Mortal Kombat II

Shaolin Monks

As Liu Kang and Johnny Cage traveled back to Shao Kahn's arena, Cage couldn't help but look at Outworld's scenery.

"Liu, I hate this place. I do. I'm telling you, I hate it. I'm in a hostile environment and I'm totally unprepared. And I'm surrounded by a bunch of guys who probably want to kick my ass. It's like being back in high school!"

Liu couldn't help but crack a smile. "Do you know who won between Kung Lao and Jax?"

"No, I don't…" Johnny Cage said. "My guess is Kung Lao kicked Jax's ass… I mean, come on, that would be the most logical thing…"

Liu only gave an annoyed sigh as Cage continued ranting all the way back to the arena.

O-O-O

As Kitana ran across the Outworld wastelands, determined to find a portal to another realm, hopefully Earth.

"Where do you think, you're going?"

Kitana gasped and turned around, a bit relieved to see that it was only Raiden…

"I….I… have to escape… I killed…"

"Yes, I know." Raiden said, nodding. "I suppose that you think that you can just run away now?"

Kitana looked stunned. "Well, I-I…"

"You can't run, Kitana. Eventually you're going to have to face up…" Raiden said, waving his finger.

When Kitana did not respond, Raiden continued. "What about Liu Kang?"

"What about him?" Kitana asked.

"Are you just going to leave him to face Shao Kahn by himself? He's the one who you wanted to help save you from this life, was he not?"

"Well…" Kitana started.

"You were just going to run away from your past?" Raiden asked, moving in closer.

"Well, it's hard to face up to it… you want to turn your back on it, but that's never easy…"

Raiden cracked a smile and hit Kitana on the head with his staff. "Ow!" Kitana yelled as she grabbed her head. "What the hell was that for?"

"Doesn't matter, it's in the past." Raiden said, smiling.

"But it still hurts…" Kitana said, rubbing her head.

"Yes, the past can hurt… but that doesn't change that it'll always be there in your memories… unless you face your past, it will haunt you for the rest of your life. It's now or never, Kitana… you must go back…"

Kitana let out a long sigh. "All right, let's go." She said, albeit a bit reluctantly. "I'm not too sure about this though."

Raiden gave a nod and grabbing Kitana by the shoulder, he teleported them both away.

O-O-O

Liu Kang and Johnny Cage reached the arena where they found Kung Lao waiting for them.

"Kung Lao!" Liu said. "Where's Jax?"

"After our match, he just walked away. I suspect he's back in our quarters."

"Oh… ok, so you kicked his ass?" Cage asked, grinning.

Kung Lao cast a look at Cage, before turning back to Liu. "You and I are going to be the final match in the tournament, the winner will face Kahn…"

Liu did not respond, only slightly nodded. "And there's really no way easy for me to say this…" Kung Lao said, sighing. "Liu Kang, I can't let you face Shao Kahn."