LIU KANG VS ERMAC

The next morning, the earth realm fighters talk in the arena.

"So Liu's the only one left in the tournament?" Johnny asks.

"Yes. However, all Liu Kang has to do is defeat two fighters and Shang Tsung. Then he'll win the tournament for Earth Realm." Raiden answers.

"Yeah, I overheard them talking about that last night. Shang Tsung said something about his "creation" and some guy named Goro." Sonya says.

"I do not know about this creation, but as for Goro, he is Shang Tsung's champion. He has won the past nine tournaments." Raiden tells them.

"He is a very formidable foe. He defeated my ancestor, The Great Kung Lao." Kung Lao says.

"Come on, Liu Kang's a badass. I'm sure he'll kick his ass. What does this Goro guy even look like anyway?" Johnny says.

Liu Kang points at a statue of Goro behind him.

"Holy balls, he's big! Are those four arms? Jesus, no wonder he's won this thing nine times, guys a mountain." Johnny says.

"Don't you ever shut up, movie star?" Kung Lao asks him.

"Not when I'm awake, Kung Pao."

"My name, is Kung Lao."

"Whatever."

"Ok, seriously, you two are not helping." Sonya tells them.

Liu Kang smiles.

"Do not worry. Whatever comes, I'll be ready. And I'll win the tournament for Earth Realm." Liu Kang promises.

"Damn right you will." Johnny says, patting him on the back.

"You better, or I'll kick your ass." Sonya adds, jokingly punching him in the arm.

Kung Lao puts his hand on Liu Kangs shoulder.

"You got this."

As they all smile, Shang Tsung appears on his throne.

"I'm afraid I have an... unfortunate announcement to make. Sonya Blade was eliminated from the tournament last night."

Sonya rolls her eyes when Shang Tsung says this.

"However. We have found a suitable replacement for Earth Realm."

Everyone is confused by this news. Shang Tsung then signals to Kano and Black Dragon members to throw a familiar face into the arena.

"Jax!" Sonya yells.

Sonya, Johnny, and Liu Kang rushes to the arena, but Shang Tsung makes a force field around the stage, keeping them out and away from Jax. Sonya hits the force field over and over again, trying to break through.

"Jax!"

Jax gets to his feet and looks at Sonya.

"Sonya? What's going on?"

"You are in the Mortal Kombat tournament." Liu Kang tells him.

"Damnit, I told you to wait for me." Sonya says.

"I got excited." Jax replies.

"You got caught, by that idiot Kano."

"That too."

Jax rubs the back of his neck in embarrassment. He then turns to Shang Tsung.

"Unless you want me to break your spine, I suggest you let me go, old man." Jax demands.

"Of course, you are free to go. After, you face your opponent." Shang tells him with an evil smile.

"Fine, I'm in the mood for a fight. I can kick someone's ass before I go home." Jax says, cracking his knuckles.

Green energy then erupts from the arena. When it disappears a man with green eyes, and black and red bandages appears.

"Kombatants, I present my latest creation! He is many warriors, their souls fused into one being! Behold! Ermac!"

Everyone looks on in shock as souls surround Ermac. Jax puts his hands up, ready to fight.

"Jax, no!" Sonya yells, pounding on the force field.

"Relax, kid. I got this."

"Alright, no offense to sarge, but he won't last long in there with that thing." Johnny says.

"He's a- You know what, never mind, there has to be some way we can break through this barrier." Sonya says.

"I might be able to build up enough power to break through the barrier, it's going to take some time." Liu Kang tells them.

"Ya hear that, Jax. You're gonna have to hold out.'

Jax smirks.

"No problem."

As Liu Kang generates fire to his hand, Jax runs at Ermac. He throws multiple punches at him, but Ermac easily doges them all. When Jax goes for another punch, Ermac punches him in the chest, knocking him across the stage and into the barrier. He drops to his knees and spits out blood.

"Liu Kang." Johnny says.

"I need more time." Liu Kang tells him.

Ermac then floats over infront of Jax. Before he could throw a punch, the creation slams his head into the barrier then throws him away. Ermac starts to destroy Jax with multiple devastating strikes, knocking him around the arena.

"He doesn't have much time." Sonya tells Liu Kang.

"Just a little more." Liu Kang tells her.

Jax grabs Ermac by the throat and tries to throw a punch, but his hand is caught with green energy. His other hand is then taken off his throat with green energy. Ermac starts to pull on Jax's arms. The soldier starts to scream in pain as Shang Tsung and Kano smile.

"Stop, you'll kill him!" Sonya screams at Shang Tsung.

"That's the idea." Shang Tsung says with a smile.

Liu Kang then finishes charging his attack.

"Ok, I'm ready."

Liu Kang punches the barrier, shattering it on impact. But before they could help, Ermac rips off Jax's arms.

"No!" Sonya yells with tears in her eyes.

As Jax falls to the ground, lightning hits the middle of the arena.

"Enough!" Raiden demands, appearing infront of Ermac.

Shang Tsung gets up from his throne.

"You forget yourself, Lord Raiden. You are not allowed to interfere with the tournament."

"Jaxson Briggs is not apart of this tournament. You do not say who joins Earth Realm, sorcerer." Raiden says.

The God of thunder then heals Jax and closes the wounds from his arms. As his back is turned, Ermac goes to attack Raiden, but Liu jumps in and punches Ermac away.

"Your opponent is me, abomination."

As Liu Kang stares down Ermac, Kano and the black dragon members run off with the unconscious Jax.

"Sonya! Johnny! Kung Lao! You three go after Jax." Liu Kang tells them.

"What about you?" Johnny asks.

Liu Kang smirks.

"I can handle this. Go."

Kung Lao nods.

"You heard the man. Come on, movie star."

The three of them run off as Liu Kang prepares to fight. Raiden gives the monk some last minute advice.

"Be weary, Liu Kang. He is unlike anything you've faced before."

Liu Kang nods and takes a fighting stance.

"Liu Kang! You are the sole Earth Realm warrior to progress to the final stage of Mortal Kombat." Shang Tsung says.

Liu Kang closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

"I am ready."

Ermac stomps, shaking the arena and takes a fighting stance.

"We are many. You are one. We will destroy you."

"Fight!" Shang Tsung yells

Liu Kang charges at Ermac and goes for a punch, but his opponent disappears. As he looks around, Ermac reappears behind him and goes for a strike. Liu Kang dodges, does a hand stand, and wraps his legs around Ermacs head. He throws him away, but the creation lands on his feet. The two then start to throw punches and kicks at each other, both of them either dodging or blocking.

Ermac goes for a high kick, but Liu Kang backflips to avoid it. As he stops flipping, Ermac goes for a punch, but he misses and shatters the ground. Liu Kang grabs him by the arm, slamming him into the ground. Ermac kicks him in the chest and kips up to his feet. He then flies at Liu Kang. He tackles the monk back, but Liu Kang pushes back, forcing a stand still. He then knees Ermac in the chin and slams his head into the ground.

Katana smiles when she sees this. Ermac then sends Liu Kang flying with his green energy. As the monk lands on his feet, Ermac appears infront of him and punches him in the face. He lands multiple strikes on Liu Kang, then knocks him into a wall. Ermac then blasts him, sending him deeper into the wall. Shang Tsung smiles, ready to call off the match.

Everyone is then suprised when Liu walks out of the crater of the wall with no damage. He wipes the blood from his mouth and spits it out. Liu Kang then smiles.

"Is that the best you can do?" Liu Kang asks.

Ermac flies at Liu Kang again, but the monk quickly spin kicks Ermac out of the air. Liu Kang and Raiden smile, as Shang Tsung gets angry. Ermac then lifts Liu Kang in the air with his powers and tries to crush him. He tries to get free, but can't find a way out of it. He then generates a large amount of fire that Ermac can't contain. Liu Kang bursts free, sending a massive shockwave out.

The monk then channels fire to his fist and runs at Ermac. He tries to shoot him with energy blasts, but Liu Kang doges them all. He then lands a massive flaming punch in the gut, sending Ermac flying right at Shang Tsung. The frustrated Sorcerer easily knocks Ermac into the wall with one hand. The dragon monk and the outworld sorcerer then stare each other.

"Liu Kang, it has been years since a Earth Realm warrior has progressed this far. But the reigning champion is far beyond even your ability."

Liu Kang takes a deep breath, preparing himself to face Goro.

"To the lair with you!"

Shang Tsung opens a portal under Liu Kang, sending him down below.