Chapter 9 - Making changes and switching sides

Nicholas, after some effort on his part, finally made it to the arena, or at least the stands. He made his way to the edge just in time to see the new Sub-Zero start fighting Scorpion. Watching those two fighting each other made Nicholas realize how lost he had been and how long it actually took him to get to the arena. As Sub-Zero emerged victorious, the cyber Lin-Kuei appeared, surrounding and caging Sub-Zero.

Knowing what was going to happen next, Nicholas decided to test the Singularity and its capabilities. The now robotic Sektor was negotiating with Shao Kahn about letting the Lin-Kuei take Sub-Zero. Off to the corner was Raiden, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Johnny Cage, Jade, and Smoke. They arrived just in time to see a little performance that Nicholas had planned, or at least that was he intended.

The Singularity appeared, letting out this robotic screech. The nameless cyber Lin-Kuei foot soldiers were definitely affected. Deactivating the energy field they were using to hold Sub-Zero, he used that opportunity to escape. Good thing he did because three seconds later, the Singularity closed the gap, and with a single swipe from his weapon decapitated the immobilized Lin-Kuei.

Nicholas was slightly disturbed since this was not how he planned for it to go. It took only a moment for him to realize that he didn't have the same control over the Singularity as he did the others. Nicholas realized he had to move fast when the Singularity started to move towards a completely helpless Kitana.

With the help of the blink technique he had received from the Nurse and a well placed throw from a hachet, Nicholas managed to get between Kitana and the Singularity. The Singularity looked a Nicholas, and despite its messed up face, Nicholas recognized the excitement it had. Before it could charge, the Singularity was hit with a very recognizable bladed hat. The impact had caused the Singularity to react the same way the other killers would when they were struck by a pallet.

Nicholas took that moment to take his broad ax and burry it deep into the creature's head. As the Singularity disappeared into a puff of black smoke, a slew of new information began pouring into Nicholas' head. Kung Lao approached, picked up his hat, and began his fights in representing Earthrealm. Nicholas was appreciative towards Kung Lao because since he threw his hat and caught everyone's attention, Shao Kahn's eyes were now off him and on Kung Lao.

Nicholas took the opportunity to try and subtlety free Kitana. Kitana and Nicholas made some small talk and playfull banter as he began freeing her. The moment Nicholas got one of Kitana's arm free, he heard the crowd chant, "Kintaro! Kintaro! Kintaro!"

Nicholas looked up to see Kintaro begin fighting with Kung Lao. Kintaro looked like a Shokan mixed with tiger features, and unlike Goro, Kintaro seemed to breathe fire. Kung Lao fought with renewed determination. Obviously, he saw this as an opportunity to avenge his ancestors' defeat. The fight was as expected, ending ultimately with Kung Lao's victory and the unfortunate act that followed when he lowered his guard. Shao Kahn simply walked up behind Kung Lao and broke his neck. Nicholas heard Liu Kang shout and then rush Shao Kahn.

Nicholas took that as a que to forego subtlety and just break Kitana's last restraint. As Kitana began to rube her wrist, they both heard Shao Kahn shout, "This is impossible!" And right at that moment, Liu Kang's fist went right through Shao Kahn's chest. The sight of it caused Shang Tsung to declare, in a hushed tone, that Earthrealm was victorious.

As Raiden was covered in a golden light, signaling that the elder gods acknowledge the victory. As everyone gathered around Raiden, Nicholas made a mental note on what had changed compared to last time.

Sub-Zero did not get captured and will not be turned into a cyber Lin-Kuei. There was no sign of Cyrax, so it was most likely that he was not captured and made cyber. Finally, the desolation of their foot soldiers probably meant that the Lin-Kuei will not have an alliance with Shao Kahn. Nicholas thought about that last one for a bit more, realizing that it's better not to assume anything.

Upon their arrival to the temple, unlike last time, there was no celebration, only a funeral for Kung Lao and rubble that needed to be cleared. Nicholas took advantage of everyone's focus on the funeral. He decided to make more changes, except this time from the other side of the conflict.

...

Shang Tsung stood in the throne room with the others who made up the group of Shao Kahn's advisors and "loyal" fighters. They were arguing on who would rule Outworld in place of their emperor. In another time, Shang Tsung would've used this opportunity to try and seize the throne for himself, but this time, he was aware of Quan Chi's healing capabilities. Shang Tsung knew that if the emperor still had the will to cling to life, then Shao Kahn could walk in at any moment.

So, Shang Tsung instead said, "Arguing about who next in charge is pointless, at least until Quan Chi says the emperor is no more. Instead, we should be trying to find a way to claim Earthrealm outside of Mortal Kombat, like the emperor would demand."

"That was well put and surprising since it was coming from you, ShangTsung."

Everyone, surprised by the voice, turned to see Shao Kahn be supported by Quan Chi. Shao Kahn made his way to his throne and sat down. Quan Chi spoke first, saying, "Sir, if you permit, I do have an idea on how to lay claim to Earthrealm." Shao Kahn responded by saying, "proceed."

Quan Chi then said, "The only reason you had to use the rules of Mortal Kombat to try to conquer Earthrealm was because Queen Sindel had sacrificed herself and created a barrier preventing your armies from entering." Shao Kahn scoffed and said, "Indeed, I still have no idea what was going through that woman's head."

Quan Chi nodded, then said, "If we undo her death, we can undo the barrier and allow your armies to invade Earthrealm directly." Shao Kahn considered what Quan Chi had just said, but before he could respond, another voice spoke up, saying, "And what stops Sindel from simply killing herself and restoring the barrier!"

Everyone turned to see who just spoke up and was surprised to see Nicholas just standing like there was nothing wrong with that. Nicholas continued, "I hope your answer is nothing as unreliable as mind control or memory alterations because no matter how powerful they are, they can always be broken by the stupidest of things."

The first one to react to his sudden appearance was Shao Kahn, and he did it by saying, "Give me one reason not to have you killed right here and now!" Nicholas gave an uncaring look than said, "Assuming that was even possible, I came here to offer my services." Most were confused by this bold statement, basically declaring himself a traitor. Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn both caught the first half of his statement. Shang Tsung spoke first in response by saying, "You're immortal." Nicholas smiled and said, "Just so." He then continued, "Now, due to circumstances beyond my control, I find myself working for Raiden in a contract, a contract that because of Shao Kahn's tenacity, Raiden keeps finding more reasons to extend it."

Some were still confused, but Shao Kahn was following and catching what was being left unsaid. Shao Kahn spoke, interrupting Nicholas by asking, "If you are bound by a contract with Raiden, how can you offer services to me?!" Nicholas responded, saying, "While my own hands are tied up for the moment, I do have others to which I can offer."

Suddenly, a group of twisted creatures appeared. Shang Tsung noticed that they seemed wrong, like something stuck between life and death. Shao Kahn, on the other hand, was interested but was untrusting of this newcomer and asked, "What is the price for such services, and what will you have them due?" Nicholas gave a thoughtful look before saying, "First pick of any soul that falls during the invasion of Earthrealm that doesn't belong to Earthrealm and as for their task, I'll have them break or kill the defenders that Raiden has gathered." Shang Tsung knew the deal seemed heavily in their favor and was all the more suspicious of it. Shao Kahn, on the other hand, was more receptive to the deal.

Nicholas mentioning of the invasion had caused Shao Kahn to remember Quan Chi's proposal and Nicholas's partial rejection. Shao Kahn turned to Quan Chi and, with a stern voice, asked, "Did Nicholas speak the truth in saying that Sindel could break free of any influence you put on her?" Quan Chi's eyes briefly darted towards Nicholas before he faced the emperor and said, "While unlikely, there is the possibility of my magic being broken, but without Sindel's resurrection invading Earthrealm will be impossible."

Nicholas spoke up, saying, "While I don't disagree with that statement, I'd hear all options before deciding." Shao Kahn narrowed his eyes then asked, "And what option are you offering?" Nicholas said, "Assuming Quan Chi is capable of doing what he say he can, you can always keep her in my realm. It's a place where time and death have no meaning, so no matter what Sindel tries, she'll never be able to interfere with your plans."

Shao Kahn was silent for a moment, then asked, "What are the chances that she can escape?" Nicholas answered, "By herself from the inside, none. The only way she gets out is if someone who knows where she is and is not dumb enough to enter themselves pulls her out." Shao Kahn considered what he just then said, "Before I agree to this arrangement, I want to see one of your warriors in action, Goro!" The Shokan prince stepped forward. Shao Kahn then said, "This is a chance to redeem yourself and prove you still are useful. You will fight the one with the twisted face and enlarged arm."

Goro nodded and stepped forward, then Nicholas said, "As you wish, allow me to introduce the Hillbilly. You know what, let's make this interesting." With nothing but a glance, the Hillbilly stepped forward then put down his weapons. Shang Tsung stepped out of habit and said, "Goro vs Hillbilly, begin!"

Goro charged forward, clearly wanting to end it quickly. The Hillbilly stepped left and swung with his larger arm. Shang Tsung recognized instantly that the Hillbilly had no formal training in combat, just experience. However, that appeared to be all he needed. He was toying with Goro, every hit breaking bone, then the Hillbilly grabbed Goro's leg and started swinging him around, slamming him into pillars and the ground. It was a brutal display. Goro was lying on the ground, blood pouring from every opening in his face. Then the Hillbilly grabbed the sledgehammer that he had dropped earlier, his intent clear as day. With one swing, the Hillbilly smashed Goro's head in killing him in a brutal and gory finish. The sight was met with Shao Kahn laughing, and then he said, "Excellent, We have a deal! When can I expect Raiden's warriors to meet the same fate?"

Nicholas said, "Most of them will be dead before you step foot on Earthrealm's soil." Shao Kahn was smiling then said, "Quan Chi, you will revive Sindel, and for now, we'll leave her in this man's realm. I'll let you know if I change my mind and decide if I want her for something else." Quan Chi bowed his head and said, "As you command." Shang Tsung decided to look back at the creatures that the emperor decided to employ only to find them gone with only Goro's battered body as the only proof that they had ever been there. Quan Chi and Nicholas left to carry out the plan. Shao Kahn gave the orders for everyone to be prepared for the moment the barrier went down. Shang Tsung left to make his preparations, but in the back of his mind, he knew something was off, like this whole thing was going to blow up in his face some somehow. He had dozens of machinations in play to allow him to rule Outworld, but a nagging feeling told him that if he didn't act soon, then his plans would amount to nothing.

Shang Tsung's instincts would be proven correct because he would be one of three individuals who would be a part of the invasion and not make it back.