(SCENE: SKY TEMPLE) (POV: 3RD PERSON)

Meanwhile, at the Sky Temple of Raiden & Fujin, thunder can be heard in the sky as a chubby old man is seen taking a seat on a bench while taking a drink from his flask. This man is revealed to be Bo' Rai Cho.

Suddenly, a lightning bolt came down as Raiden emerges from it. "Raiden! Raiden, my old friend!" Bo' Rai Cho exclaims in happiness at his old friend as the two shake hands. "Brother! You've returned!" Exclaims a familiar voice as they turn around to see Fujin flying down towards them.

Once he landed, he placed a hand on Raiden's shoulder. "I am glad you've returned. Does this mean you've finished your quest?" Fujin asks as Raiden nods his head. "Indeed, though my quest has left a bit weakened. I need to recuperate in the Jinsei." Raiden says as he, Fujin & Bo' Rai Cho make their way towards the Jinsei.

"I must ask Brother: what kinds of realms you've gone to on your quest?" Fujin questions. "Many realms, Fujin. One of them led to me to a familiar realm, but it was unjust. One of the warriors radiates an aura similar to one of our own. Perhaps in the vast realms, Oscar acquired a soul similar to this warrior's that went down a different path." Raiden explains.

"I suppose it is possible. But back to the main problem at hand, how close are you to recovering Shinnok's amulet?" Bo' Rai Cho questions as Raiden shook his head at this. "I'm afraid I don't know. Disabling Kano's snare was my full attention & some of the other realms had problems I couldn't ignore. Now that I have returned, I will confer with General Blade & Oscar, once I have been rejuvenated." Raiden explains.

"If only we could destroy Shinnok during the previous war." Bo' Rai Cho growled. "I wish we could, but he is an Elder God & they cannot be killed." Fujin says as they've arrived at the doors of the Jinsei.

Raiden then uses his powers to open the doors as he, Fujin & Bo' Rai Cho enters the Jinsei. "Such beauty. Like gazing upon the Elder Gods themselves." Bo' Rai Cho says with amazement. "I never tire from seeing this sight." Fujin says.

"I hold out hope we can turn this crisis to our advantage." Raiden says. "How do, Brother?" Fujin asks. "Quan Chi has created replicas of our greatest fighters. Capture him & we can force him to dispel them." Raiden says.

"I suppose it is possible." Bo' Rai Cho says. "As long as Quan Chi lives." He says as he adopts a sorrow filled face. "It pains me to battle those I consider allies. Though they're not Liu Kang & Kung Lao, I still feel a bond between us." He says as he reminisces on the old days.

(Flashback: 25 Years Ago in Outworld)

Many years ago, after the Tarkatans attack the Wu Shi Academy, Raiden, Oscar & their group have found the Tarkatans loading Shaolin Monks onto a ship. "It is as Master Bo' Rai Cho said. The Shaolin Masters are aboard that ship." Kung Lao says.

"But he said two ships. What happened to it?" Toga asks. "The other has disembarked. We need to determine its destination." Raiden says as Kung Lao glares at the Tarkatans. "They'll talk. I'll see to it." Kung Lao says as Oscar turns to Kung Lao. "Don't do anything you'll regret, Kung Lao." Oscar says as Kung Lao turns to Oscar.

"Regret? They raided the Wu Shi Academy! Taken our brothers hostage! And they killed Master Wen!" Kung Lao angrily exclaims. "Even with Tarkatans, there are lines we do not cross, Kung Lao." Raiden says as this made Kung Lao back down.

"Yes, Lord Raiden." He says as he turns his attention back to the Tarkatans. "I still can't believe Shao Kahn would order such a brazen attack like this." Lady Nagant says. "It demonstrates Earthrealm's vulnerability. Outworld knew we would have no other choice but to agree to a new tournament." Raiden says.

"Liu Kang & Oscar beat Shang Tsung, they'll beat Shao Kahn." Kung Lao says. "In good time, Kung Lao. But for now, we must free the Shaolin." Raiden says as the group makes their move.

At the docks, one of the Tarkatans punched a monk in the stomach before hitting in the back of the head. Another monk tried to fight back, but the Tarkatan holding him punched him across the face.

Amongst the Tarkatans is D'Vorah, who looks much different compared to her present day counterpart. "All are aboard? This One leaves with the tide." She asks as Baraka turns to her. "We are ready." He says. "Shao Kahn demands the hostages be unharmed." D'Vorah says. "Their wounds are not fatal. They'll live." Baraka counters.

"I would hope, Baraka. For your sake." D'Vorah says. "For yours as well." Raiden calls out, catching their attention. "If you harm them, you answer to me." He says. Baraka orders his Tarkatans to attack in his native tongue.

Raiden easily dispatched of the Tarkatans while Oscar & the group are holding their own against them. "Tarkatans are beaten so easily?" D'Vorah tauntingly ask as Baraka charges at Raiden while more Tarkatans appear behind the group.

The group took on the Tarkatans while Raiden battles with Baraka. Raiden ducked under a punch while blocking a knee strike and parrying an attempted blade stab. He blocks another strike, but fails to block or counter a knee to the stomach and a follow up punch to the face.

He dodged the blade strike as he knocks Baraka back a bit before teleporting behind him and sucker punching him in the face. Baraka swipes at him with his blades, but dodges the strikes as he grabs his arms and electrocutes him.

Baraka breaks free from the electrocution as he withdraw his blades. Raiden then threatens him in Baraka's Tarkatan tongue. "Empty threats, Raiden. You will not see the tournament!" Baraka proclaims as he battles Raiden.

Despite Baraka's savage might, he fell against Raiden's magic & godlike abilities. "You will return to the Wastes with no prize." He says as he makes his way to the ship, but D'Vorah gets in his way. "Step aside." He says, but D'Vorah does not listen as she attacks him.

He blocks most of her attacks, but fails against a couple. Raiden teleports behind her, away from her Ovipositors. She then attempts to sick her 'children' onto him, but he fries them with his lightning. "Such power. What are you, Raiden?" D'Vorah asks.

"I am of truth & light. I protect both the innocents & Earthrealm." He says. "This One cares not for innocents or Earthrealm. Nor do I worship any gods." She says as she battles Raiden.

Though D'Vorah was tough to face, even she fell to Raiden's power and godhood. "When a god speaks, heed him." He says to the defeated D'Vorah as he regroups with the others. "They were not so vexing, all sneers and growls." Kung Lao says. "Yeah, get more of a challenge from a low ranking Nomu than these freaks." Toga adds on.

"Glad you think that, Toga. Because you and the Monks will be going after the second ship." Oscar says. "Indeed. We cannot join you all, for the tournament is about to begin and we need to attend it. Join us as soon as you can." Raiden says.

"We will not fail you, Lord Raiden." Liu Kang says as Raiden smiles at this. "Of that, I have no doubt." Raiden says as he teleports himself & Oscar away.

(End flashback)

Fast forwarding to present day, Raiden is resting inside of the Jinsei, recovering his strength. Suddenly, something is causing the entire room to shake like it's being struck by a earthquake.

Raiden awakes and turns towards the ceiling to see Bo' Rai Cho & Fujin groaning in pain as Fujin attempts to reach out for Raiden, but something pulled them away. "Bo' Rai Cho! Brother!" Raiden exclaims in concern.

Outside of the Sky Temple, Bo' Rai Cho & Fujin are thrown to ground and are blasted by Shinnok's crimson energy as he looks on with satisfaction. Raiden rushed out of the temple as he sees Shinnok, D'Vorah, Johnny & Oscar held hostage and the Revenants appearing.

"Yet more of your allies fall to me. When they die, I shall claim their souls." He tauntingly says. "Fujin is a god, his soul can't be tainted. And you know not of Bo' Rai Cho's power. His soul is beyond your control as well." Raiden says as Shinnok ignores him and walks towards the entrance of the Sky Temple.

"Shall we kill him, Lord Shinnok?" Revenant Liu Kang asks as Shinnok stops himself and turns around. "Not yet. He will bear witness as I conquer his realm. Then I will imprison him as he did me." He explains as he turns back around and walks away.

"I would not boast a victory prematurely." Raiden says as Shinnok smirks arrogantly at this. "I have already won, Raiden." Shinnok says as the doors close behind him, leaving him to the Revenants.

They starting pushing him around, like a couple of kindergarten bullies. Raiden immediately went on the attack, knocking down a few Revenants. But he was severely outnumbered as the Revenants started to get the upper hand.

Revenant Kung Lao got him in a sleeper hold as the others look on with enjoyment. Raiden struggles to both break free & breath until he electrocutes the Revenants, except for Kung Lao, who jumped up on top of the roof to avoid the blast.

Once most of the Revenants were taken care of, Raiden puts his hat back on as Revenant Kung Lao lands in front of him & brandish his hat. "Kung Lao, desist." Raiden orders.

"I serve Shinnok & the Netherrealm." Revenant Kung Lao says. "Desist or suffer a God's wrath." Raiden orders/threatens. "I don't fear your mediocrity, Raiden." Revenant Kung Lao arrogantly says as he fights Raiden.

Much like the real Kung Lao, Revenant Kung Lao's arrogance was his undoing as he was swiftly defeated by Raiden. "My Kung Lao honors his ancestors. You disgrace them." He says to the defeated Kung Lao.

Suddenly, he got attacked from behind by Revenant Liu Kang. The two exchanged blows as the two are at a stalemate. "This is not your destiny, Liu Kang." Raiden says as Revenant Liu Kang scoffs at this. "More visions, Raiden? Do you still see the future?" Revenant Liu Kang mocking question.

"The visions are gone. But I know what must be done." Raiden says. "I was created because you stole my destiny from me." Revenant Liu Kang said as he points an accusation finger at him. "Destiny works in mysterious ways. You can't determine an outcome." Raiden says as Revenant Liu Kang takes offense to this and attacks Raiden.

They were evenly matched as they got into another stalemate. "I've been enlightened. Freed from the enslavement of you and the Elder Gods you blindly serve. I'll help Lord Shinnok end their rule!" He proclaims as he fights Raiden.

It was a fight that happened a few times, but shouldn't have ever occurred: two close friends, fighting against one another over petty excuses & reasons. But back to the fight, Raiden prove to be victorious over the evil copy of Liu Kang. "You deny the Elder Gods word, yet you blindly follow a fallen one." Raiden says as he walks towards Fujin & Bo' Rai Cho, who were recovering from their injuries inflicted by Shinnok. "Brother, Bo' Rai Cho, are you both okay?" Raiden asks in concern.

"We're fine, but Shinnok will corrupt and defile the Jinsei. Stop him." Bo' Rai Cho says. "And what of you two?" Raiden asks. "We'll go and join Cassandra & her team. Surely they're on their way to rescue Johnny & Oscar." Fujin says as Raiden looked concern about this, but he realizes it was the best course of action.

"Go. And may the Elder Gods watch over both of you & the rest of the Realms." He says as he rushes to the Jinsei while Fujin & Bo' Rai Cho raced off in the opposite direction.

(SCENE CHANGE: JINSEI CHAMBER)

Meanwhile in the Jinsei Chamber, Shinnok approached the Jinsei while D'Vorah was wrapping Johnny & Oscar in orange spider like webbing, with them trying their hardest to break free from the webbing.

"Get your stinking dead hands away from the Jinsei, you damn dirty God!" Oscar yelled out as Shinnok turns to him with a gloating smile on his face. "Sticks & stones, Luonto. Soon, even your precious Daughter & allies will embrace my truth." He says as he placed his hand in the Jinsei, causing red like mist to flow into it like blood in the water.

Shortly after this happened, Raiden enters the chamber. "You shall not defile the Jinsei!" Raiden exclaims as he shoots out lightning at Shinnok. But the Fallen Elder God absorbs & corrupts the attack with one hand as he redirects the attack back at Raiden, knocking him down to the ground.

Before Raiden could counterattack, Shinnok summons bone hands from the ground and hold him down. "No one will deny me my right, Raiden. Now watch as I corrupt the Realm you & these worthless creatures fought so hard to protect." He says as he enters the Jinsei, leaking more evil energy into it.

Suddenly, the Jinsei creates a red tornado that started spreading throughout Earthrealm.

(SCENE CHANGE: LIN KUEI TEMPLE)

Meanwhile at the Lin Kuei's Temple, Sub-Zero rushes out to see the corrupt as Frost, Cyrax & Smoke joins him. "Shifu, is this what we think it is?" Frost asks.

Before Sub-Zero could answer, a flaming tornado appears before them. Once it disperses, Hanzo emerges from it. "Grandmaster Hasashi? How you avenged your clan?" Cyrax asks.

"Not now. Shinnok is free & he has Oscar and Johnny Cage hostage." Hanzo reveals, shocking the three males greatly while Frost became worried for her boyfriend's safety. Suddenly, two Lin Kuei warriors rushed up behind Sub-Zero & the others. "Grandmaster, what's going on?" One of them asked.

"Shinnok. Prepare the Lin Kuei!" He orders. "I'll go assemble the Shirai Ryu. May we survive this Hell." Hanzo says as he teleports towards his clan's location.

(SCENE CHANGE: OUTWORLD)

Meanwhile in Outworld, specifically Kotal's Fortress, his legion have finished assembling. He was sharpening his ceremonial knife when he senses something amiss with the amulet Oscar gave him.

He grabbed it to reveal it changing into a red color, troubling him greatly. Soon, Erron Black enters the room. "Everyone's ready. We just you to give the order." He says.

"Good, then them to go to Earthrealm. I must tend to matters in Edenia. Oscar must've anticipated this." Kotal Kahn says as he conjures a portal and enters through it.

(SCENE CHANGE: EDENIAN THRONE ROOM)

Speaking of Edenia, Sindel was looking in a bowl of water as she saw the events taking place. "Empress, trrrible news from Earthrealm." Jade says.

"I know what's occurring. Gather our forces. Earthrealm's in peril and needs our help." She orders as Jade rushed out of the Throne Room to follow through with her order.

(SCENE CHANGE: JINSEI CHAMBER)

Back to the Jinsei Chamber, Shinnok's corruption continues as his body started changing. He now resembles a magma monster as his amulet is now embedded into his stomach. "YES!!!!!! TREMBLE BEFORE ME, ELDER GODS!!!!! AS I ABSORB EARTHREALM'S POWER!!!!!" He maniacally exclaims.

"No Shinnok. Even now, others come to defeat you." Raiden says.

(Here's chapter 23 done. I made a slight tease to the Injustice game as well as a Planet of the Apes reference, so I hope people enjoy those. Next chapter will be Jacqui.)