Fire and Ice (MK9 - MK11)

Chapter 10: Raiden

The scene cuts to the Sky Temple. An old warrior - recognisable as the native Outworlder Bo'Rai Cho - sits on a bench outside of the main temple doors. While he's waiting, he opens a hip flask and drinks from it. A few moments later, Raiden teleports next to the doors.

BO'RAI CHO: Raiden! Raiden, my old friend!

He walks up to Raiden and shakes his hand.

RAIDEN: Master Bo'Rai Cho. I am pleased to see you. It has been many years.

BO'RAI CHO: Too long, yes, too long. We old warriors need to stick together, eh?

RAIDEN: Most certainly. I presume recent circumstances precipitate your arrival?

BO'RAI CHO: Yes, yes. I'm concerned that Shinnok may return. I've been trying to contact you. I feared the worst.

They walk into the temple.

RAIDEN: When Kano misappropriated Shinnok's Amulet, he left behind a snare. Disabling it required that I travel to many strange realms. I must retire to the Jinsei Chamber. Regain my strength.

The scene cuts to the two of them walking in the underground tunnels leading to the Jinsei Chamber.

BO'RAI CHO: You are close to recovering it, then? Shinnok's Amulet?

RAIDEN: I do not know. Disabling Kano's snare demanded my full attention. Once I am rejuvenated, I will confer with General Blade.

BO'RAI CHO: If only we could have destroyed Shinnok during the last war. If only he were mortal.

They reach the chamber. Raiden charges his hand with lightning, but does not release. Instead, the chamber doors respond with the Japanese incantation on them lighting up and they open. The two of them take a moment to bask in the cool light of the Jinsei before walking in to the chamber.

BO'RAI CHO: Such beauty. Like gazing upon the Elder Gods themselves.

RAIDEN: I hold out hope that we can turn this crisis to our advantage.

BO'RAI CHO: How so?

RAIDEN: Quan Chi's magic binds the souls of many we hold dear. Capture him, and we can force him to release them.

BO'RAI CHO: Liu Kang and Kung Lao restored? I suppose it is possible.

RAIDEN: As long as Quan Chi lives.

He hangs his head down for a moment, before looking up into Bo'Rai Cho's face.

RAIDEN: I've long regretted losing our comrades' souls to Netherrealm's evil. Kung Lao and Liu Kang... they were like sons. I would move the Heavens to bring them back into the light.

*Outworld - Twenty Five Years Ago*

On the docks, Shaolin monks are being loaded onto a waiting ship by Tarkatans. Raiden crouches behind cover with Kung Lao and Liu Kang, looking obviously more youthful and not undead.

KUNG LAO: It is as Master Bo'Rai Cho said. The Shaolin masters are aboard that ship.

LIU KANG: Bo'Rai Cho said two ships.

RAIDEN: The other has disembarked. We need to determine it's location.

KUNG LAO: They will talk. I will see to it.

LIU KANG: No extraordinary means, Kung Lao.

KUNG LAO: They raided the Wu Shi Academy! Killed Master Wen!

RAIDEN: Even with Tarkatans, there are boundaries we do not cross.

KUNG LAO: Yes, Lord Raiden.

LIU KANG: I still cannot believe Shao Kahn would order such a brazen attack.