(DISCLAIMER:I don't own Mortal Kombat or its characters in any way. )

Chapter 5:Come Home, Jade

"Jackson Briggs, you will restrain yourself." Raiden was quite calm, even though two of Earthrealms warriors just beat one another down right before his eyes. Johnny Cage was alive and well, but defeated. Even so, the thunder god could not find it to concern himself too much in the scuffle. Something else had his senses going haywire. While Jax started to explain himself, Raiden's hand came up to silence him. "…Someone is here." He narrowed his eyes, glancing toward the high ceiling of the armory.

Not afraid, Jax clinched his fists, ready to get more of his frustrations out. "Yeah? Well maybe they need their –…"

Dropping from the ceiling, Jade landed on a knee, and just as quickly came to stand. "The armory is off limits," She said, smiling behind her mask. "However, for a few words with Raiden, I am willing to allow you to pass."

Cage stood, rubbing the side of his aching neck. "How about a few words with me hot stuff?" Johnny held a toothy grin. "With my resources and that bod of yours? Sheesh, you really need to come to LA with me."

"Cage, shut it." Jax spoke sternly, "You gonna let us pass just to talk to Raiden? Why don't you tell us where my partner is instead?"

"Yeah, she's hard to miss. Blonde hair, nice smile, kinda has the girls out." Cage made motions toward his chest when he spoke of the 'girls', alternating each hand up and down to simulate 'jiggling'. "Seems to be the trend in this r-…"

"Enough." Raiden stepped before the two of them, standing to face Jade himself. He started to speak, but was cut off by sudden pain rushing to his skull. Grunting, his fingertips pressed into the side of his head to try to process the pain. He saw visions of Jade from the life before. He saw her fighting along their side over the years…and within seconds, all the information he could recover on her identity just came to him. "You are Jade, guardian of Kitana…, and assassin of Shao Kahn. What is it that you must discuss with me?"

Jade was more than amused by the banter, but there was so much that needed to be resolved right this moment. From what Mileena told them from the previous tournament, Raiden had knowledge of the future. The slight changes around them were still alarming, and having additional assistance would not be a bad idea. "Yes, I am. Lord Raiden, you have visions of the future, yes?"

Raiden had to be careful, but from what he could foresee, she was an ally. "Yes. It is a gift from my future self. It is very difficult for me to explain."

"I too share this ability, Raiden." She took slow steps forward, stopping a few feet away from the trio. "I am from the plane in which your future-self existed. I am certain of this." She could see the confusion in the expression of the god, so she proceeded to explain. "Correct me if I am incorrect, but when all the Kombatants engage in war at the Pyramid of Argus, you engage in final Kombat with Shao Kahn. Despite your best efforts, you are defeated and killed."

The changing of his expression was all the confirmation she needed. He looked surprised, interested in hearing more, and better yet how.

Jade's sight went to Johnny Cage, who suffered an austere fate, much like Jax. It put things into perspective a lot more than she initially thought. To have her future allies standing right before her alive and well. To physically feel their auras, and knowing that the avoidance of their deaths could depend on the choices she made or helped change was starting to weigh down on her. Jade never was one to pop under pressure, though she never felt the pressure as intense as this. She hesitated, trying to find her words. The voices returned, whispering the word 'lies' into her ears. The disorientation was apparent in the constant searching her eyes did along the three men's faces before her. She shook her head to try to rid herself of the voices. "…Forgive me." She said softly, "But as I was saying. There was…, something you said before you were killed, Lord Raiden. I am having trouble remembering…"

He knew the phrase all too well. "…He must win." He reached for his medallion, removing it from his garbs to examine it. There were cracks on its surface, and Jade could tell by the way he examined it that those cracks were not good news. "I am not sure what it means. Liu Kang was victorious, and yet the future remains unchanged. Have you any idea what must be done? Perhaps you've better insight?"

"Perfect insight, Lord Raiden." Her memory of the future was unaffected by the time travel, so providing information was very easy. "Liu Kang wins the first of four tournaments, but after –…"

"Whoa, what? Four?" Cage stepped in, "I thought these things were every five ba-jillion years or something?"

With a glance to Cage, Raiden answered. "It is a surprise to my ears as well. Four tournaments…" Then to Jade, he questioned further. "How is it that four tournaments can occur in a single mortal lifetime?"

It was a complicated set of answers on how each occurred, but Jade tried her best. "When Liu Kang defeats Shao Kahn this tournament, Queen Sindel will be resurrected, allowing Shao Kahn to invade the Earth. He will succeed in destroying all life, except those you must choose to protect, Raiden."

"Whoa, what?" Jax was next to chip into the conversation. "Queen Sindel? Invade the Earth? What the hell are you talkin' about? Sounds a lot more like war than some damn tournament."

To Jax, she gave a nod of her head. "It is war from here on out. A war which will end in the death of all." Armageddon—the ultimate end she wanted to help prevent.

"If Liu Kang defeats Shao Kahn in this tournament and its successor…," Raiden was extremely drawn into Jade's story, he moved along toward the large vat of molten rock. "What of this fourth tournament?"

The tournament in which her hatred of Tanya came full circle was one she could never forget. "Shinnok rises back to power. Shao Kahn is no longer in power, but the Earth is in far greater jeopardy. After it, Liu Kang is killed by the alliance of Quan Chi and Shang Tsung. Once this happens…, all hope is lost to prevent Armageddon."

"…Shinnok...?" It all was starting to make sense to Raiden. He was indeed Liu Kang. He had to survive until all threats were eliminated. The arrival of Shinnok was one he was not fond of…, but their Champion would deal with him when the time came. "We will discuss more of this later, Jade. This is all too much to speak of at once." He turned toward her once more. "Can you tell us where Sonya Blade is being held?"

"Yes," She moved aside, motioning her arm toward the door far behind them deeply within the armory. "Beyond that door lays the deadpool. I believe Sonya is being held captive by Sheeva. Be careful."

Cage rubbed his chin over. "Deadpool? I got that role offered to me before. Heh."

"You ever shut up?" Jax sighed, stepping to Jade. "Appreciated, Jade. You coming with?"

"No," She declined, "I've much work to do to assist Kitana and Mileena. They too share the future visions." She had a little more to cover, so she faced Raiden once more. "It is highly important we last until the third tournament. Kitana's wishes."

Unsure on how to handle this responsibility, Raiden paused. Finally, he simply gave a bow of his head toward Jade. It registered just then…Mileena. The visions rushed to Raiden's mind. He saw Mileena following Kitana, and finally confronting her. Mileena was killed…, but resurrected within the netherrealm to service…Shinnok? Yes—Jade's predictions were true. Perhaps she hadn't known or seen this? "Jade…, there is something you should know about Mileena."

"She is fine, Lord Raiden. We will speak again later."

As Jade left the Earthrealmers to their business, she ventured back into the main halls of the fortress. She still had time before Nido would arrive in the Living Forrest. There were a few things she had left on her personal agenda. She wanted to check in on Mileena eventually…, but she had growing concerns on just what was going on to make Kahn act so differently. While sneaking in on Shao Kahn was asking for trouble, listening in on subordinates was much easier.

Jade moved in the shadows, unnoticed by the various guards and slave laborers moving from hall to hall, room to room. She scaled stone pillars swiftly, and vanished into the darkness above the torchlights. The gargoyles and statues of horrid creatures were her means of hiding. She leapt with ease from place to place, clearing great spaces and crouching to watch her surroundings.

Nothing was out of the ordinary…yet. Things started to look up when she noticed her…soon to be nemesis Tanya moving particularly quickly through the halls. She had that book with her, and it was the same one Denise carried when she interrupted the tournament. Maybe Jade could get a closer look? Maybe Tanya was heading to some important matters? The only way to find out was to pursuit her.

Like a spider in the night, Jade moved carefully, never letting her eyes off the yellow clad target below. She saw her general route…, it seemed she was heading out to the maze of gardens along the far side of the fortress. Jade could not continue simply leaping high above to keep a good eye on her, now was the time to put in some leg work. She abandoned her shadowy post, and slipped herself onto the second floor as discreetly as she could. She moved with the flow of many of the workers, pretending to have a direct interest in going their route. After parting ways on a curving hallway, Jade moved over toward the skywalk that went across the gardens. It was usually abandoned this time of the night.

Without glass in the windows, it was fairly simple for Jade to crawl out and climb up onto the top of the skywalk. Staying low, she moved toward the fortress outer walls, leaping onto one of the overhanging gargoyle statues, remaining in the dark. Right on cue, Tanya was seen emerging out into the gardens…, but many were already there. Laughter, choking, and conversation was abundant down below. She adjusted her position to take a look.

There were drinks all around. Kano, Rain, Baraka, and Reiko were already there.

"Hah!" Kano choked, pounding his chest to try and find his breath. The deep guttural sounds were nearly as if he were going to vomit up a lung any moment now. "So I says to 'em, I says…" He paused, placing his hand up on Reiko's shoulder. "Shang Tsung? Well, what the bloody hell did he sing ya twit? Get it? Tsung and sung? Hah!"

"Now that…, is comedy!" Rain pointed toward Kano, holding his goblet in hand. "Why isn't this man performing at any events?"

"Because, it's as humorous as child birth." Reiko's gruff voice bellowed out. "At last Tanya arrives. This madness, it was moments away from consuming me."

"Forgive my tardiness. Madame Denise had many errands for me." She seemed timid, approaching the group of warriors with the book clutched to her body. "We all know why we are meeting here, so we must make this quick. Noob Saibot has failed to complete as planned."

"…What do you mean 'failed'?" Baraka, who had been seated on the floor came to a stand. "Another plan, failed? Woman, you tell the sorcerers that my patience is now gone."

"Baraka, at ease." Reiko held an arm out as to bar him from advancing. "We are of the elite warriors, we needn't not act like savages now. Save the energy." As Reiko was a high ranking officer of equal power to Baraka…, and even Rain…there was visibly a respect among the three. "Why did Noob Saibot fail?"

"Well," Tanya was getting nervous now. Her voice was shaking a little from seeing the ferocious gaze Baraka was giving her. "Since he did not die in the netherrealm, Quan Chi is unable to achieve total control of him. Somehow, Noob Saibot has maintained a lot of his free will and memory. Even so…, he is thrice as powerful as we originally projected."

"Now that's soundin' good to me, sweets." Kano draped his arm about Rain's shoulders, taking another chug of his drink. "So now we ain't gotta worry 'bout the Pale Horseman sendin' em on our ass, aye?"

"I suppose, however he requests that some of you retrieve Noob Saibot for him. With Skarlet tailing him, it will be hard. Find Saibot, and bring him to the place."

Rain took a sip of his drink. "…Well I suppose there's no gain without work." His eyes went toward his colleagues. "We'll go get Noob Saibot. I suppose I can take some time from fixing up that mangled creature for a bit?"

"Oi, no can't do mate." Kano released Rain, stepping away from the group, but turning to face them as he backtracked. "Forgot, got a shipment of artillery comin'. Gotta head out to the forests to meet good ol' Tsung-Song. Enjoy shadow chasin', Raviv, Reiko, and 'course Baraka!" He chugged the last of his drink, slamming the goblet down to the stone walkway as he made his exit back within the fortress.

"…I would like nothing more than to tear his heart out." Baraka grumbled, "I will not go with you, either. There has been a change of plans. We will take the king once the pawns have fallen." The Tarkatan's words seemed to be in code – and from what Jade could see, Rain and Reiko both seemed obedient to his demands.

"Very well, General. The board is still being set, so the game is delayed." Reiko bowed his head. "This meeting is dismissed on General Baraka's word."

With a simple motion of his head, the remaining meeting forces began going their own ways without another word. Jade knew something was cooking here. She had to get to the evil forests, though. Well...near them. She remembered Nido being near the Soul Chambers just outside the forest when they watched Mileena and Kuai Liang battle.

Side Event #14: The Evil Forest, Cyber Smoke avoided

Kitana remained hidden within the evil forests, waiting for Smoke. She was sure to steer clear of Shang Tsung and Kano's…weapons testing for certain. While the carnivorous trees groaned about her, and the heavy stench of death thickened with every breath, Kitana managed to stay calm. She was all focus, and such distractions would go on ignored until her task was complete.

She watched Smoke enter the thick of the forest…trailing him along the way. He had a confrontation with the Kano and the sorcerer, but Kitana did not jump in. She was confident these events went on in Smoke's favor. She needed to get closer…, and keep an eye out for any other warriors. She did remember never seeing his human form again after this time period…so something was going to happen. She moved around the parameter slowly; each step in perfect sync with her silent breathing. Her long years training as an assassin made her as light on her feet as mosquito, and it served her well.

There was a slight obstacle…, an overturned tree. She noticed a cyborg was now battling Smoke; this had to have been Sektor. Kitana had to move quickly! As she scaled over it, she noticed a noose hanging above her from another branch. It was…much too small for a neck, and sway as if it had weight. She began to pass under it as she crossed the broken tree – but ran into something solid, that she couldn't see at all. "What-?" Kitana staggered back. The light bent before her eyes, framing a translucent figure of a female. She grasped her fan quickly to defend herself if needed.

The figure seemed lifeless…, but after a moment, it started to squirm to find freedom. "…Help…me." The voice wheezed, as the figure once again ceased to move. It seemed she was tied at both of her feet.

Unsure on if she should assist or not…Kitana clutched her fan firmly in her grasp. She swung high, slicing through the rope easily.

As the figure fell, she righted herself and landed on her knees. She wore faded gray garments on her body, though her features remained hollow. It was as if Kitana were speaking to an invisible woman. "…Who are you?" She spoke, still brandishing her weapon in case this act of kindness became a fatal flaw.

There was silence for several moments. As she crouched, flesh began to form over the hollow lines of her body. She replicated Kitana's features instantly, but maintained her wild hair that rushed back behind her shoulders. "…Thank you."

"You did not answer my -…" Kitana heard a loud cry of agony from Smoke, and her eyes shot over toward him. He was surrounded by metallic beings, seeming to be getting electrocuted! As her sights returned to the woman…she was gone. Rather than dwelling on her location, Kitana sprang into action. She tossed out each of her fans, letting them cycle in opposing directions. Each fan lopped off the heads of the cyber entities, and rounded about to return to her waiting hands. Once they fell, she jumped in to make herself known. "I am a friend, do not worry." She assured him, "I am Princess Kitana."

"Princess Kitana? Daughter of Shao Kahn?" Smoke faced her, pointing an accusing finger. "Why is it I should trust the likes of you so easily? Why—"

"Shao Kahn is not my father." Kitana spoke with authority, "I am acting under my own will, and I have protected you from a grim fate. I can understand your curiosity on why, but I assure you that my intentions are pure."

"She speaks the truth." The words of the Thunder God drew their attention. He approached the two in the company of Johnny Cage, having parted ways with Briggs and Blade just moments prior.

Smoke immediately bowed before Raiden to show his repsects. "Lord Raiden." He lowered his head. "I thank you for your help, Princess Kitana. Forgive me for my ungratefulness. I am called Smoke" He started to rise, taking a step back to take in the sight of the three about him. "Why is it you come to Outworld, Lord Raiden? Why is it that you assist me, Princess Kitana?"

"How about this question, is there a 'happy' forest nearby? With smiling faces and branches that hug you?" He pointed off to the side, "Cause I see a guy's torso about twenty feet from here, and I'm not exactly digging this little camping session near it."

"Silence, Johnny Cage. We will be fine." Annoyance just barely showed its head in his tone. "We are here to participate in a tournament to save Earthrealm. Kitana has very similar aspirations, "He looked to her when mentioned, then returned his focus to Smoke. "Join us, Smoke."

"Forgive me," Smoke declined, "But if Sektor was searching for me, he is hunting Sub-Zero as well."

"…Sub-Zero?" Cage was…confused. "Call me crazy with a 'K' but…" He motioned over his shoulder with his thumb. "But didn't we see him die?"

Smoke continued, "The grandmaster intends to turn every Lin Kuei into a cyborg. My friend is in danger…"

"He will be at the tournament, this I know." Kitana assured Smoke, placing her hand on his shoulder. "The coliseum is the best bet, as all of the warriors will meet there when the tournament proceeds."

Raiden's gaze found Kitana's own. "Princess Kitana, your guardian has informed me of our shared gift. She has informed me of Liu Kang's victories and Shinnok's rise. I have every intention of assisting you, but I question if allowing this to go to a third and fourth tournament—"

"There will not be a fouth." Kitana narrowed her eyes, while a little peeved Jade told Raiden before she had a chance, she still went on. "I will see to it that all things are taken care of to prevent such. If allowed, I fear all of my efforts to prevent the end are in vain."

"Armageddon, yes…" Raiden lowered his head, "We will regroup with you at the Colliseum. Uphold your façade as long as you must. We will fetch Liu Kang and Kung Lao for this battle…"

( Side Event Over )

"You know, it usually helps when I don't let the other guy kick my ass." Nido boasted, standing over the fallen Tarkatan Raizar. "Phew, now where'd that Sub-Zero guy go?" He pulled his weapon from the ground, slinging it over his shoulder. As he took a glance around, he started to walk away from the unconscious creature…and judging from the block of ice not far off, Sub-Zero dealt with the other, Kaizar.

"Hm…, well I guess it's to the coliseum I go! Now…, where the hell is that map?" Nido reached at his pocket, drawing up his cloth map he snatched previously from the Tarkatan brothers, taking a look. The handwriting was horrible, but he could tell enough to know which way was north, and what paths led to what drawings. "So…, this way to the tournament? Well, that was easy. What's the worst that can happen?" He folded the map up, pocketing it once more. He went along the path. It had to have been twenty minutes later that he found a still-breathing man lying on the ground along the path."Eh?" He looked human enough…, even if his purple clothes were a bit odd.

As Nido examined the area. He could see a smoking crater not too far off…, and another injured man's body nearby, with several bodies of Tarkata as well. "Hey…, what happened here-?"

"Do not touch him!" Jade's voice was heard as she dropped down from the branches high above. She recognized Rain's body, and just up the road, Reiko. "They are servants of Shao Kahn…, but whatever did this surely is not on the side of Earthrealm either…" She had no idea what could possibly do this…, was it Noob Saibot? Was this what he was able todo when he had more control?

"Yeah, just smells like bad news." He sniffed the air, keeping a firm hold on the handle of his weapon. "Smells like demons were here. Pretty high classed, at that…" He started to move up the pathway, even if Jade wished him not to do such. He crouched over it, gritting his teeth. "…Not good."

"Nido we are leaving now." Jade grasped his shoulder, "Whatever isn't good we can discuss later." She gave his shoulder a squeeze, as to urge him to follow her words. She did not speak in anger, but a softness that would further express her concerns for his safety. This event was delving into the unknown.

"…Probably for the best. Usually when a demon breaches into a realm…they leave a ring behind to show where they're from." He started to stand, looking about cautiously. "…Seems our friend is from the very last ring of hell…and that means he's not one to trifle with." He was already on the move with Jade, getting as far away from the –

"Nido!" Jade shouted out as a shadow dropped down in front of him. She sprang into action, batting it away with her staff. The shadow vanished instantly, and appeared just as soon behind her. She felt a harsh blow to her spine—and then saw the shadowy figure appear before her with another kick to her face! Shouting in pain, Jade fell toward the floor, only to meet the rising fist of the same creature rising from the ground! Soaring upward, she fell square on her shoulders!

"What the hell?" Nido drew his Spear forward to defend himself. He moved to Jade's side, but much to his misfortune, was captured in a sleeper hold by the shadow!

A slightly more defined figure appeared before him. Noob Saibot's white eyes glaring holes through Nido's very soul. "…You are not powerful enough. I demand an opponent worth killing!"

"You are fast," Jade said standing, "But even with your tricks, you still are too slow for me. Perhaps you should run along before I fetch my flashlight?" Jade's body took on a green glow, accessing her spiritual energy much more than she had ever before. She would need it, even if it would more than likely take its toll on her later.

"The light abandoned all realms the moment I returned…" Noob Saibot said, facing Jade for combat! "Perhaps you will be worthy when – "

"Edenia…is a lie. Come home, Jade. Come home."

The voices came ringing in her head. Everything started to break apart before her very eyes. Everyone was gone, the forest, Nido, Noob Saibot, all of them. Jade was now in this…mystical realm of surrealism.

"…Where…" She spoke softly…walking toward the ledge of the provided space. As she stepped, the world around her began to construct itself. It made a bridge of land masses for her, leading her toward the brightest of the lights. A floating woman's silhouette was there. Jade held her hand up to shield her eyes from the bright light… "…Who are you?" She spoke up…getting a glimpse of the woman's face. She seemed to be shimmering like diamonds from every inch of her exposed skin, clad lightly in armor.

"Edenia does not belong to Shao Kahn. Edenia does not belong to Sindel nor Jerrod. Edenia has deceived you since your birth." The woman's every word echoing throughout this realm. "Edenia was meant to be –"

The vision faded rapidly. Everything came crashing back together. Every piece of the puzzle fitting, all colors restored. Jade felt fatigued and hurt. She found herself at a knee, catching her breath.

"Jade! You okay? That was…amazing. How did you move that fast?" Nido came to her side, placing his hand at her back. "You took on that guy like he was nothing!"

She did what?She was just getting ready to fight less than a few moments ago, wasn't she? "What do you mean? What happened? Where is..," She glanced about – they were much closer to the Soul Chambers than she remembered last. "…How did we get here?"

"You…brought the fight here, remember? Fighting really fast…, dodging crap…" His brows lowered in confusion. She forgot already? "Anyway, Peter Pan's shadow shouldn't bother us for a while. He hit the road after you kicked his buddy's ass."

Jade started to stand. She felt a pain in her side. She had bruises…, she was fighting, but had no memory of it? Was her body acting independently? "…Nido." She faced him, "I must rest. I will get you to the coliseum, but we will have to part ways for a brief while. I… am not feeling like myself."

Nido understood, she didn't look too well; a little more on the sickly side, to be honest. "I was hoping for a lovely outing around flesh eating trees but…" He smiled, "Your health's more important to me. Lead the way, super Brown Sugar."

"I would like to think that is the only time you will add 'Super' to my nic name…"

( A/N )

Still building and building! Surprises will be in the upcoming chapters! Review, review, review!

Also..., the character 'voice' thing is pretty difficult, but I'm trying to improve.