A plane of the Netherrealm can be seen. In this part of Hell, a sea of blood crashes upon a rocky shoreline, amidst the carcass of a long dead sea creature. Rocky outcroppings of land, along with what appear to be bulbous pores growing from the rocks themselves could be seen along the coastline.

Across the shoreline, the Grandmasters of the Shirai Ryu and Lin Kuei walk toward their destination. They stop to take in the view of a large bridge of rock, too thin to be a natural occurrence, and with no visible support from one end to the other, stretching across the skyline.

On the bridge itself, a massive army, numbering in the thousands, of Netherrealm oni and Cyber Lin Kuei can be seen walking across it. A glowing figure beaming light from her being hovers high above the bridge, and that figure is Cetrion.

A close up on her face reveals she is visibly straining, and her arms are held aloft in the air. It becomes apparent that the constructed bridge of rock is her doing, and she is focusing on keeping it aloft for the army of demons to traverse across it. Back on the shoreline, Hanzo Hasashi looks to Kuai Liang.

"Those warriors must be headed for Kronika's Keep." Hanzo says.

"Agreed. But why not use Kharon's fleet? The bridge clearly taxes her power." Sub Zero asks.

"The fleet's bound to Kharon. It sails only by his command. That it's still moored suggests he won't help Kronika." Hanzo says.

"In which case he may help us." Sub Zero says.

Back on the bridge, the last of the Netherrealm army has finished crossing. Still focusing as best she can, Cetrion disperses the bridge, causing it to disintegrate into a green mist. On the shoreline, a scream of agony resonates across the surroundings. Scorpion turns to look at a nearby shack, determining that was where the scream came from.

"It looks like Kharon is home, perhaps hosting some unwelcome guests." Hanzo says.

He then turns to Sub Zero.

"Return to Earthrealm. Tell the others we've found him. We'll deploy as soon as I return." Hanzo says.

"Are you certain Kharon will aid us?" Sub Zero asks.

"No. But he's our best chance." Hanzo replies.

After Sub Zero leaves the Netherrealm, Hanzo Hasashi approaches the shack, taking cover behind an outcropping of rock. He then peeks through the window of the shack, where he sees Kharon.

Kharon himself would almost pass for an old human, were it not that his skin on the top of his head is pitch dark and his eyes a milky grey. He is also laid on a table, wrapped in a webbed cocoon. Across the shack, the creature responsible can he seen, who then drops down from the ceiling. It is D'Vorah.

"You should have aided Kronika, Kharon. Now you must suffer." D'Vorah says.

She then approaches the table and releases a swarm of insects from her hand. They engulf Kharon's face, but he remains defiant.

"I am immortal, D'Vorah. You cannot kill me." Kharon points out.

"This One needs only render you unfit to ferry Kronika's enemies." D'Vorah says.

She suddenly lurches forward in pain as something plunges into her back.

"GET OVER HERE!" Hanzo yells. D'Vorah is then violently yanked out of the shack window, courtesy of Hanzo's chained kunai. She falls onto the shoreline in a crumpled heap, but as Hanzo lands nearby, she pulls herself to a standing position with the help of her extendable stingers.

"First Shinnok, now Kronika. You fight for lost causes." Hanzo says.

"This One ensures the Hive's survival. You will not save the Shirai Ryu." D'Vorah says.

They then fight. In the past, D'Vorah has managed to overcome Hanzo, and her fighting ability and unique control over parasites and poison has not waned since then. But Hanzo's discipline and skill have also improved immensely, and he takes the fight to the Kytinn. After a brutal exchange, he beats her into unconsciousness.

"The Shirai Ryu will not fall." Hanzo promises.

A noise from behind him causes Hanzo to turn, but he reacts too late. His younger self teleports in and punches him square in the face, sending him sprawling across the shoreline. Hanzo struggles back to his feet as his younger self faces him down.

"Your clan of impostors will indeed fall." Scorpion says.

"I've restored the Shirai Ryu. Built a clan that's never been stronger." Hanzo says.

Younger Scorpion then angrily points a finger in his direction.

"On a foundation of pretenders and outsiders! Kronika told me." Scorpion says.

He then pulls out his ninjato sword and twirls it in his hands. Old Scorpion pulls out his own ninjato. Young Scorpion charges his older self, who meets the charge with one of his own. They clash, with Old Scorpion pressing the attack. His younger self blocks and parries his sword strikes, pushing back on him after their blades briefly lock.

They each block and deflect one another's strikes until Hanzo ducks a swipe from his younger self and delivers a counter stab, but Young Scorpion teleports away in a flash of hellfire before he can connect. This time, Hanzo is ready and does a 180 degree turn just as his younger self emerges behind him.

In what feels like slow motion, Young Scorpion throws his chained kunai, but Old Scorpion skillfully knocks it aside with his sword before it hits. He then grabs the chain, tugs on it to unbalance his younger self and ignites the chain with some hellfire of his own. The fire travels down the chain in an instant, torching Young Scorpion and forcing him onto his knees in pain.

Hanzo stops attacking, but his younger self is not willing to surrender just yet. He remains on one knee.

"Without our original bloodlines, there is no Shirai Ryu. Our clan's massacre extinguished them. Kronika will revive the true Shirai Ryu in the New Era!" Scorpion says.

He then stands back up and assumes a fighting stance. Hanzo does so as well.

"Do not trust Kronika! She uses your anger to enslave you, as Quan Chi did both of us. I let go of my rage, and it saved me. To save yourself, you must do the same." Hanzo explains.

They then fight. The battle is truly an epic one, with both kombatants equally matched in strength, fighting skill and powers of hellfire. But the elder Scorpion has one thing the younger lacks; control over his anger. He uses it to fight intelligently, gradually finding weak spots in his younger self's attacks and taking advantage. After a hellacious battle, the younger Scorpion is finally beaten into submission.

"It's past time you were freed. We both know what truly drives you. It's not Shirai Ryu pride... it's your wife... and child." Hanzo points out.

"Harumi and Satoshi were stolen from me. Murdered. Seeing them again is all that matters." Scorpion says.

He then stands back to his feet, still enraged.

"We share this pain. I fought through Hell to end it. But Kronika's New Era is not the remedy. She would resurrect Shinnok, the same devil who brought death to our family and clan. He cannot be allowed to return!" Hanzo explains.

Hanzo walks up to his younger self, who is ready to fight, but taking in the words spoken to him.

"When I revived the Shirai Ryu, I vowed our clan would ensure Earthrealm's protection." Hanzo explains.

He then holds out his hand. His younger self recoils from it.

"Help me keep that promise." Hanzo asks.

Young Scorpion looks away from him, lost in thought. As he looks at his older self in the eye again, his look changes from thoughtful to horrified, as four stingers arise behind Old Scorpion. He turns around just as D'Vorah stabs Hanzo in the chest, the blow so powerful the stinger goes clean through his body.

He grabs the stinger with his hand, but is unable to pry it loose. D'Vorah comes in closer, fondling his cheek with her hand in what could be described as a twisted lover's embrace. Her other stingers lightly tap Hanzo's body, until one of them finds a soft spot, stabbing into his side. He groans in agony, but remains defiant, and he suddenly channels hellfire through his entire body, blasting D'Vorah away from him. He struggles to remain upright, though.

"Poison..." Hanzo realizes.

He then groans and falls to one knee. D'Vorah stands back to her feet, grinning sadistically.

"Kronika knew your past sins would distract you. Now This One ends your misery." D'Vorah says.

Unbeknownst to her, Young Scorpion sneaks up on D'Vorah from behind and chops off all four of her stingers with his ninjato. She falls to her knees.

"Now, you die!" Scorpion says.

D'Vorah suddenly whirls around and blasts a swarm of insects into Young Scorpion's face. As he backpedals and destroys them with a burst of hellfire, D'Vorah scrambles backwards on all fours in a reverse crab walk, before burrowing underground. Ignoring her escape, Young Scorpion rushes to his elder self's side, who still has not risen from one knee.

"Raiden is at the Fire Gardens. Enlist Kharon's aid. Bring Raiden's army to the Keep. You must!" Hanzo asks.

"You have my word." Scorpion promises.

Old Scorpion almost stands fully, but staggers. Young Scorpion catches him before he can fall, bringing him to gently rest in his arms.

"The new Shirai Ryu are worthy. It's heart, not blood, that makes them warriors." Hanzo says.

With those final words, Hanzo Hasashi slumps forward... and breathes his last.

Later in the Fire Gardens, just as a breeze blows the autumn leaves into the sky, Liu Kang, Sub Zero and Manado (who has requested to Mileena to join the Earthrealmers) walk together in conversation.

"Your Shaolin masters, they're ready?" Sub Zero asks.

"They will fight until the last man." Younger Liu Kang says.

"And Outworld, Manado?" Sub Zero asks.

"All will fight until their last breath." Manado says.

"That is likely what it will take." Sub Zero says.

"There will not be a fight if Kharon does not help us. Is there any word from Grandmaster Hasashi?" Younger Liu Kang asks.

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

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

"Oh no." Manado realizes.

"Wrong Scorpion. This cannot be good." Younger Liu Kang says.

"Get Raiden!" Sub Zero orders.

As Liu Kang and Manado run off, Sub Zero faces Scorpion down.

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

"Why are you here, Scorpion? Where is Grandmaster Hasashi?" Sub Zero asks.

"...He is dead." Scorpion replies.

"And now you have come to finish us." Sub Zero says.

"I understand your mistrust, but I am here to assist you!" Scorpion assures.

"I find that impossible to believe!" Sub Zero says.

They then fight. As has been the case with their many fights before, Scorpion and Sub Zero are equally matched in skill, strength, speed and powers. But this time, it is Sub Zero who fights recklessly, allowing Scorpion the opportunities he needs to exploit his weaknesses. After a back and forth exchange, the wraith knocks the Grandmaster to the floor.

"You misunderstand my intentions." Scorpion says.

Suddenly, a lightning blast catches Scorpion square in the chest. He is hurled backwards and crashes to the ground hard. Raiden stands above the beaten Sub Zero, his hands charged with lightning. Liu Kang and Manado stand beside him.

"Who sent you here, Scorpion?" Raiden asks.

Scorpion struggles to his feet.

"My future self is dead. I am here at his behest." Scorpion says.

"Grandmaster Hasashi sent you?" Younger Liu Kang asks.

"I honour his dying wish. Kharon will ferry your armies to the Isle of Kronika. We must leave at once." Scorpion explains.

"Do you have proof of Kharon's offer? Raiden asks.

"...Only my word." Scorpion replies.

"Your word is worthless. At the tournament, I trusted you to spare Bi-Han, and you betrayed me." Raiden points out.

"A mistake born of rage. I seek redemption." Scorpion says.

"Lies, Scorpion! You are a slave! And Kronika is your master!" Raiden snaps.

They then fight. Scorpion finds himself in the battle of his life. Raiden himself is at full strength in Earthrealm, he has the power of thunder and lightning at his beck and call and thousands of years of fighting experience. It takes all of Scorpion's martial arts skill and powers of the Netherrealm to even keep in the fight, but he refuses to fall, and manages to knock the Thunder God to his knees for a moment.

"Raiden, you must listen!" Scorpion says.