Chapter 1: The Tournament

It had been more than 400 years since the death of The Great Kung Lao, the legendary warrior in the Shaolin Temple capable of earning Earthrealm 3 consecutive victories against Outworld in the Mortal Kombat tournament. The Great Kung Lao was murdered by the Shokan prince, Goro, who defeated him in the 5th tournament. Goro went on to earn 4 consecutive victories for Outworld and he just needed 1 more to allow Shao Kahn to rightfully invade and merge Earthrealm with Outworld.

The current generation of Shaolin warriors, Liu Kang, and Kung Lao, were not only martial artists, but also the Chosen Ones, those with the power to defend Earthrealm from all its threats. They had been training and preparing for the next Mortal Kombat tournament and they would prove themselves worthy of being Earthrealm's protectors. Liu Kang was a prodigy and Kung Lao being the descendant of the Great Kung Lao was naturally talented, as well.

When the day came, Lord Raiden started to travel the world to gather all the Earthrealm's warriors, including Liu Kang and Kung Lao. The God of thunder had always watched over Earthrealm and its inhabitants as their protector. Lord Raiden was always present during the Mortal Kombat tournaments in the past but he was never allowed to interfere or take part in the battles as his duty was merely to recruit and guide his warriors to victory.

The tournament would take place in the island of Shang Tsung' where the sorcerer and his minions prepared everything for the tournament. As for the warriors of Earthrealm, they would get transported to the island through Lord Raiden's portal. The thunder god already had the list of all the warriors who he chose so he could open the portal to wherever they were at the moment. He just needed to use his powers to find them.

Lord Raiden would travel to America where he would find his other chosen warriors. He managed to bring special forces member Sonya Blade, Jackson Briggs, and Lance LoDolce who were in the middle of clashing with the Black Dragon clan whom he also recruited two members of: Kano and Kira after he broke up their fight. He also found Nightwolf a Native American shaman and Johnny Cage an actor who was a descendant of warriors of Cetrion.

After he gathered his warriors, he brought them together in the Shaolin temple, where he talked to them about the purpose of the tournament and the dangers it brings. The Shaolin warriors, Liu Kang and Kung Lao, joined them there.

"It's an honor to meet you again, Lord Raiden, " said Kung Lao and Liu Kang nodded.

"Likewise. I've heard much about you both, i must say that i'm very impressed and proud of your progress" said Raiden.

"This is really a strange day, we have a God standing here in front of us," said Jax.

"I don't know if this is real or just a dream," added Sonya.

"Do not doubt the fact that this is real, Sonya Blade, I am not a figment of your imagination nor a part of a dream. You are here because of the threats Earthrealm faces," said Raiden.

"What are those threats?" asked Johnny Cage. "It's better worth my time because i have to skip a role for multi million dollar movie," said Johnny.

"I apologize, Johnny Cage but saving Earthrealm is more important than some Hollywood film" said Raiden. "You must be aware that your world has been in danger of merging with the Outworld for over 400 years. If the tournament will end in Outworld's victory, the Emperor Shao Kahn will rightfully claim Earthrealm and merge it with Outworld, dooming our world and all of its inhabitants. Your participation is very important to ensure the existence of Earthrealm."

"Wait a minute, what do you mean by Outworld?" asked Sonya.

"It's the realm where the Emperor Shao Kahn rules," said Liu Kang. "He has an army of evil warriors ready to invade Earthrealm."

"Damn, that sounds bad" said Jax.

"Yes, it is and it's our responsibility as warriors of Earthrealm to defend it" said Kung Lao.

"We are ready for that" said Liu Kang.

"So what are we gonna get in return, mate? Are we getting a big money reward?" asked Kano.

"Show some respect to Lord Raiden." Reminded Kung Lao.

"Don't worry, Kung Lao. I understand Kano's concern. Kano, in return for your service, you shall be rewarded with riches from Shang Tsung's treasury, "said Raiden.

"That's what i wanted to hear, mate," said Kano.

"Ugh! I just can't believe i have to be in the same team as this scumbag." Said Sonya.

"I agree, Sonya, I'd rather fight him than being on the same team, but we have to deal with it," said Jax.

"It's not my fault that you're too weak to handle me, love," said Kano. "Isn't that right, Kira?."

"Hahaha, yeah. Both of you are lucky that Raiden interrupted our fight, otherwise you'd be dead by now." Mocked Kira.

"Shut up!" yelled Sonya.

"Sonya, don't pay attention to them. We have more important things to worry about," said Jax.