Written by: Kearie Peak and Sean Catherine Derek
Directed by: Charlie Kanganis
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
Quan Chi: Adoni Marophis
Siann: Dana Hee
Guard: Robert Quinn
Young Girl: Leighanne Wallace
Young Woman No 1: Elizabeth Graham
Young Woman No 2: Onnaliesa Chaney
Vendor: Keith Brava

We open on the Cobalt Mines. The traditional Mines music loop plays as we pan around the mines, seeing miners working. Then a more sinister music theme takes over as a mining cart moves and we see SHANG TSUNG standing in the centre of the mines, performing an encantation. We also see VORPAX, crouched round a pillar of cobalt, secretly watching him. Shang Tsung holds his hands together and a green glow emerges and spirals outwards.

Shang: Souls of the dishonoured dead, spirits of the Netherealm�send my message to your master! That Shang Tsung summons him!

Shang Tsung gathers the energy and releases it, firing it into a corner of the Mines. The energy disappears and immediately QUAN CHI and SIANN appear in its place. Shang Tsung sits down calmly. Siann looks at him while Quan Chi gazes at his new surroundings.

Shang: Quan Chi.

Quan Chi turns to face Shang Tsung.

Quan Chi: So, this is the home of the great Shang Tsung.

Vorpax continues to watch in secret.

Shang: (sarcastic)Without question, nothing compared to yours. How is life among the dead?

Quan Chi: Free. Don�t forget, Shang Tsung, I choose to live in my domain. I was not banished there.

Shang: (sarcastic): Yes, and you are so welcome everywhere else. But you travel with your�(Shang Tsung turns towards Siann) What should we call this? Your�harlot.

Quan Chi sighs. Siann glares at Shang Tsung and moves to the other side of his chair.

Siann: Assassin, sorcerer. And I enjoy my work.

Quan Chi: Enough of this. She�s mine and that�s all you need to know. Is this why you sent word to me, hmm? To spar, to play games with my slave?

Shang Tsung laughs. Vorpax creeps further round the pillar to hear better. Siann is now standing in front of her, blocking her view.

Shang: No. It is you I want. And I�m surprised you came willingly.

Quan Chi: Curiousity prevailed.

Vorpax steps further round the pillar. Still glaring at Shang Tsung, Siann�s arm whips out and grabs Vorpax by the throat and starts strangling her. Vorpax grabs Siann�s arm and tries to free herself.

Vorpax: Let me go!

Shang Tsung looks up.

Siann: One of the Emperor�s spies�or is she the one who services you?

Vorpax: Neither!

Shang: She is of no concern.

Siann releases Vorpax who glares at Shang Tsung.

Quan Chi: Then, what is?

Shang Tsung stands up.

Shang: An alliance.

Quan Chi: Hmmm�

Opening Credits. Jen�s room, the Trading Post, Zhu Zin. We see KUNG LAO sitting in meditation, surrounded by candles. The "Kung Lao/Jen" music plays. Kung Lao is having flashbacks.

Kung Lao: (voice over) Jen, I had to see you one last time.

We see the shot of JEN in Kung Lao�s vision from the first episode and of her and Kung Lao kissing.

Jen: (voice over) This is not the end, Kung Lao. Your strength is in me and mine in you.

Kung Lao: (voice over) I love you, Jen.

The shot of Jen turns into the familiar vision of what we know, but Kung Lao doesn�t, to be Goro. We then see Scorpion turning round and shooting a fireball at Jen, who screams and falls. Kung Lao, in the flashback, turns round.

Kung Lao: Jen!

Goro then appears, from very close up, snarling and thrashing at Kung Lao. We see Jen lying on the ground and Kung Lao kneeling over her.

Kung Lao: (voice over) Please don�t leave me!

Goro appears again, attacking Kung Lao. Cut back to the Trading Post, Jen�s room. A terrified Kung Lao opens his eyes, breathing heavily.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines. Shang Tsung sits, concentrating on an hour glass. Quan Chi and Vorpax sit watching him. Siann paces up and down impatiently.

Siann: He just sits there, doing nothing!

Vorpax: He can do many things. To you, if you annoy him.

Siann: So frightened, such a well trained pet.

Vorpax: Better that than slave.

Siann: You�re no better.

Vorpax: (annoyed) AT LEAST I CAN BREATHE WITHOUT ASKING PERMISSION!

Shang: SILENCE!

He turns to Quan Chi.

Shang: Get rid of her.

Quan Chi: Get rid of yours.

Shang: Perhaps I will kill them both.

Quan Chi: No�

He walks over to Vorpax.

Quan Chi: I will spare her death. As for Siann, she�s already had the pleasure. Be gone!

Siann looks at Quan Chi confused. Vorpax smiles.

Quan Chi: Go!

Siann reluctantly turns away but hisses at Vorpax as she passes her.

Siann: (to Vorpax sarcastically) Nice outfit!

Quan Chi: (to Vorpax) Perhaps you will amuse me.

Vorpax: Any time.

Shang: Another time. Now we must begin. The die is cast. (he looks at the ornamental hour glass) As soon as I turn this over, Kung Lao is twenty four hours away from being mine. (he turns to Quan Chi) Will you align your forces with mine to destroy Kung Lao?

Quan Chi: His death means little to me. He�s your obsession and obviously the Emperor will compensate you. What do I get?

Shang: A power you�ve coveted but have never obtained.

Quan Chi: You�d give up such a secret?

Shang: I will do anything to finish Kung Lao. Join me in this and I will reveal the secret to taking the life force, the souls of your victims.

Quan Chi: You must realise that by adding this secret to my powers, there will never be a question of which of us is-

Shang: Master over the other!

He sits back and laughs.

Shang: It would take more than one of my secrets for you to be my equal.

Quan Chi: So you think.

Shang: Now, will you do it?

Quan Chi: First tell me why you need my help.

Shang: What I have in mind for Kung Lao will require both our powers to create. And even then, the energy drain will be intense.

Quan Chi: Challenging.

Shang stands up.

Shang: Do we have a deal?

Quan Chi: Yes, under one condition. When he dies, Kung Lao�s soul is be mine. This is not negotiable.

Vorpax looks at Shang Tsung, curiously. Shang Tsung is thoughtful, then smiles.

Shang: Done.

Quan Chi: Then let us begin.

Cut to the Trading Post. SIRO and TAJA are sparring in the courtyard.

Siro: (voice over)Don�t throw your arms out like that.

Taja: (voice over)Like what?

Siro: (voice over)Like a chicken!

Siro ends up on the ground. He tries to get up but Taja uses her foot to hold him down.

Taja: This chicken just threw you on your ass.

She relents the pressure on Siro and lets him get up.

Siro: I let you. Hey, you fight like a girl.

Taja: I am a girl, with amazing moves.

Kung Lao: (to Taja) If you pay attention, Siro could teach you a lot.

Taja: Yeah right. I bet you twenty four hours of slave labour that I can take you in one move.

Siro: Wait a minute, slave labour? You�ll serve me?

Taja: Like a dog. But if I win, you have to do the same.

Siro: You�re on.

Taja: Get ready to scrub my back!

They face each other in fighting stances. Kung Lao watches them.

Taja knife hand swipes at Siro, who ducks. Siro grabs her and shoves Taja all the way to the wall where he pins her. Kung Lao shakes his head.

Siro: You mean my feet!

Taja: That was pure luck.

Siro: Yeah, you�re right. I slipped and seemed to have plastered you against the wall. Humiliating, isn�t it? To lose to such a lucky guy!

Taja shoves him off her. She glares at Siro who laughs.

Kung Lao: This is no joke! In Mortal Kombat, it�s kill or be killed!

Taja: Lighten up. What�s wrong with having a little fun once in a while?

Kung Lao: If I�m expected to take this seriously, then so are you!

Siro and Taja exchange a worried look. Kung Lao walks past them towards the door.

Siro: Hey, hang on, I�ll come with you.

Kung Lao: I�m going alone, I�ll be back later.

Taja: What�s his problem?

Cut to the Market Place, Zhu Zin. Kung Lao storms through the market place. As he passes a pillar, we see RAIDEN leaning on it, waiting for him.

Kung Lao: (to himself) What�s wrong with me?

Raiden: Good question!

Kung Lao stops but doesn�t turn round.

Raiden: One I keep asking myself.

Raiden walks to Kung Lao, turns him around and pushes him against the pillar.

Raiden: So how about an answer?

Kung Lao ignores Raiden and turns to move to the right. However, when he turns, we see Raiden still leaning against the part of the pillar before him, having teleported.

Raiden: Talk to me, what�s going on?

Kung Lao: They�re back.

Raiden: Who�s back?

Kung Lao: The visions. I thought I was finished with them.

Raiden: Oh. Not a chance, not while you�re still afraid.

Kung Lao: I�m not afraid, Raiden, not of dying.

Raiden: Then what?

Kung Lao: Of failing.

Raiden: You�re not the first guy to be given responsibility, Kung Lao.

Kung Lao: Well, maybe I don�t want it.

Raiden: Tough, you�ve got it. Just like everybody else.

Kung Lao: Everybody else didn�t win Mortal Kombat.

Raiden: Oh, so your job�s harder, is that what�s getting to you? The burden of being special?

Kung Lao: I don�t want to be special, to carry that extra burden.

Raiden: Come on. You�ve got a job to do and so do I. If we did this everyday, got together and whined about it, then nothing would get done.

Kung Lao: I�ve tried. Since I lost Jen, my life�s been one battle after another. I�m supposed to be getting others ready for Mortal Kombat, but frankly, I wouldn�t wish that fight on anyone.

Raiden: Well, don�t worry. So far you haven�t.

Kung Lao: See, that�s exactly my point. Maybe I�m in over my head, maybe I should just get out.

Raiden: What a great idea! That�s great! Of course! Let�s quit!

Raiden walks away from him.

Raiden: You�ll quit, I�ll quit! Earth Realm, you�re on your own!

He walks through a shop�s door. Kung Lao sighs and turns around to meet with Raiden again.

Raiden: Maybe you should try harder. Look farther. Do you think it�s possible there might be someone out there who�s as good or dare I say it, better than you?

Kung Lao: Yes, of course it�s possible. But you always said it rested on me.

Raiden: To find new fighters, so if you do lose, there�s another victor to take your place.

Kung Lao: And a new sucker for you to manipulate.

Raiden sighs and crosses his arms.

Kung Lao: So I do my part for human kind and it�s: "so long, Kung Lao, next!"

Raiden: Look, you are good. If you play your cards right, you could live forever. Or not. You�re mortal, mortals die.

Kung Lao: And I will. At the next Mortal Kombat tournament, or two or three down the line. And for what? So that others can be happy for a few extra years? When I finally fall, the Earth Realm is lost anyway.

Raiden laughs.

Raiden: Are you listening to this?

He does an exaggerated impression of a depressed Kung Lao.

Raiden: If I die, the Earth Realm falls. What a crummy life!

He circles Kung Lao and stops the mockery.

Raiden: Here�s a word of advice. Get over yourself and get on with it.

Kung Lao: And give up my dreams?

Raiden: Start by giving up your visions! Be careful of what you create, Kung Lao.

He teleports away, leaving Kung Lao confused. Cut to the Trading Post. Taja is serving dinner for Siro.

Siro: Hurry up, Taja, I�m starving.

Taja puts the soup down before Siro. He tests it.

Siro: Needs more salt. Why don�t you run over there and get it?

Taja: You�re pushing your luck, Siro.

Siro: And you�re welching on your bet.

Taja hands Siro the salt.

Taja: You know, this is good. I�m getting a look at what a sadistic ass you would be if you ever got any real power.

Siro: And I�m seeing what a miserable loser you can be.

Taja grabs a bit of bread, sits down with a drink and eats it.

Taja: Seen Kung Lao?

Siro: Not since he stomped off.

Taja: I wonder what�s eating him.

Siro: He�s been spending a lot of time in Jen�s old room lately.

Taja: I dunno, it�s like he can�t let go.

Siro: Sometimes you never get over that kind of loss. Or, you think it�s healing and then something brings the pain right back.

Taja: Yeah.

Siro pushes the bowl towards Taja.

Siro: Too much salt. Let�s try again.

Cut to the Market Place, Zhu Zin. Kung Lao walks among the stalls. A trader with a hood over his head and an incredibly fake funny accent comes up to Kung Lao and holds up some food.

Trader: Hungry, yes? It is good.

Kung Lao: No, thanks.

He turns to leave but the trader stops him.

Trader: Wait, wait, wait, wait. There are other appetites.

He holds out his hand and three girls, wearing hardly anything, come out.

Kung Lao: Again, no.

The trader rushes up to stop him, saying no repeatedly.

Trader: There is one more, look!

He beckons and two guards lead out a blond european girl in chains. She struggles but cannot break free.

Trader: She will do anything you ask!

Kung Lao: NO!

He storms away. The trader sighs and the girl is led away. Kung Lao walks away in disgust.

Kung Lao: This is what I�m fighting for?!

Girl: Wait!

Kung Lao turns to see the blond girl free from her chains.

Kung Lao: If you�re after money, I don�t have any.

Girl: No, please help me!

Kung Lao: What do you mean?

Girl: The merchant, he kidnapped me! I just want to get home!

She grabs onto Kung Lao�s arms as two of the guards find her and try to drag her away.

Reset to the Market Place. We see the guards dragging the girl down the alley.

Girl: Help me!

[Transcriber's note - the warriors will be described as A and B]

Kung Lao grabs a staff and chases after them. Holding the staff, Kung Lao somersaults in. A and B face him. A attempts slashes out at him with a dagger at him but Kung Lao blocks it with the staff and turns to B. B tries to left low stab Kung Lao with his knife but Kung Lao blocks that. B attempts a high slash but Kung Lao shoves the staff again in the dagger�s path. Kung Lao ducks down and tries to sweep both warriors with the staff but they jump, land and then reel back under the staff as Kung Lao tries to sweeps it at their head level. They both attack, daggers up, and Kung Lao uses the staff to block both dagger thrusts. While he holds the staff up, B takes the opportunity to left snap kick Kung Lao in the stomach. Kung Lao falls back and is low kicked by B. Kung Lao falls to the ground.

Kung Lao gets to his feet without the staff. A tries to right circle slash Kung Lao with his dagger but the warrior ducks under it and rear (right) front kicks A in the chest and quickly turns to B. B tries to left side kick Kung Lao but Kung Lao vertical blocks it with his right arm and with his left hand, circle punches A in the face. B tries to slash him again with the knife in his right hand but Kung Lao right vertical blocks it just before it can cut him. B whirls round clockwise and tries to slash Kung Lao�s right thigh but Kung Lao lifts his leg so that the knife meets the hard, tough leather on his boot. He then lifts his leg up further and brings it down, crushing B�s knife hand to the ground and then kicking the dagger away.

Kung Lao then right roundhouse kicks B in the face and turns to A. A jumps up and leaps towards Kung Lao, holding the knife up. Kung Lao steps slightly to the left to avoid the knife�s path and A lands. Kung Lao then ducks under A�s right clockwise slash. A tries to leg sweep him to the ground but Kung Lao jumps back in backwards somersault and lands. A brandishes his knife and holds it out, ready to slash him again. Kung Lao lifts his left leg and front kicks A�s right wrist. The knife flies out of A�s grasp and Kung Lao right hook kicks his face. A falls to the ground.

B goes into a guard position. B blocks Kung Lao�s right knife-hand attack and his low left punch. Kung Lao tries to right circle finger strike B but B vertical arm blocks it and right front kicks Kung Lao in the stomach. Kung Lao doubles over and then ducks lower to avoid B�s left hooking kick and then right hook kicks B to the ground. A aerial cartwheels over B to land in front of Kung Lao and unfortunately in the way of another right hooking kick. A stumbles, ducks down and attempts to sweep Kung Lao who back flips out of the way.

A remains crouching on the ground and B vaults over him, kicking Kung Lao on the head as he lands. Kung Lao falls down to the ground. B back flips away. A one handed cartwheels to the right as Kung Lao gets up. A and B approach Kung Lao. Kung Lao upper left blocks A�s right strike and right front kicks B, who blocks. They force him back. Kung Lao waist blocks A�s left front kick and then blocks B�s strike with his right hand and A�s right side rising heel kick with his left. A puts his foot down and Kung Lao quickly double palm shoves him back into a pile of boxes which smash open.

B tries to left circle elbow strike Kung Lao but Kung Lao left vertical circle blocks it and then tries to right circle knife hand B but B right vertical blocks. B ducks under Kung Lao�s left circular knife hand attack. Kung Lao right vertical blocks B�s right knife hand circle strike and then left vertical blocks B�s left circle strike. B right upper blocks Kung Lao�s left punch and Kung Lao grabs B�s left hand with his own left hand, crosses his right hand over to grab B�s right hand, pulls him off balance and then sweeps the back of B�s left knee up with his right leg, dropping B to the ground.

Cut to a guard dragging the girl away.

Guard: Hurry up!

Girl: Help me! Help!

They disappear. Moments later, Kung Lao tears down the same alley. Behind him creeps the trader. The trader crouches at the entrance to the alley, watching.

Kung Lao: Where are you?

Girl: (oov) Help!

Kung Lao: Come out and face me!

The trader creeps further into the alley. Suddenly Kung Lao spots the guard dragging the girl down some steps and through a door at the end of the alley. He rushes after them. As the trader watches, a cloaked Siann makes her way over to him. She crouches down beside him.

Siann: It is done.

The trader removes his hood and we see that it is Quan Chi.

Quan Chi: Almost.

Kung Lao opens the door and goes into after the girl and the guard. Immediately a blue light can be seen through the cracks of the door and the sound of a portal closing is heard. Quan Chi and Siann smile.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines. Shang Tsung suddenly stiffens and stands up. He moves over to the hour glass and removes it from its stand. Slowly he turns it over and laughs as he places it back in its ornamental stand.

Cut to an alley in Zhu Zin. Kung Lao steps out of the other side of the door. He looks around, confused. As he steps out of the alley, we see a very different Zhu Zin. The stalls are all draped in bright, colourful Chinese silk and people are smiling. Fresh flowers are being given out and there is a very friendly, peaceful atmosphere.

Kung Lao: What the hell is going on? This is Zhu Zin? This can�t be Zhu Zin!

He walks among the stalls, gazing in wonder at the beautiful objects being sold and admires some silk. The camera pans upwards to a birds eye view of the colourful market place.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines. Shang Tsung sits in concentration, his hand propping up his head. The hourglass is before him. Behind him, we can see Vorpax enter the cave. Shang Tsung concentrates on the hourglass and does not turn around.

Shang: Stop distracting me.

Vorpax: I did not make a sound.

Shang Tsung sighs and puts his hand down on the rock.

Shang: Be silent somewhere else. This is difficult.

Vorpax: What you are doing to Kung Lao?

Shang: (irritated) Yes.

Vorpax smiles and moves closer.

Vorpax: What have you done?

Shang Tsung opens his eyes. Vorpax sits down beside him.

Vorpax: I always marvel at your abilities.

Shang: Quan Chi and I moved him.

Vorpax: Moved? To where?

Shang: To another realm of our creation but one born in Kung Lao�s dreams. It is exactly like his own only much, much better.

Vorpax: A more perfect world?

Shang: So he would believe.

Vorpax: But how is that punishing him?

Shang: When the 24 hours have elapsed, his new realm will become something else, something of my imagining. A hell he can never escape. (Vorpax smiles) Quan Chi helped me create the illusion but it is up to me to hold it. Now leave.

Vorpax gets up.

Shang: The effort is draining.

He rests his head on his hands again as Vorpax leaves. The sand trickles down the hour glass.

Cut to the Trading Post. Taja is finishing folding clothes.

Taja: OK, I am done.

She sinks down into a chair. Siro puts one of his feet up on the table and wiggles it in front of her.

Siro: I am not. Better get a ball.

Taja: Better get a life.

Siro: Hey, you wanted to bet.

Taja: And here�s my next bet. It will never happen again!

She stands up and tries to walk away. Siro lifts his other foot onto the table, blocking her way. Taja looks at his feet in disgust.

Siro: Oh, good. I�m glad you learned something. Now wash my feet. I�ve been walking bare foot all day.

Taja looks away and tries to change the subject.

Taja: You know, I�m getting a little worried about Kung Lao. Maybe we should go look for him.

Siro: Ah-ah-ah-ah. No changing the subject. Feet first.

Taja: And that�s the way I hope they bury you.

She angrily grabs his foot and begins to massage it.

Cut to Kung Lao in the alternate Zhu Zin. He walks up to the Trading Post which surrounded by blooming roses and colourful flowers. He tries to open the door but finds it locked. Kung Lao knocks on it.

Kung Lao: Siro, Taja! Open up!

Voice inside: Trading Post is closed, please come back tomorrow!

Kung Lao smiles.

Kung Lao: Siro, look I apologise, okay? Now, please let me in.

The door opens and instead of Siro, one of the Baron�s guards is standing there, blocking Kung Lao�s path.

Kung Lao: Who are you? Siro! Taja!

He tries to get in but is stopped by the guard.

Guard: There�s no Siro here, I�m afraid I�m going to have to ask you to leave.

Kung Lao: I live here!

Guard: You are very confused. The Baron Reyland lives here.

Kung Lao: The Baron? What do you mean? He�s dead!

Guard: Please, sir, don�t make this more difficult.

Voice: (oov) Kung Lao!

Kung Lao looks up towards the balcony. We see Jen standing there, looking down on him.

Kung Lao: It can�t be. Jen?

Jen: You�ve finally come!

Kung Lao: Jen!

Jen walks back into her room. Cut to Kung Lao dashing up the courtyard stairs to her room. He enters the room and stops when he sees her standing there.

Kung Lao: Jen!

Jen moves towards him.

Jen: I knew it. I knew you�d find me.

She holds out her arm to touch his face but Kung Lao moves away.

Kung Lao: How can this be? It�s a dream, this isn�t real!

Jen moves behind him and drapes her arm gently around his neck.

Jen: Feel my arms around you and tell me it�s not real.

Cut to the sands flowing through the hour glass. In another part of the mines we see Vorpax sitting down as a miner with a cart passes her. She holds up a plate of food to him.

Vorpax: You. I�m not hungry. Want my food?

The miner stops and takes it. Instantly Shang Tsung appears, grabbing the miner by the shoulder. As he lowers the miner to the ground, he sucks the soul out of him. The camera pans to show Quan Chi lurking in a corner, watching. Vorpax smiles at Shang and takes back her food.

Vorpax: We all have to keep our energy up.

Quan Chi: That is our deal.

Shang Tsung turns to see him. Quan Chi walks into view, laughing.

Quan Chi: I�ve done by part with Kung Lao. Now it�s time you show me how you do this.

Shang: In due course. I need all my energy to keep the illusion alive. When the 24 hours have passed, and Kung Lao is trapped in my alternate realm, then I will give you what we agreed.

Quan Chi: You would be unwise to try to cheat me. You may have the power to steal souls but you know I have abilities that you can�t even fathom. Betray me and I can make even this (he looks around at the Mines) worse.

Shang Tsung doesn�t look fazed.

Cut to Jen�s room. Kung Lao stands there, still in the same position as before while Jen shuts the doors.

Kung Lao: People just don�t come back from the dead. Is that it? Am I dead too?

Jen turns to face him.

Jen: No, Kung Lao, we�re both very much alive.

Someone knocks on the door. Jen turns to the sound.

Jen: Not now.

Guard: (outside) Your father wants to see you.

Kung Lao: Your father is here?

Jen: Of course. (to guard) We�ll be right down.

Guard: (outside) Very well.

Jen moves closer to Kung Lao.

Jen: I know it�s very difficult to understand right now. Just give it one day. You�ll see. Everything will be perfect.

Kung Lao: Where are we?

Jen: Does it matter?

They kiss. Suddenly the double doors burst open and we see the BARON. Kung Lao and Jen separate.

Baron: Back again?

Kung Lao: Baron!

The Baron laughs.

Baron: Oh, not this time, Kung Lao. Here, things are different. We need to talk. I think I can explain things better than my�eager daughter.

He smiles at Jen and laughs. Kung Lao looks at them both, confused.

Cut to a shot of Shang Tsung watching the hour glass. Cut to the Trading Post. It is night and Taja is going up the stairs. Siro stands at the bottom of them.

Siro: Hold on!

Taja stops.

Taja: I�m going to bed.

Siro: Who said you were done?

Taja: There is nothing more that I could possible do for you.

A beat. Taja realises what he means.

Taja: No. Not in your dreams.

Siro: Or yours. I�m not going to make this bliss for you.

Taja: Oh, please. Now I�m going to bed. You can continue torturing me in the morning.

She starts to continue her way up the stairs but then remembers something and turns round to him.

Taja: You know, Kung Lao�s still not home yet.

Siro: I know. I�m going to look for him. But I�ll let you sleep.

Taja: Hmm.

Siro: Come sunrise though, breakfast in bed.

Taja: In your lap. I hope you find him.

Cut to the Trading Post in the alternate reality. We see the sign on the door, "Reyland Imports" but instead of behaving like a nice normal sign, it wobbles and distorts for a moment, a reflection of the distorted, artificial space that it is in. (a la Matrix). Cut to the dining room in the Trading Post. The Baron is pouring Kung Lao some water.

Baron: I can imagine what you must feel. It�s�difficult at first.

He hands Kung Lao the drink.

Kung Lao: How could all of this exist? So much is the same but somehow different.

Baron: Well, I�ll tell you. My daughter�s love for you hasn�t changed.

Kung Lao: Yet your hatred for me has.

Baron: Because I�ve learned. I�ve seen my mistakes. That�s what this is about. Being given a second chance to make it right. And what about you, Kung Lao? Have you learned or are you going to give up what you desire a second time?

Kung Lao: I need to understand how all of this is possible.

Kung Lao stands up. The Baron moves behind the table.

Baron: There are countless realms, Kung Lao. Outworld, Earth Realm, thousands more. This is simply another. An alternate reality, one in which you don�t have to fight for what you want.

Kung Lao: But how can this happen?

Baron: Free will. Yours. You long to be with Jen and you deserve it. And here you can be. Like I said, this is just one of many realms and we have been brought back here together to make things right this time.

Kung Lao turns away from the Baron, to think. As he does so, we see the Trading Post and the Baron for what it really is, fake green space. Kung Lao is not aware of this.

Kung Lao: To be with Jen, all I have to do is-

As he turns back round, the space shimmers into what Kung Lao sees as the room in the Trading Post.

Kung Lao: -stay?

Baron: Pick a path. And it�s yours. Stay, Kung Lao, join us. And you�ll finally know the happiness you�ve always craved for.

He walks up to Kung Lao and rests his arm around his shoulder in fatherly affection way.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines. Shang Tsung sits watching the hour glass and holding a bone (!) with Quan Chi opposite him. Quan Chi stirs as Vorpax enters the area.

Quan Chi: I�ve waited long enough.

He stands up and looks shaken.

Quan Chi: The cobalt is beginning to affect my powers.

Shang: Patience. Kung Lao still has a few more hours before it�s final.

Quan Chi: Give me the secret and I�ll bide my time in a parallel realm, waiting for Kung Lao.

Vorpax: Use your powers, Quan Chi.

Quan Chi: I can�t fight the cobalt.

Vorpax looks over to Shang Tsung.

Vorpax: He can.

Quan Chi: Shang Tsung is a human. The orb doesn�t affect him. It has nothing to do with power.

Vorpax: Too bad you can�t get a little�energy boost.

Shang: It is a talent he lacks.

Quan Chi: You�re playing a deadly game, Shang Tsung. One you can�t win.

Vorpax: Looks like he already has.

Quan Chi: You will regret this.

Shang Tsung looks sceptical.

Quan Chi: I PROMISE!

He teleports. Vorpax turns to Shang Tsung.

Vorpax: He�s getting away!

Shang: Let him. I have what I needed.

Vorpax: He�ll tell the Emperor!

Shang: Tell him what? That Shang Tsung has not left the Mines but he has removed the victor of Mortal Kombat from Earth Realm? Leaving no champion to fight in the next Tournament.

Vorpax smiles.

Vorpax: Yes, perfect. What about Kung Lao?

Shang: His fate was sealed when he entered the realm. Even Quan Chi will not be able to convince him to leave paradise.

They smile. Cut to the Trading Post. Taja enters the dining room and places a tray on the table. She calls up to Siro.

Taja: Oh, sir, your breakfast is ready!

No answer. She goes to the bottom of the stairs.

Taja: Well, get down here, or I toss it!

The Trading Post doors open. Taja walks into the courtyard to see Siro coming back.

Taja: You�ve been out all night?

Siro lifts some water out of the barrel with the ladel and drinks it.

Siro: Looking for him.

Taja: He�s been acting very weird, and now this. Something is definitely wrong. What are we going to do?

Siro: I�m not sure.

Cut to a shot of the sand trickling through the hourglass while Shang Tsung watches it. Time is running out for Kung Lao.

Cut to the front of the Trading Post. A villager goes up to the door as Taja is closing up.

Villager: Are you still open?

Taja: No, I�m sorry, we just closed.

The villager leaves.

Taja: (to Siro) Where is Kung Lao?

As Taja moves to shut the door, Quan Chi, in his hooded trader disguise, stops her and pushes his way in.

Quan Chi: I can tell you.

Taja: Who are you?

Quan Chi removes his hood.

Quan Chi: Quan Chi.

Siro moves closer.

Taja: Are your witches behind you?

Quan Chi: They�re not needed here.

Siro: Where�s Kung Lao?

Quan Chi: In trouble. And I�m the only hope of saving him.

Siro: LIAR!

Siro left side kicks Quan Chi in the face. Quan Chi falls against the door, recovers and whips his cloak off. Quan Chi ducks under Siro�s second left side kick and right punches him in the face. Taja then left hook kicks Quan Chi�s back and he flips to the floor. Taja bends over to further attack him but as Quan Chi gets up, he kicks her in the face. Taja falls back.

Quan Chi waist blocks Siro�s right front kick and left finger-tip strikes Siro in the face. Siro goes into a spinning left hooking kick which Quan Chi ducks under and double pushing blocks Siro in the chest. Siro falls back against the door. Quan Chi blocks Taja�s left front kick and her following right roundhouse kick. Taja moves to right circle knife hand Quan Chi but he grabs her arm and holding her waist, scoops her up and throws her to the floor.

Quan Chi turns and just evades Siro�s high right front kick. Quan Chi then tries to circle knife hand strike Siro who ducks. Quan Chi turns and right spinning hook kicks Siro to the ground. Quan Chi air cartwheel flips away. Taja runs up and tries to right punch him. Quan Chi grabs her right hand and as she tries to hit him with her other hand, he grabs that one too and crosses them. Still holding onto Taja, Quan Chi turns to Siro and right vertical foot blocks Siro�s low right front kick. Quan Chi then raises his right leg and kicks Siro�s left knee and finally right hooking kicks Siro in the face.

Quan Chi turns and throws Taja over his shoulder. She falls heavily onto a wooden chest, smashing it. Siro tries to spinning left hook kick Quan Chi but the sorcerer ducks under the kick. Siro goes into a backward somersault but when he lands, Quan Chi goes down and sweeps Siro to the ground. Siro flips up and high left side kicks Quan Chi in the face. Quan Chi reels back. Quan Chi leans back and evades Siro�s right hooking kick and ducks under Siro�s following left roundhouse kick. He spinning horizontal flips away and on landing, grabs his cloak and puts it on. As Siro and Taja move towards him, he holds out his hand and makes a temporary green force field.

Quan Chi: Don�t force me to waste more energy. If you don�t listen to me then your friend dies.

Taja: You�re his enemy.

Quan Chi: And so is Shang Tsung.

Siro: Why would you help him?

Quan Chi: It�s personal.

He creates another force field as Siro and Taja attempt to attack him again.

Quan Chi: Help him ruin Shang�s plan and if you don�t do exactly what I say, and quickly, you�ll never see Kung Lao again. He�ll be trapped in another realm.

Taja: What other realm? What the hell are you talking about and why should we believe you?

Quan Chi: You must. Come with me or die where you stand. Choose!

Siro and Taja exchange a look.

Taja: We�ll go.

Cut to a shot of the sand trickling through the hourglass while Shang Tsung watches it. Time is running out for Kung Lao. Cut to the Trading Post, the alternate reality. Kung Lao comes down the stairs. The Baron walks up to him with a plate of fruits.

Baron: Morning! How about some breakfast?

Kung Lao: I can�t.

Baron: Of course you can, the food here is wonderful.

Kung Lao: No, no.

Baron: Anything you want.

Kung Lao: I have to go. Just to sort things out.

The Baron sits down beside him.

Baron: I�m afraid it doesn�t work that way, Kung Lao. You�ve been given a second chance. One chance. If you leave now, you can never return. And you�ll lose Jen forever.

Kung Lao: No, I can�t lose her again. But how can I turn my back on my responsibility?

Baron: Did you ask for it? Do you really want this burden that has been thrust upon you? Earth Realm�s fate is not your problem, Kung Lao. Maybe you�re here because you�re really not the one destined to save it. And believe me, they�ll find another to take your place.

Kung Lao: And if they don�t?

Baron: Oh, they will. You don�t have to carry this weight on your shoulders.

Kung Lao looks past him to see Jen enter.

Baron: Here, you are free to live the life you choose.

Jen: Stay here, Kung Lao. Be with me always.

She sits opposite him and gazes into his eyes.

Baron: I�m counting on you two to give me lots of grandchildren. Are you going to give it all up?

Kung Lao gazes back at Jen.

Kung Lao: Yes. Yes.

He caresses Jen�s face.

Kung Lao: I will stay.

Cut to the Portal to the alternate realm. Quan Chi, in the appearance of a floating skull in the portal, is instructing Siro and Taja who have been transported into this new realm.

Quan Chi: You are in a parallel realm. Return to this spot when you are ready to leave. Resist temptation or pay the price. Remember, it�s all an illusion.

Taja: You say Kung Lao has Jen. What if we can�t convince him to return with us?

Quan Chi: Find a way or we all lose. Me to Shang Tsung and you, your lives.

He and the portal disappear.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines. Shang Tsung sits, concentrating on the illusion. Vorpax walks into the cave and casts a glance at the hourglass.

Vorpax: Time�s running out for Kung Lao.

Shang: Quan Chi is trying to interfere.

Vorpax: What do you mean? How?

Shang: He has sent Kung Lao�s friends into the realm.

Vorpax: They�ll bring him back!

Shang: Even they will not be able to convince him to leave his love. But they may not even try once they are captivated by their own perfect world

Vorpax: Three for the price of one.

Shang: Exactly.

The camera pans over to the hourglass.

Cut to Jen�s room. Kung Lao and Jen lie in bed together.

Kung Lao: Go back to sleep.

Kung Lao moves to get up.

Jen: Are you coming back?

Kung Lao: Of course.

Jen: I can�t lose you again.

Kung Lao pauses for a moment and then gets up and moves out of the picture.

Cut to the Market Place, still in the alternate reality. Siro is stroking a tiger cub which is purring.

Siro: Unbelievable!

Taja stands behind him, looking around. Siro leaves the stall and walks up to her.

Taja: I know, I know. I mean it is Zhu Zin, but it�s not.

Two women pass Siro and smile at him. He checks them out as they leave.

Siro: Tell me about it.

They enter another part of the market. Taja walks up to a stand selling jewellery and picks up a necklace.

Seller: Do you like it?

Taja: It�s the most beautiful thing I�ve ever seen.

Seller: Take it!

Taja: No, no, I- you mean take it?�

Siro: (warning voice) Taja.

Taja drops the necklace. Siro walks up to her and pulls her away from the stall.

Siro: Taja, come on.

They stop in the middle of the market place with Siro still holding Taja.

Siro: This is what Quan Chi meant about temptation!

Taja: Yeah, well he never said about how much temptation.

Siro: We have to go.

He turns around to see two beautiful women who have stopped to smile at him.

Siro: (trying to convince himself) Yeah, we have to go.

Taja stops Siro.

Taja: Maybe, just five more minutes.

Siro: No, now! If it�s this bad for us, imagine what Kung Lao�s going through.

They turn to go. Taja freezes, focusing on an area of the market place.

Taja: Did you see that?

We turn to see the area they are looking at. For a brief second, the traders and stalls there become green and distorted. The illusion is slowly fading.

Siro: Uh-huh. We have to hurry. Time�s running out now.

They leave. There is a quick shot of the sands running through the hourglass. Not much time left.

Cut to the Trading Post. Siro and Taja arrive at the main door.

Taja: Check upstairs.

They quietly push the door open and sneak inside. Cut to inside the Trading Post. Siro and Taja stride through the main hall.

Taja: Kung Lao!

They move towards the stairs. Suddenly the Baron appears behind them.

Baron: Welcome home, Siro.

Siro and Taja whirl round.

Taja: Baron! I don�t believe it.

Siro: My home�s with the living. Where�s Kung Lao?

Baron: Where he belongs. With Jen.

Taja: We�ve come to take him out of here.

The Baron laughs

Baron: You�re free to join us, both of you. (his voice becomes more menacing) But I can�t let you interfere with Jen�s happiness.

Siro: Like you did? That�s why she was killed.

Baron: You disappoint me again, Siro.

Taja: Kung Lao! Kung Lao, where are you?

Baron: Forget it. Jen has him.

Kung Lao comes down the stairs with Jen behind him.

Kung Lao: Siro, Taja! You�re here!

Taja: Not for long. We�ve got to get you out of here!

Jen: (to Kung Lao)You see, it�s perfect, now you have me and your friends.

Siro grabs Kung Lao and pulls him away from Jen.

Siro: It�s an illusion, it�s not real!

Kung Lao: (calmly) You�re wrong, Siro, it is real and I�m staying here with Jen.

Siro: Kung Lao, listen to me! Shang Tsung created this!

Kung Lao smiles.

Kung Lao: Shang Tsung? How do you know that?

Siro: Trust me, it�s true.

Kung Lao: No. Why would he do it? It�s my dream.

Taja: Kung Lao, you have to leave.

Kung Lao: I�m not losing her again.

Siro: SHE�S NOT REAL! NONE OF THIS IS!

Siro picks up a dagger and shoves it into Jen�s stomach.

Kung Lao: SIRO!

Kung Lao grabs Siro�s arm and pulls the dagger out. The area where the dagger went though distorts and wobbles. Jen is unaffected. Kung Lao watches, confused.

Siro: Do you see? Do you see?

The area shimmers back and there is no mark on Jen, not even a whole through her blouse, as if the dagger never went though, as if it never existed.

Taja: Shang Tsung�s your sworn enemy, he�s never going to let you keep Jen! Once he�s trapped you, he�s going to turn this place into a living hell!

Siro: It�s already started. Look around you, Kung Lao. Really look. The illusion is fading. Time�s running out.

Kung Lao looks around him in horror, realising that what they say is true. Jen turns to him.

Jen: You can�t go-

Suddenly her voice goes down several octaves, like a broken record and slightly robotic, as the illusion fades further.

Jen: (robotic voice) -you�re mine forever.

Kung Lao stares at her in horror.

Taja: You�ve got to come now!

Kung Lao: Go, I�ll be right behind you. GO!

Taja: Hurry! We don�t have much time left!

Siro and Taja leave. Kung Lao looks at Jen who holds his left hand.

Jen: (normal voice) I really mean it (robotic voice), Kung Lao, you�re mine for ever.

Kung Lao breaks free of her grasp, turns round and runs out of the room.

Baron: Stop him!

[Transcriber's note - the warriors will be described as A, B and C]

As Kung Lao runs into the courtyard, A back flips off a high ledge onto the ground below. A cartwheels and then goes into a back somersault. Kung Lao approaches and A jumps up, spins clockwise and right knife hand strikes Kung Lao in the face. Kung Lao recovers and high side kicks A�s forehead. A falls back. B and C approach. Kung Lao ducks under B�s high right side kick and then jumps up and flying split kicks B and C to the ground. B and C get back up and Kung Lao right vertical blocks B�s left punch and left circle punches B�s face. Kung Lao right waist blocks C�s left front kick and then right spin hook kicks C to the ground.

Kung Lao ducks down and left leg sweeps B who somersaults backwards to avoid the sweep. C advances forward; Kung Lao ducks and C rolls over his back. Kung Lao keeps ducking and avoids B�s right hooking kick and then quickly high side kicks C. C recovers and aerial cartwheel kicks Kung Lao�s face. A jumps up and grabs a hold of the door frame above him, swinging himself into a somersault. As he�s landing, he double kicks Kung Lao in the chest. Kung Lao falls to the ground. A flips to his feet.

With time running out, the illusion becomes even more unstable and inside the Trading Post merges into swirling green space. Kung Lao right waist blocks B�s right front kick and then right side kicks him in the chest. He turns to C. C tries to left punch Kung Lao but the warrior right waist blocks it and hits C with a well aimed right hooking punch. Kung Lao quickly turns and right hook kicks A to the ground. B advances and Kung Lao holds out his right leg and trips him up.

Kung Lao leans back to avoid C�s flying right roundhouse kick and moves to avoid B�s backflip but is hit in the face by C�s. C lands and tries to left front kick Kung Lao, who jumps back. Kung Lao then right hook punches C In the face, turns and right front kicks B and, without putting his right leg down, turns and hook kicks A in the face. Kung Lao left palm blocks B�s right circle strike, waist blocks B�s right clockwise circle strike, ducks under B�s right circle knife-hand but is then backhanded by B�s returning right hand. Kung Lao recovers and right front kicks B in the face. B falls back. Kung Lao turns to C.

Kung Lao left upper blocks C�s right front kick and tries to right hook punch C but it is blocked. Kung Lao left upper blocks C�s right punch, right punches C in the chest and then right spin hook kicks him to the ground. B moves back in and tries a right drop front kick but Kung Lao moves to the right and avoids it. Kung Lao right vertical blocks B�s left punch, left vertical blocks B�s right punch. Still holding onto B�s wrist, he twists it and punches B in the side. B falls back; A flips in. Kung Lao left knife hand blocks A�s left punch, right knife hand strikes him in the neck and then yanking his right hand down, forces A into a cartwheel and as A is landing, he right spin hook kicks him to the ground.

C flips in. Kung Lao ducks under C�s high right side kick and then aero roundhouse kicks him to the ground. B horizontally spin kicks at Kung Lao but the warrior ducks under him and as B lands, Kung Lao right roundhouse kicks him to the ground.

Kung Lao turns back to look at the inside of the Trading Post which is now just swirls of shrieking green space. He turns and runs.

Cut to the hourglass. There are very few sands remaining. Shang Tsung focuses on it.

Cut to a shot of Kung Lao running through the market place.

Cut to the Portal. Siro and Taja finally reach it and stop.

Taja: Damn it, where is he?

Siro: We can�t wait much longer.

Taja: Oh god. He�s staying.

Cut to the sand running through the hourglass. Shang Tsung sits in meditation, concentrating on keeping Kung Lao in the realm.

Cut to Kung Lao running through the alleys of Zhu Zin. As he�s running, Shang Tsung projects voices into his head.

Baron: (voice over) You long to be with Jen�if you leave now, you can never return.

Cut to the Portal. Siro points, spotting Kung Lao.

Siro: No, look!

Taja: Hurry, the portal�s closing!

Siro: Come on!

Cut to Kung Lao running.

Baron: (voice over) Are you going to give it all up?

Cut to the Portal.

Siro: Taja!

He grabs Taja and jumps into the portal with her. Kung Lao rushes after them but suddenly stops as Jen appears behind him. Her lips don�t move as she talks (in normal voice).

Jen: (voice over) Kung Lao! You can�t go, you�re mine forever.

Kung Lao turns and looks at her.

Jen: (voice over) I know it�s very difficult to understand right now�

Jen holds out her arms to him.

Jen: (voice over) I knew it, I knew you�d find me.

Kung Lao takes one last look at Jen and then slowly turns away.

Cut to the sand running through the hourglass. Shang Tsung concentrates.

Cut to Kung Lao dashing towards the portal.

Cut back to the last grains of sand running through the hour glass. Shang Tsung clenches his fist.

Cut back to Kung Lao dashing towards the portal and then back to the hourglass. Only a few seconds remain.

Kung Lao draws nearer to the portal but time has almost run out.

Cut back to Kung Lao. He reaches the portal and jumps through it and emerges out of the other side, back in normal Zhu Zin.

Cut back to the hourglass. The last grain falls through. Shang Tsung�s eyes snap open. He stands up and looks at the hour glass.

Shang: Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Cut to a shot of Quan Chi laughing. Revenge for him is sweet.

Cut back to Zhu Zin. Kung Lao stands up and looks around him. Siro and Taja stand next to him. Shot of the normal grey, depressing Zhu Zin. Traders go by, people argue and haggle over prices.

Siro: Feels right.

They walk into the market place.

Cut to a part of the market place. The three are making their way back to the Trading Post. As they are walking through the market place, they come across Raiden sitting on a chair with his feet up and stop.

Raiden: Have a nice trip?

Taja: It�s really home, isn�t it?

Raiden: Yes. (to Kung Lao) I wasn�t sure I�d ever see you back here.

Taja: You almost didn�t. If we hadn�t come, he would have stayed. Given up everything.

Siro: What the hell were you thinking?

Kung Lao: The other life, the one I always wanted. When I saw it, I was overwhelmed, I guess. I wanted it to be real. How did you ever find me?

Siro: Quan Chi.

Raiden: Luckily Shang Tsung made himself a bigger enemy to Quan Chi than you. For the moment at least.

A woman shoves past Siro.

Woman: Out of the way, creep!

Siro laughs.

Siro: Now that�s the Zhu Zin I know and love. It may not be perfect but it�s never dull.

Taja: You�re so weird, Siro.

Siro: And you�re still a slave to my weirdness.

Taja: Forget it. Time is up.

She walks off and Siro chases after her. The camera stays on Raiden and Kung Lao.

Siro: (oov)No way. We got interrupted to save Kung Lao.

Taja: (oov) Then he owes you. Make him your slave. I�m retired.

Raiden looks at Kung Lao.

Raiden: It was a trap, Kung Lao.

Kung Lao: One I wanted to fall into. I�d have stayed. I loved it there. No pressure, no responsibilities, no doubts. I�d go back you know, if I could make it last.

Raiden sighs.

Raiden: Do you hear yourself?

Kung Lao: I would have left Earth Realm.

Raiden: Something to think about.

Raiden stands up.

Raiden: Isn�t it?

Kung Lao: Yes. Maybe I�m not the one.

Raiden: Maybe not. But then again, maybe you are.

He smiles at Kung Lao, who still looks unsure.

Cut to Jen�s room, the Trading Post. Kung Lao sits by her bed, with candles around it. After a while he gets up, picks up one of her perfume bottles and sits on the bed.

Kung Lao: Jen�

Cut to the Emperor�s Throne Room, Outworld. We see Siann admiring the throne.

Siann: So much power, in one man.

SHAO KAHN comes up the steps. Siann kneels down.

Shao Kahn: My compliments to Quan Chi for such a generous gift.

He sits on his throne and looks at her.

Shao Kahn: You are exceptional. Tell him, I�m also grateful for the news you brought me. Quan Chi has made a powerful ally today.

Siann: And me?

Shao Kahn curls his hand upwards. Siann is pulled upwards into a standing position. He curls his hand sideways and she walks around in a short circle so he can admire her.

Shao Kahn: A slave to two masters.

Siann: It can be done.

He gestures for her to leave. As she walks down the steps and approaches the exit, Shang Tsung is dragged in by two guards.

Siann: Your turn!

The two guards drag him up the steps. Shao Kahn stands up angrily. As Siann carries on walking, we hear Shang Tsung�s scream of pain.

Shang: Noooooooooooooooo!

Siann smiles. End credits.