Kombatants watch Mortal Kombat

~A/N~ Phief: Here we are the official beginning of "MK9" gameplay.

Phief: However certain moves will not be used as they contradict lore.

"Speech" 'Thought' "Read Text" "Game"

Disclaimer: I don't own ~'Mortal Kombat'~

~Chapter 1 Johnny Cage~

Shang Tsung: Our first kombatant will be Mr. Cage!

Cage walks forwards with a confident chuckle.

Johnny: That's right! That's right! Who's it gonna be?

Shang Tsung: Reptile!

The actor looks up to a roof and watches the Saurian uncloak himself before leaping down to the arena, the island monks giving a small applause at the display.

"Oh I hope they get the good side of me kicking your ass" Cage cheered, looking back at the visibly angered ninja.

"When next we fight, there'll be a different outcome" he hissed.

"Keep dreaming froggy"

Johnny: Nice stunt! Who's your agent?

Shang Tsung: Begin!

Johnny: Alright, it's showtime!

Reptile's opening move is a low slide towards the cocky Earthrealmer, who jumped to the side only to be blindsided as Reptile leapt from his crouched position and planted both his feet against Cage's shoulder.

Grunting in pain the actor turned around to throw a punch, only to find his opponent missing, he looked around only to receive an invisible punch to the face, dropping low Cage swept his leg out, feeling it connect to something, with a thud and grunt Reptile dropped to the ground, de-cloaking in the process.

Seeing his opportunity Cage slammed his fist into the lizard's stomach, who in return sent both his feet into the actor's gut, stumbling back and falling to one knee Cage held his stomach.

Thinking he had won Reptile pounced at his enemy, Cage smirked before rising to his feet and sent a powerful uppercut to the Saurian's jaw making his feet leave the floor for a brief second, continuing his assault Cage performed a backflip kick sending Reptile into the air fully, landing upright Cage grabbed his airborne opponent as he fell slamming him into the ground.

"I admit he is better than I first thought" Kung Lao admitted "though his technique needs refining"

"Thanks Oddjob" Cage smirked "maybe you'll get as good as me one day" the hatted monk merely glared in response.

Johnny: He got caged! That's it, ha haa! Oh yeah! I'm so pretty!

"Y'know men don't normally brag about being pretty" said Jax, hoping to take a shot at the Actor's ego.

Johnny, completely unfazed, just smirked "Well when you look as good as I do you gotta acknowledge it"

Liu Kang and Raiden disgusted by his gloating, watch as walks over to the other kombatants.

Liu Kang and Raiden mirror the disgust of their on screen counterparts, with Kung Lao joining in.

Johnny: And I'm takin' you down, I'm takin' you down, I'm takin' you out, I'm takin' you out and I'm taking you out…

He looks up and flashes a smile as Sonya

Johnny:...for dinner!

"In your dreams" Sonya commented with a disgusted eye roll, which Kitana and Jade mimicked.

Johnny chuckles as Sonya rolls her eyes in disgust.

Shang Tsung: Your second challenge, Mr. Cage, Baraka!

The Tarkatan roars in confidence and leaps out to the arena, the island monks clapping in anticipation.

Johnny: Hmmmm, ok. Nice make up, but is it really necessary?

Baraka simply draws his blades.

Johnny: Woah!

Baraka: They will taste your flesh!

"Bring it on fang face" Cage taunted, laughing as he heard a growl from the Tarkatan.

The actor immediately dodged out of harm's way his opponent leaving him on the defensive, noticing an opening to the left of another swipe and with a spin kicked the warrior in the back of the head.

Baraka sheathed his blades to catch himself before hitting the ground, springing to his feet he threw a punch at the actor catching him by surprise and knocking off his sunglasses, he continued his assault by kicking the actor in the chest sending him to the ground.

Cage rose to his feet slightly out of breath, looking down at his now broken shades "Those were $500 sunglasses ass hole", The actor charged forwards, Baraka unsheathing his blades again, the actor dropped to the floor and swept the Tarkatan's legs out from under him with a kick, continuing with the momentum he span around and punched Baraka in the face.

Cage watched his opponent rise to his feet again growling like a rabid dog, "Hmph come on" Cage taunted lowering his guard.

The Baraka in the audience winced knowing what was about to happen.

Falling for the ploy Baraka lunged forward attempting to impale the actor, at the last second before the blades made contact Cage performed a perfect split, dodging the attack completely, before launching three consecutive punches in to Baraka's balls, an x-ray showed the bruising of the testicles, before he leapt up and a slammed his elbow into the Tarkatan's back, an x-ray shows the spine and back of the ribs cracking.

Collectively all the guys in the audience winced with the exception of Cage "What's with the x-ray footage?"

"No-one decided that for certain… destructive attacks there'll be an x-ray filter to show how much damage it causes" Phief answered "Nice split by the way"

"Thanks"

The actor whips out another pair of sunglasses from his jacket pocket as the defeated Tarkatan rolls over onto his back.

Johnny: Man, I love those blades! My producer has got to meet you! We're doing "Tommy scissor fists", and-

Shang Tsung: Congratulations, Mr. Cage. Now, Finish him!

Johnny: Finish him? Yeah right.

Shang Tsung: Kill him!

Cage seemed to realise the old man was serious as he saw the expectant looks from everyone on Outworld's side.

Johnny: Woah! Woah, woah, wait a second, I'm not gonna kill anyone!

"Seriously why would I" said Cage in disbelief.

"That just gives me another chance to kill you!" Baraka hissed in anger.

"Anywhere, anytime fang face"

Liu Kang looks at his mentor, who watches silently.

Shang Tsung: Very well.

The old man angrily rises from his chair.

Shang Tsung: The tournament will resume at dawn!

He turns and leaves, the island monks following his lead.

Johnny: What, that's it? Really?

"Shang Tsung must be upset" Liu Kang remarked "two of Outworld's fighters down in one night"

"Earthrealm might win cleanly this time" Kung Lao smirked.

"Confidence is important Kung Lao" Raiden spoke up "but do not let it develop into arrogance"

The actor's question is ignored. Johnny then rubs his hands in anticipation.

Johnny: Now where'd that hottie go?

Before he can leave to look for her, Raiden and Liu Kang approach him.

Raiden: You fought well.

Johnny: Thanks! Nice hat.

"I was wondering what you were gonna say earlier" said Cage.

"You should be more respectful of Lord Raiden" Liu Kang chastised "He is the protector of Earthrealm, the God of thunder, the-"

Liu Kang: You should be more respectful of Lord Raiden. He is the protector of Earthrealm, the God of thunder, the-

"Wow, I didn't know there was an echo in here" Cage laughed "that was perfect"

Johnny: Look, I don't know what kind of role-playing you guys are into, but count me out.

"Just so you know, I believe you guys now" Cage spoke up "I mean, seeing my own severed head was proof enough"

"So you're not a complete idiot then" commented Jade, earning the smallest of snickers from Kitana and laugh from Mileena.

Before he can leave the monk stops him.

Liu Kang: This tournament is more than a chance for personal glory. We are fighting for the very survival of Earthrealm

Johnny: What are you talking about?

Raiden: Your opponent was a Tarkatan. He was born with those blades.

Johnny: Yeah, those things are real.

"To be fair that is a little hard to believe" said Jax with Sonya agreeing.

"I know right!" Cage exclaimed.

Two guards carry away the unconscious warrior.

Raiden: He represents Outworld. Had you lost, the emperor Shao Kahn would have been one step closer to physically absorbing our world into his.

Johnny: Outworld, yeah right, right…

Raiden: The Elder Gods created the mortal kombat to give Earthrealm a chance to defend itself. But if we lose this time, Shao Kahn will conquer all.

The actor raises his arms in fake tension.

Johnny: Dun Dun Dunnn!

Johnny: Look guys I'm an actor. I save the world for the cameras. If this emperor is really a threat, call the military. Me, I've got a date with a blonde. Ciao!

"You're so full of yourself that it's not even funny" said Jax.

Cage, not knowing how to respond in a way that didn't make him look worse, chose to stay silent.

He pats the Thunder God's arm before leaving.

Liu Kang: What do you see in him?

Raiden: He is a hero, Liu Kang, though he may not yet know it.

Cage puffed out his chest in pride, while Liu Kang and Kung Lao rolled their eyes.

Sonya stood on a stone walkway over a deep pit, looking at her radio in frustration.

Command: Triangulating your signal for evac, but…

Static briefly distorts the transmission.

Command:...there's no Island

"There clearly is though!" said Sonya in very clear irritation "can anyone explain"

"Shang Tsung's Island is hidden by Outworld's magic" Raiden explained "making it hard to detect by usual means"

Sonya: I'm standing on it! Just lock onto my wrist comm!

Johnny walks onto the bridge and smirks having found Sonya.

Command: Understood. What is your current status?

Sonya: They have Jax. And if I don't fight in the crazy tournament, they'll kill him. I'm gonna try to-

Johnny: Need help? I specialize in rescuing damsels in distress.

Sonya: You again. Listen, I've got serious problems here. I'm not in the mood to be hit on by some movie star.

"And that fully applies here as well" said Sonya, looking at the actor.

"I haven't even said anything" Johnny said defending himself.

"And it better stay like that!"

Johnny: C'mon. A girl like you shouldn't be wandering around this freak show alone.

Sonya ignores him and attempts to leave, only for the actor to grab her arm.

Johnny: Look, baby, I can't let you run loose without an escort.

"You shouldn't have said that" warned Jax.

The blonde hits him in the stomach, before smacking him to floor.

Sonya: I don't need an escort, and I'm sure as hell not your baby!

Reluctantly Johnny takes up a fighting stance to defend himself.

Sonya throws a flurry punches which he manages to block, before slipping into her personal space to plant an elbow in her stomach, winding her.

Regaining her footing she threw a left hook which connected painfully with his jaw, acting quickly he grabbed her wrist and elbow with both hands and turned flipping her over his shoulder in the process.

Sonya collided harshly with the stone, using her hands to spin herself she attempted to sweep the actor's legs out from under him, only for him to jump over her and kick her back to where they started.

"Your movements are impressive" Liu Kang complimented "however there is plenty of room for improvement"

"He's better than I thought" Kitana muttered.

"Did you say something sister?" Mileena asked turning to face her.

"No"

Johnny: Ha ha! Not bad… for a... girl.

Cage looks sheepish for a moment before offering a hand to impromptu opponent.

Johnny: Look, sorry about that…

"It seems he has some level of humility" Jade commented.

"He needs everything he can to balance his ego" said Kitana, earning a bark of laughter from Mileena and Baraka.

Sonya slaps his hand away.

Sonya: I don't need your help.

Johnny: Fine. Have it your way. I'll leave you to your... problems.

With his focus entirely on Sonya he doesn't notice the approach of the Australian with the cybernetic eye.

Kano: Good idea!

The Australian grabs the back of Johnny's jacket and throws him off the bridge.

"What the hell!" Cage exclaimed as Reptile and Baraka burst into laughter at the actor's misfortune and Sonya and Jax growled at the appearance of the man.

"Your observational skills are severely lacking" commented Scorpion "If you paid attention to your surroundings he couldn't have surprised you" the Shaolin monks nodded at the assessment and the Lin Quay couldn't help but agree.

Sonya: Not man enough for a fair fight?

Kano: I don't do fair.

Kano fires a laser at her as the camera starts to pan down.

Kano: No need to get up, love.

The camera slowly reveals Johnny Cage alive and well hanging onto one of the bridge column spikes looking at all the victims decorating the other spikes, as Sonya screams in pain above.

"Man that was way too close" said Johnny visibly relieved.

"He's got more luck than skill" Kung Lao joked, earning an amused eye roll from his fellow monk, all while Raiden silently observed the events yet to happen.

Kano: So tell me… how are things at command?

Sonya: Bastard!

Kano continues to toy with Sonya as Cage struggles to get a hand hold to climb back up.

Kano: Gullible bitch. Just had to point you in the wrong direction. Couldn't a done it without ya!

Sonya: S.F. is on the way. You won't get far.

Kano: I've got a knack for survival. You on the other hand, are gonna die here.

Before Kano can make another move Cage lands back on the bridge behind him.

Johnny: Step away from the lady!

"My hero" Sonya remarks with clear sarcasm.

"Well, this is his chance to make up for getting you in that situation" replied Jax.

Johnny patted the dust off his suit as walked forward.

Johnny: Fans think my movies are all wire work and special effects. The TRUTH is… I am the special effects.

Johnny runs forward and throws a couple punches only for Kano to block, in response the Australian headbutted him, making the actor stumble back in pain.

"I can already feel that" winced Cage.

Looking back up he barely had enough time avoid Kano's knife stabbing his throat, slamming his hand into the mercenary's elbow he knocked the knife from his hand.

Inching into Kano's guard he shoved his knee into his opponent's stomach, pressing the assault he punched Kano's left cheek, hopping off the ground he roundhouse kicked the Australian, knocking him to the floor.

Cage looked at his opponent before quickly ducking to avoid a surprise laser shot from Kano's eye, the mercenary then sprang to his feet with a knife.

From his crouched position the actor threw a nut punch at Kano, stunning him before shooting up with a rising uppercut, ending the fight.

Johnny: Throw that on your... barby… shrimp…

Everyone in the audience looked at Cage after hearing his words, the actor looked down at the floor in embarrassment.

After his one liner fell flat, he turned to face Sonya.

Sonya: Thanks.

Johnny: No problem. Who is that guy anyway?

Johnny offered her a hand up before realizing his error and started pulling his hand back, Sonya rolled her eyes and held out a hand allowing Cage to help her to her feet.

"Look at that Cage you're learning" Phief sarcastically praised clapping her hands.

"Ha ha ha, so funny"

Sonya: His name's Kano. He was an informant in our Black Dragon investigation. Big-time arms dealers. Turns out he was there leader and giving us the runaround. Lot of our guys got killed because of him.

Johnny: So that's not a costume? You're actual military?

Sonya: Special Forces

Johnny: Get out! So you know about this "threat to the world" stuff, right? Raiden called in the cavalry.

Sonya: Raiden? No idea who you're talking about.

"I think it's safe to say we all understand what's going on now" Sonya muttered.

The two of them look towards Kano only to see him gone.

"Damn" Sonya cursed

Sonya: Damn.

Johnny: He can't be far.

Sonya: He'll have to wait.

She offered the actor her hand.

Sonya: I appreciate your help, Cage.

The actor shook her hand.

Johnny: Johnny.

Sonya: But right now I've got things to take care of. My C.O. is locked up on this island somewhere. I have to find him.

Cage watches as she marches away.

"Thanks Sonya" said Jax, smiling at his friend.

"Anytime Jax" replied Sonya "I know you'd do the same for me"

"Something just occurred to me" said Phief "It was the middle of the night when I brought all of you here"

"Yeah, kind of a dick move" Johnny commented.

"So I should probably show you to your rooms" she continued as if uninterrupted "Mileena, you already know where yours is"

"So you have rooms for us?" asked Jade.

"Yep" Phief answered standing up and walking to the wall she let Mileena in from earlier "Come on"

With no other options available the kombatants followed their host out into a connected hallway, looking around the walls were lined with doors with their names written on them.

"Get some rest and we can continue in the morning" Phief announced "Good night"

~A/N~ Phief: This chapter is done and just in time.

Phief: Happy Birthday No-one.

Phief: That's all for now, goodbye.