It's a bright sunny day as a bird flies through a jungle. The sound of leaves being chopped cut through the jungle as Johnny Cage and a man named Adam move through the trees, Johnny with machete in hand.

"We're off the map. We should go back, re-check the route." Adam suggests.

"It's this way." Johnny says.

The two continue moving the jungle, Johnny cutting off branches that are in their path. They then reach a stone structure with a skull sculpted in its wall.

"The temple!" Adam realizes.

The two walk along a stone path leading to the temple and sitting in front of the temple lies a decaying body of a man, flies flying all over it and darts embedded in his back. Johnny then shines a flashlight in his face and beetles crawl out of the his mouth and over his head. Johnny seems to recognize the man.

"Goddammit, Alessia." Johnny says.

Johnny and Adam approach the skull and where the opening of the mouth is, lies several holes in the wall. Johnny places a hand on the wall where the holes are.

"The darts came from here." Johnny says.

Johnny then opens a journal and looks through it.

"Can you open it?" Adam asks.

"Without killing us? Let's hope so." Johnny replies.

The stone doors to the temple then opens up, courtesy of Johnny. He and Adam then turn on their flashlights and venture inside. They find themselves walking through a dark hallway where they eventually find a room within the temple.

"Turn 'em off. Yeah, we're definitely getting warmer." Johnny suggests.

He and Adam then turn off their flashlights and enter the room where the find lit fires within the walls.

"How are these still burning?" Adam asks.

"Oil bubbles up from the ground. The chamber channels it somehow." Johnny explains.

They then move through an entryway on the other side of the room and find themselves in a cave after hopping down a small cliffside. As they move through, they discover a tomb and in the middle lies some kinds of shrine. In the center of the shrine, a decaying body of a man wearing ancient armor sits on a throne and a large shield sits beside the body.

"Katara Vala. And his shield!" Adam realizes.

Adam then steps forward but Johnny holds arm out in front of him, ceasing his movement.

"What?" Adam asks.

Johnny gestures to the floor as a form of Liquid Metal lies around the shrine, several small and large sticking out.

"So, there's metal in the floor." Adam says.

"That's not just any metal. It's liquid mercury." Jonny informs.

"Shit! That stuff's toxic." Adam realizes.

"Fatal. Only step where I step." Johnny advises.

The two then begin to make their way through the liquid mercury, stepping onto the large stones. Adam ends up moving faster than he is and gets ahead of Johnny who then grabs his shoulder.

"What did I say?" Johnny asks.

Johnny then takes a step back and the stone he stands on sinks slightly into the liquid mercury. The shrine then begins to release more liquid mercury within the shrine. The two quickly move across towards the other side of the shrine. Adam nearly trips but manages to cross, slightly out of breath.

"I'm sorry. I --" Adam says before being cut off.

"Not now." Johnny says.

Johnny then looks at a reflection within the liquid mercury. He then looks to see reflection is coming from a large pillar standing in front of them.

"Get out the explosives." Johnny suggests.

"That's our bridge?" Adam asks.

"Do this right, it'll fall across." Johnny replies.

Adam then begins to place the explosives as a hand extends out of the liquid metal. Johnny and Adam witness as two female creatures emerge from the mercury.

"The Kalima. They're real?!" Adam asks in shock.

The Kalima then fly towards them.

"Keep working. I'll take care of the she-beasts." Johnny Cage says.

Adam nods his head and continues placing the explosives. Johnny steps forwards and confronts the Kalima.

"You disturb Katara Vala's slumber. For your sin, you die." The Kalima says.

They then fight. The Kalima prove to be very ferocious in their kombat with their strength and flight given them an advantage. Johnny Cage hones into his skills and manages to knock them down.

"Got no time to die, crazy lady." Johnny says.

Adam then places the last explosive onto the pillar before turning towards Johnny who approaches him

"You okay?" Adam asks.

"Yes. We ready?" Johnny asks, Adam nodding his head in confirmation.

The explosives chime up before exploding. The pillar falls, laying on top of the liquid mercury. Johnny and Adam stand behind a fire chamber, a safe distance from the explosives. The two then fist-bump.

"Physics, for the win. Let's go." Johnny says.

The two then walks across the pillar and make their way to the throne. Johnny wipes off some dust from the shield.

"This'll be worth millions." Adam says.

"It belongs in a museum." Johnny corrects.

Johnny then grabs hold of the shield and moves away from the throne. Adam steps closer towards the body as it suddenly springs to life and snarls at him. Adam, frightened, stumbles back and winds up falling into the liquid mercury. He writhes in agony as his skin begins to melt off his body. He manages to raise a hand out to Johnny before submerging into the mercury.

"Adam!" Johnny calls out.

Katara Vala then hops off the throne and swings a mace at Johnny who manages to duck, avoiding being hit. Johnny moves to the pillar and Katara follows. Katara then swings his mage again, managing to knock the shield out of Johnny's hands and sending him flying before hitting the ground. Johnny looks up to see Katara approaching him.

"You will not have it." Katara Vala says.

"You don't need it, you're dead. Speaking of which, you just killed my best friend. And I'm not one to forgive and forget." Johnny says.

They then fight. Katara proves to be a formidable opponent, his movements unpredictable in nature. However, Johnny's determination sees him through and manages to knock the undead warrior to the ground.

"Now, where's that shield..." Johnny wonders.

Johnny then moves past Katara, who the rises to his feet.

"I... am not yet defeated." Katara Vala points out.

Johnny looks towards him, standing next to the shield.

"Yes, you are." Johnny Replies.

Johnny then spins around with the shield before tossing it at him. The shield slices through the neck of Katara before bouncing off the wall and into Johnny's hands. The decapitated body of Katara then falls to the floor as Johnny looks at him, shield in hand.

"Time to go home." Johnny says.

"Cut! Print it!" A voice calls out.

"I knew it! I felt that one. You felt it too, right?" Johnny says in excitement.

A man then stands in front of Johnny, holding a clapperboard upside down.

"Temple of Katara Vala... Take 39... Tail state." The Clapper Board Person announces.

It is then revealed that the whole thing was a shoot for a movie as the crew cheers.

"That's a wrap." The man in the director's chair says.

An alarm then goes off as the man removes his headphones. He then hops off the chair and approaches Johnny.

"Steven. This was fantastic, thank you. Just like the old days. And these props? Jimbo killed it." Johnny says.

Steven chuckles as he takes the shield from Johnny.

"You did too, Johhny." Steven says.

He then begins to walk away but Johnny catches up to him.

"Hey, about my pitch. Y'know, the karate zombie thing? I'm thinking four films. Maybe a streaming series?" Johnny wonders.

"Johnny, I don't --" Steven says before being cut off.

Johnny Cage: "You're right. Not here. I'll swing by your office after I change." Johnny says.

"I can't. Have to meet with the editors. Marsha will call you." Steven says before walking off.

"Great! Have you assistant call me." Johnny says.

Johnny's wife, Cris approaches him.

"That was great, hon." Cris compliments.

"Wasn't it though? We need to celebrate. I'm thinking "private party"." Johnny says.

Johnny then goes to hug her but she holds her hands up in front of her, ceasing his movement.

"Johnny, We need to talk." Cris urges.

Johnny hangs his head down, deep in thought. Later at Johnny's mansion, Johnny and Cris can be seen inside having some form of an argument.

"You're not the martial arts mega-star you once were, honey. You're lucky Steven owed you a favor." Cris points out.

"I'm telling you, Cris, we're fine." Johnny dismisses.

"Can you join me in the fact-based universe? Just once? We're broke. We have to cut back!" Cris suggests.

Johnny scoffs.

"Cut back? On what?" Johnny asks.

"Step one is selling this place." Cris suggests.

Johnny moves to a table with a bottle of alcohol.

"I need a refill." Johnny says as he then refills his cup.

"Johnny, we can't keep this up. You spent ten thousand on that sculpture. Thirty thousand on that drone! And this damned sword. Three million dollars!" Cris points out.

Johnny turns towards her.

"Hey. Sento is history. That sword comes from a --" Johnny says before being cut off.

"That's not the point, Johnny!" Cris says.

"Cris, honey. The parts, the money. They're coming. Steven's movies is just the beginning. That's why I can't cut back. To be a success, I have to project it. If I don't... "Johnny Cage" is done." Johnny explains, placing his hands on her shoulders.

A look of sadness and frustration plasters on Cris' face as she then turns back towards Johnny, removing his hands off her shoulders.

"I didn't marry "Johnny Cage"! I married John Carlton. And I'd give anything to have him back." Cris says.

Cris then storms off.

"C'mon, Cris! Where are you going?!" Johnny asks.

Cris doesn't respond and merely leaves. Johnny gets frustrated with himself as he pours another drink.

"Fuck. How you like that, Mr. A-List?" Johnny asks himself.

He then the door open, thinking Cris walked back in.

"Thank god. Cris, honey, I --"

Johnny says before turning to see it wasn't Cris who walked but a man wielding a katana.

"Where's my wife?! What did you --" Johnny asks before being cut off.

"Your wife left. She's fine. You will be too, if you cooperate." The man replies

"What do you want?" Johnny ask.

"Sento." The man says, pointing his katana at the blade resting on a stand above the fireplace.

"You some kind of hired gun? Or do you know Sento's history?" Johnny asks.

"I know it. It's my family blade." The man replies.

"No. No way you're Taira clan. They've been dead for centuries." Johnny points out.

"Not dead. Hiding. With Sento in my hands, I'll lead us out of the shadows." The man informs.

"That's a great plan, stranger. Expect for one thing. Sento is mine. And I won't give it up without a fight." Johnny says.

They then fight. Johnny quickly learns that the man is no stranger to kombat. His skills prove formidable and his blade gives him a reach advantage. Johnny however is also no stranger to kombat and hones into what he knows and after a long fight, knocks the man unconscious.

"My house, my rules." Johnny says.

An unknown amount of time has passed as the man is seen tied to a chair as he regains consciousness. Johnny sits across from him, eager for answers.

"So. You have a name or what?" Johnny asks.

"Kenshi Takahashi." Kenshi answers.

"Ha! I knew you weren't Taira clan." Johnny says.

"You know nothing, Cage." Kenshi replies.

"Four hundred years ago, the Taira clan were one of Japan's first families. They lost Sento after getting slaughtered at the Siege of Aomori." Johnny explains.

"There were survivors. They hid themselves by shedding the name Taira for Takahashi. They joined the Bakuto for its protection." Kenshi informs.

"The Yakuza's predecessors... From first family to crime family." Johnny says.

"I will break us free of the Yakuza's corruption. Reclaim our name and our position. But my clan won't follow me unless I prove that I can lead. That's why I need Sento." Kenshi explains.

The doorbell then rings and Johnny stands up his chair and walks towards the door.

"And that's Malibu's Finest. It's a great story. Bullshit... but great. You should seriously consider becoming a screenwriter." Johnny says.

Kenshi stays silent as Johnny opens the door, revealing Liu Kang, Sub Zero, and Scorpion standing behind the door.

"What in the actual fu --" Johnny asks before being cut off.

"Good evening, Johnny Cage. I am Liu Kang, Protector of Earthrealm. May we enter?" Liu Kang introduces.

"Uh.. Nothing's being shot here tonight, You sure you're in the right place?" Johnny asks.

"Yes. We come on a matter of grave importance. We must speak to you and your guest." Liu Kang says.

Johnny is surprised that this... Liu kang knows of Kenshi's presence in the mansion.

"What? How do you know about him?" Johnny asks.

"Because I am the God of Fire." Liu Kang replies.

Johnny then smiles.

"Cris, you vixen. Nicely done. Sure. Come right in. Glowing eyes are a nice touch." Johnny says.

Liu Kang, Scorpion, and Sub Zero then enter the mansion as Liu Kang approaches Kenshi.

"Kenshi Takahashi. A tragic figure with a noble cause. Your actions this evening do you no credit." Liu Kang says.

Kenshi then turns towards Johnny Cage.

"Who are these people?" Kenshi asks.

"You tell me. They're your scene partners." Johnny replies.

Liu Kang then turns towards Johnny Cage.

"I also know of your struggles, Johnny Cage. I am here to offer you both a path forward." Liu Kang informs.

"Dun, dun, duuuun. C'mon guys. Let's call this. Cris was a doll to set this up, but... As pranks go this one's... eh... a bit obvious." Johnny says, thinking all of this is some form of a joke.

"This is no prank. (Turns towards the two ninjas) Bi-Han, Kuai Liang. If you please?" Liu Kang asks.

Sub Zero then moves to untie Kenshi from his bonds.

"All right, all right. (laughing) I'll play my part in this martial arts LARP. The missus ought to get what she paid for. *Aahh.* (clearing throat) Ok. *Ahem* *Ahh...* Hey you- Wait, wait... Hey, you! Get your damn hands off him. I said... (Grabs Sub Zero's arm) Get your hands off --" Johnny says before Sub Zero shoulders him in the gut.

Sub Zero continues and punches Johnny twice in the face before kicking him in the chest, knocking Johnny onto the floor and into the stand, making the sculpture fall and smash on top of him. Johnny groans in pain from the impact.

Scorpion then moves to stand beside Sub Zero.

"Was that necessary, brother?" Scorpion asks.

"To put him in his place." Sub Zero replies.

Johnny then rises back to his feet, both in disbelief from what has just happened and in anger for him breaking the sculpture.

"That was a Hichuli! One of the kind! All right, I don't care if this a damned prank. You crossed the line!" Johnny says before assuming a fighting stance.

They then fight. Johnny fights himself fighting two to one against Sub Zero and Scorpion, two highly skilled ninjas who outclass him in every sense of the word. Johnny's determination sees him through and after a long and drawn out battle, Sub Zero and Scorpion are knocked to the floor.

Johnny Cage: "And scene. I hope you're insured because you're paying for my Hichuli." Johnny says.

Sub Zero and Scorpion rise back to their feet.

Sub-Zero: "Imbecile! You have no idea with whom you're dealing!" Sun Zero warns.

Liu Kang: "ENOUGH!" Liu Kang yells, flares of fire emerging from his body as he stands between them.

The three shield their eyes from the fire's brightness as they cause the smoke alarm to go off. Johnny looks at Liu Kang in shock.

"Uh... That's no special effect." Johnny realizes.

"Indeed, Johnny Cage. (Turns towards Scorpion) Kuai Liang?" Liu Kang asks.

Scorpion bows to him before he and Sub Zero take a stand behind him.

"Okay, let's go back to one here. Who are you again?" Johnny asks.

"Lord Liu Kang. Protector of Earthrealm. God of Fire." Liu Kang replies.

"Well that last one tracks. But... what's an Earthrealm?" Johnny asks.

"All will be explained, Johnny Cage. For now, what is important is that you both have been chosen to join its champions." Liu Kang explains, looking towards both Johnny and Kenshi who now stands with them.

Johnny then points towards Kenshi.

"Why him? (Looks back towards Liu Kang) Or me for that matter?" Johnmy asks.

"Because I have faith that you will rise to the challenge. A because your service will change the arcs of your lives." Liu Kang explains.

Johnny looks at him and Kenshi in uncertainty before a smirk forms on his face.