Mortal Kombat Conquest
Episode 01
Warrior Eternal Part One
Written by: Juan Carlos Goto
Directed by: Oley Sassone
Transcribed by: Octavia
Kung Lao: Paolo Montalban
Siro: Daniel Bernhardt
Taja: Kristanna Loken
Shang Tsung: Bruce Locke
Vorpax: Tracey Douglas
Raiden: Jeffrey Meek
Jenevere Reyland: Jennifer Renton
Baron Reyland: John Reilly
Scorpion: Chris Casamassa
We open on KUNG LAO practising a pattern in a room. He makes several sweeping gestures, goes into a 540 kick, does a few strikes and an aerial cartwheel. As he practises, Raiden narrates.
Raiden: (voice over) Kung Lao. A humble young man with the heart of a great warrior. Soon that heart will be tested as he fights for his home-
Kung Lao does a split kick and then goes into a back flip and turns around.
Raiden: ( voice over)-the Earth Realm.
Cut to the main hall in the Mortal Kombat Island. A Mortal Kombat dragon symbol is carved on the ground. We see SHAO KAHN sitting on a throne, skull mask and all. Around the arena stand various warriors from all different realms, cheering on the current winner. In the ring, we see SHANG TSUNG dealing with some nameless piece of canner fodder.
Raiden: ( voice over) Kung Lao will make his stand in the tournament called Mortal Kombat. Here the Elder gods grant the greatest fighters of the universe the right to defend their own realms against the warriors of the dark realm called Outworld.
The warrior fighting Shang Tsung falls to the ground and immediately kips up and goes into a left flying spinning hooking kick. Shang Tsung evades it and sends the warrior back to the ground with a fast right spinning hooking kick.
Raiden: (voice over) The rules are simple. Every generation, the chosen fighters from each side are transported to Shang Tsung�s island - an outpost between realms.
Cut to an establishing shot of the Mortal Kombat Island from a distance.
Cut back to the Hall. The fighter gets to his feet and tries another flying spinning hooking kick but Shang Tsung blocks it and left spin hook kicks him to the ground.
Raiden: (voice over) If they lose their battle, the realm falls to darkness forever, absorbed into the desolate expanse of Outworld -
Cut to a shot of the Emperor�s Castle in Outworld. We see a skeleton lying on the ground.
Cut back to the Hall. Shao Kahn sits on his throne, eagerly watching the fight.
Raiden: (voice over) - another victory for its Emperor Shao Kahn.
Shang Tsung right punches the fighter in the stomach and then left reverse circle punches and right hook punches him in the face.
Raiden: (voice over) Over centuries of combat, Kahn�s champion Shang Tsung has remained undefeated, laying to waste to an untold number of fighters with his sorcery.
The fighter collapses, writhing on the ground in agony.
Shao Kahn: Finish him!
Shang Tsung looks up at Shao Kahn.
Raiden: (voice over) Earth is the jewel of the universe, a young, vast, pristine realm, whose inhabitants have not yet begun to comprehend the power it holds.
The by-standers cheer on Shang Tsung, yelling at him to kill the fighter. In a dark corner of the room, RAIDEN teleports in with a flash of lightning. He slowly walks into the room and crosses his arms, watching Shang Tsung.
Raiden: voice over)I am Raiden, god of thunder, protector of the Earth Realm. Not an easy job, believe me.
Shang Tsung looks down at the fighter.
Shang: Your soul is mine!
A green light emerges from the fighter�s body - Shang Tsung is sucking his soul. Shao Kahn eagerly watches it. Raiden turns his eyes away in disgust.
The dead body of the fighter falls back to the floor. Shang Tsung smiles.
Cut to the Shaolin Temple, just before Mortal Kombat. Kung Lao stands in one of the practice chambers.
Raiden: It�s time to commit, Kung Lao, to a destiny you�ve trained your whole life for.
He grabs Kung Lao�s arm.
Raiden: Here, you are ready. Physically, there is no fighter your equal, (he points to Kung Lao�s mind) but here is your weakness, doubts lurking in your head.
Raiden lets go off his arm. Kung Lao moves away, not convinced. Raiden follows him.
Raiden: Since you were a boy, Kung Lao, I have known that a great and powerful warrior resides in your soul. Your victory will come from an unwavering belief in yourself�that and a little luck.
They smile.
Cut to the Main Hall, the Island.
Kung Lao, wearing a hat, slowly walks towards the circle. Raiden watches closely. Shang Tsung looks at Kung Lao carefully. Behind him, Shao Kahn leans forward.
Shao Kahn: Kung Lao�s the best and last Earth has to offer. Your final battle, Shang Tsung. After your victory, Earth finally becomes my domain.
Shang: *Our* domain!
Shao Kahn leans forward angrily. Shang Tsung quickly changes his tone.
Shang: Meaning of course that I would share its power, as your most obedient servant�
Shao Kahn sighs and sits back down.
Shao Kahn: Your ambition serves you well, Shang Tsung. But know this, failure now is unacceptable.
Shang Tsung turns back towards Kung Lao and smiles. He arrogantly saunters towards the arena and takes his place opposite Kung Lao. The two warriors glare at each other. Raiden watches intently.
Shang Tsung and Kung Lao both look up to Shao Kahn, who rises from his chair.
Raiden: (voice over) Today, Earth lives or dies with the skill of its greatest warrior.
Kung Lao and Shang Tsung go into guarding positions. Shao Kahn crosses his arms.
Raiden: (voice over) It is a fight to the death�in the sacred tournament called Mortal Kombat.
Shao Kahn uncrosses his arms.
Shao Kahn: FIGHT!
Opening Credits.
Shang Tsung and Kung Lao face each other. Raiden crosses his fingers. Shang kicks off with an aerial cartwheel kick, sending Kung Lao to the ground. He does a right hooking kick but Kung Lao rolls out of the way and ducks under Shang�s right flying spinning hooking kick. Shang ducks under Kung Lao�s left hook kick and attempts a right front kick which is left upper blocked by Kung Lao, and then a right circle swipe which is ducked. Kung Lao then comes back up and then left punches Shang. Shang reels back.
Kung Lao ducks under Shang�s 540 kick. He spins and tries to left punch but the sorcerer blocks; he then tries to right circle strike him but Shang ducks under it and right low side kicks Kung Lao�s leg. Kung Lao stumbles back and then spins. He does two right spinning hooking kicks - both are ducked under - and then hits Shang with a spinning side kick to the stomach. Shang Tsung flies back over the arena and lands hard on the stone steps to Shao Kahn�s throne. After recovering, he gets to his feet and soars through the air in a flying side split kick. Kung Lao tumbles to the ground.
Kung Lao left vertical blocks Shang�s right front kick. He then blocks the sorcerer�s left hook, right punch, left elbow, and brings up his own elbow but Shang blocks that and, spinning, does a left circle knife hand which is right vertical blocked by Kung Lao. With all those attacks having been blocked, Shang successfully connects with a right hooking kick, and Kung Lao falls back. Shang Tsung attacks with a punch; Kung Lao blocks it and does a counterattack punch of his own, which is blocked, and they repeat this sequence three times, neither of the equals getting a hit in until Shang does a right front kick to Kung Lao�s face. Kung Lao tries to counter with a high left side kick but Shang blocks it and left back fists Kung Lao�s face. Kung Lao reels back, recovers quickly and executes a left front kick which Shang blocks and counters with another back fist to the face.
As Kung Lao falls back, Shang Tsung closes in and punches him four times in the stomach. Kung Lao stumbles and is then sent to the ground with Shang Tsung�s butterfly kick. He stays on the ground on his hands and knees. Shang Tsung shakes his head.
Shang: Pathetic or not, your soul is mine.
The sorcerer turns and then low side kicks Kung Lao in the face. Kung Lao flies back over the arena and writhes on the ground, struggling to get to his hands and knees. Shang Tsung jumps into the air and goes into a vaulting side axe kick which hits Kung Lao on the head. Kung Lao groans in pain; Shang Tsung back flips to his feet and right front kicks Kung Lao in the gut. Shao Kahn watches on in anticipation. Shang Tsung smiles.
Shang: Your will is weak, Kung Lao, soon to break.
The bystanders cheer on Shang Tsung. Shao Kahn leans forward.
Shao Kahn: Finish him!
Shang Tsung looks down to Kung Lao. Raiden closes his eyes and looks away.
Shang Tsung brings his right elbow down onto Kung Lao�s back. Kung Lao collapses again and rolls over. Shang Tsung stands over him. The bystanders chant "Kill him" over and over again.
Shang: Earth will make a fine addition to Outworld.
The sorcerer holds his hands out and starts to slowly pull Kung Lao�s soul from his body.
Raiden: You can do this, Kung Lao. Believe!
Kung Lao gasps in pain as Shang Tsung continues to suck his soul out. He falls unconscious and when he opens his eyes, he is standing in a mystical area of white space. Before him stands JEN, with a blue and white robe around her. She smiles at him.
Kung Lao: Jen�I can�t stay�I had to see you one last time.
Jen: This is not the end, Kung Lao. Your strength is in me and mine in you. You must finish what you have started before it�s too late.
Kung Lao turns round.
Cut back to the Hall. Kung Lao opens his eyes just in time and as Shang Tsung is sucking out his soul, he reaches up his right leg and kicks him in the face, causing the sorcerer to abandon the spell and stumble backwards.
Shang Tsung clutches his face. Kung Lao gets to his feet and goes into a guard position. Shang Tsung looks at Kung Lao.
Shang: Very clever, playing dead.
Kung Lao: Not as clever as this!
Kung Lao whirls round and hits him with a right spinning hooking kick. Shao Kahn curses. Kung Lao vertical blocks Shang�s right punch, right waist blocks his left punch, then right hook punches the sorcerer in the face and punches him in the stomach. Kung Lao multiple punches Shang in the stomach, right hook punches his face and delivers another blow to the stomach. The bystanders start cheering for Kung Lao. Kung Lao grabs Shang�s and throws him to the floor. As the sorcerer gets to his feet, Kung Lao turns and knocks him back down with a right flying spinning hooking kick.
Shang Tsung shakily gets up. Kung Lao grabs him and punches him six times in the stomach, then one to the chin, and another blow to the stomach. Shang Tsung sways back and forth, and Kung Lao delivers a final uppercut sending the sorcerer across the arena.
Shang Tsung falls to the ground. Kung Lao moves over to finish him.
Shao Kahn: He is worthless and weak. (quietly) Finish him.
Kung Lao holds up his fist. Then he hesitates and looks around at the bystanders, who are eagerly chanting his name and were only just before yelling for Shang Tsung to him.
Kung Lao: No. Listen to me. When the next tournament comes, remember what you saw here today. The people of Earth are not murderers! In respect of the Elder Gods, and the laws of Mortal Kombat, I choose "Mercy".
He moves away and bows. Shao Kahn makes a sound of disgust. Two guards jerk Shang Tsung to his feet. Kung Lao walks over to Raiden, who smiles at him.
Raiden: Nice speech.
They turn to see Shang Tsung being dragged along by the two guards. They stop for a moment.
Shang: You should have killed me, Kung Lao!
The guards drag him away. Raiden watches sadly
Cut to the pathway to the Shaolin Temple. Kung Lao and Raiden are being escorted by many monks waving flags and playing instruments. Several of them shake hands with Kung Lao, and Raiden kisses a female villager twice on the forehead. In the background, we hear a drum beating out a steady rhythm. As Kung Lao approaches it, we hear the noise go louder and louder in his head and we zoom in close to the surface of the drum, which has a yin yang logo on, as Kung Lao has a vision.
Cut to the same pathway in Kung Lao�s vision. Kung Lao stands on the path. All is dark and around him lie the dead bodies of all the monks. Kung Lao stands alone, looking at all the destruction around him. We hear the drum get louder.
Cut back to the celebration. Kung Lao opens his eyes and looks around him. Raiden turns to him.
Raiden: You look like you�re sleeping standing up.
Kung Lao laughs it off and carries on walking with him.
Kung Lao: Give me a break, Raiden, I�m tired.
Raiden: I know. You deserve a rest.
Cut to a chamber inside the Temple. Kung Lao lights a candle with a long match.
Kung Lao: I offer gratitude to the Elder gods for granting me the courage and the strength to defeat Shang Tsung.
As he kneels there, Kung Lao closes his eyes and has a vision., far more stronger than the one before. He sees some sort of monster - the vision is not clear enough to make out who but we can guess that it is Goro - in front of him, wildly attacking him.
He opens his eyes in terror. The flame on the candle suddenly goes out. Kung Lao jumps to his feet, looking in the darkness for an intruder. After spinning around in a guard position, he sighs.
Cut to the Temple Chamber, dawn.
Kung Lao sits on a stool, wrapping leather around the handle of a broad sword. By a pillar, we see Raiden reclining.
Raiden: Up at dawn; filled with anger. Not much of a rest.
Kung Lao: Someone is tormenting me.
Raiden: (casually) Any suspects?
Kung Lao drops his sword, gets up and turns to Raiden.
Kung Lao: Someone or something is inside my head, turning all my thoughts to darkness!
Raiden: There�s no one inside your head, Kung Lao, no one but you. What you are seeing is no doubt a premonition of your future: a fate yet unwritten but clouded with fear.
Kung Lao turns his back on Raiden and leans against the wall.
Kung Lao: Haven�t I earned the right to just be happy for a change?
Raiden suddenly appears standing behind him.
Raiden: Shao Kahn is not the defeated. His claim to Earth has merely been postponed. (he walks forward) What you have earned, Kung Lao, is the right to be a leader. To find and train a new generation of fighters to stand at your side in the next tournament.
He walks up to Kung Lao.
Raiden: It is one path, Kung Lao, if you so choose. But remember, in Mortal Kombat, victory is not the end, it�s-
Kung Lao: - it�s only the beginning. Why can�t you teach the new fighters?
Raiden: This is not my world; not my responsibility. The key to Earth�s victory lies in the human spirit.
Kung Lao: So you want me to just turn away from everything? What about my dreams of happiness with Jen? Do you want me to give up my whole life?
Raiden shrugs.
Raiden: There are rewards� (he tries to think of some) The Elder gods have granted that you will not age another day until the next tournament.
Kung Lao turns round to face him.
Kung Lao: Tell me, Raiden, would you rather be old and happy, or young and cursed?
Raiden sighs.
Kung Lao: If my future is unwritten like you say, then I�ll write it the way I want! From now on!
He leaves. Raiden sighs.
Raiden: Why do they never listen to me?
Cut to Zhu Zin, the Market place. Traders from all over Earth Realm bring their wares. Amongst the traders, walks Jen, the young daughter of the Baron. She looks up eagerly as she spots SIRO, a young man emerging from a stall.
Jen: Siro!
She dashes forward and clings onto arm, bouncing up and down.
Siro: Miss me?
Jen laughs.
Jen: Absolutely not.
She kisses him on the cheek. They walk through the market place.
Jen: Siro, tell me the trip went well. I need my father in a good mood today.
Siro: You know I always tell you what you want to hear, Jen. But this time it might actually be true. I just got your father a very sweet deal on two hundred pounds of cinnamon.
Jen: Good, then he won�t mind me asking for a gift.
Siro: A gift?
Jen: For the Temple of the Order of Light. It�s their holiest week.
Siro: Oh, I know that "Mortal Kombat" nonsense.
Jen: Nonsense or not, it�s only right for us as citizens here to make an offering to the Temple and its fighters.
They stop outside the Trading Post, their home. Siro rolls his eyes.
Siro: Like Kung Lao?
Jen laughs.
Jen: Yes. Wish me luck.
They continue inside.
Cut to Outworld, the Emperor�s Castle. Lightning flashes around. We go inside to the Emperor�s throne room. As Shao Kahn sits on his throne, the screams of someone being tortured are heard all around.
Two shadow priests bring a weakened and tortured Shang Tsung into the room. He kneels before the steps to Shao Kahn�s throne. Shao Kahn glares down on him .
Shao Kahn: Are you enjoying the rewards of failure?
Shang Tsung looks up.
Shang: Great Shao Kahn�end this now.
Shao Kahn stands up angrily.
Shao Kahn: HOW DARE YOU BEG FOR DEATH?!!!
Shang Tsung cringes. Lightning flashes. Shao Kahn makes his voice very soft and sympathetic as he descends the steps down to Shang Tsung�s level.
Shao Kahn: Only victors are granted their desires. There�s a fate worse than death�the Cobalt Mines of Shokan.
He raises his hand and Shang Tsung is pulled upright by an invisible force.
Shao Kahn: An eternity of pain and suffering, mocked by the dregs of the universe. A fitting punishment FOR LETTING THE EARTH REALM SLIP THROUGH MY HANDS!
He drops Shang Tsung to the ground and climbs up the steps.
Shao Kahn: You are forever known as outcast, a failure. FAILURE!
Shao Kahn sits back on his throne and gestures to the shadow priests.
Shao Kahn: Now remove this vermin from my sight.
The two shadow priests jerk Shang Tsung up. As he�s leaving, he raises his eyes to the skies.
Shang: Revenge will be mine�Kung Lao will die!!!
Cut to the Earth Realm. Siro and Jen are walking through a forest on their way to the Temple. Jen carries a little box; Siro holds his sword in his belt.
Jen: Come on, we�re almost at the Temple. Siro, how do I look? And be honest.
Siro: In love, undeniably in love. And this concerns not just your father but me too.
Jen stops and turns to him.
Jen: What have you told him?
Siro: You underestimate your father, he can see it as plainly as I can. He only wants what�s best for you.
Jen shrugs. They exit the forest and join the path towards the Temple. Several monks pass them in prayer.
Jen: Well, I�m glad he knows. The love Kung Lao and I share was meant to be.
Siro stops her on the path.
Siro: A word of warning, Jen. It may be that the only thing that�s inevitable is a battle of wars between you and your father.
Jen sighs. They continue through the gate to the Temple. Three monks stand in their way. Siro waves to them. They stand there in silence.
Siro: Not very friendly, are they?
One of the monks moves behind them. Siro holds Jen back from moving any further.
Siro: Something�s not right.
[Transcriber�s Note: The two thieves (one of them being Jon Valera) are referred to as A and B]
Suddenly the monk behind them takes off the robe to reveal TAJA, a red haired female thief. She holds her dagger to Jen�s neck and then shoves her to the side having taken the box from her. Siro takes out his sword as the other two "monks" drop their robes and brandish weapons.
The two thieves, one empty handed and one carrying a pair of butterfly knives, jump through the air. Immediately Siro whirls round and left spin hook kicks Taja to the ground. She lies there unmoving. Siro turns back to the other thieves. Thief A approaches, brandishing the butterfly knives. Siro parries ten blows with his sword but is right side kicked by B in the stomach, right front kicked by B and then side kicked again by A. He stumbles back and drops his sword.
Siro left upper blocks A�s left arm as it swoops in a thrust to his neck, stopping the butterfly knife from slashing him just in time. He then delivers a right palm heel strike to that arm, forcing A to drop the knife. He twists his left arm away from A�s attempted wrist grab, grabs onto A�s right arm before he can slash him with the knife, and then left knife hands A�s side. Still holding onto A�s arm, he forces him into a somersault to the ground. Siro then turns back to B.
He tries to right punch and then left punch B but both attacks are blocked. Then Siro manages to right punch B in the stomach but is hit by a right front kick to the chest. Siro stumbles back into A who grabs him in a bear hug. As B rushes up to attack him, Siro grabs onto A�s arms around him and, jumping up, executes a flying double front kick to B�s head. As he lands, Siro left elbows A in the face until A�s grip on him lessens, and then he forces the thief into another somersault to the ground.
As B jumps through the air towards him, Siro jumps up too and left flying side kicks him to the ground. A kips up and B gets to his feet. Both run towards him. Siro ducks under B�s flying spinning right hooking kick but is hit by A�s 720 kick. He recovers and left spin hook kicks B to the ground then turns and left roundhouses A. A gets to his feet and produces a pair of kamas. He whirls them around himself and then brandishes them at Siro. Jen gasps.
Siro moves back to evade the spinning thrust of the kamas and A�s 720 kick. He grabs A�s right arm, twists it, and then with his right hand, strikes A in the stomach. He then lets A�s hand go and left spin hook kicks him to the ground. Siro turns round just in time to duck B�s flying right side kick. Siro blocks B�s left low hook punch, ducks under his right circle knife hand strike, and then left punches B�s face. B falls to the ground.
A kip ups and, whirling the kamas around him, tries to 540 kick Siro, who ducks under it. A ducks down, trying to low slash Siro with the kamas but Siro jumps up and then right punches A straight in the face. As Siro watches A fall to the ground, B approaches and double front kicks Siro�s back. Siro falls down but rolls to his feet and right spin hooks both A and B to the ground. They slowly get up and then dart into the woods, fleeing for their lives.
Taja stirs and gets to her feet, brandishing the dagger at Siro. Siro approaches, smiling. He moves to the right to evade her first thrust and then to the left to evade her second. He grabs her arm, pulls her head back and then knocks her to the ground.
As he is about to plunge the dagger down and kill her, Siro�s arm is grabbed by Kung Lao.
Kung Lao: Enough! No blood shed on sacred grounds.
Siro lowers the dagger. Kung Lao turns and runs over to Jen.
Kung Lao: Why didn�t you tell me you were coming?
Jen holds the box out to him.
Jen: A contribution for your temple. I wanted it to be a surprise.
They smile at each other. Siro jerks Taja to her feet and holds her arms behind her back.
Siro: What to do, what to do. Oh, the Baron could use another kitchen slave.
Taja: I�d rather die.
Siro grabs her hair and jerks her head back.
Siro: And you will if you can�t cook.
He turns to see Kung Lao and Jen heading up the path.
Siro: Where are you going, Jen?
Kung Lao and Jen turn around.
Kung Lao: Tradition says all contributions to the temple must be made in person.
Siro: Jen goes nowhere without me.
Kung Lao: She�s safe now, Siro, thanks to you.
Siro: Five minutes. Then I come hunting.
Kung Lao and Jen smile at each other and leave.
Taja: You�re all heart.
Siro: And you may just find out that�s far from the truth.
He shoves her forward up the pathway.
Cut to a chamber in the Temple. Jen and Kung Lao bounce in. Jen sets the box down on a pillar and pulls Kung Lao into the centre of the room.
Jen: Come here, I want to show you something.
She does a graceful bow to him.
Kung Lao: You�ve been practising.
Jen: Sssh!! Focus, you taught me. I can�t be distracted.
Jen goes into a guard position and playfully does a slow right front kick at Kung Lao who blocks.
Jen: What, scared I can beat you now? Don�t look so surprised, Kung Lao, you�re a very good teacher.
Kung Lao: Jen, I-uh (he blocks her other front kick and left side kick) had visions while I was gone.
Jen: About us? It�s nice to know that when you�re away on your temple retreats, that I�m still in your dreams!
She grabs his arms and pulls him around in a circle.
Kung Lao: Jen, please, listen to me!
Jen stops, seeing how serious Kung Lao is.
Kung Lao: This vision I had-
Jen: Let me guess. You saw us together, just like now, as husband and wife, growing old in each other�s arms.
Kung Lao: You, uh, read my mind.
They kiss. Jen hugs him.
Jen: Just one thing. The only problem now is going to be convincing my father.
Cut to the Trading Post, night. Kung Lao knocks on the door. TAKEDA, the guard, pulls the sliding panel to see who it is and then opens up the door.
Takeda: Kung Lao, my friend. It�s good to see you. The Trading Post is closed, this must be a social visit.
Kung Lao: Actually, I�ve come to propose a deal with the Baron. Wish me luck?
Takeda smiles and lets him in.
Takeda: Hey, smile, Kung Lao. It�s not every day you get to propose to the Baron�s daughter.
Kung Lao manages a weak smile. Takeda closes the door behind him.
Cut to inside the Trading Post. Kung Lao runs into Siro.
Kung Lao: How�s our thief?
Siro: Being treated like one.
Cut to the Baron�s office. Taja, dressed in rags and in chains, with a stony look on her face, offers a plate of food to the Baron.
Baron: No.
She leaves. The Baron continues counting his money. Kung Lao enters.
Baron: And to what do I owe the honour, Kung Lao?
Kung Lao takes a deep breath. The Baron keeps counting his money.
Kung Lao: I think you know, Baron, that over the years I�ve become very close to your daughter.
Baron: Is that so?
Kung Lao raises his voice to speak over the sound of the Baron dropping his coins into a chest.
Kung Lao: And I�m ready to dedicate my life to Jen�s happiness.
Baron: She�s a dear girl; she deserves happiness. And what are your financial prospects, Kung Lao? Just how much does that temple pay you to *save the world* ?
Kung Lao: Well, sir, it doesn�t exactly work that way-
Baron: I�m well aware of how the way it works. You�re trained to fight *other realms*, your *Elder Gods*. But if you�re serious about marrying Jen, you have to put aside this foolishness once and for all.
Kung Lao: But Baron, how can you ask me to abandon my faith?
Baron: What you call faith, Kung Lao, I call delusions.
Kung Lao: They�re not delusions!
Baron: I am a business man; I have practical concerns for the welfare of my daughter, and if you cannot seriously provide for her, then your request is denied. Guards! Show him out.
Takeda and another guard enter.
Kung Lao: I can�t accept that answer, Jen will be my wife!
The Baron stands up angrily. The guards hold Kung Lao�s arms.
Baron: Jen is my property! And like everything else in this Trading Post, she has a price which I�m afraid you cannot afford. Leave now, Kung Lao, or I�ll consider you a thief and treat you accordingly.
Kung Lao: No. I will not leave without Jen.
The Baron gestures to the guards. Takeda grabs Kung Lao by the throat while the other guard holds a spiked shield to his chest.
Takeda: Be smart, Kung Lao, don�t make me hurt you.
Baron: Take him outside and punish him.
The door opens and Jen and Siro dash in.
Jen: Father, wait! Today at the Temple-!
Siro: - Sir! It was Kung Lao who saved us from the thieves.
The Baron turns to Siro.
Baron: Is this true?
Siro: I swear it.
The Baron looks back at Kung Lao.
Baron: I will spare your punishment this time but if you show yourself here again, I�ll consider it a threat to my daughter�s safety and I�ll have no choice but to have you killed.
Jen sobs. The Baron looks to Takeda.
Baron: Get him out of here.
The guards drag Kung Lao out of the Trading Post.
Cut to Outworld. The camera pans down a fiery gulf as we descend down to the Cobalt Mines. The setting becomes dull and blue as we finally enter Shao Kahn�s favourite prison for his enemies. We hear the screams of prisoners being tortured by guards and see miners carrying heavy amounts of cobalt. To the side, we see Shang Tsung, leaning dully against a wall, fingering a block of cobalt.
Amidst all the prisoners stand two figures, clearly in charge. The camera pans up the body of VORPAX, a slim female prisoner wearing a green costume. Next to her stands SIDAK, a huge burly prisoner. They look at the newest arrival - Shang Tsung.
Sidak: The great Shang Tsung�no better than the rest of us now.
Vorpax: Unless you count his powers of sorcery, which are legend.
Sidak: All cheap tricks. We all lose our powers down here.
Vorpax: I hope so. Otherwise your respected position is seriously in doubt.
Sidak: I�ll show Shang who he bows to now.
Sidak stomps towards Shang Tsung, shoving a miner out of his way. Vorpax smiles.
He finally reaches Shang Tsung who looks up.
Sidak: I�m Sidak and this is my region. There�s no power greater than mine down here.
Shang: Yes, you�re right. There is no greater power than your stench.
Vorpax laughs. Sidak leans down and grabs the cobalt stone from Shang Tsung. Shang Tsung stands up. Sidak shoves a pick axe into his hands.
Sidak: You work when I say, you rest when I say. You�re my slave now!
Shang: I think not.
Shang Tsung uses his sorcery to project the pick axe away. Sidak grabs him and shoves him against the wall.
Sidak: Other tricks, sorcerer?
Shang: A few more, up my sleeve.
Shang Tsung holds up his hand and Sidak is engulfed by a huge red flame. He slowly disintegrates into dust. Vorpax smiles.
Shang Tsung kicks the dust away with his foot.
Shang: Hocus pocus.
Vorpax picks up the fallen pick axe and calls to him.
Vorpax: You dropped something.
Shang Tsung turns around.
Vorpax: I warned *that*, it was not match for the mighty Shang Tsung� but fools have to learn the hard way.
Shang Tsung holds out his hand and telekinetically pulls Vorpax towards him. She smiles at him seducingly.
Shang: I can only imagine what you�re down here for but it does not serve my purpose right now. So, disappear. Before there�s another hard lesson.
He shoves Vorpax back. She lands on the steps and slowly gets up, glaring at him for a moment.
Vorpax: Your purpose, if the rumours are true, is revenge upon the Earth Realm warrior Kung Lao.
Shang Tsung looks at her, interested. She starts to walk towards him.
Vorpax: A difficult proposition from inside these mines. But possible with my help, of course. All I ask for in exchange is a way out of this hell hole - a simple arrangement between friends.
She strokes his chest and holds his hand. Shang Tsung smiles at her.
Shang: Help me get revenge on Kung Lao�(he grabs her by the throat and starts choking her) and you will live to see tomorrow. How�s that for an arrangement?
Vorpax: (hisses) Splendid.
Cut to the Temple. Kung Lao sits meditating. Suddenly another vision comes over him. We see the monster more clearly, thrashing him. He opens his eyes and one of the candles bursts into flame. Kung Lao turns round to see Raiden staring at him.
Raiden: You�re at a cross roads, Kung Lao. Part of you accepts your obligation, part of you rejects it. Your visions are created by self doubt. Ignoring them will only make them stronger until one day they will become real.
Kung Lao: I can�t control them.
Raiden walks past him and stops, staring into space.
Raiden: Then do what�s in your power to do. You�re the last Earth fighter left, find more and train them well. That is one path. The other promises bliss, but it will also lead you to betrayal, suffering, and death. Not a tough decision if you ask me.
Kung Lao: No, I can�t, Raiden. If I betray my heart now, I�ll be haunted by regrets. Either way I lose; at least one way leads to Jen.
He moves away. Raiden sadly stares into space.
Cut to the Cobalt Mines, Outworld. Shang Tsung and Vorpax, who is carrying a flaming torch, walk through the Mines.
Vorpax: You�re really quite fortunate.
Shang: How�s that?
Vorpax: Shao Kahn did not choose these mines as his prison by accident. (she picks up a block of cobalt) The luminous essence of the cobalt deadens any special powers a fighter may have� except yours for some reason.
Shang: I am human, by origin. This, this rubble has no effect on me.
He knocks the stone out of her hands. Vorpax looks shocked and carries on walking.
Vorpax: A *human* ? I�ve made a deal with a mere *human*?
Shang: A human with enough power to erase you from history.
Vorpax: And yet clearly not enough power to escape these mines yourself. You must have really enraged Shao Kahn.
Shang: Your usefulness is waning. You�ve told me nothing about this place that wasn�t painfully obvious.
Vorpax: Oh, but there are other places. Places most prisoners known anything of. I�ve seen the secrets of Shao Kahn�s conquests hidden below us.
They enter a cave. Vorpax puts the torch in a holder. In the middle of the cave is a cage, with a yellow scorpion inside it, hanging from the roof.
Shang: All that way for a this, this trinket?
Vorpax: Hardly a trinket. This is the Scorpion, stolen by Kahn from a conquered realm.
Shang Tsung looks at it.
Shang: Bugs. I have no need for bugs.
Vorpax: Go closer. You will see there is more than meets the eye.
Shang Tsung puts his face down to the cage. The scorpion�s stinger flashes towards him and he pulls back just in time. He turns to Vorpax and grabs her by the throat.
Shang: You are seconds away from annihilation!
Vorpax: (talking fast) Legend says the Scorpion holds prisoner within it a most deadly warrior. It occurred to me that with your magic powers, you could release the warrior within in exchange for it settling your score on Earth with Kung Lao.
Shang Tsung releases her and looks closer at the scorpion, smiling. He laughs.
Cut to the Trading Post, Zhu Zin. Kung Lao dashes towards the door and knocks softly.
Kung Lao: (whispers) Takeda! Takeda!
Takeda opens the sliding panel.
Kung Lao: Please let me in, I have to see Jen.
Takeda: Are you crazy? The Baron�s issued an execution warrant if we see you.
Kung Lao: Takeda, we�ve been friends for too many years. You have to let me in. My whole future depends on it.
Takeda sighs. He closes the panel, opens the door but stops Kung Lao from entering.
Takeda: Look, my future depends on not letting you in.
Kung Lao: Takeda, I have to come in! Don�t make me hurt you.
Takeda laughs.
Takeda: You give yourself far too much credit, Kung Lao. You give me far too little.
Kung Lao: You know, my only consolation is�
He suddenly punches Takeda in the stomach and knocks him out with a right reverse circle punch. Kung Lao catches Takeda and gently lowers him to the ground.
Kung Lao: �when the Baron finds you knocked out, he�ll see you tried to stop me. At least one of our futures will be secure.
He enters.
Cut to Jen�s room.
Kung Lao climbs over the balcony and enters.
Jen: Kung Lao! I thought I�d never-
He hugs her.
Kung Lao: Sssh! The guards will find me soon.
They kiss.
Jen: I thought I�d never see you again.
Kung Lao: You should know me better than that. Quickly now, Jen, we have to leave!
They open her wardrobe and begin packing.
Cut to the Cobalt Mines, Outworld.
Shang Tsung walks around the cage performing an incantation with Vorpax watching.
Shang: I call upon the soul trapped inside and hover these terms for your release. Unleash your malevolence from the skies above onto Earth Realm!
A bright light erupts from the cage, the scorpion spins around until the entire cage is engulfed in a portal.
Cut to Earth Realm.
A portal opens in the skies and the scorpion falls from it onto Takeda�s unconscious body on the ground. It goes beneath his clothes and suddenly his body glows yellow as the soul possesses it.
Cut to Jen�s room. As Jen and Kung Lao dash towards the balcony, the door opens and Siro enters with his hand on his sword.
Siro: I knew something wasn�t right.
Jen runs towards him and holds him.
Jen: Siro, please, I owe you so much already, I know, but do what you know is right for me.
Siro moves away. He turns back to look at Jen.
Siro: I swore to ensure your happiness. (he turns to Kung Lao) Protect her as I have, Kung Lao.
Jen and Kung Lao look at each other. Siro walks towards them.
Siro: Go quickly.
Jen hugs him and then leaves with Kung Lao. Siro watches them go sadly.
Cut to the courtyard of the Trading Post. Siro walks down the stairs and notices the open front door. He walks out and looks at the street.
Siro: Takeda?
After gazing at the traders going by, Siro shrugs, goes back inside and locks the door. As he leaves the courtyard, we see Takeda standing in the darkness. For a moment, his face glows as a skull. He looks upward.
Cut to the courtyard stairs. Kung Lao stands on them and holds out his hand to Jen who is about to climb over the balcony.
Kung Lao: Come on, Jen. I�m here for you.
She hands him her bag and puts her leg over the railing but her arm is suddenly grabbed by Takeda who throws her back into her room.
Kung Lao: Jen!
He jumps over the railings.
Jen: No, Takeda, you don�t understand! I�m leaving with Kung Lao!
Takeda: That will not happen.
Cut to the Baron�s Office. Taja drops a plate of fruit before the Baron. He looks up.
Baron: No. No fruit tonight. (he stands up and walks towards her) I�m hungry for something else, something new�
Taja whirls round as he grabs her and jerks her backwards.
Taja: You�ve got a real way with women.
The Baron starts to kiss her violently; Taja struggles but can�t get away. Siro enters.
Siro: Excuse me, sir.
The Baron lets Taja go. She runs out.
Baron: This better be good, Siro.
Siro takes a deep breath.
Siro: Jen has eloped with Kung Lao.
Baron: What?!
Siro: They left sometime ago. And I allowed it.
The Baron grabs Siro by the lapels.
Baron: You allowed it?!
Cut to Jen�s bedroom.
Takeda advances on Kung Lao.
Kung Lao: Takeda! I�m sorry about what happened outside but I had no choice.
Takeda: Neither do I.
Jen grabs Takeda�s arm.
Jen: No! I order you to let us go!
Takeda turns around and backhands Jen. She falls onto the bed. Kung Lao is furious.
Kung Lao: Damn you!
Kung Lao dashes forward to meet Takeda�s right side kick and ducks under his right hooking kick. Kung Lao right upper blocks Takeda�s right elbow strike, vertical blocks his second elbow strike, then right side kicks Takeda and tries to right circle knife hand strike his neck which Takeda ducks under.
Kung Lao left hook punches Takeda in the face, then tries another which Takeda vertical blocks and counters with his own strike, which is blocked also. They exchange eight quick blows, all blocked. Kung Lao x-blocks Takeda�s right rising elbow strike, x-knife hand blocks his punch to the stomach and blocks four more punches this way.
Kung Lao right vertical blocks Takeda�s right hook and then left circle knife hands him in the neck. Takeda reels to the side and then tries another right punch which Kung Lao upper arm blocks. Kung Lao spins round and knife hands Takeda again in the neck, and then tries a left side kick which Takeda ducks under. Takeda ducks under Kung Lao�s left circle knife hand strike, then right hook punches Kung Lao�s face. Kung Lao reels back and is right punched in the stomach. Takeda reaches his right elbow up again but Kung Lao grabs it and pulls Takeda�s upper body down into his right front kick, then left hook punches him in the face. He lets go off Takeda�s elbow and brings his right arm towards Takeda�s face in a right hook but Takeda grabs his arm, knife hands his side, right punches him in the stomach, and then throws him over his shoulder. Kung Lao lands on the ground and Takeda climbs over him.
Takeda: I can see the doubt in your eyes now, Kung Lao. You can�t beat me!
He prepares to land the killing blow.
Jen: No!!!!!!!
As Takeda is momentarily distracted, Kung Lao lifts his leg foot up and kicks him in the face. Takeda falls back and Kung Lao gets to his feet. Takeda right waist blocks Kung Lao�s right tornado kick and tries a right roundhouse kick which is blocked. Kung Lao ducks under Takeda�s right spinning hooking kick, left vertical blocks his left hook punch, and then whirls round in another tornado kick which is blocked. He waist blocks Takeda�s right front kick, ducks under and narrowly misses being hit by his right spinning hooking kick, and then goes into a right 360 which Takeda evades. Kung Lao executes a right front kick but Takeda twin vertical blocks it and also blocks Kung Lao�s right circle knife hand. Grabbing onto Kung Lao�s arm, Takeda pulls the warrior into his front kick. Kung Lao stumbles, and Takeda heaves him over his head and onto the wall. Takeda grabs him.
Takeda: Get over here!
Takeda flings Kung Lao across the room. Jen sobs. Kung Lao, however, lands on his feet. Takeda jumps on the bed and back somersaults off it. Using the bed as a step up, Kung Lao right roundhouse kicks his face. Takeda falls to the ground, gets back up and they exchange four blows. Takeda right side kicks Kung Lao in the stomach and goes into a right hooking kick, which Kung Lao ducks under. Kung Lao right vertical blocks Takeda�s right punch then left hook punches his face. Takeda recovers and right hook punches Kung Lao�s chin. Kung Lao reels back and Takeda low right front kicks his leg. Kung Lao falls down then spins round and right punches Takeda in the stomach.
Takeda blocks Kung Lao�s tornado, and executes a right front kick which is blocked. Kung Lao ducks under Takeda�s right spinning hooking kick, and then does one of his own, which Takeda ducks under. Takeda blocks Kung Lao�s right front kick and right hook punch and then tries four more punches - all of which are blocked. Kung Lao right circle knife hands Takeda�s neck then blocks Takeda�s right down fist but is hit by a right side kick to the stomach. He ducks under Takeda�s right hooking kick and right vertical blocks his right elbow strike, and then he attempts to right circle knife hand Takeda, who ducks it. They exchange four blows, all blocked, then Kung Lao connects with a left circle knife hand and then a returning one: both blows straight to Takeda�s neck. Takeda reels back, spins and left side kicks Kung Lao in the stomach, sending him flying back into one of Jen�s cabinets. The shelves break and the ornaments fall of it, creating a loud noise.
Cut to the Barons Office. The Baron is still holding Siro when he hears the crashing sound. He looks up and lets Siro go.
Baron: Summon my guards!
Kung Lao gets up and slams Takeda into a wall, pinning him. Takeda frees himself by doing a right downward elbow strike to Kung Lao�s back. Takeda charges at Kung Lao, who grabs him and flings him over his head. Takeda recovers and immediately right side kicks Kung Lao in the stomach. Kung Lao evades Takeda�s spinning aero roundhouse kick, and, after grabbing him by the throat, flings him down to the ground and holds him there.
Kung Lao: I was warned I would be betrayed but I never imagined it would be you.
He prepares to land the killing blow.
Takeda: Have mercy on your friend!
Jen turns to Kung Lao, pleading him to not kill Takeda.
Jen: No, Kung Lao.
While Kung Lao is distracted, Takeda takes the opportunity to break free and reverse their positions. As he holds a struggling Kung Lao on the ground by his throat, the Baron, Siro and the guards enter.
Baron: Jenevere!
Takeda: As you ordered, Baron.
The Baron gestures to the guards.
Baron: Seize him.
As Takeda gets up, the other guards grab Kung Lao. Jen dashes towards her father.
Jen: Please, no-
Baron: I will deal with you later, Jenevere, please!
Reset to the Trading Post, Jen�s room.
The guards hold Kung Lao while a sobbing Jen watches.
Baron: Your efforts shall be rewarded, Takeda. You�ll be promoted to Siro�s job as my personal consort as soon as you banish this traitor from my trading post.
He turns to Kung Lao.
Baron: You should not have ignored my warnings, Kung Lao. You�ve forced my hand in this. Tomorrow, you die.
The Baron leaves and the guards drag Kung Lao out after him. As Jen bursts into tears, Siro walks over and hugs her.
End credits.