Stop! Stop right there!
Give us what we want and there won't be any trouble.
Hey, what have you done with my brother?
Marcus? Are you there?
Give him back. Now! Or we're coming in.
- What are they? - Hold your positions.
We are not afraid of you.
You should be.
In each of us there burns a soul of a warrior.
In every generation, a few are chosen to prove it.
Centuries ago in a time of darkness and fury that fate befell three strangers.
A monk - Kung Lao...
An exiled guard - Siro...
And a thief - Taja...
Who have to defend our Earth Realm from the forces of Outworld.
By fighting for their lives.
By fighting for their honour.
Your soul is mine!
And by fighting for their realm.
It's the burden you must carry.
In a tournament called... Mortal Kombat.
Buy one for me.
Hey, you're back. How was your friend's wedding?
One of the best funerals I've ever been to.
Oh, please. Thank you.
So, I've been gone a week. What have I missed?
Well, the arrival of our new house guest for one thing.
House guest?
What is this?
It's Qali. What the hell is she doing here?
I don't know, but I don't like it.
Ladies and gentlemen...
Don't be afraid. We're here to put on a show for you.
And I present a celebration of the strange and macabre.
I give you The Festival.
All donations will be graciously accepted.
Appropriate.
Isn't it?
Let's go say hello.
Tickets, Festival tickets. Tickets.
Siro.
Oh, yeah, let's go see what's going on.
Let's do it.
- Hold it. - What do you want?
Answers.
- What're you doing in Earth Realm? - Travelling.
Just a little realm-hopping, huh?
- This is my show. It travels everywhere. - Sorry...
but you don't strike me as the carnival type, Qali.
What are you really doing?
Trying to survive.
My last visit here cost me everything.
Even Kitana has turned her back on me.
I always said your old friend was a good judge of character.
I've done nothing wrong. The show's a business.
I'll stay in Zhu Zin only long enough to make what I can.
Leave me alone and I'll leave you alone.
That's a deal I can live with. Come on, Siro.
See that you stick with it.
This is a good workout. You're doing well.
- I'm back. - Hey, Siro.
Give us a minute here.
Remember?
So who is she?
Her name is Lorriana. Lori for short.
She grew up on a farm near the Temple.
Used to do odd jobs for the monks.
She moved here a few months ago looking for work.
Gee, that's all you picked up?
So he knew her as a kid, huh?
Yeah, she was about 14 or 15 last time he saw her.
Hmm, she grew up.
I think someone else noticed that, too.
Maybe he's got more on his mind than just training her.
Could be.
One thing's for sure...
she's no fighter.
When I was at the Temple, I'd stop work to watch the fighters.
It used to take me two times longer to get anything done while they were training.
That's okay, monks don't fire you, they just lay on the guilt.
And make you pray for a week.
Well, actually, what they did was invite me to join some classes.
Some of the moves they taught me were great.
Of course, they were nothing like the ones that they taught Kung Lao.
When I moved here I decided to get some more training for my protection.
Being in the city is so different from being on a farm.
Especially this city.
Well, with the work I'm doing, nobody's gonna mess with me now.
- You seem pretty anxious to try this out. - In fact, I may fight professionally.
Lori, you know I'm not teaching you to fight so you can go out looking for one.
Relax, I'm just a little excited.
Before I start a career as a fighter...
I've gotta find a job so that I can eat and so that I can pay you back.
We've been over that. You don't have to pay me.
Maybe I want to do something for you.
Especially after everything you've done for me...
working with me, letting me stay here while I train.
I don't do this for the money.
Thanks.
You stay here and rest. I'm gonna get another workout.
Nice girl.
- Full of energy. - Maybe a little too much.
- How do you mean? - Well, you saw her.
She's ready to go out there and kick ass.
Most people around here will kick back.
A little training can be more dangerous than none at all.
Lighten up, Siro.
There's nothing wrong with giving Lori a bit on confidence in herself.
I agree. But this girl thinks she's a fighter and she's not.
- Give her a break. - Hey, I could be dead wrong. I hope I am.
- I just don't want to see her get hurt. - I won't let that happen.
I think you should be careful what you put into her head.
It'll be all right, Siro. Trust me.
Am I wrong here?
About Lori, maybe. I don't know. I'm... I'm sorry, Siro, I just got a lot on my mind.
- Qali? - Yeah.
What're you doing, Qali?
Ladies and gentlemen...
the time has come for our last match.
Come back tomorrow and it will all begin again.
- All right! Yeah. - All right!
But for now...
this brave fighter has battled hard and earned the chance to win tonight's prize.
But who... will be his opponent?
- That's me. I'll fight for that much gold. - I give you...
Mika!
Let the final match of the night begin.
Thank you all. See you tomorrow.
You did well.
I may have beaten you, but you are still the strongest fighter of the night.
And for that, we have a special gift for you.
The best part...
It was a good show tonight. Quan Chi will be pleased.
And is his "watch-dog" satisfied?
As long as the "bitch" does as she's told.
- You're sure it was Qali? - That was one face I'll never forget.
And the other one, the one who used Quan Chi's name, describe her.
About my size, blond, great fighter, even better killer.
- She really seemed to enjoy it. - She did.
Her name is Mika, a personal slave to Quan Chi.
- How many slaves does he have? - Dozens.
Well, this particular one is travelling around Earth Realm knocking off fighters.
What's he want with a bunch of reanimated dead people?
It is his speciality. He is building an army.
And his alliance with Shao Kahn is growing.
I need an advantage.
You could start with the two women.
What do you mean?
Well, they hate each other. This Mika is playing boss and Qali doesn't like it.
Not one bit.
Good. Go back. Watch. Bring me something. Anything I can use.
I'll try.
You'll do better than try.
I think we should start with that small kata I taught you.
- Uh, can I make a request? - Sure.
I'd like you to teach me a specialty move. It's one I've seen.
- Which one? - The vaulting axe.
I want to know exactly where the foot hits the neck.
No.
Why?
Well, for one thing, you're not ready for that move.
And?
Look, it's a kill move and I won't teach you that.
I'm sorry. I... just wanted to learn something spectacular.
Please don't turn away from me.
I don't want this to happen.
You're what matters.
No, I can't. Not like this.
You don't want me?
I do. A lot. But what do you really want?
Do you want me, or is this just a way for you to get me to teach you something?
I offer myself to you and this is what I get?
Where are you going?
Out. To The Festival. To have fun.
Why don't you stay here and train some more.
That seems to be something that you're good at.
Looks like the freaks are calling it a night.
No sign of Qali though.
Well, maybe she's just honouring her promise. Staying away from us.
Good.
You know, this can be a pretty creepy place.
I think I'm on Kung Lao's side about training Lori.
Really?
Yeah. I mean, the biggest part of fighting is having confidence in yourself.
It's not all about strength.
I'd like to teach every woman in this city a few defensive moves.
Might shake things up a bit.
Please, help! Please, please, someone! You gotta... you gotta help!
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Take it easy.
Please. You gotta stop it.
- Stop what? - My brother. They took him.
And then they killed the rest.
And now they're after me.
Who?
Argh! No! No!
Hey, wait.
No, no!
Festival.
Qali's Festival.
Look.
- I've seen this before. - What is it?
I don't know, but I'm gonna find out.
Siro, look, over there.
Let go of me.
Let go of me!
So this is what you were training for? This is how you reward Kung Lao?
- Leave me alone. I can do what I want. - Yeah, right. Let's go.
I really am sorry, Kung Lao. I guess I got carried away...
between training with you and trying to have fun at The Festival.
I apologise, too. I know I made you angry.
Yeah, well, I wasn't thinking clearly.
It wasn't very grown up of me, was it?
It's okay.
You forgive me?
Of course.
It's over.
I knew you'd understand.
Did she tell you?
It happened.
I don't think we can blame her too much for entering a side show contest.
Side show? That's what she told you?
A bunch of locals showing off some fight moves.
Do you think you can just lie to him and get away with it?
Siro, she told me the truth.
Well, here's the truth. They're holding fights, Kung Lao.
Real brutal, savage fights.
Did she tell you about people being dragged off...
half-dead, dumped in the street?
Did she tell you it's for money, big money?
Is what he says true?
- Look, I was just there because I wanted... - Is it true?
Yes.
I can do whatever I want, Kung Lao.
And I know that I can win in those fights.
I was glad when you came.
Happy that you wanted to learn and be with me.
Now it's all just a disappointment.
And you can't win, Lori. Not in a real fight.
Patience. The time will come for each of you.
Touching. Such affection for a bunch of demons.
Souls. Lonely ones.
Dishonoured evil spirits.
Is that what you were... before Quan Chi went to work on you?
I am nothing like those things in your Festival.
No?
Dead, but then again, alive? That's you, isn't it?
Those are mindless ghouls. I'm free to come and go as I please.
Show me. Go. Let me run this Festival myself.
Quan Chi's orders are for me to be here with you and here is where I will stay.
Besides, Earth Realm delights me.
So much to do... food, drink, sex...
killing.
I can kill just as well.
Really?
Night after night? All those fighters?
Having to dirty those pretty little Edenian hands?
I do the killing. You run the show.
And I used to think you were a bitch.
Vorpax...
It's just not your night tonight, is it?
Taking orders from some dead blonde and now... I show up.
Maybe I can't kill her but you'll do.
Why don't we talk about something other than death for a minute. Like life.
- Yours. And how to make it better. - What could you possibly do for me?
Oh, nothing. I'm just a messenger.
Still running errands for Shang Tsung.
- He'd love to have a word with you. - About what?
Your watchdog seems to have taken off for a while, so...
why don't you come with me and see what he has to say for yourself.
They'll keep.
I'd like to dump all of them into the nearest river.
If I were you, that would be my choice, too.
They're still here?
And they'll stay until people get tired of it.
Kung Lao.
Look, I'm sorry.
Maybe I was a little heavy-handed, hauling her back here, humiliating her...
No, you probably saved her life. It's Lori who made the mistake.
She's young and impressionable.
You're the one who's made the biggest impression on her.
Taja and I have both seen it. The way she looks at you.
Maybe I'm not as good an influence as I thought.
Oh, yes, you are. But you're right, she's young.
Then what does that make us?
Wiser in the ways of the world?
As long as we keep an eye on her, she should be okay.
I think as long as The Festival's in town, she's going to be thinking about it.
Especially now.
Maybe they ought to leave now.
- Let's go down there. - No...
Lori's safe. As far as I'm concerned, what other people do is their business.
Suit yourself, I'm going. It's a low-life operation.
I think I can handle it without lifting a finger.
Pleasant place.
Only temporary. I'm surprised to hear you left Outworld...
just to end up travelling the roads of Earth Realm...
the dutiful servant of Quan Chi.
It's a business.
- Why don't you tell us more? - Why should I?
So you can find out what I want.
Come on, Qali. You were intrigued enough to come here.
Very well.
I travel with NetherRealm souls he's given me.
I find new hosts for them.
We hold a contest to chose the best fighters.
The strongest is killed and the soul is transferred into the body.
- But the result is not a mortal being. - No.
They become the Undead. Powerful creatures than cannot be killed.
You are building his army.
What he does with them is his business. Quan Chi is a very rewarding employer.
- I can offer you more. - For what?
For one body.
Kung Lao's.
This is what I've come for? There's nothing new here...
you wanting Kung Lao dead.
Yes, but listen carefully.
I want his body as a vessel for a new soul. One that I supply.
Think of it.
The face of Kung Lao with a soul that is mine to control.
A Kung Lao who will lose the next Mortal Kombat when I command him to.
Interesting plan, but what's in this for me?
After winning, I'll be in a a position of power and influence with the Emperor.
I could see that your precious realm is restored.
You could get out of this travelling show, back to where you belong.
Perhaps... on Edenia's throne.
If I agree, then I have to betray Quan Chi?
It's not a betrayal if he doesn't know about it.
This will remain between us.
Still, Kung Lao has to be beaten.
Who's the fighter?
I will take care of that.
Qali.
- We already had our talk. - Time for another one.
- You said you'd stay out of our way. - And I have.
Not far enough.
Pack up your show and get out of town.
Are you going to throw me and my people out all by yourself?
If I have to. Be smart. Move on before things get ugly.
Believe me...
they're ugly right now.
Let's see if you can convince these two.
- Which one? - You'll see.
Couldn't find anyone bigger, huh?
But do you really think he'll be able to beat Kung Lao?
In a fair fight, who knows?
But in a closed arena, surrounded by the Undead...
With his soul in Kung Lao's body...
I will deliver Earth Realm to the Emperor and take my rightful place in Outworld.
- Siro, what's wrong? - Go get Lori. I want her to hear this.
- Yeah, okay. - You hurt bad?
I should have gone with you.
I'm okay. Where did The Festival go?
I don't know. They packed up.
They must've gone to another part of the city.
Damn. We've got to find them.
What happened?
Two guards. I got into a fight. I stabbed them both...
not a drop of blood. And they didn't go down.
Immortals?
Whatever they are...
there's a lot more to this than costumes and a few fights for money.
- Lori's gone. - How? I've been out here all night.
Open window. Out the back.
She must have gone back to compete in the fights.
We have to stop her, she'll be slaughtered.
How do we deal with guards that can't be killed?
What guards? Why can't they be killed?
We'll explain on the way.
Let's just get Lori and get the hell out of there.
Come on.
Let the final match of the night begin.
Stop this!
What are you doing here, Kung Lao?
I've come for you, I'm taking you away from this.
You can't. I've been fighting and I've been winning.
You think you have, Lori. But hasn't it all been a little too easy?
- This is my chance! - This is a lie.
They're setting you up to lose.
I know this woman. She's dangerous.
This fight will go on, Kung Lao.
Then let me take her place.
On one condition.
Name it.
If I win, then The Festival must leave the city immediately.
Agreed.
Fool. Kung Lao will walk right through her.
Maybe. But I'm not the one he'll be fighting.
Sorry.
Lori, no, don't do this. Don't listen to her.
Should I listen to you, Kung Lao?
The one who had no faith in me, who turned away from me?
Like I said, the fight will go on.
And Kung Lao is supposed to go up against a dead man?
No.
He's very much alive.
It will be a fair contest.
Begin!
No!
You fools!
No. Not him!
Not all of them at once!
No. No!
Lori!
Let's get out of here.
- Wait! Lori... - No!
No. She's dead, Kung Lao. I saw her die.
We can't go back in. Not now.
It must be odd...
being alive among the dead.
The only one who needs to eat.
The wagon's parked outside the city.
We're leaving as should you.
Sort of like catching smoke, wasn't it?
Getting all those souls back where they belong.
There's plenty of mistakes to go around here.
Don't cross me again.
This is a good work out! You are doing well.
I just wanted to learn something spectacular!
You think you can just lie to him and get away with it?
Did she tell you it's for money? Big money!
Please, don't turn away from me.
You are what matters.
But what do you really want? Do you want me?