The Cheated Kombatant (Cheater Kitana x Male Venom Reader x Mileena)

Chapter 28: Joining Forces

At Kronika's Keep, Cetrion is on her knees, suffering from the wounds inflicted on her. Kronika floats before her, looking angry. 

Kronika: Without the crown, there can be no New Era. 

Cetrion: This failure rests on my shoulders. 

Kronika: No. I underestimated Shang Tsung's ingenuity. To escape the void, to return from the future... 

Cetrion: I will face him again, Mother. This time I will succeed. 

Kronika: I must go. With Shang Tsung in possession of the crown, he's become far too dangerous. 

She gives Cetrion a sly look as she says her next words. 

Kronika: And I doubt his new allies realize quite how dangerous he is. 

At Shirai Ryu Fire Garden, Liu Kang, Y/N, and Sub-Zero walk together in conversation.

Sub-Zero: Your Shaolin masters, they're ready?

Liu Kang: They will fight until the last man.

Sub-Zero: That is likely what it will take.

Liu Kang: There will not be a fight if Kharon does not help us.

Y/N: Is there any word from Grandmaster Hasashi?

Sub-Zero: No. If we do not hear soon, I will return to the Netherrealm.

Before them, Scorpion emerges in a flash of hellfire. Instantly, Liu Kang and Sub-Zero shift to fighting stances, but Scorpion does not follow suit, instead looking around at the scenery.

Liu Kang: Wrong Scorpion. This cannot be good.

Sub-Zero: Get Raiden!

As Liu Kang and Y/N run off, Sub-Zero faces Scorpion down.

Scorpion: The Fire Gardens, rebuilt? The Shirai Ryu are indeed restored.

Sub-Zero: Why are you here, Scorpion? Where is Grandmaster Hasashi?

Scorpion: He left to get the Shirai Ryu ready for battle.

Sub-Zero: Now, you're going to kill us before he comes.

Scorpion: I understand your mistrust, but I am here to assist you!

Sub-Zero: I find that impossible to believe!

Behind Scorpion, a portal opens, causing both of them to stare at it in confusion. That confusion turns to anger as they spot Shang Tsung emerging from it. 

Sub-Zero: What is he doing here? 

Scorpion: We are not together. 

Sub-Zero: If you are here to help, prove it. Join me against the sorcerer.

Scorpion: I shall. 

Shang Tsung stands with his hands behind his back, patiently waiting as Fujin walks through the portal behind him. Fujin takes in the sight of Sub-Zero and Scorpion before him, cautiously approaching them. 

Sub-Zero: Fujin?! Raiden thought you lost when the timeline was broken, but you stand with Shang Tsung?! 

Fujin: We have urgent news for Raiden. Please, let us pass. 

Sub-Zero: This may be the sorcerer's trick. 

Scorpion: The Fire Gardens will not be defiled by his presence. 

Both of them get into fighting stances, with Sub-Zero readying his ice powers. Fujin and Shang Tsung reply with fighting stances of their own. Scorpion shoots out his spear attack, causing Fujin and Shang Tsung to duck to the side. Sub-Zero shoots out a beam of ice that Fujin dodges by levitating into the air. He somersaults through the air and lands on his feet, then looks behind him to see Shang Tsung has been frozen solid by the ice beam. Fujin and Sub-Zero stalk each other, while Scorpion remains just behind Sub-Zero, also focused on Fujin.