Back in feudal Japan, Scorpion and Sub-Zero are friends as kids until Sub-Zero's dad insists that he can not play with someone from the Shirai Ryu clan. 20 years later, Scorpion is challenged by Sub-Zero's brother.
Flashback to feudal Japan, where Scorpion, his wife and his son are waylaid on the road by Sub Zero's angry younger brother. Scorpion is forced to kill him to protect his family. In the aftermath, Scorpion and Sub Zero attempt to renew a childhood friendship and form a truce between their warring clans.