Mortal Kombat Conquest
Episode 9: Quan Chi
Written by Steve Hattman
Directed by Bruce Seth Green
Transcribed by Octavia
This transcript is non-profit and written purely for the benefit of fans who for some reason were unable to view this episode and any fans who live in Australia, where the series has reportedly been cancelled. All characters and rights belong to Threshold, New line and Warner Brothers.
Kung Lao: Paolo Montalban
Siro: Daniel Bernhart
Taja: Kristanna Lokken
Shang Tsung: Bruce Locke
Vorpax: Tracey Douglas
Raiden: Jeff Meek
Scene: Zhu Zin, the Tavern. We see a barmaid, carrying two jugs, on her way over to the threesome's table.
Siro: Hey, you guys have got to try this cake, it's excellent. Yeah, it's great.
Barmaid: Anything else?
Siro: I think I've got room for another rum cake.
Taja: Where do you put it? You've already eaten like half a cow!
Siro: I'm not ready to leave yet!
He winks at the barmaid who smiles.
Kung Lao: Well, I am. I'm going to the Temple tomorrow and I need to get an early start. Good night.
Taja&Siro: Good night.
Kung Lao gets up and leaves.
Barmaid: (to Siro) I'm glad you're not rushing off. Stay as long as you like. I'll get the cake.
Siro: Thank you very much.
Barmaid: Siro, always so polite!
She leaves.
Taja: You know, you are always pretty polite.
Siro: Way I was raised. Besides, it helps with the ladies. Women love it.
Taja: Gee, thanks for the tip.
Cut to the streets of Zhu Zin. Kung Lao is making his way back to the Trading Post when SORA runs up to him. She grabs him.
Sora: (distressed) Sir, come quick! They're killing her!
Kung Lao: What?
Sora: A local woman.
Kung Lao: Who?
Sora: I don't know her name but they're torturing her! You must come!
She pulls him into an alley.
Sora: Come!
Cut to the Tavern. Taja and Siro are leaving the table.
Taja: So what's your little barmaid's name?
Siro: (realising) I never asked!
They walk out of the tavern.
Taja: Great. You step on your tongue all night drooling over her and you don't know what to call her. You might wanna get her name. Women love that.
Taja walks up to one of the market stalls. We see CASSIE, a young girl with long brown hair, selling roses.
Taja: (to Siro) Oh, hold on a second. (to Cassie) Evening, Cassie.
Cassie: Oh, Taja, did you want roses?
Taja: Yes, please.
Cassie: I'm sorry, I just sold the last ones.
Taja: Oh. No big deal, I was going to shop tomorrow anyway. I'll just pick some up then.
Cassie: I'll have some nice red ones in the morning.
Taja: Great! See you tomorrow.
Cut to the Alley. We see MIKA and SIANN, wearing masks over their eyes, violently pushing some sobbing woman back and forth between them. They seem to be enjoying it. Sora and Kung Lao run into the alley.
Sora: See, see what they're doing?
Kung Lao: Stop it!
Mika turns round to face him.
Mika: Oh, and who are you? The rescuer?
Kung Lao: Yes. What has this woman done to you?
Mika: Nothing really. She just stepped in our way and didn't move quick enough when we told her to. She annoyed me. Like you.
Kung Lao looks at the sobbing woman.
Kung Lao: Are you all right?
Siann shoves the woman towards Kung Lao. He catches her and gives her over to Sora.
Kung Lao: She'll help you. I'll deal with these two.
Sora comforts the woman. Mika and Siann laugh.
Mika: Oh, you are going to deal with us?
Siann: Let me have him.
Mika: Easy! He must be pretty brave if he's willing to fight both of us at once.
Sora: Well, let's see how you do against three!
Sora breaks the woman's neck, stands up and removes her cloak to reveal a fighting outfit. The three of them encircle Kung Lao.
Opening credits.
Scene: The Alley, Zhu Zin.
Kung Lao faces off against Mika, Siann and Sora. Sora spins and at the same time, Kung Lao blocks Siann's right jump punch. He ducks under Sora's right roundhouse kick but is caught by Siann's right hooking kick and falls around into Mika's front kick. Siann then kicks him in the back and Kung Lao falls to his hands and knees. Mika vaults over him. Kung Lao ducks under Siann's right roundhouse kick and Mika takes her place. Mika tries to right front kick Kung Lao but he grabs her leg and lifts her into a backwards somersault.
Kung Lao blocks Siann's left side kick and then right circle side kicks her. Siann stumbles back. Without putting his leg down, Kung Lao catches both Mika and Sora in the face. They fall back. Siann flying left side kicks but Kung Lao catches her and throws her into the wall. She starts to get back up but Kung Lao right side kicks her back down. Mika runs forward and executes a rear (right) front kick but Kung Lao somersaults over it and her.
Siann gets up from the wall and left turning kicks Kung Lao in the face. Mika forward cartwheel kicks his head and Siann right turning side kicks him. Kung Lao ducks under Sora's right left roundhouse and goes into a back flip. Siann tries to left crescent kick him, then she turns and roundhouses with the same leg, both kicks which he avoids. She then repeats the spinroundhouse kick twice and catches Kung Lao both times. Kung Lao falls onto a pile of boxes.
Kung Lao blocks Siann's high side kick, spins, and then moves to avoid her high hooking kick. Siann's leg breaks a ladder and he seizes the opportunity to backhand her. Siann falls back. Mika and Sora come back into the picture but both fall back from Kung Lao's split kick. Siann jumps and tries to side kick Kung Lao but he jumps up and away from it. She tries to low roundhouse kick him but Kung Lao backward somersaults onto a box. He then somersaults back down from it as Siann tries to sweep him off it. Sora stirs but does not get up. Mika gets to her feet and runs towards them.
As Kung Lao left side kicks Siann in the gut, Mika somersaults over the kick. She lands but is quickly taken out by Kung Lao's right roundhouse kick. Siann advances. Kung Lao blocks Siann's right rear leg kick and ducks under her right roundhouse kick. She then repeats the right roundhouse and hits him in the face. She then does a lower version of it and kicks him in the gut. Kung Lao falls back. Siann then hooks her left leg onto his shoulder. She tries to strike him with left hand but he blocks and backhands her. She manages to get her leg down but Kung Lao left circle punches her in the face. Siann stumbles back. They both regain their fighting stances.
Kung Lao blocks Siann's right rear leg kick and spins round. They change postions. Kung Lao goes into a 720 degree kick which Siann ducks under. She spins and backhands him in the face. Kung Lao reels back. She then strikes his face with her left knife hand. Kung Lao falls back and Siann hops and side kicks him in the gut. Kung Lao flies back and lands on his back. He quickly flips up, moves towards Siann, jumps up and double kicks her. Siann falls to the ground and slowly gets up.
Kung Lao advances. Siann x-blocks his left rear leg kick and left circle punches him in the face. Kung Lao reels back and she left punches him in the gut and right circle elbow strikes him in the face. Kung Lao recovers and tries to circle punch her which Siann blocks. Siann grabs Kung Lao's right arm and with her right fist, punches him twice in the gut and then circle punches his head. (right) Kung Lao quickly then right backhands Siann in the face.
Siann falls back and then quickly counters with right backhand to Kung Lao's face, then a left circle punch to his face and a right punch to the gut. She then right circle uppercuts his chin. Kung Lao falls back. He then advances and starts to go into a right rear leg kick but as his leg goes up, Siann catches his face with a high right side kick. Kung Lao loses his balance and falls on his back and writhes in agony. (!) Siann then goes into a deep side stretch over him and pulls out a dagger from her right boot. She flips it and holds it above him, ready to stab him but is punched in the face by Taja.
Siann reels back. Taja goes into a guard stance. Siro dashes in after her. Sora and Mika get up and run towards Siann.
Sora: Come on, let's go!
They run out of the alley laughing. Kung Lao gets to his feet. Siro kneels down beside the woman.
Taja: What the hell was that all about?
Kung Lao: A woman was attacked.
Siro: She's dead.
Taja: Why?
Kung Lao: For nothing. It was senseless. It seemed like sport to them. I'm glad you guys showed up.
Taja: We heard the fight. No idea it was you though.
Siro checks out something on the ground.
Kung Lao; What is it?
Siro: Just a broken bottle.
Kung Lao: Oh.
Taja: Why don't we get you home? Looks like you took a couple of good shots here.
Siro: I'll tell the guards about the dead woman.
They leave.
Cut to Quan Chi's place.
We see the back of Quan Chi's head, with spikey shoulder plates on his shoulders. Before him stand Mika, Siann and Sora. Their faces are lowered and their hands are behind their backs.
Quan Chi: Miserable sluts! I should have brought others, ones who won't fail! Lift your heads. I want to see you clearly to remind me of what failure looks like. LOOK AT ME!
They jerk their heads up.
Quan Chi stands up and walks over to them.
Quan Chi: Tell me, Siann, Sora, still so silent in my presence?
Mika: They serve you as I do, Quan Chi.
Quan Chi: LIKE THREE RATS FROM A STINKING SEWER!
He walks over to Mika.
Quan Chi: Since you wish to talk, Mika, tell me what�went�wrong?!
Mika: He has friends. They interrupted us.
Siann: We should have stayed. I'd like to kill that girl.
Quan Chi: Ah, that must be Taja. The other was Siro, the old bodyguard. Kung Lao's "two warriors." So, they frightened you off? You may need a lesson soon to remind you of what real fear is!
He walks back over to his chair.
Quan Chi: Give me the bottle.
Mika: It is lost. Broken, in the fight.
Quan Chi: My work? Drying up on the streets of that filthy city? (beat) I'm sending you back.
Sora: No, please!
Mika: You'll need us, Quan Chi!
Quan Chi: I MEANT BACK TO KUNG LAO!
Mika: Yes, yes, of course! Give us another chance, please!
Quan Chi sighs.
Mika: And what of the two friends?
Siann: May we kill them slowly?
Quan Chi: Yes, slowly. But let them do the work. I'll give them the same present that I have for Kung Lao. What works on one, will work on all.
He walks over to a small table where potion bottles are.
Quan Chi: The others will have their own horrors to deal with but Kung Lao's�that will be the deepest.
He picks up a small pouch.
Quan Chi: Ah! The dust of the Netherealm, from the evil of countless souls�
He pours it into a mixture.
Quan Chi: Impenetrable as night�it'll mask all goodness, all nobility, all honour. Once in, only the worst in them can thrive. Let's see what they're made of!
He picks up a knife and runs it across the palm of his hand.
Quan Chi: Blood to blood.
He lets some of his blood drop into the potion which immediately starts to bubble and froth. He puts his hand to his mouth
He licks the knife and then thrusts it into the mixture and starts stirring.
Quan Chi: Darkness to darkness!
Cut to the Trading Post, Zhu Zin.
Kung Lao comes down the stairs into the courtyard where Taja stands.
Taja: You sure you want to make this trip? Those three sweethearts from last night could still be around.
Kung Lao: I half hope they are.
Kung Lao grabs a leather bag and swings it over his shoulder.
Taja: How long are you going to be gone?
Kung Lao: Just the day. One of the young monks is being made master today. It's kind of a big deal. Want to come?
Taja: I don't think I could stand the excitement. Anyway, I want to shop. We're out of everything. Speaking of which, where's Siro? I wanted him to carry some stuff for me.
Kung Lao: You just missed him. He took off to get a shave.
Taja: Oh, the barmaid!
Kung Lao: He's not getting spruced up for us! See you tomorrow morning.
Taja waves him goodbye. Kung Lao walks out into the streets of Zhu Zin.
Cut to the Barber's stall, Zhu Zin. We see a close up on Siro, his face covered with shaving cream. A hand puts more cream on.
Siro: Nice and close. I like it smooth.
The girl sharpens her knife. The camera pans up and although she is dressed in Zhu Zin civilian clothes, we see that it is Sora. She smiles. She puts the razor to him and starts to shave. At her third stroke, she makes a deliberate scratch. Siro winces.
Sora: Oh, I'm sorry!
Siro: It's ok, just a scratch.
Cut to the Market Place, Zhu Zin. Taja makes her way over to Cassie's flower stall.
Taja: Morning, Cassie.
The girl turns and we see that it is not Cassie but Siann.
Siann: Cassie's not well. She went to lie down. I'm her sister, Siann.
Taja: Oh, well, a dozen roses, please.
Siann gathers a bundle and then holds out another rose.
Taja: Thank you.
Siann: Here, a lucky thirteenth for you, free.
Taja: Oh!
She presses a thorn into Taja's hand.
Taja: Ow!
Siann: Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't get all the thorns off of it. (pyschopathically) Did it hurt?
Taja: Nah, it's no big deal. Anyway, here you go.
She hands money over to Siann.
Taja: And you make sure you tell Cassie I hope she's feeling better! Thanks.
Taja walks away. Siann fingers the coins in her hand.
Siann: Cassie's feeling no pain�
Camera pans over to show two legs sticking out from under the stall.
Cut to the Forest, Zhu Zin.
Kung Lao is walking through a forest on his way to the Temple. Cries of help are heard.
Mika (OOV): Help me! (she coughs) Help, somebody please help me! (coughs again)
Kung Lao: Is someone there?
Mika (OOV) Over here!
Kung Lao: Where are you?
Mika (OOV): Over here! Help me!
Kung Lao runs towards a clearing in the forest. We see Mika, dressed in a blouse and long skirt, with her hands tied behind her back and a leather noose round her back binding her to the tree.
Mika: Untie me, please!
Kung Lao unties her hands. Mika clutches her neck in pain. He takes out a knife and cuts through the leather strap around her neck. She drops to her knees. He catches her.
Mika: I was strangling�
Kung Lao holds up the leather strap.
Kung Lao: Wart leather. When the sun dried it up, it would cut through your neck. Who did this to you?
Mika: It was highway men. I told them I had nothing, but they still did this.
Kung Lao: You should come with me. The monks at the Temple will look after you.
Mika: No, actually, I'm not alone. I am to meet my husband here at sunset. He's out hunting.
Kung Lao: Good.
He gets up.
Mika: Could you help me stand?
Kung Lao: Uh-huh.
As Kung Lao helps her up, Mika stabs his arm with her nail. Kung Lao winces.
Mika: Oh god, I'm sorry, I've hurt you, I-
Kung Lao: It's nothing. Here, I'll leave you some bread and cheese.
He takes a parcel out of his bag and gives it to her.
Mika: You've done so much already. You're a kind man.
Kung Lao: I'm just glad I came by when I did. Sit by the roadside and rest till your husband comes by.
He walks past her.
Mika: I will. And thank you again.
Kung Lao waves her goodbye and walks into the woods. Mika waits until he is out of sight.
Mika: Fool! What use have I for this?
She chucks the package of bread and cheese away and crosses her arms.
Mika: Night has fallen, Kung Lao, a long dark night.
She laughs.
Cut to Quan Chi's palace. Mika, Siann and Sora stand before him.
Quan Chi: All three?
Mika: Yes, Quan Chi. All three were infected as you ordered.
Quan Chi: Excellent. Now the veil drops and chaos begins. Violence, hatred, greed and deceit and wonderful descents into madness!. Each of them different, you know, following their own unique darkness, the parts of them they try so hard to control and lock away. They should thank me! Without goodness, without light, life can be so much more interesting and much shorter!
He laughs, stands up and walks over to Mika and holds her chin.
Quan Chi: (to Mika) A bit like your problem.
Mika: Quan Chi, don't�
Quan Chi: Don't? You don't like our game, Mika?
Mika: Please�
Siann: I love it!
Quan Chi: It's alright, you know I can fix you. And that pleases me so much to know how needed I am. You want to please me, don't you, Mika?
Mika: Yes, of course.
Quan Chi: Let me see how much. Let me see the real you.
He brushs her hair back over her shoulders.
Quan Chi: The one I remember so well, when we first met, before my powers changed you.
Mika: Please, no!
Quan Chi smiles.
Mika: God! Stop!
Quan Chi: Oh, the first blush!
The right side of Mika's cheek and neck is starting to rot.
Quan Chi: Next, the flesh begins to fall away.
The right side of Mika's face has turned rotten.
Quan Chi: Followed by�
He moves closer to her, smells her and grins.
Quan Chi: Oh�the stench of death!
Mika: I'll please you as I always do!
Quan Chi: Oh, that is so much better!
He walks to his potion table.
Quan Chi: Now I know you mean it!
He picks up a bottle and walks back over to her.
Quan Chi: Everything has its price, Mika. You know mine.
Mika: Yes, yes.
Siann: She'd look good like that.
Quan Chi: Would you like it to be your turn, Siann?
Siann falls silent.
Quan Chi holds the bottle up to Mika. She desperately claws for the bottle but he teasingly pulls it away.
Quan Chi: Ah-ah-ah!
He holds the bottle over her mouth. A few drops fall onto her tongue.
Quan Chi: Drink.
He then takes the bottle away. Mika puts her fingers to her lips and licks away any other drops of it. We see that she has returned to normal.
Quan Chi: And come with me.
He grabs her hand and pulls her into another room. Siann and Sora exchange a knowing look.
Cut to the Streets of Zhu Zin
Kung Lao is returning home from his trip to the Temple. He storms past a young boy.
Boy: Kung Lao, you're back! Can we spar today like you promised?
Kung Lao: No!
Kung Lao's voice is harsh and he seems angry. He storms away.
Cut to the Trading Post.
Taja walks into the courtyard. Siro follows after her. His speech is slurred and he is completely drunk.
Siro: Taja, come here!
Taja: What do you want?
Siro: You know what I want!
Kung Lao enters through the door.
Taja: What are you talking about?
Siro: Where is it?
Taja: How the hell do I know?
Siro stops her.
Siro: You know because you took it!
Taja: Drop dead!
Kung Lao (angrily): SHUT UP, THE BOTH OF YOU! What's this about?
Siro: She took my coin purse. I put it on my table last night. This morning, it's gone.
Taja: Well, in the condition you're in, you probably dropped it down the drain.
Kung Lao looks at Siro.
Kung Lao: You're drunk!
Siro: I am not! I had a little sip this morning. You would too if you had to stay the night with a thief in the house.
Taja: You lying piece of garbage!
Kung Lao: Speaking of garbage, what happened to this place?
Taja: Ask pig boy.
Siro: I was looking for something.
Taja: He tore it up looking for his wine cask. Slob!
Siro: I'll show you!
He lunges at Taja. As she steps aside, the coin purse falls out of where ever she was hiding it. Siro picks it up and waves it in front of her.
Siro: Didn't take it, huh?
Taja: I was holding it for you until you sobered up.
Kung Lao: You both make me sick!
He storms off. (again)
Siro: He's right about you, at least.
Siro leaves.
Taja turns to follow him. An evil and mischievous look crosses her face.
Taja: Time for more *shopping* !
Cut to the Tavern. Siro reclines back with his feet on the table. He takes a long swig from a bottle of wine and moves his legs to the floor. He is still very, very drunk.
Siro: (to the Barmaid) Hey, sweetheart, I need some service here.
He slams the bottle on the table. The barmaid comes over.
Barmaid: Yes?
Siro: You've been avoiding me.
Barmaid: It just looked like you had everything you needed.
Siro grabs her arm and pulls her down onto his lap, grinning.
Barmaid: Please! I have work to do!
Siro: Yeah, right here in my lap!
She struggles and breaks free.
Barmaid: What happened to you? God, I never knew you could be like this!
Siro: Never knew I could be like this either. Great, isn't it?
Barmaid: If you need any more service, I'll get the owner to wait on you. Good bye.
She leaves.
Siro: She's crazy about me!
Cut to the Market place. Taja walks around, checking out the indoor stalls. She stops at one and picks up an item.
Taja: (to vendor) Beautiful. This is ivory, from Cafrica, right?
The vendor nods.
Taja points to an item above the vendor's head.
Taja: Could I please see that�uh� mirror on the top shelf?
While the vendor climbs up to pull down the mirror, Taja, still holding the ivory bar, sneaks away. The vendor turns around, confused.
Cut to an alley in Zhu Zin. Siro's barmaid walks down the alley on her way home from work. Suddenly Siro leaps out from the shadows, grabs her arm and whirls her around.
Siro: There's more service I need tonight, and not from the owner!
He holds her, shaking her violently.
Barmaid: Let me go, Siro, and I'll try to forget that any of this happened tonight!
Siro: Nothing's happened yet but when it does, I sure don't want you to forget it. Let's have another kiss!
She struggles but he holds her tighter. Siro forces her back and she starts sobbing.
Barmaid: Stop it, you're hurting me!
Siro: Then stop struggling!
Barmaid: Stop!
They struggle some more. Siro grabs part of her blouse. It rips and he falls back onto some sacks on the ground.
Barmaid: You're an animal! A pathetic animal, and I hope I never lay eyes on you again!
She walks off leaving Siro sprawled on the ground.
Cut to the Market Stalls. Taja is continuing her "shopping." She arrives at Cassie's flower stall. Instead of Cassie, there is an old lady.
Taja: Where's Cassie?
Woman: She's dead. Someone murdered her. I've come to take her body home.
Taja sees Cassie in a coffin behind the stall.
Taja: My god, that's horrible. I just spoke with her. May I see her?
The sound of a wagon approaching is heard.
Woman: If you wish. The wagon's come, excuse me.
She leaves. Taja walks over to the coffin and removes the transparent fabric covering Cassie. Taja lays her hand on Cassie's head.
Taja: Poor girl.
Checking to see if anybody's watching her, Taja quickly removes the gold ring on Cassie's finger and puts it on her own.
Taja: Rest in peace, Cassie.
She leaves.
Cut to the Trading post. Siro enters from a back door. He is even more drunk (if that's possible) than before and has to lean against walls as he passes to keep him from falling over. He slumps onto a small bench, still carrying a bottle of wine. Kung Lao enters slowly from the front door and walks up to Siro.
Kung Lao (in a dangerous voice) What are you doing, Siro?
Siro: Hey, Kung Lao, come on, have a drink, here!
Kung Lao's attention is on a small fragile green scarf in Siro's hand.
Kung Lao: Where did you get that?
Siro: What? (he looks at scarf) This? I dunno. Upstairs.
Kung Lao grabs it from him.
Kung Lao: This is Jen's scarf! I told you never to set foot in her room! What else did you take?
Siro: Nothing.
Kung Lao walks past him and heads for the stairs. Siro gets up and follows.
Siro: Listen to you, all this foul mood rage craft. What's your problem?
Siro slaps Kung Lao on the back. Kung Lao whirls round.
Kung Lao: You for one.
Siro: Why don't you go play hard ass with someone else.
Siro takes another long swig. Kung Lao raises his hand and knocks the bottle out of Siro's hand and carries on upstairs.
Siro: You looking for a fight, Kung Lao?
Kung Lao: If I were, it wouldn't be with you. I want a real challenge. Taja was right, you are a pig.
They stop at the top of the stairs.
Siro: I've heard enough of this, that's it. Take it back!
Kung Lao: Can't handle a little truth? How about some more? You're a used up free loading bodyguard who couldn't even do that right when you had the job. You let Jen die!
Siro: That's it! I've heard enough!
Siro grabs Kung Lao by the throat and pushes him against the doors to Jen's bedroom. The doors fly open and both warriors fall into the room. As they're falling, Kung Lao grabs Siro's hands, falls onto his back and tomo-nages Siro. Kung Lao gets up and takes a defensive stance up. Siro flips to his feet and prepares to attack.
Kung Lao spins and jump roundhouses. Siro avoids the kick by falling backwards onto the bed. Kung Lao goes into an extremely pointless sweep considering that Siro is still on the bed. Siro rolls to the left side of the bed and Kung Lao ax-kicks the place where Siro had been. Still lying sideways on the bed but with feet on the floor, Siro crescent kicks Kung Lao in the head. Kung Lao spins onto the bed. Siro flips off it. Kung Lao's head hangs over the side of the bed; Siro moves to ax-kick it but Kung Lao sits up, his back still facing Siro. As Siro spins and executes a right leg roundhouse kick, Kung Lao lies back down on the bed again.
Kung Lao sits up and starts to turn around; Siro left roundhouse kicks the air where Kung Lao had been. Kung Lao turns round, still sitting, so that he is now facing Siro, brings his knees up and double kicks Siro in the chest. Siro stumbles back. Kung Lao then, putting his right leg down, left side kicks Siro in the face. Siro falls back onto a chair, which then falls over onto the floor. He goes into a backwards roll. Kung Lao takes up another guarding postion. Siro gets up and kicks the chair towards Kung Lao who deftly catches it.
Kung Lao uses the chair to block Siro's right rear leg kick and his following left rear leg kick and Siro's left side kick. Siro then turns so his back is to Kung Lao and right leg turning kicks the chair. The force of the kick land both Kung Lao and the chair on the bed. Siro takes up another stance. Kung Lao gets to his feet and advances towards Siro. Kung Lao strikes high with his left fist, Siro open palm blocks it. Kung Lao then attempts to right punch Siro in the chest, Siro turning waist blocks it. Kung Lao then ducks under Siro's left circle knife hand strike and palm blocks Siro's right punch. Siro ducks under Kung Lao's left circle knife hand strike, blocks Kung Lao's left punch with open palm and then blocks his right punch with waist block.
Siro grabs Kung Lao by the shoulders and vice versa. Siro swings Kung Lao off his feet round 180 degrees. Kung Lao lands and then turns Siro round 360 degrees and pushes him into the wardrobe. The wardrobe doors break open and Siro lands rather painfully. Still on the floor, Siro circle punches Kung Lao in the face. Kung Lao reels back and turns around. Siro gets to his feet. Kung Lao high forearm blocks Siro's right punch and with his own right fist, punches Siro in the gut. He then left circle punches Siro in the gut.
Kung Lao attempts to right strike Siro; Siro blocks and grabbing Kung Lao's upper right arm, punches him in the chest with the other hand (right). Still holding onto Kung Lao, he circle punches Kung Lao's chin. Kung Lao reels to the right. Kung Lao's left arm hits Siro's partially turned back and tries to push him down. Siro pushes Kung Lao away. Siro then tries to strike at Kung Lao's right side with his right fist, Kung Lao moves to the left, grabs Siro's arm and turns him 180 degrees.
Kung Lao ducks under Siro's right roundhouse kick. He then 720 degree kick Siro whose head snaps back to the side. Kung Lao immediately reverse turning kicks Siro's face. Siro moves back from Kung Lao's cartwheel kick. Kung Lao waist blocks Siro's right rear leg kick but is caught in the face by Siro's jumping roundhouse kick. Kung Lao then right roundhouse kicks Siro. Siro falls onto a small ornamental table. He grabs a plate on it and stands up.
Siro attempts to right sweep Kung Lao with the plate; Kung Lao jumps over it. As he lands, Siro attempts to circle strike Kung Lao's waist with it but Kung Lao goes into a back somersault. Kung Lao then jumping side kicks the plate in two. Kung Lao tries to right side kick Siro but Siro dodges it. Kung Lao swings his leg to the left to try and catch Siro's face but he avoids that too just. Kung Lao puts his right leg down for a minute, overlapping his left, and swings it back up, catching Siro in the face. Siro falls onto the balcony doors. Kung Lao goes into guard position.
Siro: God, what are we doing?
An evil look appears on Kung Lao's face. He moves towards Siro and flying roundhouse kicks him. Siro flies through the balcony doors and over the balcony. Still with a mad insane appearance, Kung Lao moves onto the balcony and looks at the unconscious form of Siro below. Lightning flashes and Raiden appears next to Kung Lao.
Raiden: Hell of a hit. Think you killed him. (a beat) What happened here?
Kung Lao: We fought.
Raiden: Thanks for the report.
Raiden teleports down to the ground and bends over to inspect Siro. He puts his hand on Siro's head.
Kung Lao: Just let him lie there.
Raiden: He's hurt. (he removes his hand from beneath Siro's head to show it covered with blood). Badly.
Kung Lao: He got what was coming to him.
Raiden: What was the fight about?
Raiden stands up and grabs a coth.
Kung Lao: Him. He's the reason why so much goes wrong. Him and others like him. Getting into my life, using me, hurting me!
Raiden tears a bit of the cloth off and then moves over to dip it in a basin of water.
Raiden: None of your friends are trying to hurt you.
Kung Lao: I HAVE NO FRIENDS!
Raiden: Maybe that's because you're trying to kill them all.
Raiden walks over and applies the compress to Siro's head.
Kung Lao: He's like the rest. It's all been lies!
Raiden: Just calm down, you're just confused, you're-
Kung Lao: You're just like all of them, Raiden! And this time, you're wrong. For the first time, I'm seeing things as they really are!
Raiden stands up slowly, shocked at Kung Lao's state of mind. A gleeful expression pops up on Kung Lao's face.
Kung Lao: I see my true enemies!
He dashes off.
Raiden: Kung Lao, come here!
Kung Lao has gone. Raiden kneels down beside Siro. He tears more of the fabric and puts it under Siro's head and ties it at the front.
Raiden: Siro, Siro, can you hear me?
Siro slowly regains consciousness. His voice is faint and he seems very weak.
Raiden: Siro, what happened? What's wrong with Kung Lao?
Siro: Angry�violent�
Raiden: You reek of wine. Siro, where's Taja?
Siro: I dunno. Stealing.
Raiden: Stealing?! Look, Siro, I'm going to look for Taja, all right? But I'm going to get you inside now. I'll come back for you later. All right?
Cut to Quan Chi's palace. Quan Chi sits on his throne holding a glass. He dips his finger inside it and stirs the liquid.
Quan Chi: One done.
He laughs.
Quan Chi: Sora!
Sora enters and stands before him.
Quan Chi: Go to the city. Let's help the girl along.
Sora: Yes, Quan Chi.
She leaves.
Quan Chi: Oh, the best is yet to come!
Cut to the forest outside Zhu Zin. An angry mob of villagers surround Taja who has a noose over her neck. The noose is tied to a tree branch above her. The crowd are yelling that she is a thief and calling for her to be hung. Taja struggles.
Taja: I didn't do it, I swear!
The camera pulls back and we see Sora egging the crowd on.
Sora: Liar! I saw you steal from the goldsmith. Hang the dirty thief!
The crowd continue shouting. We see Raiden sitting away from them, in his beggar costume, watching the scene. He looks closer as he recognises Sora.
Sora: Get the rope up!
Taja: No, I'll give it all back, I promise! You'll all get it back!
Raiden points a finger and a flash of lightning zooms down to a spot among the villagers. They scream and move away. Sora looks to see what is happening. He does it again on the other side and finally shoots down the branch from which the noose hangs. The crowd, including Sora, disperse. Taja struggles, trying to free herself. Raiden walks slowly towards her and removes his hood.
Taja: Raiden! Oh, thank god you came! I owe you one, Raiden. They were going to kill me!
Raiden: That's generally what happens to thieves.
Taja: Right, right, I'll make sure everyone gets their stuff back.
Raiden unhooks the noose from the branch.
Raiden: That you will. You're going to be a very busy woman, going from house to house and from shop to shop.
Still holding the noose, he walks on, dragging Taja behind him. She struggles to keep up.
Raiden: I don't know what's going on but I'm going to find out. You're on a rampage, Kung Lao seems to be out of his mind, and Siro�
Taja: What about Siro?
Raiden: He's hurt. Badly.
Taja: We have to help him!
Raiden: I will help him. You will do nothing for a while.
Taja: Yeah, yeah, I'll just lie there low.
Raiden: Lower than you think, while I see an old friend�
Cut to an alley in Zhu Zin.
Raiden, still in his beggar disguise, stands in the left side of the alley. As Sora comes up behind him, he blocks her way.
Sora: Out of my way!
She moves to the left and he does to.
Sora: I said move!
She moves past him.
Raiden: In a hurry, Sora?
Sora turns round.
Sora: Who are you?
Raiden: Look at me. Look in my eyes.
He walks up to her and removes his hood.
Sora: Raiden?!
Raiden: You're a long way from your home, Sora. What's he doing here?
Sora: I don't know!
She runs away further into the alley. Raiden teleports and meets her.
Sora: It's the truth! I'm only following his orders, like the others.
She turns to the right and moves again but Raiden teleports and stops her.'
Sora: He tells me nothing!
Raiden: And what are his orders?
Sora: I can't tell you that, you know what he'll do to me!
Raiden: He'll send you to Netherealm. But at least that's somewhere, Sora!
Raiden grabs her by the throat and shoves her against the wall. Thunder is heard. Raiden's eyes glow purple.
Raiden: I CAN SEND YOU TO NOTHINGNESS!!
Sora looks terrified.
Raiden: What does he want?
Sora: The fighter. Kung Lao.
Raiden relents and lets go of her.
Sora: He's given him something.
Raiden: His friends also?
Sora nods.
Sora: Yes.
Raiden: Why?
Sora shakes her head. Raiden holds her chin.
Raiden: Tell me what he gave them.
Sora: I know little. Only that it masks their good and allows the evil to emerge.
Raiden: A thief, a drunkard and a killer.
Sora looks down. Raiden sighs.
Sora: I've told you all I know!
When she looks up, Raiden has gone. Quickly looking around her, Sora creeps out of the alley.
Cut to the Trading Post. We see Siro lying unconscious on a table. With a flash of lightning, Raiden appears and hurries towards him. He sits down beside Siro. Raiden puts his hand to Siro's face.
Raiden: Siro?
He moves Siro's head to the side and puts his hand against the bandages round Siro's forehead.
Raiden: Fever.
Raiden removes the bandage and goes to get a new one. As he passes past a cupboard with a barred window, we see Taja inside it.
Raiden: Taja.
Taja: Raiden, thank god you're back. Let me out of here.
Raiden walks back to Siro.
Raiden: Has Kung Lao returned?
Taja: No, he hasn't been here. I promise I won't steal anymore, just open the door, ok?
Raiden applies a new bandage to Siro's head.
Raiden: But you will. And you'll cheat and you'll lie.
Taja: What do you mean? (a beat) What's happening to me?
Raiden: What's happened to all of you. The work of a man named Quan Chi.
Taja: Who's Quan Chi?
Raiden: A sorcerer.
Taja: Like Shang Tsung?
Raiden: No, very different, but just as bad.
Taja: What's going to happen?
Raiden: I'm a god, not a fortune teller.
He gets up and unlocks Taja's cell.
Raiden: For now, you're coming with me. Straight to the Temple.
Taja opens the door and walks out.
Taja: Is Siro better?
Raiden: No, he's dying.
Taja: Well, help him, Raiden, use your powers!
Raiden: I'm afraid that if I tried, it would kill him. We'll take him with us to the monks.
He grabs Taja's hand and they both hurry towards Siro.
Raiden: Hold on, we're taking the fast way.
They disappear.
Cut to the Temple of the Order of Lights. The Temple has been viciously attacked. Candles are strewn all over the place. Many monks lie unconscious, some groaning, on the floor. Raiden, Taja and Siro appear. Raiden and Taja lay Siro on a small bench. We then see Kung Lao behind them. A monk is on his knees before him and Kung Lao holds a sword up high, ready to chop the monk's head off. He holds the sword as high as he can and gives out a shout. Raiden whirls round.
Raiden: Kung Lao!
Kung Lao stops in motion and turns towards them. Raiden stares at him in horror. Kung Lao then turns back and raises the sword again.
Raiden: No!
Raiden makes lightning flow through the sword, causing Kung Lao to drop it. The monks all get to their feet and run behind Raiden. Kung Lao is furious at Raiden and charges towards him.
Kung Lao: I'LL KILL YOU!
Raiden shoots a lightning bolt which knocks Kung Lao back against the floor. He gets up slowly. Raiden points the monks to Siro.
Raiden: Help him.
Kung Lao: You, you're the worst of all of them!
Raiden: Listen to me. You're seeing darkness where there's light; enemies where there are only friends.
Taja: It's sorcery, Kung Lao. A man named Quan Chi.
Raiden: No, the sorcerer only opened the door. It's you who walked through. Look around you.
Kung Lao: The Temple�
Raiden: So much a part of your life, of what you care about. Yet look at what you almost did, you almost killed a monk?! For that you would have been dishonoured forever.
A beat of silence. Raiden shakes his head in recognition.
Raiden: That's it, of course. Your dishonour: that's what he's after.
Taja: Quan Chi?
Raiden: Yes. If you die in noble combat, fighting evil, then your soul will reside in a place of greatness. But dishonoured, killing the innocent? For that you will be sent to Netherealm, where Quan Chi holds power. Pretty crafty, you bald bastard. He wants your soul.
Taja: Stop him, Raiden!
Raiden: I can't, I can't stop any of this. Only you can. It's you doing this.
Taja: I want to steal?
Raiden: Like a bandit, anything you can get your hands on. You want to steal as much as Siro wants to drink and Kung Lao to kill.
Taja: I can't believe it.
Raiden: Oh, just because you can't or won't see something, doesn't mean it's not there. When you were a conscious thief, why did you do it?
Taja: To stay alive. You know I grew up poor and alone. Maybe I stole so I'd never have to face those things again.
Raiden: Wrong! It's an excuse, one you've always told yourself.
Taja: Why else would I steal?
Raiden walks around her.
Raiden: Because you love it! Every light fingered, nerve racking, dangerous moment of it. It's like the craving of a drug, you know you have to keep a lid on.
Kung Lao: (sarcastic) And what about Siro?
Raiden turns to face him.
Kung Lao: Did he just become a drunk?
Raiden: Because part of him is. The part that wants to blur away the need he carries of being expected to do the right thing. There's a Siro inside Siro who detests that. A guy who just wants to sing dirty song, belch, and pinch women.
Kung Lao: (sarcastic) Go on, Raiden. I'm next, right?
Raiden: You are. And you're not going to like it.
Raiden slowly walks towards Kung Lao.
Raiden: So bitter to have been raised from childhood to fight, to carry the burden of Mortal Kombat, to lose the woman you love�Someone has to pay for all that unhappiness, don't they?
Kung Lao: Yes!
Raiden: You see, you said it. Because Kung Lao feels it.
Taja: What do we do?
Raiden: You look in the mirror that Quan Chi has held up and know that it is only half the picture! That's the only spell you have to break. Do that, and if you still want to fight, one way or another, you'll have it. When Quan Chi hears of what happened here today, he'll come to claim his prize.
Kung Lao looks as mad as ever.
Cut to Quan Chi's palace. Mika, Siann and Sora are alone in an antechamber.
Siann: (to Sora) You told Raiden?!
Sora: What could I do, he's a god !
Siann: A protector of Earth Realm. You brought this down on us. Quan Chi'll bring us other women to replace us for sure if he learns of this. I ought to tear off that face he gave you�
Sora: You stand up against Raiden and see how you do!
Mika: QUIET! Both of you! We need to think!
Siann: Which means you need to think for all of us? Who appointed you high priestess of this group anyway?
Mika: Should it be you? So that we may just kill and kill and kill some more.
Siann: Losing your stomach for it?
Mika: No, as you might find out. (she turns to Sora ) Raiden may not be a problem. He has no authority over us.
Sora: You can't be sure of that. He may destroy us.
Siann: Quaking like a leaf�It was your cowardice that got us into this. Not the first time, either.
Sora: (to Mika) What do we do?
Mika: We tell him exactly what we came to tell him.
The camera pulls back and we see Quan Chi standing behind them.
Quan Chi: Which is what?
Mika whirls round.
Mika: We were on our way to you. Kung Lao has attacked the Temple. A group of monks came to the city with the news. He's on a killing spree.
Quan Chi laughs.
Quan Chi: He's killing his home? Well, it is done! He is mine!
He cackles.
Cut to the Temple of Light. Quan Chi walks out from behind a pillar. Kung Lao stands before him, still breathing heavily with that mad look in his eyes.
Quan Chi: Kung Lao�look at you. Ready for battle, hmm?
Kung Lao: Yes!
Quan Chi holds out his arm. Mika, Siann and Sora walk into the area and stand before Kung Lao in fighting stances.
Quan Chi: Here they are, the ones who helped destroy you and your friends. Fight them!
Kung Lao pauses.
Quan Chi: What holds you back?
Raiden walks out.
Raiden: Me!
Quan Chi doesn't look best pleased to see Raiden.
Quan Chi: Raiden�come to see him die? Kill him!
Mika, Siann and Sora rush to kill Kung Lao. Raiden holds up his hand. They stop.
Quan Chi: You can't intefere in mortal battles!
Raiden: They're not mortal. Be gone!
The three assassins exchange a look and walk out. Quan Chi growls.
Quan Chi: What matter is it of yours, Raiden, whether he dies today, tomorrow or next year? He is lost!
Raiden: To Netherealm.
Quan Chi: For a fighter like him, what price would Shao Kahn or a hundred others pay for the soul of the victor of Mortal Kombat?
Raiden: Auctioning souls? Unbelievable even for you.
Quan Chi: I'm glad you're so impressed.
Raiden: He's not in Netherealm yet.
Quan Chi: He will be. I'll fight him alone and I'll kill him.
Raiden walks to the side, allowing Kung Lao to face Quan Chi. Quan Chi surrounds himself in a green glow. Raiden holds up his hand. The green glow vanishes and so do Quan Chi's spiked shoulder and wrist pads.
Raiden: A fair fight, sorcerer!
Quan Chi: So be it. With his rage, it will be an easy victory!
Kung Lao and Quan Chi go into fighting stances. Kung Lao dashes forward and attempts a left hooking kick which Quan Chi avoids. Quan Chi then upper arm blocks Kung Lao's right circle strike but holds onto Kung Lao's arm. Quan Chi rear leg (right) front kicks Kung Lao, who stumbles back. Kung Lao quickly ducks Quan Chi's cartwheel kick.
Quan Chi backward somersaults to the top of the steps. Kung Lao races up. Quan Chi blocks Kung Lao's left hook punch. Kung Lao ducks under Quan Chi's left circle strike. Quan Chi blocks Kung Lao's left circle punch with his left arm. Kung Lao ducks under Quan Chi's right hook kick and attempts a back punch which is blocked. Kung Lao then tries to strike out again with his right hand. Quan Chi grabs Kung Lao's hand with his right hand and right front kicks Kung Lao in the stomach.
Still holding Kung Lao's arm, Quan Chi tries to shove him into the wall. Kung Lao shoves back and exerts pressure on Quan Chi's head to try and shove him into the other wall. While Quan Chi is bent over, Kung Lao front snap kicks him in the gut. Quan Chi goes into a handstand against the right wall but Kung Lao side kicks his chest. Quan Chi recovers and right crescent kicks Kung Lao's face. Then, using a ledge in the wall for support, he lifts his left leg up, bends it and kicks Kung Lao's face again. Kung Lao right punches Quan Chi in the chest and he recoils. Quan Chi makes a series of quick strikes with his hands but Kung Lao ducks under them all. Kung Lao grabs Quan Chi's right arm, pulls him down a bit and kicks him in the stomach. Still holding the arm, Kung Lao turns and throws Quan Chi over his shoulder. Quan Chi goes into a somersault but manages to land on his face.
Quan Chi flipz up. He runs back towards Kung Lao. Quan Chi blocks Kung Lao's left hook punch and attempts a circle strike which Kung Lao ducks under. Quan Chi blocks Kung Lao's left circle punch with his left arm. Kung Lao attempts a right circle punch which Quan Chi evades. Kung Lao tries a vertical right knife hand strike to Quan Chi's neck but Quan Chi blocks it.
Kung Lao ducks under Quan Chi's left roundhouse kick and tries a right hook kick which Quan Chi ducks under. Quan Chi attempts a flying roundhouse, of which Kung Lao is out of reach. Kung Lao then goes into a deep splits to avoid Quan Chi's left spinning hook kick. Kung Lao nearly gets to his feet when he is forced to go in another splits in the other direct to avoid Quan Chi's horizontal spinning kick. Kung Lao flips up and in the process kicks Quan Chi who hadn't landed very well.
Both warriors face each other again. Kung Lao blocks Quan Chi's left hook punch and ducks under Quan Chi's circle strike. Quan Chi proceeds to descending elbow strike Kung Lao but Kung Lao vertical blocks it. Quan Chi then ducks under Kung Lao's left circle knife hand strike. They both upper block each other's move. Quan Chi spins and as he's doing that, Kung Lao side kicks him into the wall.
Quan Chi climbs up, his feet on two small ledges. He blocks Kung Lao's right leg flying side kick and then tries to left front snap kick Kung Lao but the warrior blocks it. Quan Chi then tries to right front snap kick him but that is blocked too. Quan Chi then somersaults off the ledge and over Kung Lao�hard onto his back. He flips up.
Quan Chi then back flips over Kung Lao's right front snap kick and following right hook kick. He's obviously not very good at landings as he lands on his front. He then goes onto his back, under Kung Lao's right snap kick and flips up to his feet. Kung Lao then right roundhouse kicks his back and then left roundhouse kicks the back of his head. Quan Chi stumbles forward and spins. Kung Lao cartwheels and then right side kicks Quan Chi in the stomach. Quan Chi goes into a back somersault and lands hard on his back again. He slowly gets up. Quan Chi jumps up at Kung Lao. Kung Lao goes into a back flip and Quan Chi is forced to dive over him. He hits the ground and goes into a forward roll. Kung Lao lands in a splits.
Kung Lao flips up and goes back into a fighting stance. Quan Chi blocks Kung Lao's left front kick and ducks under the following left hook kick. Kung Lao moves to right circle strike him but Quan Chi jumps up and double kicks Kung Lao. Kung Lao falls back against a pillar. He recovers and vaults over Quan Chi who right front kicks empty space. When Kung Lao lands, he immediately spins and right hook kicks Quan Chi's back. Quan Chi stumbles and nearly loses his balance. Quan Chi tries to regain his composure. He glares at Raiden.
Quan Chi: What have you done?
Raiden: Explained what you've done. In time to stop it.
Quan Chi: There has been no dishonour�
Raiden: The monk lives, as does Siro. Remember this day, Quan Chi.
Quan Chi: I will never forget. If I can't have his soul, I have no further need to be here!
He teleports away.
Kung Lao: Damn him!
Raiden holds Kung Lao back.
Raiden: Let him go. You have won much here today.
Cut to the Forest. Kung Lao, Taja, Siro and Raiden are walking back to Zhu Zin. Kung Lao and Raiden walk together while Taja and Siro lag behind. Taja catches up to them.
Taja: Hey Raiden, this is a tough walk. Why don't you flash us back like you did when we came here, you know, the fast way?
Raiden: Is anyone dying?
Taja: No.
Raiden: Then we walk.
Taja sighs and drops back to wait for Siro who is hobbling along on crutches.
Raiden: You know, he's going to be alright. The monks' skills are great and he forgives you.
Kung Lao: The monks too.
Raiden: Seems that leaves only one person left.
Kung Lao: Me.: forgive myself for being full of hatred and evil. It's difficult.
Raiden: But it's important that you face this.
Kung Lao: But how, Raiden? I've tried my whole life to rid myself of those things.
Raiden: That you can't do. What you must do is accept them. Embrace them. It creates balance. Just remember, the greater the darkness, so too greater the light. Pretty poetic, huh?
The camera cuts to Taja and Siro who are slowly following them.
Taja: What do you suppose they're talking about?
Siro: Same thing we are.
Taja: It's horrible, Siro. What do we do?
Siro: Return. And try to atone for what we've done.
Taja: Yeah, but-
Siro: What?
Taja: It's always with us, this dark thing. How do we deal with it?
Siro: You'll afraid it will come back like it did?
Taja: Yeah, aren't you?
Siro: It's a fight, Taja. A battle inside of us. We'll have to fight to control it.
Taja: But what if we can't always control it? What if we can't?
Camera pulls back to show Raiden and Kung Lao waiting for them. End credits