neck, choking him as Motaro released Stryker from his grip. Stryker coughed as he held his neck, but looked to Motaro as the centaur grabbed Reptile and threw him off. Stryker took the chance and charged at him, ramming against his torso getting him to stumble back as the cop landed next to Reptile. "Brute force won't be enough against him... we're going to have to think smarter through this." he said to Stryker. "Can't argue with that... but we can't get behind him with that tail of his." Stryker said to him but both their eyes slightly widened as they looked to each other. The duo smirked getting an idea and looked to Motaro, the centaur shook his head and glared at the two fighters. He roared out and charged at them and went to strike them with his tail, but Reptile grabbed hold of it and held on with all his might. While Stryker charged and punched at Motaro's ribcage and dodged his elbow strike, blocking his next attack and punched the centaur's face. Reptile released the tail and ran onto the centaur's back and wrapped his arm around his neck choking him out, Motaro struggled from it as Stryker gave his torso a beating, bruising his completely muscular abs. Bruising them to the point they were completely sore, giving Stryker a chance to land his knee against the centaurs six pack and gets Motaro to cough up blood. The centaur coughed harshly but turned to the cop with a snarl and a sneer, and punched him away and grabbed hold of Reptile. But the Zaterran wasn't going to let him throw him off so easily, so he bit down on his hand causing Motaro to let out a shriek as Reptile leaped over and kicked him in the face. Motaro shrieked as he fell backwards and hit the ground as Reptile landed beside Stryker. "He's almost finished... you ready for this Earthrealmer...?" he asked him. "Of course I am... anything to make sure this city stays safe..." Stryker said to him and looked to Motaro seeing him getting back up. Reptile charged first with Stryker following after him, Motaro went to strike Reptile and take him out. But the Zaterran ducked under the strike and kicked his leg injuring it while Stryker grabbed his arm and bent it back breaking it, Motaro shrieked as Reptile slammed his knee against his jaw causing it to fracture. Stryker grabbed him by the horns and slammed his face on his knee breaking his snout, making his nose bleed and he backed up as his vision started to get blurry and his head started spinning. "You ready to give up Motaro...?" he asked. Panting exhausted... Motaro tried to regain his composure as he shook his head. "N-Never...!" he said to him. Stryker and Reptile looked to each other and nodded in unison as they looked to the centaur. They charged at him together in unison, and the two leaped at him and kicked him in the face sending him flying towards a tree, crashing against it head first as his body landed on the ground and he fell unconscious. Stryker smirked seeing it as he popped his joints. "Still got it... he said to himself and looked to Reptile. "You know, you're alright... for an Outworlder..." he said to him. "Don't get used to it Earthrealmer..." Reptile replied to him and walked away. Twilight and the others rushed over to him to congratulate him. "Stryker, that was amazing, what you and Reptile did, I just can't believe it!" Twilight exclaimed. "You fought bravely Officer Stryker... the castle guard could certainly use someone of your skill." Luna said to him. "Thank you, your majesty... but my place is with the Special Forces." Stryker replied to her but heard a portal open and turned seeing Kano escape with Motaro. "They're getting away!" "We will face them again... but it is not now Kurtis Stryker." Celestia said to him as she opened a portal of their own. "Come, we must return to Canterlot." she said to him and the others. "Wait!" Coco Pommel rushed to Stryker and handed him his pistols. "I don't know what these are, but..." she looked to him with a smile. "I know you'll need them... and not let somepony else get their hooves on them." she said to him. Smiling at her, Stryker used his wings to take the pistols from her and put them in his holsters. "Thank you Ms. Pommel... I appreciate all the kindness you've given me." he said to her and walked to the portal with the others heading for Canterlot. Outworld, Infirmary Within the Outworld infirmary, Motaro was recovering... with the aid of his beloved mate, Erza... but Motaro wasn't one to accept aid, even from her. So he kept on struggling while she tried to bandage him up. "Motaro, stop squirming will you?" she asked him as he kept bandaging him up. "I don't need help woman, besides... not much is broken. Just my pride..." Motaro said to her as he looked away. But his mate smacked him in the back of the head getting his attention. "Listen to me Motaro... you are a great Chieftain of the Centaurs... an unbroken line of warriors and hunters. This fight won't change that... you understand...?" she asked him. Motaro looked at his beloved, and gave her a nod getting her to smile at him. "Good..." she kissed him on the cheek and got back to work. "For what its worth, we wouldn't want our son to see his father all beaten and bruised..." Hearing it surprised Motaro as he looked to her. "Son...?" he asked her as a smirk formed across his face. "You sure it will be a boy...?" he asked her. Erza smirked and playfully punched his shoulder. "It better be, and it better not have your fat head..." she chuckled along with Motaro knowing that their future child will be a blessing upon them. But the moment was ruined when they heard a gag and turned towards Kano who was standing by the door. "I feel like I'm back in eighth grade here... so you two are gonna have a kid, big whoop... but that doesn't change a thing after what you and I just went through Motaro... we just got out asses handed to us by a bunch of-" Kano's speech was interrupted when Erza's tail reached out at him and pierced a wall close to his face. She glared at the Black Dragon leader with a disapproving look as she let out a small growl. "Leave. Now...!" she said to him as she pulled her tail away letting him know she won't tolerate a gutless pig such as him. Kano gulped from hearing it and backed away. "Got it... I'm going." he chuckled nervously and walked out of the room. Letting out a sigh, Erza turned to her mate who felt that this war was getting no where. "Motaro... I know you believe in fighting for the emperor, but you're going to have a son... and if you die, he will never get a chance to see you for the first time." she said to him. Motaro knew that was making a good point, but how can he turn his back on his people, or the emperor? "You're right Erza... but if I leave Shao Kahn, our people will suffer... I cannot allow that." he said to her as he looked down. "Then perhaps I could be of assistance...?" asked a voice. Then out of no where, Discord appeared before them catching them by surprised. "I couldn't help but overhear, but your mate here being with child? Oh that is certainly- WHOA!!!" the creature of chaos dodged Erza's tail multiple times to avoid getting stabbed. "Hold on a minute! Just hear me out!" he quickly grabbed her tail panting from exhaustion. "I can help..." Getting up still injured, Motaro turned to the chaos creature not convinced. "How are you going to help us...? A creature such as you can't help an entire race escape Shao Kahn." he said to him. Discord immediately released Erza's tail and cleared his throat. "Well, as a creature of chaos, I am capable of many things... for instance, I could easily turn you into Minotaurs..." he said to them. "No! No... I've been through that already..." Motaro said to him. "There, you're convinced then... now, what say you...? Would you continue being Shao Kahn's War Chief...? Or be the father your mate wants you to be...?" Discord asked them. Motaro thought about the chaos beings offer and looked to Erza, his child was one thing, serving the emperor...? That's making him question his loyalties all together, but given what Shao Kahn has turned into... his ambitions are going to cost the lives of both his allies and his people. Motaro turned to Discord knowing what needed to be done . "Where will you take us...?" he asked him as Discord glanced to the two centaurs and smiled at hearing his question. He cracked his knuckles and turned to the centaur couple. "Simple... this will be a quick hop, skip, and a snap..." he snapped his fingers as he disappeared along with the two centaurs. Where he took them, and the rest of the centaurs... only Discord would know. Knowing him, he never explains anything. Suddenly Discord reappeared looking to the writer of this story. "I do explain things, now just isn't the time... so watch it buddy!" he disappeared from the infirmary. > Chapter 13 Kabal > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canterlot, Equestria In Canterlot after getting Stryker settled in and Sonya nearly beating the living crud out of him, Celestia looked upon a hidden stained glass frame of Raiden when he first appeared in Equestria and helped her overcome her grief. She knew that Raiden wouldn't give up on her, so she will not give up on him. "We'll get you out Raiden... I promise..." she said to the stained glass frame. She stepped back as she went off to the throne room to meet with her sister, Cadance, and Discord who brought a surprise guest. "Pardon my absence everyone... I needed a moment to collect my thoughts. Now... onto the issue at hoof, as to why Discord brought Motaro and his people here..." she looked to him and the centaurs. "Ohhh, its for a good reason Princess, believe me... Motaro's beloved here is with child, I'm sure you can understand given Princess Cadance's condition..." Discord pointed out to her. "I may be pregnant, but I'm not foolish enough to put myself in danger you arrogant mismatch of madness..." Cadance said to him with a scowl. "Point maid, but I'm going to accept that remark..." said Discord as he gulped and quickly approached the recovering centaur. "I brought them here, because they need a place in Equestria to call home... because Shao Kahn has gone mad with the power of Blaze flowing through him. Isn't that right, Motaro...?" he asked the centaur as he backed away. "Yes... I've seen what he was capable of with that power, he's destroyed mountains, leveled cities, and burned many innocents. If he were to enter Equestria with it... your people will pay a terrible price. Especially with his new allies, Chrysalis, Sombra... and the latest in his ranks... Tirek..." Motaro mentioned his name. Luna was surprised when she heard it and looked to Celestia. "That's not possible... Tirek was imprisoned in Tartarus for his crimes against Equestria..." she said to her and looked towards Motaro. "So how is it he has sided with Shao Kahn pray tell?" she asked the centaur. "Shang Tsung found his way to Tartarus, and broke the warlock out of that prison... he even drained the strength of most of my centaurs. He is likely to be Shao Kahn's new war chief... now that I'm gone..." Motaro explained to them and looked to his mate who touched her swollen belly. "Why we chose to leave..." he looked to the princesses. "What I did was to save my people... if Outworld, Earth Realm, and Equestria are to survive Shao Kahn's wrath... he must be stopped." he said to them. Celestia looked upon Motaro and Erza seeing them for how she and Raiden could be, she approached them calmly and looked to them. "Though I do not approve of your past... but I believe it is something worth looking over. For now, you will have a place to stay here in Equestria... the Frontier is a good place to start. It's an open land, filled with wild game... but just so we are clear Motaro, there are rules, even to noble hunters such as yourselves... if you are going to live in that land, you will have to share it with both the Appaloosan's, and the Buffalo herds. Is that understood...?" she said to them. Motaro nodded his head to her in understanding. "Of course... thank you, your majesty..." he said to her as he held Erza. Smiling at the two, Celestia turned to Discord forming a scowl. "As for you... the next time you go and do something without me knowing about it, I will have you turned back to stone, even without the Elements of Harmony. Are we clear...?" she asked him. Discord panicked from seeing her look, and gulped. "Ohhh, we're clear, we're clear, we are so clear..." he replied to her. "Good..." Celestia let out an amused chuckle. "I can't wait to get started..." she turned her attention to Motaro. "My sister and I will help escort you and your people to the frontier, from there we will announce your stay to your future neighbors." she informed them as she opened up a portal to the frontier. Outworld, Armory Within the Outworlds Armory, Kabal walked in looking through the weapons inside it. He walked and looked seeing new hook swords that were just forged, fresh from the anvil. He grabbed them and pulled them out, holding them in his hands and twirling them to get a good feel for them. They were light, and good around the handle... he placed them on his back, but before he could leave... he turned only to see Kano standing in the doorway. "Going somewhere Kabal...?" he asked him. "Yeah, out of here... I'm done being in the Black Dragon business." Kabal replied to him. "You can't leave, in case ya forgot... you made a commitment to the Black Dragon ya bloody idiot!" Kano reminded him. "Things change Kano... I want nothing to do with the Black Dragon anymore." Kabal said to him as he grabbed hold of one of his hook swords. "Now get out of my way... before I paint these walls with your blood...!" he warned him. Chuckling from seeing it, Kano pulled out one of his knives. "Have you forgotten that it was me who saved your life when you were burnt by Kintaro?" he asked him. "During the Outworld invasion...? How can I forget... you turned me into this freak! You gave Shao Kahn and his monsters their fire power, and if you think I should be thanking you... I should be blaming you for it!" Kabal yelled at him as he gripped his hook sword. "I should be dead... now you're gonna be!" he exclaimed as Kano took his knife and through it at him. Kabal quickly blocked it with one of his hook swords and swung it at him. Kano dodged his swings to avoid getting cut, but Kabal swung the hook sword snatching his leg and forcing Kano to slip. The Black Dragon Leader stumbled as Kabal charged at him and kicked him in the chest, knocking him down. The speedster went to cut him down while he was on the ground, but the Black Dragon leader dodged his blades and shoved him away. He pulled out a knife and went to stab him in the eye only to see Kabal block his attack, but Kano tried to push it closer to Kabal to pierce through his mask and pierce his eye. Kabal struggled to keep him from stabbing his eye out but noticed the forge was behind him and looked to Kano. He dodged Kano's knife as his arm got burnt by hot magma, forcing him to drop the knife. He groaned as he held his arm turning to Kabal only to get a fist in the face, but Kano threw a punch at him hitting him in his rib cage. Kabal held it but back handed Kano and swung a kick hitting his neck, Kano flew towards the weapon stands crashing against them as the spears and swords fell on top of him. "Last warning Kano, stand aside!" he said to him. "Rack off ya drango..." Kano got out of the weapons that piled on him and turned to Kabal. "There's no way I'm letting you get out of here...!" he said to him as Kabal dashed at him at full speed. Kano quickly blocked his attack and punched his face and kneed him in the stomach to cause sheer pain against him. But Kabal retaliated and three punches against his face and struck his chest with an elbow strike, and kicked his knee making him kneel down. He then punched Kano hard in the face while he was kneeling, and kneed him in the face, busting his nose. The Black Dragon leader let out a grunt but glared at his soon to be former partner in crime, and kicked at him as a blade extended from his boot. Kabal dodged it and broke the blade, quickly punching him in the face and kicked him in the rib cage, fracturing a few ribs. Landing a hard punch against his right cheek bone where the bionic eye was, denting it a bit. The speed demon grabbed hold of him and pierced one of his hook swords into Kano's shoulder, knocking him down and grabbing the hand of it. Spinning in super fast speed and tossed him away, seeing Kano crash against some forging equipment. "Stay down Kano, you know you're no match for me..." he said to him. But Kano ignored his words and got up turning to face him. "Then you should know by now Kabal, I'm not one to quit...!" he blasted at Kabal with his eye laser, but the hook sword wielding warrior dashed from his shots and dashed towards him. Kano tried to blast him with his laser eye, but he couldn't hit him as Kabal ran around him avoiding his attacks. "Stay still!" he threw a punch at him landing it against his face causing him to flip over and hit the ground. Seeing him down, Kano chuckled as he walked toward him. "So much for you being fast, eh Kabal...?" he asked him. Shaking his head from the hard hit, Kabal looked to him with a glare behind his mask. "You got lucky with that shot... but I'm not out of the fight just yet Kano...!" he threw charcoal at him to distract him. Kano blocked them, only to see Kabal leap over him and strike him in the back of the head, forcing him to stumble as Kabal dashed towards him and struck at him at his ribs and kneed him in the chest fracturing it. He landed a few hard punches against Kano's face and landed a strong uppercut against his jaw, causing a minor fracture knocking him down to the ground. "Stay down Kano, don't make me warn you again..." Groaning from Kabal's attack, Kano rubbed his jaw but got back up and looked to him. "In case you forgot Kabal... no one leaves without Shao Kahn's say so... therefore, there's only two ways out. One being Shao Kahn opening a portal... the other is an old Osh-Tekk sunstone... and I doubt you got one on hand." he said to him as he went to punch him. Kabal quickly caught his fist and held it as a smirk formed behind his mask. "No..." he replied and stole the one Kano had. "But you do..." he said to him as Kano's eye widened. He went to take it back, but Kabal quickly threw another uppercut, slamming it hard against Kano's cheekbone, knocking him out and leaving him unconscious on the floor. "You made me warn you again, its not like the mask is muffling my voice you arrogant prick." he said to him and looked to the sunstone. "Alright, time for me to get out of here before-" his sentence was cut off when a shard spike was shot at him causing him to dodge it and looked seeing Baraka standing in the doorway. "Crap...!" "Did you think it was going to be that easy Kabal?!" the Tarkatan asked him as he growled. "Because I was aware of your treachery since you came to Outworld..." he said to him. Shrugging his shoulders, Kabal got up and looked to him. "Not really... but I'm not gonna let you stop me from leaving either. So get out of the way, or I will make you take a dirt nap as well." he warned him. Baraka let out his blades and snarled. "Tarkatan's live to fight... and you... will be the next meal for my people!" he went to strike him. Kabal pulled his blades out and blocked Baraka's attacks, to two blade wielders clashed their blades with one another while receiving a few scratches on their bodies. Kabal dodged the next attack and dashed passed Baraka, making him spin around uncontrollably as he twirled his blades at him, leaving slightly deep cuts around his torso. The Tarkatan shrieked from it, but sheathed his blades into his arms and caught one of his blades. Punching Kabal in the chest, knocking him away... he slide on the ground but looked to him. "Alright Kabal... if you want to take a bite out of me, you're welcome to try... but I doubt you'll like my burnt flesh..." he dashed at him as he put his hook swords away and punched at Baraka, knocking a few teeth loose. He kicked at his side, but Baraka caught his leg and threw Kabal away seeing him crash against the weapon stands. He groaned from it holding his head. "Okay, should've saw that coming..." Hearing a snarl, Kabal looked seeing Baraka charging at him about to impale him. His eyes widen as he quickly rolled back as Baraka pierced his blades in the ground. The Tarkatan sneered as he pulled his blades out of the ground and charges at him throwing a punch at him, Kabal blocked his attack to avoid getting hit by him. He blocked the next throw and grabbed him by the wrist and flipping him over on the ground, but Baraka broke his fall and pulled a slide kick knocking him over. "Now stay still so I can cut your head off!" he went to cut it off. But Kabal dodged his attack and kicked his face knocking a few fangs out seeing him crashed on the ground. "Not a chance fang face!" he said to him as Baraka got back up glaring at the former Black Dragon member. "Still got some bite huh...? Well you're a lot more stubborn than I thought..." he said to him. "You will soon find that my bite will render your flesh!" he exclaimed as he struck at him. Kabal blocked his attacks, but Baraka grabbed hold of him and bite down on his shoulder, causing him to scream in pain from it. But Kabal knocked his head against Baraka's getting him to release his shoulder from his fangs. Baraka grunted from his attack, he shook his head and glared at him as he extended his blades and launched a shard at him, Kabal quickly blocked it only to see the Tarkatan lunge at him with his blades extended. "Not this time ugly!" Kabal quickly leaned back dodging and grabbing hold of his arms throwing him over as Baraka landed on an anvil hurting his back. "Ooohhh... bet that hurt..." The Tarkatan Leader groaned from it as a hammer fell and hit him in the head, causing his focus to become disoriented and blurry as he got back up holding it. "Do you... really think... that is going to stop me...?!" he groaned as he shook his head trying to get his vision cleared as he turned towards Kabal who was walked towards him clenching his fist. "Tarkatan's never surrender... we fight until our last breath!" he exclaimed as he went to kill him. Kabal blocked his attacks and kicked him right in the groin, hearing him writhe in agony from it. "Then that makes you twice as foolish to go against me pal." he said to him as he pushed Baraka away and clenched his fist. "So in any case... good night!" he sucker punched the Tarkatan finally knocking him out. He headed out of the forge and looked around. "Time to get out of here..." he ran off to open a portal in a secure location... hoping and praying that no one follows him. Carousel Boutique, Ponyville Equestria Meanwhile in Equestria, at Carousel Boutique... Rarity was trying on her new outfit meant for combat. She looked at herself in the mirror admiring how well she looked in it. "Yes, this outfit will do quite nicely..." she said to herself but looked around. She used her magic to close the blinds, to keep everypony from noticing. But what she wasn't aware of, was that Sub-Zero was walking by and noticed the blinds closing which immediately got him curious as to what she was doing. His body turned completely into ice and shattered, allowing him to reform on the inside of Carousel Boutique. He looked around and snuck to see what Rarity was going... and it turns out, she's been practicing her own combat form. With a mix of his style as she threw her hooves, performed a slide kick and leaped throwing a high kick. Her horn glowed as she formed astral projected diamonds as ice formed around them, that immediately surprised Sub-Zero from what he witnessed. Never before had he seen cryomancy performed by anyone but him, to see it from Rarity simply astounded him. She formed the iced diamonds into blades and twirled them as she made her combat style in the form of a dance and tossed the blades in the air and forced them to shatter turning to snow. She watched as the snowflakes descended, and sighed taking the chance to relax. Meanwhile Sub-Zero stepped out of hiding and looked to her. "That was well formed..." he said to her. Hearing him, Rarity jumped and saw him standing behind her. "Sub-Zero?! How did- When did you- What are you doing in here?!" she demanded to know. "My apologies, but I noticed the blinds close outside your home. I came in to see what you were doing... how did you know how to do cryomancy...? No one except me, my brother, and Frost were able to perform such a skill..." he said to her. Rarity looked away fixing her hair a bit. "I... suppose you could say, its kind of a gift. But I couldn't tell anyone.. not even my friends, but since you and your allies arrived in Equestria... I discovered this ability one night and nearly froze my entire bedroom..." she explained as she thought back to how she froze her room. "So I've been practicing on my own to keep everyone from knowing... I don't have much control over it, and I nearly would have hurt you." Chuckling at the thought of it, Sub-Zero shook his head and looked to her. "I think that would be impossible to do Ms. Rarity... but if you need to learn control, I can help you learn how to control it." he offered to her. "If you would allow me to show you milady..." he said to her. Surprised by his offer and how he addressed her, Rarity looked to him as Sub-Zero extended his hoof to her. How could she say no to that...? Despite discovering her new abilities, and being offered aid by the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei... it was a good opportunity to take to learn more about her abilities. She reached over and touched his hoof, looking to the Lin Kuei master and formed a smile. "Very well then, I may not be Rainbow Dash... but I will learn the best I can." she said to him. Sub-Zero smiled behind his mask and nodded to her as they prepared for the lesson. Sub-Zero took her hooves and put them into position. "Now... cryomancy is about learning how to adapt to the cold..." he formed an ice ball tossing it into the air as snow began to fall endlessly. "Try to bear with it..." he said to her as he instructed her. Rarity blushed a bit but kept focused as she followed his instructions... but as she looked at the grandmaster despite him trying to teach her, she couldn't help but look at his bright blue eyes. He noticed and looked to her. "Something wrong...?" he asked her. She panicked and looked away. "N-Nothing... I'm terribly sorry but, your eyes are so... so lovely. Almost though I'm looking at baby blue sapphires... only, they're a brighter color..." Rarity explained to him. "Though... how did you get that scar...?" she asked him. Surprised by her question, Sub-Zero looked down and took off his mask showing his face, he looked to her showing the scar. "Kano caught me by surprise... and he took his knife, cutting my face... since then, I bared this scar for as long as I lived." he explained to her. Looking at it, Rarity reached over and gently touched where the scar was feeling it. "I am so sorry for what you went through... I can't imagine what that pain is like." she apologized to him as she pulled her hoof away from his face. "So... shall we continue...?" she asked him. as she went back into position. Seeing it, Sub-Zero smiled and put his mask back on. "Yes, of course..." he said to her as he continued to instruct her in learning cryomancy in the ways of the Lin Kuei. Outworld, Armory Back in Outworld, Shao Kahn looked upon Kano and Baraka who were in recovering from their fight with Kabal. "So another of my forces betrays me...? How many more are going to lose sight of my vision...?!" he growled in anger. "Hey, its not my fault Kabal got away... if Baraka was better at doing his job, none of this would be happening!" Kano exclaimed as he pointed towards Baraka. The Tarkatan glared in response to his gesture. "Like you're one to talk Earth Realmer, you didn't last long against him yourself." he reminded Kano of his humiliating defeat. "Why you ugly little... I outta gut you like a pig and feed you to your tribe!" Kano threatened him. Baraka stuck one of his blades out in response. "I'd like to see you try 'one eye'!" he said to him. Shao Kahn roared out and struck a pillar with his war hammer and growled. "That's ENOUGH!!!" he yelled at them as Shang Tsung and Chrysalis stood back seeing his rage. "I will not tolerate disloyalty.... from any of you!" he yelled at them gripping his war hammer. "Any form of betrayal... will be punishable by death." Mileena stepped up to him. "Father, this is going too far... your obsession is consuming you, this power you have is out of control. You know this as well as I... if you continue down this path, you will be destroyed by it, or-" before she could finish, Shao Kahn slapped her away. She yelped from it and looked to him in shock of what he did and felt his war hammer under her chin. "You will watch your tone when you speak to me Mileena... because if you so much as fail me now, I will feed your rotting corpse... TO THE WYRMS!" he roared out as he walked out of the armory. Chrysalis winced from it and looked to Mileena. "Poor child... its almost hard to believe that Shao is her father..." she said to herself as Shang stood beside her. "She is actually a construct... I created her in the Flesh Pits, cloned from Princess Kitana. But now... she is her own being... free to live as the person she wants to be." Shang explained to her. "Don't know whether that's a good thing... or a bad thing..." Chrysalis felt worried about it. Meanwhile, Mileena watched as her father left and looked away feeling the pain in her cheek as everyone else left. Shang Tsung was about to leave with Chrysalis, but he turned facing her knowing what she's going through. "No child shoulder go through the pain you went through... think about this moment Mileena, for it may determine your future." he said to her as he stepped out of the armory. Hearing his words, Mileena could only think upon them as she got up from the ground and walked looking into a barrel of water... looking at her reflection as she pulled down her mask. She looked at herself lost in thought of what has transpired, tears for the first time brimmed in her eyes as she fell to her knee's holding her head as she cried for the first time. Canterlot, Equestria Meanwhile in a Canterlot alleyway, an Outworld portal opened up and Kabal stepped out looking around. "Okay... now to find the princesses..." he dashed off to find them, avoiding everypony around him to keep from getting noticed. He looked to the buildings and leaped onto the rooftops to get a good view of the city. "This city is pretty vast... but the throne room shouldn't be that hard to find." he muttered as he looked around. What he wasn't aware about, was that a guards mare noticed him on top of the roof and kept watch over him. He looked through the city and looked seeing the throne room not far from where he is. "That must be it..." he rushed towards it not aware that the guardsmare was in pursuit. He ran towards it only to see her get between him and the throne room. "Oh crap..." "So you thought that you could sneak in without anyone noticing did you...? Nice try buster, but there are eyes in every inch of this city. State your business, or by Celestia you will answer to my blades." she warned him as her wing blades formed. "Whoa, easy there toots... I'm not here to-" before Kabal could explain, the guards mare glared at him for the remark and charged at him swinging her blades at him. Kabal panicked as he used his magic to pull out his hook swords blocking her blades. "HEY! What the hell?!" "No one calls me toots!" the guards mare exclaimed as she attacked him. Kabal repelled her attacks with his blades, trying to avoid getting hit by the red headed mare. He quickly leaped back landing on a table, but the guards mare was catching up to him faster than he anticipated. "You're fast..." she grappled him. "But not fast enough...!" she through him over. Kabal screamed as he crashed into a fruit stand, getting covered in grapes and strawberries. He groaned from it and shook his head from it knowing that hurt more than getting beaten by Baraka. "Alright... maybe we got off the wrong hoof here, but-" before he could explain to her, she went to punch him in the face. But Kabal quickly dodged it and grabbed her arm. "I have information for the princesses!" he exclaimed. "Nice try, but I'm not falling for it... especially from a guy who wears a mask as freaky as yours!" she threw him off and kicked him in the stomach hearing him grunt in pain from it. "Sleep tight pal!" she went to knock his lights out. Kabal couldn't hesitate any longer, so he blocked her attack and dashed behind her and kicked her away. Surprised by his attack, the guards mare turned to him showing her disbelief of what she witnessed. "In regards to my mask... its what's kept me alive since I was burned." he said to her as he dashed at her and threw a punch at her. The guards mare blocked his attacks, but he managed to her in the ribcage and throw a high kick landing it against her neck, knocking her down. He went to hit her while she was down, but she rolled away avoiding his attack. "Nice dodge..." he complimented her. "Years of guard training, with a style of my own of course." the guards mare charged at him throwing quick punches at him. He blocked her attacks and let loose a smokescreen from his mask that affected her breathing, getting her to cough harshly. "What was that stuff...?!" she asked as she coughed. "That... you don't want to know." Kabal said to her and landed a quickly jab at her face and grabbed hold of her, throwing her over his shoulder slamming her on the ground. He backed away from her to give her a chance to get on her hooves. "All those years of training can use a little more work." he said to her. She panted a bit but looked to him as her helmet was off, her long red hair flowed as her face was revealed to the Black Dragon mercenary catching him by surprise. "We'll see about that crispy..." she said to him as she charged and leaped in the air, wrapping her legs around his head and fell back, throwing him as he crashed through a window of a boutique shop. The worker inside screamed as she ran out in a panic, while Kabal groaned but shook off the pain as he turned to the guards mare with a scowl. In return, she gave him a playful smirk. "What's the matter...? Were you so stunned by my beauty...?" she asked him. "Lady... you are really starting to push it!" he replied to her and dashed at her, throwing a hard punch. The mare blocked it with her wing, and went for a high kick. Kabal ducked from it and looked to her as he threw an uppercut against her jaw, sending her flying through the street. She crashed on the ground, but looked seeing him charging at her... so she quickly pulled out a blade and slashed at him. But in a split second, Kabal disappeared from her sight... leaving her in a state of shock as she looked around for him. She kept her guard up to avoid any surprises... but the minute she turned around. Kabal was there right in front of him, causing her to screams as she pulled out one of her wing blades and slashed at him. He managed to dodge the attack and get behind her, holding her from behind, pinning one of her arms behind her. "Listen to me... if I wanted you dead, you'd be laying in a puddle of your own blood right now... but I didn't come here to hurt anyone. So please stand down..." he said to her. Hearing his words... the guards mare couldn't quite see his eyes behind his mask, but from hearing his words. She believed him... but that didn't quite stop her from sneaking a kick to the groin causing him to yelp in pain from it releasing her. "I'll take your word for it, but I'm still going to hurt you for calling me toots! My name, is Blade Dancer... and you best remember that when you wake up in the dungeon!" she went to knock him out. But Kabal gathered all the strength he could muster, and dashed away from her attack and tackled her to a market stand, tying her up and disarming her of her wing blades, defeating her. "Hey! Untie me this instant!" she demanded. "Sorry Blade, no can do... I'm not taking any chances with you. Especially with that sneak attack..." he reminded her as he held his groin still feeling pain from it. "You're lucky I'm a former Black Dragon... now if you'll excuse me... I need to meet with the princesses before anything else happens.... besides, you're much too beautiful to-" his ears quickly caught the sound of a gun shot, and he quickly blocked the bullet with one of his hook swords seeing that it was Stryker who took the shot. "My god, Stryker is that you...?" he asked. "In the flesh..." Stryker took another shot at him. But Kabal quickly blocked that shot with his other hook sword and looked to him. "Look Stryker, I'm here to see the Princesses, I don't have time to fight you..." he said to him. "Sorry, but they're off somewhere, not being a murderer." Stryker said to him. "Oh come on Kurtis, you know you can't hit me." Kabal said to him. "Wasn't trying to..." Stryker said to him. Kabal was confused from when he said that, but he looked down seeing a grenade rolling towards him. He panicked and got blown away by the explosion, crashing on the ground. "Gotta think fast to be fast, thought you learned that by now Kabal." he said to him and went to strike him. But Kabal blocked his strikes and dodged a kick as he leaped back. Stryker charged at him with his batons and struck at him with it... Kabal quickly pulled out his hook swords and blocked his attack, snatching his baton and kicking him away. The cop stumbled from it and shook his head looking to him, Kabal charged at him swinging his swords at him to leave some cuts in his flesh, but Stryker blocked his attacks with his Baton as one of his wings pulled out one of his pistols, aiming it at his face. Kabal panicked seeing it and dodged a gun shot and landed a kick against his jaw. "Kurt, come on man... stand down, this is one fight you won't win." he said to him. "Yeah..." Stryker got up and turned to him. "Well I can do this all day..." he through a punch at him landing it against his mask nearly knocking it off. Kabal coughed a bit as Stryker landed a few hard punches against him, and kicked him away. He crashed on the ground as Stryker walked towards him. "Come on Kabal, that all you got...?" Panting knowing his mask came lose, he pushed it back to fix it and coughs as he got air flowing through his mask. "That was a lucky shot Kurt... but you're not getting another." he dashed at him and rammed against his chest, knocking him down seeing him roll on the ground. He charged at Stryker as he got back up and punched at him. The cop blocked his attacks trying to land an attack against his face, but Kabal dodged it and landed a punch against his rib cage fracturing a few ribs. He took his hook sword and snatched his shoulder, throwing him over and slamming him on the ground. Groaning from it, Stryker looked seeing Kabal about to strike him down. He quickly rolled out of the way and got back up landing a kick against his knee, bending it and kneed against his snout fracturing it and sending him flying across the street. Once he crashed on the ground, Stryker tossed a grenade at him to finish him off. But the speedster quickly kicked the grenade towards the sky as it exploded in mid air. "Hey, not bad... I'm surprised you didn't do that earlier..." Stryker said to him. Kabal let out an amused chuckle. "Like I was gonna fall for that again." he replied as Stryker when to hit him, only to get blocked by Kabal as he grabbed hold of him and elbowed Stryker in the stomach. The cop groaned from the attack and went to hit the mercenary while he was kneeled down, but Kabal dodged the attack and flipped over and landed a kick across Stryker's face. He grunted from it as he stumbled across the ground and whipped out a pistol aiming it at him again, Kabal quickly knocked the gun out of his wing and punched him several times in the face and landed a slide kick, tripping him over. Stryker groaned from it but looked to Kabal and went to strike him with his baton, only for Kabal to knock it out of his hoof. But what caught him off guard was Stryker blinding him with his flashlight. "Agh! Damn, I can't see-" his sentence was cut off as Stryker landed a Taser against his chest, temporarily paralyzing him. He took back his baton and smacked it against his face and kicked him away. "How do you like that Kabal...?" he asked him as he went to strike him again. But Kabal regained his strength and blocked his strike, breaking the baton in half. "Aw crap..." Stryker muttered as Kabal struck the cop in the face and kicked him in the side, breaking a few rips. He dashed passed Stryker, making him spin uncontrollably and took his hook swords piercing them into his shoulders hearing him scream. He lifted Stryker off his hooves and slammed him on the ground, leaving him almost paralyzed. Kabal took his hook swords and put them away. "That's enough Kurt, I'm on your side..." he said to him and approached him lending him a hoof. "I need you to listen to me..." he said to him as Kurtis looked to him. He wanted to believe him, but it was difficult for him to trust the Black Dragon Mercenary. But he let go of his pride and took his hoof standing up with his help. "Thanks for not attacking me... right now, I need to talk to the princesses... its urgent." "Well they're not here are the moment... but I can contact Sonya so Princess Twilight can get here." Kurtis said to him as he walked to Blade Dancer, untying her. "Might take some time, but they'll be here." Getting her blades back, Blade turned to Kabal and walked towards him. "In that time, you're going to need some time in the infirmary... because I'm pretty sure some of your bones are broken." she said to him and walked passed him tapping his wing on her flank catching him by surprise. "Come on crispy...!" she called out to him. Watching her go, Kabal looked to Stryker unable to show his surprised expression. "Did she just tap my ass...?" she asked him. "Trust me, I had the same reaction..." Stryker said to him and walked with him. As hard as it was, Kabal tried not to imagine it. 3 hours later, Canterlot Throne Room Within the throne room, Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Cadance returned as Princess Twilight, her friends, along with the Earth Defenders arrived to hear Kabal out. "Guys, I get none of you have any reason to trust me given my history... but listen, Shao Kahn is out of control. The power he has is consuming him, and its more than likely he's going to destroy your world... then he's going after Earth Realm and Edenia..." he explained to them. "If this is true, then its possible our plan to save Raiden has escalated..." said Sindel as she looked to them. Celestia nodded a bit but looked to Kabal feeling unsure. "If what you say is true... what reason do we have to trust you...?" she asked him. Kabal looked down thinking back on his past but looks to them. "Why else would I risk coming here...?" he asked her. Celestia thought about his question and looked to him knowing his past was irredeemable. But a new life here might do some good for him, so her horn glowed brightly as Kabal was engulfed in a golden light. He soon started feeling his skin burning just like when he was burnt by Kintaro. He screamed as his skin began to revert back to when it was smooth and healthy, Twilight was about to stop her... but Kitana prevented her from doing so. Celestia's horn began to lose its glow, and Kabal was restored to how he once was. He looked at himself and turned to the princess. "What did you do to me...?" "I restored your skin... but sadly, I couldn't restore your lungs." Celestia said to him. As he looked to himself, Kabal smiled behind his mask and looked to her. "Its alright princess... to be honest, I've grown used to it in the past few years." he looked to her. "So its better I stay with it... if that's okay...?" he asked her. "I'm cool with it, besides it makes him look more mysterious..." said Rainbow Dash as she gave Kabal a playful punch. Rarity of course approached levitating a patch of his clothes. "But he could use a wardrobe update..." she pointed out as everyone else laughed in amusement. "Aw come on, this is what makes me fit the part." Kabal said to her. "Never the less, its got to go..." Rarity said him as she used her magic to take his ragged clothes from him. He immediately panicked as he covered himself as he blushed under his mask. "For god sake woman! Have you no shame?!" he asked her in shock. "Relax Kabal, you're covered in fur, its not like you're completely naked..." Johnny said to him. But Kabal was not amused from what he said as he gave him a disapproving look behind his mask. Johnny knew what was running through his mind, and he quickly backed off letting out a nervous chuckle. "Sorry, never mind..." he said as everyone else laughed at him. Sighing a bit, Kabal kept himself covered holding deadpan expression. "How is it we even ended up here...?" he asked. Pinkie approached him and touched Kabal's shoulder. "Trust and believe... this is less awkward than it looks. I mean seriously, its not exactly our first crossover." she said to him and looked to the writer. "First Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, and now this...? What's next, Street Fighter?" she asked earning a confused expression behind Kabal's mask, who chose not to question her sanity as he backed away from her. Outworld, Mileena's chambers Back in Outworld, Mileena thought long and hard on Shang Tsung's words... knowing she needed to make a decision. After hours of trying to decide what was best for her, she knew that she could no longer serve her father. Given the monster that he's become, so she packed what she could... and headed out the door. As she walked out, Chrysalis was leaning against the wall close to her door. "So you made a decision... not a wise one if you ask me..." she said to her. Stopping from hearing her words... Mileena glanced towards her with a small glare. "I have to do this Chrysalis... if you were in my position, you would do the same thing." she said to her as she held her bag. "If you plan on stopping me... you shouldn't..." she warned her. But Chrysalis held her hands up in her defense. "My lips are sealed... besides even if I tried, you'd just eat my insides. I know how vicious you can be..." she said to her and pushed off the wall looking to the tarkatus. "Don't think Shao Kahn will take this lightly... he will hunt you down." she said to her and walked away. Hearing it, Mileena turned away heading out to find a hidden portal. "Like hell if I care..." she muttered and headed out of the palace, knowing exactly where to go in order to escape Outworld, and her disowned father. There was only one person she could go to... and it was the only family she had left in both realms, Kitana. > Chapter 14 Sub-Zero > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Castle of Friendship Training Ground, Ponyville Equestria In Equestria, at the training ground at the Castle of Friendship... Sub-Zero was helping Rarity in learning more about cryomancy. He helped widen her stance, to get her used to her form. "Keep your stance wide... I know it is difficult to balance on two hooves, but given the right position, it will feel like standing on a wire." he said to her. Feeling it, Rarity focused on keeping her balance with the help of his instructions. "Easier said than done if you ask me..." she said to him only to receive a stern look from him. "Sorry... but I will still be new to all this once we get to Outworld to save Raiden." she said to him. Sighing from hearing it, Sub-Zero placed a hoof on her shoulder. "It is difficult, yes... but struggles like these require us to broaden our horizons, to adapt, to overcome any obstacle our enemies throw at us. I know, because I've faced this form of training when I served the Lin Kuei myself." he informed her. Surprised by his info, Rarity turned to the grandmaster with curiosity. "You mean, you weren't the grandmaster of the Lin Kuei...?" she asked him. "No... before me, it was Sektor... before I became Sub-Zero, I was known as Tundra. My brother, Bi Han was the Sub-Zero before me..." he explained to her. Lin Kuei Temple, Earthrealm Years ago, before the first Mortal Kombat tournament Kuai Liang walked to the meeting hall to meet with the other warriors, and the Grandmaster himself. As he walked in, Bi Han... the current Sub-Zero watched as his younger brother approached him. "Where have you been...?" he asked him. "Relax Bi Han, its not the first time anyone's been late..." Kuai said to him. "Don't let it happen again, or the Grandmaster will have our heads." Bi Han responded to him. But his attention soon turned towards Sektor who was still human at that time. "Came to wish us good luck Sektor...? Not really your thing, given you're the son of the Grandmaster." he said to him. "I was just talking about you to my father, about your brother..." Sektor said to him. "Well that's refreshing Sektor, usually you're screaming about me..." Kuai said to him. Sektor listened as other Lin Kuei assassins laughed in amusement, but he was not so easily amused as he glared at Kuai. "My father wishes for me to prove that you are nothing like your brother... that you are just a weak little copy cat." he said to him. Kuai Liang glared at him and was close to hurting the grandmasters son, but he stopped knowing that was probably what he would want. Bi Han glanced to him knowing what was going through his mind, but he touched his younger brothers shoulder earning his attention. Bi Han nodded at Kuai Liang, telling him to face Sektor in an exhibition match... Kuai looked at his brother but nodded with a smirk and turned towards Sektor, and walked to the center of the room and stood in his fighting stance. "Alright Sektor... you want to see what I can do, so come at me." he said to him. Sektor grinned and charged at the younger brother throwing fast punches at him, but Kuai Liang... the Lin Kuei warrior known as Tundra, blocked his attacks with greater speed. He blocked Sektor's attacks and landed quick jabs at him and kicked his side, throwing a jab at Sektor's neck causing him to choke... but the son of the Grandmaster was not going to tolerate this as he teleported and reappeared landing an uppercut against Tundra's jaw. He let out a grunt as he flew into the air, seeing Sektor go for an elbow strike... Tundra quickly blocked it and grabbed hold of his arm and threw him over as Sektor broke his fall and went to kick him. Bi Han's younger brother blocked his attack and punched at his face and kicked him away. Sektor slide on the ground but looked to him with a glare, and shot his flame thrower at him. "Burn you flawed copy!" he yelled. But Tundra used his power to freeze the flames as he charged at him, he leaped over the flames and kicked Sektor in the face. Seeing him roll on the ground, Tundra stood up and glared at his superior waiting for him to get up. "Come on Sektor... I haven't got all day..." he said to him. Sektor didn't either as he pulled out a hidden knife and struck at Tundra, but he blocked his attack and knocked the blade out of his hand elbowing him in the face, bruising his nose. "Pulling a poisoned dagger on me in this fight...? Its no wonder you've been winning so easily... cheater...!" he kicked him in the chest, fracturing it. Sektor rolled on the ground holding his chest from Tundra's attack, groaning in pain from it. He turned towards the blue assassin glaring at him for what he called him. "You should have learned by now... a Lin Kuei warrior will win, by any means necessary!" he charged at him throwing a few punches at him. Tundra avoided his punches and blocked his next attack, elbowing him in the jaw. Sektor let out a grunt but managed to grab his arm and pin him down. He landed a few punches against Tundra's face, and landed a hard uppercut against his face forcing his nose to bleed. Tundra grunted from it as he hit the ground, holding it as he looked to Sektor. "Time for you learn some respect, you pathetic wretch!" he went to hurt him some more. But Tundra blocked his next attack and flipped backwards landing a kick against Sektor's jaw, chipping a few of his teeth. He landed on the ground and held his mouth as he was bleeding. Tundra stood up and glared at him for the remark he made towards him. "If I'm a wretch, then you're a coward...!" he shot shards of ice at him. Sektor rolled away from the shards and charged at him with flames surrounding his fists from his flame throwers. He threw punches at him, but Tundra blocked his punches and grabbed hold of the flame throwers freezing them. "Not this time hot head!" he kneed him in the face further bruising his nose making it bleed like crazy. "Ooohh, you should put some ice on that..." Glaring at his pun, Sektor yelled out and landed a punch against his chest, fracturing it. He grabbed hold of Tundra and punched his ribcage causing his ribs to crack from the impact... he broke the ice on his flame thrower and prepared to blast fire in Tundra's face. But the cryomancer knocked his arm away as the flames shot towards the sealing of the Lin Kuei Temple, this angered Sektor as he went to try and burn him again. "BURN YOU PIECE OF FILTH!" he roared out. Tundra was not intimidated by his outburst, and grabbed his arm, pulling it back and bending it behind Sektor's back hearing him writhe in pain from it. "Not happening Sektor!" he exclaimed as he kicked his side, shattering his hip. He then formed a Kori Blade and slashed at his face, leaving a deep cut on his face. Sektor stumbled from it and touched his face, looking to the blood on his hands and turned glaring at him. But Tundra smirked in response as he went into his fighting stance. "I can definitely call that an improvement..." he said to him. Sektor however... was not very pleased as he roared out and threw swift attacks at him. Tundra evaded each of his attacks, blocking one after the other. He grabbed hold of Sektor's leg and struck against his knee, bending his leg back hearing him writhe in agony from it. Sektor held it but went for a strong uppercut, only for Tundra to grab hold of his arm and slam his elbow against it... dislocating from his shoulder. Sektor held his injuries that were inflicted by Tundra, and looked to him with a glare as he was still willing to fight. Tundra knew he was stubborn, but this is pride talking. Sektor went to strike him, but Tundra avoided his attack and kneed against his face and grabbed him by the ponytail throwing him over, slamming him on the ground punching against the back of his head as his face slammed against the ground. Rendering the red Lin Kuei assassin, unconscious as everyone praised Tundra as the victor. "There is no honor in you..." he said to him as the Lin Kuei approached him to give him praise. Bi Han approached him and smiled touching his shoulder. "You did well little brother... but could you maybe not show off in front of the ladies...?" he asked as he glanced to some of the female Lin Kuei warriors as they giggled in response. Kuai rolled his eyes and looked to him. "Bi Han, you know I don't have time to socialize..." he said to him. Chuckling at his response, Bi Han nudged him and wrapped his arm around him. "Okay, but you can't run from love Kuai... it has a way of catching up to you." he said to him to keep him on his toes. Of course, Kuai didn't really care what his brother says. He can handle anything the world could throw out at him. Present Day Castle of Friendship Training Grounds, Ponyville Equestria "Years after, my brother died in the Mortal Kombat tournament at the hands of Scorpion, and resurrected by Quan Chi as Noob Saibot. Corrupted by the darkness within him..." Sub-Zero explained to the white unicorn and looked to her. "Then after that, I took the name Sub-Zero, and took over as the new Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei..." "My... you must've had quite a history, not to mention a lot of charm given all the ladies were quite fond of you." Rarity said to him with a smile on her face. Chuckling at what she said, Sub-Zero looked to her with a smirk behind his mask. "Like I told my brother... I have no time to socialize..." he said to her. "Yet you're socializing right now..." Rarity pointed out with a grin. Sub-Zero let out an amused chuckle from hearing it, but his attention was pulled away when he hear flames and turned seeing Scorpion and his pupil Lightning Dust. "How is your teaching Sub-Zero...?" he asked him. "Rarity made some progress.. but judging by your arrival, I take it that its time...?" Sub-Zero asked him. Scorpion nodded to him as Sub-Zero turned to Rarity. "We best get ready..." he said to her as she nodded in response. 30 minutes later As the Main Six and the Earth Defenders gathered with the Princesses at the Castle of Friendship, Celestia turned to them in her warrior armor. "My friends... I know you lot are scared for what lies ahead. But if this mission is to succeed, all of us must return alive. I cannot risk losing you all to Shao Kahn and his forces. If any of you wish to stay... you can say so..." she said to them. "You kidding...? There's no way we're walking away from this, because I'm in..." Rainbow Dash said to her and looked to the others. "Who's with me?" she asked them. "I am... I can't let life in Equestria end." Fluttershy said to them wearing shaolin garments. "I for one can bear the thought of that monster conquering Equestria and ruining everything we've done up to this point." Rarity said to them. "Heck, if my chores on the farm get burnt to the ground, I'm gonna direct my anger towards someone. It might as well be Shao Kahn..." said Applejack as she crossed her arms. "I am so in! This is going to be so much fun!" said Pinkie as she was excited for their first trip to Outworld. "I still need to get back to my friends in Canterlot High... so count me in." Sunset Shimmer said to them. "I'm with you there Sunset... I can't wait to see how this goes." Chi said to her with a smirk. "We're with you to the end Princess Celestia... no matter what lies on the other side of that portal." Twilight said to her as she stood with her friends. Smiling at her student and her friends, Princess Celestia nodded to her and turned out focusing her magic. She concentrated it all in forming a portal to Outworld. The Main Six and the Defenders looked upon the portal knowing what lies on the other side, Celestia turned towards them seeing them ready. "Lets go..." she said to them as she walked into the portal. Everyone else followed after her, prepared for what likes ahead. Wastelands, Outworld Upon exiting the portal, the Mane Six found themselves walking on two legs for the first time. Twilight was familiar with it since her trip to the Canterlot High World, Rainbow Dash meanwhile... was falling over. "Whoa!" she stopped herself from falling on the ground. "What in the world happened?!" she asked. "Inter dimension travel causes the body to change..." Sub-Zero helped her up and dusted her off. "You'll get used to it... just focus on balancing." he said to her. Standing with his help and focusing on her balance, Rainbow looked to the others seeing their forms. "Wow... look at us..." he turned to Sub-Zero seeing his form. "So this is what you used to look like..." she pointed out to him. "More or less..." he replied to her and looked to Rarity. His face began to warm up as it turned red a bit. Rarity checked her form admiring it, but noticed him starring at her. "Is something wrong...?" she asked him. Snapping out of it, Sub-Zero turned away hiding it. "N-Nothing..." he replied to her. Scorpion noticed it and smirks, looking towards Rarity. "Rarity, you will accompany me and Sub-Zero..." he said to her. Sub-Zero was about to object to what he said. "I think that will be a splendid idea... assuming he won't mind...?" Rarity glanced to him who looked away trying to hide his red face. "Alright, focus everyone... we need to focus on getting to the entrance to the dungeon." Liu Kang said to them. "Easy for you to say Liu, but Shao Kahn's not a complete idiot to think we can outsmart him." Johnny pointed out to him. "I'm with Johnny on this..." Sonya approached and looked to Celestia. "Getting into the dungeon is one thing, but escaping is another... you guys are going to need a distraction if we are to get Raiden out of her." she said to her. Nodding to her suggestion, Celestia looked to her knowing what to do. "That is a wise plan Sonya Blade, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Rarity will provide a distraction for the fortress while another group targets the armory... me, Luna, Liu Kang and Kitana... will head to the dungeons while everyone heads to the Soul Tombs. One of the main sources of Shao Kahn's strength and power..." Ermac approached them. "We will lead them there... we are familiar with Shao Kahn's Soul Tomb, and know where to find it." he informed them. "I should accompany them sister... there is no telling what dangers are there." Luna said to her. "I'm well aware sister, but I need you by my side in this..." Celestia said to her and looked to the others. "You all know your assignments... lets move before we are discovered." she said to them as everyone split up to different corners of Outworld to provide distractions for Shao Kahn. Shao Kahn's Throne Room, Outworld "The Tarkatan's will invade the villages of Equestria, while my demon hordes invade the larger cities and kingdoms." Quan Chi organized the battle plans for the emperor. "From there, we will be able to dispatch the ruling heads of Equestria..." "Seem's simple enough... but these aren't just ordinary equines, heed I remind you Quan Chi..." Shang Tsung reminded him as he crossed his arms. "Not even Kintaro was able to defeat one of them..." "Yes, but not all of them are able to produce abilities like what we've seen before when we faced them. Some are still ordinary equines, easy enough to kill with no trouble at all." Quan Chi said to him and smirked looking to Shao Kahn. "Shall we proceed my Emperor...?" he asked him. Shao Kahn looked upon the battle plans and stood up. "Proceed... we will remind these creatures who their new masters will be... and merge their world with Outworld. Like we did countless others before it..." he said to them only to see a guard rush into the throne room. "Report...!" "Earthrealmers, Equestrians! They're attacking the fortress!" the guard exclaimed. Hearing it, Tirek looked to Sombra and Chrysalis and rushed to the balcony with the Emperor, seeing who was attacking. They saw that it was Scorpion, Sub-Zero and Rarity attacking most of the guards and Tarkatan's that were outside the fortress. "It's merely a small group... hardly an invasion..." said Tirek as he turned to the Emperor. "Yes... this could only be a diversion... Sombra, head to the dungeon. I have a feeling the rest of their friends are trying to save their precious Raiden." Shao Kahn said to him earning a nod from the dark king as he vanished. He turned his attention to Chrysalis and Shang Tsung. "You two... head to the Soul Tombs, I need them protected...!" "At once Emperor..." Shang Tsung bowed and opened a portal to the tombs, walking through it with Chrysalis. "As for you Tirek..." Shao Kahn turned his attention to the centaur. "I'll leave you to these fools..." he gestured to the group that was attacking the front gate. Tirek grinned at hearing it and walked out of the throne room, heading straight for the courtyard to face the trio down bellow. Meanwhile, Quan Chi looked to where Scorpion was and knew he had to finish what he started. Courtyard, Shao Kahn's Fortress, Outworld A Tarkatan snarled as he went to strike Rarity, but she quickly froze him and shot a diamond made of ice at his head shattering it and blocked a guards attack and pushed him away and kicked him in the nuts, hearing him cry out in pain of it and fall to the ground. "These brutes are hardly worth fighting... but they wanted a distraction." she said to Sub-Zero dodging another attack. Sub-Zero grabbed hold of the attacker that struck at Rarity and broke his arm, and snapping his neck. "Indeed... we need to give everyone enough time to get Raiden out." he said to her as he froze a guard solid. Suddenly the ground began to shake, and his attention turned seeing Tirek approaching. The centaur walked passed the guards and Tarkatan's moving them out of the way. He chuckled as he approached them and looked to Rarity. "Rarity... last I saw you, you were just a weak little pony... drained of her magic..." he grinned as he stamped his hoof on the ground, dragging it back. "And last I saw you Tirek, you were trapped in Tartarus in a more weakened state..." Rarity reminded him. "Yes..." Tirek growled and flexed his muscles. "But now I am strong... and will enjoy ripping the flesh from your body...!" he threatened her. Sub-Zero stepped up next to her and glared. "You want her, you'll have to deal with me...!" he challenged him. The centaur grinned at him and prepared himself. "With pleasure...!" he charged at him and went to crush him. "Rarity, move!" Sub-Zero dodged his crushing blow with Rarity. She formed diamond daggers with a hint of curated ice covering them, and tossed them at him. Tirek blocked them and glared as he snarled about to strike at her, but Sub-Zero threw an ice shard at his shoulder, piercing through his armor hearing him writhe in pain. He glared at the Lin Kuei and stood on his hind legs and went to stomp on him. The Grandmaster slid back and froze the ground beneath his hooves, watching Tirek slip and fall to the ground. "If you challenge us..." "You will be skating on thin ice Tirek!" Rarity charged at him and leaped kicking at his face. Tirek shook his head from it and snarled swinging his arm at her. She dodged it by sliding under it and threw ice into his mouth. "Hope your mother taught you not to speak with your mouth full." she chuckled as Tirek looked to it and glare, using his jaw strength to crush the ice growling at her. He charged at her, ramming against her chest about to crush her against a wall. But Sub-Zero grabbed hold of her and got her out of the way as Tirek rammed his head against the wall. Rarity looked to Sub-Zero as he held her in his arms like a princess. "T-Thanks Sub-Zero..." "Don't thank me yet, we still have him to deal with..." Sub-Zero said to her as he set her down and looked to Tirek as he pulled his head out of the wall and looked to them. He roared out and threw a punch at the Lin Kuei, but Sub-Zero blocked his punches and landed a few at his stomach hitting his abs. But Tirek only got angry from it and struck Sub-Zero on his shoulders and grabbed hold of his leg, throwing him at a spiked wall. Rarity used her ice abilities to form a slide, catching Sub-Zero as he slid avoiding the spikes and turning to Tirek. "Nice try..." he formed his Kori Blade charging at him. Tirek summoned a battle axe and swung it at him, only to see him slide under his attack and slice at his leg leaving a deep cut on his leg. Tirek roared out in pain from it and glared at him. "You will pay for that!" he smacked the grandmaster away. But while he wasn't looking, Rarity leaped into the air and kicked him hard in the mouth, knocking a few teeth loose. He writhed from it, and turned to her with his back towards her, raising his hind legs towards her and went to kick her. "Oh no you don't...!" she formed an ice wall, blocking it as the ice froze his legs to the wall. Tirek struggled to get himself from, but Sub-Zero charged at him forming a large chunk of ice on his fist, smacking it across his face as it shattered and fractured his cheekbone. The centaur writhed from it as he fell to the ground, but he wasn't going to give up so easily. "Seems he's still got some fight in him... don't suppose you can make a thicker block of ice...?" she asked him. "That would use up a lot of my strength... not really worth the risk. We'll simply have to out wit him with speed..." Sub-Zero said to her earning a nod from the humanized unicorn. Tirek meanwhile, stood up and roared out as he glared at the two. He charged at the two, Sub-Zero formed a chain out of thick solid ice and tossed it to Rarity. The two charged at the centaur and pulled tightly against his legs, tripping him over seeing him fall down to the ground. Sub-Zero took the chain and wrapped around the centaurs neck and threw him over, he watched as he crashed into a pile of bodies that were already dead. This immediately angered the centaur as he burst out of the pile and charged at him. "Here he comes... Rarity, help me with this!" he quickly worked on freezing the ground. Rarity helped him with freezing it as Tirek blindly charged at them. As he charged, he started to slip across the ice as Sub-Zero and Rarity leaped into the air. Tirek's eyes widened seeing them come at him, and kick him square in the face knocking him down. He crashed on the ground, and let out a groan as he fell unconscious. "Even Motaro has more honor than him..." he pointed out and looked to Rarity. "You followed my teachings well Rarity..." "Oh, well..." Rarity looked away with a small blush but looked to him. "I had a good teacher..." she said to him. Sub-Zero smiled in response as the two looked at one another. But the moment was ruined when Scorpion appeared before them. "If you two are done starring at one another... lets focus on the mission, and pray that the others are safe..." he reminded them and walked away. The two realized that he was right and focused on the task at hand. Before they could go further, they were suddenly stopped by blood darts and looked to the cause of it. Nitara, of the vampire clan... she hissed at them as she spread her wings. "You were fools to come here...!" she said to them. "Well darling, as much as I love the red, you are surely making a huge mistake." Rarity said to her. "I wouldn't get over confident Rarity... Nitara is a vampire, and she can be deceptive in a fight." Sub-Zero advised her. Chuckling from hearing it, Nitara looked to Rarity with a grin. "He's right you know... you never know what I am capable of." she said to her as her eye glowed brightly. Rarity's eyes soon began to glow red as she felt she no longer had control over her body. She turned to Sub-Zero and attacked him against her own will, the Grandmaster quickly blocked her attacks and slid away. "Rarity!" he exclaimed as he dodged her diamond shards. "I'm terribly sorry Sub-Zero, but my body is acting on its own!" Rarity cried out as she continued to attack him. Sub-Zero blocked her attacks to avoid getting hurt by her. "I can't fight it Sub-Zero...!" she formed a blade and struck at him only to see him block it. "My next attack might not miss!" she panicked. "I don't want to hurt you Rarity..." Sub-Zero said to her as he shoved her away. "Don't worry about it, just get it over with! I'll forgive you later!" she exclaimed and went to strike him. Sub-Zero blocked her attacks and punched her body to hit certain nerve points. But every time he did, Rarity unwillingly shielded them with diamonds to protect herself. This surprised Sub-Zero as she managed to land a kick against his mask, shattering it to pieces as his hood came off. "Sorry Sub-Zero!" she exclaimed. "Don't worry about it, I'll be fine...!" Sub-Zero kicked at her shattering the diamond shields, making her fall down. He charged at her raising his leg, throwing a downwards kick. Rarity quickly blocked it and struck against the Lin Kuei's leg and leaped up going for a punch. Sub-Zero immediately blocked it landing a few quick jabs at her shoulder hearing her yelp. He formed an ice ball and shot it at her, but she used her cryomancy to redirect it back towards him. Making him instinctively dodge it as the ice froze a tarkatan that was getting back up. Sub-Zero was surprised when he saw it, knowing that would have been him frozen stiff. He turned only to get a punch in the face by Rarity, but he grabbed her arm and pinned her. "Rarity... you have to resist Nitara's power, I know its difficult to try, but you must." he said to her. "I'm working on it, but I never thought a vampire's power would be this strong!" Rarity exclaimed as she broke free and kicked him several times in the torso. Fracturing a few ribs, and landed a quick jab at his neck hearing him writhe from it. "Sorry!" she cried out and went for another strike. Sub-Zero quickly blocked it and kneed her in her stomach, wrapped his arm around her neck, tossing her away seeing her crash on the ground. Nitara watched it but used her power to get Rarity back on her feet, and continue to attack Sub-Zero. "Could someone stop that bloody vampire?!" she demanded. Nitara chuckled hearing it but backed away to keep herself hidden, meanwhile Sub-Zero blocked Rarity's attacks to avoid getting killed. She formed a pair of blades and struck at him, while he summoned his Kori Blade deflecting her attacks and leaping above her and kicked her in the back. She stumbled from it, but she tossed the blades at him to pierce his flesh. But he kicked them away and turned to her, seeing her charge at him... forcing him to duck as she threw a kick at him. He grabbed hold of her and pinned her to a wall. "Sorry to put you in this position Rarity..." he said to her. "Perfectly fine... even though she still has control over my body, but-" her sentence was cut off when her other leg kneed him in the groin causing him to wince in pain from it. "Sorry!" she panicked as she landed a few jabs at his torso. He grunted from it as he backed away holding his private part and his torso. She charged at him and leaped going for a flying kick, but he quickly recovered and grabbed her leg and threw her down to the ground. She let out a grunt as she rolled over and kicked his face, causing him to spit out some blood. She grabbed a spear and swung it at him. He quickly summoned his Kori Blade, blocking her attacks and formed a second one catching the spear, slicing the tip off. But that didn't stop her from using the pole as she swung it at him, he dodged it avoiding her attacks. He swung his Kori Blade at it, chopping it up into little pieces. Rarity took the only remaining end and tossed it at him, only to see him catch it... she went to strike him down with a diamond blade, but the grandmaster wasn't planning on dying here. He grabbed hold of her wrists and twirled her around wrapping his arms around her neck. She struggled from it, but elbowed his rib cage and broke free of his grip, kneeing him in the chin fracturing it. He staggered a bit and shook his head, and watched as she was about to finish him. He grabbed her and held her close as he looked her in her eyes. "Sorry Rarity..." he said to her. "Sorry for wha-" before she could ask. Sub-Zero planted his lips against hers, catching her by surprise as her heart skipped a few beats and her mind couldn't focus. As her first kiss was taken by the Lin Kuei master, her eyes began to lower as they started to revert from red back to her natural blue... her eyes soon shut as she began to embrace it. This immediately stunned Nitara with surprise and shock from what she was seeing. "Well... didn't see that coming. But still... might as well kill them while I got the-" before she could attack them. Scorpion appeared behind her and struck her behind the head, knocking her out as she fell down to the ground. He leaped down and looked to the two who still had their lips locked together. "Really...?" he caught their attention as the broke their lip contact looking to him. "Now...?" he asked them. Realizing their situation, the two pulled away from each other as their faces were bright red. "W-Well Scorpion, you see-" his sentence was cut off when Scorpion held his hand up towards him. "And you don't want to hear it..." he said to him. "Exactly..." Scorpion replied but soon sensed a familiar presence. He quickly turned and shot fire at a soul skull that was flying at them, seeing it explode half way towards them. He looked to who fired it and glared seeing that it was Quan Chi, Shinnok's sorcerer... the murderer or the Shirai Ryu. "You...!" he glared at him. "It took you long enough to get here Scorpion... but then again, you're a survivor. You always have been... its one of the reason I chose you. Why I needed to eliminate the Shirai Ryu..." the sorcerer chuckled at him. "Do you remember that day Scorpion...?" he asked him with a grin. "I will never forget...!" Scorpion replied to him. Shirai Ryu Village, Earthrealm, Years ago before the Mortal Kombat Tournament During the massacre of both the Shirai Ryu, and several Lin Kuei that were killed by Hanzo Hasashi, the man who wasn't the Scorpion we all know to day. He looked upon the massacre that he wrought. The rage that consumed him after seeing the body of his dead wife, ceased... if only for a few minutes. "Enough!" called out a voice as Hanzo turned around seeing Bi Han, the first Sub-Zero. But secretly... it was Quan Chi in disguise. As he stepped out of the shadows, he revealed that he held Hanzo's son Satoshi as a hostage. His eyes widened, but he glared at him and started walking towards him. "Come further, and he dies..." he slightly tightened his grip as the skin around Satoshi's neck began to freeze. Seeing how scared his son is, Hanzo stopped moving as he glared at Sub-Zero. "What do you want...?" he asked the assassin. Sub-Zero grinned behind his mask as he held Satoshi in his cold grasp. "On your knee's...!" he said to him. Hanzo held his glare towards the Lin Kuei, but kneeled if it mean saving his son from death. But Sub-Zero blasted the Shirai Ryu leader, freezing him solid in ice as he screamed from it. He struggled but looked seeing Sub-Zero's grip tight around Satoshi's neck. "If you touch a hair on his head...!" he warned him Sub-Zero however, grinned at him as he held Satoshi. the young boy panicked as he looked at his father. "PAPA!" before he could cry for help, he felt an ice spike pierce through his neck... shocking his father of what Sub-Zero had done. "Pa... pa..." he said raspily as his life slowly faded away. Tears brimmed in Hanzo's eyes seeing what happened to his son. "Satoshi... Satoshi!" he cried out seeing Sub-Zero drop his dead body on the ground. Hanzo looked upon his young son's body as tears fell upon the ice that held him, he felt pain and sorrow fill his heart for the first time as he starred at his dead son. "Satoshi... Satoshi! SATOSHI!!!" he cried out to him trying to hear a response, but none came from young Satoshi as Sub-Zero cleaned the blood from his hand. Hanzo looked to him and glared in fury of what he did. "I'll kill you... I'LL KILL YOU!!!" he roared out as he struggled to break free of the ice. He managed to get his left arm free, earning Sub-Zero's attention earning a look of surprise. Hanzo broke his other arm free as Sub-Zero walked towards him, forming an ice spike in his hand as he stood in front of the Shirai Ryu leader earning a hateful glare. "You... will die for this...!" he warned him. "You first..." Sub-Zero replied and shot the spike into Hanzo's mouth, piercing his head against the giant chunk of ice he was trapped in. As Hanzo's life ended... it was the day when his life as Scorpion began, his path of vengeance... would come swiftly for the one who took his family and clan from him. Courtyard, Shao Kahn's Fortress, Outworld Quan Chi chuckled as Scorpion glared at him in anger, earning a glare from Rarity as well. "You heartless fiend! What kind of monster kills a child?!!" she demanded to know. "One who wanted to ensure the return of Shinnok... and now, with Scorpion returned, I will ensure that he does. Join me Scorpion, and together we can rule Equestria, and Earthrealm together." Quan Chi offered him the chance. But Scorpion wasn't a fool to take his offer twice. "Take it then, like you did my family...!" he stood in his fighting stance. Quan Chi glared at hearing it clenching his fists. "Very well... but please.... put up more of a fight than you wife did...!" he said to him with a sadistic grin. Scorpion roared out in anger and charged at him, avoiding a few magic blasts from the sorcerer and teleported next to him, throwing two kicks at him knocking him down. Quan Chi rolled across the ground and dodged his next attack. Scorpion struck the ground as Quan Chi got back up and used his magic to blast at the ninja specter. Scorpion dodged and ran from the blasts and threw his spears at him to pierce his flesh, but the sorcerer grabbed hold of them and stunned Scorpion with his magic. Throwing him over and slamming him down on the ground and wrapping the chains of his spears around his neck. "I'm going to finish the job... my demons couldn't...! Die you retched vermin!" he went to strangle the life out of him. But without warning, Sub-Zero kicked him away as Rarity flipped backwards, landing a kick against his nose causing it to bleed. Scorpion got free of his chains and coughed a bit looking to them. "What are you doing...?! This is my fight!" he exclaimed to them. "We're a team Scorpion... we work together, so don't argue... let us show this sorcerer the suffering we have both felt." Sub-Zero said to him as he and Rarity helped him stand up. Scorpion looked at the two of them seeing they were serious about helping him out. He even knew he couldn't take Quan Chi alone, but this time... he's not alone. He turned to Quan Chi as he stood in his fighting stance with his comrades. "Time to die sorcerer...!" he said to him. Meanwhile, Quan Chi cleaned the blood from his nose and grinned at him. "Indeed...!" he charged at them. Rarity threw a pair of diamonds at him, but the sorcerer leaped over them only to see Sub-Zero charging at him with an icy hammer. Smacking it against his face as Scorpion kicked him away. The sorcerer crashed on the ground but immediately got back up, letting out a hateful yell and glared at them. "I will not be bested by a group of insignificant weaklings!" he roared out and blasted at them. "The only one who's weak around here is you Quan Chi!" Rarity formed a diamond shield, blocking it. "Taking the lives of innocents just to get what you want!" she shot a diamond shard at him, piercing his shoulder. "And that kind of malice sickens me!" she roared out as she charged at him and clobbered him in the face, bruising his nose. He stumbled back from it and glared at the humanized unicorn, but his attention was turned as Sub-Zero went to strike at him. He quickly dodged his attack and punched Sub-Zero in the ribcage fracturing a few ribs. He let out a grunt from the punch, but Sub-Zero grabbed hold of his arm and struck it with his elbow, bending it backwards. Quan Chi let out a scream as he felt the pain in his arm, but he forced it back as he glared at them sending magic blasts at them. Rarity and Sub-Zero took cover while Scorpion leaped into the air throwing his spear at the sorcerer, only to see him leap out of the way as fire emerged where his spear struck on the ground. He landed on the ground and leaped towards him kicking Quan Chi with the flames that shot from the ground. But the sorcerer teleported above him, grabbing his head and slammed it on the ground fracturing it. Sub-Zero charged at him forming a Kori Blade and struck at his chest leaving a deep cut in both his armor and his flesh. "Rarity!" he called out to her. She charged at the sorcerer throwing two diamond shuriken's at him, landing them in his leg and arms. Quan Chi writhed from it as she ran up to him and struck his jaw, cracking it. She took her left leg and kicked it between his legs, busting his groin as he wheezed from it. She then formed an ice staff and struck it against his face sending him flying across the courtyard, he landed on the ground and groaned from it. "Get up... we're far from finished..." she said to him. "Yes... far from it...!" Scorpion agreed with her as Quan Chi got back up. The sorcerer summoned a pair of soul blades and charged at him. Scorpion pulled his swords out and blocked his attacks, he went to strike him but saw Quan Chi disappear through a portal. He looked around for him, but Quan Chi appeared behind him and stabbed Scorpion in the shoulder hearing him writhe in pain from it. He turned to the sorcerer and glared as the blade in his shoulder disappeared and summoned back to Quan Chi. "Sub-Zero... I'm going to need your help on this..." he said to him. "You lead, I follow..." Sub-Zero replied as Quan Chi charged at them. The two ninja charged together in unison, meanwhile Rarity shot a diamond kunai at him. He blocked it as he went to strike Scorpion, only to see him vanish as Sub-Zero formed an ice hard fist and clobbered it against his face while quickly freezing his feet to the floor. Seeing it, Quan Chi struggled to break free... only to feel a stabbing pain and looked down seeing two blades sticking out of him. Scorpion held his blades inside the sorcerer and pulled them out, as Sub-Zero backed away with Rarity. "He's all yours Scorpion..." he said to him. Scorpion nodded in response and walked in front of Quan Chi, throwing hard punches against the weakened sorcerer. Quan Chi tried to fight back, but the hard punches he was receiving left him in a daze as Scorpion relentlessly pummeled him to death. He roared out and struck Quan Chi hard in the chest, breaking a few ribs and breaking him free of the ice. Scorpion watched as the sorcerer weakly stood up from his attack, and threw both his spears into his arms hearing the sorcerer scream in agony. He pulled hard on the chains and ripped his arms off as Quan Chi screamed from it. But Scorpion was far from finished, he swung his spear and shot it right through Quan Chi's chest, breaking through a few ribs and disconnecting spine. "GET OVER HERE!!!" he roared out as he pulled Quan Chi towards him, and he caught the sorcerer by his neck. Quan Chi choked from Scorpion's tight grip as he looked to him. "My god... will avenge me...!" he warned him only to feel Scorpion's grip around his neck tighten as the ninja specter glared at the sorcerer. "Damn your god...!" Scorpion said to him as he tightened his grip one last time and ripped Quan Chi's head off and pulled out his spine with it. Sub-Zero shielded Rarity's eyes from it, knowing she wouldn't take it... he watched as Scorpion took off his mask revealing a flaming skull as he turned to Quan Chi's dead body and breathed fire upon it. As the flesh melted off the bones, Scorpion tossed Quan Chi's head and spine on top of the charred remains... and watched it burn with the body. "That... was for my clan... and for my family..." his eyes shut. Sub-Zero walked up to him and touched his shoulder. "Your family and clan can finally rest in peace... knowing that you have avenged them..." he said to him. The specter nodded in response and walked away to carry on the mission, meanwhile Sub-Zero looked to Rarity as she cleaned herself up from the battle they had with each other. "You going to be alright...?" he asked her. "Yes, I will be..." she said to him and blushed looking away. "Um... Sub-Zero, about that... that... kiss." she looked to him. "It was merely to snap me out of it, right...?" she asked him. Hearing her question, Sub-Zero looked away trying to hide his slightly red face. "I... I suppose it was, but... it..." he struggled to say the words. Rarity looked upon him and smiled as she walked up to him and kissed his cheek. "What ever the case... thank you for not hurting me so badly..." she said to him as she left Sub-Zero in a stunned state as he watched her go. Scorpion was surprised when he saw it and smirked walking towards him. "So, you and Rarity...?" he asked him. Snapping out of it Sub-Zero gave him a disapproving look. "Not... one... word..." he said to him as he walked away from the ninja specter. Scorpion knew he wanted him to keep his mouth shut, but he wasn't going to keep any promises. But he quickly regained his focus in fighting the forces of Outworld, and joined the fray. Meanwhile, Sub-Zero prayed for the others, hoping that his student and her friends along with the Princesses are safe. For who knows who they'll run into on their way to the dungeon, and the soul tombs. > Chapter 15 Nightwolf > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wastelands, Outworld In the Wastelands of Outworld, Reptile lead the Princesses, along with Liu Kang and Kitana. They stumble across the hidden entrance and walked to it. "This is where I got in... Raiden is just down the tunnel..." he said to them but smelled something looked out. "Come out Princess Twilight, I know you're there..." he said to her. Coming out of hiding, Twilight and Flash Sentry stepped out of hiding and surprised Celestia and Luna. "Twilight, you and Flash need to be with the others." Celestia said to them. "I know Princess Celestia, but we have been giving it a lot of thought, and trust me when I say... you will need backup in case you run into trouble." Twilight said to her. "She's right Princess, there's no telling what you may run into in that tunnel... you need us, so let us help." Flash said to her. Looking upon their students, Liu Kang looked to Kitana and turned to Celestia. "Princess Celestia, I'm afraid they're right... if we run into trouble, we need all the help we can get." he said to her. "Princess... they came all this way, so it would be wise to let them join us in saving Lord Raiden." Kitana said to her. Looking upon her student and the Canterlot Guard, Celestia knew that there was no way of changing their mind. So she let out a sign in defeat, and looked to them. "Alright... but stay close, I will not risk losing my best student..." she turned to Reptile and nodded. "Alright, lead the way..." he said to her. Nodding to the royal, Reptile lead her and the group into the tunnel. Meanwhile Liu Kang looked to his student with a disapproving look. "You're fortunate that we're not going to scold you both for straying away from the other groups..." he said to him earning a gulp from Flash Sentry as they walked into the dark tunnel. As they made their way down the tunnel, they were close to the dungeon, but suddenly the fires around them mysteriously went out. Celestia and Luna quickly formed light orbs and looked around and soon heard a dark chuckle. They turned seeing a familiar face, one Luna hoped never to see again. "Well, well, well... seems Shao Kahn was right to send me here, its been a long time your majesties... even you Princess Luna. Or should I say... Nightmare Moon..." Sombra revealed himself with a grin letting out a dark chuckle. She glared at him for hearing that title. "I am no Nightmare Moon... not anymore... you turned me into that monster!" she exclaimed to the dark king. "Ahh, but I can still sense that dark hateful aura in you... it made you all the more beautiful when I ruled." Sombra shortened his red cloak up to his mid section on his back revealing a demonic arm that consisted of three large claws as the grasped the air as he looked to them with a sadistic grin. Liu Kang was shocked from what he saw of him. "By the Elder Gods...!" he muttered in shock as he looked at the demonic hand. "Like it...? It is something I stole from Shang Tsung's Flesh Pits..." Sombra explained where he got it and how he took off his own arm replacing it with the new one. "And with it... I will use it to destroy you, and Shao Kahn! Outworld deserves a new ruler... and it might as well be me...!" he chuckled. Celestia glared along with her sister as she approached. "Outworld would never worship a tyrant such as yourself...!" she said to him. Sombra glared at the group as his demon hand glowed preparing to attack, the group charged at him to take him down so that they could get passed him. Soul Tombs, Outworld Meanwhile, with Applejack's group... they walked to the Soul Tomb as Ermac lead them to it. Applejack looked around seeing the tomb itself, it was massive... souls swirled around the chamber which frightened Fluttershy. "How could someone consume this many souls...?" she asked. "Beats me... either he eats one a day, or he's just a sick animal with a thick stomach." said Rainbow Dash as she looked to Ermac. "So Ermac, what can you tell us about this place...?" she asked him out of curiosity. Looking upon the Soul Tombs, Ermac is reminded of his dark past when he was in service to Shao Kahn."The Soul Tomb's give Shao Kahn his strength... thousands if not countless vanquished warriors, of every realm he conquered. It was where we were born... why we have so many souls in one body. Why we were created to fight for Outworld in the name of Shao Kahn." he informed them of his dark past. "Sure brings back memories... this is where you took my arms..." Jax pointed out as Ermac looked down in regret. Applejack looked to the soul ninja giving him a look. "Guess that explains so much now..." she was close to clobbering the soul ninja after hearing it. Nightwolf quickly stopped him from doing so. "He did what he was made to do... there's no changing that." he said to her and looked around. He was getting a bad feeling about it as he looked through the room, only to hear a clicking sound in a distance. "Get down!" he grabbed Applejack and pulled her down as guns were shot and the bullets missed them. He looked to who shot at them and saw that it was Erron Black of the Black Dragon. He twirled his pistols as he placed them in his holsters. "Nice of you to show up everybody..." he said to them. Chrysalis and Shang Tsung approached and looked to them. "We have been expecting you..." he said with a grin. Getting off the ground, Applejack dusted her jacket and glared at them. "Funny way of sayin' howdy partner..." she said as she pointed it towards Erron Black. "And here I was actually sayin', goodbye..." Erron replied to her as he walked toward her. "But what brings a fine looking cowgirl like you here...?" he asked her. "That is none of your business... and if you're tryin' to get fresh with me, you best better think twice." Applejack warned the outlaw. Erron chuckled as he approached her. "Easy sugar... just bein' friendly..." he said to her as he touched her shoulder. But Applejack wasn't going to tolerate his flirting as she formed a first as the Bear Spirit's paw formed and she struck him away, seeing him slide away from her. He groaned from it and looked to his chest as spiritual smoke came off it, he looked to her with a scowl and stood up. "Well that was a neat little trick... but of course, you just made a big mistake sweetheart..." he said to her. Nightwolf looked around seeing Tarkatan warriors surrounding them, he turned to them glaring. "Never took you for a coward Black... hiding behind Tarkatan's..." he said to him. "When it comes to winning... you gotta do what's gotta be done. Kill them..." Erron ordered the attack as the Tarkatan's charged at them. Jax quickly blocked ones blades and clobbered him down, as Rainbow Dash dodged their attacks and electrocuted them. Fluttershy and Ermac avoided their attack as the humanized Pegasus threw a backspin kick against one of the Tarkatans. Meanwhile, Nightwolf and Applejack approached Erron Black with fists clenched. "Two on one...? That's not much of a fair fight..." he said to them. "Neither is wielding two guns... but you never followed the rules Erron...!" Nightwolf pointed out to him as he pulled out a tomahawk. "Let us settle this..." he said to him as he went for a strike. Erron blocked his attack with his pistols, avoiding the axe head, but Applejack leaped over the shaman and clobbered him in the face sending him flying towards a wall. As he crashed against it, Erron shook his head and glared at them. He whipped his pistols out shooting at them, but Nightwolf changed into his wolf animality running from the shots as Applejack ran the other way. The two charged at Erron as he shot at them, but his guns soon ran out of ammo as he went to pull out his Winchester rifle and shoot at them. Applejack quickly knocked the gun out of his hands and landed hard punches against his face, throwing a kick to the front of his torso, bruising his abdomen. He groaned from it and looked to her. "You definitely got some kicks... but you'll need more than that!" he threw a punch at her. She dodged his attacks, but he quickly grabbed her hair pulling it as she screamed from it. He punched her in the gut and went for an uppercut, but Nightwolf grabbed his arm stopping him. Giving Applejack a chance to break free as her fist was surrounded by a spiritual bear paw, and clobbered him in the face with it. He crashed on the ground, but kicked at Applejack's leg and struck Nightwolf with his right arm... he got up and went to strike at Applejack. The shaman stumbled from it as he summoned a spiritual bow and arrow, firing it at his hand. As it landed in the back of his hand, Erron writhed as he held it and turned to him pulling out a knife, throwing it at him. Nightwolf quickly knocked it away and punched at him relentlessly... but Erron managed to grab hold of his next attack and punched him away. "You forgot something!" Applejack yelled out as she kicked him hard in the ribs, breaking several of them as he writhed in pain from it. "One of the perks of being an apple farmer, we work a lot on our leg strength." she said to him. Chuckling at it, Erron looked to her as he got up. "I had a farm myself... my ma and pa always put me to work in it, letting me do all the hard work. If I didn't do anything right, my pa would always beat me... wanna know what I did...?" he asked her. "Like heck I wanna know... so quit yer yappin'!" she exclaimed as she threw a punch at him. He quickly dodged it and grabbed her arm, throwing her over about to strike her face while she was down. Nightwolf snatched him with his spiritual bow and pulled him away from her, the outlaw struggled from it as Applejack got up and kicked him right in the groin hearing him groin from it as he walked away groaning in pain of it. "Feel like walkin' away? Or do you wanna keep gettin' hurt...?" she asked him Groaning a bit, Erron turned facing them and glared as he shook off the pain. "Not bad sweetheart... but now... you've just gone and pissed me off." he grabbed his Winchester rifle and swung it, hitting her in the face with it. She yelped from it, as Erron grabbed her and landed his knee against her stomach. She coughed up some blood from the impact, but she gritted her teeth and broke free landing the back of her hand against his face. He flew across the room from it as Nightwolf charged and formed a spiritual knife in his hand. He yelled out and stabbed his shoulder as he slammed him on the ground, hearing him writhe in pain from it. He quickly grabbed some dirt and tossed it in is face, causing Nightwolf to go temporarily blind as he broke free and kicked him down. The shaman rolled across the ground, and slid on the ground as he quickly cleaned his eyes of the dirt seeing Erron charge at him. He leaped and was about to kick him back down, but the shaman avoided his attack and grabbed his legs throwing him towards Applejack as she clobbered him in mid air, flipping him over as he slammed on the ground. He groaned from it, and managed to load one bullet in his gun and fire it at Nightwolf. The shaman quickly grabbed a Tarkatan as the bullet shot it in the heart, and Nightwolf shot an arrow through Erron's hand. He groaned in pain from it, and looked only to see Nightwolf charge at him and kick him square in the face, sending him flying across the room and crashing against a totem, falling unconscious. "May the great spirit have mercy on your soul..." he said to him and looked to Applejack. "You okay...?" "I'll live... nice work back there..." Applejack said to him as he pulled out his tomahawk and strike down a Tarkatan that was gonna strike her from behind. She looked to him surprised and let out an exhale. "Thanks..." "Don't mention it..." he replied to her but turned seeing Chrysalis charge at him. He got tackled by her, separating him from Applejack. She flew to another section of the Soul Chambers and slammed him down on the ground, resulting in him kicking her away as he got back up looking to her. "Chyrsalis... Queen of the Changelings..." he said to her. "Soon to be your queen, once I force you to kneel before me..." Chrysalis said to him. Nightwolf gripped his tomahawk preparing to fight, the Changeling Queen hissed and charged at him... he dodged each of her attack and avoided a claw to his face. She glared seeing it and threw a slide kick at his feet, forcing him to avoid each attempt of her trying to trip him. She soon pulled a sneak attack and kicked his shoulder, and smacked him with her other leg as he flopped onto the ground. He shook his head and looked seeing her about to dig her high-heel into his face, he quickly dodged it and summoned his bow and arrow firing a shot. She dodged it only to see him land his elbow against her stomach, getting her to cough up yellow blood from it. She snarled as a stinger went to strike him, but he leaped away from it as he gripped his tomahawk. "That's gonna be hard to get by..." he muttered. Chrysalis cleaned the blood from her mouth and glared at him. "For striking the queen... I owe you for that!" she swung her stingers at him. He pulled out his tomahawk and formed a spiritual replica and blocked her attacks, avoiding to get stung. She snatched his leg with on of her stingers and tripped him over, as he fell to the ground she went to sting him. Only to see him summon his bow and arrow and shot her away, forcing her to crash against the wall. The shot didn't kill her, but it did make her furious from it... she hissed from his attack and charged at him. Nightwolf blocked her attack and landed a punch against her chest and landed a powerful kick against her side, fracturing a few ribs and landed a hard uppercut against her jaw hearing it crack. Hey grabbed her arm and threw her over and slammed her on the ground, she shrieked from it and kicked him in the face and got him to back up. She swung her leg about to stomp on his head, but he quickly caught her leg. Redirecting it as it hit the ground as he landed a few punches against her body and slammed an elbow attack against her left cheek. She stumbled from it as Nightwolf summoned the great spirit to him. "Stand down now Chrysalis... this will be your only warning." he said to her. But Chrysalis only let out a dark chuckle as she looked to him. "Is that so...? Now lets see what's on your mind..." eyes glowing as she looked into his mind, seeing that protecting Applejack meant a lot to him. More than that... his feelings for her were strong, strong enough to even strengthen her power as she charged at him. He went to strike her, but she dashed behind him and grabbed hold of him, putting him in a choke hold. "Mmm... the feelings you have for that apple farmer is exquisite! Perhaps you didn't know shaman... but changelings feed on ones love, and it strengthens them ten times stronger...!" she informed him as she let out an evil laugh holding her grip around him. "Soon... you'll never see that pretty little blonde again...! I will see to that..." she hissed as her fangs grew out about to bite down on his neck. But before she could, Nightwolf transformed into his wolf animality and grabbed hold of her, throwing her off as he let out a snarl. Chrysalis crashed against a few soul chambers, and looked to him surprised. He growled at her and showed his claws. "There is one thing you didn't count on Chrysalis... the strength of an animal spirit...!" he snarled and charged at her. He struck at her leaving cuts through her hard skin, and swung a kick landing it against her jaw, chipping a few teeth. He leaped into the air and punched at her nose, bruising it as blood spilled out. He then grabbed hold of her body and threw her over, slamming her against a wall and kicked her against it. She fell to the ground, and shook her head forming a glare towards him as she was about attack him, but Nightwolf tossed a spiritual tomahawk at a loose rock, causing it to fall down on Chrysalis' head knocking her out. "Be thankful I choose not to kill you..." he said to her as he looked out. "I need to get back to the others..." he ran off. Shao Kahn's Dungeon, Outworld Meanwhile, in the dungeon, Sombra walked out of the secret tunnel with a grin on his face... only to collapse on the ground falling unconscious. Celestia walked passed him with the others, leaving the dark king in a puddle of his own blood. Liu Kang looked upon the dark king, sensing just how evil he is despite having the new arm. "How could one so diluted as him become a monster...?" he asked. "Some aren't born evil... but they are made evil." Luna said to him as she turned facing him. "Sombra once loved the original ruler of the Crystal Empire before Cadance... but Amore's hear belonged to another, which turned Sombra into the fiend we now know." she pointed out. Kitana was surprised when she heard it and looked to the fallen king. "I can't believe it... what did he do...?" she asked the lunar princess. Luna looked down in remembering it, but turned to give her an honest answer. "He killed them..." she said to them and walked away. Liu Kang watched her go and looked upon Sombra, but he chose not to show pity for such a dark creature such as him. He followed the Princesses along with Flash and Twilight, Reptile lead them to the cell Raiden is being kept in. "This is his cell... he should be inside." he said to them. Celestia opened the door quickly and rushed inside. "Raiden!" she cried out only to see that his cell was empty, and the bars were melted by pure heat. "No..." she muttered to herself as tears fell. Liu Kang looked around and found a guard knocked out on the ground, and rushed to him getting him to wake up. "What happened...? Where's Raiden...?" he asked him. Panting exhausted, the guard looked to him panicked. "It was insane... he looked weak, but he broke out..." he said to them. "Seems he did have a plan after all.." said Reptile as he looked to Celestia. "That's not all... he had help from someone... someone from Outworld, I couldn't see who it was... but she helped him escape." the guard said to them. Kitana looked to Twilight with an idea. "Twilight, think you can recreate exactly what happened with your magic...?" she asked her. "I'll try, but I need time to see what happened... there's no doubt in my mind that other guards heard what happened down here." Twilight said to her as she focused her magic to recreate the scene. She used astral projection to form images of who was in the cell with Raiden. As she recreated the scene, Celestia looked upon Raiden seeing his form... not caring that he became Dark Raiden. As Twilight played the scene... Flash watched who walked into the cell, and saw that it was Mileena which immediately gave him chills. "Oh no... not her again..." he panicked a bit. "Mileena...? But... why is she here..." Kitana asked out of curiosity. As she watched the scene continue, the guard walked in and was going to kill Mileena, but Raiden blasted out of the cell, attacking him as he protected Mileena. Twilight finished the scene as both the half breed and the thunder god ran out of the room "What could this mean...?" "It means that Mileena is helping the thunder god escape... more than likely she's gone rogue as I have." Reptile suggested. "We need to regroup with the others, and return to Equestria..." said Flash as he looked to Celestia. "Princess, we need to go..." he said to her. But Celestia looked upon the cell, earning a concerned look from Luna as she approached her sister. "Sister...?" she touched her shoulder. "Celestia, snap out of it!" she snapped her back to reality as she looked upon her younger sister. "We need to leave, now...!" she said to her. Celestia looked back to the cell, but looked to her and nodded in response as she ran out. Her allies followed only to see the guards chasing after them as the tried to escape the dungeon. Soul Tombs, Outworld Back in the Soul Tombs, Nightwolf returned as his allies were still alive. Ermac blocked Shang Tsung's attacks, only to get struck as some of the souls within him were sucked out of his body by the sorcerer. "Once your souls are mine... I will be all powerful...!" he went to drain him further, but Nightwolf charged at him and kicked him away from Ermac. The sorcerer looked to him surprised, and quickly got back up. "You...?! Alive?! What did you do to Chrysalis?!" he asked him. "Have no fear... she's still alive, which counts me fortunate..." Nightwolf said to him. Shang glared at the shaman and held up a flaming skull. "Fortunate that you should face me...!" he shot it at him. Nightwolf quickly dodged it and struck at him, but Shang blocked his attacks and struck his rib cage hearing him grunt. Nightwolf retaliated with an elbow strike, hitting him in the face as Shang stumbled from it. He shook his head and swung a kick at the shaman, only to see him catch his leg and strike at his knee bending his leg back. He let out a painful scream and limped away from Nightwolf, he held his leg and quickly put it back into place as Nightwolf charged at him. He went to kick him, but the shaman dodged it and summoned a spiritual knife and struck at his shoulder, knocking him over and caused lightning to strike him. "My ancestors guide me Shang Tsung... yours care little for you..." he said to him. Shang got up from the ground and fixed his shoulder from the blade. "You know little of my history... as for yours... you will fall just like your previous predecessor...!" he struck at him, Nightwolf blocked his attacks and pulled out a war club and struck him away. The sorcerer hit the ground and shook his head from it, he got up and threw a flaming skull at him. Nightwolf struck it away with his war club only to get kicked in the face by Shang as he fell to the ground. "Though I am thankful you did not kill Chrysalis... I'm afraid I cannot let you leave this place alive!" he went to kill him. But Nightwolf had no plans to die here, he quickly summoned his spiritual bow and arrow and shot him in the shoulder where he stabbed Shang with his knife, hearing the sorcerer writhe in agony from it. He charged at him landed his knee against his nose, breaking it. He landed several punches against his face, and landed it a hard punch to his stomach, forcing him to cough up blood. He grabbed him and threw him over, slamming him on the ground and stomped on his shoulder. He screamed from it but kicked him away as he changed his appearance to Reptile and dashed passed him, causing him to spin taking the chance to change into Rain and kick him away as he went through a portal and fall behind him. Shang went to crush him, but Nightwolf caught his leg knocking him over. "Do not count me out of the fight just yet Shang Tsung...!" he punched him several times while Shang managed to block several of his attacks. Shang blocked his attacks avoiding even a few cuts from his tomahawk, he grabbed his wrist and pinned his arm against his back hearing him writhe from it. "Prepare to join your ancestors shaman... for your soul will be mine!" he went to kill him. But his attempt was ruined when a spear from an unknown source came between them, piercing the ground. He turned to the source and saw it was a cloaked woman hiding in the shadow. She leaped towards him and landed a few powerful kicks at his chest, fracturing it as Shang Tsung slid away from Nightwolf and looked to her. "Who dares to interfere?!" Nightwolf looked to her and was surprised from when he saw her. She removed her hood showing she had the appearance of an African woman, but had the attire of a warrior witchdoctor. She even had stripes which matched that of a zebra as she looked to Shang Tsung, with a glare that would cut through metal. "To my share of protection I make me claim, and Zecora... is my name." she said to him in rhyme as she looked to Nightwolf. "Can you stand...?" she asked him. He nodded to her and stood up with her help. "Thank you..." he said to her as he took her spear and gave it to her. He turned to Shang as he glared at the two shaman warriors. He roared out as he changed into his cobra animality and hissed at them. "This will be tougher than I thought..." he muttered as Shang hissed and when to bite them. The two warriors leaped avoiding the cobra's venomous bite, Zecora looked seeing his tail come at her and quickly used her agility to avoid his strike. She took her spear and stabbed his tail to the ground, hearing him shriek from it. Nightwolf took his tomahawks and charged at him, swinging them as he struck through the hard scales of the cobra. He shrieked as he glared at them, he hissed and spat venom at them. The two shaman warriors and leaped back from the venom, and charged at him. They leaped toward him landing two powerful kicks against his head and knocked it against his a column knocking him out. He collapsed to the ground, and reverted back to his human form, Nightwolf put his tomahawks away. "My soul is not yours to take..." he said to him and looked to Zecora. "I thank you for your help Zecora... but how did you get into Outworld...? You weren't amongst us at the Castle of Friendship..." "I had my own way of arriving, and watched you and our allies endured the fighting." Zecora explained to him and looked seeing more Tarkatan's arriving. "It would appear that we have more to fight, and we might stand together in order to escape with all our might." she said to him. Nightwolf nodded as the Tarkatan's attacked them, he blocked ones attack and kicked on away and looked seeing Baraka. He watched as the Tarkatan leader charged at him and struck at the shaman, Nightwolf quickly blocked his attacks and dodged his next attack. "Still being Shao Kahn's loyal lapdog Baraka...?" he asked him. "Shao Kahn conquered my realm, I owe my loyalty to him you foolish shaman...!" Baraka extended his blades and went to strike him. Nightwolf blocked his attacks, and grabbed his arms. "Your loyalty will be your downfall Baraka...!" he kicked him away and struck his arms. He avoided his blades and pulled out his tomahawks and blocked them, Baraka let out a snarl and went to bite him. Nightwolf got him to bite down on the handle of his tomahawk, and kneed him in the gut, landing his elbow against his right cheek bone fracturing it. But the Tarkatan retaliated as his blades retracted, and he landed the back of his hand against the shaman's face. He stumbled from it, and saw Baraka going for a strike with one of his blades... he dodged it, grabbing his arm and fell back throwing him over as Baraka screamed and crashed against a walls close to the soul chambers. Shaking his head from what Nightwolf did, he glanced to the shaman with a glare and snarled charging at him throwing a kick. Nightwolf blocked his attacks only to get struck in the face as Baraka struck him in the belly and landed a hard uppercut to his jaw sending him flying. Nightwolf crashed on the ground letting out a groan, meanwhile Baraka was growling as he slowly approached him. "I will enjoy feasting on your flesh after I finish killing you...!" he snarled about to strike him down, but Nightwolf dodged his attack and landed a powerful kick against his jaw. The Tarkatan shrieked from it and quickly retaliated with an extended blade and went to cut him down, but Nightwolf kicked against his chest and leaped into the air summoning his bow and arrow. Firing it at Baraka as it impaled into his shoulder, he quickly shot a shard at Nightwolf hitting him in the leg. He let out a scream from it as he held his leg and quickly pulled out the shard, panting from the pain he felt. Applejack noticed it, and her eyes widened as she quickly finished off a Tarkatan that she had in a headlock and ran towards them, while Baraka was getting ready to impale Nightwolf in the heart for shooting an arrow into him. He rose his blade about to kill him, but Applejack grabbed the blade and broke it off... landing a hard kick to his abdomen causing him to writhe in agony from it as he crashed against the soul chambers causing it to crack. She quickly turned to Nightwolf and kneeled to check on him. "You okay Nightwolf...?" she asked him. "I will be... thanks to you..." he replied to her and smiled. But Baraka was not finished yet, as he got up forming a new blade in his right arm. Nightwolf noticed it and looked to Applejack. "Go help the others, I'll be fine..." he said to her as he quickly put bandage wrappings around his leg where the shard was and looked to the Tarkatan leader as he got up to his feet and Applejack returned to the others to help them escape. Baraka charged at the shaman swinging his blades wildly, Nightwolf blocked his blades with his war club avoiding each and every slice Baraka threw at him. Baraka went to land a killing blow towards him, but Nightwolf knocked his jab away as he smacked his other cheekbone with his war club, demolishing it. Baraka stumbled from it and shook his head still feeling the pain from the war club, but he was not going to let that stop him from getting a taste from the shaman. He leaped into the air as both his blades extended, Nightwolf prepared for what was next. But out of no where, a bear paw swatted Baraka into a wall... causing him to writhe out in pain from it. Nightwolf was surprised and looked seeing Applejack using the bear spirit's strength to slowly crush Baraka, but the Tarkatan managed to escape and glare at the cowgirl. "You little wretch!" he snarled and charged at her. She blocked his attacks but got a scratch on her leg that caused her to yelp from it, giving Baraka an opening to finish her. But Nightwolf wasn't going to let that happen as he grabbed hold of Baraka's arm and slammed his elbow against it, bending it back as the Tarkatan roared out in pain from it. "No one... touches my friend...!" he said to him as he kicked him in the stomach, and landed a hard punch against his mouth knocking out a few sharp teeth. Baraka fell towards the ground and rolled across it, feeling dazed as he slowly got back up to his feet holding his head seeing double. The shaman glared as he changed to his wolf animality, and snarled landing powerful claw strikes against the Tarkatan. He clenched a fist and landed a powerful uppercut against his jaw, breaking it as Baraka was sent flying and hit the ground unconscious. Nightwolf growled at him and let out a powerful howl in victory, scarring the rest of the Tarkatan's away. Applejack approached him and walked towards him, and touched his shoulder. "Easy Wolf... its alright now..." she said to him as Nightwolf let out a few harsh pants, but slowly reverted back to his human self. "There you go big guy..." Panting a bit, Nightwolf finally calmed down, letting go of his primal self and looked to her. "Thanks AJ..." he said to her and looked seeing Flash show up. "Flash, where's Princess Twilight...?" he asked her. "The Armory, to find the others... Raiden isn't in Outworld." Flash informed them. "WHAT?!!" Nightwolf and Applejack said in unison. "Its a long story, but come on, we have to regroup with the others." Flash said to them and ran off. Nightwolf and the others followed after him to regroup with their fellow defenders. Armory, Outworld In the armory, Kung Lao and his team took out several palace guards, cleaning up their injuries. Chi meanwhile didn't have to worry about cleaning up, given her reputation as a spirit. "That went well... that'll slow down their weapon supply and cut the numbers in Shao Kahn's army..." she said and looked to Sunset. "Yeah... but why do I get the feeling something isn't right...?" Sunset asked as she looked to the wisp. "You getting the same feeling...?" she asked her. The wisp shrugged only to see Twilight run in. "Guys, we need to get back to Equestria... something went really wrong with the mission..." she said to them. "Whoa... slow down Twilight..." Johnny said to her as he walked up. "What happened...?" he asked her. "Raiden wasn't in his cell, he escaped... with Mileena..." Twilight informed them. Both Sonya's eyes along with Johnny's widen in shock from hearing it, and Sonya held her hands up and looked to her. "Did I hear that right...? Raiden escaped with Mileena...?" she asked her. Twilight nodded to her in response, causing Sonya to hold her head in shock. "If we ever find them, I am going to hurt someone." she said as she pointed towards Johnny. "You being the first..." "Hey, leave me out of this... I already had my balls crushed by you twice on Shang's island, you're not getting another shot..." Johnny said to her. "Guys!" Kung Lao walked up to them. "We can settle this little drama later, right now... we need to get out of here." he pointed showing Tarkatan Warriors charging at them. They all nodded in agreement and ran off, while Cyrax threw a couple bombs toward them and Smoke along with Trixie smashed a pair of smoke bombs on the ground. Giving them the chance to escape, and leave the armory in ruin. Canterlot Castle, Equestria Upon returning to Canterlot, Celestia stepped out of the portal and sat down as tears fell. "I swore that I would rescue him... but I failed..." she sobbed a bit. "Sister, I'm sure he's alright... I mean, if Mileena got him out, they could be anywhere." Luna said to her. "Princess Luna's right your majesty, there's no sign that she had any intention of killing Raiden... so its possible they're hiding somewhere safe in Outworld." Liu Kang said to her. Sonya crossed her hooves not convinced. "Or she's simply torturing him..." she said earning disapproving looks from the others. "Come on, I'm not the only one thinking it... Mileena is capable of doing anything." she said to them. "I can't but agree Sonya Blade... but even if Mileena did save him, I do not trust her." Celestia said to her. "Which brings us to the question, where did she take him...?" Twilight wondered as she approached. "There are possibly a dozen places in Outworld she could have taken him, it'd take us days to find them." she said to them. "How bout a quick second...?" asked a familiar scary voice. They all turned around and saw Mileena and Raiden standing before them. They were surprised just from seeing her, she approached with Raiden and looked to Celestia. "Princess Celestia... I know you must think I'm doing this to earn your trust, but please listen-" her sentence is cut off however when Celestia summoned a solar spear and held it to her neck. "I am not here to deceive you...!" she said to her. "Give me a good reason why I shouldn't kill you beast...?!" Celestia demanded to know her intentions. Looking at the angered princess, Mileena slowly reached with one hoof grabbing her mask. Slowly pulling it down showing a bruise left by Shao Kahn, Celestia was surprised from when she saw it... as were the Main Six, and the Defenders as she put her mask back on. "I have disowned my father with every fiber of my being... why else would I risk helping Raiden...?" she asked her. Celestia looked upon her, feeling unsure of what to do... but before she could answer. Raiden used his magic to pull her solar spear away from Mileena. "Celestia... Mileena is not the enemy this time, she sacrificed everything to get me here to Equestria... but..." he looked to himself seeing his dark form. "No matter my efforts... I cannot change what I have become..." The alicorn looked upon the dark thunder god, but approached him touching his face. Only to pull him into a hug as tears fell and her solar spear vanished. "I don't care Raiden... I would give everything I have to trade places with you. But I cannot bear to see you suffer like this..." she said to him. Surprised by her words, Raiden looked down but held his beloved princess as tears brimmed. Twilight and the others watched it, and smiled a bit from seeing them reunited. But Twilight looked down in thought as she tried to think of a way to help, and suddenly... it came to her as she looked to the two. "Princess... I think I know something that can help..." she said to her. Castle of the Two Sisters, Equestria Within the gorge by the Castle of the Twin Sisters, Twilight and the others walked to the Tree of Harmony as the Elements of Harmony stayed in its branches. Liu Kang and Kitana gazed upon the tree, stunned by its immense beauty and wonder. "So this... is the Tree of Harmony...?" asked Liu Kang as he looked upon the tree. "Yes... the same tree that bears the Elements of Harmony that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna used to trap Discord in stone..." Twilight informed him of the tale. "Should have kept him that way, if you ask me..." Scorpion said to them. Right on cue, Discord appeared next to him with a disapproving look. "Excuse me, but I've changed since then, so don't judge a book by its cover, Scorpy!" he said to him. "Or a snake by its color, Discord...!" Scorpion glared at the being of chaos, as he returned the glare. Fluttershy soon got between them separating them. "That will be enough of that, either you two get along... or I will have to use the stare on both of you to make sure that happens...!" she warned them earning frightened looks from each of them, knowing just how scary she can be. Meanwhile, Twilight approached the tree along with Celestia and Raiden and looked to them. "I know it is a long shot, but the Elements of Harmony helped so many when they were doing wrong deeds... Luna becoming Nightmare Moon, destroying the vines that took you and your sister. But if there is a chance, the tree itself may be able to help Lord Raiden..." she said to her. "Princess Twilight, its too risky... there's no telling what may happen..." Raiden said to her. "Don't give up until you try Raiden, you can't give up hope... just give it a try, and maybe the tree will help you redeem yourself." Twilight said to him. Raiden looked at her but looked to the Tree of Harmony, he wanted to believe he was not beyond redemption... but it was hard for him to accept it. But for Celestia's sake... he needed to try. He walked towards the tree and looked upon it, he raised a hoof and slowly reached to it. A light shined around the tree from Raiden's touch, the light grew as it engulfed Raiden in the radiant light. Celestia shielded her eyes as she saw it, but she shut her eyes as the light turned bright. Within the realm of light, Raiden's eyes opened and looked around seeing the Realm of Light. His presence was soon graced by the spirit of the Tree of Harmony. "Welcome, Lord Raiden..." she said to him as Raiden turned around seeing the spirit, Harmony herself. "Welcome to the Realm of Light... a land between the realms of Equestria, and Earthrealm..." Seeing her surprised, Raiden shut his eyes and bowed his head. "Lady Harmony... it is good to finally meet you... I-" before he could explain. "You came here in seek of redemption... I know... but I have seen your memories Raiden, the things you did..." Harmony revealed his past memories, of when he committed suicide, turned into Dark Raiden, brought life to Liu Kang's dead body. Raiden looked upon his memories and shut his eyes in regret. "Your actions are beyond redemption, you caused too much pain and suffering to your allies... however..." she made the memories of his terrible deeds go away and brought forth images of the good he's done. "You helped so many... even Celestia when she was lost when she banished her sister Luna. You even found love... and I can still see it in your heart. But it is trapped by your guilt... and the mistakes of your past... you found it hard, to forgive others for their misdeeds... like when Shujinko was deceived by Onaga... and Quan Chi and Shang Tsung murdered Liu Kang... but what was even harder for you, to forgive yourself..." she said to him. Raiden lowered his head in regret, knowing she was right about him. "I couldn't find it in my heart to forgive... but when I am with Celestia, I would give anything to protect her... but not ask how I am now." he confessed to Harmony and looked to her. "I know that I am beyond your forgiveness... but I beg you... Equestria and Earthrealm are both in danger. I must help my allies..." he said to her. Harmony looked at him sensing there is still goodness in his heart, she took the chance to summon a familiar relic that belonged to him. "If you are to help defend Equestria... you will need this..." she revealed it as his amulet that was smashed upon the Pyramid of Argus. "An old friend... I had it repaired after if smashed on the pyramid." she said to him. She floated the amulet to him as it reach his chest. "All you simply have to do... is forgive yourself... will you do so in order to defend our realms?" she asked him. Raiden looked upon the amulet, knowing exactly what he had to do. He looked to her determined and nodded his head. "You have my oath... I will help defend Equestria, with the help of my allies..." he said to her as the amulet began to glow brightly and the light shined around him. Back in the realm of Equestria, the light shined from the Tree but began to dim as Raiden's silhouette began to show. But rather than showing his dark persona... he turned facing the his comrades showing that he has been redeemed. Rather than red lightning and black clothes, his traditional blue had been restored to him along with his amulet. Celestia looked upon the thunder god and smiles running to him, pulling Raiden into a hug as her tears ran down her face. Raiden smiled and held her in response. "I'm sorry for all that has happened Celestia..." Smiling at her beloved, Celestia nuzzled him despite what he became. "I'm just happy to see you are alright..." she said to him. "I had to face the harsh reality of my actions... shown to me by the spirit of the Tree of Harmony. In order to forgive those who have done wrong to others... I needed to forgive myself..." Raiden said to her and noticed that Mileena was distant from everyone else. "Mileena... step forward please..." he said to her. Mileena hesitated, but she worked up the courage to face them. Kitana watched her half sister approach the two alicorns, and kneel before them. "Lord Raiden... Princess Celestia... since Kabal's betrayal, it made me question my father's actions. As well as my loyalty to him. He's proven that he is no longer worthy being my father, or my emperor... so I helped Raiden escape in hopes I could help stop Shao Kahn... to fight beside my sister..." she said to them. Kitana looked upon her sister and looked to Raiden and Celestia, who looked to her as well. "That... is for her to decide..." she said as Mileena looked towards Kitana. Her twin sister looked upon the Tarkatus, feeling pity for her... she may be a clone of her, but she was still of royal blood. She approached her sister and touched her shoulder. "Mileena, all my life I have seen you as nothing but a grotesque monster... but now that I see you here as you are now... I'm beginning to see much more of me in you." she said to her. "Yes..." Sindel walked up to them. "With the right guidance... you can be just as great a ruler as your sister." she said to her. Kitana held her hoof to her in hopes she'll accept it. "Will you help us in the fight against Shao Kahn...?" she asked her. Mileena looked to her sister seeing her sincere expression, knowing she was serious of her offer. She hesitated a bit, but she reached to her hoof and took it. Pinkie at that moment, squealed and leaped into the air. "YES! Finally, we got another to turn against Shao Kahn! Well Kabal came on his own accord, but still counts." she said to him. "Gee, thanks a lot... should I be worried about her?" Kabal asked Stryker. "Trust me Kabal, its best you don't want to know..." Stryker said to him. "Hey, you know what this calls for...?" Pinkie asked them knowing exactly what it is. "A PARTY!!! Even though its gonna have to be cut short, given that Shao Kahn is probably gonna be coming for us..." she pointed out knowing she's right about it. "I can agree... Shao Kahn will not be pleased knowing that half his army is wiped out, and several of his allies left." Mileena said to them and looked to Pinkie. "As for the party..." she smirked behind her veil and looked to the others. "I can't see why not have one before battle..." Ponyville, Equestria Die Young belongs to Kesha: Short Animation by Vivziepop Music is heard from Vinyl's stage equipment as she played the instrumental song of Die Young as Mileena stood on stage. Everypony saw her as she kept her veil on and she turned to them smiling. Mileena; I hear your heart beat to the beat of the drums She stomped her hooves on the ground following the beat of the drums from the song. Oh what a shame that you came here with someone She teleported next to a pony wrapping her arms around him. So while you're here in my arms lets make the most of the night like we're gonna die young! Vinyl followed the beat on the track as Mileena appeared back on stage. We're gonna die young! Everypony followed the beat as each danced with one another. We're gonna die young! Liu Kang nodded his head listening to the beat along with Kitana. Sure it was a bit crude, but the song had a good beat to it, even for Mileena. Lets make the most of the night like we're gonna die young! Soon, Pinkie appeared on stage to sing beside her. Pinkie Pie; Oh, oh! Like we're gonna die young! Oh, oh! Like we're gonna die young! Oh, oh! Like we're gonna die young! Mileena; Lets make the most of the night like we're gonna die young! She turned to the crowd as they cheered, and danced to her song. Young hearts, out our minds running till we outta time Wild child's looking good living hard just like we should! Don't care whose watching when we tearing it up! Vinyl Scratch; Y'know! Mileena; That magic that we got nobody can touch! Vinyl Scratch; For sure! Mileena; Looking for some trouble tonight! Chi; Yeah! Mileena; Take my hoof I'll show you the wild side! Like its the last night of our lives! Ponies; Uh-huh! Mileena; We'll keep dancing till we die! She teleported to the top of Vinyl Scratch's stage. I hear your heart beat to the beat of the drums! She stomped her hooves to the beat of the track twice. Oh what a shame that you came with someone! So while you're here in my arms Flash smiled and looked to Twilight, taking her in his arms as he joined the dance with her. Twilight gladly obliged and danced with him, as everyone cheered. Liu Kang and Kitana did so as well, along with Kung Lao and Sunset Shimmer. Even Sub-Zero joined with Rarity as they joined the crowd, Scorpion was reluctant, but one look from Fluttershy... he couldn't say no. Lets make the most of the night like we're gonna die young! The music soon intensifies as the crowd cheered loudly. I hear your heart beat to the beat of the drums! She clapped her hooves as she leaped down to the stage. Oh what a shame that you came with someone! So while you're here in my arms lets make the most of the night like we're gonna die young! Pinkie Pie & Chi; Oh, oh! Like we're gonna die young! Mileena; Die young! Pinkie & Chi: Oh, oh! Like we're gonna die young! Mileena; Die young! Pinkie & Chi; Oh, oh! Like we're gonna die young! Mileena; Lets make the most of the night like we're gonna die young! The crowd cheered as the song ended, Raiden watched along side Celestia and smiled. But their thoughts soon returned to Shao Kahn, he will come for them with the full force of his army. Equestria will be in great danger when that happens... they needed to prepare for an invasion, for the fate of Equestria... was in their hooves. > Chapter 16 Raiden > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shao Kahn's Throne Room, Outworld Within the throne room of Outworld, Shao Kahn... was furious. He lashed out at every guard he could swing his hammer at, killing or injuring most of them. He roared out in anger and turned to his followers. "How did this happen?!! How did a bunch of mere incompetent ponies manage to best my best warriors, and escape with their thunder god?!!" he demanded to know. "From what Sombra told us... Celestia and her team got to the dungeon, even getting passed him. It was unwise of you to assign him to guarding the dungeon." Shang Tsung said to him and quickly ducked down as a spear was thrown at him by Shao Kahn as it pierced a guards chest. He snarled as he walked to his throne. "That's it... I have had enough...! I will no longer sit here while Raiden and his allies foil my plans." Shao turned towards his allies as his eyes glowed. "Gather our forces, its time we ended this game... once and for all...!" he growled. "Sire, it is unwise to attack... the Elder Gods forbid it, the rules of Mortal Kombat still apply to any realm you seek to conquer. Even without the centaurs, it will be foolish to invade without-" Goro was soon struck by Shao Kahn and was sent flying towards a wall, crashing against it. Shao Kahn walked towards him and held his hammer to his neck. "The Elder Gods fear me now... as should you Prince Goro... question my orders again, and I will have your skull ripped from your body...!" he left the Shokan Prince alone and walked out of the throne room with the others. Kintaro and Sheeva approached him and helped him up, as he cleaned his mouth from the blood that was spilled. "This is insane... Goro, even you can sense this..." Sheeva said to him. "Sheeva's right Goro... Mileena is missing, the Equestrians have their thunder god... and he had the audacity to strike the Prince of the Shokan?!" Kintaro yelled in a fit of rage and looked to where he went. "I should rip his flesh apart, piece by piece...!" "No Kintaro..." Goro stopped him as he looked to Shao Kahn. "Even with the power of Blaze... Shao Kahn is not invincible." he said to him. "Goro, what do you mean...? Shao Kahn has the power to rival even that of the Elder Gods." Sheeva said to him. "It is because he is afraid... the more allies he loses..." Goro looked to Kintaro. "The more his fear will grow..." Kintaro theorized. "Exactly..." Goro said to him and looked out. "The Shokan are a proud and noble race... and we will do what must be done if we are to survive..." he said to them as he walked away with Kintaro and Sheeva. Canterlot Throne Room, Equestria Meanwhile in Equestria, four more of Raiden's allies had been found and brought to the throne room by Blade Dancer and Shining Armor. One was a fat Earth Pony, that carried a jug, and had a thick beard... it was none other than Liu Kang's mentor, Bo' Rai Cho. The other was a unicorn with greyish blue armor, with red hues, and a red dragon on a sash, he even wore a blindfold over his eyes due to being blind. This warrior, was Kenshi Takehashi... the final warrior, was another unicorn, but had long dark hair, wore Outworld clothing, and was beautiful even to Blade Dancer who immediately eyeballed her... this unicorn, was Li Mei. The fourth member, was an Alicorn just like Raiden, but wore different godlike armor, and hair was braided, this Alicorn was none other than his friend Fujin. Raiden looked upon them and smiled as he approached. "Bo' Rai Cho... welcome old friend..." "Lord Raiden...!" he chuckled and pulled him into a hug. "Nice to see you're not dark anymore..." he said to him. "I left that life behind old friend..." Raiden said to him and looked to Kenshi as he approached him. "Kenshi... welcome to Canterlot..." he said to him. "I'm glad things worked out for you Lord Raiden... if you don't mind me asking, but I've been sensing a slightly dark aura within the throne room... emanating from that pony in blue..." Kenshi pointed towards Luna catching her by surprise. "Did she too have a dark past...? Because I'd like to know about it..." he said to him. "How could you possibly know of that...?" Luna asked him. "I am a telepath your majesty, a family gift..." Kenshi used telekinesis to pull out his sword Sento. "Sento contains the souls of my ancestors... they guide me due to my blindness. Shang Tsung blinded me years ago, leaving me to die... but my ancestors aided me." he explained to her. "As to how I know about your dark past... I can see the aura of everyone around me. You of course still have the dark presence over you." he pointed out. Surprised of his observation, Luna looked down knowing he wasn't wrong. "I tried to take the throne... but my ambitions were caused by Sombra, turning me into the fiend known as Nightmare Moon... I even tried to kill my sister..." Kenshi looked upon her and slowly approached her. "I too have done things I am not proud of... the Red Dragon turned me into a soldier, serving Daegon... I did horrible things. That are far worse than what you could have done Princess Luna..." he said to her. The night princess looked upon the former Red Dragon, and smiled in response to him. "Thank you Kenshi..." she said to him. Kenshi nodded to her as Raiden approached Li Mei. "Li Mei... it is good to see you after what happened in Edenia..." he said to her. Li Mei bowed to him in respect. "I am grateful of what you did Lord Raiden... I was looked after by a village of Kirin's, who were strangely mute for some reason..." she mentioned to him. "But I'm proud to be here amongst my friends... and you Lord Raiden." she said to him with a smile. "I'll say..." Blade Dancer muttered flirtatiously earning surprised looks from Bo' Rai Cho and Kenshi. Clearing his throat from hearing it, Raiden walked to Fujin and looked at him. "Fujin... my brother..." he said to him. Fujin looked upon Raiden seeing him restored. "Raiden... though I did not approve of your actions before. Seeing you back to normal has given me hope again... and just between us gods, let us have a friendly spar for old times sake..." he said to him, earning a nod from Raiden as he looked to Celestia. Who nodded her head as she and everyone else backed away, while to two gods stood in the center of the room and faced each other. Fujin stood in his fighting stance, facing the thunder god. "You ready...?" he asked him. Raiden stood in his fighting stance smirking at the wind god. "Always Fujin..." he said to him. The wing god smirked as he dashed at him throwing a punch, Raiden quickly blocked his attacks and struck at his face and his ribs landing a few hard punches to them. Fujin let out a painful grunt but grabbed his arm, pulling him as he landed his elbow against his cheekbone. Raiden stumbled from his attack and shook his head looking to him, forming a smile as he stood in his stance. "Your skills have improved since then..." "I trained hard to reach your status..." Fujin said to him as he charged at the thunder god and threw a few punches, Raiden blocked each of them and dodged a few kicks from the wind god. He flipped into the air and landed a kick across Raiden's face, and blasted at him with a whirl wind. Raiden quickly teleported to escape it and appear behind Fujin, landing a kick against his back. The wing god stumbled a bit, but quickly leaped into the air and went to kick him while he was in mid air. Raiden quickly blocked his attack, and grabbed his leg throwing him towards a column. Fujin flew toward it and quickly flipped backwards landing against the column and dashed toward him. Raiden shielded himself from his attack and slid back from it, he leaped into the air and kicked him down to the ground. The wind god rolled across the ground from it, but managed to get back up and looked to him as he charged. He blocked Raiden's attacks, but got grabbed and electrified a bit. Fujin broke free of the attack and kicked him away, Raiden flapped his wings as his landed on his hooves and exhaled. "I must say, the years I spent being an Elder God made me soft..." Fujin let out an amused chuckle in response. "Maybe if you didn't become an Elder God, you'd still have what it takes to fight." he said to him as Raiden chuckled in amusement as well. But the two gods charged at each other and struck at each other, blocking hoof from hoof, Fujin leaped swinging his leg at Raidens head. Raiden quickly blocked it but got a surprise attack from Fujin as he used the strength of a wind current to blow him away. Raiden slammed against a column, letting out a grunt from the surprise attack and shook his head looking to Fujin. "I've been making some new techniques that'll catch you off guard Raiden..." The thunder god smirked as he dusted himself off and stood up from kneeling. "I'm actually impressed old friend.... you've certainly come a lone way since I appointed you as the new Defender of Earthrealm. But I've got a few surprises of my own..." he said to him as Fujin smirked not feeling convinced. He charged at Raiden and went to strike him, but Raiden teleported behind him as he summoned his staff and struck at him as lightning flowed from it to Fujin. He writhed from it a bit, but went to strike him only to see him teleport again and slam the top of his staff against his back, fracturing a few ribs and a single vertebrae. Fujin writhed and hit the ground but got back up despite feeling pain from the attacks. "Surprised yet Fujin...?" he asked him. "Impressed actually... I'm surprised you managed to get this far. But the fight is far from over Raiden..." Fujin reminded him and went to strike him. Raiden avoided his attacks as his staff disappeared and appeared behind Fujin, he pulled his hoof back as the staff slammed against Fujin, pushing him towards Raiden as the thunder god held his right leg to Fujin's stomach, and leaped using his left leg to kick him in the head. Fujin let out a grunt as he landed on the ground, he looked to Raiden as he got back up and threw a few punches. Some Raiden managed to block, but the wind god managed to land a few hits against Raiden's side, fracturing a few ribs and hit the thunder god in the face, chipping a few teeth. Raiden stumbled from it and looked to Fujin as he cleaned some blood that spilled from his mouth. "Well played Fujin... but as you said... the fight isn't over." he said to him as lightning flowed around him and he dashed at Fujin, tackling him and slammed him down on the ground. The wind god writhed from it as he felt the air knocked out of his lungs a bit, he coughed a little and managed to catch his breath. Meanwhile, the onlookers watched the battle... Celestia watched as her beloved fought with his oldest friend and smiled knowing he was still himself. Luna meanwhile began to worry that the fight would soon earn the attention of the public. "You needn't worry..." said Kenshi, earning Luna's attention. "The fight will be over soon... so you have nothing to worry about." he said to her. Luna looked at him and smiled a bit and looked to the fight... Raiden blocked Fujin's attacks and dodged a kick and landed a punch against Fujin's face bruising his nose a bit. He charged at the wind god landing a few punches against him, Fujin blocked a few of them, but he got punched a few times in the chest and got hit in the face. Fujin blocked his next attack and managed to kick him. Raiden stumbled back from it, the wind god charged towards him throwing two kicks at him. Raiden managed to block the kicks and swung a backspin kick against his face, he blocked his next attack and punches his chest and blasted him away with lightning. Fujin writhed and crashed against the ground, groaning in pain from it as Raiden stood down. "You have truly perfected your skills last we fought..." Fujin groaned as he got back up and looked to him. "Same to you... I shouldn't underestimate you the next time we spar..." he said to him. "You both fought well..." Celestia approached them and looked to Raiden. "You of course performed fantastically..." she said to him. "Thank you Celestia... but it was merely a spar, we still need to prepare for the battle that is to come." Raiden reminded her. "Which brings me to the question Lord Raiden... where are the others right now...?" Kenshi asked him. "In Earthrealm, preparing our allies for the fight ahead..." Raiden informed him of their whereabouts. "I just hope Pinkie Pie isn't going crazy..." he muttered feeling worried of what she may be doing in Earthrealm. Special Forces Base, Earthrealm In Earthrealm, after the Mane Six and several of their allies took a tour of the Special Forces base, Applejack checked out most of the tech even though she was not familiar with any of it. "I have to admit Sonya, Earthrealm is a whole lot different from Equestria..." she said to her. "Don't worry AJ, you'll get used to it... by the way, where's your brother at...?" Sonya asked her looking around only to hear a loud crash and turned seeing Pinkie messing around. "Not sure... he said something about Jax needing him to come to the armory..." Applejack said to her. Sonya sighed and shrugged her shoulders. "What ever it is, I just hope Jax doesn't go overboard... I know, because he was my commanding officer..." she reminded her "Oh trust me, I've seen how he's been working my brother to the bone..." Applejack said to her crossing her arms. Suddenly, a crash is heard, and both Sonya and Applejack looked to see Pinkie accidentally knocked over a few boxes. "Pinkie, I told you not to touch anything..." Sonya reminded her. Earning a goofy grin and a nervous giggle from her, getting Sonya to sigh and look to Applejack. "I'm still trying to get over the fact she's your cousin..." "Believe me, I've gotten used to it..." Applejack said to her and looked seeing Jax walk in with someone. "Hey Jax, who's this...?" she asked him about her. "This is Vera... the love of my life I told you about." Jax introduced her and looked to Vera. "Vera, this is Applejack..." he introduced her to the apple farmer. "Jax told me all about you... its nice to know there are some realms that are friendly..." Vera said to her holding her hand out to her. Applejack smiled and took her hand shaking it. "Nice to meet ya Vera... and let me tell ya, Jax was a lot of help on the farm. So how did you get into the Special Forces...?" she asked her. "I was studying to be a nurse, and I heard the special forces were hiring, so I enlisted..." Vera informed her of her past. "That's how we got back together... I still had my real arms back then." Jax looked to his bionics thinking back to when he still had flesh and bone before they were replaced with metal and wires. Only to get a playful elbow from Vera getting him to chuckle. "Hey, you're still the strong handsome man I grew to love..." she reminded him of their relationship. Jax chuckled in amusement and looked to her. "Can't argue with that... I hope the others are getting ready for what's coming." he said to them. "You and me both Jax..." Sonya looked out. "You and me both..." she said again feeling worried. Suddenly her attention turned seeing Big Mac walk in seeing something different about him. "Big Mac..." she looked to his arms in surprise. "What in the hell has Jax done to you this time...?" she asked him. Big Mac looked to his arms clenching his fists and flexing his muscles under the armor plates. "From what he and Vera explained, they're cybernetic durability enhancers... takes what Jax has, quadruples the muscle capacity." he explained to them as he held up his arms flexing his muscles. Applejack gave him a disapproving look knowing he had more potential than what he has now. "You have a major tolerance problem, you know that...?" she asked him. "Eeyup..." Big Mac responded to her with a smirk. Shirai Ryu Village, Earthrealm Upon the remains of the Shirai Ryu village, Scorpion looked upon it with Fluttershy and Lightning Dust. Lightning looked around the village feeling sorry for it, and looked to her master. "So this was your home...?" she asked him and looked back to it. "I knew you had a rough life... but I didn't think it was this rough." "This was my home... when Quan Chi attacked it, he did it under the illusion of Sub-Zero. Forcing me to focus my anger and vengeance against him... all those years ago, I thought that Bi Han was the cause of my suffering. But it was the sorcerer who took everything from me..." Scorpion explained to her. Fluttershy touched his shoulder understanding his pain. "Your family and clan will be happy knowing that you avenged them all..." she said to him earning a nod from him. Scorpion walked to his house with them, walking into the room where his wife was murdered and see's her skeletal remains. He looked upon them but looked to a wardrobe and walked to it. Lightning Dust looked to them, feeling sorry for her master as she looked to him. "Sometimes the past has ways of haunting you... what is here that you are looking for...?" she asked him. Approaching the wardrobe, Scorpion reached to it and opened finding his old uniform, mask and spear. Lightning Dust looked upon them seeing them amazed, but soon realized what he's going to do as her face turned red. "Um, Fluttershy... we should step out..." she grabbed her shoulders and walked out to give Scorpion his privacy. Fluttershy looked around the room seeing the weapons of the Lin Kuei on the ground but notices a box and walks over to it. She picked it up and slowly opened it seeing a lightning bolt shaped spear with a chain on it. "Oh my... its like Scorpion's..." she pointed out and looked to Lightning Dust. "Yeah... but it isn't..." Lightning pulled it out of the box looking at it. "It must belong to someone... but who...?" she asked out of curiosity. Stepping out of the room in his new outfit, Scorpion looked to them seeing it. "It was to belong to my son... Satoshi..." he said to them earning their attention as he walked to them. "He was to earn it when he became chujin... but now..." he looked to Lightning Dust as he took the spear out of the box and handed it to her. "It's yours..." Seeing it surprised, Lightning Dust looked to her master feeling uncertain. "Master Scorpion, I can't... I'm not worthy of it, I'm not even a chujin..." she said to him. "Thought you have much to learn, you need to be prepared to face the forces of Outworld. The Emperor will show no mercy to anyone that crosses his path." Scorpion said to her. Lightning Dust looked to the lightning shaped spear knowing it would honor both him and his son... but would she be worthy of such honor? She took the spear and looked to him, giving him a small nod. Scorpion nodded to her understanding, and looked to Fluttershy. "We best hurry and regroup with others at the Wu Shi... we'll meet Sub-Zero and the others there." he walked out with them heading for the Wu Shi Academy. Lin Kuei Temple, Earthrealm Meanwhile at the Lin Kuei Temple, Sub-Zero lead Rainbow Dash, and Rarity to the armory to where all their uniforms were kept alongside their weapons, while Smoke helped Trixie with her uniform. Meanwhile Rainbow Dash looked around amazed as she looked at some of the uniforms, seeing how different they were. "Look at these... they're amazing..." she looked through the uniforms that were meant for women and found one just as unique that caught her eye. "Wow..." she picked up the suite, looking at it feeling its texture. "Fashion may not be my style, but I know awesome when I see it..." "You have a good eye... I had a uniform just as similar to that." Sub-Zero said to him and looked to it. Rainbow chuckled hearing it and looked to it. "I'll try it out... meanwhile you can have a moment with Rarity." she smirked and walked away. "What..?!" Sub-Zero watched her realizing that Scorpion stabbed him in the back by telling them what he and Rarity did. He groaned in frustration knowing he's going to disembowel Scorpion later, and walked towards Rarity. She looked through most of the suits but notices a gem necklace and held it up, Sub-Zero approached seeing it smiles. "Find something you like...?" he asked her. Rarity jumped and looked to him surprised. "Oh uh... yes, quite so..." she held up the necklace looking at it. "Its quite lovely... but I wonder why someone would hide something so precious in a filthy armory...?" she wondered. "That necklace belonged to my mother..." Sub-Zero informed her. Hearing it, Rarity panicked knowing she hit a nerve and looked to him. "Oohhh.. I'm terribly sorry, I didn't realize..." she said to him and looked to him. "I really didn't..." "Its alright Rarity..." he took the necklace and put it around her neck. "I think she would have loved for you to have it..." he said to her with a smile. Rarity looked upon it and smiled looking to him. "Thank you Kuai..." she said to her as the two smiled at one another. They soon found each other lost in each others eyes, and slowly began to lean towards each other. Suddenly... "HEY!" a voice was heard, and they looked seeing Spike giving them a look. "Don't even think about it buster..." Sub-Zero raised a brow but began to see jealousy in his eyes, and let out an amused chuckle. "You're not jealous are you...?" he asked him. "What?! No, I'm just..." Spike blushed a bit trying to hide it. The grandmaster of the Lin Kuei smiled and kneeled down to him. "Spike... you are still young, and you have much to learn as a dragon. Love to the Lin Kuei is considered to make us weak, but... when I met you, your friends, and Rarity... I began to see things differently..." he said to him as he touched the young dragon's shoulder. "I know how much you care about Rarity... but you will meet a dragoness who you can relate to... I know you will..." he said to him. Spike looked to him in surprise, believing every word he said. Even though he's feeling a whole lot of pain, he can't help but accept it. "Well... I guess you're right... but if you so much as break Rarity's heart, I'll kill you!" he warned him. Sub-Zero chuckled at him and petted his head. "You're more than welcome to try young one." he said to him as he looked to a wardrobe knowing what's inside. "Meanwhile..." he walked to it and opened it up seeing his old uniform. "Its time I brought back the past... and unleash it for the future..." he grabbed it and pulled it out. Wu Shi Academy, Earthrealm At the Wu Shi Academy, Liu Kang and his group were getting ready for kombat, along with a new member. Soarin, who had recently been accepted by Kung Lao, as a student. He tried on a shaolin uniform as Flash tried on his outfit and tied a blue headband around his forehead. Soarin adjusted his outfit and looked in the mirror, he smirked knowing how amazing it is. "I have to admit, the Shaolin got some good stuff..." "You bet... hard to believe so much culture has been missed in so many realms we didn't know about." Flash said to him as he put on a vest and walked out seeing the Wu Shi Academy itself. "This place... is amazing... I can't imagine being anywhere else..." he said as he was unaware that Chi showed up next to him. "If you were here around the time of the Great Kung Lao..." Chi spoke up, getting Flash to jump in fright. "You would see things differently from how they are now..." she said to him. Flash panted a bit but looked to her. "You really need to warn me when you're going to do that...!" he said to her. "Sorry, can't be helped... besides, its a lot more fun to torture you guys." Chi said to them jokingly. Soarin let out a few sarcastic chuckles, knowing that was far from funny. "Yeah, point taken..." he said to her. At that moment, Kung Lao walked to them seeing them in their uniforms. "Hey, those uniforms look good on you guys..." he said to them. "Thanks Lao... its an honor to be welcomed as members of the White Lotus Society..." Flash said to him and smiled. "Becoming a member of the White Lotus is a great honor, where those uniforms with pride..." Kung Lao smiled as he headed to the door but immediately stopped turning to them. "By the way, have any of you seen Liu or Kitana...?" he asked them. At that moment, Twilight showed up walking through the hall. "I've been looking for Kitana everywhere, but she's not here..." she informed them. Flash looked to Soarin in surprise. "Where could they be...?" he asked as Soarin shrugged his shoulders. Wu Shi Academy, Grove, Earthrealm In the groves, Liu Kang and Kitana walked together and looked to the night sky together. Neither of them were wearing their armor, but wearing formal attire that would be more preferred for a gala. Liu Kang looked to Kitana with a warm smile as he held her hand. "If we had met on a night like this... it would have been worth it." he said to her. "Yes... minus me trying to kill you..." Kitana said to him with a smirk and looked to the stars. "But it is so beautiful here... I often forget how beautiful Earthrealm nights are compared to Edenia..." she spoke of it fondly. "Yes... the night sky is blessed for us... but with war on the horizon, we still need to face the horrors of Outworld." Liu Kang said to her as he looked out. He soon turned his attention to her and smiled to change the subject. "But for right now... let us enjoy this moment shall we...?" he asked her as he offered to dance. Kitana smiled at him and took his hand and held him as he held her, the monk and the princess finally had a moment between them... with no interruptions. But that did not stop two onlookers from watching them, Twilight and Flash snuck to a bush and watched the two as they danced with one another. The two smiled for them, knowing that this was a night to remember for both them. "For the first time, I can't imagine anything more beautiful..." Twilight muttered as she watched them dance with one another. Suddenly, a thought came to her, and she used her magic to form small orbs of light around the area. Liu Kang and Kitana noticed the lights, seeing them as they floated around them. Kitana chuckled knowing what the cause was. "Twilight..." she giggled a bit. "No doubt Flash is with her, and they're playing Cupid..." said Liu Kang as he chuckled and continued their dance together. Twilight smirked knowing they wouldn't mind what she did for them, so she sat beside Flash and enjoyed the moment with him. But they knew this moment will not last... because they still needed to face the forces of Outworld. That however... did not stop Liu Kang and Kitana, for the two looked into each others eyes... despite being an orphaned monk, and an Edenian Princess... their hearts were true to each other as they held each other close. Flash and Twilight smiled for them, knowing they will be happy together in the future. Manehatten, Equestria The Earthrealm Defenders stood together alongside the Princesses, the Main Six, and the two gods. Even Motaro was there with them, to fight by their side against Shao Kahn. The city of Manehatten was evacuated of its civilians by order of Princess Celestia and Luna, meanwhile Raiden walked up next to Liu Kang as he looked at the battlefield. "You afraid of your future...?" he asked him. "A little... I was killed by Shang Tsung, you brought my body back to life as a living corpse..." Liu Kang reminded him. "Yes... not one of my wisest choices..." Raiden admitted but looked to him. "But this time, you are well prepared... you will not let him defeat you, and without Quan Chi... you're going to survive this battle." he said to him as he touched his shoulder. "You and Kung Lao have always been like sons to me... and I will do everything in my power... to make sure you and everyone survives this battle." he said to him. Liu Kang nodded in response and smiled. "For what its worth... I'll make sure you and Celestia get together. I'll even be the best man..." he said to him and formed a smirk towards the thunder god. Raiden smirked at the thought of it, but looked out seeing an Outworld portal open in the fields. From the portal, Soldiers, Shokan, Tarkatan, and Oni Warlords walk into Equestria, in their equestrian forms. Following them into Equestria, Shao Kahn walked into the realm as a dark dragonic alicorn. He growled looking upon the peaceful land, and looks to where Raiden was. Raiden glared at him in response as lightning formed around his fists, Rainbow Dash even formed a blade out of lightning as she glared at them. "Come on, we can take these guys..." "We need to work together, or else this battle will be the next Edenia..." Sonya said to her as she looked to the Outworld Army. Liu turned to them as he stepped up. "Sonya's right... we can't afford to lose our lives senselessly this time, we have friends and families waiting for us. In Equestria, and Earthrealm... they're counting on us to win this battle. We can't fail them... we will stop Shao Kahn, and return together... not as friends or allies... but as a family..." he said to them as Twilight smiled in response and looked to Flash. Who looked to her and smiled giving her a small nod as they both looked to the battlefield. Sunset stood next to Kung Lao as she looked at the army feeling nervous. "Never thought I'd face these guys for real this time..." she said to him. "At least you're fighting side by side with your friends." said Kung Lao as he looked to her. Sunset looked to him surprised, but she smiled at him and nodded in response. Meanwhile, Shao Kahn summoned his war hammer snarling. "DEATH TO THE EQUESTRIANS! FOR OUTWORLD!!!" he roared out as the army let out a roaring battle cry and charged at them. Raiden and Celestia stood side by side seeing them charge, they charged towards the armies of Outworld to counter attack and make sure they didn't reach Ponyville, or Canterlot. Raiden and Celestia flew towards an Oni Warlord summoning both their staff and solar spear, Raiden struck its knee with his staff while Celestia used her magic to shoot her spear through the warlords chest, piercing through its heart killing it. The warlord let out a painful grunt and fell towards the ground. Meanwhile, Big Mac and Jax took on several Outworld soldiers you power punches to knock each one off their hooves, either knocking them out or killing them. Big Mac soon heard hooves charging toward him and turned seeing Tirek about to stomp down on him, but he managed to dodge it and glare at the centaur. Tirek snarled about to crush him under his hooves again, but Motaro tacked him away and looked to Big Mac. "Help the others!" he said to him as Big Mac nodded to him and ran to help the others. Motaro turned his attention to Tirek, glaring at the evil centaur. Tirek returned the glare as he got up. "Motaro... all of Outworld will rejoice once I bring your head to Shao Kahn...!" he said to him. "I don't plan on dying here today warlock!" Motaro snarled as he and Tirek charged at each other and rammed against each other. Sending a powerful shockwave throughout the battlefield. Meanwhile, Kitana, Mileena, and Jade fought as a trio of warriors, cutting down every tarkatan that charged at them. Mileena stabbed a few in their necks and kicked ones head off, while Jade twirled her spear and stabbed a tarkatan in the chest and threw it at a larger group of tarkatan's. Kitana blocked Baraka's attacks and kneed him in the jaw, fracturing his jaw and slammed her palm against his chest, breaking it. Mileena felt her back touch that of Flash Sentry as they looked to each other surprised, only for the tarkatus to smirk at him. "Think after this battle, we could have a moment with each other...?" she asked him. "Keep dreaming Mileena..." Flash said to her and blocked a tarkatan's blade, landing a kick to his groin hearing him wheeze in pain from the painful hit. He leaped into the air kicking him in the head, and looked to Mileena. "Focus on the battle, and not me...!" he said to her as he went to help Twilight. "Oh I plan to..." Mileena replied as she struck down more of the Tarkatans. Meanwhile, Raiden and Celestia took down several Oni Warlords, but they are soon ambushed by Sombra as he went to strike down Celestia. Raiden teleported between them and blocked his attack, and struck him away as Sombra slid away. The dark king glared at the thunder god and stood up. "You may have gotten away thunder god, but you won't be so fortunate a second time!" he snarled. "You may think you're a king, but you are an even bigger fool to aid Shao Kahn!" Raiden said to him. "He promised me the Crystal Empire... but now my dreams have grown... I crave an empire! But you will not get in my way!" Sombra went to strike him, but Celestia blocked his attack and kicked him away. Raiden looked to her as she glanced to him and smiled giving him a nod, Raiden smirked as he looked to Sombra with her and charged at him throwing an attack at him. Sombra blocked their attacks, but felt a kick to his torso from Raiden. He went to hit him with his demonic arm, but Celestia managed to grab hold of his arm and punch him repeatedly in the face. Sombra let out several grunts from it, but he managed to block the next strike and blast her away. He turned his focus towards Raiden and went to strike him. The thunder god blocked his attacks and kicked at his shin, causing Sombra to hold it as he felt extreme pain from it. Raiden kicked at his other leg and kicked his chest fracturing several ribs, Celestia got up seeing it and used her magic and blasted him in the back. The Dark King writhed from it as he crashed and rolled across the ground breaking several bones in the process as he hit a building. "Surrender Sombra, you are out matched!" she said to him. Groaning in pain, but it soon turned into dark laughter as his bones quickly healed from his injuries as he looked to them. This shocked both Celestia and Raiden, because this wasn't the work of his own magic... but the magic his demonic arm was giving him. "Not a chance in hell princess...!" he charged up his demonic hand with magic and slammed it on the ground as dark crystal rose toward them. Raiden and Celestia quickly took flight seeing it in surprise. "That hand is giving him more power than ever before..." Raiden said to Celestia as he looked to her. "Then we should take it from him..." Celestia charged at him throwing solar flames at him. Sombra blocked them but gets burned knowing they had heat as strong as the sun. He swung his arm at her, but she ducked under it and summoned her solar spear stabbing his arm hearing him writhe from it. She went to rip it off his shoulder, but Sombra broke her spear and struck her away, pulling the spear tip out of his arm. But Raiden managed to land a kick against his face, and punched his torso and punched his right cheek causing it to fracture. Celestia shook her head and glared at him, she got up and charged at him. She threw fast punches against his body and kicked his stomach getting him to cough up blood. Raiden leaped over him and kneed him in the face, fracturing his right cheek bone even more. Sombra writhed from it as he rolled across the ground but got back up and blasted at him, but Raiden managed to block his attack as Celestia charged at him forming two solar blades. She swung them at him, but Sombra blocked her attacks to avoid getting cut. But while he wasn't looking, Raiden electrocuted his entire body and struck him away from her. Sombra rolled across the ground and crashed into a building, Raiden stood read knowing he will be very furious when he rises up. At the right moment, Sombra got up and glared at them and charged snarling at them. Raiden flipped backwards landing a kick against his jaw, causing it to crack... Sombra crashed against the ground and groaned a bit. "No matter how hard you fight... you will continue to fail in your attempts Sombra." Raiden said to him. Growling from hearing it Sombra glared at the thunder god. "I have come too far to surrender to an arrogant thunder god!" he charged at him and landed a kick against his chest, Raiden slid across the ground from his attack and glared at the dark king for it. Meanwhile Celestia appeared behind Sombra and struck his arm with her solar blade, slicing it from his shoulder as Sombra screamed in agony from it. "MY ARM! YOU BLASTED ALICORN! YOU TOOK MY ARM!!!" he exclaimed to her as his formed his original hoof. "Power comes at a price... and you lost yours....!" Celestia said to him as she struck him with several shots to his face and abdomen. She ducked while Raiden leaped over and tackled him, slamming him against a wall and landed on the ground. Sombra got back up and went to strike him, but the thunder god blocked his attacks and grabbed hold of his arm and caught his neck electrocuting him as he slammed him on the ground. Celestia appeared above hem forming a new solar spear. "Raiden, out of the way!" she blasted a ray of sunlight against Sombra as Raiden leaped out of the way as the blast hit Sombra. He writhed from it as Raiden took his staff and struck him several times with it, smacking it across his face and knocking him into the air and slamming the top of his staff against his stomach. He threw Sombra towards Celestia, who struck him with her solar spear and kicked him in the stomach. Sombra writhed in pain but grabbed hold of her arm and snarled throwing her over and slammed her on the ground and pierced a dark crystal shard through her shoulder, hearing her scream from it. "Celestia!" Raiden cried out and charged at Sombra. He struck him in the face and kicks him in the chest breaking it completely, he grabbed the dark king holding him up as lightning came down and struck him down to the ground, leaving him unconscious. "Hurting Celestia was your greatest mistake...!" he said to him with a glare but looked to Celestia and rushed over to her kneeling down. "You alright...?" he asked her. "Not really..." Celestia replied letting out a groan feeling pain from the dark crystal in her shoulder. Raiden see's it as his horn glowed, and his magic aura wrapped around the dark crystal shard. "J-Just leave it in... LEAVE IT-" she felt Raiden rip the shard out as quickly as possible to avoid enough pain from it. She groaned from it as Raiden used his healing abilities to heal the shoulder and kill any infectious diseases that would have come from the shard, she looked to him with a scowl knowing she was not happy about it. "You are such a-" "Be nice..." Raiden cut her off before she could finish her sentence, suddenly a familiar four armed prince approached them, earning their attention. Raiden looked seeing Goro standing before them, knowing this will be a difficult battle. He stood up and looked to the Shokan Prince with a glare as lightning formed around his hooves. "Came to kill me Goro...?" he asked him. The Shokan Prince growled as he looked upon the thunder god, but turned to his fellow Shokan. "All Shokan! Bring down the Oni Warlords! Aid the Equestrians!" he roared out as his people charged at the Oni Warlords to bring them down. Meanwhile Goro looked to the thunder god, and held his fist to his chest. "We will do everything we can to help defeat Shao Kahn... get going..." he said to him. "I thank you Goro... help Motaro with Tirek." Raiden said to him as Goro nodded and rushed to help Motaro. Celestia Flew off to help her sister avoiding spears that were shot at her, while Raiden blocked the attack of a few attacks from a few Oni Soldiers and kicked one's head off. Suddenly a blood bat flew toward him, he quickly summoned his staff and struck them down and saw the one responsible... it was Nitara who attacked him and approached. "The Vampire..." "You have prevented the release of my realm for the last time Raiden... this time, you will die...!" Nitara went to strike him. Raiden blocked her attacks and leaped back only to see her fly towards him, he quickly kicked her away. Nitara stumbled from it, but blocked his next punch and kicked him in the stomach. She grabbed hold of him and threw him over and slammed him against a wall and threw him towards another building. He crashed through a window and landed in a hotel room. Crashing against a wardrobe, shaking his head from what happened. "Okay... didn't expect that..."he muttered only to see Nitara charging right at him. He quickly dodged her attack and swung a kick at her face, kicking her out the door. He walked out to follow her, meanwhile she got back up and landed a hard punch against his face making him stumble. He staggered a bit but looked to her seeing her go for another punch, he quickly blocked her attacks to avoid any surprises. He caught her next attack and shot electricity through her causing her to scream as he power tackled her out of the hotel and slammed her on the ground as he rolled away from her looking toward her. She got back up and fixed her neck from his attack and looked to him, the vampire hissed ferociously and shot a blood dart at him. Raiden quickly blocked it, only to see her leap over him firing another blood dart at him. He panicked and flipped backwards avoid it, as Nitara charged at him and went to strike him, only to see him grab her arm and throw her over slamming her against a carriage. Raiden backed away and stood ready for what will happen next, Nitara pulled herself out of the carriage and glared at him. "You just don't know when to stay out of my business... my people have suffered at Shao Kahn's hands for as long as I could remember. I have to set my realm free from Outworld...!" she said to him. "And you believe by facing me, it will accomplish that dream...? Shao Kahn will never let you or your kind go, not even your realm." Raiden said to her, only to get a snarl from her as she charged going for a high kick towards him. He dodged her attacks and kicked her knee to get her off balance, and knee her in the face. But she managed to block it and strike at his face, bruising it as she went to bite down on his neck. Raiden summoned his staff as the end of it knocked Nitara away by hitting her in the chest, sending her flying across the street. Nitara crashed through a window into a mirror shop, she shook her head and glared at him as she took a few shards of broken mirror and threw them at him. Raiden blocked a few of them, but several shards managed to scratch him leaving a few cuts through his clothes and scratches on his skin. Nitara leaped and kicked him in the face to catch him off guard as she went to bite down on his neck. Raiden anticipated this, and quickly caught her in mid air as he landed a hard kick against her abdomen and rammed his head against hers. Nitara shrieked from it as Raiden caught her leg and blasted her away with lightning... as Nitara rolled across the ground, she managed to get back up and leap onto a Cyber Lin Kuei and kick him towards the thunder god. Raiden blasted through him and charged at her, throwing a few punches at her. Nitara blocked his attacks and grabbed his arm, kicking his leg and elbowing his face. "Die thunder god!" she went to kill him. But the thunder god avoided her attack and bent her arm back, landing a hard punch against her stomach getting her to cough up blood. He took his staff and swung it against her landing several blows against her torso and kicked her chest, she crashed against a carriage and groaned from it but glared at Raiden for his assault. Raiden grabbed her and sent an electrical current throughout her entire body stunning her, and landed a powerful lightning blast against her, sending her flying towards a trash can seeing her crash against it. She fell unconscious as he stood victorious over her. "Your realm will be free... you have my word on it." he said to her as he rushed to help the others. As the battle endured, Kung Lao blocked the attacks of several Outworld soldiers and kicked them down with hard kicks. He soon found himself back to back with both Chi and Sunset Shimmer. "You two exhausted yet...?" he asked them. Sunset let out a few pants but looked to him. "No... why, you and Chi getting sleepy?" she asked him. Chi let out a small chuckle and looked to her. "Not even close... I haven't had this much fun in five hundred years..." she said to her. "Then lets keep going, these guys aren't going to finish themselves off..." Kung Lao returned to fight off the others. Sunset struck down a few other soldiers and kicked a tarkatan knocking him out. But her attention soon turned seeing Raiden and Shao Kahn facing each other, she rushed over and hide in a building as she used her magic to record what she was watching. "Raiden... so you've returned to your old self... how disappointing." he said to him. "This madness has to end Shao Kahn... too many of your forces have turned against you. How long until you realize you cannot win...?!" Raiden asked him. "They are expendable! Every single one of them are incompetent and weak... just like my faithless daughters, and that leaves you. I may have spared your life, but don't expect mercy this time." Shao Kahn glared at him and went to strike him. Raiden avoided his punches and slammed a hard punch against his facemask and flipped landing a kick against his cheekbone. Shao snarled as he summoned his war hammer and swung it at him, Raiden backed away from his swings and ducked under his war hammer grabbing his arms and struck the nerve points getting him to drop the hammer. The mad emperor snarled and went to crush him under his hooves, but Raiden avoided his attack as he summoned his staff and struck his stomach. Shao Kahn let out a grunt from it as the staff smacked him in the back of the head fracturing his skull a bit, the thunder god went for another strike only to see Shao summon a spear, blocking his staff as he went to kill him. Raiden avoided his attacks and dodged a jab of Shao Kahn's spear and got his staff under the emperor's chin, getting behind him and pulling the staff against Shao's throat, choking him. The emperor struggled from it, but his summoned Blaze's power to break free and burn through Raiden's staff getting free. Raiden looked at the two halves of his staff and turned to Shao Kahn, only to get kicked in the face and stumble back. He spat out a little bit of blood and looked to the emperor with a glare. "The power of Blaze won't help you this time Shao Kahn..." he said to him. Shao Kahn chuckled and looked to the thunder god with an evil grin. "You stood no chance against it before... and there's no chance of you standing against it now." he said to him as he charged throwing a punch at him. Raiden blocked his attacks as he went to land quick jabs against him, but the emperor managed to block his attacks and punch him several times in the face and power charged against him, knocking the thunder god down to the ground. Raiden let out a painful grunt and shook his head looking to Shao Kahn, seeing him summon his war hammer about to crush him. But Raiden quickly teleported behind him and blasted him away with lightning. The emperor crashed against the ground and shook his head but got back up looking to Raiden, forming a menacing glare as he circled him. "You may be as powerful as you were then... but the Elder Gods aren't here to help you, they have abandoned you Raiden... abandoned your champions. You are all alone here..." he said to him. "That is where you are wrong Shao Kahn... the Elder Gods never abandon those who deserve their aid, yes I may have lost their faith in me. But it won't stop me from destroying you...!" Raiden charged at him landing a few static punches against his chest, making the emperor's muscles go numb from the hits he took. Shao went to punch him with a hard right hook, but Raiden managed to block his attack and kicked him in the side grabbing his arm and raised it up. Landing a hard punch against his ribcage, fracturing a few ribs inside him. The emperor writhed from it but grabbed his arm about to break it, but Raiden broke free of his grip and pinned his arm behind his back. Shao struggled from it, but slammed the back of his helmet against Raiden's cheekbone, fracturing it and landed a hard punch against his face sending him flying against a building. Raiden crashed against it, ands hook his head only to see Shao charging at him. He dodged his power charge as the emperor slammed his head in the wall, the thunder god grabbed hold of him and electrocuted him hearing him writhe from it. He then tossed Shao into the air and leaped above him, blasting him with a powerful lightning bolt, seeing him crash into a carriage. He floated down and landed on the ground looking to the carriage, one thing he knew about Shao Kahn... is that he doesn't like losing. The mad emperor broke out of the remains of the carriage and snarled glaring at him. He roared charging at him, and tackled him against a building, pinning him as he landed several punches against him. Raiden let out several grunts from his attacks, but he managed to block his next attack and teleported behind him as he wrapped his arms around his waist. Lifting him up and leaned back slamming his neck on the hard ground, fracturing his neck and spine. Raiden got up and looked to him, knowing this was his one chance to end this war once and for all. But Shao was far from finished, he quickly got up and rammed his shoulder against Raiden and grabbed his leg and threw him over slamming him onto the ground. The power of Blaze flowed around his body as he walked towards him. "The Elder Gods fear me now Raiden... as I told you, they are but mere toothless worms... I know you can feel it. It is the end of all things...." he went to crush him with his war hammer. But Raiden rolled away from it as he got up and looked to the sky. "Elder Gods... I know you are listening, I may be beyond your forgiveness... but please... do no forsake this realm and all who live here..." he said to them but looked to Shao seeing him swing his war hammer at him. He dodged it and landed a backspin kick against his face. Shao stumbled from it but swung his hammer at him again, slamming it against his chest causing it to fracture. Raiden writhed from it and hit the ground, he looked and saw Shao about to kill him... but he got up and power tackled him and slammed him to the ground and stomped against his face, breaking a few teeth as well as fracturing his left cheek bone. The thunder god quickly backed away from the emperor, seeing him in his weakened state. "You are finished Shao Kahn... no matter how hard you fight, or how much you use Blaze's power... you will always fail..." he said to him as he walked towards him. The emperor let out several pants, but secretly summoned a blade to him and slashed at Raiden's chest and leg, hearing him writhe and kneel from it. Celestia heard it and looked to where they were as her eyes widened seeing what happened. "Raiden!" she cried out to him. Shao Kahn chuckled as he summoned his war hammer to him. "Foolish Raiden... all these years you've stood against me, you denied me my rightful claim...! Not this time... I will finish this little game that the Elder Gods made... and once I've finished you... Celestia will be next, and all of Equestria... and then... your precious Earthrealm...!" he said to the thunder god seeing his eyes widen. "Now watch Raiden... as your world finally ends...!" he rose his hammer into the air about to kill him. But before her could, Liu Kang landed a hard flying kick against his chest, followed by his bicycle kick as he kicked the mad emperor away. This surprised Raiden as Celestia rushed over to him and helped him up. Shao Kahn looked to the monk, and glared at him as Liu returned a similar glare towards him. "You will not touch him again Shao Kahn... because right now, I will be your opponent..." he said to him. Shao Kahn glared at him with a growl. "Very well... then let this day be known, that I will be the one... to slay Earthrealm's Champion... once and for all." he declared as both he and Liu Kang prepared for the last and final battle between good and evil. Who will win this epic clash between titans...? No one will know the answer... To be continued... > Chapter 17 Liu Kang > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manehatten, Equestria The final battle... light and dark, fight night... the greatest gladiator match in the history of all realms. Man verses monster, day verses night... Champion of Earthrealm, against Kahn of Outworld. Shao Kahn held his war hammer and growled at the shaolin for interfering, he went to strike him down only to see the monk pull out his nunchaku and smack him several times in the torso and hit him in the face. Shao backed away feeling it and glared at the monk for it, he snarled and blasted at him with his soul magic. Liu quickly dodged it and blasted dragon fire at him only to see him get shielded by another form of soul magic, he looked only to see it was Shang Tsung who interfered with the fight. "Emperor... allow me and Chrysalis to take care of him..." he said to the mad emperor earning a nod from the emperor. Shang looked to Liu Kang as they circled one another. "I never imagined I would get a chance to kill you again Liu Kang..." he said to him. "You only killed me because you had Quan Chi's assistance... you won't get a second chance." Liu Kang said to him as he stood ready for kombat. Shang let out an amused chuckle as he stood ready for kombat as well. "I won't need his help this time..." he said to the Shaolin as he went for a strike him. Liu Kang blocked his attacks as he landed a few swift kicks against his torso, landed a kick towards his kneel forcing him to kneel. Shang grunted from it about to hit him, only to get kneed in the cheekbone. Liu backed away holding his fighting stance as he watched Shang Tsung get back up. "Your skills have improved last we met... though... it was mostly your living corpse I've been fighting..." he pointed out to him. "This time, you face the real deal..." Liu Kang said to him as he threw a roundhouse kick towards the sorcerer. Shang avoided his attack and blocked his attacks as he backed away from him. He then caught Liu Kang's attack and landed quick jabs against his body and elbowed him in the chest, causing him to stumble back as he grabbed hold of his arm slamming his knee to his chest. Liu let out a painful grunt from the attack, but pulled out his nunchaku and snared the sorcerer's leg and threw him over. As the sorcerer slammed to the ground, he slid his leg towards Liu Kang managing to trip him over as he got back up and went to crush his spine. Liu Kang quickly rolled away from it, and flipped towards him landing a hard punch against his face. The sorcerer grunted from the attack as he backed away cleaning his nose as blood flowed out, he looked as Liu Kang went to land another strike. Shang dodged the attack landing a high kick against his face and punched him several times in the torso, then he went for an uppercut. But Liu Kang managed to block it and punched him across his face and landed a back spin kick against Shang Tsung's face. Meanwhile, Raiden focused on healing his injuries with Celestia's help... Sunset rushed to them to help out. "Raiden, how are you feeling...?" she asked him. "I'm alright... did you managed to overhear everything Shao Kahn said...?" Raiden asked her as his injuries slowly healed. "Yes, I heard every word... but I'm worried more about Liu Kang..." Sunset looked to the fight between Liu Kang and Shang Tsung. "Shang Tsung killed him once, there's no telling what dirty trick's he'll pull..." he said to him. "Liu Kang will not die this time... I have faith in him..." Raiden said to her. "Now... reveal to the leading heads of Outworld's army, from Tarkatan, to Shokan... go...!" he said to her as she did just that without Shao Kahn noticing. Meanwhile Liu Kang blocked Shang Tsung's attacks and grabbed hold of his arm, kneeing him in the ribcage fracturing them. Shang writhed from it, but he broke free of Liu Kang's grip and punched him in the face and torso, reaching to the ground as flames emerge from it as he landed a fiery uppercut against him. Liu Kang hit the ground after getting hit feeling several burns from his attack, he quickly got back up as Shang Tsung fired flaming skulls at him. Liu quickly dodged them and fired a dragon fire at him, landed a shot against his chest. Shang stumbled from it but turned to Liu as he changed himself into Kano and curled into a ball ramming against him like a cannon ball, knocking Liu Kang down as he reverted back to himself and went to stomp on his stomach. Liu Kang dodged his attack and landed a hard kick against the sorcerers face knocking a tooth out, the sorcerer shook his head from it and went to strike him. The Shaolin blocked his attacks landing elbow strikes to block his attacks and landed his knee against Shang Tsung's face, and landed a hard kick against the sorcerers chest. "You can't win Shang Tsung...!" said Liu Kang as he stood ready. The sorcerer groaned from the attack, but changed his appearance to Scorpion and threw his spear into Liu Kang's shoulder. "COME HERE!" he pulled the shaolin towards him landing a hard uppercut against him. Shang removed Scorpion's mask revealing his flaming skull and breathes fire at him, but the shaolin flipped back as he dodged the hell flames. Shang reverted to his original self and struck at the shaolin and threw a high kick at him. Liu Kang avoided his attacks and blocked his next attack, throwing him over and stomping against his back. Shang Tsung writhed from it, but went to strike the shaolin away. Liu Kang dodged it and flipped backwards landing on his hooves looking to the sorcerer, seeing him stand back up and glare at him. "Surrender sorcerer... you can't win..." he said to him. Panting as he glared at the shaolin, Shang Tsung wasn't willing to give up just yet. "After all the times you've humiliated me in past Liu Kang... I won't surrender to you..." the sorcerer said to him as he went to strike him. The shaolin blocked his attacks, only to get caught off guard as the sorcerer struck his side, fracturing a few ribs. Liu Kang winced from it, but he grabbed Shang Tsung's arm and slammed his elbow against it, bending it backwards hearing the sorcerer scream from it. Chrysalis' eyes widened from seeing it, as Liu Kang landed several hard punches against Shang Tsung changed from form to form. Liu Kang stepped back a bit, but charged at Shang Tsung and threw a flying kick at him... landing it hard against the sorcerer's chest, kicking him through the wall of a building. Shang Tsung crashed on the ground, groaning from the pain that was coming from his chest. "It was never my intention to humiliate you sorcerer..." he said to him only to see Chrysalis charge at him. He quickly dodged her charge and turned to where she went. She landed before him as he stood up from the ground looking at her. "You're fast Chrysalis... I will admit it... but you are no match for me." he said to her. "Ohh....? Is that what you believe...?" Chrysalis asked him as green flames surrounded her as she took on the form of Kitana. Liu Kang's eyes widened from seeing it as Chrysalis Dark Kitana let out an evil chuckle. "I'm starting to see why you love her so much... she is a skilled, yet beautiful warrior..." he said to him with a monstrous grin. The shaolin glared at her as he walked toward her. "Assuming her form does not give you her skill changeling!" he said to her as he stood in his fighting stance. Meanwhile, Li Mei struck down several soldiers and leaps over another throwing a roundhouse kick against another. A Tarkatan charged at her and went to stab her in the back, but Blade Dancer cut it down with her blades and looked to her. "Eyes open beautiful... can't protect you forever..." she said to her. Li Mei smirked from hearing it and looked to her. "Who says I need protecting...?" she asked her and struck another Tarkatan that was behind her. "Therefore, you should be focusing on the battle... not me..." she advised her. "I can multitask..." Blade Dancer struck several soldiers and leaped kicking them in their heads. Suddenly her attention was turned seeing Liu Kang fighting who she believed to be Kitana, she turned to where Twilight was. "Princess Twilight! Look!" she pointed to them. Twilight turned seeing Liu Kang fighting Kitana, but looked to where the real Kitana was and her eyes widened in realizing. "Chrysalis..." she turned to the others. "Guys, Liu Kang's gonna need my help, can you hold them off without me...?" she asked them. Applejack blocked a Tarkatan's attack and looked to her. "Well be fine, go!" she said to her as she formed a bear claw and struck the monster away and kicked one right in the groin hearing him wheeze in pain from it. Meanwhile, Liu Kang blocked the Kitana changed Chrysalis and dodged her high kick and grabbed her leg. Chrysalis grinned at him and leaped in the air about to kick him down, but Twilight arrived just in time and blasted her away. The Changeling Queen reverted back to her original form and looked seeing her, Twilight glared at her and looked to Liu Kang. "Good thing I came to help..." she said to him. "Thanks Twilight, its clear I'll need all the help I can get in this fight..." Liu Kang said to him looking to Chrysalis. "You're right about that Liu..." Twilight looked to the Changeling Queen and glared. "I still have a score to settle with her..." Chrysalis let out a chuckle from hearing it and looked to her. "Aww... still upset I disguised myself as your sister...? It was nothing personal dearie... it was all good business..." she said to her, only to see Twilight charge at her and strike. She dodged her attacks and blocked them only to see Liu Kang land a flying kick against her chest. She stumbled from it and shook her head from it glaring at them, she saw them charge at her, but she blasted at them to keep them away. Twilight formed a barrier with her magic and leaped into the air, landing a kick against Chrysalis' face and threw a sweep kick at her. Chrysalis leaped dodging it and blasted her away, but Liu Kang retaliated by landing a knee against her face and wrapped his legs around her neck. Throwing her over seeing her crash against the ground, Chrysalis let out a grunt and hissed knowing that pissed her off even more as she got back up and struck at the shaolin. Liu Kang blocked her attacks and quickly grabbed her arm landing a kick against her face and formed fire around his hoof and slammed it against her chest. "You won't win with the skill you have Chrysalis...!" he said to her. Chrysalis grinned and looked to him. "Don't underestimate me little monk...!" she hissed going for a bite. But Liu Kang managed to block it and fall back throwing her over. Twilight charged up and grabbed her, slamming her head to the ground causing it to fracture. Chrysalis screamed from it, but retaliated by teleporting above Twilight and landed a kick against her side, cracking a few ribs. The alicorn princess screamed as she crashed against a carriage. "You will not keep me from victory this time child!" she went to kill her with her horn. Liu Kang quickly caught it and kicked the queen away, seeing her crash against a wall. Seeing it, Twilight took the chance to recover from Chrysalis' attack and stood by the shaolin prepared for what will happen next. The Changeling Queen glared at the two and snarled charging at them with much rage and fury, but Liu Kang blocked her attack while Twilight leaped above her. "Eat this!" she blasted Chrysalis with a powerful magic blast, bouncing her off the ground while Liu Kang pulled out his nunchaku and smacked it against her jaw, fracturing it as he landed a kick against her. Twilight grabbed hold of Chrysalis' leg and threw her into the air as Liu Kang leaped above her throwing a high kick at her. The Changeling Queen quickly blocked it and grabbed hold of him, swinging him towards Twilight as she slammed him against her. The two cried out from it as they crashed on the ground, while Chrysalis landed on the ground and chuckled at them. "Did you really think you could win...? The Love Liu Kang has for Princess Kitana is giving me strength, no matter how hard you fight... I will keep coming back...!" she grinned at them. Panting as they looked to the Changeling Queen, they knew this battle needed to end before things get worse. "Liu, you go high, I'll go low... then we switch turns..." Twilight said to him earning a nod from the shaolin as they got back up preparing to finish the fight. Chrysalis laughed at their eagerness and blasted at them. The duo charged at the queen avoiding each of her magic blasts... Liu Kang threw a high kick towards her seeing her dodge as he managed to land a hard punch against her while Twilight took a sweeping kick at her, tripping her over as she stumbled from her attack. Liu Kang took the chance as his hooves were surrounded by flames, and struck her several times in the chest and slammed his elbow against her muzzle, fracturing it as she writhed from it. Twilight flew into the air and blasted Chrysalis with enough magic power to cause intense pain against Chrysalis' body, the queen backed away from it as she looked seeing Liu Kang land rapid jabs against her chest and leaped into the air landing his signature bicycle kick against her, cracking her chest. Chrysalis writhed from it as she fell back and landed right next to Shang Tsung, she groaned from it as she laid beside him as Liu Kang approached them. "If I weren't a monk, I'd kill you both right now... but I can tell by Chrysalis' actions, they were to defend you Shang..." he pointed out to him. Panting exhausted, Shang Tsung looked to Chrysalis seeing how damaged she was. "Chrysalis... I may be beaten... but I am well capable of surviving on my own..." he said to her. Chrysalis let out a sigh knowing there was no argument there, but she looked to him with a weak smile. "Least I'll be able to suffer by your side... in all my years, I've never met anyone quite like you Shang Tsung..." she said to him earning a smile from him. Seeing the connection between the two, Liu Kang could only pity the two odd lovers and smile knowing they had some chemistry. But his senses soon snapped him back to reality as he sensed an attack coming from behind, he quickly dodged it noticing two chains with sharp hooks swinging passed him. He looked to who it was as his eyes widened finding it was his Zombie self that tried to kill him, he turned to Shang Tsung with a glare. "Shang Tsung....!" he was about to yell at him. "I had nothing to do with it...!" Shang Tsung held his hooves up in defense. "It was I who brought it here..." Shao Kahn said to him as he grinned. "I figured the only way to kill the champion of Mortal Kombat, was for him to kill himself." he chuckled as he let the Zombie Liu Kang walk towards him. "Now lets see how you fair against yourself Liu Kang..." The zombie glared at his living counterpart as he twirled his chains around, Liu Kang stood read as he watched the chains. "Twilight, its too dangerous here, go help the others..." he said to her. The princess nodded to him and ran off to help her friends in the fight against Outworld. Meanwhile, Liu Kang looked to his undead counterpart and glared at it remembering it slaughtered the monks at the Wu Shi. "You may have been reborn from Dark Raiden's power... but my soul is my own... you're just a living husk...!" he said to it. Zombie Kang snarled swinging his chained hooks at him, Liu dodged them to avoid getting scratched or stabbed by them. The living corpse went for another strike, but Liu Kang leaped over the chains and swung a high kick landing it against Zombie Kang's face seeing it stumble away. To his surprise though, the undead monk's head was twisted around as its body turned around facing him properly as it wrapped the chains around its arms. It loud out a monstrous roar and wen to strike Liu Kang with a hard punch. The living shaolin blocked each of its attacks, landing a kick at its torso and clobbered its face taking a small chunk of its face. But the Zombie Kang didn't plan on dying just yet... it grabbed ahold of Liu's arm and landed a high kick against his neck, stunning him as the undead monk went to dig one of its hooks into his neck. Just at that moment, Rainbow Dash grabbed the hook and pulled the zombie away from Liu Kang earning his attention. "You're not alone in this fight bud!" she said to him with a smirk. Liu Kang smiled at hearing it and turned to his zombie self and charged landing a few rapid punches against its chest and grabbed the chain snapping it from its arm, he grabbed its other arm and slammed his elbow against it... bending it backwards. The zombie writhed from it as it walked away from him holding its arm as it turned to Liu Kang. The zombie forced its arm back into place, getting Liu Kang to groan and roll his eyes in annoyance. "One good reason I never walked into a horror movie with Johnny..." he muttered while Johnny let out a sneeze from sensing it. Meanwhile, Zombie Kang threw the only chained hook it had at Liu Kang, the shaolin dodged its attacks and ducked under the chain grabbing hold of it. He stomped it onto the ground and pulled his undead self toward him landing a hard punch against its face, smashing it inwards. Meanwhile Rainbow Dash watched the fight as it was getting intense, Reptile climbs onto the wall and looked to her. "The broadcast Sunset Shimmer is showing the Outworlders is getting them to stop fighting... Shao Kahn knows very little of what's happening." he said to her. "Which means the plan is working... we just need to make sure he stays distracted." Rainbow said to the Zaterran as he nodded and returned to the ground turning invisible. Meanwhile, Liu Kang blocked the zombie's attacks and kneed its chest, cracking it in two as he formed flames around his hoof and clobbered it away. The Zombie stumbled from the attack, but forced its chest to heal and repair itself as it looked to Liu Kang letting out a snarl. Rainbow Dash saw it happen knowing there was gonna be no end to that thing, she rushed over to Raiden and landed next to him. "Raiden, you brought that corpse back to life, is there any way to make sure it stays dead...?" she asked him. "When I brought it to life, I used my own lightning to restore it... but I won't be able to undo my mistake. It has to be another form of lightning..." Raiden said to her. Hearing this, Lin Kuei Pegasus formed a devious smirk as she formed a lightning blade. "Hopefully this'll do..." he said to him as she turned to Liu Kang and his undead twin and charged towards them. Zombie Kang snarled as it went for another strike, Liu blocked each strike to avoid getting hurt. Just at that moment, he noticed Rainbow Dash charging at them with a lightning blade in her hoof. "Liu Kang, heads up!" she charged towards them. The Shaolin ducked while Rainbow Dash slashed one of its arms off, causing it to writhe in pain from it. The zombie looked to its severed arm seeing it wasn't moving and went to grab it, but Rainbow Dash stomped on it to make sure it didn't get any idea's. "Sorry pal... not happening..." she said to the zombie. It growled at her and snarled going to kill her, but Liu Kang grabbed its only arm and landed several punches against its side, breaking several ribs and slammed its arm over his shoulder, dislocating it as Rainbow Dash charged at it slice its other arm off as Liu Kang took it from the zombie as it writhed in pain from it. He quickly burned the arm away and looked to it. "Time to make sure you don't hurt another innocent soul again...!" he summoned all the fire he could gather while Rainbow Dash fused her lightning with it. The Zombie Kang's eyes widened as Liu Kang unleashed a fire dragon upon the undead monk, burning and electrifying the corpse body until there was nothing but cinders, charred bones and ash. "My Lord Raiden's mistake has been corrected..." he muttered but suddenly felt a sharp pain pierce through his chest as he eyes widened looking down seeing a spear sticking out of it. Kitana turned and saw what had happened as her eyes widened in horror of it, Shao Kahn held the spear in Liu Kang's body. Raiden too was shocked from seeing what he had done. "LIU KANG!" he cried out. "NOOO!!!!!" Kitana cried out as she blasted Shao Kahn away with a gust of wind running to Liu Kang, pulling the spear out as she held him in her eyes. "No... no, Liu Kang... look at me, look at me..." she tried to keep him awake. Shao Kahn got back onto his hooves and chuckled darkly at them. "Foolish child... you can't save him this time, and there will be no one to save you... Outworlders... kill them all!" he ordered them. But his attention soon turned to them seeing they aren't listening. "What are you fools doing?! KILL THEM!" he yelled at them only to see them glare at him. "What is the meaning of this?!" "Its like you said Shao Kahn... the are expendable... wouldn't you agree Celestia...?" Raiden asked as he looked to her. "Yes... so nice going your 'lordship'..." Celestia mocked him. "You let it all out..." Shao Kahn panicked as he looked to his army as the glared and growled at him. "Its not what it looks like! I was trying to fool them! Are you going to take their word over mine?!" he asked them. "What's the phrase I'm looking for...?" Sunset pondered over the phrase she was thinking of and figured it out. "Oh, yes... that's right... it's your word against ours...? Actually..." she formed a astral projection of what he said to Raiden. "They are expendable! Every single one of them are incompetent and weak... just like my faithless daughters!" Shao Kahn's replay revealed the truth to all of the forces of Outworld. This immediately got Shao Kahn in a panic as all his forces growled and glared at him. Even Onaga growled angrily at him of what he said. Sunset smirked making it vanish. "Its your word against yours... its called a hustle sweetheart... boom...!" she said to him. Shao Kahn panicked as his forces approached him. "You can't do this! You cannot side with them over me!" he exclaimed to them. "There is only one thing you got wrong Shao Kahn..." Baraka spoke up as he approached as he growled at his former master. "Tarkatans are not expendable!" he snarled at the emperor. Shao Kahn panicked as they began to charge at him, he quickly summoned Blazes power and snarled blasting them away along with the forces of Earthrealm and Equestria. "Fine! If none of you will kill them..." he growled as he took off his helmet. "Then I will...!" his form began to change and grow larger as he formed into a giant three headed hydra and roared out. Twilight's eyes widened from seeing it. "Well, didn't see that coming..." she admitted to her friends. Shao Kahn snarled as he looked to where Raiden was and roared going to bite him, the thunder god quickly flew off with Celestia as Shao Kahn was in pursuit of them. Meanwhile, Kitana tried everything she could to keep Liu Kang alive. "Liu... please, don't you dare die on me... I lost you once... I can't lose you again." tears fell as she held him close. "When I wanted you to rule by my side in Edenia... I... I wanted by love... not your death... so please..." she looked to his face touching it. "Please, come back to me..." she leaned to him and kissed him softly. The main Six and the defenders watched it happen but soon looked to the sky as rays of light shined through the dark clouds as thunder roared through them. Shao Kahn heard it and turned to the sky seeing the golden light, and from that light... the Elder Gods descended to Equestria, flying towards Liu Kang and Kitana earning her attention. Onaga normally would have seen this as an opportunity to kill them, but after hearing what Shao Kahn said... he wanted to see what would happen. "A blessing from the Elder Gods themselves..." he muttered. The Elder Gods swirled around Liu Kang as their human forms appeared around him. Kitana was amazed of what was going on, even the Main Six were astonished from what they were seeing. The Elder Gods turned towards Shao Kahn glaring at him. "You have violated our will for the last time Shao Kahn... attempting to merge realms without victory in Mortal Kombat. Our penalty is clear...!" they said in unison as their power healed Liu Kang's wound. Feeling it happen, Liu Kang's eyes snapped open as life filled his lungs once again. Light surrounded his body as a pillar of light shot into the air. Shao Kahn watched it happen and snarled seeing it starting to form into something, he charged and bit down on it trying to rip its flesh. But from the light, a pair of arms reached out and dug its claws into his neck. Shao looked to it seeing the light vanish revealing Liu Kang in his Dragon Animality form, he snarled at Shao Kahn and slammed him down to the ground, roaring out to the sky as he looked down to the hydra formed Shao Kahn. Meanwhile, Spike's and Rainbow Dash's eyes were wide as saucers from seeing what was happening. "Okay, now I've seen everything..." "You kidding? This is beyond epic!" said Spike as he hopped onto her back. "I never imagined Liu Kang was capable of doing something like that..." he pointed out "Trust me, the minute Liu Kang becomes a Dragon, he's a freaking power house." Jax said to her. Spike was amazed as he looked to him. "Wow... that's insane..." he muttered. "But its too dangerous to fight here... Liu! Take Shao Kahn out of the city! Quickly!" Twilight said to him. Liu nodded in response and went to bite down on Shao's head, but the hydra dodged it and hissed at him while Liu Kang roared at him in response. Shao hissed at him and went to bite down on him, but Liu managed to dodge his attack, biting down on his middle neck and grabbing hold of the other two heads. He flew into the air with the Kahn and snarled throwing him outside the city, seeing him crash against the ground. Liu Kang flew towards the hydra formed Kahn seeing him get back up, Shao turned seeing him fly around him and snarled as he went to bite down on him. The dragon formed shaolin avoided his bite and scratched his face leaving deep cuts in his skin, and took flight into the sky while Shao Kahn writhed from the attack and glared at him and roared angrily. At that time, Twilight and the Main Six along with most of the defenders arrived to see the fight. "OOOHHH!!!! This is so EXCITING!!!" she pulled a bag of popcorn out of her main and started munching on some. "So far, it appears that Liu Kang has the advantage..." Sub-Zero watched the battle between monsters. "But that won't stop Shao Kahn from trying to win... he has size and strength on his size..." Scorpion said to him. "Not to mention two extra heads..." Spike reminded them. Raiden approached watching the fight. "Those won't matter... Shao Kahn will not win this day, even with Blaze's power, he is no match for Liu Kang." he said to them. Meanwhile, Liu Kang landed on a hill and looked to Shao Kahn who let our a snarl at him. Liu roared in return and took flight charging at the Kahn, he spread his wings and went to claw out Shao's eyes... but the Kahn avoided his attack and bit down on his tail. Causing Liu to shriek from it and looked to him with a glare. He flapped his wings hard enough and managed to pull Shao Kahn off the ground as they flew into the air. "Whoa! Look at that!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she watched what was happening. "This is by far, the craziest thing I've ever seen in my life!" she exclaimed as she was having a major geek out moment. "Easy Dash, remember what Sub-Zero told you about keeping a calm mind..." Applejack reminded her of it earning a nervous chuckle from it. She then turned back towards Liu Kang as he turned to Shao Kahn as they were high up in the air, and snarled flying down only to circle back grabbing hold of the two extra heads while biting down on the main head, hurling down towards the ground with him. Rarity panicked seeing it as she grabbed Fluttershy and Scorpion. "Not to panic or anything, but DUCK!!!" she pulled them down. "Duck? But they're not duck's Rarity, they're-" Pinkie was soon pulled down by Sonya as Liu Kang released Shao Kahn slamming him on the ground as Liu flew over them causing dust to kick up. Pinkie poked her head up seeing it happen as dust and debris was in her hair. "Ooohhh, that kind of duck..." she said to them. Meanwhile, Liu Kang flew down and landed on the ground seeing Shao Kahn reverted back to his original form. He growled and changed back to his human form glaring at the emperor seeing his weakened state. "Blaze's power is failing you Shao... I've defeated you time and time again, and you still haven't learned... you will never beat me..." he said to him. Panting exhausted, Shao Kahn growled not willing to give up as he got up. "I will not be defeated again...!" he summoned his war hammer as Blaze's power surrounded it. "This world... and all who live in it... SHALL DIE! And from this day on... I become THE Elder God!" he went to slam the hammer on the ground about to end Equestria for good. But Liu Kang charged at him catching his arms and threw him over slamming him on the ground, causing the dark emperor to writhe in pain from it. Shao Kahn growled at the shaolin and kicked him away getting back up, he swung his hammer at him with all his might. Liu Kang dodged his attacks and ducked under the hammer landing a hard punch against Shao Kahn's chest, cracking it. The Shaolin then grabbed hold of Shao Kahn's arm and threw him over and stomped on his back slamming him onto the ground, hearing him writhe only to break free of his grasp grabbing hold of him. Throwing him over and tossing him towards a rock, Liu Kang flipped back and landed safely against it and quickly looked seeing Shao Kahn power charging towards him. He leaped off the rock as Shao Kahn rammed through the rock shattering it, Liu Kang shot several shots of his dragon fire at him landing hard hits against the mad emperor. Grunting from the shots, Shao Kahn glared at the monk and threw his hammer at him only to see Liu Kang dodge it and grab hold of his hammer sending it back towards him. Smacking him against the face, demolishing his left cheek bone... causing him to writhe in agony from it. Liu Kang landed on the ground and looked to him with a glare. "Its over Shao Kahn, surrender!" he said to him. Growling from hearing it, Shao stood up and glared at him as his face bled from his cheek. "You are an even bigger than they are Liu Kang...! Your power will never be enough to kill me!" he charged at Liu Kang and summoned a spear and went to stab him, but Liu Kang managed to catch it between his hooves, holding it in place Shao Kahn tried to stab him in his chest. But Liu Kang had other plans as he broke the tip of the spear and slashed Shao Kahn's face and chest with it. Shao screamed from it as he backed away and noticed his former army standing on the sidelines watching the fight. "YOU COWARDS! KILL HIM!" he exclaimed. Motaro looked to his former allies with a stern look as he snorted at them. "Will you all be willing to follow this thing...? This demon whom we blindly followed...?" he asked them as the forces of Outworld backed away while Motaro looked to Shao Kahn. "I for one, will not... I follow a true Kahn!" he exclaimed. Shao Kahn's eyes widened from hearing it as all his former army as he turned seeing Raiden, Celestia and their forces surrounding him. Liu Kang smirked from seeing it, and looked to the fallen emperor as flames surrounded his hooves. "As I said... its over for you Shao Kahn... you're all alone..." he said to him. Only to earn a hateful roar as Shao Kahn went to kill him, but Liu Kang blocked his attacks and landed a hard punch to where his left cheek bone was. He flipped forward landing two high kicks against his head and slammed an uppercut against his jaw, breaking it as he launched him into the air. As Shao fell back down, Liu Kang shot his leg up landing a high kick against his jaw, demolishing it into crushed gravel. Shao Kahn writhed as he crashed on the ground. "OOHHH!!! That's gotta hurt!" Pinkie exclaimed seeing it. But Liu was far from done, as was Shao Kahn as he snarled going for a hard punch, but Liu Kang dodged it as he pulled out his nunchaku and smacked it several times against Shao Kahn's face and slammed it against his right cheek bone shattering it. He then backed up as he changed into his Dragon Animality and snarled biting down on Shao Kahn burning him with flames and blasted him away as he quickly reverted back to his equine form and charged at the emperor, slamming his hoof against his abdomen. Sending him flying towards a rock, crashing against it. "Ouch! That must have hurt worse!" Pinkie looked away knowing how much it would have hurt if she were in Shao Kahn's position. But the fight was far from over, just at that moment... Shao Kahn roared out in anger as he reverted back to his hydra form. "ENOUGH!!!" he snarled and glared at him. He swung his massive tail at Liu Kang to crush him, Liu Kang quickly dodged it only to see Shao Kahn pin him down with his massive claw. He struggled to get free, but Shao Kahn lowered his heads to him growling. "Did you think it was going to be that easy...? Your power is no match for mine Liu Kang, not now... not ever...!" he went to burn him with Blaze's power, only to find that it wasn't working. "What?!" he panicked. Liu Kang let out a soft chuckle and looked to him. "Seems Blaze has abandoned you warlord... now... get off me!" he yelled as he morphed back to his dragon form and slapped him away with his tail. Shao Kahn rolled across the ground from it, crashing against a hill letting out a shriek. The Elder Gods flew to Liu Kang along with the Main Six who's body's glowed with the colors of their elements as he flew into the air with them, looking to Shao seeing him get back up. Shao Kahn shook his heads and looked to them, he growled showing he had enough of them. He lunged at them to finish each and every one of them off, but Liu Kang unleashed a powerful fire blast as the Elder Gods charged and the Main Six used the power of the Elements of Harmony within them to blast at the hydra, the Elder Gods were biting down on him while Liu Kang's fire and the Main Six's power hit him directly in the chest. Shao Kahn writhed as he was being relentlessly bitten by the Elder Gods, he shrieked as light surrounded his body. Raiden and the others watched as Shao Kahn was engulfed by the light, and shrieked as he was destroyed forever by the Elder Gods. The dark skies above began to clear from the destruction of Shao Kahn, and Raiden looked to Liu Kang who flapped his wings mid flight. "He's done it..." he muttered as Celestia approached him, leaning against him with a smile. He smiled in return but looked as the Elder Gods flew to Liu Kang, seeing them swirl around him as he roared out in victory as light shined around him and began to engulf all of Equestria. The Earthrealm Defenders, Outworlders and Equestrians shielded their eyes from it as the light engulfed them. The light shined around them all, but began to dim as they noticed that things had changed. In a wonderful way. Twilight looked around seeing New York combined with Manehatten. "No way..." she muttered as she looked around and noticed that she was in her human form. "What just happened?!" she asked. "I know right? One minute we're ponies, now we're back in our human bodies!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed to her and looked around the city. "But its not so bad... can't say the same for the city..." she muttered. "Right? Manehatten was literally trashed during that battle..." said Pinkie Pie as she looked around. "But where are we...? Are we in Equestria? Or are we in Earthrealm?" she asked. "I have no idea, but everywhere I look... its like the two realms have combined..." Fluttershy pointed out to them. "But... I thought realms could only merge through victory in Mortal Kombat... and if Outworld lost, they'd lose that chance, wouldn't they...?" Applejack asked them. "You can say that... but the Liu Kang has done something that not even I could have done..." Raiden said to them as he looked seeing Liu Kang fly down to them and land on the ground. He changed back to his human form and stood up looking to them. Kitana looked to him and smiled, running to him as she wrapped her arms around him as he held her in his arms smiling. The two looked to each other as Kitana smiled at him as tears ran down her cheek. "I thought I lost you again..." she said to him. Liu smiled at her as he wiped the tear from her face. "For a moment you almost did..." he said to her and noticed Raiden approaching them. The thunder god smiled at them and bowed to Liu Kang, who bowed in return. The two stood up together as they looked to the city. "The two realms... have become one..." he said to him. "But I do not understand Lord Raiden..." Liu Kang looked to his mentor feeling just as confused as the others. "Why did Earthrealm and Equestria merge...?" he asked him. "The Elder Gods believed it best that Equestria be left out of the Mortal Kombat tournament, but since Shao Kahn invaded it... you have helped them unite our two worlds into one..." Raiden explained to him of what transpired after the battle as he looked to Celestia. "Through this union, our two worlds can finally reunite..." "Which would mean, we've not only saved the lives of Equestrians... but those of Earthrealm..." Sonya theorized as she looked to her partner Jax. "Makes sense... I was really starting to like Equestria. Now we don't have to worry about saying goodbye... besides, I've already gotten used to the Apple Farm to begin with..." Jax said to her and smiled as he earned a playful punch from Applejack as a sign she agree with him. Sub-Zero smiled as Rarity held his hand, despite how cold it is. Sub-Zero looked to her and grasped her hand, earning Rarity's attention as she smiled at him. "I don't suppose you would mind bending a few rules in having me and Sweetie Belle around..?" she asked him. The cryomancer let out a small chuckle as he looked to her. "I wouldn't have it any other way..." he said to her as Spike got between them holding them. The trio laughed together, as Spike managed to take Sub-Zero's mask from him, getting him to kiss Rarity. This surprised the two, but it didn't stop them from closing their eyes and embrace it. Spike let out a sight, but crossed his arms. "Well... I just hope you will make her happy Sub-Zero..." he said to him. Sweetie bell walked up to him and gave him a pat on his head. "Hey, don't worry... I'm sure there is a lady dragon out there for you yet Spike..." she said to him. Special Forces, Infirmary Within the infirmary of the Special Forces Unit, Sunset walked to Kung Lao as he was recovering from his injuries from the battle. "How are you feeling KL...?" she asked him as she sat by his bed. Sighing at her question, Kung Lao sat up a bit and looked to her. "Better now that you're here..." he said to her with a smile. "How are the others...?" he asked her. "Still recovering, few scrapes, cuts and bruises... but they'll be okay." she said to him with a smile. The Shaolin let out a small chuckle as he looked to her. "You're lucky to have shown the footage of Shao Kahn's boast... otherwise you'd end up like me..." he said to her. "Why say that...?" Sunset asked him letting out a chuckle. "Because as of right now, I'm his personal baby sitter..." Chi walked up with a smirk and a hand on her hip. "To make sure this bone head doesn't get any idea's of getting out of that bed." Kung Lao had a moment of silence, but broke it as he shot a glare at her. "WELL MAYBE DEFENDING A REALM, AND PROTECTING MY FRIENDS FROM AN INTERREALM TYRANT, DOESN'T GET ME A PASS!!!" he yelled at her. But his response to her was returned with a scary eye glowing, evil grinning Chi as wisps of smoke flowed around her. "Not on your life little brother...!" she said to him. Sunset panicked from seeing it, but chuckled nervously. "Chi, come on... I got this handled, so don't worry about him..." she said to the wisp. Chi starred at them for a bit but smirked. "Alright... but no funny business while I'm away..." she walked out of the room, leaving the humanized unicorn and the shaolin monk to be alone. But when she gets back, its back to keeping her brother in recovery mode. Sunset walked to Kung Lao and softly elbowed him. "Still, not bad out there KL... no matter what anyone says, you're still the best warrior in my book." she said to him. Kung Lao chuckled from it rubbing his neck. "Well... I'm still a bit brash compared to Liu Kang..." he admitted to her. The flaming haired woman rolled her eyes but smiled at him. "Doesn't matter... but hey, if you like, you're more than welcome to join me back in Canterlot High... we can really use someone with your skill." she said to him. Hearing her offer, and how closely connected they are to each other... how could Kung Lao say no to that...? He smiled at her and took her hand. "Count me in..." he said to her. Sunset smiled at him grasping his hand as she pulled him closer allowing her to kiss his cheek, causing his face to turn red from it. Meanwhile, Kenshi had a few bad bruises as Luna approached him to help tend to his wounds. She kneeled down and helped him the best she could. "You fought bravely out there Kenshi Takahashi..." she complimented him. "Almost didn't survive it..." Kenshi replied and looked to her with a smile. "But I'm glad you are by my side Princess..." he said to her. Luna blushed from hearing it, but smiled as she helped him get to the nearest infirmary to get patched up. Meanwhile, Johnny walked to Sonya as she was getting patched up. "Permission to speak ma'am...?" he requested. Sonya smiled and looked to him. "Permission granted... and you don't have to call me ma'am, Johnny..." she said to him. "I know, I know..." Johnny smiled as he rubbed his neck. "Look, Sonya... I know you have a responsibility to serve and protect... but after everything that's happened in the past few days, think maybe we can have dinner later...?" he asked her. "No strings attached... just you and me... and no tips from Rarity..." he said to her. "HEY!" Rarity exclaimed as she glared at him. Sonya chuckled and touched his shoulder. "I'll think about it... just don't do anything you'll regret, or else..." she pointed towards her put as a gesture she will kick him where it hurts most. Johnny gulped from seeing it. "Yes Sonya... got it loud and clear..." he said to her. He was about to walk away, but Sonya grabbed him and pulled him into a surprise kiss to finally shut him up. Johnny was surprised from what she did, but he shut his eyes embracing it and let go for a few seconds. "SSSSSSMOKIN'!!!" he chuckled as he kissed Sonya. Pinkie meanwhile pumped her fist and cheered silently in the background. Meanwhile, Twilight sat beside Flash allow both Raiden and Celestia to treat them. "We are so taking a long vacation after all this..." Twilight said to him. "Poolside...?" Flash asked her as he glanced her direction. "With coconut drinks..." Twilight replied to him and smiled touching his hand. "It'll be worth it..." she said to him as she rested her head to his shoulder. Flash smiled at hearing it as he rested is head to hers. Celestia and Raiden smiled at them and looked to where Liu Kang and Kitana were, they stood at a bridge as the looked at the united realms together. "Those two are finally together after so long..." Celestia said to him. "Yes... those two deserve each other..." Raiden replied with a smile as he felt Celestia's hand touch his face turning him to face her. She smiled at him as she caressed his face. "As do we..." she said to him as she placed her forehead against his. Raiden did the same but soon noticed Goro approach earning both their attention. "Thank you for all you have done Goro Half Dragon..." she said to him. Goro bowed respectfully to her and looked to Raiden. "My people and I will guide Outworld's Army back to Outworld... hopefully from there, we can begin life anew." he said to him and looked to Flash Sentry. "As for you Flash Sentry... I hope we will get a chance to face each other in a fair fight..." he said to him as he held his arm out to him. Flash smiled and took his hand shaking it. "We'll see about that Goro... we'll see..." he said to him as he let go of his hand, as Goro left to lead the army of Outworld back to their respective realm. At that moment, Stryker finished patching up Twilight and looked to him. "Alright, you both best get plenty of rest, otherwise I'm gonna have to take drastic measures..." he said to them as he walked out of the room. Flash and Twilight didn't care, as long as they were with each other, no matter what. Shirai Ryu Village Meanwhile, Scorpion walked to Fluttershy who was admiring the flowers around the area. "These flowers are beautiful... true they're similar to the ones in Equestria, but seeing them both together..." she smiled and looked to him. "Don't you agree...?" she asked him. Scorpion smiles at her as he kneeled to her. "Yes... but the flowers in the Fire Garden's are just as radiant..." he looked towards her as he held her hand. "Just as much as you are..." he said to her. Fluttershy smiled at him as he rested her head on his shoulder. Scorpion smiled in return only to feel a rapid thump against his leg, and looked down seeing Angel Bunny thumping against his leg. "Oh, back for more...?" he asked with a smirk. "Angel...!" Fluttershy gave him a disapproving look, getting the bunny to stop attacking him as he nervously chuckled and ran off. Fluttershy nodded but knew that she would have to deal with him later. But for now... she just wanted to enjoy the moment with Scorpion as they sat together and looked to the village. elsewhere Meanwhile at the portal to Outworld, Shang Tsung walked to it but looked back to the merged realms. Chrysalis noticed it and walked to him. "Taking one last few of this realm Shang...?" she asked him. "Yes... true Earthrealm and Equestria are two different worlds, but seeing them united... almost brings a tear to my eye." Shang Tsung said to her as he looked to her. Chrysalis chuckled a bit and looked to him. "Please, don't make me have a heart for them..." she said to them only to feel his hand grasp hers. Shang smiled at her as he held her hand. "You do have on... you just haven't realized it yet..." he said to her as they walked into the portal with her. "Besides... we must stick together in any situation..." he said to her. Chrysalis smiled as she held his hand and rested her head to his shoulder walking through the portal into Outworld. Canterlot, Earthrealm A gathering took place within the city of Cantelot a few days later, where humans and humanized Equestrian's had gathered together to understand what transpired during the merge. Princess Celestia and Raiden approached the balcony seeing them, Celestia was nervous at first, but Raiden touched her hand to help her keep calm. She breathed in and exhaled looking to the civilians. "Citizens of both Earthrealm and Equestria... I understand your distress of what has happened in recent days. But hear me... this union between our two worlds, is to safeguard both your world and mine..." she explained to them as she looked to Raiden, the Earthrealm Defenders, and the Main Six. "When our lives first met... I was afraid of what my future will be..." she smiled at Raiden and looks to the citizens. "That is why all of us must learn to coexist... no matter our differences, we are all equal to each other. From the largest dragon, to the strongest minotaur, to good friends and allies we all know." Raiden smiled at her and looked to the citizens. "We implore you... try..." he said to them as he grasped Celestia's hand. The Main Six smiled seeing it, Pinkie meanwhile... was trying to hold back her tears. "I promised myself that I wouldn't cry... but... I can't hold that promise!" she started crying uncontrollably. "Now, there, there Pinkie, I'm sure everything will work out... we'll just have to wait and see." Rarity said to her but noticed Fluttershy was crying a bit. "Oh Fluttershy, not you too..." Fluttershy sniffed as she cried a bit. "Its not that... I just love happy endings." she said to her. "Yeah, but I don't think this is the end sugarcube..." Applejack said to her. "Applejack's right... there's probably a ton of realms out there that Shao Kahn planned to attack, and we should check those realms out." Rainbow Dash said to them. "Like they say, as one journey ends... another begins... and you know what this moment calls for?" Twilight asked them. Spike chuckled as he smirked and crossed his arms. "I think I know..." he said to them. Nightfall, Ponyville Grove Try Everything belongs to Shakira from Zootopia Main Six; Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! "Good evening Earthrealm!" Twilight called out as everyone cheered. Main Six; Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!! "Come on everybody! Get your hands up!" Twilight said to them and smiled as she summoned a mic. Twilight; I messed up tonight I lost another fight I still mess up but I'll just start again She smiled as she looked to where Flash Sentry was in the crowd, he smiled at her in return, giving her a thumbs up. She winked at him in return and looked to the ground. I keep falling down I keep on hitting the ground I always get up now to see what's next The rest of the Main Six danced in unison together following the beat of the song, Liu Kang and Kitana smiled as they watched from the crowd. Birds don't just fly They fall down and get up Nobody learns without getting it won Main Six; I won't give up, no I won't give in Till I reach the end And then I'll start again Though I'm on the lead I wanna try everything I wanna try even though I could fail The crowd cheered hearing their song as Scorpion was beside Sub-Zero and they were nodding their heads to the beat of the song. Main Six; I won't give up, no I won't give in Till I reach the end And then I'll start again No I won't leave I wanna try everything I wanna try even though I could fail Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! Twilight; Try Everything! Main Six; Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! Twilight; Try Everything! Main Six; Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! Twilight; Try Everything! Main Six; Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! Johnny took Sonya's hand and twirled her around as he held her close and danced together. Twilight; Look how far you've come You filled your heart with love Baby you've done enough that cut your breath Liu Kang smiled as he looked to Kitana and danced beside her as the Main Six performed. At that moment, Liu Kang noticed Sindel giving him a look saying "If you hurt my daughter, I will kill you." he gulped knowing she was serious about it. Twilight; Don't beat yourself up Don't need to run so fast Sometimes we come last but we did our best Main Six; I won't give up, no I won't give in Till I reach the end And then I'll start again Though I'm on the lead I wanna try everything I wanna try even though I could fail Raiden danced beside Celestia as Luna stood alone in the crowd. But a hand soon took hers as he found it to be Kenshi who smiled at her in hope she could dance with her. Luna smiled at him and gladly joined him in a dance. Main Six; I won't give up, no I won't give in Till I reach the end And then I'll start again No I won't leave I wanna try everything I wanna try even though I could fail The Main Six danced on the stage as Twilight took center stage and looked to the crowd. Twilight; I'll keep on making those new mistakes I'll keep on making them every day Those new mistakes Main Six; Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! Twilight; Try everything! Main Six; Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! Twilight; Try everything! Main Six; Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! Twilight; Try everything! Main Six; Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! Liu Kang twirled Kitana closer to him as he held her close, smiling at her. Kitana smiled as she touched his face lovingly, and leaned to him as the two kissed each other as their eyes shut. Twilight; Try everything Flash smiled and leaped onto the stage and held her in his arms, the two smiled at each other and kissed each other as fireworks launched. The crowd cheered for them as the song ended for the night, meanwhile Mileena scowled at them knowing that could have been her with Flash. But she sighed in defeat and crossed her arms. "I'll let you have this one princess..." she said to her and looked away. Outworld, Palace Courtyard Meanwhile in Outworld, at what remains of Quan Chi's charred skeleton, a shadow approached as a feminine hand reached down and picked up the burnt skull, revealing it to be none other than Nightmare Moon herself. She grinned at the dead sorcerer as a spectral form of Shinnok appeared next to her. "Not quite according to your plan, right Lord Shinnok...?" she asked him. Shinnok looked upon Quan Chi's remains and looked to the palace. "Its a shame Quan Chi could not live to witness Shao Kahn's destruction. The mad emperor believed by merging the two realms would not go unpunished by the Elder Gods..." he said to her. "And so the thunder god and his allies live..." Nightmare pointed out to him. "It doesn't matter..." Shinnok looked to her. "There are other realms that are ripe for the picking..." he waved his hand revealing a realm to her that is similar to Earthrealm, but different in other ways. "This realms Jinsei is unprotected... and its people is without its protector..." Nightmare smirked as she looked to it. "Its perfect... without their protector, they will be vulnerable..." she said to him. "Yes... soon I will be free... this realm of the four elements, Earthrealm, and Outworld... will be ours..." Shinnok grinned as he stared at the new realm that he seeks to conquer and enslave. Without its current protector... the people within the realm will face the wrath of the fallen elder god, and no one will stand in his way.