Prologue: A Great Injustice
A great colum of light suddenly flared like fire. Out of it came a man. A man that wore black armor and a yellow faceplate that covers his head except for his eyes. The metal on his chest took the shape of an animal and he had metal pincers on his back, reaching over his shoulders. He had gauntlets with a kunai in them. The man in question had the appearance of a scorpion.
In fact, that was his name: Scorpion.
And he didn't know where he was at.
The first thing he immediately noticed was that he was in a dark cave, with monitors lying around. His yellow armor reflected the few spots of light. "This is not the Netherrealm..." he realized. "Who dares take me from my world?!"
His voice echoed throughout the cavern, bringing attention to himself. His head turned, noticing someone working on one of the monitors. His cape was long and he had a cowl that had two points on the top of his head. Upon hearing the voice, the figure stood up and turned around, revealing his armor, which had a symbol of a bat on his chest. "This is... unexpected." he admitted. "I am surprised the security systerm didn't go off."
Scorpion raised a fist, "Did you take me from my world?!"
Batman shook his head, "I don't even know who you are."
"I am Scorpion, and it'll be the last name you hear for ever trifling with me!" yelled the assassin. The two circled one another, Scorpion bringing his blade out to point at Batman. "You better have a good reason for sending me to this unknown realm!"
Batman repeated, "I did not send you here."
"Lies!"
Scorpion was the first to attack Batman, bringing his sword down at last. Luckily, Batman used the scallops on his gauntlets to deflect the blade, it landing inbetween two of them. Batman then used his other hand to jab Scorpion in the stomach, making him stand back, "It looks like we're doing this the hard way then."
Turning his body, the Dark Knight kicked Scorpion in the stomach, making him stagger back. Scorpion growled then lunged forward, backflip-kicking Batman, his feet on fire in the process. Luckily, Batman's suit was designed to be heat-resistant in case of facing certain foes and their powerset. The Dark Knight landed on a knee and performed a sweep-kick, but the specter jumped over it, dropkicking the vigilante in the process.
The two slid backwards, where Batman threw two batarangs. Scorpion gripped his swords and slashed them, deflecting the projectiles, but one managed to graze his shoulder, bouncing off the armored shoulder pad in the process. "Those foolish toys cannot harm me, mortal." bragged the assassin.
"I can try." announced the vigilante.
Batman watched Scorpion swerve backwards. He pulled out his Batclaw and pulled the trigger, watching the claw latch onto Scorpion's body. With a grunt, the vigilante pulled him forward. Once he was facefirst on the rocky floor, the demon got his bearings. He flicked his wrist and out came a kunai attached to a string. Once the weapon pierced Batman's armor, Scorpion declared three words.
"GET OVER HERE!"
In an instant, Batman was yanked forward, forced to feel Scorpion's flaming fist, his cowl feeling much hotter. Batman was thrown back and felt Scorpion's sword pierce through his armor some more, making him cringe. "Now... I will ask again... Did you remove me from my domain?!" asked the demon.
"N-No..." growled Batman. The specter kicked him, causing him to roll on the floor. The Dark Knight pressed a button on his gauntet then reached for his belt before Scorpion could end him. He knelt down and timed his actions as best he could.
"What are you anyway?" asked Scorpion.
"I'm Batman." declared Batman. The vigilante threw a batarang at Scorpion's face, it detonating over his hood, covering his head in smoke. While he was distracted, Batman reached up and then flattened his palm on Scorpion's metal faceplate, slamming him on the ground as hard as he could. What caught his attention was the fact that his opponent seemed to be unharmed.
"Explain yourself now." Batman ordered, "Why have you attacked me? What are you? Answer me, because if you are not of this world, I can send you back! Whether it be in a bodycast or not is entirely up to you!" he announced.
"As I said, you cannot harm me. My name is Scorpion." answered Scorpion, standing back on his feet. "I was discussing an important matter with Quan Chi in the Netherrealm. But before I left, I found myself in this strange realm. This doesn't appear to be the Earthrealm I have visited."
Batman nodded, "It appears that way. Instead of fighting, I can simply make an attempt to take you home."
"I did not think you had the method. Unfortunately, my Hellfire is unable to track my location and take me back properly." Scorpion explained. A moment of awkward silence came before he broke it, "Very well. I will use your assistance this once. Show me how it is I Am to return."
Batman agreed.
The two left and returned to the Batcave to retrieve what was required for Scorpion to leave. Using his computer and scanning the assassin, Batman spoke, "Hm. I managed to track your fire energy readings. In fact, there are some areas with the same reading that you are emitting. I just have to pinpoint a good location..." he tapped on his keyboard for a few moments.
"Why would you need such tools?" wondered Scorpion.
Batman sighed, "It's a... long story. A friend turned to our greatest foe and our world needed backup, so I created a device capable of calling a league that would temporarily aid us. Brother Eye is able to view the multiverse and we would be aware of any problem that could be a threat to our own universe. And possibly aid those who seriously need it. I like to think if it as a small repayment."
"I see..." muttered Scorpion. "And it is able to take me back to my realm?"
"It should in theory." deducted Batman. "And what of your world?"
Although he was not one to talk, Scorpion decided to elaborate a little and answer as bluntly as he could, "It is nothing like this world. The Earthrealm, Outworld, the Netherrealm. It all feels different in this dimension."
Nodding, Scorpion folded his arms. He hated this waiting. He was so close in getting a definite answer on his purpose, whether or not his goal had been achieved. Yet here he was, getting the aid of a man dressed as a bat. It would be demeaning, but in the short time they fought, Scorpion saw the potential in his fighting. Not on his level, but perhaps capable of being in the Mortal Kombat tournament.
But Scorpion couldn't dwell on that now. He saw Batman type a bit more before a purple vortex opened up. "There. This rift should return you back to your proper dimension. For future reference, it's named Earth-MK1992. A way to differentiate it from any parallel version of our Earth." he explained. "The only other world I pinpointed close to it was Earth-EQ2010. I haven't done a test like this before, so I apologize if you end up somewhere else on accident."
"Hm." mumbled Scorpion. "Very well. I will take the risk."
As Scorpion neared the portal, he turned back to Batman, "It seems you are a man of honor and word, Batman. Perhaps next we meet, it shall be less hostile."
"So long as you get out of the Batcave." smirked Batman.
The specter nodded at his jest and walked in, remembering the brief hesit in retrieving the final powersource. But again, no time to dwell on such a memory, not when he was close to fulfilling his vengeance.
A purple burst of light enveloped Scorpion as he finally reappeared in a new location. He raised a hand, covering himself from the blinding sunlight that suddenly covered him. "Gah! Have I appeared in Earthrealm now?" he wondered. Lowering his head, his pupil-less eyes noticed that he was standing on a rooftop in a small town.
"This does not look to be Earthrealm or Outworld." noticed the assassin at last. He crouched down and looked at the floor. Just in case, he reached for the swords sheathed on his back. And even he was surprised by what was awaiting below.
Equines. Talking Equines of all kinds. Some with wings, some with horns, and some without either, all conversing and wandering about without a single care in the word. Scorpion stood back up and realized that none of them had noticed him, which he was somewhat grateful for. His blades were back on his sheaths upon realizing they were of no threat. For now at least.
He hopped to another roof. These... ponies did not notice him still. It was strange. Perhaps he could evade them, unless they crossed his path, but he was ever prepared.
"This is not the Earthrealm. It appears that Dark Knight took me to the wrong world." growled the assassin. "No matter. I shall find a way back on my own terms."
Thunder, rain, and lightning. The terrible weather was the setting of a temple in the sky, where one man was meditating. He wore white garb with a round straw hat propped over his head. The hat made it so that the raindrops would spill around his face, but not onto him. His hands were propped on his knees and his blank eyes were closed, focusing himself to be at peace.
Then, he sensed something. His eyes were threatening to open themselves as this feeling of dread lingered. Darkness, power... terror. A terror that was from another world, but could arrive to Earthrealm. It was a disturbance in the dimensional balance. He held the side of his head with two fingers extended. He knew something was amiss, but he could not pinpoint what it was exactly.
Raiden stood up, the drops of rain dripping upon his white clothes. He must investigate this disturbance before it is too late.
Scorpion scoffed, unable to comprehend just where it was he arrived in. He put his arms to his sides, "This is unpleasant. How did I end up in this world? Grah, it doesn't matter. I must find a way to return to the Netherrealm." he hopped down from the rooftop, crouching on one knee as his legs absorbed the impact of his fall due to his otherworldy strength and endurance.
The ponies minding their own business gasped upon the sight of Scorpion, frightened by his small flaming aura. "I do not have time for wandering eyes. I must seek a way to at least my dimension." he said aloud. "Where can I find a portal?" he stopped caring about how the locals may react, only seeking a way home.
"What are you?!" a mare gasped.
Scorpion glared at the equine, "It does not concern you, equine." he boasted. "Now tell me where I can find a portal!" he ordered. Noticing a bunch of these beings jump back in surprise by the sudden rise of his voice.
The mare gulped, feeling Scorpion's fingers around her throat, "I... I don't know!"
The assassin folded his arms, "Then tell me where I am at. Before I lose my temper even more." he ordered, curling his armored palm into a fist in annoyance. The locals all noticed how aggrassive he was becoming and all circled him in case he grew more hostile, but Scorpion did not seem to care at the moment.
"E-Equestria...?" she gulped. "P-Ponyville...?"
Scorpion scowled, "What a foolish name for a realm." he announced as he was ready to walk away. he noticed a crowd slowly growing around him and his agitation grew as well. "Stay out of my path, strange beings. You do not want to feel my wrath!" he demanded loudly, trying to swat them away with fear. The ponies around him began to jump back once more.
"Your wrath, huh?"
The scratchy voice got Scorpion's attention and he looked upward, noticing a cyan pegasus with a prismatic mane flying right over the crowd smugly, "So, you come here and start a scene? That's not a nice way to make friends, ya know?" she asked.
"I am not here to make friends, pegasus." Scorpion scoffed, "I only seek a way to my world. Nothing more."
The pegasus folded her hooves, "But threatening ponies isn't the way to do it. So if you have a bone to pick, then bring it to me." she ordered, her attitude annoying the specter even more than everything else that has happened in the last few minutes alone. As if arriving in this dimension didn't piss him off before.
"Who are you to challenge me?" Scorpion asked.
"The one and only Rainbow Dash!" the pegasus revealed, "Now, are you gonna leave? Or am I gonna have to teach you a lesson?"
"Very well." challenged Scorpion. He flicked his wrist upward, revealing a chain that snapped out of his gauntlet, a kunai strapped to the end. Upon seeing it, Rainbow swerved downward and dodged it. She avoided it at a speed that reminded Scorpion of Kabal. This was going to be a little tougher than he thought. Just a little. He noticed the pegasus leaving a rainbow trail behind her as she moved.
The undead assassin spotted her coming towards him at an alarming speed, but nothing he couldn't handle. So he crouched down and reared his arm back as she got closer. Once the timing was right, his fist collided with her jaw as hard as it could and she was launched into the air without the use of her wings. "O-Ow..." she held her sore jaw, glad that it wasn't broken. However, she noticed the chain coming towards her again and grabbed it with her hoof. "Ha! You need to do better than that!" she taunted.
But Scorpion remained unfazed and he yanked down on the chain, yelling, "GET OVER HERE!" the ponies watching all gasped as Rainbow Dash was pulled to the ground, landing painfully on her stomach. "I warned you to not challenge me, equine. Now you must pay the consequences of standing in my way." he ordered, drawing out both of his blades, ready to finish this.
Luckily, Rainbow got a second wind and pushed her hooves upward, smacking Scorpion in the chest. The assassin stumbled backwards and groaned, hearing Rainbow talk, "Lucky shot..." she mumbled and spat some blood as she said this. She shot herself forward and headbutted Scorpion's stomach, pushing him back a little further. Unfortunately, she gave herself a headache from that.
Scorpion's feet dug themselves into the ground, halting his momentum in a moment's notice. When he did, Rainbow hovered and smacked his armored face, snapping his head in various directions. He growled and managed to grab her prismatic tail when the timing was right, slamming her headfirst onto the dirt he stood upon. Rainbow's eyes shut tight, feeling the damage of the toss. "Stupid... Alien demon thing..." she growled, spinning her body back upright.
"It was futile effort." Scorpion boasted, his fist bursting into flames, "But I will find a way home no matter what. I will give you a chance to surrender, pegasus. So move or feel the wrath of my hellfire." he suggested, drawing his blades out once again. It seemed as though this pegasus was underestimating and toying with him. And he'd make sure she wouldn't repeat that mistake around him.
But Rainbow wasn't one to give up, thinking that he was a threat to the ponies around her. And with a burst of adrenaline, she charged forward, her wings aching a little from being tossed and slammed around. Although Scorpion was going easy on Rainbow, not that she knew of course. Her hooves were extended outwards and she drove both of them directly into the undead assassin's chest, his body pushed back once again. Rainbow panted, her hooves hitting the ground, her body sore, bruises seen around her face and body. "That... Answer... your question?" she huffed quietly.
Scorpion held his chest and walked to the tired pegasus. His arm was reared back, his flaming fist colliding with Rainbow's face. The punch left a small burn mark on her cheek as she tumbled onto her side, her struggling to roll onto her back.
"W-What?" Rainbow asked, her eyes widening upon seeing Scorpion's fist engulfed in fire. "What are you?"
The specter was ready to drive his blade downward, stepping on the pegasus" torso to keep her down. "I am Scorpion. And you shall regret standing in the way." he said, the blade held over his chest with both hands on the hilt.
However, before he could drive it downward, something kept his entire body still. It wasn't like any of Sub-Zero's ice as he was still conscious and aware of his actions. No, this was magic. "What is this sorcery?!" he shouted, trying to move a muscle. Nothing. "Who dares hold me down?!" he yelled the question.
"Are you okay, Rainbow?"
Rainbow managed a smirk, "H-Hey, Twi... Y-Yeah I am... Except for the part where I'm sore."
Walking in the corner of Scorpion's vision was a purple pony with wings and a horn, the appendage glowing lavender. It was something he had yet to see, but he believed it to be the mythical creature known as an alicorn. She shook her head, "What do you want?! And why did you hurt Rainbow?" she asked, her eyes narrowing upon closer inspection of the demon.
"She challenged me to kombat! Her soul would suffice as a revenant if I so wished!" Scorpion wished. "Now release me if you value your existence!"
Twilight growled, "No... You're too dangerous. You look to be some kimd of Scorpion... What are you?"
Scorpion shouted, his body surrounding itself in an aura of flames. Twilight's focus broke when she witnessed it, freeing the assassin from her magic grip at last. "Y-You have dark magic?" she wondered in a hushed gasp.
"It does not concern you. I must deal with you as well it seems." Scorpion announced, his chain hanging from his gauntlet. Twilight's wings flared to her sides and her horn glowed again, wanting to incapacitate him before the situation went more awry.
