Mortal Kombat 9: Times Of Change

Chapter 4: Time Of Peace

Since the struggle between Shao Kahn and the loss of Zack, Cole has brought Kung Lao, Liu Kang, Kitana, Smoke, Johnny Cage and Jax to Sakura for protection against the tragic death, within Cole's visions. As time went on, Zeke has trained with Kung Lao and Liu Kang, to become a powerful fighter, while Jade and Kitana enjoy there time of peace.

Cole: Is something wrong, Smoke?

Smoke: This realm...it is beautiful...peaceful.

Cole: Yes, it is. It is also protected from Outworld or Netherrealm threats. You will be safe here.

Smoke: But...what of my friend, Sub-Zero?

Cole: I can return to Outworld and search for him there.

Smoke: Allow me to assist you. Please,let me find Sub-Zero with you.

Cole: Smoke, you will be safe here...

Smoke: I cannot sit aside and allow this to go on. Help me fine Sub-Zero and bring him here.

Cole: ...Very well. We will go, later on.

Smoke: Thank you, Cole MacGrath.

Smoke walked off, in deep thought of his friend "Sub-Zero", just as Hayabusa arrived by Cole's side.

Hayabusa: Are you sure you want to bring him along?

Cole: He wishes to find his friend, I will allow him to do so.

Hayabusa: Doesn't he die, in your visions?

Cole: Yes but I won't let that happen.

Hayabusa: Very well, I will watch over the other, keep them here.

Cole: Thank you, Hayabusa.

Cole left, with Smoke to Outworld, another ninja arrived by Hayabusa. He was wearing a black shozoku with grey chest armour, arm guards and shin guards, and a dark blue headband.

Hayabusa: You arrive...Hayate.

Hayate: Much has been circling through my head...with these Earthrealm...

Hayabusa: They are not enemies, Hayate!

Hayate: Of course, forgive me...

Hayabusa: We must keep them here, to prevent there deaths in Earthrealm.

Hayate: Who knows of this?

Hayabusa: An old friend of yours...from New Marais.

Hayate: ...MacGrath...?

Hayabusa: ......

Hayate: He is alive?

Hayabusa: Yes, with the work of Zeke.

Hayate: Does Kasumi know of this? Or Ayane?

Hayabusa: Due to your hiding from these Earthrealmers, I'd expect that you and MacGrath would cross paths.

Hayate: I will inform them, along with the others. Where is he?

Hayabusa: He has gone to Outworld, with an Earthrealmers, in search for a friend.

Hayate: I will inform the others.

Back in Outworld, Cole and Smoke began there search for Sub-Zero.

Cole: Let's stick together. Remember, I must prevent your death from becoming a reality.

Smoke: As you wish, MacGrath.

Cole: We will search within the woods.

Smoke: Wait, let us search at the Lin Kuei temple.

Cole: Then let's go.

As they made there way to the Lin Kuei temple, Hayate informed his friends of Cole's return.

???: Cole MacGrath...is alive?

Hayate: Yes. Hayabusa said so himself.

???: Where is he?

Hayate: Hayabusa said that he was in a place called "Outworld".

???: Outworld? Then let's go!

Hayate: Wait a second,Hitomi. We don't know how dangerous this Outworld is.

???: He's right, Hitomi, we should wait here, until he returns.

Hitomi: I suppose you are right...

???: First Zack's death and now Cole's returned from the dead?

???: When can we see him?

Hayate: Once Cole has returned from Outworld.

Hitomi: What should we do, until then?

???: Well, Helena is having a tournament? We could go there, until Cole comes back.

Hayate: Good idea, Kasumi. Let us go.

???: ......

Hitomi: Tina, are you okay?

Tina: It's just...hard to believe...Cole...alive?

Hitomi: Come on, we'll know for sure, once he gets back.

Outside if the Sakura temple, the group saw Zeke, training with the two Earthrealmers, Kung Lao and Liu Kang. And Zeke has gotten better and stronger than before.

Hitomi: ZEKE!!!

Zeke: Hey, Hitomi! Guys, you're all here.

Hayate: It is good to see you, Zeke.

Zeke: Same to you.

Kasumi: So is it true...is Cole really back from the dead?

Zeke: Damn right. I'm the one who did it.

???: You brought Cole back?

Zeke: Yep, it wasn't easy but I found what I needed for revive my pal.

Hayate: We heard that he had gone to Outworld.

Kung Lao: Yes, in search for Sub-Zero.

Kasumi: Sub-Zero?

Liu Kang: He is an ally to Smoke, they should be back, shortly.

Tina: I hope so.

Kung Lao: I take it, you are all allies of MacGrath?

Hayate: Yes, we met him in New Marais, we helped him eliminate many dangerous threats.

Kasumi: But he died, defending it and now we hear that he's been revived.

Kitana: According to Zeke, he used something known as "Nanocells" to revive him.

Zeke: Yep, it infected my buddy's body, bringing him back to life...but uh, his longing powers are gone.

Tina: What about Kuo?

Zeke: Not as easy as I thought...I tried but it was no use.

Hayate: So it only worked on Cole, I see.

Zeke: Anyways,me here are you all off too?

Hitomi: To the tournament.

Liu Kang: Tournament?

Hitomi: Yeah, Helena is having a tournament for the strongest fighters to compete.

Kung Lao: Perhaps we should join.

Kitana: It would be a nice way to pass the time.

Liu Kang: Will you take us to this tournament?

Hayate: Yes. Follow us.

Hayate and his began to lead Kung Lao, Liu Kang and the others to the tournament, at DOATEC. Hayabusa watched, as they walked off. He chose to stay behind and await for Cole's return. It didn't take long but he had arrived, along with Smoke...but no Sub-Zero with them.

Hayabusa: Any luck?

Cole: No...but there's a bigger problem.

Hayabusa: What is it?

Cole: Earthrealm is under attack.

Hayabusa: By what?

Cole: By Outworld invaders...