Some time after Shinnok's defeat at the hands of Cassie Cage, Raiden is seen torturing the fallen Elder God in the damaged Jinsei Chamber. The God of Thunder, now with a darker persona due to the Jinsei's corruption, announces to Shinnok that he will no longer have mercy and will destroy Earthrealm's enemies before they can attack the realm. Dark Raiden threatens him, saying that he will be the first. Shinnok reminds him that he can't kill an Elder God. Dark Raiden, preparing his thunder blade, replies by telling him, "There are fates worse than death." After this, Raiden decapitates Shinnok, and informs the severed, yet still-living, head of Shinnok that he will deliver him to Liu Kang in the Netherrealm as a warning, and teleports away.The Keeper of Time, Kronika, appears in the chamber, annoyed at Raiden for upsetting the balance of time after Mortal Kombat X’s events. She approaches and tells Shinnok that the arc of the universe bends at her will, and that it is only a matter of time.Tired of Earthrealm’s defiance, Kronika will bring order to the universe through any means necessary.
After Kronika's defeat, Fire God Liu Kang is about to restart and reshape history, with mortal Raiden's guidance. However, he is suddenly interrupted by the appearance of Shang Tsung, Fujin and Nightwolf. Before the events of the time-merger, they had been imprisoned by Kronika in the Void, unable to do anything but watch the events unfold. With Kronika's death, they were released from the Void, and have traveled through the Hourglass to stop Fire God Liu Kang from using it. Shang Tsung explains that without Kronika's crown (which was unknowingly destroyed by Fire God Liu Kang), using the Hourglass would destroy all realms. Fire God Liu Kang suggests going back in time and defeat Kronika a different way, thereby gaining the Crown, but Shang Tsung points out that plan would be too risky and would not be guaranteed. He instead suggests that he be sent back into the past to regain the Crown at his island. Mortal Raiden does not trust Shang Tsung, and although Fire God Liu Kang shares his sentiment, it is agreed to go with Shang Tsung's plan. Fujin and Nightwolf are sent along with Shang Tsung to watch over him for any signs of betrayal.
Liu Kang attacks an incapacitated Kronika with a blast of fire, turning her into a glass statue, which he proceeds to shatter. Liu Kang then meets Raiden, now a mere mortal, who tells him that he is worthy of being Earthrealm's new protector and that the Sands of Time are now his to shape. Liu Kang objects that he cannot do the duty alone, so Raiden tells him to choose someone who can share this adventure with him in a lifetime. Knowing this, Liu Kang chooses Kitana. Raiden quickly recognizes the choice, saying that it is their destiny to be together through love. As Liu Kang is being brought to the dawn of time, Raiden parts ways with him, promising that they will meet in the new timeline. Back at the dawn of time, Liu Kang meets Kitana, and they begin their quest of shaping the timeline. Kitana tells him that no matter how they shape history, they cannot plan for every possibility, as villains like Kronika may always turn up. Liu Kang assures her that they will face what's coming together.
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