Scorpion had now been living with Twilight Sparkle in Ponyville for two whole weeks. He had been helping her with all sorts of tasks and chores, yet that purple-coated Unicorn still didn’t seem to have her full faith in Scorpion. Even Twilight’s friends trusted Scorpion now. Rainbow Dash trusted him, and all Scorpion had to do to gain her trust was beat her up. The ponies of Ponyville had even started to like Scorpion a bit, after seeing him help out Twilight’s friends. Yet, for some reason, Twilight still couldn’t trust Scorpion fully, and he didn’t know why.

But, recently, other thoughts had started to creep their way back into Scorpion’s mind. Thoughts of those he had lost, and of those he had killed in the past. One memory stood out, much more so than any others. Scorpion had killed many during his time as a specter and demon, but the killing that stood out the most was the killing of Bi-Han, otherwise known as Sub Zero.

Scorpion thought that perhaps it was because of the oath he had secretly made with Kuai Liang behind Quan Chi’s back. Ever since Scorpion discovered that the Lin Kuei were responsible for the deaths of his and Sub Zero’s families, the two had formed a deadly alliance. Scorpion also saw this recompense for his actions of killing Kuai Liang’s brother, Bi-Han. The two were quite a deadly force to be reckoned with indeed, but the fact still lingered in Scorpion’s mind of the deeds he had committed.

Scorpion had been helping Twilight and Spike with some errands around Ponyville, but the thoughts in Scorpion’s mind drove him to head back for the library. Both Twilight and Spike were confused and concerned for the specter, so they opted to follow him back. Upon arriving at the library, Scorpion went straight to his room. He sat on his bed and sighed to himself.

“Scorpion,” Twilight called to him, knocking on the door. “Are you alright?”

“Leave me be Twilight Sparkle. I am in no mood to talk,” Scorpion replied. Twilight simply backed away from the door.

“What’s eatin him?” Spike asked.

“I haven’t the slightest clue, but I’m going to go talk to him,” Twilight responded, turning back to the door.

“But, he said he didn’t want to talk.”

“I am well aware, but I won’t let him mope over himself like this. I want to know what’s wrong.”

“Alright, but if he hurts you, don’t say I was wrong,” Spike said, walking upstairs. Twilight slowly opened the door to find Scorpion sitting on the bed with his head hanging low. He immediately looked up as she stepped in.

“Did I not tell you that I am in no mood to talk? I wish to be alone? Is that too much to ask of you?” Scorpion asked, sounding quite aggravated.

“I know, and I’m sorry, but I just want to make sure everything is okay with you. For the past few days, you’ve seemed a little tense. Is it because of your little duel with Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked.

“No, it is not that. The cause for my current state of being is none of your concern.” Twilight was now getting a little frustrated herself. This demon was more arrogant and stubborn than Applejack and Rainbow Dash combined. She was getting to the bottom of this.

“Look Scorpion, moping over your problems like this won’t solve anything. You need to talk it out. Please, I want to help,” Twilight said, advancing towards him. He turned his head and sighed.

“Very well,” he said plainly.

“I understand that… wait, what?”

“Very well. I will share with you my thoughts as of late. Only be warned that what you see may not be to your liking.” Twilight perked up and walked up to him.

“Alright, where would you like to start? Just talk, and I’ll listen.”

“I think it best to show you instead,” Scorpion said. Twilight looked at him confusedly, but then, Scorpion wisped his hand through the air. Before the two appeared a vision of sorts. It was cloud-like screen almost. Being that this had been projected by Scorpion, his mind felt at ease as it was pulled into the visions. Twilight’s mind felt like it was being tugged at, but she finally let go. Her mind was filled with the memories from Scorpion’s participation in the Mortal Kombat tournament. She suddenly gained knowledge of who the people she saw were, and what they were doing there. She saw and knew everything now.

It was a bright, sunny day. The air was crisp, birds were chirping, and sun was high in the sky. The courtyard was filled with robed monks, ready to observe the kombat to come. Shang Tsung sat upon his throne over the courtyard, overseeing everything that happened. His body was frail and weak, his hair had turned white. Yet, even with his old body, he held much power.

The same could be said for the many fighters that stood before the monks and Shang Tsung. Liu Kang, Raiden, Jonny Cage, Sonya, Jax, and Nightwolf all stood together. Many other unnamed fighters stood ready to fight as well. A robed man with a strange mask walked in from the side, standing ready to guard the courtyard.

“Kombatants, the next match will now begin,” said Shang Tsung from atop the courtyard. Suddenly, a fire burned on the ground, and from it came Scorpion.

“Scorpion! Specter of the Netherrealm! Resurrected by the sorcerer Quan Chi! Who among you is worthy of this challenge?” Shang Tsung asked.

“Where is the Lin Kuei, Sub Zero? He killed my family and clan. I will have his head!” Scorpion said, scanning the crowd. The absence of Sub Zero, Cyrax, and Sektor angered him greatly. Scorpion hoped that they were somewhere in the crowd, but it was useless. Suddenly, that same robed guard that entered just moments ago stepped forward, taking off his robes to reveal a slick, black outfit. He suddenly pulled out a round hat that seemed to be sharp around its edges.

“I accept the challenge,” said the man. Scorpion turned to face this challenger.

“Kung Lao?” Liu Kang said to himself in surprise. Kung Lao stood ready in front of Scorpion.

“Never mind the Lin Kuei. Now you face a Shao Lin,” he said, spinning his hat a bit.

“You will regret your impulsiveness,” Scorpion said, standing ready to fight.

In a flash, the memory faded, and the battle was over.

Scorpion stood victorious over Kung Lao.

“You are not yet a warrior.”

“Kung Lao!” Liu Kang said, rushing over to help his friend. Raiden stepped over and stood above the fallen fighter.

“Listen when your elders speak. You could not win this fight,” Raiden said, now helping Kung Lao up. Scorpion turned to face Shang Tsung.

“I have defeated the challenger Shang Tsung. I demand Sub Zero!” Scorpion said, raising his fist.

“You will demand nothing,” Shang Tsung responded, causing Scorpion to lower his fist. “Nightwolf!” Shang Tsung called out. The Native American warrior stepped forward and walked up to Scorpion.

“Your aggression is misplaced,” he said to the demon.

“What would you know of my…” Scorpion started, but he was cut off by Nightwolf.

“You are not the only one whose people have been victimized,” Nightwolf interrupted, moving to stand across from Scorpion. “But I have found new purpose in serving the spirits,” he continued, standing ready to fight. “I do not cling to the past.”

“You no longer seek retribution? You dishonor your kind! I will honor the memory of my fallen,” Scorpion said, standing ready to fight as well.

In another flash, the fight was over, and Scorpion once again stood victorious.

“The spirits have forsaken you, Shaman.”

“An impressive start,” Shang Tsung said to Scorpion.

“You waste my time, sorcerer!” Scorpion said, raising his fist and forming a flame around it.

“Restraint Scorpion!” Quan Chi ordered the Specter. Upon that order, Scorpion lowered both his head and his fist.

“You will fight Sub Zero soon enough,” the sorcerer responded to the demon, standing up and walking away with Quan Chi. The rest of the warriors and monks in the courtyard began to file out of the area, leaving Scorpion with himself. That was, until Raiden walked up to the specter.

“Scorpion. I understand your desire for revenge, but Nightwolf is right. There are other ways in which you may find peace,” Raiden started.

“Sub Zero deserves death!” the demon countered.

“Defeat Sub Zero if you must, but do not kill him. I fear his death will give rise to a more treacherous foe,” Raiden continued.

“I will have my revenge!”

“Spare Sub Zero’s life, and I will request that the Elder Gods return the Shirai Ryu to the realm of mortals.” The offer that Scorpion had just been presented was unimaginable. His people, returned to the living world. While Scorpion hungered for vengeance, it would not be necessary if his people could be brought back. He nodded his head to Raiden, and Raiden did the same in return. The two now had an understanding. And with that, Raiden left Scorpion to be alone.

Scorpion opened the doors to Shang Tsung’s throne room. Every kombatant was present in the room. The Earthrealm warriors stood together, discussing whatever came to mind. The Lin Kuei assassins Cyrax and Sektor spoke together of a secret plan that their Grandmaster had in store for them. As Cyrax was speaking, Scorpion approached the two assassins.

“Scorpion,” Sektor spoke. The demon stepped up to them.

“Your inferior clan is dead. Soon you will join them,” Cyrax insulted Scorpion.

“My clan may walk the Earth once more,” Scorpion said, but he only received a forceful shove from Cyrax. Moving back, Scorpion regained himself and stood ready to fight. Quan Chi and Shang Tsung entered the room.

“A challenge! Scorpion, versus Cyrax and Sektor!” the sorcerer announced.

“Your obsession with Sub Zero ends here,” Cyrax mocked, standing ready to fight with Sektor at his back.

In another quick flash, the fight was over, and Scorpion stood victorious over both Cyrax and Sektor.

“I will have my revenge, but I will not kill Sub Zero.”

The doors to the throne room reopened, and a blue and cold figure entered.

“Will not? Or cannot?” Sub Zero spoke as he entered the throne room.

“You!” Scorpion said, walking towards the cold assassin. Everyone in the room watched as the two rivals faced each other, especially Quan Chi. “The Shirai Ryu are dead. You will suffer as they did.”

“To Hell with your clan!”

“No... to Hell with you!” Scorpion shouted, grabbing onto Sub Zero and dragging him down straight to the fiery place. As the two arrived, Sub Zero freed himself of Scorpion’s grip and looked around.

“The Netherrealm,” Sub Zero said.

“This is where I was reborn. This is where you will pay!” Scorpion replied, as the two both stood ready to fight.

Fight!

In an instant, Sub Zero sent out an Iceball to freeze Scorpion. But, the specter foresaw this, and easily jumped over the attack. While still in the air, Scorpion teleported behind Sub Zero. Upon landing behind the frosty warrior, Scorpion landed a powerful punch, and then unleashed his Torment combo, sending Sub Zero back with a fiery punch. Scorpion then sent Sub Zero to the floor with his Damnation combo, landing a straight punch, backhand punch, and a roundhouse kick.

As Sub Zero got up, he blocked the two fiery spears that Scorpion sent out for his Flame Spear Enhanced Attack. With his quick thinking, Sub Zero used his Power Slide Enhanced Attack to slide towards Scorpion. Making contact, Scorpion was sent flying through the air over Sub Zero. Sub Zero was quick enough to turn around and send Scorpion to the floor with a powerful palm attack.

Scorpion got back up quickly, but Sub Zero was right on top of him with an Icebeam Enhanced Attack, freezing the specter where he stood. Sub Zero moved in and unleashed his Ice Blade attack, crossing over his right arm in a downward strike, then bringing his arm back up with an icy sword in hand, and finally slamming it down to send Scorpion to the ground.

Scorpion was weakening, but he wasn’t about to give up. He unleashed his Hell Fire Enhanced Attack to burn the assassin where he stood. With this to his advantage, Scorpion pulled Sub Zero in with his Spear. Scorpion two powerful kicks on him with his right foot. The first kick was to Sub Zero’s gut, which caused him to bend over in pain. Scorpion then kicked him again in the head. He finished off by using his left leg to send Sub Zero to the floor. Scorpion’s Dead End combo nearly had the frosty warrior finished. But, Sub Zero wasn’t about to give up so easily.

Sub Zero quickly got up as Scorpion advanced towards him. As Scorpion jumped in the air and was about to land a kick, Sub Zero created an Ice Clone. Upon hitting it, Scorpion was frozen. Sub Zero took this to his advantage and froze his own body momentarily. In another moment, he lunged forward towards Scorpion.

Everything went black and white, and time started to slow down. Sub Zero threw his open hand into Scorpion’s gut, freezing his stomach completely. With a powerful grip, Sub Zero crushed Scorpion’s stomach, causing the demon to cry out in pain. Removing his hand, Sub Zero grabbed Scorpion’s shoulder. Bringing his head back, Sub Zero then delivered a powerful head-butt to the specter, causing his teeth to shatter, and his skull to crack. It even managed to cause Scorpion’s mask to crack a bit, revealing his skeleton-like mouth. Scorpion fell down to the floor with a thud as everything came back into color and moved at a normal rate.

Scorpion was far from done, however. He seamlessly kicked back up and stood ready to continue fighting. Sub Zero tried to Slide into Scorpion, but he managed to block the attack. Scorpion used his Blade Overhead attack to send Sub Zero into the air. Just as he was about to hit the floor, Scorpion sent out his Spear to pull Sub Zero back in. Scorpion then pulled out his right blade and slashed it down, then pulled out his second blade and slashed both of them down, and finished with a flaming backflip kick, completing his Doom Blade combo attack.

Scorpion wasn’t done just there though. As Sub Zero stood back up, Scorpion teleported behind him. As he landed, he delivered the usual punch that followed the teleport, and he followed it up with his Gravedigger combo attack. Scorpion crossed over his right arm with a powerful punch, and then switched his body’s direction to deliver a powerful shoulder blast. Sub Zero was sent to the floor.

And even still, Scorpion continued his assault. He pulled Sub Zero in with his Spear, delivered the two starting blows of his Dead End combo, but followed it up with his Takeout Enhanced Attack. With Sub Zero still on the ground, he unleashed his Demon Fire Special Attack to burn the wounded warrior. Sub Zero groggily stood up, just in time to block Scorpion’s next attack. Sub Zero delivered a back hand punch to Scorpion’s face, then created an icy dagger. He slammed the dagger into Scorpion’s chest, and finished the combo with a sweep to Scorpion’s legs, finishing off his Ice Cold combo.

As Scorpion got back up, he was met with an Iceball, freezing him in place. Sub Zero advanced towards him and hit him in the face with a claw-like punch with his right hand. Sub Zero then used his right foot to land a powerful kick to Scorpion’s chest. Sub Zero finished off his Cold Feet combo by using his left foot to kick Scorpion to the ground.

Both warriors were growing tired of the fight, and they were both growing weak. They had both sustained a great deal of damage, but neither one of them wanted to quit. But, only one of them could win, and Scorpion was going to make sure that he won no matter what.

Sub Zero started a combo on the dazed specter, but Scorpion used a Breaker to stop the combo short and send Sub Zero to the floor. Sending out his Flame Spear Enhanced Attack, Scorpion forcefully pulled Sub Zero in towards him. He engulfed himself in flames, disappeared into the ground, and suddenly reappeared at Sub Zero’s side, landing a powerful blow to his stomach.

Everything went black and white again as time seemed to slow down as well. Scorpion pulled back his right fist, clenching it tight with all his might. He lunged his arm forward, delivering a punch to the side of Sub Zero’s face that could make a boulder crack in two. The punch caused Sub Zero to cry out in immense pain, as his teeth and skull cracked from the pressure of the punch. As Sub Zero fell to the floor, Scorpion watched. He stepped over to the fallen warrior, raised his left foot, and brought it down on his chest with great force. Scorpion effectively managed to break every rib in Sub Zero’s body, and the cries of agony he received were a clear indicator of it. Scorpion backflipped away from Sub Zero as everything started to become colored again, and time sped back up.

Sub Zero was finished. He could no longer fight. He had been defeated.

Scorpion wins!

“I have avenged my family and clan.”

Still standing in a kombat ready position, Scorpion watched as his fallen adversary breathed and panted groggily in pain. Suddenly, from behind, Quan Chi appeared.

“This is your retribution? Scorpion. Kill him,” Quan Chi said.

“I… I will not. He has been beaten,” Scorpion replied.

“Have you forgotten?” Quan Chi asked, as he raised his hand and created the images from the day that the Shirai Ryu Clan was exterminated by the Lin Kuei.

“What is this?” Scorpion asked. He saw his village being ransacked by the assassin clan. He saw the huts and buildings of the village being burnt to the ground, will tall and powerful flames that showed no signs of stopping anytime soon. Arrows rained down on the defenseless citizens of the village.

“No…”

Scorpion saw his friends and clan members being murdered and slaughtered at the hands and blades of the Lin Kuei. The assassins were ruthless, stabbing and decapitating any who stood in their way. Blood filled the village as heads went flying and blades went slashing.

Sub Zero sat up as Scorpion was being shown these frightful images.

Scorpion could hear the cries from his people as they tried to run or defend themselves. But, from behind all of the assassins that were attacking the village, one stood out. The crowds cleared to reveal the murderer of Scorpion’s family. Sub Zero.

“Your clan. Your family,” Quan Chi said, changing the images to that of Scorpion’s wife and child. His wife was holding his child close to her. She was in fear. Her husband was nowhere to be found, either out trying to defend his people, or already killed. She could hear every cry and scream coming from outside. The doors suddenly opened, and Sub Zero walked into the home. As Scorpion’s wife raised her hand above her head, Sub Zero pulled out his blade. He raised it high into the air, ready to strike her and the child down. Scorpion could see both her and his child shedding tears.

In an instant, the blade came down. A cry was heard. A splatter of blood painted the wall. The rose that was in her hair broke apart. She and the child had been killed.

“No!” Scorpion cried out. As the images faded away, Quan Chi looked to his now angered specter. Sub Zero was now standing, holding his stomach with one hand, and trying to stop the demon with the other.

“That is not me!” Sub Zero pleaded, but it was too late.

Scorpion gripped his mask and pulled it off, revealing his fiery skull head. His flaming eyes stared down Sub Zero. And in another instant, everything went black.

The other kombatants waited in Shang Tsung’s throne room. They all speculated what was going on down in the Netherrealm right now. Had Scorpion been victorious? Had he killed Sub Zero, or had he spared his life? Had Sub Zero actually won the fight instead? Many questions ran about the room. The answer was received when Scorpion reappeared in the room. All eyes turned to him.

Shang Tsung smiled at what he saw.

Raiden waited, eager to figure out what had happened.

The other kombatants also stood waiting.

The answer was received in whole as Scorpion raised up the skull and spine of the fallen Sub Zero.

“Ouch,” Jonny Cage spoke.

Scorpion dropped the skull to the floor. It broke apart into pieces, with the spine still remaining intact. Scorpion raised his arms in the air and surrounded himself with flames as he cried out into the air. In a flash, he was gone.

The memories started to fade.

Twilight opened her eyes and shook her head. Scorpion sat still on the bed, waiting for her to start speaking. She only turned to him in shock.

“I… I don’t know what to say. I wouldn’t know where to start,” she said, backing away from Scorpion a bit.

“I understand your surprise. You are in need of answers. I have kept a great deal about myself away from you. I know that what you saw may be a lot to take in, but if you have any questions at all, now is the time to ask.” Scorpion waited patiently as the mare before him only stared at him. She didn’t know where to start.

“I… I can’t. Not now at least. It’s just so much to take in. Those people you fought, how they all looked like you. For one thing, you’ve just shown me two totally different worlds that aren’t Equestria. That alone is something to think about. But, all those men you fought. They each had unique powers and abilities. And, not to mention the horrid things that those assassins did to your family and clan. And… well, um, you know. Your face. I guess that’s why you wear the mask. But, even with all of those things, I still have a million questions. I mean that figuratively of course.”

“I understand. I showed you a great deal of my past. I am not all too proud of it, but it is in the past. It is what it is, and it cannot be undone. Whatever you want to ask, go ahead,” Scorpion said, preparing himself for the onslaught of questions he was bound to receive.

“Well… it can wait. Just know that now… you have my trust,” Twilight spoke simply. Now it was Scorpion’s turned to be shocked and confused.

“I do not understand. Even after I helped all of your friends and gained their trust, helped you with whatever tasks you presented me with, and even managed to gain the slight trust of the towns… ponies, you still did not trust me completely. Why do you trust me now?”

“Because you opened up to me. You shared with me knowledge that was personal. Everything that you just showed me was personal, and you should never have to share those things with anyone unless you choose to. That you actually decided to share with me what was causing you to feel grief now is important. It shows that you trust me. You didn’t have to tell me what was causing you to have such a bad mood, but you did anyway. I wouldn’t have asked if I had known it was this serious though, but I thank you for showing me all of this. And… I’m sorry as well,” Twilight said.

“For what?” Scorpion asked.

“For all that you’ve lost.” Scorpion looked to the floor and lowered his head. He closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh.

“Thank you, Twilight Sparkle.” What she did next surprised even herself.

Twilight found herself hugging Scorpion. At first, he was greatly surprised, and almost wanted to push her off. But, he managed to find comfort in the hug, and he soon found himself returning the hug. And all the while, Scorpion thought of his clan. He thought of his fallen friends. And most of all, he thought of his wife and child. But then, another thought came across his mind.

‘Now… they all trust me. Soon, my beloved, you shall be with me yet again. Celestia’s soul will be mine, and you shall walk the Earth yet again. We will be together once more.’

With the trust of the six ponies now sealed, Scorpion’s true task could finally begin. It was time to kill Princess Celestia.

Author's Notes:

Wow, this took me way too long to write. Well, at least it wasn't as long as it took me to get that Eagle Eye chapter out. I've just been getting downright lazy about writing recently. And, with school starting again soon, my time for writing will be seriously decreased. But, never fear. I have not given up on any of my projects. Things will just take a bit longer to get out is all.

Anyway, now that Scorpion has gained the trust of all the ponies, he can now meet with Celestia and kill her. I hope the beginning wasn't too rushed. It felt a little like that for me. And don't get me started on how aggravating it was to write the whole fight between Scorpion and Sub Zero. Although, I will say, it was pretty fun to write it. Keep in mind that the MK9 story does not take place at all during this story. The whole thing with Scorpion and Sub Zero is just in some Mortal Kombat Tournament. If the MK9 story had been taking place, I think I'd have more stuff to write about. Anyway, sorry this took so long to get out, but I'm sure it was worth the wait.