What is your favourite MK Game?

Mortal Kombat X is forever going to be hard to top for me, the fact that people are still finding new combos despite it being out for over 8 years is nuts.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So is it just Earth that's part of Earthrealm? Or are Mars and Jupiter and other planets included as well? Or are they Marsrealm and Jupiterrealm?" Y/N asked as he followed Raiden to Shang Tsung's courtyard.

"No, all the planets of the Solar System are included in Earthrealm." Raiden answered what felt like the millionth question he'd been asked by Y/N.

"What about outside of the Solar System?"

"Yes, that is in Earthrealm also."

"So where's the limit?"

"There is no physical limit."

"So why's it called Earthrealm?"

"That was the given name by the Elder Gods."

Y/N furrowed his eyebrows at Raiden's answer "That seems kinda weird. Is it called Earthrealm because this is the only planet in this universe that inhabits life?" Y/N theorised about Earthrealm's name "Back home, I know of at least one alien life form because I bonded with this symbiote..."

Raiden held his hand up to Y/N to stop him talking, he desperately needed a break from the utter barrage of questions from the Spider-Man "You ask a lot of questions Y/N L/N."

It was true that Y/N had asked a lot of questions however that didn't stop him from squinting his eyes quizzically as the pair of them made it back to Shang Tsung's courtyard "Well I've travelled 32 years into the past and into my third universe in one day. I think I have the right to ask some questions."

"Yes, I suppose you do." Raiden admitted. The Earthrealm protector then spotted another of his realm's champions and called him over "Liu Kang."

Hearing his name, the highly trained Shaolin man of Chinese descent walked over to the Thunder God and the blue and red Spandex wearer "Lord Raiden." The man bowed to the thunder god and the gesture was reciprocated "Who is this?" He asked, looking at Y/N.

"He is Y/N L/N, he also goes by Spider-Man, he is here to join us in fighting for Earthrealm." Raiden introduced Y/N to the Shaolin representative.

"So much for my secret identity." Y/N muttered.

"A new Earthrealm champion Raiden? You hadn't made me aware of a new ally." The Shaolin monk quizzically stated.

"He is a very last minute addition Liu Kang, but a welcome one nonetheless." Raiden answered putting any doubt to rest.

He nodded to the thunder god and turned his attention to Y/N "I am pleased to meet you Y/N, I am Liu Kang of the Shaolin Monks." He introduced before bowing respectfully "Which order do you represent?"

Y/N had absolutely no clue what Liu Kang was on about so simply said the first thing that popped into his brain "Uhhh Queens?" He answered unsurely.

Liu Kang was confused by Y/N's answer "I don't believe I've heard of that order." He admitted.

To spare Y/N's blushes, Raiden provided Liu Kang with an appropriate answer that would satisfy the Shaolin "He is independent, like Johnny Cage."

Liu Kang nodded his head, understanding the Thunder God "Hopefully you are not as irritating." He wished, he had heard plenty of Johnny Cage's chatter on the boat voyage to Shang Tsung's island and wouldn't wish that on his worst enemy.

"I wouldn't hold your breath pal." Y/N gave Liu Kang fair warning.

"Come, both of you. The tournament is set to begin." Raiden gestured for Y/N and Liu Kang to follow him which they did.

"So why do they call you Spider-Man?" Liu Kang asked curiously.

Y/N answered him with the same story that he'd given Raiden and Shang Tsung when he introduced himself to them earlier. He mentioned to Liu Kang about his Spider based powers as well as showing off his web shooters which intrigued the Shaolin monk however Y/N insisted that he would not give him a demonstration until later on.

"Wow." Liu Kang said in awe "That all sounds rather fascinating." Besides Raiden, who admittedly was a God, he had never met another superpowered Earthrealmer.

The spider powered being shrugged his shoulders "It's just my life, Liu." Y/N answered, attempting to be humble "I can call you Liu right? Raiden keeps calling me by my first name AND surname."

"Liu's fine." The Shaolin confirmed, it was a nice change for him. He'd always been called Liu Kang by his family, his masters, pretty much everyone.

"Gentlemen." Raiden announced to get their attention "The tournament begins." Liu Kang took this as a sign to stand on the right hand side of the thunder god whilst remained in his left.

Tribal drums started to rhythmically play by a group of monks whilst the opening ceremony commenced with the host of the tournament made his grand entrance. Once the drums started playing floods of monks, from the left and right of the courtyard, moving at a snail's pace.

Giving them the benefit of the doubt, most of these monks were older people however Y/N had seen paint dry faster (literally!). Given their absence of speed, Y/N took the opportunity to use it to his advantage.

"Hey, Raiden." Y/N nudged Earthrealm's protector slightly and grabbed his attention "Before I die of old age." He said sarcastically "You mind giving me a rundown of whose who?" Y/N asked Raiden, any knowledge he could get would be well worth it.

"Certainly." Raiden agreed, better to arm one of his champions with as much knowledge of their allies and adversaries for a better probability of success "We'll start with friends as we have many more foes than allies." He stated, which just made the pressure of winning the tournament even greater.

"Fantastic." Y/N said, with little enthusiasm, this was just getting better and better by the minute.

"To our left." He subtly directed Y/N's attention "The blonde lady is Sonya Blade of the Special Forces and the gentleman man in the blue suit is actor Johnny Cage."

"An actor and a soldier." Spider-Man commented, chuckling to himself soon after "Sounds like the start of a bad joke."

"They are unaware of the reason for competing the tournament. Miss Blade is here to find her Commanding Officer, Jackson Briggs and wanted Black Dragon Leader, Kano. Mr Cage, on the other hand, has been led to believe that this tournament is in fact an elaborate movie set." Raiden explained in detail their presence at the tournament.

"Wow, so we have allies fighting for the sake of Earth that don't even know about it." Y/N summarised before thinking 'This doesn't seem like a very well thought out plan.'

"Correct." Raiden said, he turned to face Y/N "This reminds me, I request that you refrain from saying that you are from another universe or the future to any our allies. It may add further confusion."

"Oh yeah." Y/N waved off 'Gods, Sorcerers and a tournament between two realms for the survival of Earth. But me being from the future and another universe is the confusing part.'

"Next, the gentlemen standing to your left is Nightwolf." He gestured towards a Native American fellow with what Y/N could assume was either red face paint or a tattoo, dressed in black combat trousers and a brown vest.

"He is an Earthrealmer who is connected to the spirit world. The spirits grant him great power to Kombat the darkness that threatens mortals."

"Spirits huh? Jeez." Y/N said aloud "I thought my world was complex." He said to himself, the multiversal theory was really proving true as to how different other worlds are to each other.

"Now for our foes." Raiden stated.

"Wait what!? That's it!? Me & four others!?" He whisper yelled.

"The odds are not in Earthrealm's favour." Raiden admitted, which was the understatement of the century.

"Never tell me the odds." Y/N quoted with a small chuckle however the thunder god didn't crack a smile "Star Wars. When Han Solo, no?" Y/N prompted Raiden but got no reaction from him "Damn."

Earthrealm's protector continued with his run down of people to be aware of "To our right." He directed Y/N's attention "The man in the middle Sub Zero, a Cryomancer. On either side are Sektor and Cyrax on his left and right respectively. They are assassins for the Lin Kuei clan of Earthrealm."

"I thought you said earlier that the Lin Kuei were fighting alongside Shang Tsung." Y/N said to Raiden, remembering that they were brought up during their argument as to whether Y/N could fight for Earthrealm.

The thunder god nodded "You did not mishear me Y/N L/N. Shang Tsung has convinced them to fight and kill Earthrealm champions. I must advise you to take the utmost caution regarding their whereabouts when the tournament is not taking place."

"Thank god for my Spidey sense." Spider-Man understood but there was something he didn't understand "What's in it for them?" Y/N asked, curious about their motives to fighting for their realm's enemy.

"Perhaps they hope to be the lucky few to survive should Outworld merge with Earthrealm." Raiden theorised the Lin Kuei's motives for participating in this tournament for Outworld.

"Remind me to teach them a lesson if I face one in the tournament." Y/N asked.

The thunder god agreed "Over there..." Raiden nodded his head to the far left "are the sorcerer Quan Chi and his spectre Scorpion. They hail from the Netherrealm."

"Netherrealm? Like Hell?" Y/N queried.

"Some might describe it as that." Raiden agreed with the Spider-Man's chosen name for the Netherrealm.

"Damn! So Outworld's got reps from three different realms fighting for them." He then sniffed the air "Can you smell that? Smells like desperation." Y/N commented.

Raiden could understand Outworld's desperation "Lose this tournament and it would be another five hundred years before---"

"Woah." Y/N said in awe, completely interrupting Raiden "Who are they?" Subtly pointing to the two (in his and he was certain in many other's opinions) incredibly attractive ladies with long dark hair, masks covering their faces, long dark boots, dressed in limited green and blue clothing respectively.

The thunder god sighed, despite his spider powers it seemed like Y/N wasn't immune to the attractiveness of some women "The lady on the right is Kitana, Princess of Outworld. On the left is Jade, Princess Kitana's closest friend and loyal bodyguard." Raiden explained, unfortunately the mention of the word Outworld said to Y/N that they were foes not friends.

"Do all Outworld women dress like that?" Y/N asked, his intrusive thoughts unfortunately being voiced aloud.

Thankfully for him, only Raiden heard it "You have asked a lot of questions today. Was that a necessary one?" He questioned Y/N, sounding like a disappointed parent letting their child know they did something wrong.

'Yes.' He thought, keeping it in his head this time "No." He actually answered.

"Good. Do not be fooled by their appearance, they are two of Shao Kahn and Outworld's top assassins. They are as dangerous as they are beautiful." Raiden explained to Y/N why he should take them seriously as threats.

'No kidding. They're definitely putting the Ass in Assassin, there's a tongue twister.' Y/N widened his eyes in realisation at what he'd just thought 'Did I really just think that!?' He mentally scolded himself 'Come on Y/N! Respect women, respect women, respect women.'

As if they were telepaths, the two women's attention was drawn towards the webslinger who made a desperate attempt to ensure he was looking anywhere else, even his peripheral vision. He soon realised how stupid that was when Shang Tsung, the host, was literally three feet to the left of them so he finally played it cool by looking at the Outworld sorcerer. Subtlety with women, not a Y/N strong suit.

He noticed Kitana lean over to Jade and say something to her, if only he could hear what they were saying, he could make an educated guess on what it was, probably something along the lines of 'creepy spider staring at us' - probably not that exact phrase but something with those words in.

In fact, nothing of what Y/N was thinking was anywhere close to what was actually being said. He clearly didn't grasp that these ladies put business first, pleasure second "Who is the Earthrealmer next to the Thunder God?" Kitana questioned her closest confidant.

This was a rare occurrence for both Jade and Kitana where they were genuinely clueless and unprepared "I do not know princess." Racking her brain for answers but failing to retrieve any.

Given the consequences of the tournament victory, Jade and Kitana as well as their Outworld delegation had been well prepared by Shang Tsung for their Earthrealm adversaries. However, the Outworld Princess and her guard were very certain that no man in a blue and red spider suit was ever mentioned.

Once all the monks had settled down and the Outworld delegation had made their entrance, Shang Tsung stood proudly above everyone in front of his seat "Kombatants I am Shang Tsung...."

The sorcerer rattled on for the next few minutes about each of them fighting over the next few days and some being here by their own choice and some chance, Shang Tsung made sure to stare at Y/N when he said that.

Meanwhile, the actor tested his luck with the soldier "Hey beautiful, Johnny Cage." The actor finally got to introduce himself to the (still nameless to him) blonde lady.

Whilst on the boat ride from Hong Kong to the island, Sonya had immediately caught his eye. To Johnny, she could stand out in the dark. Anytime he'd tried to go over to her, she walked in another direction. In his mind, she's just playing hard to get. When you see a woman as beautiful as Sonya, sometimes you've just got to shoot your shot and Johnny Cage had unlimited ammo.

"Good for you." Sonya briefly acknowledged, but had no real interest in.

The only reason Sonya was here was because she'd tracked Kano to Hong Kong and had seen her CO, Jax Briggs, being taken aboard a ship by Kano and a couple of what she assumed to be Black Dragon Chan members. She'd rushed aboard to find both Jax and Kano but after checking what felt like every nook and cranny of the boat, twice over, she had no luck.

As Raiden had said to Y/N, neither Johnny or Sonya knew the true purpose of them fighting in the tournament, but the latter had far more incentive than the former, Shang Tsung had approached her before they docked to let her know that if she ever wanted to see Jax alive, then she would fight in the tournament.

Cage was shocked that she wasn't more mesmerised by who he was "What, Massive Strike? Citizen Cage? Ninja Mime? None of those ring a bell?"

Just then, Sonya became laser focused as the man at the top of her wanted list walked into the courtyard "Kano." She spat, his name like poison on her lips. The letters K,A,N,O in that order was the worst four letter word she knew, and she knew a whole lotta of other four letter words that would adequately describe the Black Dragon leader.

Johnny totally misread the situation "Kano? Wasn't in that one." He said, whilst Sonya's eyes never left the Australian man with the cybernetic eye.

Shang Tsung went on to describe how this was the most important Mortal Kombat tournament in history and it would be the one to determine Earthrealm's fate "IF you defeat all your opponents, you face one final challenge...." He then gleefully pointed to himself "Me."

Johnny snorted at his words, thinking that if Shang Tsung was the 'final boss' then the rest of the competition would be walk in the park. He turned to Sonya "That old geezer's the final challenge. They might as well give the belt now. They do have belts right?" There was a cough from behind Cage, he turned to see Shang Tsung right next to him "What!? How did you...."

"Appearances can be deceiving." He warned Johnny Cage, the sorcerer then levitated over the battle area and the monks back to his seat "Our first kombatant will be Mr Cage." Shang Tsung announced. Y/N feared that he was only scratching the surface of Shang Tsung's power, he would more than likely be a formidable foe.

Johnny Cage was ready to step forward but he had one thing to do first. He pulled out a small Polaroid camera from his suit jacket pocket, lord knows how he managed to fit in there "Hey, I need some good behind the scene photos of me in action. Ya mind babe?" Cage asked Sonya, trying to hand her the camera.

The blonde scoffed in disgust at his degrading question, pushing the camera back towards him and walked away, confusing the actor. He held the camera out, shaking the device "Anyone? Hmmm anyone? I'll pay." He offered however not a soul took him up on the offer, most looked at him with disdain for his actions. All except one.

"I've taken some photos that have made the front page of newspapers before." Cage heard a voice admit, he saw that it had came from the man in the blue and red Spandex suit.

He marched over to what would be his temporary employee "Not quite the credentials I'm used to, but you're better than nothing." He handed the camera to Y/N with no disregard for it whatsoever "Make sure to get my good side rookie." He said as he headed to the fight area. Cage laughed at the hilarity of his comment "Who am I kidding!? They're all my good side! Got it?"

"Got it." Y/N stuck his thumb up to Johnny who did one in return.

Raiden and Liu Kang glanced at Y/N, looking unimpressed "What? A job's a job." Unfortunately it was a point that neither could reasonably refute, however there were significantly more important things at hand than the egotistical needs of one actor.

Johnny took his place in the fight area "That's right. That's right. Who's it gonna be?" He asked openly, looking around at potential opponents. Cage projected confidence that looked like he would take on anyone and everyone.

"Reptile!" Shang Tsung called forth his first Outworld warrior. On the roof above Shang Tsung's seat, a lizard of humanoid size uncloaked to reveal himself. Reptile crawled on the roof before leaping over the monks to get to the battle area to fight Johnny Cage.

Y/N was appalled by the actions of the lizard looking humanoid "Hey! Wall crawling's my schtick. If you start spinning webs, I'm gonna sue." He called out the Outworld lizard.

Reptile removed his mask and turned his attention to Y/N "HISSSSSSS!!!" He viciously hissed in response to his taunts. Reptiles were quickly becoming Y/N's least favourite animal species.

"I'm being hissed at by a future handbag." The Spider-Man mocked, earning some disapproving looks from both Earthrealm and Outworld fighters.

'There are two of them? Why do the Elder Gods forsake me? I suppose he did warn me.' Liu Kang thought to himself about Y/N but didn't say anything aloud.

The only one who seemed impressed by the taunts were Johnny "Nice stunt." He complimented Reptile, ever the business man he had a follow up question "Who's your agent?"

Reptile didn't respond, he just wanted to fight and destroy this Earthrealmer. Johnny realised that he just wanted to fight but for him, when a 'stuntman' is facing Johnny Cage, there would only be one winner.

"Begin!" Shang Tsung commanded.

"Alright! It's showtime." He briefly glanced at his photographer "Make sure to get some good pictures kid."

"Kid? I'm nearly 30." Y/N commented to himself.

Johnny and Reptile began to fight. Cage thought that a fight against the 'stuntman' would be fairly but he found very quickly that Reptile was fast, really fast in fact. He threw some punches and kicks at Reptile but the lizard dodged with no trouble.

Cage made sure to turn up the difficulty, like he was going to let a stuntman show up the leading man, when on set there needed to be some respect shown to the main star and this lizard thing wasn't showing any.

Despite what the media and public might think, Johnny was a freakin' A-List martial artist and despite his speed, Reptile found that out the hard way, clearly he had underestimated the Earthrealmer as well, thinking that he had the beating of him no problem. Johnny began connecting well timed kombos, mixing his hands and feet.

During the fight, Cage caught Reptile napping several times and when you're fighting a world class martial artist, there are only so many times you can get away with that. With a final few kicks to the head, Reptile fell to the ground defeated. The first win went to Earthrealm.

"He got Caged!" Johnny taunted, pointing at the camera as he said his catchphrase prompting Y/N to take his picture.

Seeing Reptile knocked out on the deck, Johnny started to do what he did best, gloat "HA! HA!" He laughed holding his arms out, thinking that his first round was a piece of cake "Oh yeah, I'm so pretty."

Liu Kang shook his head looking severely unimpressed by his antics rather than his fighting ability "That's your boss." Liu Kang reminded Spider-Man.

"Temporary boss." Y/N corrected, but he could see what Liu Kang's point was, especially with what Johnny followed it up.

Cage marched over to several unnamed fighters, getting right in their faces and taunted each one individually like he was a WWE wrestler rather than an Earthrealm champion (something he admittedly didn't know yet) "And I'm taking you down! I'm taking you down! I'm taking you out! I'm taking you out!" Then he finally reached the object his affection, Sonya "And I'm taking you out....... For dinner."

Blade was physically repulsed by Cage's attempts at flirting with her and best believe that she let him know it as well "UGH!" She scoffed, looking like she may barf on the spot.

Clearly intrigued by Cage's overconfidence and wanting nothing more than to knock Johnny off of his perch, Shang Tsung served up a second opponent "Now for your next challenge Mr Cage. Baraka!" He announced looking to his left.

The ugly looking humanoid with horrifying looking fangs roared as his name was called, Y/N was a little repulsed by him 'He looks like if a human and Venom had a baby.' he then shuddered, getting full body chills 'Eughh! What a horrendous thought'. Like Reptile had before him, Baraka leaped over the monks to the battle area, landing on one knee.

"Damn, Shang Tsung's serving the two for one specials." Spider-Man commented before calling out Baraka "Hey gingivitis, friendly advice, landing like that is really for your knees."

"Shut your mouth Earthrealmer." Baraka growled at Spider-Man to shut him down, pointing at what he now hoped was a soon-to-be victim.

"Your mouth could do with some Colgate and mouthwash pal." Spider-Man further antagonised.

'It seems I am not the only person that he annoys.' Shang Tsung thought after hearing his insults to Reptile and Baraka, tapping on the arms of his wooden chair.

"I don't think I'm making many friends." Y/N commented to Raiden and Liu Kang.

"I am shocked." Liu Kang stated.

"Y/N L/N, I must ask, do you intend to antagonise our opponents further?" Raiden questioned.

"That's how I beat my foes, annoy them to the point of desperation then take advantage accordingly because their frustration is all over the place. It works for me, if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Spider-Man answered. Raiden and Liu Kang could see the method in the madness, but would be lying if it wasn't so drastically different to what they were used to.

Raiden did think that despite Spider-Man's methods being unorthodox especially in stark contrast to Liu Kang's pure skill and technique, whilst not fully understanding it, the thunder god figured that perhaps a contrast of different styles would only be beneficial to Earthrealm.

Johnny Cage, like Y/N was also questioning Baraka's appearance, he was puzzled but impressed "Hmmmm ok?" Cage questioned, making a mental note to make sure he got Baraka's make up person's details afterwards "Nice make-up but is it really necessary?"

Baraka didn't respond with words but with actions. Those actions being the extension of two katana like blades that protruded half way up his upper forearm "Woah!" Johnny exclaimed in awe.

"They will taste your flesh." Baraka promised the actor, he then aimed his blades in Y/N's direction "Then they will taste yours Earthrealmer." Baraka promised.

"I'm flattered. but I don't think spider's on the menu." Y/N admitted, his mockery only further irritating Baraka.

"Begin!" Shang Tsung called, with Johnny Cage and Baraka beginning to throw down.

"Are those blades actually real?" Y/N curiously asked Raiden, still having enough focus to take some decent pictures for Johnny.

The thunder god nodded with confirmation "Yes, he is Tarkatan. He was born with those blades." Raiden added some extra context for Y/N.

"Really!?" Y/N exclaimed and Raiden confirmed once again. L/N then shuddered as his brain conjured up a horrible thought "His poor mother." He said sympathetically to himself, child birth was painful enough but factor in some added blades? No more description is needed.

This fight for Johnny Cage was extremely different, whilst Reptile was all about speed and agility, Baraka simply had ruthless aggression. Cage had to pull out all the tricks to avoid Baraka stabbing him with his arm blades.

Baraka was extremely worked up after being insulted by the disgusting Earthrealmers that he tried to filter all that aggression into his fight with Johnny, he wanted to finish the actor early so that he could kill the spider.

His aggression proved to be his downfall though as Johnny took advantage of Baraka's reckless and ill timed attacks. The actor had struck the Tarkatan in key areas such as his knees, chest and throat, even at one point striking him square in the nuts!

Johnny proved to be the better kombatant of the two as Baraka had tired himself out by being on the constant offensive. Cage finished the fight with a magnificent kombo before Baraka fell flat on his ass. Another win for the Earthrealm team.

Shang Tsung growled in frustration, his fist slightly hitting the arm of his wooden chair after seeing another his prepared Outworld fighters losing to an actor that thought that this was an elaborate movie set.

"Man I love those blades." Johnny complimented, hunched over and a little out of breath after two back-to-back fights. With Baraka down for the count, Johnny had an offer "My producer's got to meet you, we're doing Tommy Scissorfists....." He didn't get to finish as he was interrupted by Shang Tsung.

"Congratulations Mr Cage, now, Finish Him!" The Outworld sorcerer demanded.

"Finish him? Yeah right." Johnny replied, thinking that this was just a on set prank, he'd seen plenty of those, big and small.

"Kill Him!" Shand Tsung now viciously ordered.

Even though, Baraka was a foe, Y/N wasn't a out to stand idly by for him to die, no time for jokes now "Not on my watch." He muttered, he tried to step forward but he was held back by Raiden, Y/N experiencing his literal god like strength.

"These are part of the tournaments rules, optionally killing your opponent. Trust him to make the right decision." Raiden admitted, after a few seconds and a large amount of reluctance, Y/N stayed where he was.

Cage was surprised at the brutality of Shang Tsung's tone. He looked around at the other fighter who were like hawks waiting in anticipation. The Lin Kuei nodded as did the Netherrealm duo, despite Baraka being on their side, they wanted to see the Fatality.

Finally Cage looked at Y/N and the people he stood next to with the Spider-Man rapidly shaking his head, mouthing the words "Don't Do It." Cage realised that this was no joke or elaborate but that this was for real "Woah, Woah, Woah. I'm not going to kill anyone." Cage flat out refused.

Despite it not being the outcome that he or many others wanted, on the plus side Baraka could still be used to weaken Earthrealm warriors, Shang Tsung accepted Cage's decision "Very well." He said, standing up from his seat "The tournament will resume at dawn." He announced as he, the kompetitors and the monks dispersed from the courtyard.

"Really? That's it?" Y/N and Johnny both stated, not beating one another. To them, it seemed like a big build up with the entrances etc for one guy to have two fights.

Johnny threw his hands in the air before realising what he had to do next, rubbing his hands together "Now where'd that hottie go?" He said to himself.

Unfortunately for him, he wasn't approached by the blonde 'hottie' but instead by Y/N, Raiden and Liu Kang "You fought well." Raiden praised the actor's fighting abilities.

"Thanks." Johnny accepted "Nice hat." He complimented the thunder god back.

Liu Kang didn't see it as a compliment though "You should be more respectful of Lord Raiden, he is the protector of Earthrealm, the God of Thunder...."

Johnny was thinking that Liu Kang was more like 'Lord Raiden's' hype man than anything else "Listen I don't what kinda role play you guys are into, but count me out."

"Don't worry man, I had the same reaction." Spider-Man patted Cage on the shoulder.

"This tournament is more than a chance for personal glory. We are fighting for the very survival of Earthrealm." Liu Kang reminded Cage of the stakes that Shang Tsung had mentioned at the beginning of the tournament.

Cage clearly didn't believe it even after Shang Tsung tried to goad him into killing Baraka "What are you talking about?"

Raiden and Liu Kang essentially told Cage the same thing that had been told to Y/N before, however the actor clearly wasn't as easily convinced as the Spider-Man, whilst he lived his life starring in movies, Y/N's life was like a movie.

"If we lose this time, Outworld will conquer all." Raiden warned the actor.

Cage thought that the thunder god was a product of one too many amateur dramatics classes "DUN! DUN! DUN!" He overdramatically threw his hands in the air, irritating Liu Kang.

"Listen guys I'm an actor, I save the world for the cameras. If this 'emperor' is a threat, call the military." He said doing the call hand gesture "Me, I've got pictures to see AND a date with a blonde. Ciao." He then pointed at Y/N "Show me your shots snappy." Putting his arm around Y/N and dragging him away from Raiden and Liu Kang.

"What do you see in him?" Liu Kang asked, usually he did not question Lord Raiden's decisions but Johnny Cage as a champion of Earthrealm? That was a baffling decision to him.

"He is a hero Liu Kang, though he may not yet know it." Raiden assured the Shaolin Monk. After a few seconds of thinking, Liu Kang bowed his head accepting that if it was his will then he would follow and support it.

"Let's see your work rookie." Johnny asked, as he and Y/N stood in another part of Shang Tsung's courtyard.

Being a Polaroid camera, the pictures had already been processed, Y/N had to admit that it was significantly quicker than uploading them to laptop for any editing "This is probably the best one I took of you fighting Slither me timbers." Y/N said, as Johnny laughed at the nickname.

"Totally going to use that one." Johnny said as Y/N handed him the photo which the actor examined.

"Oohhhhh niceeeee!" Johnny said, slapping Y/N in the chest with approval "The chicks will go craaaaazy seeing my leg go that high." The actor envisioned, so many different possibilities playing out in his head as a result of the picture being released.

Y/N was disturbed by that "Right. Yeah. Totally." He awkwardly replied, not quite sure how to reply to that "As for Fangs A Lot." Y/N begun.

"You're good with the nicknames." Johnny praised.

"Years of practice." Y/N answered, handing the first picture to Johnny, which was right of the point of contact of the Tarkatan being struck with a nut punch "The before."

"Nice shot!" Johnny complimented Y/N's photo, thinking that would actually be a perfect one to put on his mantle.

"And the aftermath." He said, handing him the second photo he took straight after the nut punch landed.

Baraka's reaction and horribly pained expression caused an almighty laugh to erupt from Johnny "HA! Classic!" He said, he knew that one was definitely a keeper.

"Those are probably my best ones." The Spider-Man admitted "But you're welcome to look through the others." He said, handing Cage the other images that he'd captured with his camera.

Johnny scanned through the rest of the pictures that Y/N had taken during his fights, he hummed at the photographs sounding impressed which was only good news for Y/N "Haha." Cage laughed, patting Y/N on the back a few times "Not bad rookie, not bad." The actor gave a somewhat backhanded compliment "What's your name snappy?"

Y/N figured that everyone would know his name during this tournament given that Shang Tsung knew his name and face, he might as well take control where he can "Y/N. Y/N L/N."

Cage held out his hand which also just so happened to have his well earned 500 bucks, which was way higher than Jameson ever paid him however Johnny was so rich, he could use 500 bucks as toilet paper "Well Y/N L/N, unless my agent can get his lousy ass on a private helicopter to this island, you've just become my photographer for this trip."

Y/N accepted Cage's handshake and his money "Sweet! Been here five minutes and I've already got a job."

"It's the easiest money you'll ever make." Johnny stated "Now all this fighting has got me in the mood for a slap and tickle with a blonde. Adiós Y/N." Cage said doing a two finger salute to his new photographer before heading off to find Sonya.

Y/N grimaced at Cage's wording, he was like a male Felicia in his mind but far less alluring than the Black Cat. Given Sonya's rebuffs earlier, he wouldn't be surprised if when he next saw the actor, he has more than a bruised ego.

--

After the tournament had concluded for the evening and all participants and spectators had left his courtyard. The sorcerer had pulled Kitana and Jade to one side "Keep an eye on the Spider-Man. He could pose a threat to the Emperor's plans."

"Who is he? We were unaware of him before the tournament." Jade questioned the sorcerer.

"Yes, my father will not be best pleased that you have refrained from telling us about a new Earthrealm fighter." Kitana harshly reminded the sorcerer.

"Watch your tone with me princess." The sorcerer spat at Kitana, who after a few seconds remained quiet and became less hostile.

Despite Kitana being the heir to the throne of Outworld, the Emperor had made abundantly clear that Shang Tsung was the one in charge during the tournament. He also ordered that Kitana, Jade and all of the Outworld representatives were under Shang Tsung's command for the duration of the tournament.

"His name is Y/N L/N. He and the Thunder God claim that he's from another universe and from the future. Whether there is truth in that remains a mystery." Shang Tsung revealed Y/N's origins to the princess and her guard.

The two assassins were bewildered "Another universe?"

"The future?"

Neither were sure which one was more shocking, but it was equally fascinating as it was shocking however their job wasn't to be fascinated or shocked "Indeed." Shang Tsung confirmed "I trust that you can adequately deal with this task?" The sorcerer asked the two assassins, sounding condescending particularly after Kitana's outburst.

"You should expect nothing less." Kitana accepted as did Jade.

"The emperor would not accept anything less Princess. And neither will I." Shang Tsung brutally reminded the pair of the consequences of failure should it be necessary "I must learn more about the spider to eliminate any obstacles to victory. Knowledge is power, and power will ensure victory." Shang Tsung stated before heading off, leaving the two women together.

"Wow, the future and another universe." Kitana said in awe, the questions that opened up "Sounds rather fascinating, wouldn't you agree?" Kitana admitted.

Jade wholeheartedly agreed with Kitana "Indeed princess, no matter our interest. The Spider-Man is the object of Shang Tsung's fascination, not ours."

"I fully understand Jade." There was not a task that she and Jade were unable to komplete together, they made a wonderful team "We can still remain curious though." Kitana stated.

--

A few minutes after conversing with Johnny, the thunder god introduced Y/N to Nightwolf, a man that he found was very well trusted by Raiden. The Shaman welcomed Y/N with open arms to the Earthrealm team, and was intrigued by Spider-Man's abilities, looking forward to seeing him in action.

During their conversations, Raiden gasped as he had another vision, this one was of Johnny Cage hanging off the edge of a stalagmite and Sonya Blade being attacked with a red laser by Kano's eye, he gasped again as he came back to reality and was held up from each side by Y/N and Liu Kang.

"What did you see Lord Raiden?" Liu Kang asked curiously.

"I fear Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade are in danger." Raiden revealed, no specifics though.

"Where?" Y/N asked, the type of danger was not the problem, he would be willing to tackle whatever danger threw at him.

"The Pit." He revealed.

Y/N put his mask on "I'll go find them. How many Pits can there be in this place?" He offered, thwipping his webs to the top of the entrance to Shang Tsung's courtyard before propelling himself away and swinging off to find Johnny and Sonya.

Raiden, Liu Kang and Nightwolf looked impressed by Y/N's webbing, it was the first time that either had seen him use it "He really does Spider powers." Liu Kang stated, it was comforting to know that there was full truth in Y/N's claims.

"Indeed Liu Kang."

--

At The Pit, there was no slap and tickle with Sonya for Johnny however there were a few bruises after he and Sonya had a less than friendly fight, which he ultimately won. Sonya not being a Damsel but a badass actually made her MORE attractive in his book, she wasn't like the girls he was used to.

Unfortunately, his fight with Sonya had ended with him being regretful of fighting her in the first place when she wanted to be left alone, the price to pay? Being thrown off The Pit by a handsy Australian, now he was hanging off the edge the edge of a stalagmite, if he lost his grip then the world wouldn't be blessed with anymore of his films.

Johnny soon heard a thwipping noise, he didn't have the strength to look and see what it was but got quite the surprise when he was face to face with an upside down Spider-Man "Sup dude, let me guess. You wanted to hang out and she didn't?" Y/N quipped.

"Woah!" Johnny said in awe of Y/N standing upside down on the bottom of the bridge "How are you doing that? Special effects?" He asked in between struggling to hold himself up on the rock.

"Got spider powers pal. Part spider, part man. Hence Spider-Man." Y/N responded.

"Cool name." Johnny said, still trying to get himself up to safety but failing to make any ounce of progress.

Y/N couldn't stand to watch it anymore "I've got you, but dude you seriously need to start doing some more pull ups."

"Wait, wait." Johnny said before Y/N helped out.

"What?" The wall crawler questioned.

"Get a picture of this." Johnny advised, always thinking about his career "It'll be great promotional material for the adventure movie I'm set to star in." He said, straining.

In all the people that he saved over the years, this was the first time that he'd been asked to get a picture of them in a life or death scenario. In his own time of 2024, he wouldn't have bat an eyelid, anyone would post anything online but in 1992, Johnny was truly ahead of his time.

Johnny clearly didn't look like he was going to let this go, so Y/N let it happen "Sure man." He said, then crawled with ease around the stalagmites which impressed the shit out of Johnny. Y/N was now standing above Johnny pointing the camera at him "Say cheese."

Johnny's strength was weakening by the second but he still managed "Chee-WOAHHHHHH!!!" Johnny lost his grip on the stalagmite which was at the precise second that Y/N took the picture.

Thanks to his lightning quick reflexes, Spider-Man was able to grab Johnny by the wrist before he could experience any real drop "I got you man. I got you." He reassured before offering some friendly advice "Next time though, get your stunt double to do these things."

"I don't have a stunt double. I do all my own stunts." Cage proudly stated.

"Oh yeah, How's that going for you?" Y/N asked. He didn't allow Cage to answer as he then heard the pained cries of Sonya and knew she needed his help, he quickly looked down at Johnny "I'm going to throw you back up now."

"Wha----woah!" Johnny was thrown back onto the bridge by the sheer strength of Y/N, Cage played up to his flamboyant style by making sure he did a somersault as he went back up.

"Step away from the lady." Johnny demanded.

Before Kano could respond or do anything, be was distracted by a thwipping noise from below the bridge "Excuse me sir, didn't your mother teach you to respect women." Y/N attached a web to Sonya and pulled her over towards him, catching her with no difficulty, grabbing her tightly and landing in the bridge to let her go.

Johnny proved that he did care by making sure Sonya was alright. Kano turned around to see who was now interfering in his business with the blonde Special Forces lieutenant.

Y/N had a good view of Kano now and it was the first time that he saw his cybernetic right eye "That's a nasty case of pink eye you got there dude."

"It's cybernetic, ya drongo." Kano growled at the spider.

Y/N knew that ready from what he saw earlier but feigned surprise "You have a metal eye!? That is awesome dude."

"It's amazing what cosmetic surgery can do these days." Johnny commented.

"I know right!" L/N agreed with Cage before turning his attention back to the Australian "Now why don't you leave the lady alone and be a good Citizen Kano." Y/N advised.

"Heh!" Kano grunted "Whatcha gonna do if I don't bug?" Kano snarled at Spider-Man.

The wallcrawler mentally sighed 'Even in a different universe, people still can't get it right.' The Australian's words prompting Y/N to be particularly irritating though. L/N picked up a small, sharpened rock and pointed it at Kano "Gonna stab you with my.... Knife." He threatened. His eyebrows were raised behind his mask, hoping for a very particular response.

Kano stared at the puny rock in Y/N's hand and let out a large belly laugh "That's not a knife."

"Yes!" L/N celebrated raising his fists into the air "I got you to say it!" He then looked at Johnny and Sonya, one looking very impressed, the other not so much. I'm sure you can guess who's who "I can't believe he fell for that one." Just as he said it, Y/N's spidey sense went off.

"Look out!" Sonya yelled.

Y/N moved his head slightly and caught the knife that Kano had sneakily thrown at his head. Johnny and Sonya were amazed by the action whilst Kano was shocked, even though he'd seen more supernatural stuff than Johnny and Sonya.

"Now that's a knife!" Y/N quipped, spinning the long six inch blade in his hand "You can have this back when you've learned to be responsible." He said, very much like an overprotective mother.

"Or." Kano offered as an alternative, pulling out another large knife "I can gut you and pretty boy like a fish, take my knife back then me and Sonya can have some reeeeeal fun." Kano scarily threatened.

Y/N cringed at Kano's threats "Good god, do you practice being creepy?" He flung the large knife off of the side of the pit as the blade descended to the bottom, there was a faint clink as it hit the ground "Problem solved."

"Far from it bug."

Y/N sighed once more "As an Australian, you of all people should know the difference between a bug and an arachnid."

Kano had enough of Y/N's prattle and got ready to fight. Y/N was more than ready to whip Kano's ass but a hand was put across his chest by Johnny "Let the professional of rescuing Damsels in Distress handle this."

L/N was shocked, Johnny clearly didn't know who he was talking to because he was literally a professional crime fighter but then Johnny dropped his sunglasses and spoke in code with his eyes as he glanced between Sonya and Kano.

Y/N reluctantly conceded "Knock yourself out." Normally he wouldn't but he'd seen that Cage could handle himself.

Cage dusted off his suit and approached Kano who didn't see Cage as much of a challenge despite his victories over Reptile and Baraka earlier in the evening "Fans think my moves are all wire work and special effects, but truth is..... I am the Special Effects."

As Kano and Johnny began to fight, Y/N checked up on Sonya "Are you okay Miss, Mrs, Ma'am?" He wasn't a hundred percent sure on what to call her as they hadn't been introduced.

"Sonya. Sonya Blade." She introduced herself.

"Spider-Man." Y/N introduced himself.

"I saw your face at the courtyard." She let the spider know that it wouldn't slide with her "Don't try and use your alias with me." She lightly scolded him.

"Usually I keep that a secret. I seem to be doing a terrible job of it though." Y/N said more to himself than anything "I'm Y/N L/N."

"Good to meet you." Blade nodded.

"Likewise." He returned "So are you alright? You've got some bruises starting to show." He noticed, particularly on her arms.

Sonya waved them off, she was still moving around like normal if not for a few winces here and there "I've had worse, unfortunately it's not the first time I've been hit by Kano's laser."

"Damn." Y/N stated, seeming impressed "You're one tough cookie." He respectfully acknowledged. He and Sonya looked over to see that Johnny was getting the better of Kano as the former dropped the latter the ground with three hit kombo. Y/N offered some friendly encouragement "Hey Johnny." He called, causing the actor to look at him "Hit him down under."

Johnny knew exactly what that meant and did a thumbs up in response to Y/N, once Kano got back to his feet, Johnny taunted him "Come on chubby, I'm right here." The Australian then charged him and at the very last second, Johnny did the splits amd picked him straight in the nuts.

Kano keeled over in pain, there is no pain worse for a bloke than a strike in the genital region "Hey Y/N, you wanna finish him?" Johnny asked, whilst Kano was still hunched over.

"Sure. You might wanna duck though." He warned.

Spider-Man attached a web way above their heads then used the momentum to swing towards Kano at frightening speed, Johnny quickly understood what Y/N meant by wanting to duck and did so however Kano wasn't quite so lucky as he had just recovered from the nut punch.

"Huh." Kano mumbled as he saw two red feet going straight for his head.

"Sayonara Kano." He quipped, kicking the Australian straight in the face, possibly breaking his cheekbone and nose. The sheer force of the kick sent Kano flying back into the gated entrance/exit to The Pit.

Kano groaned in agony, that was one of the hardest hits that he'd ever taken in his life and he'd had a fair few. He held his back, making sure his vertebrae were still in the right place "Fuckin' spiders." He muttered before slipping into unconsciousness.

"Throw that on your Barby..... Shrimp." Johnny attempted to insult Kano.

"It's like you're a Native." Y/N sarcastically commented which earned him an unserious glare from Cage.

"Nice job Y/N." Cage praised the Spider-Man patting him on the shoulder "You know you're wasted as a photographer."

"I thought you liked my photos?" L/N questioned.

"Oh I do but I'm having a vision and It. Is. Glorious." Cage wrapped his arm around Y/N's shoulder "I'm going to pitch to my agent a 'Johnny Cage, Spider-Man buddy cop movie!' I can see the dollar signs already. CHA-CHING Baby!"

"Spider-Cop." Y/N muttered in a deep voice.

"YES! We'll call it......" Johnny was struggling to think of a snappy, cool movie title "Something! We can work out the details."

Y/N nodded, that sounded cool probably highly unlikely to happen but it still sounded cool nonetheless. He'd upgraded from nobody to photographer to potential movie star in less than a few hours. Jobs were easy in this universe!

The two made their way over to Sonya who was still on her knees, taking as much time to recover as she could afford "Thanks. Both of you." Sonya graciously said.

"No thanks needed."

"No problem. Who was that guy anyways?" Johnny offered his hand but retracted following his previous encounter with Sonya.

Blade was not so unwilling for help though after Spider-Man and Johnny had defended her from Kano and extended her hand which Johnny grabbed and pulled her to her feet.

"That's Kano right?" Y/N asked Sonya.

"You know him?" Blade asked.

"Not really, just heard a little bit about him." Y/N admitted.

"He was an informant in our Black Dragon investigation, big time arms dealers. Turns out he was their leader giving us the run around." She had to take a minute to compose herself, the wounds from Kano's treachery were still as fresh as the day he betrayed them "A lot of our guys for killed because of him."

"Sounds like a scumbag." Y/N concluded from Sonya's explanation and she could not agree more with Y/N's summary of Kano "I'm very sorry for your loss."

"Thank you." She said.

What Johnny took from it was that she was no showgirl but N actual badass "So that's not a costume? You're actual military?" Johnny said in disbelief.

"Special Forces." Sonya specified.

"Get out!" Johnny exclaimed, a small part of him thinking that if he knew women in the military dressed like Sonya, then he would've joined a loooooong time ago "So you know about this end of the world stuff? Raiden called in the cavalry."

"Raiden?" Sonya repeated, looking clueless "No idea who you're talking about."

"He's a buddy of mine." Y/N added "If you come with us, we can find him and he can explain everything." Y/N offered Sonya some clarity on what was going on, he knew it but Raiden could explain it way better than he could.

"I can't. I have to find my CO, he's stuck somewhere on this island, and I have to deal with..." Sonya glanced over their shoulders to where Kano was "Damn!" She cursed, catching Spider-Man's and Johnny's attention to see that the Black Dragon leader has escaped.

"Slippery as a snake is Kano." Y/N commented, again Sonya couldn't agree more with Y/N.

"He can't have got far." Johnny commented.

"He'll have to wait." Sonya said, she then extended her hand to Y/N then Johnny "I appreciate your help Y/N, Cage."

"Johnny." He corrected as he shook her hand.

"Right now, I've got serious problems that I HAVE to solve." Sonya reiterated before heading out of The Pit.

"How come you got first name but I got second name?" Johnny questioned Y/N.

"I don't know, maybe because I'm not hitting on her." Y/N offered as a possible, logical reason.

"No, it can't be that." Johnny didn't want to see Sonya leave but he didn't mind watching her go, his eyes travelling south, before she walked out of the pit and out of sight "You know, you gotta admire her, when she sets her mind on something." Sonya truly had a hold on Johnny Cage and he loved it.

Y/N knocked him with his shoulder, pulling him out of his Sonya induced trance "Dude, it's not her mind you're admiring."

Johnny couldn't argue with what Y/N was saying "That's true."

"Well I'm going to help Sonya with finding her CO." Y/N advised, Johnny nodded as Y/N swung away to follow Sonya.

"I'm pretty sure she didn't want any help. Trust me." Johnny reminded the Spider-Man, his face still a little hurt after his fight with Sonya.

"She's just being stubborn plus after being attacked by Kano, I think she could use a little back up." Y/N explained his plan to Johnny.

"Alright. Let's go after her." Johnny said, walking to follow her but being blocked by Y/N.

"Woah cowboy, I'll go and help Sonya, you go and find Raiden and get his help." Y/N gave out their roles for this plan.

Johnny caught on what these roles were for and made it known "Oh I get it, you want to impress Sonya by helping her save her friend. Well NUH-UH."

Y/N, like a Jedi, used some clever mind tricks to convince Johnny that he was best equipped to help Sonya "Well you've had two tournament fights AND a fight with Kano. Me, on the other hand, I'm as fresh as a daisy."

Johnny shrugged his shoulders, finding it hard to argue with that logic "Yeah. That makes sense." He nodded.

"Of course it does." He said, acting as the puppet master in this plan "Like I said you go and find Raiden then I'll go and help Sonya." Y/N reiterated once more, Johnny nodded, going along with the plan second time around "Awesome. Later Cage." Y/N then jumped off the bridge and thwipped his webs to go and find Sonya.

"I SAW HER FIRST!" Johnny childishly called out to Y/N, making sure that Y/N was reminded not to go after 'his girl'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

That's Chapter 2 done, the first Chapter of the main MK9 story mode. This chapter was wayyyyyyyyyy longer than I expected it to be but I'm happy with how it turned out.

Some of you thought Y/N and Johnny would get along, you're absolutely right! What did you think of Y/N being integrated into the story? Any predictions for the rest of the MK9 story?