After the death of Shao Kahn and the expulsion of his predecessor, Milenna, Outworld has become a peaceful planet, waging war only when necessary. The current emperor, Kotal Kahn, wished to "modernize" Outworld by adding things like a flea market, a trade system, and Earth-like military tactics.

Outworld, post-Shao Kahn, was once on negative terms with Earth after Shinnok's amulet had been stolen by the emperor's former First Minister, D'Vorah, who has since been captured by the SCP Foundation after escaping custody from the Special Forces. Because of a misunderstanding his underlings made, Kotal Kahn had invaded the Earth to reclaim it, only for Shinnok to have contaminated the Jinsei. After a successful coup by the Lin Kuei, led by its Grandmaster Kuai Liang, Kotal's forces had been pushed back to Outworld. His trust in Earth had taken a long time to rebuild.

Right now, Cassie and her team were walking through the flea market to search for Kotal Kahn's fortress.

"Feels like deja vu, huh?" Jacqui asked.

"Yeah," Kung Jin replied. "Never thought we'd walk through here again. I'm surprised no one tried to attack us yet."

"Mom told me that Outworld is on good terms with Earthrealm again," Cassie explained. "Kotal Kahn must've realized he was acting irrationally when he saw Shinnok's handiwork."

They were walking for a little while longer until they saw a man in a cowboy hat, a mask, shoulder pads, black pants, and no shirt, showing his finely toned body and tally mark scars on his arms.

"Is that...?" Kung Jin asked.

"I think it is that cowboy," Takeda confirmed.

"I'll go talk to him," Cassie said before walking up to Erron Black. "Hey you, I need to talk to you," she said to him.

Erron turned to see Cassie and recognized her immediately. "Welcome back, Sergeant Cage," Erron said to her.

"We come on orders of General Blade. We need to know where to find Kotal Kahn. We have some troubling news for him."

"And what's in it for me?" Erron queried.

"Earthrealm's allegiance," Cassie replied. "This is something even Outworld should be concerned about." When Cassie says this, Jacqui, Takeda, and Kung Jin show up.

Erron looked suspiciously at each the team members, then decided that he could trust them. "Follow me," he said before leading the group to Kotal Kahn's fortress.

In a golden Aztec-like base, a man with green skin, a feathered headdress, nose thorns, and red tattoos on his body sat on his throne, already aware of the situation at hand. A minute later, Erron led Cassie and the others into the throne room. They bowed immediately. "Emperor," Cassie said.

"Ah, the Earthrealmers," Kotal Kahn said. "I has anticipated your impending arrival. I presume you have news to tell me?"

"As a matter of fact, yes," Kung Jin chimed in. "The sorcerer Quan Chi has returned to life, reanimated by the Prince of Darkness Belial."

"I am aware. Continue."

"Belial's hosting a tournament that includes even Outworld," Cassie continued, "which means your realm could also be in some serious danger."

Kotal Kahn closed his eyes for a bit and arose from his throne. "By the Elder Gods..." he muttered.

"You said it, which is why we offer Earthrealm's hand of allegiance to Outworld, to unite as one should things get messy," Kung Jin explained. He extended an arm out.

Kotal Kahn walked towards Kung Jin. "You forge your words well, Shaolin," said Kotal Kahn. "I am honored to fight by your side once more." He took Kung Jin's hand.

Cassie, meanwhile, was surprised that Kotal Kahn was swayed so easily. "That worked?" she queried in confusion.

"The emperor has been doing some... contemplating after that humiliating defeat by the Lin Kuei, and realized he was in the wrong for tryin' to kill you," Erron explained.

"That makes sense," Jacqui quipped.

"Now if you want an alliance, you're gonna need all the help you can get." Erron went to find Ermac, Reptile, and Ferra/Torr while Cassie's team waited in the throne room.

to be continued...