Mortal Kombat Conquest
Episode 03
Cold Reality

Written by: Steve Hattman
Directed by: Doug Lefler
Transcribed by: Octavia

Kung Lao: Paolo Montalban
Siro: Daniel Bernhardt
Taja: Kristanna Loken
Shang Tsung: Bruce Locke
Vorpax: Tracy Douglas
Raiden: Jeffrey Meek

Sub-Zero: J J Perry.
Grandmaster: Scott Ryder


Voice: Previously on Mortal Kombat Conquest�

We see Kung Lao kneeling over Jen.

Kung Lao: Jen, it�s over now.

Jen: I will always be with you, Kung Lao. (she gives him the key) My home is now your heart.

Cut to Raiden talking to Kung Lao.

Raiden: The city of Zhu Zin. It�s not just the centre of your world but the crossroads of many realms. You must find a place in the heart of the city to call your own.

Cut to Shang Tsung and Vorpax in the Cobalt Mines.

Shang: I want his soul! There is none stronger on Earth Realm than Kung Lao. Without fresh souls, my powers will fade.

Cut to Kung Lao with Siro and Taja on the road to Zhu Zin.

Kung Lao: The forces of Outworld will stop at nothing to defeat us.

Cut back to Raiden lecturing Kung Lao.

Raiden: Beware who you trust.

We see Raiden watching Kung Lao, Siro, and Taja heading to Zhu Zin.

Raiden: (voice over) For evil is everywhere. And it is relentless.


We open at the secret headquarters of the Lin Kuei Clan. A full moon is in the sky. Inside one of the buildings, before a stone carving of the Lin Kuei symbol, stands the GRANDMASTERS of the Lin Kuei. They watch as SUB-ZERO, a young trainee-ninja without the proper uniform, practises patterns.

Grandmaster1: He has trained his whole life. His fighting skills are unmatched among us. Yet it is only now that he truly begins�for it is his destiny to carry to battle ancient powers. The time has come to unleash them.

Sub-Zero stops his patterns. The Grandmaster holds up his hands.

Grandmaster1: Kneel.

Sub-Zero kneels. Before him is a bucket full of freezing ice. Up on the platform, the Grandmaster picks up a tong and uses it to transfer several hot coals from the burner to another bucket. From the floor, Sub-Zero watches him with apprehension. Slowly, the Grandmaster walks down towards him and then pours the flaming coals onto his back. A searing noise is heard. Sub-Zero groans with the burning agony and shoves his hands into the bucket of ice. As his hands start to freeze over, he winces from the coldness and tries to drop the ice onto his back. Slowly he begins to gain control over the pain and calms down.

Grandmaster1: Fire and ice. The pain of one mirrors the pain of the other. He suffers yet learns to endure. It will be soon.

The Grandmaster walks towards the door. Sub-Zero glares after him. Suddenly, as if being choked by an invisible force, the Grandmaster puts his hands to his throat, struggling to breathe. He falls to his knees. As he breathes deeply, the wall before him bursts into flames. However instead of burning down, two Chinese characters are written in the fire. The Grandmaster gazes at them in terror.

Grandmaster1: Shang Tsung!

He kneels, followed by all the other Lin Kuei in the room. Opening credits.

KUNG LAO, SIRO, and TAJA are continuing their journey towards Zhu Zin. Beside the road, they come across a small grassy area with rocks to sit on.

Kung Lao: Let�s rest here for a few minutes. We should meet Zhu Zin by nightfall.

Taja: Yeah.

Kung Lao kneels down on the grass to put his bag down. Taja slumps onto one of the rocks.

Kung Lao: Having second thoughts?

Taja: Some, I guess. I mean it sounded like a good idea at the Temple but the closer I get to the Trading Post, the more I wonder what I�m doing.

Kung Lao: Starting again. That�s what you said.

Taja: Even I don�t listen to what I say half the time. I mean, travelling the road alone - I understand. But living in one place in a city with people I don�t even know �it just sounds too settled.

Siro: For me, returning to the Trading Post is fine. I�ve lived there much of my life and I can help train fighters with you, Kung Lao, but-

Kung Lao: But what?

Siro: I can�t get over the fact that I�ll be training them for something I�m not sure even exists.

Taja: Yeah, Mortal Kombat. You see, that�s the difference, Kung Lao. You have your mission. You know what you�re doing.

Kung Lao: Do I? For years I�ve been told about Mortal Kombat. Now I need to find new fighters but it doesn�t mean I know how, where to find them, how to make them believe. The future�s as much a question to me as it is to you.

Siro: Sounds like none of us knows if we�re doing the right thing. Maybe it�s the only thing we have in common at this point.

Taja: At least it�s something.

Kung Lao gets up and looks over the river. Siro smiles at Taja.

Siro: Hey, Taja!

Taja: Oh god, not again.

Siro: Well, is there anything left or not?

Taja sighs, opens up her bag and tosses him a bundle of food.

Taja: Here. That wipes us out, you know.

Siro: Like you wiped out the monks?

Taja: I took some food to nourish us on the trip, ok?

Kung Lao returns to pack up his bag.

Siro: Yeah, right. (to Kung Lao) You believe this? She stole food from the monks.

Taja: Well, you�re eating it, aren�t you?

Kung Lao: It�s all right. The monks are generous. They would have wanted us to have it anyway.

They gather their bags together and get up.

Siro: Asking them would have been nice.

Taja: Not cramming every scrap into your mouth would have been nice!

Cut to the City of Zhu Zin. Traders and merchants from all other the world walk through the square, selling and buying wares. Kung Lao, Siro, and Taja walk in and approach the Trading Post door. Kung Lao pulls out his key.

Taja: Is that the key Jen gave you?

Kung Lao looks at it. Siro turns to Kung Lao.

Siro: Kung Lao, maybe you and I should get some provisions in the bazaar.

Kung Lao: Yes. (he hands the key to Taja) Will you open up?

Taja smiles, surprised at being trusted like that.

Taja: Sure.

Siro: We�ll be back in a moment.

They leave. Taja unlocks the door and enters to be confronted with a shocking sight. Chests, shelves, tables, everything has been turned upside down.

Taja: What a mess.

As she closes the door behind her, she realises what has happened.

Taja: Thieves. (she sighs) I�ve had a home for one day and already someone�s broken in.

She walks further into the room. Above her, wedged on the ceiling between the beams, we see a LIN KUEI ASSASSIN. Slowly, Taja turns round, sensing someone watching her. She looks up to the ceiling to see�nothing. After turning round again, the assassin�s upside down face appears before her.

The assassin twin-punches her in the face. Taja reels back and the assassin drops to the ground, right side kicking Taja across the courtyard. Taja gets to her feet and flings two baskets at the assassin who butterfly kicks towards her. He spins to evade her left front kick, ducks under her right roundhouse, and then right flying spinning hook kicks her to the ground. As she gets up, Taja picks up a hammer. She hits him with it but his mask absorbs most of the force. Taja swings the hammer back for another hit but he grabs her arm and, pulling her down, right high side kicks the back of her head. Taja stumbles forward. The assassin grabs the back of her shirt, pulling her back towards him and right front kicks her face. He shoves her forward. Taja turns round and is hit by his low right flying roundhouse kick. She falls backward against a pillar and is right reverse front kicked by the assassin. He right backhands her and then left anticlockwise circle punches her face. Taja falls to the ground. The assassin steps over and holds up his fist, ready to deliver the killing blow when Kung Lao and Siro enter.

Upon seeing them, the assassin drops Taja�s head and rushes up to meet them. Kung Lao and Siro discard their bags. The assassin jumps up in a split kick to avoid Kung Lao�s right front kick and as he drops to the ground, he right front kicks Kung Lao with his descending leg and then right hook kicks Siro. The assassin ducks under Kung Lao�s right front kick and right vertical blocks his left side kick. Kung Lao executes a right circle knife hand strike which the assassin blocks, then a right punch which is also blocked. The assassin then right front drop kicks Kung Lao, who falls back. The assassin turns to duck under Siro�s flying left side kick and his following left flying hooking kick, then hits Siro with a right spinning hooking kick.

Kung Lao tries a right front kick which the assassin ducks under and then a left roundhouse which is also ducked. The assassin does a left punch to Kung Lao but the warrior blocks it and tries a right groin punch which is waist blocked by the assassin who then hits Kung Lao with a right hook punch. The assassin tries a right downfist punch but Kung Lao grabs his arm, and twists him around. Siro pulls his other back and then spins and hits his back with a right spinning side kick. The assassin stumbles forward and, putting one foot on the wall as a step up, back flips behind them.

The assassin right front kicks Kung Lao, ducks under Siro�s left flying side kick but is then hit by Siro�s flying side split kick. He tumbles backwards and falls to the ground. Kung Lao and Siro approach. Siro left stamp kicks the assassin�s face and Kung Lao right knife hands his jaw. Finally, Taja comes up from behind and hits him again with the hammer. The assassin collapses.

Taja clutches her side and falls down. Kung Lao rushes towards her while Siro looks at the assassin.

Kung Lao: Are you all right?

He holds from falling back.

Taja: Yeah. I thought he was just a common thief.

Siro: He�s no thief and there�s nothing common about him.

He pulls the assassin�s right sleeve up to reveal a tattoo of the Lin Kuei symbol on his wrist.

Siro: Recognise it?

Kung Lao: Yes. I�ve seen it before.

Siro: (with loathing) Lin Kuei.

Taja: Lin who?

Kung Lao: Lin Kuei. Murderers for hire.

Siro: People around here tell stories about children being stolen and taught how to kill in some secret compound.

Taja: OK, I understand he was trying to kill me but what about the place? He was tearing it apart.

Siro: Looking for something.

Taja: Yeah.

Kung Lao and Siro bend over the assassin. Siro applies a choke hold.

Kung Lao: Who sent you?

Taja: What were you after?

The assassin is silent. Siro grabs him by the lapels and jerks him to his feet.

Siro: Speak!

The assassin remains silent. Siro smiles.

Siro: I think I know some ways to loosen his tongue...

The assassin puts both hands to his own neck and snaps it. Taja gasps and looks away. Siro angrily drops the assassin. Kung Lao goes back to help Taja up.

Siro: Take her inside. I�ll see to this one.

He picks up the assassin.

Cut to later inside the Trading Post. Taja picks up a mirror, hangs it on the wall, and checks her face for bruises.

Kung Lao: Hold still. This might hurt a bit.

He presses her waist. Taja gasps in pain.

Kung Lao: I think you�ve cracked a rib.

Taja: No, let�s get this straight. The guy in the blue outfit cracked the rib.

Siro enters.

Siro: I dumped our friend out the west gate. Let the vultures take care of him.

Kung Lao picks up a jug and pours some water into a glass which he gives to Taja. Siro pinches the jug from him before he can have any himself.

Siro: I checked through the whole place. Looks like you interrupted him - nothing�s disturbed upstairs.

Kung Lao: The question is, can expect more?

Taja: Crossed my mind too.

Kung Lao: We need to get some rest. (he picks up a candle and starts up the stairs) Anyone hears anything in the night, call out.

He goes up the stairs. Siro turns to Taja.

Siro: Well, I guess I�ll take my old room.

Taja: *My* old room was the dungeon.

Siro: Hey, staff�s all gone, I�m sure it�s still free.

He winks at her and then leaves.

Taja: Not for long.

Cut to Kung Lao slowly going up the stairs with the candle. He reaches the landing and pauses at the door to Jen�s room. Suddenly we cut to a FLASHBACK of Jen and Kung Lao in the Temple. Kung Lao holds her and they kiss. Jen hugs him.

Kung Lao opens his eyes, with tears starting to form.

Kung Lao: I miss you, Jen.

He blows the candle out.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines of Shokan, Outworld. Prisoners go to and fro, carrying heavy loads of cobalt and striking rocks. In a puddle of water, we see the green reflection of VORPAX. The camera pans up until it is level with her. She walks up some stairs in the Mines and up to SHANG TSUNG who stands there murmuring and writing in the air. Without turning round, he speaks.

Shang: What do you want?

Vorpax: Nothing really, just curious. What are you doing?

Shang: Writing instructions.

Vorpax: I see. A book. For those wanting to learn sorcery

His concentration broken, Shang Tsung ends the spell and turns round,

Shang: You�re not amusing me.

He walks over and splashes his face with some water from the water bearer.

Vorpax: Oh, but I could, Shang. I could amuse you.

Shang: I think not.

Vorpax reclines on some rocks.

Vorpax: Oh, never say no to what you haven�t tried. What could be more enticing than me?

Shang: A group of mortals.

Vorpax: (scornfully) Mortals.

Shang: Assassins.

Vorpax: Who are they, Shang?

Shang: The Lin Kuei, an ancient sect. Their training is in deep a secret as is their code. They are silent, swift and always lethal.

Vorpax smiles and walks up to him. She caresses his shoulder; he ignores her.

Vorpax: Formidable, for mortals.

Shang: More than you know. For some - a select few - the Lin Kuei Grandmasters will continue their education into darker areas. And death comes in more interesting ways.

Vorpax: And who are you going to have killed?

Shang Tsung finally turns to look at her.

Shang: Maybe someone who asks too many questions.

He turns and walks down the steps. Vorpax follows him.

Shang: They�re going to steal for me.

Vorpax: Turning great killers into thieve?

Shang: If anyone gets in their way, they will deal with them. The object is of immeasurable value.

Vorpax: (interested) Oooh, what is it?

Shang: No. This I will keep to myself. It is something that has been lost for centuries.

Vorpax: (seductively) Your story�s too good, Shang. Let me know a little more.

They stop. Vorpax strokes his arm.

Shang: A friend heard of its existence. That idiot Baron in Zhu Zin bought it from a trader and hid it. The fool never knew what it was.

Vorpax: Zhu Zin? Not the Trading Post?! Is there any chance your Kung Lao is involved?

Shang: I pray for it.

Vorpax: That�s your plan. That�s why you sent the Lin Kuei. They�ll kill him.

Shang: Yes. Kung Lao will die and I will have my prize.

Vorpax moves closer to him.

Vorpax: Mmmm�such wisdom, such a powerful handsome man.

Shang Tsung smiles.

Shang: Perhaps� (he grabs her chin) you can amuse me.

He lets go off her chin and she moves away.

Shang: Although your seduction may not go as you planned.

He takes off his top as Vorpax slowly backs away from him.

Cut to Zhu Zin the next day. Taja is loading up her bags.

Siro: I can�t believe you�re leaving.

Taja: That�s usually what "good-bye" means.

Siro: But you just got here.

Taja: You�re right, and in that short time I�ve been attacked, nearly killed and watched some crazy man commit suicide.

She walks into the courtyard. Siro follows her.

Siro: See that�s why you should stay. Something is going on and we should help figure it out.

Taja: You figure it out. Look, I have spent my whole life trying to survive. I�m not about to jump into this death-trap.

Siro: What did you think this was going to be? Lounging on a sofa all day?

Taja: I told you on the road I didn�t know what this was. And now I do and now I�m gone.

Siro: Where?

Taja: What difference does it make?

She walks towards the door.

Siro: So much for your new life, huh?

Taja stops and turns around.

Taja: I�m going as far away as possible and I advise you to do the same.

Siro: No, what I�m going to do is stay here. I gave my word and that means everything to me.

Taja: Well, good luck.

Siro sighs. Taja turns round and goes through the doors. Siro calls after.

Siro: Once a thief, always a thief, huh?

Taja stops. Siro�s words have hit a nerve.

Taja: Damn it! (she turns round and comes back in) Damn it!

Cut to Siro telling Kung Lao of Taja�s departure.

Siro: She did!

Taja enters and puts her bags down.

Kung Lao: Taja? Siro said-

Taja: Siro was wrong.

Siro smirks at her.

Taja: Well, why are we standing around? Let�s find out what this guy was looking for.

Kung Lao: Fine, but maybe you guys could start without me? There�s someone I need to talk to.

Taja: Please tell me it�s not the "thunder god."

Kung Lao smiles and leaves.

Siro: So�

Taja: I�m only here because you guys would have never found it without me.

She heads towards the stairs. Siro grins and follows her.

Cut to the Lin Kuei headquarters. The two grandmasters walk into the deserted hall.

Grandmaster1: He has not returned. If he has failed, he is no more. Send three others.

The other grandmaster bows and exits. Grandmaster1 turns round, having heard something. Suddenly a portal opens and draws him into it.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines. The Grandmaster falls out of the portal into Shang Tsung (who is fully dressed now)�s choke hold. Shang Tsung lowers him to his knees.

Shang: You sent one man!

Grandmaster1: He was an experienced fighter.

Shang: Against Kung Lao, he was nothing.

Grandmaster1: The task shall be completed.

Shang: It better be.

He drops him and turns away.

Shang: You know what is at stake.

Grandmaster1: The crystal.

The grandmaster gets to his feet.

Shang: The means to travel anywhere�and the answer to my freedom.

Grandmaster1: Yes. Present it to the Emperor and he will return you to power. It will be the greatest of weapons in Shao Kahn�s hands.

Shang: Or mine. Then even he would have to deal with me.

Shang Tsung turns round to face him.

Shang: It cannot be lost.

Grandmaster1: Three others have been sent.

Shang: And if they fail?

Grandmaster1: There is one who waits, against whom no one can stand.

Shang: Send him now.

Shang Tsung circles round him.

Grandmaster1: Patience, Shang Tsung. He is but a new born. If he is needed, he will be ready.

Shang: You of all people know the price of failure�.

He leaves.

Cut to the forest by Zhu Zin.

Kung Lao walk through the forests, looking for Raiden.

Kung Lao: Raiden! Where are you? Come on, Raiden? Raiden, you said you�d be hear if I needed you and I do. I need to talk.

Silence. He is still alone in the forest.

Kung Lao: Forget it. Thanks for nothing.

He turns round to see RAIDEN standing in the middle of the path.

Raiden: So talk.

Kung Lao runs up to him.

Kung Lao: Where have you been?

Raiden: Living my life. How about you?

Kung Lao: This is serious. I called for you and you didn�t come.

Raiden: What�s it been - five minutes? What do you expect - you call and get "Instant-God" ?

Kung Lao: Something like that.

Raiden: Me not coming is going to happen a lot-

Kung Lao: But-

Raiden: - because I can�t and won�t be here just for you, Kung Lao. My responsibilities extend to all of Earth Realm and beyond.

Kung Lao: Look, it was you who led me all through Mortal Kombat and afterwards.

Raiden: Your whole life, your training, your victory and everything since was meant to let you take control of (he points at him) you.

Kung Lao: OK, OK, but what about the things I don�t understand?

Raiden sighs.

Raiden: What?

Kung Lao: The Trading Post was broken into by the Lin Kuei. Taja was attacked.

Raiden: Is she dead?

Kung Lao: No, the ninja is.

Raiden: Well, then it worked out okay. I�ve got to run.

He turns and disappears.

Kung Lao: Wait!

Raiden reappears on a small hill on the other side of the path way.

Kung Lao: I need to understand this! Like you said, evil comes in many forms. Why was the Lin Kuei there?

Raiden: I have no idea.

He teleports behind Kung Lao who jumps.

Raiden: They don�t keep me up to date on their plans.

Kung Lao: Should I search for them?

Raiden shrugs. Kung Lao glares at him.

Kung Lao: Raiden, I�m not asking you to do my fighting for me.

Raiden: Good, because you know I can�t do that. Besides, you�re more than capable of fighting. What you�re asking me to do is think for you. Work it out, Kung Lao, yourself!

Raiden points to Kung Lao�s mind and then disappears. Kung Lao sighs.

Cut to the Lin Kuei base. In the middle of the dark room, Sub-Zero practises his patterns before the two grandmasters. He ends the kicking combinations by slipping into a deep splits.

Grandmaster1: Enough!

Sub-Zero gets to his feet.

Grandmaster1: All that effort reheated the room� (he picks up a bucket of ice) You must need water!

The Grandmaster throws the ice towards him. Immediately Sub-Zero fires a small long icicle to stop its path but the icicle shatters as he doubles over with the pain. After recovering his dignity, he stands up again.

Grandmaster1: Leave and think about how you must bear the pain.

Sub-Zero leaves. The Grandmaster turns to his counterpart.

Grandmaster1: Failure only makes him stronger. So rare�centuries have passed since one such as this has been among us. He must be made ready!

Cut to the Trading Post, Jen�s room. Siro searches through it.

Cut to the dining room downstairs. Taja rummages through sacks and baskets for the object.

Cut back upstairs. Having given up, Siro picks up his lamp and heads for the door.

Cut back downstairs. In one of the baskets, Taja finds a gold coin. She bites down on it to check its authenticity and then slips it inside her bra. Behind her, we see Siro coming down the stairs. He checks behind a tapestry hanging on the wall but there is still nothing.

Siro: You know, this would be easier if at least we had a hint of what we�re looking for.

Taja: Or if this place wasn�t so huge.

He joins her. She gets up slowly, clutching her still-hurting side.

Taja: It�s got to be something unique, something that�s out of place, that doesn�t fit. We�ve got to think.

Siro: Good idea. And I do my best thinking on a full stomach. (he rubs his stomach) Let�s get something to eat.

Taja: (rolling eyes) What else is new.

Siro heads to the kitchen, accompanied by Taja. As they go out of the door, a Lin Kuei assassin appears and split kicks them both in the face. They fall to the ground, unconscious. Two more assassins come down the stairs. One of them goes down to feel Siro�s pulse to see if he is alive. After checking, the assassin holds up his fist to kill him but the fist is grabbed by another assassin as a voice is heard from outside.

Kung Lao: (outside the Trading Post) Siro, Taja!

The assassins look at each other for a moment and then disperse. Kung Lao enters through the front door. He sees Taja and Siro and dashes towards them. After checking to see if they are alive, he slowly stands up, looking around him for attackers. None are seen. Kung Lao slowly edges into the middle of the room. Still looking all around him, he kicks a bucket up to his hands and then throws it towards the ceiling. It hits Assassin A who was wedged in between the beams.

[Transcriber�s Note: The assassins will be referred to as A, B, and C in the fight]

A falls from the ceiling. B comes out of his hiding place. Kung Lao blocks B�s two left front kicks and his punch. C rolls out from under a case. Kung Lao right vertical blocks Bs left punch, left blocks B�s right hook punch and then right punches B in the stomach. C kip ups and Kung Lao high right side kick him. He stumbles backwards whilst A gets to his feet. All assassins circle Kung Lao. Kung Lao watches them all in a guarding position. A moves first.

Kung Lao ducks under A�s right flying spinning hooking kick and pushes the assassin away with a right front kick. B grabs a basket and hits Kung Lao with it. Kung Lao blocks the blow as much as he can and B drops the basket. B goes into a right spinning hooking kick which hits Kung Lao in the face. Kung Lao stumbles around in time to left vertical block C�s right front kick. He turns round and right waist blocks B�s front kick and then left vertical blocks C�s following right front kick. Kung Lao then right side kicks C away and turns to meet B�s right side kick in the stomach. He falls onto the steps, gets to his feet as B attacks. B forces Kung Lao to back up the steps with a left drop kick, a left front kick and two punches. Kung Lao then turns round and back somersaults off the steps. He lands in the centre of the room.

Kung Lao blocks A�s left punch with his right leg and then whips the same leg into a hooking kick to A�s head. B jumps off the steps in a tornado kick which Kung Lao ducks under and counters with a right side kick, sending B flying across the room. Kung Lao turns to block C�s left punch and duck under C�s right circle knife hand strike. He then moves to the side to evade C�s 540 kick. C right waist blocks Kung Lao�s left front kick and tries a left punch which is blocked. Kung Lao blocks C�s left and right punches, brings his left leg up to kick back C�s right front kick and then right hook punches C to the ground. A dashes forward with a right side kick but Kung Lao evades it and runs up the steps. A runs after him.

Kung Lao knife hand blocks A�s right low punch and executes a right hook punch which is upper blocked by A. Kung Lao blocks A�s following right punch and his left circle punch. He elbow blocks A�s left thrust, left vertical blocks A�s right front kick, and right upper arm blocks A�s left punch. As C leaps behind him onto the platform, Kung Lao sends A flying to the floor below with a right hook. A falls down and bounces off a barrel. Kung Lao turns to C. He right waist blocks C�s right front kick then spins round and left hook punches C in the face. C stumbles backwards up the steps. Kung Lao chases after him and does a left punch which is upper blocked by C, and then a right punch to the stomach which sends C to the ground.

B runs up the steps. Kung Lao tries to right hook punch him but B right vertical blocks it. Kung Lao then blocks B�s right punch and tries another right hook which is left vertical blocked by the assassin. B tries to right elbow him but Kung Lao blocks it and B�s following left circle punch. Kung Lao does a left circle knife-hand strike; B ducks under the knife hand and then tries a left elbow attack which Kung Lao left upper arm blocks and counters with a right punch to B�s side. B falls back as C recovers and gets up. Kung Lao forward somersaults off the steps to evade C�s left side kick. He lands on the ground to meet A�s right front kick. Kung Lao falls backwards into the crates and chests.

A chases after him and does a right side kick aimed at Kung Lao�s midsection. Kung Lao moves and the kick goes straight through a wooden barrel. While A�s leg is trapped, Kung Lao does a hard left elbow strike to A�s knee. A yells in pain. B aerial cartwheels off the steps as Kung Lao does a right spinning hooking kick to A�s stomach. An injured A falls back against B who catches him. C runs down the steps. He does a right roundhouse at Kung Lao but the warrior evades it and C�s foot strikes only the wall. Immediately Kung Lao deals C a high left side kick to the face. Back on the floor, Siro stirs and opens his eyes to see the fight scene.

Kung Lao steps back to avoid C�s 540 kick and his following right flying spinning hooking kick. He moves to the left to miss C�s right front kick, left vertical blocks C�s punch and then right hook punches the assassin�s jaw. C spins backwards into the wall. B pulls A to his feet and holds him as C rejoins them. Siro kip ups and stands at Kung Lao�s side. While B carries A off behind him, C shatters a box with a front kick, sending dust and smoke everywhere. When the smoke dissipates, the assassins are all gone.

Siro ducks down to help Taja sit up.

Taja: My buddies from the Lin Kuei?

Kung Lao kneels down beside them.

Kung Lao: Yes.

Taja: I don�t know who they are but they�re really getting on my nerves.

Siro: It�s time we end this.

He stands up and starts to walk up. Kung Lao and Taja get up.

Kung Lao: Where are you going?

Siro: Hunting.

Cut to the Zhu Zin market place. Traders, villagers, and�um�prostitutes look on in astonishment as two Lin Kuei run through, supporting a hobbling third one between them. They disappear down an alley as Siro enters the square. He looks around and then sees a moving shadow down the alley. He follows it.

Cut to the alley. Siro dashes in to find it deserted and a dead-end. He looks around and then spots a sewer grate on the ground.

Cut to the sewer. We see a rat climbing on a gate. Siro drops down into it. He walks along to the gate and opens it�to find himself out of the city and facing a flight of steps into a forest.

Cut to the Lin Kuei headquarters. Inside, the two grandmasters and other Lin Kuei are watching Sub-Zero, who is happily encased in a huge block of ice. The ice begins to crack a bit.

Grandmaster1: Come forth.

The ice cracks a bit more and then shatters completely. The assassins cover themselves to protect them from the ice fragments. The Grandmaster just stands there smiling. Sub-Zero coughs twice and then steps forward.

The Grandmaster gestures to several other assassins who bring a pile of clothes and start dressing Sub-Zero in his uniform. We focus on the Grandmaster who walks up the steps.

Grandmaster1: As the inner transformation is completed, so too must the face shown to the world change. Ancient yet new. Untried yet deadly. His approach will be as silent as the new fallen snow; his attack as fierce as a winter blizzard; his devastation as brutal as winter�s relentless kill. He is�complete.

Sub-Zero turns round and we see he is in the traditional ice-ninja blue uniform.

Cut to outside the Lin Kuei base. Siro emerges from the forest and sees the Lin Kuei building. He ducks down to keep out of sight as he spies the now two assassins approaching the building walls. Two other assassins who guard the walls drop down and show them in. When all have vanished from sight, Siro gets to his feet and looks up at the huge Lin Kuei complex. He dashes towards it.

Cut to a practise room in the base. Having scaled the wall, Siro is peering in at the room through the open window. From his perspective, we see the Grandmaster teaching a small class of would-be-assassins. As the Grandmaster gives commands in Chinese, they follow them. Siro watches them with loathing. At the end of the kata, the trainees stop and bow, all in unison.

Grandmaster1: Throughout time, the Lin Kuei have struck terror in the hearts of others. Our soul is in our power. Our secrecy - our skill. And our discipline�

The two failed assassins walk into the room before the class with their heads lowered.

Grandmaster1: Before you stand two who have failed. For this there can be but one consequence and it must come from within. Within us.

Sub-Zero enters from a door behind him and stands before the two failures.

Grandmaster1: Earth, wind, fire, water. To control one elements of the four that make up life is power. A choice of nature, an aberration, one who brings forth true killing force. Before you stands one whose ancestors have passed on such power to us. Remember this well.

Sub-Zero holds up his hands and projects his element into the two Lin Kuei, freezing them solid. He jump up and split kicks them both. They shatter to pieces. Siro looks on in shock.

Grandmaster1: Behold Sub-Zero.

Siro continues to watch the scene, hidden in the window.

Grandmaster1: Four have been killed in service to Shang Tsung. No more. The task will be completed and revenge taken by Sub-Zero. (to Sub-Zero) Go.

Sub-Zero leaves. Siro goes back down.

Cut to the Trading Post. Kung Lao and Taja are going up the steps.

Kung Lao: I�m worried about Siro. He�s been gone a long time.

Taja: Yeah, but he�s tough; he can take care of himself.

Kung Lao: I hope.

They stop at the landing.

Kung Lao: Are you sure you want to keep at this? Maybe there�s nothing here at all.

Taja: No, I�m betting there is, and whoever sent the Lin Kuei is betting the same way.

They enter the Baron�s room.

Kung Lao: I thought you searched in here.

Taja: It�s time to go over things again. (she examines the book case) At this point, a very experienced thief - me, for example - would move on to less obvious possibilities such as hidden chambers.

Kung Lao moves over to a chest to look at some papers.

Kung Lao: Come on, this isn�t some mad prince�s castle.

Taja: No, it�s a Trading Post run by a greedy old rich guy. Odds are better there�s a hidden area. Besides, this is a professional thing now: * nobody* hides something from me.

She knock on the bookcase and smiles.

Taja: Ah-hah, it�s hollow. Come here and help me.

Kung Lao comes over. Taja runs her fingers along the side of the bookcase.

Taja: OK, there should be a hinge here somewhere and a lever.

Kung Lao: A lever?

Taja: Yeah, like a lock mechanism. It could be a false stone or a torch holder. (she sighs) All right, you push, I�ll pull. We�ll force it and you�ll see, it�s going to spin around.

They push and pull but to no avail. Taja catches her breath. Kung Lao glares at her.

Taja: OK, I push, you pull.

Nothing again. They stop, exhausted.

Kung Lao: (sarcastic) Had enough?

Taja: Damn! I though that was it.

Kung Lao turns to leave. In frustration, Taja pushes the ornamental globe beside the bookcase, sending it spinning round on its axis. She turns to follow Kung Lao but at the door, they pause and turn around, noticing that the globe has not only continued to spin longer than it should have but now there is a sound of gears moving. After several clicks are heard, a draw in the chest part of the bookcase pops out to reveal an object wrapped in a white blanket.

Taja: Gee, I don�t suppose that�s it.

They go over. Taja lifts the object out of the drawer. It is a large chunk of red crystal.

Kung Lao: Is it a precious stone?

Taja examines it.

Taja: I don�t think so. Looks like it�s just common quartz.

She pushes one part of it and it clicks out. Curious, she manages to separate it into several layers which spread out like a small fan. Suddenly Taja is surrounded by red whispering light. Hurriedly, she pushes the crystal back into normal position and the light disappears.

Taja: OK, not-so-common quartz.

Before they can do anything else, they hear the door of the Trading Post open.

Siro: (downstairs) Kung Lao! Taja!

Cut to the courtyard. A breathless Siro enters as Kung Lao and Taja dash downstairs.

Taja: There you are! We found it - whatever it is!

Siro: Forget about that.

Taja: Are you kidding me? This thing�s powerful!

Siro: You want power? I found the Lin Kuei.

Kung Lao: Are they coming back? How many are they sending?

Siro: Who cares? As long as they don�t send (he turns to the door) �him.

We see Sub-Zero standing at the door. He summons ice and blasts it towards them.

Siro: Watch out!

Kung Lao and Siro dash to the side while Taja stays in the same spot but ducks to the ground. The ice hits the dangling chandelier above her head. Frozen solid, the chandelier drops towards her. Kung Lao jumps up and throws himself and Taja out of its way. The crystal falls out of her hands and the chandelier lands on it, sending ice all over Taja and Kung Lao.

Kung Lao: (to Siro) Get the crystal!

Siro goes over to the chandelier and looks for the crystal. As he spots it, a hand grabs it and jerks it away. Siro looks up to meet Sub-Zero�s other hand in the face. He falls back as Sub-Zero runs for the doors, clutching his prize. Kung Lao and Taja frantically wipe the searing ice from Taja�s arm.

Siro dashes after Sub-Zero and goes into a left flying side kick to his back. The crystal falls out of the ninja�s hands as he falls to the ground, rolling to his feet. He turns around as Siro catches up with him. Immediately Sub-Zero channels his power and shoots twenty little icicles at Siro. Siro rolls out of their path as the icicles, like freezing cold white knives, lodge themselves into the door. Sub-Zero groans for a moment, trying to get back his energy. He ducks under Siro�s left roundhouse kick and then ducks again as Siro brings his left leg back in a hooking kick. Sub-Zero does a left front kick which Siro right upper blocks, and then a left returning knife hand swipe which hits Siro on the face.

Siro whirls round in a right spinning hooking kick which Sub-Zero ducks under and counters with his own right spinning hooking kick. Siro reels back and then hits Sub-Zero with a right hook punch. Sub-Zero recovers and right front kicks Siro�s stomach, left hook punches his face and then right uppercuts him. He spins and then right backhands Siro. Siro then right punches Sub-Zero in the stomach. The ninja doubles over and Siro proceeds to right hook punch his face and then right knife hand his side.

Sub-Zero left blocks Siro�s right punch and then left punches Siro in the stomach, right hook punches his jaw, and then whirls round in a left spinning hooking kick but Siro grabs his leg as he kicks it out. Unable to free his leg, Sub-Zero left punches Siro in the face and then jumps upwards, spinning anticlockwise in a right hooking kick. Still holding onto the ninja�s left leg, Siro ducks under the hook kick. Sub-Zero lands and then instantly kicks his right leg up and hits Siro in the face. Siro stumbles backwards and Sub-Zero gets to his feet.

Siro ducks under Sub-Zero�s right flying spinning hooking kick and goes into a left spinning hooking kick which Sub-Zero ducks. The ninja then does two backflips away to evade Siro�s following spinning hooking kick. Sub-Zero left upper blocks Siro�s right punch and then right punches Siro in the stomach and right hooks his jaw.

Kung Lao and Taja finish clearing the ice away from her arm. We see Siro being beaten up by Sub-Zero from their viewing point. They get up.

Kung Lao: We�ve got to help him!

Taja: Stay away from the ice, it burns!

Sub-Zero blocks Siro�s right hook and then right punches him in the face. Siro stumbles back and is right spin hook kicked by Sub-Zero. He flies back. At that moment, Kung Lao and Taja emerge from the Trading Post. Kung Lao catches Siro in time to stop him from flying into the door. All three of them face Sub-Zero. The ninja looks from them to the red crystal which lies in between them.

Siro: Try the ice, it weakens him.

Kung Lao: Spread out then.

Siro: Right, make him do it!

Kung Lao stay where he is while Taja and Siro go right and left respectively. Sub-Zero watches them all and then finally creates some ice and shoots it at Siro. Siro dodges and it completely freezes over a bucket. Sub-Zero turns towards and shoots more towards Taja, who grabs a vase and uses it to block the ice. She gasps as the vase becomes solid ice and drops it instantly. It shatters on the floor. Sub-Zero shudders for a moment, weakened from all the use of his powers.

Kung Lao seizes the opportunity. He grabs onto Sub-Zero�s head and vaults over him, pulling the ninja�s face into the ground. As Sub-Zero starts to get up, he downfists his head. Sub-Zero falls down again and looks up at the three with hatred in his eyes. He slowly gets up and prepares to freeze all three when lightning is heard. They all turn round to see Raiden standing on the Trading Post balcony, his eyes sparkling with lightning.

Sub-Zero looks from them to the crystal to Raiden again and makes the safe decision and runs for it, somersaulting over a washing line. Raiden turns to look at the three and folds his arms.

Cut to inside the Trading Post. Taja stands in the hallway while Siro is in another room picking up dishes. We see his shadow.

Siro: I know I saw it, but men can�t throw ice!

Taja: Well, those weren�t rose petals he was tossing around. I mean, look at my arm!

Siro: There has to be an explanation.

He enters the hall and walks to the dining table with Taja.

Taja: Like?

Siro: I don�t know, a freak storm?

Taja: In the dead of summer?

Siro: Maybe not that. But I�m telling you, what happened out there wasn�t real.

Raiden appears behind them.

Raiden: It was very real.

Kung Lao enters, carrying a bowl.

Kung Lao: And it took the three of us to beat him.

Taja: Yeah, just barely.

Raiden: Did you? Did you defeat him? Or is he waiting for you even now? (all are silent) Welcome to your new life together.

Kung Lao: You know this man, Raiden?

Raiden: Him, no. But there�s been others before, special men, capable of being trained in the darkest arts of Lin Kuei.

He moves away from Taja and Siro and right up to Kung Lao.

Raiden: (to Kung Lao) You must be very careful now, knowing he�s here.

Raiden walks past Kung Lao and turns to leave. Kung Lao sits down.

Kung Lao: Yes�they sent their most skilled fighter after the crystal.

Raiden appears beside him.

Raiden: Crystal? (He looks at them all) Small, dark red?

Kung Lao: Yes.

Raiden: Give it to me.

All are silent.

Raiden: Which one of you has it? I�ll take it now.

Taja stands up defiantly and looks Raiden in the eye.

Taja: Tell us what it is first.

Raiden looks at them and sighs.

Raiden: (quickly) It�s a means of travel. It brought beings here from another realm, timeless years ago. They were men of peace and learning, travelling only for knowledge. One of them died here and it was thought that the crystal was lost forever.

Kung Lao: (quietly) It can take you anywhere�

Siro: (sarcastically) Wow, like all the other "realms".

Raiden: Yes, all the realms. You twist it, you say the words and you go there: I will have it now!

They are still silent. Kung Lao stares into space, thinking. Raiden walks up to him.

Raiden: Understand me, Kung Lao, in Shang�s hands - or worse, Shao Kahn�s, it could be a means of disaster.

Kung Lao stands up to face Raiden.

Kung Lao: But in our hands, an invaluable tool.

Raiden: I�m not here to discuss it.

Kung Lao: Fine, I�ve decided to keep it.

Raiden: You can�t!

Kung Lao: I can and I will.

Raiden moves closer to him, threateningly. Kung Lao moves out of the way and stands by Taja and Siro to protect them.

Kung Lao: We fought for it. It was you who told me to think for myself and now that I do, you want me to obey your orders? Well, which is it, Raiden?

Raiden: You�re trying my patience.

Kung Lao walks up to him.

Kung Lao: Look, I�ve trusted you my whole life. It�s time to return the favour.

After a long pause, Raiden moves closer to Kung Lao.

Raiden: Guard it well.

Kung Lao: *We* will.

Raiden is about to say something but eventually turns away and disappears, muttering.

Raiden: I have a headache�

As soon as Raiden has gone, Kung Lao holds out his hand. Taja places the crystal in it.

Cut to the Lin Kuei base. Sub-Zero has returned and kneels before his Grandmaster.

Grandmaster1: Rise. (Sub-Zero gets up) There is no dishonour. The appearance of Raiden was unexpected. It is ended. The god will destroy it.

Sub-Zero: Send me back, Master, I wish to try again!

Grandmaster1: Be patient. That day will come.

Cut to the Trading Post. The market place and streets before it are deserted except for one solitary figure, a blue ninja, standing on a high ledge. Sub-Zero keeps his eyes fixed on the Trading Post, gazing at it in hatred�

Blackout.

End credits.