One man stands in my way of conquering Earth Realm...
yet he escapes death from every assassin.
Alone even the very best are not good enough, but together as allies...
Two skilled killers can destroy Kung Lao.
I must make the plan work.
I'm pleased my summons was taken seriously.
Your invitation was... intriguing, Emperor.
And my orders are always obeyed.
By those you control. We're here freely, Shao Kahn.
The Lin Kuei are of Earth Realm.
An unconquered realm.
As yet.
- You brought the other? - Yes.
Show him.
- He looks young, untried. - Sub-Zero carries the ancient skills.
But can he use them as a warrior?
He's exceptional.
But acts before being ordered. Unlike my other guest.
It's time you met.
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.
- Oh... your toy just broke. - Who are you?
Peron, Scorpion's second in command.
An underling.
Touch her and die.
Enough!
You were not brought here to fight each other.
- Then why? - To fight together.
- With them? Never. - The Lin Kuei ally with no one.
Especially the dead.
Be very careful what you say.
You should both be careful. I'm ordering you to join forces.
- For what? - For vengeance...
and a prize.
Scorpion, you have fought Kung Lao twice and twice you were defeated.
- Scorpion was not... - Scorpion was defeated!
And you... you also fought Kung Lao yet he lives.
Alone you failed.
Together... you can kill him.
- And the prize? - Half of Earth Realm.
You both seek dominance there.
With Kung Lao dead, after the next tournament, it falls to me.
I offer you both one half when it does.
- To be divided how? - That I leave to you.
The Lin Kuei commit Sub-Zero.
Scorpion works alone.
Either you work with the Lin Kuei or you work against me.
Done.
Good. Then go. Do it quickly.
Kill Kung Lao.
And then kill yourselves for all I care.
- Anything else you'd like? - Tall blonde and a couple of weeks off...
but I suppose that's not gonna happen, especially now.
Where are the other two?
- They should be up there. - Call them.
Now.
Siro, Taja, come down here.
What's going on?
What is it?
Rayden...
You got me running downstairs for him?
- It's important. - You called the meeting?
- You have a problem. A big one. - What?
- Someone's making a run at you. - That's nothing new.
- We can handle it, right? - You mean the three of you as a team?
- We have so far. We fight well together. - All right.
What if the other side teamed up?
- Shao Kahn? - He arranged it.
- What? - Scorpion and the Lin Kuei.
Not Sub-Zero.
- He and Scorpion have teamed up? - They have.
And you're wearing the bull's-eye on your back.
I don't know if we can stand against the both of them together.
Stand? We don't stand a chance against those two.
We've got to get out of here now.
- And go where? - At this point, I don't really care.
Taja, we just can't run.
We get our hands on every weapon we can and fight.
- But I still don't think we can beat them. - You like the alternative?
Aw, damn it, Rayden, would you stop being the bearer of doom and help us out here?
I can't. Not the way you need. You know that. But I will say this. Know your enemy.
What's that supposed to mean?
Learn everything we can about who we're up against.
- Look for an advantage. - And do it quick. You don't have much time.
Really? Great. Thanks for that help.
- We have to get started. - Where're you going?
To send a message. I know someone who can help us.
Drop in and screw up our lives again soon.
Classic case of kill the messenger.
We have suffered the Lin Kuei for years.
We know much. The other, the warrior Scorpion...
I killed this warrior, but he's back again.
A dead soul. From NetherRealm. A dishonoured fighter.
- Do you know his origin? - Yes... sort of.
Somehow an evil soul was transferred into an old friend of mine.
Takeda.
I remember Takeda was involved with a woman.
Peron was her name.
- If there's any part of him left in Scorpion... - He'd contact her.
My brother Cassar mentioned a woman, a commander in Scorpion's army.
Learn everything you can about Sub-Zero.
- I'll try and find Peron. - Good.
Now, about the Lin Kuei fighter Sub-Zero...
we were hoping if we could find his family...
maybe we could learn something that could help us.
About the man within the monster.
Many victims of Lin Kuei raids come to us for solace, after they've lost their children.
- His age? - About mine.
There are six such families.
We'll split them up. Three a piece.
Fair enough.
Thank you.
Tread carefully, Kung Lao. You'll be opening old wounds.
Miss, can you help?
- Please, please. Help me. - Yes.
- Give me something. Please. - Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
I'm looking for a woman I was told lives here. Aavi.
Aavi? I'll take you to her.
What do you want with her?
Just some answers.
Not likely.
She's gone.
But you just said she was here.
In body...
not in mind.
Aavi.
What happened?
Went mad after her husband was killed trying to save their son.
Her son?
- Yes. Was he taken from her? - Stolen...
so they say. Whatever... it broke her.
For the harm they've done.
More need for this.
Get over here.
- I take no orders from you. - No?
I thought you were good at it after all the years spent grovelling at your master's feet.
We're both here on Shao Kahn's orders.
- Shao Kahn is not here now. - Did he send you instead?
- He knows who should run things. - You and your snake creature?
- Better that than a bag of ice. - Ice kills. Want to die again, dead man?
After you, ice-man.
No tricks, frosty.
I don't need my powers to defeat you.
Neither do l. I'll kill you with my own hands.
Back off!
Need a woman's help?
You should save your skills for Kung Lao.
They'll be used on anyone who gets in my way.
Your way?
As much as yours, we're equals in this business.
There can't be two leaders.
Equals, or not at all.
He'll have to be dealt with.
- Yes. And so must the Emperor. - I'll never share with the Lin Kuei.
Then don't.
- Take him out of play. - How?
I've been following the ice ninja, watching him.
I know how to defeat him.
With memories... from his past.
- Where is he? - Gone.
- He left the compound alone. - He does much alone.
- Too much. - Sub-Zero's totally ours. We saw to that.
Centuries of Lin Kuei training have passed through us to him just like the others.
- Yet he's not like them. - No.
And now he's needed more than ever...
to do Shao Kahn's bidding.
And ours.
We won't honour the alliance with Scorpion?
Only as far as it serves us. The Lin Kuei share with no one.
Find Sub-Zero.
He must know his full task.
He must kill twice.
Took Taja's advice, huh? Picking up and getting out of here?
No, I'm not. I'm going to meet some families.
So is Taja. One of them might be Sub-Zero's.
- You're going to meet Sub-Zero's family. - Yeah. Like you said, get to know the enemy.
Well, that's good.
The world is about to drop in on your head...
and you're going off to meet mummy and daddy.
You think they'll convince their son not to turn you into an ice ball?
- No. - Good answer...
because you're up to your armpits in trouble, pal.
- Yeah, I know. - Sub-Zero and Scorpion.
- Got it. - On a scale of one to ten...
ten being the most trouble, you're an eleven.
Is that why you came over here? To remind me how truly hideous things are?
- Pretty much. - You need to get a hobby or something.
- Have one. It's you. - Lucky me.
Glad you appreciate it.
Give my love to the Zeros.
Siro...
Sorry. Just being careful.
What happens when you get a little edgier?
I know, I know.
Did you talk to Takeda's girlfriend, um, Peron?
No. She disappeared right after he...
After Scorpion took him over.
Where'd she go?
No one knows or cares.
Let's just say Peron wasn't a really popular lady in her neighbourhood.
But she and Takeda were very close.
- She join him? - My guess. How'd you do?
Well, I've checked out three possible families... or what was left of them.
- None seemed right for Sub-Zero. - Kung Lao?
Still looking, I guess. I don't envy him.
The Lin Kuei's left a pretty painful trail.
Scorpion, we've come as you commanded.
You have a mission for us?
Kung Lao is searching for Sub-Zero's family.
- Find them first and silence them. - As you command.
No! Not her!
Please!
- Are you all right? - My leg.
- How bad is it? - My leg's broken.
- It was like the last time. - Last time?
It's all right. It's all right. They didn't get our girl. She's here, see?
We'll need to set your leg. I'll take you into town.
You've done too much already. You have to come now.
There may be more of them around.
He's right, we can't stay here!
- Some, uh, bread and fruit, if you'd like. - Thanks.
Sure, let me get you some wine.
- Is that comfortable? - Seems fine. I'm grateful for everything.
Just glad I was there. You said this happened before.
Yes. Many years ago. Before Lisa was born.
Same thing. They came out of the dark. It was frightening.
My wife has never really recovered.
She lives with the fear of it happening again.
Uh, Kung Lao, can I talk to you for a second?
Look, I know they're in trouble...
but did you have to bring them here? I mean, now with what we're fighting?
They were under attack, Siro. I wasn't just gonna leave them out in the woods.
Yeah.
- You sure they were Scorpion's men? - They wore the colours.
- But why? - Don't know.
But they were trying to kill them or kidnap them.
Pretty sure they're Sub-Zero's family.
Then I really don't get it. They were supposed to be teamed up.
So why does Scorpion go after a bunch of innocent people?
You got me. Maybe they're at each other's throats.
Scorpion can't take Sub-Zero, so he lashes out at the family.
Or plans to take them as a bargaining chip.
Mmm, could be.
If that's true, this could be the break we need.
Or it could make things worse.
Could make things tougher.
- Does Sub-Zero even know his family? - I have no idea.
Well, whatever it is, if Scorpion is after them...
- they really can't stay here. - I agree.
Once they're able to travel, we should move them.
Kung Lao.
Lin Kuei!
- Lisa! - Lisa!
Scorpion!
Fatal mistake.
Siro, go! Wait, wait.
No. You stay. You saved them once. I'll go.
Are you all right? Oh, what happened?
Poor thing, you look scared to death. Here, let me help you.
Come on. Come on, it's okay.
Message sent.
One message for another.
Lisa...
Regardless of the alliance, you are not welcome here.
What alliance?
What is that?
All that remains of Peron.
Cold, isn't it? Cold as death.
- It was frozen when I found it. - What does this mean?
Sub-Zero killed her. Along with two of my best ninjas.
- This is impossible. - You question me?
Get them away from me before I rip out their throats.
- Where did the woman die? - In an attack with Kung Lao.
Sub-Zero has joined him.
No...
Yes. And he will pay at my hand.
If what you say is true, we will deal with Sub-Zero.
He's mine.
Leave.
If he's defied us...
That, of all things, can never be tolerated.
Show him who has the power over him.
- How's my wife? - Grieving. Taja's with her.
I'm so sorry we couldn't save her.
I'm grateful to your friend for bringing her body back.
He didn't.
Sub-Zero?
He brought her to the gate and left.
They came that night years ago...
they took my son.
But you know that, don't you?
Is that monster my son?
Your son was good.
We'll have to move you out of here. It's not safe.
- I'll arrange it. - Kung Lao...
I needed to hear what you said.
About my son.
Thank you.
I have come as ordered.
Scorpion has accused you of treachery.
He reports that you killed his ninjas during an attack on Kung Lao...
and that later you killed the woman with him.
He attacked a family. His woman murdered a young girl.
What is that to us?
Answer the charge, have you betrayed us and joined Kung Lao?
I owed him a debt, which is now paid.
What debt?
The family Scorpion attacked that Kung Lao saved...
that family was mine.
Yours? Your family? It is the Lin Kuei who housed you, fed you, clothed you.
We protected you and trained you. We are your family.
This you have been taught your whole life. We made you!
True.
But I still remember the others.
Then you are not ready.
The Emperor will be informed.
- You will remain here. - I will return here when Scorpion is dead.
- You dare defy us? - If I must.
Then die a traitor.
Must I kill again?
He's still out there.
I know.
I see him move once in a while without a sound out in the darkness.
Question is, is he here for you... or for Scorpion?
I don't know.
Is his family safe?
Siro hired some guards to take them back to the country.
They wanted to bury their daughter in their village.
Yet he remains.
An act of honour maybe. Or even friendship.
Do you think it's possible he's become a sort of an ally?
Interesting thought.
Together you would be a match for almost anything Outworld could throw at you.
Should I ask him?
Suit yourself.
Just remember, Sub-Zero's complex enough.
And his life has just become more complicated.
Yes, he could actually be your friend...
but he could also kill you in a second.
Thanks again for such a definitive answer.
Just doing my job.
Five entered this alliance...
now there are only two.
- Peron is dead. - As is a Grand Master of the Lin Kuei.
And what of your rogue? Where is Sub-Zero?
- He will be found! - By me!
All of this talk and no mention of Kung Lao.
Kung Lao! The man I ordered dead!
Your hatred for each other is destroying my plan.
Send me back. I will use every ninja in the Lin Kuei if necessary.
Yes, you will. And you will fight at their side.
- I have no need for the Lin Kuei. - You do!
They know Sub-Zero's powers and how to weaken him...
and you need Scorpion for the kill.
Now you work together or you suffer your punishment separately.
Now go!
Be very quiet.
- What are you doing here? - This is where he'll come.
I'm sorry about your sister.
- My father? He knows who I am? - Yes.
- The other two, where are they? - Downstairs. On guard.
The fight will be soon.
- And if we win, what then? - We?
- This fight is mine. - And what happens after?
We'll return as before.
- You'll go back to the Lin Kuei... - No. They're dead to me.
You can stay here. Fight for something that matters. For Earth Realm.
For your world.
You know nothing of my world.
We are too different, Kung Lao.
Both raised from childhood for one thing...
to fight.
I was raised to kill.
- Why? - It won't kill you.
This no longer concerns you.
It's personal.
Siro!
Where's Kung Lao?
Behind me. We must move quickly. Scorpion's here.
- He's here? - In the square. With others.
Do you have weapons?
- In the store room. - Get them now.
- What are you doing? - This is not your fight.
- Is he turning on us? - No. We'd be dead.
Then what's he doing?
If he's going out alone, he's getting himself killed.
Where are you?
Here.
You killed Peron.
And you killed my sister. This battle is between us now.
To the death.
You're finished.
Finish him.
Siro.
Got 'em. Come on.
Scorpion!
He's gone.
- Sub-Zero? - He disappeared.
- What about the ones you chased? - Two less Lin Kuei to worry about.
There's plenty more where they came from.
Yeah, and I'd like to see 'em all dead.
Oh, you'll see some, that's for sure. The ones they sent after Sub-Zero.
What did he do to them?
The worst thing he could.
He wouldn't let his will be completely crushed.
Not only that. Remembering his family, honouring a debt. I wish he'd stayed.
Are you kidding?
- No. I asked him to. - Unbelievable. What did he say?
- He said we were too different. - He's right.
Are you all three friends?
- Yeah. - Yeah.
- Yes. - And do you trust each other?
Yes.
- Yeah. - Yeah.
In the Lin Kuei, friendship is forbidden.
Considered a warrior's flaw.
And trust is only given to the group.
Don't be fooled by a flicker of emotion.
He's a cold-eyed killer.
On the run.
Yes, and with a blood oath against Scorpion.
He's all alone now, cut off from everything he knows, with allegiance to no one.
He's more dangerous than ever.
A Grand Master of the Lin Kuei is dead.
Murdered by one of our own.
It was an act of treachery, and his death will be avenged.
The murderer is Sub-Zero who is now and forever a mortal enemy of the Lin Kuei.
He will be found and destroyed.
One of you will hunt him.
One of you will kill him.
Smoke...