At the beach of Kronika's Keep. Dead oni are strewn about the place, as the alliance of the Special Forces and Shaolin Monks walk toward the Keep. Leading them are Shang Tsung, Raiden, Nightwolf, Fujin, Young Jax, Jacqui, Young Zaveer, and Old Jax.

On the balcony surrounding the keep, the revenants of Hanzo and Liu Kang observe them.

"They are unaware of our army's full strength." Revenant Hanzo says.

"We will unleash hell." Revenant Liu Kang says.

At the doors of the Keep, Fujin readies the crown of Kronika. Raiden spots the revenants looking down on them.

"We must capture him, quickly." Raiden suggests.

"Now, Fujin." Shang Tsung says.

Fujin then takes the crown in his hands and carefully places it on his head. He grimaces and cries out as he struggles to contain its power, but he regains his composure after a few moments. He summons the wind and blows down the gates of the keep, knocking them straight over. He falls to his knees from the exertion and quickly yanks the crowd off his head. The Raidens then kneel down by his side and try to help him up.

"I need but a moment. (To Raiden) Lead the charge!" Fujin says.

"Go! I'll cover him." Jax assures.

Raiden then summons his lightning powers and levitates into the air. Underneath him, the Special Forces and Shaolin monks charge into the keep, led by Jacqui, Nightwolf, Younger Jax and Shang Tsung. They charge across the bridge and straight into the Netherrealm army.

A soldier brings his gun to bear on an oni, but the demon throws his weapon aside and slashes him across the neck, tearing his throat out. Another soldier shoots the oni with his pistol and grapples it, while next to them another oni grabs a soldier by the head and bites into his neck. Next to them, another soldier is disemboweled by an oni wielding a mace and bashed aside.

An oni slashes at a monk, but the blow is parried and the monk punches him backward. A soldier slashes an oni in the back of its ankle. Another soldier stabs an oni in the side and shoots it in the head at point blank range with his pistol, only to be suddenly picked up by an oni with wings and dragged into the air. The winged demon grapples him in a rear naked choke and then tears him in half. As his remains fall back to the ground, Nightwolf sidesteps a swipe from an oni and hits it in the back of its knee with his tomahawk. He finishes it with a swipe that takes its head off.

In the sky, Raiden charges up a lightning blast and lets loose with a barrage of strikes. At least fifty oni are caught in the blast and instantly killed. Raiden somersaults through the air and lands back on the ground, readying a pair of lightning blades. He slashes out at any oni that charges him, the blades outright disintegrating the oni they connect with.

Raiden takes down several oni in this fashion, stopping to look over at twenty five more bearing down on him. He slams the blades into the ground, channeling lightning through the ground and frying the attacking oni around him. He looks up to the Keep's balcony, spotting the revenant Liu Kang leaping into the air. He somersaults through the air and lands a few feet away from Raiden. They face each other down.

"Time after time, Kronika's schemes have pitted us against each other. That cycle must end, Liu Kang." Younger Raiden says.

"You... will have to kill me." Revenant Liu Kang says.

"I would rather save you." Younger Raiden says.

Liu Kang then charges directly at Raiden... and suddenly, the bones in his right leg burst out of his body. Liu Kang crumples to the ground, writhing in pain and clutching his newly broken leg. Raiden looks down on him in shock.

"By the Elder Gods!" Younger Raiden says.

On the ship ferrying the Outworld troops. Sindel stands with one foot on Kitana's head, and Liu Kang clutches his right leg, writhing in pain.

It is clear that in the midst of his fight with Nightmare, Shao Kahn was able to find an opportunity to break Liu Kang's leg just as Nightmare charges to him again, forcing him to backpedal. Knowing that he can't physically hit Nightmare, Shao Kahn resorts to using his soul magic and sends blasts of energy towards Nightmare, who avoids the blast with ease. Nightmare then charges in and swiftly grabs hold of Shao Kahn and hovers into the air. He then prepares his red energy to finish him, but Shao Kahn manages to send a blast of soul energy to Nightmare's face, forcing him to remove his grip. Nightmare then looks to see Shao Kahn lift his Warhammer into the air, and swing downward directly at Liu Kang...

...and back at Kronika's Keep, the left leg of revenant Liu Kang suddenly bends at an angle it naturally wouldn't, bleeding profusely.

"Shao Kahn... he's smashed my legs!" Revenant Liu Kang groans.

"Shao Kahn?!" Raiden asks.

A warhorn sounds from back at the beach, prompting Raiden to turn around. A loud screech is then heard. Looking up, Raiden notices two beings rapidly descending from the air, the two beings hitting the ground a few seconds later. When the dust settles, Raiden sees Shao Kahn and Nightmare continuing their fight. Shao Kahn swings a left hook at Nightmare, but Nightmare grabs the upcoming fist and sends an uppercut to Shao Kahn's head, sending him flying and hitting a boulder. Shao Kahn looks up to find Nightmare charging towards him.

Meanwhile at the beach, the final of Kharon's ships crashes ashore. A battalion of Outworld forces are already ashore, and they stand and wait while the boarding plank is lowered to the ground. Immediately afterwards, a single object is thrown off it, rolling to a standstill directly in front of our view.

That object is the severed head of Kotal.

A moment later, Sindel strides down the boarding plank. Sindel lifts her hand into the air, prompting the Outworlders to burst out in cheers. As they start chanting, Sindel pumps her fists in the air and charges forward. Immediately her followers do the same, and the Outworld army plunges toward the Keep.

At the gates of the Keep, Old Jax, Raiden and Fujin look upon the army charging at them.

"There's the Sindel I remember." Jax says.

"No rest for the weary. Hold on to me!" Fujin suggests.

Jax then puts his arm around Fujin's shoulders, and Fujin supports him in the same way as he levitates into the air with his wind powers. They fly over a battalion of Special Forces soldiers, who ready their weapons against the Outworld army.

Fujin and Jax land just ahead of the Earthrealm forces fighting the Netherrealm army. Raiden walks up to them both.

"Fujin, the crown! I must wield it against Sindel and Shao Kahn!" Raiden says.

Fujin takes the crown in his hands.

"I will do it. Save your strength for Liu Kang." Fujin suggests.

"No, brother. The crown is our burden to share." Raiden says.

Fujin looks down at the crown, considers these words for a moment, and hands the crown to Raiden, who smiles at him.

"Thank you." Raiden says.

Just then, a clap of thunder sounds out above them, and Raiden lands down on the ground next to them. Unlike the Raiden already present, this one is coursing with lightning. He angrily strides towards them.

"Your lies are revealed, sorcerer!" Younger Raiden yells.

Both Raidens stand eye to eye. Fujin looks at them all... and back in horror at the one he just handed the crown to.

"Shang Tsung?" Fujin asks.

'Raiden' smirks in amusement and reverts back to his true form.

"You should be more vigilant, Fujin. Now, bear witness, as the power to decide destiny becomes mine." Shang Tsung says.

Shang Tsung then lifts the crown up and places it on his head. The effects are astounding - a gigantic tornado of souls arises around him, pushing Raiden, Fujin and Jax backwards. When it disperses, the souls are pulled back into Shang Tsung's body... which has dramatically changed appearance. He is now clothed in ornate gold and white attire, much like Kronika's minions wear. But most striking of all, he looks thirty five years younger, with dark flowing hair instead of grey, and his beard has completely disappeared.

Surrounded by the green glow of his soul power, he floats into the air, high above the heroes.

"This has always been your endgame, hasn't it? From the moment you were trapped in the void." Fujin asks.

"Kronika was wise to banish me." Shang Tsung says.

He then holds his hands up in the air in a grandiose pose.

"With this crown, I am her equal." Shang Tsung says.

"Your evil will not triumph!" Raiden yells.

Fujin then envelops Raiden in a tornado of wind and he flies directly at Shang Tsung. Shang Tsung doesn't even move as Raiden teleports behind him. As Raiden tries a knifing chop, Shang Tsung blocks it, then he blocks a reverse elbow and ducks under a roundhouse kick. He blocks another back elbow and leans backwards to avoid a left hook.

Raiden throws a spinning roundhouse kick, but Shang Tsung catches his leg and tosses him through the air. Raiden spins around but rights himself after a moment. He launches back at the sorcerer with a flying kick, but Shang Tsung deflects it once more, and leans back to avoid a right book. He parries two more of Raiden's strikes, ducks another roundhouse kick and grapples Raiden by his leg. He spins the Thunder God around multiple times before throwing him back down to the ground.

As Raiden falls, Shang Tsung summons two flaming skulls and shoots them down after him. Fujin jumps up and catches Raiden, but the skulls crash into them, causing them to fly backward and bowl over Old Jax on the ground. Shang Tsung laughs to himself at the destruction he has caused.

"All too easy." Shang Tsung says.

Back on the ground, Nightmare, who has pushed back Shao Kahn, looks to see Shang Tsung and begins his approach towards him. Distracted, Nightmare is then blasted back by Shao Kahn, his body skitting across the ground. Shao Kahn chuckles with sadistic glee before joining back with the Outworld army. As Nightmare rises again, he hears footsteps approaching him. He turns to see himself from this timeline approaching him.

"Having trouble there, my doppelgänger?" Old Manado asks.

Nightmare's body then warps before turning back into Older Manado.

"I Should've known you would show up eventually." Older Manado says.

"And I've heard that you have attacked an ally of ours?" Old Manado asks.

"I assume your referring to Cetrion?" Older Manado asks.

"You better have a good reason for attacking her. She helped us both when no one else did. And you just strike her down like she meant nothing to you." Old Manado says.

"Because I didn't have a choice! I went to the island to retrieve the crown and Cetrion arrived to claim it. I gave her a warning to stand down and she persisted, leaving me with no option but to strike her down." Older Manado explains.

"Even so, you still hurt her. Both physically and mentally." Old Manado points out.

"And I assume you were sent to strike me down in retaliation?" Older Manado asks.

"Not quite. Merely to make sure you don't make a mistake, which it seems like you already have." Old Manado says, looking up towards Shang Tsung. Older Manado does the same before looking back towards his younger self.

"If we're gonna have any chance to do this, we're gonna have to do the unthinkable." Old Manado says.

Older Manado then nods his head, understanding what he means.

"Agreed." Older Manado says.

"Fortunately, we won't be alone." Old Manado says.

He then moves to the side to reveal Younger Johnny, Younger Sonya, Cassie, and Zaveer. Older Manado says nothing, but smirks in anticipation.

Meanwhile, Nightwolf slams his tomahawk into the arm of an oni, following through with another slash on its shoulder. He chops it in the leg to knock it down, then chops another charging oni in the arm, following it by burying the tomahawk in its face. As it falls, Shang Tsung floats into his path.

"How does it feel? Knowing that you will be the last Nightwolf?" Shang Tsung asks.

"The Great Spirit will choose another. I may die, but the mantle will live on." Nightwolf says.

They then fight. In spite of his martial skill and all of the powers bestowed on him, Nightwolf cannot match the power of Shang Tsung. With Kronika's crown magnifying his magical prowess, he proves to be far stronger than anything the Native American has ever faced. It's not long before Nightwolf is beaten unconscious.

"Fool. The mantle dies with you." Shang Tsung says.

Shang Tsung then approaches his fallen form and readies his soul stealing ability.

"His soul is not yours to take!" Fujin calls out.

Shang Tsung stops the process as he spots Fujin and Raiden walking towards him.

"His soul - and yours - are mine." Shang Tsung says.

"You think us unprepared? Your treachery is expected, Sorcerer." Raiden says.

"You are incapable of choosing the righteous path!" Fujin points out.

"The path I choose ends with your souls sworn to my service. That future is now undeniable." Shang Tsung says.

They then fight. The combined strength of Raiden and Fujin would have, at one time, been too much for Shang Tsung to handle. But now, empowered as he is, not even the Earthrealm gods together can hope to match his power. Shang Tsung mercilessly unleashes the full force of Kronika's crown upon them. Despite their best efforts, Fujin and Raiden are overwhelmed and defeated by the sorcerer.

"Now, I choose your destiny." Shang Tsung says.

With the Raiden and Fujin down before him, Shang readies himself and starts to drain their souls from them. Raiden and Fujin are powerless to prevent it, and soon their bodies start to shrivel as they writhe in pain. However, Shang Tsung does not completely drain them, and as a result they are not left as lifeless husks, but barely alive and unconscious wrecks.

Shang Tsung revels in the boost of power the souls of the gods provide him. Behind him, Shao Kahn, Sindel and the Outworld army walk up, taking in the sight of the defeated Raiden and Fujin.

"Let's finish them." Shao Kahn suggests.

"With pleasure." Sindel says.

"No. Keep them alive. We can siphon their powers for Eternity." Shang Tsung points out.

"All the better." Shao Kahn replies.

He then motions to them as Three Shokan pick up their unconscious forms and drag them off.

Footsteps are then heard heading their direction. Shang Tsung, Shao Kahn and Sindel turn to find Older Manado running towards them.

"This madness ends now, Shao Kahn." Manado says.

"Your friends are gone, Manado. What makes you think you can achieve victory?" Shao Kahn asks.

"He is not alone!" A voice calls out.

Shao Kahn and Sindel look to see Old Manado walks up at his side, followed by the two Younger Manados of this time. Standing on their left side stand Younger Johnny, Younger Sonya, Cassie, Zaveer, Younger Zaveer and the surviving members of the special forces. Older Manado then summons his red energy and a portal opens on their right. From the portal emerges the Cyber Lin Kuei led by Sub Zero, Scorpion, Frost, and Cyrax.

"Are you ready for one final fight?" Older Manado asks.

"As ready as we'll ever be." Younger Manado asks.

Four Manados nod line up beside each other.

"Now, move with me in sync and repeat my words." Older Manado says.

He then begins chanting a spell in an unrecognizable language as his arms begin glowing with his red energy. The other three Manados quickly follow, their arms also glowing with the same energy. They then chant in sync as the energy glows brighter. Manado then says one last thing.

"I call upon the gods to grant us this blessing. Increase our strength, merge us together, make us Whole!" Older Manado yells.

Suddenly, the Manados are engulfed in a bright red, glowing ball of energy, blinding everyone in the vicinity along with Shang Tsung, Shao Kahn, and Sindel. A moment passes and the energy begins to dim before disappearing. Shao Kahn, Sindel, and Shang Tsung look back to find that Manado's spell merged them all into one being as his appearance has changed as well. His skin changed color into a light gray, his hair turned white, his eyes became bright red, and his armor has changed as well, Blue in color and imbued with Earthrealm's Jinsei energy. His blade has now become a long silver sword, Osh-Tekk marking covering its entire length.

"What kind of power is this?" Sindel asks.

"Power that you cannot comprehend." Manado says, his voice reverberating with power.

Manado then looks towards Shang Tsung before closing his eyes to speak with the sorcerer telepathically.

"I know that we are sworn enemies, but I will deal with the Outworld army and we'll attack Kronika together." Manado asks.

"Very well. But be warned we will inevitably battle for the hourglass.." Shang Tsung says.

"I'm counting on it." Manado says.

Manado then opens his eyes before turning towards the two Zaveers.

"If we're to do this, I must unlock your true potential, my sons." Manado says.

Manado then summons his red energy and blasts the two Zaveers. They then begin glow with not only Manado's red energy, but their purple energy as well. After a moment, Manado ceases his magic and as the glowing subsides, it is revealed that the two Zaveers have merged into one in a similar way Manado has, only that Zaveer has more of an appearance like Manado's shadow demons, but a different being altogether.

"As a new being, you shall be given a new title. You shall be called... Malice." Manado says.

The newly named Malice then looks up towards him and nods his head before assuming a fighting stance. Manado then looks back towards Shao Kahn.

"And now Shao Kahn. Your region of terror ends... forever." Manado says.

Shao Kahn then laughs in a mocking tone..

"As if i would let the likes of you defeat me. Today, you will fall!" Shao Kahn says.

He then points his hammer towards Manado and his allies and the Outworld army immediately rushes in for the attack.

"Keep the army off our backs as much as you can. Malice and I will deal with Sindel and Shao Kahn.

The Special Forces soldiers and Cyber Lin Kuei warriors then charge towards the Outworld army. In short order, the two armies collide. One Cyber Lin Kuei punches a tarkatan through the chest as another is ripped in half by a Shokan fighter. The soldiers open fire on a group of tarkatan soldiers charging towards them. One manages to slip through and jumps into the air to strike down the soldiers, only to be blasted back by Frost. Frost then turns and pushes a Shokan warrior before freezing his legs in place. Unable to break free, Frost takes the opportunity and summons an icicle before stabbing it in the Shokan's chest.

Sub Zero can be seen knocking down another Shokan with a punch to the head. He then turns to see a tarkatan charging towards him, only to be hit by a green net, resulting in the tarkatan splitting into pieces before the pieces fall to the ground. Sub Zero smiles as he sees Cyrax approaching him.

"It's good to see you again, my Friend." Sub Zero says.

"Likewise, Sub Zero. I just wish it was under better circumstances." Cyrax says.

"I just glad to fight by your side once more." Sub Zero says.

The two then assume a fighting stance as a group of Shokan and tarkatans approach them.

Manado and Malice can be seen approaching Shao Kahn and Sindel, who are being guarded by a group of twenty or so Shokan and Tarkatans. The group then charges towards them. Manado merely raises a hand and sends a blast of red energy. Some of the soldiers are hit by the blast but the rest manage to slip past and approach the two of them. Malice then charges towards them and stabs a Tarkatan in the chest with his claws. As he rips his claws out of the Tarkatan, a Shokan charges towards him and swings a club down toward him. Malice manages to grab hold of the club and kicks the Shokan in the abdomen, pushing him back. Malice then grabs the Shokan by the head and rips the head off, blood pouring out as a result. Malice then turns to see another Tarkatan jump into the air with its arm blades unsheathed, ready to pounce on him. Malice acts quickly and with his new bladed tail, he stabs the tarkatan in the chest before throwing its body into a Shokan warrior, knocking them down. Manado then slices another Shokan in half with his sword before approaching Shao Kahn and Sindel, Malice following him shortly after.

"Your army has failed, Shao Kahn. Stand down, or your death will be more... excruciating." Manado warns.

"I am not finished yet. And I will not be finished by the likes of you!" Shao Kahn says.

Malice then looks towards Manado.

"Shao Kahn is mine." Malice says in a deep, raspy voice.

"Very well." Manado says.

With a loud screech, Malice charges towards Shao Kahn and pounces on him, pushing him back. Manado then approaches Sindel.

"In all my years of life. I would've never imagined you would be as evil as Shao Kahn, maybe even more. How could you love him more than your own flesh and blood?" Manado asks.

"Shao Kahn shows power and Control. While my daughter only showed weakness." Sindel says.

"Mercy and humility are not signs of weakness. They are signs of true strength. And now... I will avenge all those you've hurt. Kitana... Sheeva... Kung Lao... everyone you've hurt or killed, I will not fail them." Manado says.

They then fight. Sindel, despite her fighting skill and power, having been able to defeat and elder god in the past, Manado's new strength and power quickly proves to be overwhelming for the empress. It doesn't take long until Manado knocks Sindel to the ground.

"You have been dethroned, Sindel." Manado says.

Manado then approaches Sindel, and then summons his soul energy. He then blasts her with his magic and it engulfs her. Sindel can only scream in agony as her body begin to be drained. In short notice, the spell is complete and Sindel's body is no more than an empty husk.

"Worry not, Sindel. You will return... in a more positive light." Manado says.

Manado then turns to see Malice knocking Shao Kahn down. Malice then approaches him and grabs hold of his head. Malice then reels back his fist before sending it straight through Shao Kahn's chest. Malice continues and uses his other arm and sends through Shao Kahn's chest as well. Malice then proceeds to slowly rip Shao Kahn's body in two, blood flying everywhere and onto Malice's body.

"Good riddance." Malice says.

Shang Tsung looks on, a wide grin plastered on his face.

"How amusing." Shang Tsung says.

Malice then turns to see Manado approaching him.

"Are you alright, my son?" Manado asks.

"I've never been better, father." Malice replies.

Manado nods his head and turns towards Shang Tsung.

"It's time, Shang Tsung. Take us to the hourglass." Manado says.

Shang Tsung merely smirks as he turns to walk towards the hourglass. Manado, Malice, Sub Zero, and Cassie quickly follow.

Inside the Keep. Kronika manipulates the sands, with Cetrion by her side. The revenants of Hanzo and Sonya then run into the room.

"What now, Kronika? Shang Tsung and the Chujins have breached our defenses." Revenant Sonya asks.

"Victory is still at hand. We will put down Shang Tsung's defiance. But you will require more assistance." Kronika explains.

She then turns to Cetrion.

"Dearest Cetrion, you have served me admirably." Kronika says.

She holds out her hands, even though there is no warmth in the tone of her voice. Cetrion takes her hands regardless.

"Now there is one final service you must perform." Kronika explains.

Before Cetrion could respond, the door opens up, revealing Shang Tsung, Manado, Malice, Sub Zero, and Cassie. They then walk into the room to face down Kronika and the revanants.

"Shang Tsung, pretender to my role." Kronika greets.

She then turns to face them.

"Your strategy has been novel. But in the end, you will not prevail." Kronika says.

She then gather power from the hourglass and sends a blast of the power below her feet. Three figures quickly emerge. They are revealed to be Jade, Kung Lao, and Kabal, revenants once more.

Finish them!" Kronika commands.

The revenants then charge them, Hanzo facing off against Sub Zero, Cassie against Sonya, Jade against Malice, Kabal against Manado, and Kung Lao against Shang Tsung.

Kung Lao throws his bladed hat at Shang Tsung, but the sorcerer slides under it. Kung Lao jumps over his attempted sweep and rolls to his feet, catching the hat on its way back. He slashes at Shang Tsung's legs, but he hops over the swipe. Kung Lao swings the hat down at him, but Shang Tsung kicks his wrist to knock it away, then follows with several sidekicks that force Kung Lao to block, losing ground as he does so. A high kick breaks through his defenses and tags him in the face, allowing Shang Tsung to follow with a roundhouse kick to the gut.

Sub Zero and Scorpion swing at each other with blades. The blades bouncing off each other with each strike they send. They then are forced into a clinch, both attempting to overpower the other.

"You left me to die. Left me to be costumed by rage!" Revenant Hanzo says.

"I did nothing of the kind. It was you who wished for to return back to Earthrealm." Sub Zero points out.

"Silence!" Revenant Hanzo yells.

He then pushes Sub Zero and sends a blast of Hellfire, which is blocked by Sub Zero forming an ice wall to protect himself. Hanzo then bashes his way through the ice wall but is then frozen in place by Sub Zero.

"I'm sorry you've been succumbed by darkness once more. May you find peace in the afterlife. A better one." Sub Zero says.

Sub Zero then summons an ice axe and swings it down, slicing Revenant Hanzo's body in two, the two frozen pieces falling with a loud thud.

Cassie approaches Revenant, much to her dismay.

"I didn't think you would return, not after leaving me to die at the cathedral." Revenant Sonya says.

"You ordered me to leave. I did not abandon you." Cassie says.

"You left me to die. I'm disappointed in you." Revenant Sonya says.

Revenant Sonya then charges and sends a knee to Cassie's abdomen, pushing her back. Cassie receivers quickly and blocks an overhead strike by Revenant Sonya. She then sends punches her way and manages to land one to Revenants Sonya's face, followed by another to her chest, before ending with a flip kick, knocking her down. As Sonya attempts to rise again, Cassie quickly pin her to the ground with her foot on her chest before pointing a pistol straight to her head. Revenant Sonya smiles with sadistic glee.

"Go ahead. Shoot me. And you lose your mother forever." Revenant Sonya says.

Cassie is hesitant with a look of guilt and resentment. Taking a deep breath, Cassie gathers herself and glares at her mother's revenant.

"My mother died at the cathedral." Cassie says.

Revenant Sonya goes wide-eyed as Cassie pulls the trigger, the bullet penetrating her skull and she collapses as a result.

Jade and Malice swing at each other with their staff and bladed tail, respectively, each one expertly parrying and avoiding every swing at each other. Finally, several strikes from Malice cause Jade to lose her grip on her staff, and Malice immediately sinks his bladed tail straight through Jade's stomach, running her through.

Manado sends a spin kick towards Kabal, but Kabal manages to dodge the kick. He then slashes him across the cheek with his blades, but he counters another slash with a straight punch to her face. With Kabal stunned, Manado performs a double palm strike, knocking him backward right into Malice's bladed tail, impaling him right next to Jade. Malice yanks his tail free and both of the revenants fall over dead.

Behind them, Kung Lao snaps the neck of... Kung Lao... and then blasts Kronika with a burst of soul energy, knocking her backward. "Kung Lao" then swipes at his hat and reverts back to Shang Tsung, grinning sadistically.

Kronika lands hard on the ground, clearly in pain and unable to rise. Manado, Malice, Sub Zero, and Cassie stride toward her.

"How the mighty have fallen, Kronika. With your hourglass, we will fix what you have destroyed." Manado says.

Behind them, Shang Tsung smirks one more time, then blasts Manado, Malice, Sub Zero, and Cassie in the back with twin bursts of flame, knocking them down. He strides in front of Kronika and faces them down.

"Killing Kronika is MY destiny." Shang Tsung says.

Sub Zero and Cassie struggle back to their feet, clearly angered.

"Yours is to serve me. My obedient subjects, projecting my influence throughout the realms." Shang Tsung says.

"It's clear that he is drunk on the crown's power." Cassie says.

"Then let's finish him quickly." Sub Zero asks.

The two of them then approach Shang Tsung and assume their fighting stances.

"Your evil will not stand, Sorceror." Sub Zero says.

They then fight. Even with the strength to harm even elder gods, not even the power of Cassie's ancestral magic alongside Sub Zero's ice magic and fighting skills can hope to match Shang Tsung. With the magic of the crown and that of the souls he has taken, the sorcerer is far beyond any threat that they have ever faced. Shang Tsung eagerly dishes out the beating of a lifetime on Sub Zero and Cassie, leaving them a broken mess on the ground.

"Your soul is mine." Shang Tsung says.

Just as he did to Raiden and Fujin earlier, Shang Tsung readies his powers and unleashes his magic on Sub Zero and Cassie, draining them of their souls.

"Now your service to me begins." Shang Tsung says.

Unlike with the Earthrealm gods however, Shang Tsung holds nothing back, fully draining them of all of their souls. For a few moments, they wail in agony, but after that, they falls silent. As Shang Tsung laughs to himself, Sub Zero and Cassie have the last of themselves drained, now nothing more than ravaged husks.

Behind Shang Tsung, Kronika floats through the air and addresses him.

"You have no one left to betray." Kronika points out.

He then turns to face her.

"Concede, Kronika, while you have time. I'll let you live, to serve me in my New Era. Or would you prefer to be wiped from history?" Shang Tsung asks.

"Sculpting the Sands of Time requires great power and skill. You may wear my crown, but you are NOT a Titan!" Kronika points out.

They then fight. The battle against Kronika proves to be far easier for Shang Tsung than it was for Liu Kang. With the power of her crown at his disposal and the strength he has gained from the souls he has consumed, Shang Tsung matches and exceeds the Titan of Time's ability at every turn. In spite of her best efforts, Kronika is eventually left bloodied and beaten.

"Destiny is mine." Shang Tsung says.

He strides towards Kronika, who tries to desperately crawl away from him.

"You should have accepted my offer, Kronika. I would have allowed you to wield great influence. Surely service is better than death." Shang Tsung explains.

At his words, Kronika defiantly turns to face him.

"I do not serve. I am a Titan." Kronika points out.

"You WERE, Kronika." Shang Tsung corrects.

He then raises his hands and starts to drain her soul. Kronika looks up towards Cetrion, reaching out a hand towards her. Cetrion doesn't move, merely glares at her, not affected by what is happening to her mother. As her power flows into Shang Tsung, Kronika does not shrivel up like his other victims. Instead, she outright disintegrates into sand, and within a moment, nothingness.

"Time and destiny are now mine to command. Every realm will bend to my will." Shang Tsung says.

He faces the Hourglass and starts to manipulate the sands within with his magic. But Manado, Malice, and Cetrion approach him.

"Cease! Before you doom us all." Manado calls out.

Shang Tsung turns to face him.

"Try all you want, but your combined might would prove most... ineffective." Shang Tsung says.

Suddenly, A portal opens behind the three of them.

"He is not alone, sorcerer!" A voice calls out.

Shang Tsung then looks toward the portal. Out of the portal walks the Fire God Liu Kang. He strides toward the sorcerer, who stops manipulating the sands in surprise.

"Liu Kang! I thought your duties required that you stay behind." Shang Tsung says.

Liu kang then ceases his stride and stands beside Manado.

"A lie - something you know well." Fire God Liu Kang says.

Shang Tsung turns away, and in a moment, understanding hits him.

"I see now. The Hourglass shows that only I could wield the crown against Kronika successfully." Shang Tsung says.

He then turns back to him.

"You LET me win." Shang Tsung realizes.

Liu Kang smirks back in response.

"And to ensure victory, you sacrificed the lives of your friends." Shang Tsung says.

He then returns the smirk, clearly amused.

"How deliciously cold-blooded." Shang Tsung finishes.

"They are not gone, Shang Tsung. They will live again, in my New Era." Fire God Liu Kang assures.

"YOUR New Era?" Shang Tsung asks.

"OUR New Era." Manado corrects.

"You underestimate my prowess, Chosen Ones. I have the crown. I have absorbed Kronika's power. You both may have obtained godhood, but I am the Keeper of Time. You are no match for me.

"Kronika said much the same, Shang Tsung." Fire God Liu Kang points out.

They then begin to circle one another.

"You will share her fate." Malice says.

"Now hand over the crown." Fire God Liu Kang says.

Liu Kang summons his fire, which surrounds his body while Manado and Malice summon their red energy, which also surrounds their bodies.

"This is your only chance." Manado warns.

"My only chance? This is my triumph, and your final moments! Your worthless existence is at their end!

"No Shang Tsung. This... is your final moment." Cetrion says.

The four of them then fight. As was the case when they first clashed in the Mortal Kombat tournament, the battle is truly epic, with neither Shang Tsung nor Liu Kang and Manado getting any clear advantage for the majority of it, even with the aid of Malice and Cetrion. For what seems like an age, the newly born Fire God, the newly empowered Manado and Malice, the last surviving elder god, and the most treacherous being of the Mortal Kombat universe fight with every power they have, but eventually... it is Liu Kang, Manado, Malice and Cetrionwho prevail.

"Make no mistake, Shang Tsung... you have chosen this fate." Fire God Liu Kang.

Liu Kang then turns toward Manado.

"Would you like the honor of finishing him?" Fire God Liu Kang asks.

"It will be... an honor." Manado replies.

Manado then walks towards the downed Shang Tsung, who struggles to stand.

"I have waited over fifty years for this moment. You pain you've caused me. All the experiments you've inflicted on me. All of that just to turn me into a weapon of mass destruction. In the end, it worked. But now it has come to backfire upon you, Shang Tsung. For what you did to me, my family, and all the realms, you now will be subjected to the very pain you're inflicted upon them.." Manado says.

He then raises his arms as green soul magic envelopes his arms. He then sends out the and it envelops Shang Tsung's body, causing him to writhe in agony.

"No more timelines will be twisted by your evil." Manado says.

In a moment, he disintegrates into a ball of green energy, leaving the crown to fall to the ground. Manado then absorbs the soul into his body, causing him to groan as he absorbs all of Shang Tsung's power. In a moment, he regains his composure as he shakes his shoulders.

"Talk about pure irony." Manado says.

Malice then approaches him.

"Are you alright?" Malice asks.

"I'm alright, Malice. Never better." Manado says.

He then picks up the dropped Crown and turns towards Liu Kang.

"I believe this belongs to you." Manado says.

Liu Kang then grabs the crown.

"Thank you. Now it's time for us to fix what Kronika has destroyed." Fire God Liu Kang says.

"I do have one request to say to you." Manado says.

"Make your request." Fire God Liu Kang says.

"I know Raiden gave us both the task to be Earthrealm's protectors, but I was tasked to be Outworld's protector. I wish for me to continue on that path." Manado says.

Liu Kang then places his hand onto Manado's shoulder.

"You may have grown up in Earthrealm, but Outworld is your home. And it is your duty to protect it. Worry not." Fire God Liu Kang assures.

Manado then smiles at the Fire God.

"Thank you for understanding." Manado says.

Liu Kang nods as Manado turns towards Cetrion and approaches her.

"Cetrion, I..." Manado says before being cut off.

"You do not have to apologize, Manado. I persisted when I shouldn't have. I am in the wrong here. Forge the new era as you and Liu Kang see fit. I have faith that the both of you will forge a better, more virtuous timeline then my mother could ever have." Cetrion explains.

Manado smiles as he then bows to her. Cetrion places a hand under a chin and brings his head up. She then kneels down and plants a kiss on his lips, much to his surprise. After a moment, Catrion releases the kiss and backs up away from the hourglass.

"Until we meet again, Manado." Cetrion says.

Manado then turns towards Malice.

"This may be the end of era, but that doesn't mean it's the end for you, my son. I promise... that in the new era, you will live again. I can't promise that you will turn out to be the same, but what I can promise is a better future. A future that won't break our family apart again." Manado says.

Malice doesn't respond but quickly embraces Manado in a tight hug, which he returns with no hesitation. They stay in this state for a few moments before releasing their hug. As Malice moves to stand beside Cetrion, Manado approaches Liu Kang.

"Are you ready?" Fire God Liu Kang asks.

"Yes, Liu Kang." Manado says.

"Then together... let us begin." Fire God Liu Kang says.

Liu Kang then places the crown on his head, and his eyes spark with electricity. He has no problems at all with its power. His flames summoned to his body, Liu Kang alongside Manado float toward the Hourglass and begin to manipulate the sands within. Manado takes one last glance at Cetrion and Malice.

"Until we meet again." Manado says.

Manado turns back towards the hourglass as he and Liu Kang continue to manipulate the sands within the hourglass. For in time, a new era will soon begin.