Nexus (Mortal Kombat)

The Nexus is a fictional plane of existence in the Mortal Kombat video game series that exists as a central hub between the various realms of existence. The concept was introduced in the game Mortal Kombat: Deception, as part of the game's Konquest mode.

History and Characteristics
According to the game, the Nexus was created by the Elder Gods to aid their chosen champion in his defense of the realms. The Nexus itself consists of a circular plane bordered by torch pillars that float amongst the clouds in an unknown place. It is rumored that the clouds are meant to suggest that it is located in the Heavens, being that it was created by the Elder Gods, but such has not been confirmed by Midway Games. The only thing present in the Nexus is an altar to the Elder Gods (with spaces to place each of the Kamidogu and the Amulet of Power).

The only entrances/exits in the Nexus are a series of six portals, which only open when the appropriate kamidogu are available and placed on the altar. The portal to Earthrealm is available when the Earthrealm Kamidogu is obtained, and when the Earthrealm Kamidogu is placed on the altar, the Netherealm is revealed. After the Kamidogu from the Netherrealm is obtained and placed on the altar, the Chaosrealm is opened. The Chaosrealm Kamidogu unlock's the Outworld, which in turn will unlock the Orderrealm and Edenia when the appropriate Kamidogu are obtained and placed on the altar.

It is said in the game that when all 6 Kamidogu and the Amulet are placed on the altar, the Kamidogu will be transported to the presence of the Elder Gods. Unfortunately, in the video game, once all of the Kamidogu are collected, Onaga appears and steals them, preventing the player from discovering whether this is true or not. Onaga's words suggest that the Kamidogu would not be able to be transported to the Elder Gods unless one had the Amulet, which is not available for collecting during Konquest mode.

It is suggested that only the Champion of the Elder Gods would be capable of accessing and utilizing the Nexus for easy transportation between the realms, but this is apparently not the case. As per Deception's storyline, Scorpion is deemed the true champion of the Elder Gods, but Shujinko, Monster, and Onaga all prove capable of entering the Nexus during Konquest mode.

The Nexus in MK: Deception
The Nexus is the central hub of travel in Mortal Kombat: Deception's Konquest mode. After Shujinko obtains the first Kamidogu, Damashi explains to him how to use it to access the portal in Earthrealm and how to get to the Nexus. Once Shujinko is in the Nexus, he places the Earthrealm Kamidogu on the altar, which unlocks the Netherrealm portal.

Shujinko then travels sequentially to the Netherrealm, Chaosrealm, Outworld, Orderrealm, and Edenia, unlocking the portal to each level by optaining the Kamidogu from the previous realm of existence. Once all of the Kamidogu have been collected, Onaga (the Dragon King) appears and steals them, marking the end of the mandatory portion of the quest. From there, Shujinko is still free to walk the realms to do as he sees fit, usually involving the player returning to realms to collect koins and unlockable items.

Kombat in the Nexus
The Nexus is also used in the game as a kombat arena. This occurs twice during Konquest mode, and also as many times as the player sees fit after he or she unlocks the arena for the versus mode. It is worth noting that when kombat takes place in the Nexus, the altar and portals are not present. The arena also has a surprise Death Trap, not expected by anyone prior to the game's release, that allows a player to knock the opponent through the wall surrounding the arena and into the swirling void beyond, never to be seen again.

Monster
After obtaining the second Kamidogu from the Netherrealm and placing it on the altar in the Nexus, an unknown character approaches Shujinko, claiming to be the true champion of the Elder Gods. Shujinko naturally takes offense, having been informed by Damashi that he is the real champion, and a fight breaks out between the two characters. Monster (revealed by name only through his life bar during Kombat) is relatively offenseless, but has the exact same moves as Scorpion (not to mention a similar costume), the other supposed true champion of the Elder Gods. After defeating Monster, Shujinko inquires of Damashi as to who he is, and Damashi responds that he doesn't know.

Scorpion
After having obtained the sixth Kamidogu, Shujinko returns to the Nexus in an attempt to place the final Kamidogu on the altar. Scorpion then appears in the Nexus, demanding that Shujinko stop interfering in the affairs of the Elder Gods. Shujinko and Scorpion then engage in Mortal Kombat in the final battle of Deception's Konquest Mode. After he is defeated, Scorpion disappears as well, and no further mention of his appearance is made in light of Shujinko turning his attention to the fact that his quest is finally complete.