Written by: Sean Catherine Derek
Directed by: Scott Paulin
Transcribed by: Octavia

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

Omegis: Angelica Bridges

We open with the Cobalt Mines. VORPAX sits in front of a pool of water, bathing herself. SHANG TSUNG comes up to her.

Shang: How decadent�

Vorpax whirls round, putting on a thin silk blouse to cover herself.

Vorpax: Don�t you ever knock?

Shang: It�s a little late for modesty.

Vorpax glares at him. Shang Tsung catches sight of a flower by the pool and lifts it up.

Shang: You must have had to sell your soul to get a flower in this hell hole. Or was it just your virtue?

Vorpax: I may have to live down here like an animal but I certainly don�t have to feel like one! I�m a woman. Or have you forgotten?

Shang Tsung smiles.

Shang: A very vain one. You should be careful. Too much water can�wrinkle your skin.

He flexes his fingers and the skin on Vorpax�s hand suddenly becomes old and wrinkle. She gasps, horrified.

Vorpax: (terrified) What have you done? How could you do this to me?!

Shang releases her from the spell. Vorpax sighs in relief.

Vorpax: That was horrible!

Shang: You haven�t seen the half of it.

Opening credits.

The Temple of Light. Establishing Shot of monks entering a reflection chamber. Cut to inside the chamber. Monks sit there, deep in meditation. KUNG LAO is among them. A steady chant is heard as the camera pans over to TAJA, staring fixedly into space, bored. SIRO sits opposite her, leaning back on the wall, fast asleep. He gives a loud snore. Taja picks up a small pebble and flicks it at him. It hits Siro in the face and he wakes up.

Siro: (whispering) What did you do that for?

Taja: If I have to suffer through this, so do you.

She looks around her. The monks are still deep in their meditation, the low chant continuous.

Taja: That�s it, I�m out of here.

She gets up.

Siro: Hey, wait.

Siro stands up and they make their way to the exit. Kung Lao looks up from his meditation to see them leave. As she is exiting, Taja bumps into an old monk.

Taja: Oh, sorry. Bathroom break.

The monk nods. Taja leaves. Siro follows and bumps into the monk.

Siro: The same.

He leaves.

Cut to ouside the Temple. Taja runs down the steps and into the courtyard. Siro catches up with her.

Siro: Taja! What�s with you?

Taja: I can�t believe Kung Lao asked us to come to this retreat.

Siro: Look at his face, this is Nirvana for him.

Taja: Well, it�s like watching corn grow for me. To top it off, this has got to be the worst heat wave in years.

They see Kung Lao approaching them.

Siro: Oh, here he comes. (he whispers) Be nice!

Kung Lao: What�s wrong? Why did you leave?

Taja: Look, the whole meditation, spiritual awareness stuff, just isn�t for us.

Kung Lao sighs, picks up his water bag and takes a drink.

Taja: (whisper to Siro) That was nice! (to Kung Lao) I�m sorry, Kung Lao, but it�s true. Aren�t you going to say anything?

Kung Lao: Nothing to say. I hoped you�d embrace my training and traditions. You didn�t.

Siro: And you�re not upset?

Kung Lao: I�ve been meditating. It�ll take more than this to upset me.

Taja: Then we�ll head back to Zhu Zin.

Kung Lao: Fine. I�ll see you at the Trading Post when I�m finished here.

Taja: Have fun.

Kung Lao bows to them and turns around to go return to the chamber.

Taja: Or whatever it is you have in here.

As he�s returning to the chamber, Kung Lao meets another old monk.

Kung Lao: Master Wang!

Master Wang: Kung Lao. It�s good to have you back with us, if only for a short time.

They put their right hands on each other�s shoulder.

Kung Lao: Thank you. My life now leaves little time for spiritual relief.

He returns to the chamber. Taja picks up her bag and hangs it over her shoulder.

Taja: Let�s get out of here.

Siro: Now? But the sun is brutal. We should wait till it sets.

Taja: I�d rather fry than stay any longer. Monks are so�

Taja stops when she sees Master Wang approaching. He bows to them. They bow back.

Taja: (to Siro) And what�s with all the bowing?

Siro: (whispers) I don�t know.

They stand up again.

Master Wang: I�m sorry to hear you are leaving so soon but we must each follow our own path.

Taja: And we�ll be taking this one.

Master Wang: May your journey be safe.

Taja: And speedy!

They turn round and set down the long path.

Taja: I can�t wait to get home.

The monk smiles, shakes his head and watches them go. He then suddenly notices Kung Lao�s water bag.

Master Wang: Oh, my!

Master Wang assumes Siro and Taja have left it and runs after them. Cut to Siro and Taja who are halfway down the road. Siro notices the monk chasing them.

Master Wang: Wait, wait!

Siro: Hold on, Taja.

Taja: We almost made it.

The monk catches up to them.

Master Wang: Wait! The sun can be cruel. You�ll need this on your long journey.

Siro takes it.

Siro: You�re right, thank you.

He notices that the monk is very tired and out of breath and he hands the bag to him.

Siro: Here. A drink might help.

Master Wang takes a long drink and hands it back to Siro.

Master Wang: Your mind perceives skipping and jumping but this old body feels it has climbed the mountain. (he looks up at the harsh sun) Perhaps you should wait until the sun crests.

Siro: Hey, that�s what I s-

Taja: That�s-we can handle it. Thanks again.

The monk bows. They return the gesture and set off again. Master Wang runs slowly back to the Temple. A hooded figure, all dressed in black, steps out from the trees and watches the monk leaving.

Cut to inside the temple. The monks sit still in meditation. Master Wang enters and walks up to Kung Lao. He taps him on the shoulder to let the warrior know he is back and then takes his place beside him. Master Wang closes his eyes and then, taking one last breath, slumps against the wall. After a while, Kung Lao senses that something is wrong and he opens his eyes. Master Wang is dead.

Cut to Taja and Siro walking down the road to Zhu Zin.

Taja: It�s like walking in a bonfire out here.

Siro hands her the water bag.

Siro: I told you to wait till sunset!

Taja: Oh, that�s right, you did tell me. About fifty times!

She takes a long swig of water.

Siro: Hey, come on, you�ve guzzled half the bag already!

Taja: Just my half!

Siro grabs the bag off her.

Taja: Hey!

Siro: You wanted to travel by day , you should suffer most.

Taja: Oh, that�s mature.

Siro takes a gulp and grins.

Cut to another chamber in the temple. Master Wang�s body has been laid out on a table and the monks are conducting funeral rites.

Funeral Priest: He is in peace. We all miss him. But Master Wang died of old age as we all must do one day.

The door opens.

Monk: No! It was not Master Wang�s time to die.

Kung Lao: What do you mean?

The monk looks down at Master Wang. Kung Lao follows suit. The body of the dead monk begins to disintegrate until there is nothing left, not even bones, only dust.

Kung Lao: What�s happening?

The monk looks to Kung Lao.

Monk: Sorcery!

Kung Lao�s face becomes grim as he realises what exactly has happened and who is behind it all.

Kung Lao: Sorcery�

Several monks at the end of the room move to reveal the black hooded figure running out of the chamber. Kung Lao notices this and chases the figure.

Cut to outside the temple. The figure runs out of the chamber and through the courtyard. A couple of seconds later, Kung Lao emerges from the chamber in pursuit. Cut to the forest. The hunted figure runs through the forest, dodging trees. The camera cuts back to Kung Lao in pursuit. Eventually Kung Lao catches up to the figure, grabs them by the hood and whirls them around. The figure�s hood has fallen off to reveal Vorpax. Kung Lao reels back in surprise. A portal opens behind Vorpax and she quickly turns and leaps through it. Kung Lao charges forward to capture her but the portal has already closed and he is too late.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines.

A portal opens and Vorpax falls out of it, out of breath. Shang Tsung stands on a layer above.

Shang: Were you successful?

Vorpax looks up to see Shang Tsung.

Vorpax: That depends on your point of view.

Shang Tsung frowns and comes down the stairs towards her. He grabs her hood and pulls it away.

Shang: I told you to remain hidden!

Vorpax: What you told me was to hang around and see what happened!

Shang: And?

Vorpax: I did exactly that.

Shang: But you were discovered.

Vorpax: things took a strange turn. One of the old monks died, just shrivelled to dust.

Shang Tsung smiles.

Shang: An added bonus.

Vorpax: Maybe. But when I was trying to get closer to see what else happened, one of those orange tents spotted me and alerted Kung Lao.

Shang: Kung Lao saw you?

Vorpax: Yes, he did! And if I hadn�t won that foot race, we�d still be back there fighting it out!

Shang: It doesn�t matter.

Vorpax: Maybe not to you!

Shang: I believe it�s time for me to go and reap my reward.

Vorpax: I don�t know, Shang Tsung. The Emperor has new spies down here. They�ll report to him if you leave.

Shang: Then I�ll have to be very careful.

He suddenly disappears.

Vorpax: Shang Tsung!

Shang Tsung reappears behind her, green energy glowing around him. He puts a hand on her shoulder and she whirls around.

Vorpax: How did you do that?

Shang: It�s an old trick. Unfortunately, one that uses a great deal of energy. I�ll need more to sustain my powers.

Shang Tsung and Vorpax turn round to look at one of the miners.

Shang: You!

The miner stops working and puts down his hammer. Shang Tsung moves towards him. The sorcerer holds out his hands and sucks out the miner�s soul in a flow of green energy as Vorpax watches in horror. Shang Tsung turns back round to her.

Cut to Taja and Siro walking back to Zhu Zin. The air around them shimmers because of the immense heat. Taja carries the water bag limply in her hand.

Taja: I�ve done this track before but I don�t remember it feeling so far. This is unbearable.

Siro: I told-

Taja: Hey, if you say it, Siro, I swear I�ll flatten you!

Siro: I was just going to ask you for the water bag.

She hands it him. He shakes it.

Siro: It�s empty!

Taja: Well, you didn�t think I�d give it to you if there were any water left, did you?

Siro sighs. They carry on walking.

Cut to the Temple of the Order of Light.

Kung Lao storms into another chamber with the monk following him.

Kung Lao: I was his real target! I should have ripped Shang Tsung�s heart out while I had the chance!

Monk: No, you are not like him! Let it go, Kung Lao. You must be prepared to face a new crisis.

Kung Lao: What do you mean?

Monk: What happened to Master Wang?

Kung Lao: He was killed by Shang Tsung�s sorcery.

Monk: But how?

Camera cuts to a flashback of Master Wang�s flesh rotting until he is a skeleton and then even his bones disintegrating into dust.

Kung Lao: (voice over) He aged. Even after death it continued.

The flashback stops and he looks at the monk.

Kung Lao: Some sort of potion?

Monk: Then how did he come to take it instead of you?

Kung Lao: I don�t know. Like everyone here, he was fasting, drinking only water. (he realises) My water bag!

Monk: Let us see!

They move to leave but Kung Lao suddenly whirls round.

Kung Lao: I don�t get it! Shang Tsung knows that I can�t age until the next Mortal Kombat tournament. The Elder Gods� decree keeps me young!

Monk: Perhaps the arrogant sorcerer thought his powers great enough�or he has another plan.

Kung Lao dashes out..

Cut to the Temple courtyard. Kung Lao enters, followed by the monk. He walks to the place where he left his water bag. It�s gone.

Kung Lao: It�s gone!

Monk: When did you see it last?

Kung Lao pauses, trying to remember.

Kung Lao: I was taking a drink�while I was talking to Taja and Siro! They must have taken the water bag!

Monk: They are much younger than Master Wang but the end result will be the same!

Kung Lao: There must be something I can do!

He starts to leave but the monk stops him.

Monk: You must go here!

He bends down to the ground to draw a map in the Earth. Kung Lao crouches down. The monk grabs a stick and draws a map.

Monk: Well east of Zhu Zin.

Kung Lao: Where is this?

Monk: A living forest. You will find a woman there.

Kung Lao: Is she a friend of the Order?

Monk: Omegis is friend to no one. She�s a mistress of the dark powers and it is said that years ago she defeated mortality. If anyone can help, she can.

Kung Lao: I will go to her now.

Monk: The journey�s too far for you to get to her and back in time. Find your friends and take them along. Before they are too old to travel.

Kung Lao nods and moves to get up. The monk stops him.

Monk: Remember, Omegis is friend to no one.

Cut to the Trading Post. Siro and Taja sit at the table, exhausted.

Siro: I�ve walked a lot further in a day but I don�t remember when it took it out me like this. Must have been the sun.

Taja sighs.

Taja: That�s it, I�m out of here!

She moves to get up but sits back down again, clutching her back.

Taja: Ahhh! Man� I�m as stiff as a board! Don�t even say the sun did that!

Siro: Nope. We�re just getting old.

Taja: Well, maybe you are. I�m just a kid.

Siro picks up a candle and holds it in front of her head.

Siro: A kid with grey hair?

Taja: Pluck it out!

Siro: Nah, do it yourself.

As he gets up, he winces with pain.

Siro: I�m too tired.

He leaves. Taja yawns.

Taja: Forget it. I�ll do it in the morning.

She pulls the water bag towards it and, using it as a pillow, goes to sleep.

Cut to Kung Lao dashing down the Zhu Zin road. It is dawn.

Cut to Zhu Zin. Kung Lao bursts through the Trading Post door.

Kung Lao: Taja! Siro! Where are you?

He dashes through the courtyard and into the next room. Taja is coming down the stairs. She stops when she sees him.

Kung Lao: Taja, are you all right?

Kung Lao catches a glimpse of her face for the first time and freezes in horror. Her skin is wrinkled and she seems to have aged 30 years. He stares at her in disbelief. Taja looks at him, confused. She hasn�t noticed how old she has become.

Taja: What�s going on?

Kung Lao: Taja�

Taja: What? So I don�t look my best in the morning?

Siro comes down the stairs and stops before her. He too has aged and looks over 50.

Taja: Siro, your face�

Siro: *Your* face!

They both turn to Kung Lao who is looking at them in horror. Taja whirls round and dashes upstairs.

Taja: I need a mirror!

Siro dashes down the stairs.

Siro: What the hell is happening to us?

Kung Lao: We don�t have time right now.

Siro: Make time!

Kung Lao: We�ve got to leave right now! I�ll explain to you on the road.

Siro: Road to where?!

Kung Lao starts packing. Taja slowly comes down the stairs, staring at her reflection in a mirror. Siro grabs her hand and pulls her down the stairs.

Siro: Come on, Taja! Bring your mirror if you want, let�s go!

Kung Lao catches sight of the water bag hanging on the wall. He grabs it and shakes it.

Kung Lao: This, this is what did it!

He violently hurls it against the wall.

Siro: Something was in the water?

Kung Lao: It was meant for me. I�m so sorry.

Taja: What�s happening to us?

Kung Lao: You�re ageing, Taja.

Taja: (softly) That�s not possible. It can�t be happening.

Siro: Taja, look at me, it�s true!

Taja: (angrily) No, I don�t want to look at you! I want this to go away! How do we make it stop!

Kung Lao: Don�t! It�ll be all right. There is a way but we have to leave right now, before�

Siro: �before we�re too old to make it?

Kung Lao doesn�t reply.

Kung Lao: Come on!

Taja drapes a shawl over her head and they leave.

Cut to the three walking through the forest. Their journey is laboured because of Siro and Taja�s slow pace. Although they are moving quite slowly, both are out of breath and exhausted.

Siro: Kung Lao!

Kung Lao turns round.

Siro: Let�s rest for a minute.

Kung Lao: I don�t think we should risk the time!

Taja looks at herself in the mirror.

Taja: (softly) Oh, no. No, it�s not fair. What did I do to deserve this?

Kung Lao: We�ve got to keep moving!

Taja: No, I can�t stand it anymore! Leave me alone!

Siro comforts her and then turns to Kung Lao.

Siro: Let�s give her a minute.

They walk a bit ahead.

Siro: I can�t blame her. God, yesterday we were too young to even worry about getting old.

Kung Lao: I�ve tried not to think about this�you growing old�

Siro: Since you won Mortal Kombat? You didn�t have to wait long. At this rate, we have lived out the rest of our lives in a day.

Kung Lao: Stop talking like it�s over! Come on! We�ve got to keep moving!

He turns back to Taja.

Kung Lao: Come on, we�ve got to keep moving. Taja?

Taja stares at her reflection for a while and then flings her mirror to the ground. It smashes.

Taja: All right.

They start moving again. Behind them, Shang Tsung steps out from the trees and watches them go.

Cut to another part of the forest. Kung Lao is leading Siro and Taja up a small hill and into a clearing.

Kung Lao: Hang on, guys, we must be getting close.

Taja and Siro slow down at the top of the hill to rest.

Taja: Siro, could I ask you something?

Siro: Sure.

Taja: How old do I look?

Siro: Sixty something. (Taja turns round) But a good sixty something.

Before Taja can reply, she notices two warriors magically appearing in front of them. She grabs Siro and hurls herself and him out of harm�s way. They land heavily on the ground.

Siro: Hey!

Taja: Kung Lao!

Kung Lao turns to see the warriors. He throws a sword to Siro who catches it.

Kung Lao: Defend yourselves!

Siro moves to get up and fight with the sword but Taja stops him.

Taja: Siro, no! One hit and our old bones will snap like twigs!

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

Kung Lao drops his bag and prepares to face the warriors. He goes into a guard position. A somersaults in and rolls to his feet. A right rear front leg kicks Kung Lao�s chin and the warrior reels back. Kung Lao recovers in time to grab block A�s right punch and deliver a right punch of his own to A�s stomach. Still holding onto A�s right hand, Kung Lao right backhands A, then hooks his leg over A�s head to keep him in place and left punches him. Kung Lao lets go of A and he falls back. B enters the clearing clutching two sai. He brandishes them and aerial cartwheels towards Kung Lao. Kung Lao front kicks B�s left arm and then ducks as B clockwise circle slashes the right sai over his head. B holds both the sai together, ducks and attempts to stab Kung Lao�s legs but the warrior jumps up to avoid them and when he lands, turns and right side kicks B in the stomach. B stumbles back; Kung Lao goes back into a guard position.

B recovers and starts spinning wildly towards Kung Lao, brandishing the sai. Kung Lao steps back to avoid them and finally grabs B�s left sai arm. Unable to free his left arm, B tries to stab Kung Lao with the right sai but Kung Lao puts up his right foot and kicks the sai out of his hand. Yanking the other sai out of B�s left hand and throwing it away, Kung Lao pulls B down, forcing him into a forward roll. B rolls into a tree and gets up and runs towards him. Kung Lao ducks under B�s flying right side kick and under A�s somersault kick. A and B land.

Kung Lao goes into a spinning right hooking kick which A and B duck under. Kung Lao right waist blocks A�s right front kick and blocks B�s left front kick. He left vertical blocks A�s two front kicks and blocks B�s kick. A low roundhouses the back of Kung Lao�s left knee with his right leg. Kung Lao quickly turns and right hook punches A�s head but then gets left circle elbow struck in the chin by A. He stumbles and is kicked in the back by B and falls forward to meet a knee in the gut from A. A suddenly ducks down and tries to sweep Kung Lao to the ground with his right leg but Kung Lao jumps up and split kicks both of them in the face. They both fall to the ground.

B raises his right leg and side kicks Kung Lao twice; both attempts are blocked. B strikes out with his right hand to Kung Lao�s head but Kung Lao blocks again. B starts to go into a spin towards Kung Lao but as he is spinning, Kung Lao raises his leg and kicks B in the back of the head. B falls down. B gets up and grabs Kung Lao round the shoulders. Kung Lao jumps up but his legs are caught by A. They hold him there, intending to throw him on the ground but Kung Lao wraps his right arm around B�s neck and his foot around. He pulls his body weight towards the ground and throws them both over him.

B gets to his feet, runs and goes into a diving jump over Kung Lao but as B flies over him, Kung Lao hits him from below in the stomach. B crashes into the ground. A runs forward and goes into a horizontal flutter kick which strikes Kung Lao in the face. He falls to his knees and A rolls to his feet. A tries to right front kick Kung Lao which Kung Lao blocks with his left leg. A blocks Kung Lao�s right circle knife hand strike and attempts a clockwise right knife hand strike which Kung Lao ducks under. A blocks Kung Lao�s right punch and then left but is palm heeled in the chin and he reels back. Kung Lao spins twice and hook kicks B in the face.

Kung Lao upper left blocks B�s left strike, right waist blocks B�s right strike, right upper blocks B�s right punch and then left circle punches B in the face. While B stumbles back, Kung Lao picks up his foot, turns and left hook kicks A in the chest. A recovers, spins and goes into a flying right roundhouse but Kung Lao hook blocks his right leg, lifts him up and then drops him on the floor. Before A can recover, Kung Lao holds up his right fist and delivers a killing blow to A�s stomach. B moves in to right side kick him but Kung Lao grabs B�s leg and sends him spinning to the ground. Neither A or B get up.

Kung Lao backs away from the warriors. Taja and Siro breathe sighs of relief. The warriors disappear into the ground.

Cut to an abandoned ruin in the middle of the forest. Kung Lao walks through it with Taja and Siro following slowly behind. Siro leans on the wall.

Siro: I think we�ve gone as far as we can.

Taja: We�re fading fast.

Kung Lao sets his bags down.

Siro: You�ll have to go on without us.

Kung Lao: I won�t leave you!

They pause for a moment.

Siro: What if we�re gone when you come back? (a beat) We�ll try to hold on.

Kung Lao holds Siro.

Kung Lao: You have to! I can�t let you die on me! Not now! Not like this!

He turns to Taja as well.

Kung Lao: Sit and rest. Save your strength. She has to be close now.

Kung Lao dashes out. Taja drops her bag onto the ground.

Cut to Kung Lao running through the forest.

Cut back to Taja and Siro sitting down in the ruined building.

Taja: Did you mean what you said earlier, that I looked good?

Siro: For your age.

Cut to Kung Lao running through the forest.

Cut back to Siro and Taja.

Taja: You look distinguished yourself.

Siro mimes an upper class bow.

Siro: Thank you, madam.

They laugh. Taja starts coughing

Siro: Take it easy�take it easy.

Taja: We�re really dying, Siro.

Siro: So much for the great dreams of the future.

Taja: This is the future. And it sucks.

Cut to Kung Lao dashing through the woods.

Cut back to Taja and Siro. Siro hugs Taja.

Taja: I�m scared, Siro. I don�t want to die out here, not like this.

Picture dissolves to Kung Lao running.

Siro: (voice over) At least we�re not alone.

Taja: (voice over) Even with company, when it�s your time, you always die alone.

Cut back to the Old Building. Taja and Siro sit there in silence, contemplating their fate. Frail, wrinkled old leaves are blown about the room by a gust of wind as the camera pulls back.

Cut back to the Forest. Kung Lao runs into a clearing. He sees smoke coming from a nearby large bush and runs towards it, to discover that it is in fact a house made out of the vines and leaves of the bush.

Kung Lao: Omegis? Where is she? This should be the place! Omegis!

A robed figure stands behind and shoves a staff into the ground.

Omegis: (croaky voice) So�you defeated my guards.

Kung Lao turns round. OMEGIS walks past him and opens the door to her house.

Kung Lao: Omegis?

Omegis: (croaky voice) Go away while you still can.

She slams the door in his face.

Kung Lao: No, wait!

Kung Lao slowly pushes it open and walks inside. Omegis� hut is full of potion bottles, dangling gemstones and mysterious objects. Omegis stands at her potions table with her back to him.

Omegis: (croaky voice) You�re brave. Not very smart, are you? But brave.

Kung Lao: My friends are dying.

Omegis: (croaky voice) Things happen.

Kung Lao moves towards her.

Omegis: (croaky voice) Stay where you are!

Kung Lao: I had to see you.

Omegis: (croaky voice) See me? The last thing you ever want to do is see me!

Kung Lao moves towards her.

Omegis: (croaky voice) You stay where you are! Or something very unpleasant will happen to you.

Kung Lao: I�m not leaving. I�ve known others like you.

Omegis: (croaky voice and amused) Really? And what other masters of the dark arts have you met?

Kung Lao: A man named Shang Tsung.

For a moment, Omegis seems shocked.

Omegis: (croaky voice) Shang Tsung? How do you know him?

Kung Lao: I defeated him in battle.

Omegis: (croaky voice) Ah, so you�re Kung Lao! The great *saviour* of Earth Realm.

Kung Lao: Yes. And I need your help. Omegis: (croaky voice) My help doesn�t come cheap, warrior. Are you ready to pay the price?

Omegis takes a sip of one of her un-doing potions and reverts to her true form. She takes off the cloak to reveal what she really is: a young girl with long red hair, wearing jewels over her body instead of clothes. She moves towards him in a seductive manner.

Omegis: Is Shang Tsung dead?

She walks around him, surveying the warrior.

Kung Lao: No, he�s imprisoned in Outworld. I spared him.

Omegis walks behind him, caressing his body.

Omegis: Mmm�how noble.

She steps back from him.

Omegis: My god, you are delicious!

Kung Lao: I need to tell you why I�ve come.

Omegis traces a finger down his shirt.

Omegis: Of course! I may not let you leave but, by all means, tell me why you�re here.

Kung Lao: My friends are ageing.

Omegis: Really? Getting older? Uglier? So frightening to them that they had to send their handsome young friend to Omegis?

Kung Lao: No. It�s not normal ageing. It�s a potion of sort that was meant for me. Shang Tsung�s doing.

Omegis smiles wickedly.

Omegis: His skills are great, as are mine�

She moves to kiss him but, at the last minute, Kung Lao pulls back. Omegis glares at him.

Omegis: What? Not to your liking?

She moves back to her potions table.

Omegis: Well, what would you prefer? Raven haired? (she picks up a potion that would turn her hair black), blond? (she picks up another)

Kung Lao moves towards her. Omegis smiles.

Omegis: Hmm�taller? Maybe a little thinner? I can be whatever you want.

Kung Lao grabs her by the waist.

Kung Lao: I�m not here for this!

Omegis shoves him back.

Omegis: Look, you intruded on me! You do what I say! I may make you my slave�or I may take you to bed! (she laughs) Or both!

Kung Lao stands still, frightened. Omegis walks up to him.

Omegis: (seductively) We have a lot in common�

Kung Lao: (angrily)What in common?

Omegis: This whole process of what your friends are going through: Ageing. I am centuries old. I just stopped counting. And you, ageless, until you lose the next Mortal Kombat.

Kung Lao: This is about Taja and Siro! They�re young and they�re going to die within hours!

Omegis: And this is a great tragedy to you?

Kung Lao: Yes, of course!

Omegis: (patronising) This is all so new to you. (angrily) There�s very little you understand!

Kung Lao: I understand the desire to live!

Omegis: Do you?! You want to save them but you�re going to go on and on and on! Your little friends are eye-blinks in your life! Just think of your countless friends, relatives, lovers, even your enemies! They�re dying! And you�re left! That�s a horror you can�t even comprehend.

She turns round and goes back to her table.

Omegis: That is what drove me to these woods. (she looks at Kung Lao) I envy your friends.

Kung Lao: (angrily) If you won�t help, then I�ll go to them. I should be with them near the end.

Omegis: Your naivet� sickens me!

She grabs a bottle from her table and pushes it to Kung Lao.

Omegis: Here, take it. Take it!

Kung Lao takes it from her.

Omegis: Half for each. Let them live. Get to care for them more. (a beat) It�s my punishment to you.

Kung Lao turns to leave.

Omegis: Kung Lao! My gift to you: advice. Lose the next Mortal Kombat. Die young�and beautiful.

She turns back to her table. Kung Lao, contemplating her plight, turns and slowly leaves. Omegis picks up her cloak and puts it back on.

Cut to Kung Lao running through the forest.

Cut to the Old Building. Kung Lao, breathless, runs in, clutching the potion. He looks around for Taja and Siro. They are nowhere to be seen.

Kung Lao: Siro! Taja!

As he checks the shadows at the end, we can see Shang Tsung standing behind him, clutching Taja and Siro. Sensing the sorcerer�s presence, Kung Lao slowly turns round. Shang Tsung is standing at the other end of the building, holding Taja and Siro who are very frail and extremely old.

Shang: I�ve been keeping your *old* friends company!

Kung Lao starts towards him.

Shang: Stop! Or I�ll snap their necks!

Siro: (wearily) Sorry, Kung Lao. There wasn�t much we could do.

Shang�s eyes narrow. Kung Lao glares back at him. He looks at Siro and Taja.

Kung Lao: I have what you need. (he holds up the potion)

Shang: So, you managed to find the old hag? How sad you won�t be able to give that to them.

Kung Lao: You didn�t really think the potion would work on me, did you?

Shang: Actually, I thought it might. Then I realised it didn�t matter - I had all I needed.

Kung Lao: For what?

Shang: To make you fight!

Kung Lao: You know you can�t fight me, Shang Tsung! The rules of the Elder Gods prohibit it!

Shang: Unless you waive the rules. Do it now! Or watch them die!

Taja: Don�t, Kung Lao.

Siro: It�s not a fair fight, you�re exhausted.

Kung Lao: I can�t stand by and watch you die!

Shang: No, you can�t. Not the *merciful* Kung Lao.

Shang Tsung moves closer to Kung Lao, dragging Siro and Taja with him.

Shang: Fight me, Kung Lao! Fight me now in Mortal Kombat!

Kung Lao: Done! I waive the rules, Shang Tsung! I waive the rules!

Lightning flashes and thunder is heard overhead. Shang Tsung smiles.

Kung Lao: And this time, I will kill you.

Shang: So predictable. You should be grateful I�m going to kill you and save you the pain of never ageing and of watching your friends die�one by one!

Kung Lao: Only my enemy will die. (a beat) Now let them go!

Shang Tsung shoves Taja and Siro to the ground. FIGHT SCENE!

Taja: Kung Lao�the bottle!

Shang Tsung jumps up and flying snap hook kicks Kung Lao in the chest. The bottle flies out of Kung Lao�s hands and falls just out of Taja and Siro�s reach.

Siro: (faintly) Great�

Shang Tsung lands and goes into a right spinning hooking kick. Kung Lao ducks and Shang Tsung�s kick knocks the top of a rock pillar. Kung Lao upper blocks Shang Tsung�s left punch and then tries to right punch him but Shang Tsung blocks. Kung Lao vertical blocks Shang Tsung�s right punch and blocks Shang�s left front kick with his own bent left leg. Kung Lao then palm heel strikes Shang Tsung�s chin and right spin hook kicks the sorcerer in the stomach, sending him flying backwards into the wall.

Before Shang Tsung can get off the wall, Kung Lao right hook punches his face. Shang Tsung left vertical blocks Kung Lao�s second right hook and delivers his own right circle punch to Kung Lao�s face. Kung Lao stumbles back. Shang Tsung moves off the wall. Kung Lao recovers and goes into a right hooking kick which Shang Tsung evades and counters with an aerial cartwheel kick to Kung Lao�s head. Kung Lao stands up in time to avoid Shang Tsung�s double sweeping kicks but gets hit by the sorcerer�s right front drop kick. Kung Lao stumbles back against the wall and Shang Tsung advances.

Shang Tsung goes into a high right front kick but Kung Lao quickly dodges it by moving to the right, and a few bits of rock fall from the wall. Kung Lao turns and right drop kicks Shang Tsung and then attempts a spinning aero roundhouse which is blocked. Siro tries to inch closer to the potion bottle. Shang Tsung jumps, spins, and lands on the rock pillar. Kung Lao quickly turns and sweeps him off the pillar with a flying roundhouse kick. Shang Tsung falls hard, bashing his head on the pillar and then on the ground. As he�s getting to his feet, Kung Lao goes into a high somersault; double kicking Shang Tsung in the chest as he lands. Shang Tsung falls back against the wall.

Kung Lao flips to his feet. He grabs Shang Tsung, shoves him into another wall and then throws him over his shoulder. Shang Tsung lands on his back and quickly goes up into a high shoulder stand, kicking Kung Lao�s chin with his feet. Kung Lao reels back and Shang Tsung back flips to his feet and left spin hook kicks Kung Lao�s face. Kung Lao recovers and tries two right front kicks which are both upper left blocked by Shang Tsung. Shang Tsung ducks under Kung Lao�s left circle knife hand attack and then left knee attacks Kung Lao in the back. Kung Lao stumbles forward.

Kung Lao braces himself against the wall and does a right hooking kick but Shang Tsung is out of its way as he is already in the air with a right flying roundhouse kick that hits Kung Lao in the face. Kung Lao falls forward and tumbles to the ground. He quickly flips up and right spin hook kicks Shang Tsung twice in the stomach. Shang Tsung falls back onto the wall and greenish soul energy comes out of him and disappears into the air. He stares at it in horror for a moment and then leaps off the wall back to Kung Lao.

Kung Lao vertical blocks Shang Tsung�s left punch and waist blocks the sorcerer�s right punch. Shang Tsung attempts to left hook punch Kung Lao and then right low front kick him but both attacks are blocked by Kung Lao, who quickly delivers a subsequent right uppercut to Shang Tsung�s chin. Shang Tsung reels back. It is now only Taja who is stretching out for the potion bottle. Siro has collapsed on the ground. Taja has her arm around him.

Kung Lao has his fist poised to land the killing blow. When he hears Taja�s voice, he whirls round and looks at Siro in horror. Knowing what he must do, he turns and right spin hook kicks Shang Tsung to the ground. Shang Tsung lands hard on the ground; another cloud of green energy appears and then dissipates.

Kung Lao grabs the bottle from the ground and dashes over to Taja and Siro�s side. He holds the bottle to Siro�s lips and pours the potion in. Shang Tsung slowly gets up, clutching his side.

Kung Lao: Come on, Siro, fight!

He hands the bottle to Taja.

Kung Lao: Taja, drink the rest, hurry!

She takes it and raises it to her mouth. Shang Tsung leaves the room. Kung Lao watches him go and then turns back to Siro. Taja puts the bottle down. She and Kung Lao look at Siro, who lies unmoving.

Taja: Is he-

Kung Lao: I don�t know. Do you feel anything, is it working?

Taja: I don�t know.

Kung Lao: You can�t die on me, Siro!

Siro coughs and opens his eyes.

Siro: Easy�upriddle�I remember�

Kung Lao and Taja smile.

Taja: Oh god, I don�t know what I�d do without you around to annoy me.

Siro: Shang Tsung?

Kung Lao: I�m going to finish him!

He gets up. Taja and Siro still lie on the ground, shaking.

Cut to the Forest.

Shang Tsung hurries out of the building. He leans on a tree for a moment and then continues. Kung Lao dashes out. We hear the sound of a portal opening and closing. Kung Lao looks around but Shang Tsung is nowhere to be seen.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines. One of the Emperor�s Guards walks through the Mines with Vorpax in tow.

Guard: Where is he? I�ve got to see him right now.

Vorpax: What�s the hurry, we�re bound to run into him somewhere down here.

Guard: I�ve been given orders from the Emperor to check on Shang.

Vorpax: (seductively) Aren�t I enough for you?

Guard: Maybe. Maybe after I�ve seen him, you can keep me company.

Vorpax: I�m sure he�s around here somewhere. It�s a big mine. Now, why don�t we just enjoy ourselves while we wait for him to wander back?

The guard leans into kiss her. Vorpax hears the sound of a portal opening and quickly pulls back. Shang Tsung enters, doubled over in pain.

Shang: I�m right here.

The guard sees him and then turns back to Vorpax.

Vorpax: Get away from me, you reeking slug!

She elbows him in the stomach. He doubles over and smacks his head on her fist and falls to the ground. Vorpax turns back to Shang Tsung.

Vorpax: The things I have to do for you�(she notices he�s in pain) What happened?

Shang: Energies�god�

He looks behind her at the guard. Vorpax moves to the side. Shang raises his hand and sucks the soul out of the guard while Vorpax looks on in horror. He turns round to her and grabs onto her hand to stand up.

Shang: Let�s go.

Vorpax: Where?

Shang Tsung grabs onto her hand to stand up.

Shang: To find another.

Cut back to the Old Building.

Taja, back to normal, looks at her hands and flexes her fingers. She rolls up her rug and tosses it to Siro who catches it. He is young again as well. They both smile. Kung Lao dashes in and sighs with relief to see them alive.

Siro: Is he dead?

Kung Lao: He disappeared somehow. Maybe a portal, I don�t know. But at least the both of you are OK again.

A magical sound is heard and Raiden teleports in. He stands on the other side of the room, covered in light.

Taja: Nice timing, thunder god. The crisis is over. As usual.

Raiden doesn�t respond. Kung Lao moves closer and looks at Raiden. Instead of his eyes being friendly, they are harsh and unforgiving. Raiden lifts his hand and suddenly shoots a lightning charged energy blast at Kung Lao which sends the warrior flying across the room.

Taja: Kung Lao!

Taja and Siro dash to his side. Kung Lao clutches his stomach in pain.

Siro: Are you all right?

Taja: Are you crazy, Raiden?

Kung Lao: What the hell was that for?

Raiden: Shang almost killed you! What if you lost?

Taja and Siro help him stand up.

Kung Lao: I didn�t!

Raiden: You risked Earth Realm to save two meagre lives!

Taja: Hey, wait a minute!

Raiden: DON�T!

Kung Lao: Are you telling me I should have just let them die?!

Raiden moves forward out of the light.

Raiden: I�m this close to killing them myself so you�ll never be tempted to protect them again!

Kung Lao: The reason why you love Earth Realm is because people care enough to fight for their friends!

Raiden: You�re not people! You�re the last victor of Mortal Kombat, the lives of everyone in this realm depend upon you!

Kung Lao: I knew I could beat Shang Tsung.

Raiden: YOU KNOW NOTHING! (more softer) You�re a coward, Kung Lao.

Kung Lao is silent. Taja and Siro walk beside him and glare at Raiden.

Taja: He faced Shang Tsung and you call him a coward?

Raiden: You did it because you�re afraid to be alone. (Kung Lao turns away). You were born to be a warrior and if you continue to win in Mortal Kombat, you�ll live to witness all your friends die. All of them!

Kung Lao realises how similar this is to what Shang Tsung and Omegis told him.

Kung Lao: (whispering) I�ve heard this lecture before�

Raiden: But did you listen?

Kung Lao: Yes. And I hear you.

Raiden: But do you see?

Kung Lao turns round.

Raiden: Do you see that your entire realm is at stake? It�s the burden you must carry. And today, you nearly lost everything, for what?

Kung Lao: (softly) For caring.

Raiden: Well, you better start learning to care for all of humanity. Before it�s too late.

He turns around and leaves Kung Lao standing there in silence with Siro and Taja by his side.

End credits.