Two colorful figures sat meditatively very high up on a grassy hill under a beautiful Japanese Cherry tree, overlooking entire kingdoms, deserts, plains, and massive bodies of water.
The man on the left was cloaked in tattered white robes and a conical asian straw hat on his head. Under his hat, long, thick, silvery, hair fell down around his neck, covering his shoulders. His eyes were closed peacefully, and even though his eyelids were shut, you could still see the etherial white glow behind them. He retained a sense of regality despite his appearance of a beggar. Although even this beggar look was in clothing only, he was 6'3 feet tall, very muscular build and bronze looking skin. He sat serenely, his legs folded under him, his hands resting on his knees. His name is Raiden, the God of Thunder.
The man next to him was clad in black, with a black fitted hood coming down to his forehead. Covering his face, leaving only his eyes uncovered, is a deep royal blue facemask made of metal and different types of stone. Over his black ninja wraps, he wore a matching royal blue vest, coming down his chest in a 'V' shape, with metal pieces of armor adorning it in various patterns. In addition to his elegant yet intimidating uniform, he wore blue gauntlets with metal pieces on them as well. He had a very lean yet incredibly muscular body, as if it held back untold capability for intense, calculated, destruction.
This man's name is Kuai Liang, also know to his fellow clansmen as 'Sub-Zero'. He is the Grandmaster of the clan of ninja assassins, the Lin Kuei who are known for their mastery over the cold elements, with exceptionally deadly expertise with ice. Unlike previous leaders, Sub-Zero enforces a moral code of justice and honor, which he structures his personal life philsophy after.
"Lord Raiden, I wish to express my gratitude for your assistance in these matters. It is often dificult to decide which path I must follow... I think of you as my mentor, and as my friend. Thank you." Sub-Zero, in his deef gruff voice, spoke sincerely. Raiden smiled, eyes still closed.
"Kuai, there are few I have ever met that are as receptive as you. I consider you a friend also."
Raiden spoke with a deep echoey voice that resonated with currents of immense power.
Sub-Zero slightly grinned behind his facemask as he looked at Raiden.
However, Raiden was not smiling back, he was staring at the sky from under a furrowed brow.
"Lord Raiden...?" Sub-Zero followed his gaze and looked at the sky.
"The promised peace from the end of Mortal Kombat is not going to last... this is most unexpected."
Raiden spoke, sounding very worried, with waves of anger, and sadness flowing through his words.
The sky billowed massive dark clouds that bubbled over themselves violently. The clouds ran thick with black smog and bursting with sudden fits of vengeful lightning. It was hideous in stark contrast to the beautiful serene blue and pink skies above the two friends. They slowly stood up, never breaking their stare from the impending doom, lurking on the horizon, but quickly expanding.
Raiden yelled in pain for a brief moment and stumbled backwards, Sub-Zero caught him before he hit the ground,
"Lord Raiden! What happened?" Sub-Zero asked, incredibly concerned.
"I... couldn't see... anything..." Raiden said as his glowing white eyes were wide in disbelief.
"I tried to see into the future, but something blocked my vision... I can't see what's coming! But what I do know, is that whoever is blocking my vision, is extremely powerful... and that alone worries me beyond belief." He quickly stood up and looked at Sub-Zero,
"I do sense a familiar presence in Outworld... someone from Earthrealm, someone who does not belong here. You should start by looking into that Sub-Zero, if anyone on this side is be most able and ready to open a portal to Earthrealm, it would be Shang Tsung. Find him. Quickly." Raiden spoke with haste and determination. He turned to walk away but Sub-Zero stopped him,
"Lord Raiden, wait, where are you going?"
"I have some important matters to look into. May the gods be with you Kuai Liang." Raiden spoke with kindness and urgency, and suddenly dissapeared in an amazing flash of blinding light and energy.
Sub-Zero bowed respectfully and quickly began preparations to find Shang Tsung and uncover the ominous source behind the events unfolding in Outworld.