Mortal Kombat: Requiem

by Cdr2002

A collaborative fan fiction project by me and several others. Serves as a direct sequel to MKX ignoring MK11, followup on several ideas, characters, and plot points from the ORIGINAL timeline, and a general fix fic for the NRS timeline.

41. Chapter 40: War Dawn

"We are going to WAR!"

This news shocked the citizens of Outworld gathered at the Arena even more than Kotal's execution of Kollector mere moments ago.

Though divided, Outworld had not faced true all-out war since Kotal's decimation of the Shokan, and before that, Shao Kahn's invasion of Earthrealm.

Kotal had hoped they would rally around him, but instead saw confusion and fear. He decided some elaboration was in order.

"Mere days ago, Earthrealm and their god Raiden launched a brazen attack against my palace, in direct violation of the non aggression pact they proposed to us!" Kotal continued. "This can be taken as nothing short of a declaration of war! And we shall meet their declaration! These Earthrealmers think they know war?! We are Outworld! We created war!"

The crowd was beginning to sway towards Kotal's side, but it was clear not everyone was convinced.

"I know that some of you do not trust me!" Kotal acknowledged. "This includes many of the proud realm of Edenia! Please, allow me to ease your concerns, with the help of two of my guests!"

A pair of Edenian nobles in lavish green and gold robes entered the arena on cue. A man and a woman.

"Allow me to introduce two trusted friends of the late King Jerrod and Queen Sindel," Kotal announced. "Nobles Malachite and Peridot!"

Little did Kotal realize that despite his heavy security, his crowd had still managed to be infiltrated. A woman in plainclothes and a mouth-obscuring scarf observed the proceedings. In truth, she was Mileena, looking through the lens of a clone body which sported the brown eyes of her sister, making endeavors such as this one much easier.

Several of her clones were posted throughout Outworld to observe the goings-on and aid civilians whenever needed. When she noticed the gathering crowd through this particular clone, she knew she had to observe for herself.

Allowing her to report everything that was happening back to her allies.

The rebels were aware that Raiden was not particularly fond of them. They had witnessed his rage firsthand. The Edenians had, at least. Upon learning of Kotal's announcement, they realized that they should have expected Raiden to make an attack on the current emperor as well. Already aware of Kotal's temperament, they knew this meant war before Kotal even had to say it. It wasn't a surprise, but it was a terrifying thought.

The rebels had dedicated themselves to protecting the people of Outworld, fighting against Kotal's oppression and trying to inspire them to one day rise up against the tyrant. But this?! Innocents were bound to be caught in the crossfire. Mileena and her union resolved to do what they could.

The only surprise here was that two Edenians would actually ally themselves with the same man who held their realm hostage.

"Traitors." Tanya said disdainfully upon receiving this information.

"Now hold on," cautioned Rain. "Kotal could be threatening them."

"Are Kotal's new allies anyone we might recognize?" Emerald asked.

"They sort of look like…" Mileena began to describe. "Jade, do you have any family?"

"No…" Jade answered. "At least I don't think so. Why?"

"We have a suggestion to ease this observation," offered Ermac. "We may be able to link your minds and allow everyone to see what Mileena is seeing."

The rebels all looked around. Skarlet squeezed Nitara's hand tightly, unsure about how this would go.

"Do it." Jade decided once it looked like everyone was willing to give it a try.

Ermac outstretched his arms as his hands glowed green and his eyes shone brighter. Seconds later, the telepathic link between the group was established, and they witnessed Kotal's announcement in unison:

"F-Fellow Edenians!" Malachite said somewhat nervously. "Think not of Kotal Kahn as your enemy! But as the one who will save us from Earthrealm's vicious assault."

"Raiden offered us no aid when Shao Kahn came," continued Peridot, sounding eerily scripted. "It is not surprising that he would attack us now."

"And against that attack," Kotal continued. "We must defend ourselves!"

"Wait…" Jade realized. "I… I know them.."

"I call upon you not to fight for me!" Kotal proclaimed. "But to fight for all of Outworld! For each other! For your freedom!"

Ironic for a despot to be championing freedom, but the rebels could not dwell on the irony as long-buried memories came flooding back to Jade, and due to the telepathic link, they all experienced them…

Jade was merely a child. She struggled against one of Shao Kahn's guards as she was torn away from her parents.

"No! Wait! Come back!" Pleaded Jade.

"She is a very strong girl," her father explained to Shao Kahn. "She should make for an excellent warrior."

"And at so young that I can ensure loyalty," Shao Kahn considered. "You have served me well, nobles. Your payment will be delivered in due time."

"T-Thank you f-for accepting our tribute, emperor." Said her mother.

"Thank you for recognizing my rule," Shao Kahn thanked in turn. "My guards will show you out."

The two nodded, and followed said guards.

Meanwhile, Shao Kahn approached the young Jade. She was kicking and screaming and crying, but it seemed like no one would answer.

Shao Kahn knelt down in front of her, observing the girl.

"You have quite a strong will." he complimented. He spoke in a strangely soft tone considering his infamy. But Shao Kahn knew that frightening the child would only make her more hysterical, not more cooperative like adults tended to be when he intimidated them.

"Leave me alone!" Jade yelled. "Let me go!"

Shao Kahn shook his head. "But I just bought you. That would be a waste of money."

Jade continued to struggle, choosing to let her desire to escape prevent her from thinking about how her parents had just abandoned her for the sake of koins.

"So, I understand that you are friends with Princess Kitana, yes?" Shao Kahn asked.

Jade was confused. She kept trying to escape the guard's grip, but nodded her head.

"Good," Shao Kahn responded. "Then that gives me exactly an idea of what I shall do with you. Do you wish to protect your friend?"

"What are you gonna do to her!" Jade asked.

"Nothing," Shao Kahn answered honestly. "You see, Kitana is my daughter now, and my daughter needs protecting. That's where you come in. I will have you trained as her bodyguard. I'll even have you taught Edenian techniques so you can feel like a true warrior of your realm. Why, I'll have the same man who trained me to use the Emerald Armor of the Gods teach it to you."

"When I become a good fighter, I'll stop you!" Jade said defiantly.

"Little girl, you will never be powerful enough to challenge me," Shao Kahn replied. "Besides, you'll be too busy ensuring your friend is safe. That's very important to you, isn't it?"

"I…" Jade was starting to realize she couldn't escape. "I won't let anybody hurt her!"

"Good," Shao Kahn complimented. "But you see Jade, my generosity is not without limits. May I make just one thing clear to you?"

Jade nervously nodded.

Shao Kahn dropped his softened tone.

"Tell Kitana anything of Edenia, and I will kill you."

Ermac saw fit to break off the telepathic link. The gist of Kotal's intent was clear to them, and it was obvious that time would be needed to recover from Jade's memory flash.

"Of course… of course they would sell out to Kotal!" Jade shouted angrily. "I would expect nothing less of those cowards!"

"Who… who are they, Jade?" Mileena asked.

Jade looked her dead in the eyes.

"My parents."

"Your… what?!" Rain asked.

"I think I remember them now…" Emerald recalled. "Weren't they friends of the royal family?"

"They are friends no longer," Jerrod's voice came through Ermac. "If they would commit such despicable actions as selling their own daughter to Shao Kahn."

"Who… who could do that to their own child?!" Tanya questioned.

"Do you mean, who besides Shao Kahn?" Skarlet asked.

"And Shang Tsung…." Meat added.

"Sister and brother are right," Mileena agreed. "I wish I could say such cruelty was foreign to us."

"Oh it was no cruelty," Jade corrected. "It was cowardice. "They abandoned me to save their own hides!"

"They would have gotten along well with whoever my real father was…" Rain grumbled.

Jade sighed. "I apologize for my outburst everyone. Just… bad memories."

"Sad as it is, we've all got em'." Nitara pointed out. "No need to feel outcast."

"She's right," Skarlet agreed. "If there's one thing being part of a family and…" She smiled at Nitara. "And finding love has taught me, it's that we share in both our triumphs and struggles."

"Well said," Jade complimented. "I'm glad to be one of you. Especially now, with such a fight ahead of us."

"Quite the fight indeed," Emerald agreed. "What's your plan, Empress?"

All eyes fell on Mileena, who had been pondering the same question herself.

"Even if we rally all of our rather small forces and all of my others, we can't fight in this war head on," Mileena acknowledged. "I think we should focus on keeping people safe instead."

"Evacuate cities?" Jade asked.

"As best we can," Mileena answered. "And only engage in combat against anyone who directly tries to harm a civilian."

"What about Raiden?" Rain questioned.

"Chances are his quarry is with Kotal," Tanya surmised. "Harming innocents doesn't seem to be on his agenda."

"And yet we witnessed a man famous as Raiden's ally die by his hand." Rain pointed out.

"If the plan father and I are working on succeeds, my mother will be powerful enough to contend with Raiden." Mileena reasoned.

"It will succeed, Mileena." Jerrod assured, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Thank you, father." Mileena said appreciatively.

"So in simplest terms, our plan is to protect people?" Jade asked. She then gave Mileena a warm smile signalling her approval. "Kitana would've liked this plan."

"Thank you, Jade," Mileena replied. "From you, someone who knew her so well, that means a lot."

"If I may, there are vampires who would be willing to help our cause," Nitara revealed. "Scout from the air for anyone in trouble, create a diversion, whatever you need."

"That's very generous, their aid will be invaluable," Mileena acknowledged before adopting a more teasing tone. "Thank you, Sister-in-law..."

Nitara laughed.

"With all due respect sister, you can't rush a good thing." Skarlet chimed in, inciting further levity which helped mediate the situation they all now faced.

"Leena! Shadow men here!" Announced Ferra.

Mileena was naturally confused, but realized what Ferra meant when two Shadow Priests walked in.

"I thought I sent one of my clones to inform you that we wouldn't be needing your aid to transport us to the Netherrealm," Mileena recalled. "Unless you're here about this war. We would gladly accept your aid."

"Oh yes Empress, we do wish to aid you," one priest confirmed. "But not in that manner."

"What do you mean?" Mileena asked.

"Empress," said Emerald, clutching the hilt of her sword. "I do not trust these sorcerers. I have experienced their manipulation firsthand…"

"I assure you, we mean you no harm," said the second priest. "All that we wish to tell you… is that we have found D'Vorah."

Mileena was taken aback by the news.

"My killer? Where?" She asked.

"In the Living Forest," one priest answered. "We would suggest haste if you wish to enact your vengeance."

The two priests then disappeared into a purple portal they summoned behind themselves.

"This has to be some manner of trick!" Protested Emerald.

"Even if it's not, they obviously want to distract you, Mileena." Rain added.

"I know…" Mileena acknowledged, grappling priorities in her head. "But…"

"You require resolution on what was done to you," Ermac sensed. "It is rare that one is able to serve retribution to their own killer. And it can be strangely… satisfying."

"You sound like you're speaking from experience." Jade noticed.

"Shao Kahn's fall…" Ermac paused. "Was quite gratifying for us."

"Ermac is right, my love," Tanya agreed. "You'll have to confront that bug eventually. Better to do it now and get it out of your mind so we can focus on protecting those that Kotal and Raiden's forces won't spare a second thought."

"I… you're right. Thank you, dearest Tanya," Mileena replied. "Please, start preparations for when I come back."

"I can't." Tanya denied.

"Why?" Mileena asked confusedly.

"Because I'm coming with you." Tanya revealed.

"You are?" Mileena questioned.

Tanya walked up to her. "Of course I am, love. That bug took everything from me."

"But… Shao Kahn conquered Edenia…" Mileena pointed out.

Tanya smiled.

"Not the 'everything' I was talking about." She said before kissing Mileena.

Mileena smiled back. "Alright then, let's go."

She then turned her attention to the rest of the group.

"Thank you all for being patient with me," Mileena acknowledged. "I just… have to put this behind me."

"If that's what you feel you need to do." Rain acknowledged.

"Happy hunting, sister." Skarlet added.

"If it is a trap, we stand ready to reinforce you." Assured Emerald.

"Good luck." Said Jade.

Nitara and Meat simply nodded their approval.

"Father, you're in charge until we get back." Mileena said to Ermac.

"Understood, my daughter." Answered Jerrod.

With that, Mileena and Tanya set off hand in hand for the Living Forest.

As for their other enemy, Kotal's speech at the Arena was finished and it seemed that a sizable portion of Outworld's population was on his side.

He returned to the palace with his followers and began giving his orders:

"Malachite, Peridot, you have done well," he first complimented. "Mileena holds much sway with the Edenians. Thanks to you, I can now challenge that sway."

"Happy to be of service, Emperor," Malachite said modestly. "And thank you for offering us so much money."

"Indeed," agreed Peridot. "When you came to us, I wasn't sure about all this, but-"

"Neither was I." Kotal admitted.

"What do you mean?" Malachite asked.

"I admit, I had expected your loyalties to be with Mileena," Kotal explained. "Given that your daughter, Jade, fights with her rebellion."

"Emperor, our daughter is dead." Peridot pointed out.

"No, she's not," Ruby corrected. "I witnessed her aiding rebellious protestors firsthand. I would have ensured her second death had Mileena not saved her life."

Peridot and Malachite exchanged uneasy looks with one another.

"I take it you have had no contact with each other." Surmised Kotal.

"No… we have not." Peridot admitted.

"We always feared that if she found us, she would…" Malachite ran a finger across his neck.

"I see…" Kotal responded. "Well, you may go as you please. I will summon you when needed."

The couple nodded and exited the room.

"They are disgraces to the very idea of parentage…" Kotal said once they were out of earshot. He imagined his own father would harbor similar disgust.

"Can't be any worse than my pop." Reasoned Erron.

"Did your father sell you to Shao Kahn?" Ruby asked.

"No…" Erron admitted. "Damn, that's… damn."

"Their cowardice is irrelevant," Kotal decided. "So long as they serve their purpose. Now then, we have much to do if we are to win this war."

Both Ruby and Erron were hardly thrilled about the prospect, albeit for different reasons. Nonetheless, they listened.

"First, Ruby," Kotal began. "You have served me loyally all this time and shown true dedication to our cause. I wish for you to serve as one of my generals when this war begins."

Ruby was initially surprised by the promotion. Her thoughts were still… conflicted, after everything Kollector had said to her.

"I'm flattered to receive the honor, Emperor," she said graciously. "I will do what I can to lead our troops to victory… so that when this is over, we can finally get to building a better Outworld."

Kotal nodded. The fact that he did not comment on the future concerned Ruby, but she stayed silent.

"And Erron," Kotal continued. "As you are aware, we still possess many of the weapons sold to us by the treacherous Black Dragon. While there are a few marksmen in my army, we will need far more to stand up to the forces of Earthrealm. I am leaving it to you to train my soldiers in using Earthrealm weapons."

Erron nodded. "Trainin' I can do, but…"

"Is something wrong?" Kotal asked.

"Yeah," Erron answered, not wanting to go into detail. "A lot's wrong. Look, boss, I appreciate all you've done for me these past few years, but after your guys know how to shoot… that's it. I'm done."

"What do you mean?" Kotal asked.

"Think of it as retirement," Erron explained. "I've got some things I need to figure out on ma' own. Things you can't help me with. Besides, once you've got an army that can shoot, ya don't need me anymore."

"I suppose given your mercenary nature, I should have known this day would come eventually," Kotal said disappointedly. "Very well, Erron. Consider this your final assignment."

Erron tipped his hat. "Mighty appreciated, boss."

Erron then left in order to begin said final assignment, passing by a Naknadan in iron hand-crafted armor who was approaching.

"Who is he?" Ruby asked.

"With Kollector's betrayal, the Naknadan people lack a representative within my forces," Kotal explained. "They are not as prideful as the Shokan or Centaurs, but even still, they need one of their own to lead them into battle. General Ruby, meet-"

"Kommander, at your service." The Naknadan announced for himself. "It would please you to know, Emperor, that I have already begun organizing my people into garrisons that will serve at your command. You see, I functioned in a similar role for Shao Kahn's army. In a way, taking this position is like coming home."

Kotal nodded. "Pleased to have you aboard. This is General Ruby, you will report directly to her outside of extreme circumstances."

"In that case," said Kommander, reaching out a hand to shake Ruby's. "There is something I think you both should know."

"Elaborate." Requested Kotal.

"Are you aware of the city of Lei Chen?" Kommander asked.

"The walled city that fell under the control of the Orderrealm's Seidan Guard." Ruby recalled.

"My troops stay clear of that area to avoid angering the Seidans." Kotal added.

"With all due respect, that may have proven a small error in judgement," explained Kommander. "After accepting your offer, Emperor, I took the liberty of organizing reconnaissance of all possible threats. Edenian and vampire neighborhoods, the village of Sun Do which traffics refugees to Earthrealm, and Lei Chen."

"And you found something there?" Ruby asked.

"Oh yes, General," Kommander confirmed. "The Seidan Guard have been building up their forces there. Hotaru himself has been spotted coming and going. In addition, unusual weather phenomenons on occasion. Such as… red lightning."

Kotal's eyes widened. "Raiden has allied himself with the Orderrealm?!"

"That is the only logical conclusion, Emperor," Kommander agreed. "So all in all, we have quite the war to prepare for indeed…."

The reconnaissance was spot-on to what was happening in Lei Chen. Troops were going to and from Orderrealm, and they were amassing. An army for the coming war.

The troops performed regular drills, training, and rereading of the Seidan Guard's Policy of Conduct During War. They functioned like a well-oiled machine. A gigantic mass of silver and gold armor armed with swords, shields, naginata, and some mystical additions to their regimented arsenal.

And overseeing it all was Hotaru himself, as well as none other than Raiden, who had visited the city to ascertain their progress.

"How goes the preparations, Commander Hotaru?" Raiden asked.

"Everything is exactly on schedule, Lord Raiden," Hotaru informed. "Within a mere two weeks, we will be ready, according to current calculations."

Raiden nodded. "Excellent. We march at my command."

"Of course, Lord Raiden," Hotaru acknowledged. "After all, it is you we have to thank for the opportunity to bring Order to this fractured realm."

"And an end to the threat posed by Earthrealm's greatest enemy," Raiden added. "Admittedly I had hoped to prevent a full-scale war… but perhaps it is time for Outworld to feel the fear that Earthrealm and so many others faced when Shao Kahn invaded them…"

"Fear not, Lord Raiden, the Seidan Guard has stringent conduct outlines to reduce civilian casualties as much as possible during military operations," Hotaru assured. "Also, may I advise against viewing our mission as one of vengeance? Vengeance breeds Chaos, in my experience."

"Spare me the lecture," Raiden responded. "It is all a means to an end."

Hotaru seemingly had more to say, but decided against it. "Very well, Lord Raiden."

"Sir! Sir!" Came the voice of a helmeted Seidan Guardsman who was approaching the two.

"What is it, soldier?" Hotaru asked.

"There's been an attack in Seido." Informed the soldier.

"Darrius?" Hotaru asked.

"No sir," the soldier clarified. "Worse. Chaosrealmers."

"Oh dear… pull together a squadron," Hotaru instructed. "And next time, exercise specificity. Confusion creates Chaos."

"Yes sir, my apologies." The soldier complied.

"I sense your energy," commented Raiden. "You are not a native Seidan. You are from Earthrealm."

"That is correct, sir," confirmed the soldier. "Garrett Bennett at your service. I was recruited into the Seidan Guard shortly after the fall of Camelot. It has provided me renewed purpose and a greatly prolonged life."

"Yes, I believe I remember you," Raiden recalled. "You served King Arthur, correct?"

Garrett seemed to examine Raiden, seeming to recognize him as well. "Merlin?!"

"Raiden," he corrected. "Your king utilized that pseudonym to disguise my aid. I was… not supposed to show favoritism in Earthrealm conflicts."

"Well, your aid was invaluable nonetheless." Garrett complimented.

"You were given an order, soldier," Hotaru reminded as he rejoined them with a small group of troops. "Not that it matters I suppose, given that I carried it out myself. Come, let us depart for Seido."

"I will be joining you, Hotaru," Raiden declared. "I believe I can hasten this battle."

"Your aid would be greatly appreciated, Lord Raiden," Hotaru responded. "I will allow it."

"I do not require your permission." Raiden said irritatedly.

"I think High Chancellor Abacus would be even more cross with you were you to aid in this battle without it." Hotaru pointed out.

Raiden conceded the point by way of silence.

Hotaru led his troops, as well as Raiden, to the center of Lei Chen, and the home formerly belonging to Overlord Zefeero. Within was a light blue portal installed when the Seidan Guard seized command of Lei Chen.

The portal was guarded, of course, although not all present were stationed guards. Aunor was in the room as well, conversing about the current attack with another member of the Guard.

"I mean, it's just so sudden," Aunor said. "I know Chaosrealmers are supposed to be unpredictable and all that, but it's been years."

"Maybe they caught wind of us branching out into other realms and didn't like it." Her friend theorized.

"Lieutenant Aunor." said Hotaru, breaking off their conversation.

Aunor and her friend quickly saluted. "Apologies sir, we were just taken aback by-"

"You are in command here until I return," Hotaru told her promptly. "Remain vigilant."

"Will do, Commander." She replied.

Hotaru and his troops entered the portal, Raiden following after them. The Thunder God still made Aunor feel uneasy, but then again, this entire war did as well.

When the group arrived in Orderrealm, panic could be heard immediately. An unusual occurrence for the realm, outside of attacks by Darrius's resistance… or the threat that currently faced them. Their oldest enemy, in fact.

They quickly exited the pyramid-like structure which housed the Orderrealm end of the portal and made their way out onto the streets.

Once there, they quickly identified the attackers. Chaosrealmers were always distinct after all. Their malformed bodies and faces, asymmetrical clothing, and weapons that ranged from rusting swords to spiked clubs.

Fittingly for worshippers of Chaos, they stuck out like nothing else when within Orderrealm.

The Chaosrealmers attacked wildly, swinging their weapons at civilians, Seidan Guard, objects. Some summoned sickly green cursed flames to attack structures. One was banging his fist on the titles which made up the ground, as if out of hatred for the very realm itself.

"Disgusting heretics," Hotaru said scornfully. "Attack, now!"

His troops did as ordered, with Hotaru himself leading the charge. Hotaru slammed his fists into the shoulders of the first Chaosrealmer he saw, forcing the enemy to his knees. He then grabbed the Chaosrealmer's head and snapped their neck. The Chaosrealmer tried to attack in spite of the injury that would normally be fatal to a denizen of any other realm. Hotaru snapped their neck again. Still alive. A third snap, then crushing their head between his hands, and the Chaosrealmer was finally dead.

Hotaru always hated how difficult to kill they were.

Another Chaosrealmer came at him with a crude axe. Hotaru coated his fist in lava and punched right through the Chaosrealmer's chest, melting their heart and several organs. When that failed to kill them, he pointed his fist upward while it was still lodged in his foe, and shot a blast of lava which sent the Chaosrealmer's head off like a rocket.

Hotaru swiftly backhanded a third, melting their face off in the process. The other Seidan Guard members were having more of a struggle against the Chaosrealm assailants. Garrett in particular, being of Earthrealm, was not used to the level of injury a Chaosrealmer could survive. Human opponents were more his forte. Even still, he slashed with his sword, determined to do his best. He considered it a knight's duty.

Hotaru bisected a Chaosrealmer vertically using his naginata, and then turned his attention to helping his troops. However, it soon became apparent that he wouldn't have to, as Raiden had decided to intervene.

Without hesitation or warning, Raiden shot out a bolt of lightning that blasted straight through the heads of about five Chaosrealmers, reducing their brains to ash and killing them instantly. He then flew upwards and came down on another with a flying kick, crushing their head with his foot after landing.

Two Chaosrealmers attempted to come at Raiden from either side. One raised a cudgel while the other had a spear. Ultimately, neither weapon would make contact, as Raiden formed his lightning into two blades coming off of his knuckles, and used said blades to slice their heads clean in half horizontally.

Another Chaosrealmer decided to taunt the Thunder God, pulling out their own eyes and throwing them at him. They hit to no effect other than the Chaosrealmer's amusement, and then Raiden reduced the Chaosrealmer to ash with a prolonged blast of lightning.

The Seidan Guard were now holding the upper hand due to Raiden cutting down a significant portion of the enemy forces. Garrett managed to stab a Chaosrealmer between the eyes, the strike doing sufficient enough damage to the brain to kill them. Another guard, still a novice in pyromancy and certainly no lavamancer like Hotaru, shot a fireball at a Chaosrealmer which caused them to be set ablaze and flail around burning until they dropped to the ground.

It had come down to two Chaosrealmers, both in the mismatched robes of Havik's clergy. One was a large male with an exposed ribcage, and half his face being pure bone like the cleric himself, but this division being horizontal rather than vertical. The other was a female, less bulky than her compatriot and only about as tall as Raiden and Hotaru. She bore a sort of inverse of Havik's disfigurement, her mouth and nose intact while the top half of her head was pure bone, save for her glowing white eyes. Both had long, unkept, scraggly hair with the occasional insect or centipede being visible crawling through it.

"Surrender now!" Ordered Hotaru. "You cannot win this battle! I know your kind care not for odds, but perhaps just this once you will see reason!"

"You will not bind us!" Shouted the female. "Neither in death nor imprisonment!"

"We do not acknowledge your Order!" Added the male. "Nor any Order!"

"You have no method of escape!" Garrett pointed out. "Lay down your arms!"

"Only a minion of Order speaks in absolutes!" Shouted the male.

"There are no absolutes!" Yelled the female.

She summoned cursed flame and then shot a blast at the ground. Upon contact, the green fire spread almost instantaneously, creating a barrier between the Seidan Guard and the Chaosrealmers.

The male's eyes then glowed a pale orange and a portal was summoned behind them. Raiden prepared to fire a blast of lightning, but the two retreated into the portal too quickly and it closed.

"Get a mystic to dissipate these accursed flames!" Ordered Hotaru. "And have these corpses properly disposed of!"

"Yes sir!" Responded two members of the Guard, saluting and leaving to accomplish their assigned tasks.

Suddenly, there was a flash of white energy, and Orderrealm's Protector God and the leader of its senate, Abacus appeared on the scene.

"Chaosrealmers on our very doorstep!" He immediately complained. "We have not suffered attack from Chaosrealm since the death of that blasted Havik!"

"High Chancellor Abacus, the two survivors wore the garb of Havik's followers," pointed out Hotaru. "It is like they continue to follow his will even in his absence."

"Then why choose now to attack, hmm?" Abacus asked. "Chaosrealmers are an unpredictable breed of madness, but even they must recognize the opportunity of a distracted Seidan Guard. Rampaging to their delight while my very best are in a mere territory rather than defending their capitol."

"High Chancellor-" Hotaru began to say.

"If I may." Raiden interjected.

"Oh yes, do care to enlighten us Raiden," Abacus mocked. "After all, it is you I have to thank for my Guard's lack of focus."

"These lapses in security will pass," Raiden reasoned. "Remember, I am essentially giving control over Outworld to your realm. Whatever minor victories Darrius might attain, whatever distirbances Chaosrealm can create, we both know this is not an opportunity you would wish to relinquish. Furthermore, I can lend my aid in neutralizing Chaosrealm once Outworld is dealt with."

"All this is assuming you win this war you are using my army to fight." Abacus argued.

"Outworld is fractured, consumed by Chaos," Raiden explained. "Its so-called rulers too prideful to unify. They have already lost, your army will merely help illustrate that."

"When the dust settles, Order will prevail, High Chancellor." Hotaru said confidently.

"I would hope so," Abacus responded. "But when this war is done with, I want you to focus your efforts on wiping out the resistance, Hotaru. I will appoint a joint-commander of the Guard to oversee Outworld's transition to Order."

"Understood." Hotaru complied.

"And Raiden," Abacus continued. "You may give your proposed aid in dealing with Chaosrealm, but once Outworld is secure, you will never again hold command over my Seidan Guard. Is that understood?"

Raiden simply nodded.

"Good. Dismissed."

Abacus vanished in another flash of white.

"We should return to Lei Chen." Decided Hotaru.

The group soon did so, those who had been injured in the battle quickly moving to see medics.

"Raiden, there is something I've been wondering," Hotaru admitted. "This war with Outworld is mainly targeted at Kotal Kahn, yes?"

Raiden nodded. "Mileena will inevitably attempt to intervene, and allowing for her to be eliminated as well."

"Right," Hotaru recalled. "But… what is your plan for the Dragon King?"

"We will scour Outworld until we uncover Shang Tsung and any others who follow Onaga," Raiden detailed. "The Dragon King is without a physical form, if your mercenary'a information is correct, and the Kamidogu are beyond his grasp. Without either, he is not a proper threat."

"Perhaps he could even be an ally," proposed Hotaru. "The ruler who kept Outworld ordered."

"And who ventured to conquer other realms before any other tyrant in history," Raiden reminded him. "It is a misconception that the Mortal Kombat tournament was created in response to Shao Kahn. A dark path follows your line of thought, Hotaru."

"Are we not conquering Outworld?" Hotaru asked.

"A prize the Dragon King would not share," Raiden argued. "This line of thought carries you down a dangerous path, Hotaru. My visions saw you as one of Onaga's accolades in the future that was. Do not bring truth to them."

"My apologies, Lord Raiden," Hotaru replied. "I will not disappoint you."

"Even if you did, I would only have myself to blame…" Raiden said regretfully. "I must depart."

Hotaru nodded. "Everything should be ready when you return. Good luck."

"A god does not need luck." Raiden said before vanishing in a crack of lightning.

Hotaru returned to organizing the Seidan Guard's forces for the coming war, while off to the side, Aunor and Garrett conversed. Aunor had always possessed an interest in the cultures of other realms, and rare instances like an Earthrealmer joining the Seidan Guard provided direct opportunities. This had made Garrett a friend, who was now telling her of what had occurred during the battle.

"I tell you, I will never be used to fighting these Chaosrealmers," Garrett admitted. "I've not seen such creatures since Mer-Raiden aided us against the sorcery of Morgan Le Fae."

"As a child I was always warned of the evils of Chaos," Aunor recalled. "So young, I assumed that Chaosrealmers were merely poorly-mannered, not that they breed such destruction and anarchy."

"Both things I hate to say I'm familiar with," Garrett replied. "But at least the barbarians of my home fell when you pierced their heart."

"Oh yes, they were horrifying when I first battled them," Aunor agreed. "But in a way it made things easier. I've never much liked having to kill anyone."

"Nor I, but we do what we must for our kingdom." Reasoned Garrett.

"I hope we're doing what's right for Seido now," Aunor replied. "This war… worries me. Even having been a member of the Guard since I was of eligible age, I've never quite faced anything like this."

"When it's the rebels or Chaosrealmers, you're at home, you feel secure in a way even as someone's trying to gut you," Garrett described. "Since I joined the Guard, I haven't had the luxury of that. So this discomfort is normal for me."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Aunor sympathized.

"Don't worry about me," Garrett assured her. "I've lived longer than any man of my realm should. For that, a bit of discomfort is a fair trade."

"I suppose," Aunor conceded. "But honestly, I'm worried about all of us. Seido hasn't facef a full-scale since Chaosrealm was first discovered, and that was eons ago. Before I or Commander Hotaru or any of us were even born."

"Hard to imagine something happening so long ago that it predates the long lives you live," Garrett admitted. "But in that event, I understand the concern. Even still, I believe we can prevail."

"Even if our victory is assured…" Aunor paused. "Do you think it's…right for us to take control of Outworld?"

"I defended my kingdom against any would-be conquerors," Garrett recalled. "I've never much approved of taking anything from anyone, least of all their home. But sometimes, we've had to help people who couldn't help themselves by taking the reins."

"And what if they could help themselves and you seized control too soon to see them do it?" Aunor asked.

"Then…" Garrett paused. "I suppose then you'd call it a conquest."

"I… I'm not sure what I'm fighting for anymore…" Aunor admitted. "Dar-" she looked over her shoulder, worried who might be in earshot. "They have a point. Seido does need change. And maybe Outworld isn't ours to claim. Aren't we doing to them exactly what Shao Kahn did to so many realms?"

"Sometimes something may seem like the right thing to do," Garrett reasoned. "Or even if it's not, you tell yourself 'it's my duty, I must do this'. And sometimes you don't have the control to decide for yourself."

"Duty…" Aunor repeated. "My parents hammered it into my head and I followed their footsteps into the Guard even when I wanted to just be a gardener. At least I have my magic…"

Aunor demonstrated her unique mystical ability: she faced her palm to the ground and a faint emerald-green glow summoned forth a bright red flower from the ground.

"You're certainly quite the sorceress," Garrett complimented. "Might help you achieve that gardening dream someday."

"Thanks," Aunor said appreciatively. "But I'm too young to retire, and leaving the Guard otherwise is treason."

"A shame," Garrett sympathized. "Even still, I find that a knight is in higher spirits when he-my apologies, they never lose sight of their dream."

Although no knight, Darrius had no intentions of losing sight of his dream.

He had kept the Resistance quiet following the attack on the Seidan Central Court, letting Hotaru return to the distraction of Raiden's crusade. All the while, he decided to put his newfound alliance with Chaosrealm to greater use. First reluctantly joining Havik in seeking out the former Protector God Zaggot, then in seeing a proper base of operations for the Seidan Guard constructed in Chaosrealm. However, in that regard, Havik had proposed a different idea.

He brought Darrius to a deactivated Seidan Guard water treatment facility, long ago abandoned when the soldiers maintaining it were shown the way to Chaos through mystical pendants.

It was a symbol of the Seidan Guard's hubris and forceful imposition of their will upon others.

It was perfect.

"Havik my friend, this is the most you've made sense since the day we met." He had said at the time.

Now, Darrius was at the center of the same facility, overseeing the wastes of Chaosrealm and a small village to the left. Directly ahead, a floating land mass with a Chaos Temple taking up most of the space, worshippers praying to Chaos itself day and night. Connecting the land mass, large teleporter devices. Incredibly advanced technology that Darrius could ascertain no answer for from either Havik or Zaggot. Whether they were being intentionally unhelpful, since questions qualified as "Order" since they required someone to answer, or whether such technology was simply a manifestation of Chaosrealm's unpredictable nature remained a mystery.

What was not a mystery fortunately, was the plans of his enemies. Such was the advantage of having a double agent such as Dairou.

"They're going to begin their attack on Raiden's command," Dairou explained. "When he gives that command, it's all-out war. I might be able to fulfill your contract and kill Hotaru during the chaos, but I can't make any promises."

"That's alright Dairou," Darrius said understandingly. "None of us could have predicted a complication like this."

"A war and the Dragon King? I certainly wouldn't have." Dairou responded. "What are you going to do?"

"That part I need to think over," Darrius answered. "You should return to Seido. If you're gone too long, it might create suspicion."

"Understood." Dairou acknowledged, turning to leave.

"This is the perfect opportunity!" reasoned Darrius's second-in-command, who had been managing efforts elsewhere in Orderrealm before Darrius summoned him to provide his imput on the increasingly difficult to navigate situation.

"I know, Cassius…" Darrius admitted, before pausing. "But I can't take it."

"What are you talking about?!" Cassius questioned. "The Seidan Guard will be diverting their full army to Outworld. The senate will be practically defenseless! This is our moment to seize victory!"

Cassius wore an orange and black outfit typical of the Seidan Resistance, with a black coat over it. He lacked facial hair but sported a moderately sized afro, as he held a small appreciation for Earthrealm culture. He wore the orange-tinted sunglasses synonymous with the resistance, although his were of a different style to Darrius's almost resembling a visor.

"You're right, Cassius," Darrius agreed. "Bit consider this for a moment. What if Hotaru and Raiden do seize control of Outworld? The Seidan Guard's oppression will spread to a whole other realm, which can be used to raise an army so massive that even if we took the senate building itself, we would lose."

Cassius, like his leader, despised the idea of wasting such an opportunity, but saw Darrius's point clearly.

"Alright, so what's the play?" Cassius asked. "First thing you ever taught me was not to give up."

"That I did," Darrius recalled fondly. "Where's Hav-"

He looked to his right to suddenly find the cleric of Chaos standing over him.

"Looking for me?" Havik asked.

"Yes, in fact I was." Darrius answered, trying to disguise his initial startledness.

Darrius stood up from his chair and walked over to the balcony, before turning around 5o face his audience.

"Firstly, Havik, how did that attack go?" He asked.

"Questions and answers, why must you speak so orderly?! It sickens me!" Havik complained.

Darrius remained silent. Havik sighed.

"I don't actually know," the cleric admitted. "They haven't come back yet."

Suddenly, an orange portal opened and the surviving duo from the attack stepped out.

"Ahaha, the Chaos of Coincidences!" Havik said with glee.

"You only sent two people!?" Darrius asked.

"The others fell victim to death," the woman explained. "A most accursed form of Order that demands finality of all things. At the very least, their deaths were gloriously chaotic."

"Yes, we created much chaos," the man confirmed. "Until the Seidan Guard and Raiden intervened. Even then, we did not allow them to subject us to their Order."

"Splendid work, both of you!" Havik complimented. "Exemplary proliferators of Chaos!"

The two then suddenly decided to introduce themselves.

"I am Kalamity." Said the woman.

"And I am Katastrophe." Said the man.

"I hadn't asked." Darrius pointed out.

"Exactly, we removed any structure from our introductions." Explained Kalamity.

"I see…" Darrius responded dryly.

"Darrius," said Cassius. "You were about to detail your plan, sir."

"Sorry…" Darrius apologized. "Being in this realm makes me forget things."

That fact was exactly why the prospect of a base within Chaosrealm worried Cassius. He privately hoped they wouldn't have to be here much longer.

"Anyway," Darrius refocused himself. "As enticing as it would be to strike the senate at a point of vulnerability, we cannot allow the Seidan Guard to gain control of an entire realm. Outworld is too divided to effectively fight what they're up against. But we know the Seidan Guard quite well."

"Are you saying we need to assist Outworld?" Cassius asked.

"Not directly," Darrius clarified. "None of the major players in that realm interest me as allies. Kotal Kahn is as enough of a tyrant as Hotaru, and although I respect a fellow revolutionary, Mileena commands a force too small to be of any help to us."

"So we intercept the Guard in Outworld." Cassius presumed.

"That'd be correct, my good man." Darrius confirmed.

"They vastly outnumber us," Cassius argued. "Even if we were to send out everyone the resistance has. And Chaosrealm has no standing army."

"Militaries are structured." Havik said disdainfully.

"We don't have to defeat the entire Seidan Guard," Darrius explained. "We just need to hit critical points in order to disorganize them."

"I love disorganizing!" Katastrophe exclaimed excitedly.

"Good, because you'll be doing plenty of it," Darrius responded. "Priority target is Hotaru. We kill him, they fall apart."

"Cutting off our enemy's head in a figurative sense," Havik surmised. "Such wonderful Chaos would ensue."

"Chaos that will serve to our advantage." Darrius added.

"But what will we do about Raiden?" Cassius questioned. "He's not gonna be easy."

"Havik has actually helped me with that." Darrius answered.

On cue, there was a puff of green smoke and Zaggot suddenly appeared.

"I sensed my thoughts were on someone's mind," he explained. "I do hope that I've made good time."

"Your timing is actually perfect," Darrius complimented. "I understand that in spite of Abacus's banishment, you remain powerful… 'Lord' Zaggot."

"Oh yes, that is quite right," Zaggot confirmed. "I take it you'll be needing me for a fight."

"Do you think you could hold off Raiden?" Darrius asked.

"Ah yes, the God of Thunder," Zaggot recalled. "I can certainly help you render his plans asunder."

"Well in that case…"

Darrius smirked.

"We'll have everything we need."

Just as Raiden's enemies were mobilizing against him, he in turn was rallying his allies for the coming war.

After the Seidan Guard, Raiden elected to make his next visit be to the Tekunin. When he arrived, the lights of the technologically advanced base flickered.

"I'll have to fix that minor interference your teleporting in here causes." Triborg griped as he came to meet Raiden, flanked on either side by Wu Lae… and Hydro. Triborg had once more donned his Grandmaster robes, shaking Raiden's hand through a black glove and looking at him from beneath his crimson cowl.

Raiden quickly took notice of the Tengu leader, and Triborg didn't take long to begin spinning his web of lies.

"The Tengu clan offered themselves to receive my improvements," he explained. "To join us in bringing order to the realms."

"Greetings, Lord Raiden," Said Wu Lae. "It is an honor to properly meet you."

"It surprises me that peace among the realms would interest you, assassin." Raiden observed.

"I have realized the futility of petty squabbles with the Lin Kuei or Shirai Ryu." Wu Lae explained.

"I would hope so," Raiden responded skeptically, before turning his attention to Triborg. "I require your clan's aid, and not simply to be on standby in this instance."

Triborg recalled the attack on the Brotherhood of Shadow. "What is our target this time?"

"Outworld," Raiden revealed. "More specifically, it's so-called leaders."

"War with an entire realm is quite a step above annihilating a cult." Noted Triborg.

"But necessary," Raiden argued. "To pursue lasting peace."

Triborg nodded. "Very well. You have my clan at your disposal when the time comes."

"Excellent," Raiden replied. "Be ready in about two weeks."

"As you command, Lord Raiden." Triborg seemingly complied.

Raiden then teleported away with another bolt of lightning and flickering of the lights.

Triborg cackled.

"The fool is so blinded by his crusade that he fails to notice a threat to his precious Earthrealm right under his nose."

[Vocal Systems Online] came an automated voice from Hydro's body.

"It's your realm too," Hydro quickly argued. "And he's talking about bringing a war here."

"No, LK-1V1, he's bringing a war to Outworld," Triborg corrected. "We will be safe and sound."

"He asked for your aid." Hydro pointed out.

"And let him think I'm going to give it," Triborg countered. He turned his attention to Wu Lae. "You are dismissed."

Wu Lae silently nodded and left.

Triborg then theatrically snapped his fingers and Hydro fell to one knee in a bowing position.

"You know, you have to admit, LK-1V1," Triborg gloated. "This is far more preferable to standard Slaving Protocols, isn't it? You get to retain your voice, your consciousness… but your every action is under my command. You have no control over the body I have given you, and I can mute you whenever I want."

"Worried I'll tell Raiden the truth about you?" Hydro asked.

Triborg laughed again. "You've become bold since your voice became the only thing you can partially control. It makes this verbal sparring so much more entertaining for me."

"Is that all I am? Your entertainment?" Hydro questioned.

"At first, you were a gullible but loyal fool who served to help me build all of this," Triborg motioned to the base surrounding them. "Then, yes, manipulating you I quite enjoyed. Now, you're a prototype. For a new method of psychological warfare."

"What are you talking about!?" Hydro asked worriedly.

"When I send you out against the Lin Kuei, you will beg those traitors for help," Triborg predicted. "But your body will be the very weapon I am striking with. They will be sympathetic to you, distracted by their own pathetic emotional attachments, and their precious morality. They will be so preoccupied trying to free you that they won't see your own hand crushing their throats."

"I can't believe I ever respected you," Hydro said disdainfully. "You're a disgusting inhuman maniac, and I hope Raiden fries every circuit in your body when he sees through your lie."

"Why would I want to be something so fragile and vulnerable as human?!" Triborg asked, throwing off his robes to show his true metal form. "A mere sack of flesh prone to pain, weakness, disease!"

And then it clicked. "Is that what made you turn your back on humanity?" Hydro asked. "Losing your wife?"

"I could have saved her if those fools were not so fearful of the latest technologies!" Triborg shouted. "I had to become Grandmaster, to end their antiquated…" he clenched his fist. "I see what you're doing. Stop."

Hydro suddenly found himself standing up, only to be stabbed by a red Pulse Blade courtesy of Triborg.

"Stop trying to find some emotion to drag me back to miserable humanity," Triborg demanded. "The emotions I share with any human are rage and hatred!"

"And… loss…" Hydro argued.

"Even my smallest moment of weakness will not be your salvation," Triborg countered. "Nor will it be for the Lin Kuei. Judgement Day is upon them."

"You think Raiden won't notice when you aren't in Outworld?" Hydro asked.

"He will be far too preoccupied with his precious war," Triborg said confidently, pulling the laser blade out of Hydro's body. "And with his distraction, will come my time to strike the Lin Kuei and finally wipe them off the face of the realms! That is what we must prepare for, not Raiden's war."

"Kuai Liang was his ally," Hydro pointed out. "You think he won't notice?"

"Irrelevant," Triborg responded. "It will have been done before he can notice. I expect Raiden to see my true colors when I oversee the second extermination of the Shirai Ryu. Personally this time."

"But Aqua-"

"Oh yes, your brother," Triborg recalled. "You can kill him yourself. The irony would be quite sweet, don't you think?"

"I hate you…" Hydro said with every bit of anger he could summon into his voice.

"That's the idea, LK-1V1," Triborg pointed out. "I didn't seize control of your body for your benefit. This is for you to suffer. Just as LK-52O will suffer seeing everything he has built and worked towards be destroyed by my hand! Just as Hanzo Hasashi will suffer seeing his clan burned to ash a second time! Just as Raiden will suffer knowing that his foolish crusade cost him two of the very same allies he saved from the clutches of the Netherrealm! All who oppose me SUFFER!"

Triborg began laughing, a sound of pure mechanized madness. Hydro could no longer muster responses to his insanity.

"The whole world will have no choice but to kneel before me…" Triborg continued. "Not with everything I have planned…"

Triborg raised his arm and activated a holographic display of several files.

PROJ: NANOBOT_RESEARCH

PROJ: LK-1000_KHRM

PROJ: WARSHIP_SCHEMATICS

PROJ: TRBG2.0_AI

PROJ: LK-F705T_LISA

PROJ: BLVD_REBIRTH

He laughed at his own perceived genius and then deactivated the hologram.

He looked at Hydro.

"I have the annihilation of the Lin Kuei to organize, hurry up and get yourself repaired." Triborg commanded.

Hydro was teleported to the repair bay before he could say a word, not that he could muster any after witnessing the true depths of Triborg's madness.

A madness Raiden remained unaware of due to Triborg's manipulations, as he continued along with his plans and transported himself to the home of the Shirai Ryu.

Hanzo soon approached Raiden, flanked on either side by Peron and Aqua.

"Lord Raiden, I presume that you require my clan's aid." Said Hanzo.

"You presume correct," Raiden confirmed. "The failure of our attack against Kotal Kahn means that we now have no choice but to face Outworld in war. I had hoped that it would not come to this."

"You did the best you could, old friend," assured Hanzo. "I assume Hotaru's forces and our… old friends will be joining us."

Raiden nodded. "I have also enlisted the aid of the Tekunin, I hope this does not trouble you."

"I question their methods, but if they are dedicated to Earthrealm as you say, we will have no quarrel." Hanzo reasoned.

"Good." Raiden responded.

"What do you plan to do about the young warriors?" Hanzo asked. "They need guidance Raiden, guidance I wish Takeda were here to receive."

"The deserters are of little importance to this matter," Raiden decided. "They can be reconciled with after Outworld is dealt with."

"Deserters?" Hanzo repeated. "Raiden, they are-"

"Misguided," Raiden cut him off. "I must return to the Sky Temple. Prepare your clan for war."

Raiden disappeared in a crack of red lightning before another word could be said.

"We can't help him." Peron immediately said.

"Peron, we have to ensure the safety of Earthrealm," Hanzo argued. "I saw what Kotal Kahn and his followers are capable of, we cannot allow their threat to-"

"Hanzo, this is a war," Peron interrupted. "And we've seen how Raiden leads his troops. It's going to be Chaos, and this time on the scale of an entire realm."

"We will endure," Hanzo said. "The Shirai Ryu are warriors. Each of my students is perfectly capable of."

"No!" Peron shouted. "Hanzo, are you listening to yourself?!"

"We are a family, Grandmaster," chimed in Aqua. "All of us. What you-what Raiden wishes us to do would put that family in jeopardy, and you know that."

"I'm doing this for my new family!" Hanzo argued. "For everyone in this realm!"

"Bringing us into a war helps us how?" Aqua asked.

"We defeat a danger to all the realms," Hanzo answered. "Outworld, if left unchecked, has the power to-"

"Outworld took my husband!" Peron reminded him. "You don't need to remind me how dangerous Outworld is. That's not what worries me."

"With Raiden, and the rest of his allies, we will win."

"Raiden, you're still putting your faith in Raiden!" Peron shouted. "The same man you had to talk down from killing unarmed prisoners! The same man who killed one of the Shaolin's best teachers, you told us yourself. Takeda couldn't stand with Raiden anymore. Doesn't that tell you anything?"

"I know that Raiden has gone too far in many respects," Hanzo admitted. "But his anger is at those who have caused suffering. It is anger I understand, and one I believe I can temper in him. I need to be there to help Raiden just as he helped me."

"Is that what this is really about?" Peron asked. "Feeling worthy of your new lease on life?"

"What was it that Raiden saved you from, anyway?" Aqua questioned.

"Aqua, you are dismissed." Hanzo said suddenly.

"I only asked a question." Aqua pointed out.

"Dismissed." Hanzo said adamantly.

"Alright, alright." Aqua relented, leaving the room.

"And that's another thing," Peron pointed out. "You need to tell him the truth sooner than later."

"Aqua needs to forge his own destiny, free from the bonds of my past sin."

"You want him to be free of your mistakes, but you chain yourself to them," said Peron. "Don't you see? You're destroying yourself Hanzo. You've traded that all consuming anger for guilt that you carry with you everywhere you go."

"That is my burden to bear." Hanzo responded.

"But by asking us to fight in Raiden's war, you make it our burden," Peron argued. "Each and every one of us wants to support you, Hanzo. But not like this. There has to be another way."

"Perhaps," Hanzo conceded. "But there is none that I can see."

"Then look a little closer," Peron urged. "Remember when Raiden first called upon you? I asked you to promise me that you wouldn't lead the Shirai Ryu to oblivion."

"I won't, I promise you," Hanzo assured. "I believe I have a compromise. Gather the clan. Those who are willing to join the fight in Outworld may accompany me. Those who do not, will remain here with you to lead them. And should I fall, please, be the Grandmaster they need. Perhaps… a better Grandmaster than me."

Peron smiled. "That's sweet of you to say, but I don't plan on taking over any time soon." She sighed. "I guess I can't stop you. Or anyone that would want to go with you. All I can say is… good luck."

While the Shirai Ryu held out some hope regarding their situation, the revenants were far less optimistic.

They sulked within the Sky Temple, awaiting Raiden's return. While waiting, a question had occurred to Kitana that she wasn't entirely sure how to ask. A question for her mother.

As Nightwolf attempted to meditate and Kabal tapped his foot at superspeed, Kitana finally decided to approach her mother.

"Mother…?" She asked.

"Is something troubling you, Kitana?" Sindel asked kindly.

"Well… a lot of things actually…" Kitana admitted.

"I know," Sindel replied. "It isn't easy being… this."

"That's what surprises me," Kitana clarified. "That you do know. I overheard you during our battle with Mileena and Jade and their friends. Your memories seem to be… returning…"

"Yes, something… something made them start coming back to me all in full force," Sindel explained. "Perhaps it was re-learning Edenia's true fate that triggered it."

"I'm sure it must be hard… to remember it all again." Kitana sympathized.

"Kitana… thank you for indulging my delusion," Sindel said appreciatively. "My mind could not bear the full force of all I had done… perhaps it was selfish to retreat into such fantasy."

"It's alright, mother," Kitana assured her. "You were trying to cope. Better to force yourself to be happy than to surrender to anger."

"Just, y'know, not all guys in masks look the same." Kabal chimed in.

"Apologies." Sindel replied to him.

"I'm glad that even now, you seem… calm." said Kitana.

"It helps not being in that wretched Outworld," Sindel said disdainfully, before meeting her daughter's gaze. "You don't remember what happened, do you?"

"My memories of Edenia are… clouded…" Kitana explained. "I can see a few blurry sights. Remember the feeling. Warmth. Peace. But other than that… nothing."

"I assumed not," Sindel revealed. "Likely Shao Kahn's sorcery, or if such spells were broken by death as mine was, this… corruption."

"Or my mind buried that which was too horrible to remember." Kitana suggested

"I can't say I'm unfamiliar with that situation," Sindel admitted. "Do you… wish to know the story?"

"I'm already dead, I doubt much could hurt me now." Kitana reasoned.

Sindel sighed. "I suppose you're right…"

The spell necessary to protect Earthrealm from Shao Kahn's wrath was nearly complete when word of the Edenian palace coming under siege reached Sindel.

Using her aerial magic, she flew towards the palace as fast as she could, determined to protect her family at all costs.

When she arrived, she was already too late…

"Jerrod!" She shouted just before Shao Kahn's Wrath Hammer crushed his head.

Sindel wasted no time. She flew in and rammed Shao Kahn as fast and as forcefully as she could, slamming him into a wall. Before the emperor could make any kind of counterattack, Sindel unleashed her sonic scream right into his face.

Shao Kahn attempted to put an end to the sonic onslaught by reaching for her throat, but Sindel used her hair to grab his wrist and twist it. She wanted to make him hurt for what he had done.

At such close range, the wall started to crack from Sindel's scream. Skin started peeling off of Shao Kahn's body. Sindel amplified her scream even further, and the wall came crumbling down. Shao Kahn fell backwards and Sindel ended the scream, only to plunge her Kwan Dao directly at his heart.

Shao Kahn grabbed the pole of the spear just as the blade stabbed him. He was able to prevent it from going deep enough to reach his heart, but the pain was still considerable. Sindel tried to drive the blade further into her enemy's flesh, and nearly succeeded before Shao Kahn managed to kick her back.

Still propelling herself musically, Sindel floated back just as Shao Kahn stood up and pulled her weapon out of his chest, leaving a sizable gash.

He summoned his Wrath Hammer and swung at her, but Sindel used several tendrils of her hair to grab the hammer and successfully pull it from its wielder. Shao Kahn then attempted a shoulder charge, but Sindel flew out of the way, using his own momentum to knock him down with a swift kick to the back of the head.

Shao Kahn rolled onto his back and fired a green energy sphere from his mouth, but Sindel countered it with a purple energy sphere from her hand, the two projectiles exploding in between the two rulers.

Sindel then moved the Wrath Hammer from her hair into her hands. It didn't take Shao Kahn long to realize what she had in mind.

Sindel raised the hammer over her head and prepared to strike down the Emperor of Outworld once and for all.

"Mom!"

Her concentration shattered instantly. Sindel turned in the direction of her daughter's voice.

And found Shang Tsung holding a dagger to her throat.

"I wouldn't make any further moves were I in your position, Your Highness." He taunted.

Shao Kahn got up and laughed. "Well done, sorcerer."

Kitana was sobbing uncontrollably. A combination of the threat to her own life, the loss of her father, and the general hopelessness of the situation. It was all far too much for the young girl to bear.

"Let her go!" Sindel demanded.

"I can do that," Shao Kahn admitted. "Provided you become my queen."

Sindel spun around to face the emperor. "What?! You disgusting monster! You killed my husband! I could never love you!"

Shao Kahn laughed even louder. "Love?! What use is love to me? Can it grant me mastery over the realms?! And if you're worried about more primal desires, I am above such primitive thought. Beyond the predilections of mere mortals."

"Then what do you want with me?" Sindel asked.

"It's actually quite simple," Shao Kahn explained. "I am about to complete my conquest of your realm. Can you feel it? The merger is already underway. Many of your people will soon find themselves within Outworld. Millions, if not more. Many more subjects for me to manage."

"Get to your point." Sindel demanded.

"Your people are quite loyal," Shao Kahn complimented. "Turning that loyalty to me will be difficult. But if I am to marry one of your realm's rulers, I gain access to a voice they recognize and already respect. A voice that can discourage them from insurrection. I'm sure you wouldn't want the alternative, where I'm forced to exterminate them all. Would you?"

"So if I become your… spokesperson, under the guise of your 'wife', you will spare my daughter," Sindel summarized. "And allow me the chance to preserve my people, even if it serves your ends."

"Precisely," Shao Kahn responded. "And I chose you because, well, my only other option is… Unavailable."

"Sadistic beast." Sindel insulted.

"Now that's no way to speak to your emperor," Shao Kahn mocked. "Or 'husband', I suppose. I'll say the wedding was a private ceremony. I have far too much time to spend expanding my empire to waste on the finer details of our little facade. The important part is that if you are my 'queen', you will appear less like my prisoner."

Sindel weighed her options. She looked at the sobbing Kitana, then at Shao Kahn.

"Mom…" Kitana said between tears. "I'm… I'm scared."

"I know honey," Sindel responded. "It's going to be alright."

"Shang Tsung is a very skilled sorcerer," Shao Kahn explained. "He can ensure that your… our daughter, I suppose, doesn't suffer the pain of remembering any of this. In fact, I think she could be quite useful to me as well, if trained in combat."

"You're not my dad!" Kitana protested.

"Hush now, child." Commanded Shang Tsung.

"You would turn my daughter into one of your warriors?" Sindel asked Shao Kahn.

"Children are the most loyal accolades, are they not?" Shao Kahn asked back.

Sindel had quickly realized that she had no other choice. Besides, if Shao Kahn did intend on making Kitana a warrior, it would give her daughter the skill needed to kill the emperor when she inevitably learned the truth. Especially since Shao Kahn's arrogance would prevent him from ever seeing it coming.

In the long run, Sindel would be able to save her people, her daughter, and eventually bring about Shao Kahn's demise.

She dropped the Wrath Hammer and levitated herself back down to the ground. She let out a deep sigh.

"I accept your terms, Shao Kahn."

"By the Elder Gods…" Kitana said when Sindel finished the story.

"He took everything from us," Sindel explained. "And let me live with the knowledge of it."

"Is… is that why you…" Kitana couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence.

"It was a large part of it," Sindel admitted. "I also couldn't let another realm suffer as Edenia had."

"In a way, you succeeded," Kitana pointed out. "Even if we all paid the price…"

"Earthrealm endured in spite of our failure." Added Nightwolf.

"Well good for them." Kabal said annoyedly.

Sindel evidently elected to ignore the former police officer.

"Oh Kitana," she said. "I am so very sorry that I had to leave you and your sister. It is my second greatest regret in all my life and unlife…"

Her greatest regret went without saying. No one was eager to bring it up, either. A shared painful memory for them all.

Kitana herself didn't respond at first. She hugged her mother tightly, and a few moments she spoke quietly, breaking through the anger of the revenant corruption.

"I forgive you…"

The moment was unfortunately cut short when Raiden appeared in a crack of lightning.

"War with Outworld is approaching," he explained. "Fight alongside my forces, and you will gain the opportunity to enact vengeance upon Outworld itself for all the pain it has caused you."

"You mean like burnin' me to a crisp?" Asked Kabal.

"Destroying my family?" Continued Sindel.

"Destroying my life?" Finished Kitana.

"Precisely," Raiden confirmed. "All of these injustices will at last be avenged."

"Let us make one thing clear, Raiden," Sindel said adamantly. "You will not hurt my youngest daughter. Make another such attempt, and our alliance is at an end."

Raiden clenched his fist.

"Fine," he spat out. "But ensure that Mileena does not hinder us."

"She couldn't even finish me off when I asked her to," Kitana recalled. "She shouldn't be too much of a problem."

"I would hope not," Raiden responded. "When this is done, I will at last restore you all."

"But… Eyota stands against you," pointed out Nightwolf. "There is no escape for us now…"

"He raises a good point, Raiden," Kitana agreed. "How do you plan on keeping your promise?"

"Eyota was my first, but not my only solution," Raiden revealed. "It is my belief that the Jinsei Chamber should prove capable of restoring you."

"Jinsei Chamber…" Kabal repeated. "That thing Shinnok was after, right?"

"That is correct." Raiden confirmed.

"And uhh… would that happen to be in the same place as before?" Kabal asked.

"The energy cannot be moved," Raiden explained. "It is-"

Before Raiden could finish his sentence, Kabal took off at his top speed. He could hear the others shouting his name. If this worked, he decided he'd bring each one of them to the chamber as well. But he had to get there first, so he just kept running.

After a series of turns all throughout the Sky Temple, Kabal finally made his way to the Jinsei Chamber. He didn't hesitate, only slowing down and stopping once he was within the energy itself.

He could feel it. A warm light basking over him, life coming back to him. The orange glow faded from his eyes and veins, leaving the red lenses of his mask, and behind them, human eyes after so many years. The grey of skin faded back to his natural skin color.

It was working. Kabal was alive.

At first, he choked, but then what he could only classify as a miracle happened: He could feel the damage to his lungs healing. His breaths became normal, he could breathe!

And it seemed like the energy was even beginning to heal the burns to his skin once it was finished with his lungs. Finally free of all the scars….

Or so it seemed.

Raiden teleported into the chamber. He grabbed Kabal and pulled him out of the energy, before teleporting him back to the others and throwing him to the ground as he hovered over them.

"What the hell, man!?" Kabal shouted. "I was this close to not needing to hide my ugly mug behind this fuckin' mask!"

"NONE of you are to use the Jinsei Chamber until I give my approval!" Raiden's voice. "And it will not be given until we are finished with Outworld!"

Nightwolf and Sindel helped Kabal up as Kitana glared at Raiden.

"What happened to making up for your mistake!" Kitana shouted.

"I.." Raiden was suddenly hit with the realization that he couldn't fathom a response. He looked at the situation in front of him with horror… at himself.

He teleported away without another word.

"Geez… my first minute alive again and this is what happens," Kabal complained. He looked at the three revenants he was now no longer among. "I'm sorry, guys. My plan was to zip each of you over there. I didn't want to be the only one to come back."

"At least you didn't abandon us like Jade and Kurtis…" Kitana replied.

"About that," Kabal said. "My head's become a lot clearer all of a sudden, think all the anger and self-hate… well it's not gone, but there's a lot less of it. Anyway, I'm starting to think they really do wanna help you guys."

Kitana crossed her arms and didn't respond, the corruption still fueling her resentment.

"Enjoy your newfound life, my friend," Nightwolf advised. "With the state Raiden is in, who knows how long it will last."

Raiden had now secluded himself within his personal chambers. He seemed consumed with his own thoughts.

"Why… why did I do that?!" He asked himself. "They are my friends! I should restore them all!"

"The rage brought about by their corruption makes them more suited to doing what needs to be done. I cannot have my plans interfered with by their penchant for mercy." He answered himself.

"Bo' Rai Cho was right, I am holding their fates hostage."

"He did not see the threats against Earthrealm as I do, always afraid to go 'too far'."

"He was my friend! I… I killed him!"

"He got in my way."

"That doesn't make it right!"

"I killed Liu Kang. I've already crossed this line."

"No! I-I.. I didn't mean to! He was like a son to me!"

"He did not see what I saw, he would have jeopardized my plan to defeat Shao Kahn."

"But what is the point of victory if those we love are not there to celebrate it?"

"I've lost eons worth of friends, what makes any of them special?"

"Each and every one of them mattered! Each and every one of them was a life!"

"Each and every one of them abandoned me."

"That's not true!"

"I can no longer trust the Special Forces, the Lin Kuei, or even the White Lotus."

"I lost their trust!"

"No! They betrayed me! Everyone betrays me!"

"Betrayed me!? They were some of the greatest friends I'd ever known!"

"And yet they cannot stand by me in a war that will benefit them all."

"What am I saying?!"

"The truth."

"What is happening to me!"

Raiden opened a chest in the room, and pulled out an item.

His amulet. The one that foretold him of a future now radically altered. The one he forsook wearing in favor of Shinnok's amulet. Its central gem had been faintly glowing, but Raiden didn't notice.

"Why… why did I have to be burdened with these visions…" He asked himself.

He remembered back to when it all truly began.

The tenth Mortal Kombat tournament in a nine tournament losing streak for Earthrealm was to begin in mere days. Raiden hoped that Liu Kang was ready. Earthrealm's very fate rests upon this.

Raiden walked throughout the Sky Temple with this very thought in mind, not suspecting the help he would receive.

Suddenly, in front of Raiden, sand began to appear. It was like a miniature sandstorm coming into existence right before his eyes. And the sand… seemed to be taking on a shape. The shape of a man.

When the sand dissipated, before Raiden stood a dark-skinned man dressed in white, black, and gold. He had a large blue gem on his chest, and his eyes glowed blue as well. He had strange lines on his body, making him appear almost… artificial.

"Who are you?" Raiden asked.

"I am known as Geras," the man answered. "I am emissary of the Elder… Gods. They wish to bestow a gift upon you, Lord Raiden."

"A gift?" Raiden repeated.

"This." Geras revealed an amulet. One gold and white with a blue gem in the center that had the dragon symbol of the Elder Gods and of the Mortal Kombat tournament.

"What is the significance of this amulet?" Raiden questioned.

"It was forged by the Elder Gods themselves," Geras explained. "It will… show you the way. You will understand in time."

"I see…" Raiden responded. "Why is it that they feel I must have this?"

"When the tournament begins, you will understand," Geras told him. "I am sorry, the Elder Gods asked me not to tell you everything. They themselves will evade your questions as well. They feel it is important that you discern these matters for yourself."

"A test of sorts, then," Raiden decided as he took the amulet. "Thank you, Geras. I will trust in the Elder Gods' wisdom."

Geras merely nodded. He then dissipated into sand once more, leaving only Raiden and the amulet.

"Wisdom of the Elder Gods…" Raiden repeated. "To think I ever trusted such things. The only way to ensure Earthrealm's protection… is to do it myself."

Raiden's brother, Fujin, had also determined that it was time to take matters into his own hands.

He had gathered the White Lotus Society's members to announce his plan, but as he was about to give his speech, the death of Bo' Rai Cho still lingered on his mind.

"I was a fool…" he said to himself. "I shouldn't have shunned him, I should have tried to help him. He's my brother. I thought if we distanced ourselves it would give him space to figure this out on his own, or to realize he needed to come to us. Now one of my oldest friends is dead… inaction can reap as terrible repercussions as wrongful action, and Bo' Rai Cho has paid the price."

"Fujin," said one of the Elder monks who had helped arrange the gathering. "I understand your pain, but-"

"I know," Fujin assured them. "I know."

Fujin stepped up to the front of the stage and looked out into the crowd.

"Sisters and brothers of the White Lotus!" He declared. "I know that we have lost much in recent memory. I know many of you are still grieving… the truth is, I am to. But we must persevere, we cannot lose hope. That is.. that is what Bo' Rai Cho believed."

Many in the crowd grew solemn at the mention of his name.

I know that what I am about to ask of you will be dangerous. I will only take with me those who are willing," Fujin continued. "Our friend, my brother, Raiden, has lost his way. To save both his soul, and millions of others, we must go to Outworld. Stem the tides of war and I hope, bring about peace between the realms."

"We are with you, Fujin!" Shouted Liu Chow. "We will give Raiden what he deserves!"

Fujin narrowed his eyes. He flew off of the stage, over the crowd, and straight to Liu Chow. He summoned wind beneath the Shaolin to carry him into the air, and then dropped him down.

"Let all notions that ours is a mission of vengeance be dispelled at this moment!" Declared Fujin. "Vengeance is not the way of the White Lotus. Ours is a mission of peace and salvation! I understand that many of you feel anger, sadness, grief. You are entitled to these feelings. They are natural, a part of every one of us. The pain of loss is something we all feel."

He looked down at Liu Chow specifically.

"But by the Elder Gods, it's no way to live."

Liu Chow got up from the ground, but did not respond.

"If you wish to join me!" Fujin went on. "We will have to fight. Not to destroy our enemies, but to save them! Even if they haven't asked for it. Even from themselves. If you feel it is too great a risk, I will go alone if I must."

Fujin hovered back onto the stage and landed.

"Thank you."

The members of the White Lotus Society erupted into cheers. Fujin hadn't anticipated such overwhelming support. So many willing to put their lives on the line.

He smiled, and turned his gaze to the Shaolin mausoleum.

"You trained them well, old friend," he said.

"You trained them well."

Unfortunately, while Fujin preached hope and salvation, far more sinister forces prepared to depart to Outworld.

Daegon had laid out detailed plans for the preparations, calling upon every available Red Dragon and requesting that Jarek and Tasia do the same for the Black Dragon clan.

Naturally, Hsu Hao followed Daegon's instructions to the letter, as did all the Red Dragons. Surprisingly, Tasia was rather helpful as well. She admitted to seeing the logic in Daegon's plan and therefore leant her assistance.

Regardless of clan affiliation, and in spite of her usual demeanor, Tasia began coordinating troops to ensure everything was ready for their journey to Outworld.

In between performing a routine supply check of weapons and explosives, the observant Hsu Hao noticed this.

"I find it odd that an individual with your talents would settle for joining the Black Dragon," he said. "Particularly given your background."

"Shut the hell up," Tasia responded annoyedly. "Don't act like you know me."

"Tasia Angelos. Your mother was a Yakuza lieutenant, fled Japan for failing a mission and came to Greece, where she met your father, a member of the Greek Mafia," Hsu Hao recounted. "Together, they seized control of all organized crime within Greece over a period of years. In that time, you were born. Your parents trained you in swordplay, firearms, stealth, and thievery. But they preferred for you to be disconnected from their criminal operations nonetheless. They entered business with the Black Dragon, at the time under the leadership of Bannak. This expanded our rival's-your clan's reach.

Ultimately however, your parents were captured by American Central Intelligence, an act which had been covertly orchestrated by the Yakuza. At the age of 18, you discovered this subterfuge, and sought retaliation. You successfully infiltrated and killed the entirety of the leadership of the Yakuza."

Tasia blinked as she stared at the Red Dragon in disbelief.

"How… the fuck do you know all that!"

"Quite simple," Hsu Hao answered. "Detailed research. I do have one query. Were you aware at that moment that you possessed the opportunity to seize control of nearly all organized crime in Japan? Your decision to leverage this accomplishment into a place of notoriety within the Black Dragon suggests that perhaps you did not."

"I was a kid," Tasia pointed out. "I didn't know how to lead all that shit."

"Yet you remain more capable than any Black Dragon I have ever encountered." Hsu Hao replied.

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" Tasia asked.

"A conclusion determined by experience and information." Hsu Hao corrected.

Tasia smirked. "So am I the only girl who's life story you have memorized?"

"I maintain detailed information on all potential threats to the Red Dragon." Hsu Hao answered honestly.

"Prove it," Tasia urged. "What's No Face's real name?"

"Damien Phoenix," Hsu Hao answered. "Family history in the American military. He served as a demolitions expert until an incident involving one of his own explosives which severely injured him and caused a severe deterioration of sanity. He developed a sociopathic obsession with flame and explosives. Unsurprisingly, it was Kano who brought him into your clan."

"You and Kano got beef?" Tasia asked. "He did use to rip out hearts."

"Kano lacks the skill or intellect to have so grievously injured me," Hsu Hao stated bluntly. "This device was courtesy of my former employers. The Chinese military."

"You volunteered for that?!" Tasia could hardly fathom such a decision.

"I was experimented upon," Hsu Hao corrected. "You could inquire with Doctor Rotwang for the details. He designed my heart unit."

"And now he downsizes it into eyes," Tasia recalled. "Oh I get it, you're pissed that Kano stole your look."

"I have no such vapid concerns," Hsu Hao denied. "Kano is the embodiment of every failing of the Black Dragon clan. Disloyal, erratic, sloppy, un-subtle, careless, and easily distracted from mission priorities."

Tasia chuckled. "Only you could make 'Kano's a dumbass' sound like a PowerPoint presentation."

"You do not disagree with my assessment," Hsu Hao observed. "Despite being a Black Dragon."

"He's the one who fucked us over so badly we had to take your boss's deal in the first place," Tasia pointed out. "Every fucking time Blade's in his line of sight he has to pick a fight. Then he tells the SF almost all our shit to save his own ass from the firing squad. So now I'm talking to a dead guy while we get ready to fight a lightning god who thinks bamboo hats are still in style. So fuck Kano, he can rot in hell."

"Given my experiences, I think he would be strangely comfortable there," Hsu Hao asserted. "Utter anarchy and senseless violence, save a half dozen respectable souls."

Tasia laughed. "Does sound like his kind of place. Guess you would know firsthand."

Hsu Hao went to pick up a weapons crate, but Tremor took hold of it instead, being able to lift it up with just one arm.

"I've got it." He assured.

He soon walked by Tasia.

"Conversing with the enemy?" Tremor asked.

"I dunno if you noticed pebbles for brains, but we ain't enemies right now." Tasia retorted.

"Not now," Tremor conceded. "But what do you suspect will happen when we complete our shared objective?"

"I should be asking you, Trem," Tasia argued, crossing her arms. "You're our escape plan."

Tremor sighed. "Of course I am."

"Trem, they made their base out of a volcano," Tasia pointed out. "It's basically a playground for you."

"I would suggest not discussing your strategies out in the open," chimed in Hsu Hao. "You provide your enemy with the information needed to develop countermeasures."

"See why we can't trust them?" Tremor asked Tasia.

"Trem, can I let you in on a little secret?" Tasia requested. "I don't trust anybody. Don't mean I can't hold a conversation with them."

"Fine." Tremor relented, walking off with the crate.

Meanwhile, the task of organizing the Black Dragon members arriving for this joint operation fell to Jarek and Virgo. The latter was used to handling coordination, the former more suited for field lead and decision-making. Jarek also had a shorter fuse. Lesser than Tasia's anger, but great enough for Virgo to have to step in more than once to aid him.

The process made her wish she were leader or the Black Dragon even more. She had yet to test out the full nature of her new dragon-hybrid abilities, but wondered if they would be sufficient to take control by force if necessary.

One of the arrivals broke her train of thought and instantly irritated her.

The man was strangely familiar. He wore a plain black shirt with the Black Dragon's emblem painted on, a pair of jeans, and cheap sunglasses. His hair was slicked back and he had a cocky grin. He would be the worst infiltration agent in history…

Were he his brother.

"Dudes and lady-dudes, Jimmy Cage is in the house!" He proclaimed with all the boisterousness his allies had come to expect.

"You staying under the radar, Jimmy?" Jarek asked. "We can't have your house getting raided by the SF again. There's a reason we don't give you any info that's actually important most of the time."

"Nah nah, chilled Jarry," Jimmy replied. "Can I call you Jarry? Anyway, Brother Johnny doesn't really visit, let alone bring his baby momma and her GI Joes along. So we don't have anything to worry about."

There's always something to worry about in our line of work." Jarek corrected.

"You really like stressing yourself OUT!" he jumped back as he noticed Virgo. "Jeez V, what happened to you? Did Kano do it with a velociraptor and this is what puberty looks like for you?"

"I'm going to go check on Kira and the two fire-starters," Virgo decided. "You can brief James on the situation."

"Aw, don't leave me with him!" Jarek pleaded.

Virgo didn't respond as she walked off.

"Yknow, a lot of people would kill to be in the presence of the star of Samurai Clown."

"Keep fucking talking and I'll kill you." Jarek threatened, his cybernetic eyes glowing red to emphasise his point.

Jimmy raised his hands in surrender. "Hey go ahead man… if you want my sister-in-law and her whole army even more all over your ass."

Jarek growled. "Just start loading up ammunition."

"What are we doing exactly?" Jimmy asked.

"Remember that thing your rich dad dodged the draft for?" Jarek asked back. "It's like that, but in Outworld."

"Hey, Papa Cage had bone spurs!"

Jarek rolled his eyes. "Just get to fucking work already."

Meanwhile, Virgo found who she was looking for. No Face was checking inventory on a crate of explosives, laughing like a deranged child on Christmas as he inspected each manner of bomb.

Kira was attempting to educate Kobra on various types of firearms, but it all seemed to go over Kobra's head. He was used to fights that were up close and personal. Kira eventually shook her head and gave up.

"Sorry…" Kobra apologized. "Guess guns aren't really my thing."

"Eh, it's alright Ben," Kira assured him. "You know what they say, every killer is different."

"Who says that?" Kobra asked.

"Uhh…" Kira pondered for a moment, then shrugged. She decided to kiss her boyfriend rather than answer him.

Kobra smiled. "Thanks."

Kira smiled back. "But of course, Ben. I might be completely fucking nuts, but I still love ya."

"Love you too," Kobra responded. "But can you not call me Ben in front of other people?"

Kira laughed. "Alright, Kobra."

"Kids…" said Nimbus Terrafaux, who was challenging various Black Dragon members to arm-wrestling while he overheard their conversation. Thus far, he was undefeated.

Virgo made an intentionally loud throat clearing sound.

"Guys!" Called out No Face. "Kano's princess wants our attention!"

Kira and Kobra begrudgingly responded and three all met with Virgo.

"Let's go somewhere with less ears." Virgo suggested.

They were able to find a small office and easily intimidate the Red Dragon accountant usually occupying it in order for him to leave.

After closing the door, Virgo got straight to the point.

"What were you idiots thinking?" She asked.

"You're uhh… gonna have to be a bit more specific there." Kira pointed out.

"Yeah, what's your problem with us?!" Kobra asked aggressively.

"My problem is that you went off without telling anyone to entertain yourselves, and in doing so, jeopardized our entire operation," Virgo explained. "I don't know if you noticed, but ever since the Black Dragon aided in the kidnapping of Blade and Briggs's daughters, the Special Forces have been consistently placing undercover agents at any underground fighting rings they can find. On top of that, you bring a complete unknown into our midst."

"He taught me to fight!" Kobra protested.

Virgo rolled her eyes. "And you believe this single fact somehow means he cannot be a liability?"

"Look, I know Nimbus," said Kobra. "He wouldn't rat us out to no SF."

"Yeah, he's not your dad." Joked No Face.

Virgo glared at the pyromaniac.

"Am I supposed to be scared?" No Face asked.

Virgo grabbed his arm and began twisting it in an unnatural direction, quickly realizing her newfound augmented strength.

"Ow ow ow! Ok ok! I'm sorry!" No Face cried out in pain. "Uncle! Uncle!"

Virgo released his arm.

"Sheesh…" No Face said as he rubbed his arm.

"Look, Virgo, we get the point," chimed in Kira, who was expressing a surprising amount of civility. "We won't run off anywhere and we won't bring over any more randos. I promise."

"I'll hold you to that." Was all Virgo said before deciding to leave, not wanting to be around the three much longer.

"Wow, she actually laid off." Kobra said in amazement.

Kira shrugged. "What can I say babe? I can have people skills when I want to."

"But most of the time you just wanna stab em." Kobra said knowingly.

"Pretty much." Kira confirmed.

Little did the three Black Dragons realize that their excursion had attracted some attention. Granted, not from the Special Forces.

At the portal room, Jarek continued to brief and greet arriving Black Dragons. Two specific arrivals caught his attention.

One was a man wearing a mask that only showed his eyes and a green bandana, along with a baggy jacket and black pants with green trim.

The other was an incredibly plain looking American man in a white shirt and jeans. He had whire bandages wrapped around his lower arms.

"Have I seen you two before?" Jarek asked. "I can't seem to remember."

"Not a lot of people tend to remember me," said the plain man. "My name is Cole Young. The big guy goes by Howard Buckley. We're kinda new to the whole Black Dragon thing."

"Well then, you guys are really in for it," Jarek informed them. "We're about to go to another realm and interfere with a war."

"Woah." Was all Cole had to say.

"Which realm?" Asked "Howard".

Jarek raised an eyebrow. "Wouldn't expect a new guy to know the first thing about other realms."

"I… lived through the last two invasions," Howard explained. "I just hope we're not going to the place those demons are from."

"The Netherrealm?" Jarek asked. "Hell no. No pun intended. We're heading to Outworld."

"Got it." Howard responded.

Exactly what he needed to hear.

"Look, you two just help out wherever you can, ok?" Jarek told them.

"Understood." Cole responded.

Once the two were out of Jarek's line of sight, they exchanged glances with one another.

This was bigger than they thought.

In truth, "Howard'' was in fact Hornbuckle, the fighter who had defeated Nimbus Terrafaux prior to Kobra pulling his mentor into the Black Dragon's affairs. Both Hornbuckle and Cole were former MMA fighters. Hornbuckle had learned of the alliance between the Black Dragon and Red Dragon by overhearing Nimbus's conversation.

From there, he had contacted Cole, who was a trusted friend, and decided to investigate. By posing as Black Dragon members, they met with the Red Dragons tasked with ferrying Black Dragons to the Charred Mountains in order to consolidate the clan's forces. From there they had secured their arrival, and after managing to avoid suspicion from Jarek, were now fairly confident that they could look into the matter more closely.

The nature of what the Dragon clans were doing was now known to them. Next came figuring out how to throw a wrench in those plans.

With just the two of them and no means of contacting external forces, that would prove a difficult task.

But there was no turning back now…

"We're going to have to go to Outworld if we want any chance of being able to stop them." whispered Hornbuckle.

"Great…" Cole whispered back. "Just when I thought this couldn't get any 'better'."

The pair of infiltrators were not the only ones who had determined that they needed to go to Outworld.

Doctor Alan Zane was making an effort to convince Daegon of the same thing.

"Doctor Zane, your contributions to the Red Dragon have been invaluable," Daegon acknowledged. "But your place is not on the battlefield."

Zane extended one of his blades. "I am not defenseless."

"Even still," Daegon persisted. "Losing you would be of great detriment to our genetics projects."

"And bringing me to Outworld where I could examine so many new test subjects would be of great benefit to our genetics projects." Zane countered.

"So you wish to study Outworld's various species?" Daegon asked.

"Indeed, Lord Daegon," Zane confirmed. "And with a war, there will be so many corpses that I can utilize for said studies."

Daegon pondered the matter, before eventually relenting. "Very well. But I will ensure that you are closely guarded at all times. We can't stand to lose you, Doctor Zane."

Zane nodded. "And will my creations be joining the fight as well?"

"The hybrids will greatly bolster our forces," Daegon reasoned. "It would be foolish not to use them."

"Excellent," Zane responded. "I was hoping to test their effectiveness in a situation such as this."

"And it will be quite the test, doctor," Daegon agreed. "Of both your hybrids and this alliance I've forged."

"We're sailing into new waters, Lord Daegon." Observed Zane.

"Indeed," Daegon confirmed. "Now we just have to see where they take us."

While the powers of the realms seemed to be converging on Outworld, the Special Forces were concerned with the threat that could emerge from Outworld.

Sonya's meeting with her superiors had gone… almost exactly the opposite of what she had expected and hoped for.

She had made her best effort to explain the situation in front of them, but the higher ups didn't believe that the Special Forces should become involved in a conflict between Outworld and Raiden.

"Raiden might not represent America, but to many outside this realm, he represents Earthrealm. His actions dictate how other realms will see us, whether we like it or not." Sonya argued.

"We understand that, General Blade," responded the Secretary General. "But we believe that the best position for the coming inter-realm conflict is neutrality."

"There's no such thing as neutrality in a fight like this." Sonya argued.

"But there is," the Secretary General countered. "We've decided that the best course of action is to isolate Earth. We're shutting down all the portal devices, effective immediately."

"But we have a squad currently active in Outworld." Sonya protested.

"Your daughter and her rogue agents," the Secretary General recalled. Sonya gritted her teeth. "They can be recovered after the conflict between Raiden and Outworld is over. If they're smart enough to reestablish contact, they have until we're finished deporting the Outworld refugees to return."

"Deporting?" Sonya questioned.

"Extending them our kindness has become a liability," argued the Secretary General. "It allowed Kano to get inside one of our bases, and it gives Outworld a stake in our affairs. We need to remove any reason Outworld would have to come here. That is how we maintain peace, not signing meaningless treaties with green-skinned dictators."

"Secretary General, with all due respect," Sonya began to say. "Those people came to us to escape a war. It would be a betrayal to throw them back to Outworld on the dawn of one even worse."

"You are aware General, that they are a people who invaded our world two and a half decades ago, and wreaked havoc like nothing this world has ever seen."

"Yeah, because in case you forgot, sir, I was there," Sonya reminded him. "I fought that invasion. And I fought alongside people from Outworld who valued freedom just as much as any American. And I've met more along the way. That includes Li Mei and the refugees she entrusted to us."

"Well, like we did against the British Empire in 1775, they can fight for their freedom if they so choose," reasoned the Secretary General. "Or they can keep surrendering to dictators, as they have in the past."

"Sir, if you wanna talk history lessons, I've got one of my own," Sonya revealed. "My grandfather was in the Navy the last time this country decided it should ignore the suffering of others in a war where everything we hold dear was at stake. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor."

"And you've continued in his footsteps serving your great country," the Secretary General half-complimented. "You have your orders, General Blade. Additionally, we'd like you to monitor for any unauthorized inter-realm activity. Anything that comes to our dimensional shores is to be treated as hostile, understood?"

"Understood…" Sonya muttered.

"And these orders come all the way down from the President, just so you know."

She didn't bother with a salute. She turned around and left.

Sonya's first instinct was to go to the portal control room. As expected, Johnny, Jax, Kenshi, and Gemini were still focused on attempting to locate Cassie and the others.

"Sonya, you're back!" Johnny said enthusiastically.

"General, we've dispatched a probe to Outworld to scan for Mokap and Cassie's energy signatures," explained Gemini. "The probe picked up residual energy traces, but we hit a dead end."

"We also picked up some portal energy," Jax added. "The magic kind, not ours. And check out these pics the drone got."

Kenshi telekinetically flipped the switch on a projector in the room, which started displaying the remnants of numerous cyborgs. They were heavily damaged, laced with bullet holes and arrows, laser burns and… ice."

"We think this is why Kotal's goons ran into Grandmaster Blueberry Ice and Frosted Flakes," Johnny elaborated. "Whoever made these cyborgs clearly has a footing in Outworld."

"It could be the Red Dragon experimenting with the technology of the Cyber Lin Kuei," Kenshi hypothesized. "But we're not sure."

"Our dead end? Leads right here." Gemini revealed.

"And the bullet casings the drone found match Cassie and Jacqui's hardware." added Jax.

Sonya took a deep breath.

She hated what she was about to say.

"Shut it down." Sonya ordered.

"What?!" Johnny asked.

"The Secretary General has ordered us to isolate Earth," Sonya explained. "We're to shut down the portals, send the refugees back to Outworld, and monitor for inter-realm activity."

"Sonya, do you even hear what you're saying?!" Jax questioned.

"Trust me Jax, I don't like it either," Sonya admitted. "I hate that we have to do this, but my hands are tied."

"What about our children?!" Protested Kenshi.

"If where you were going with the drone report was to tell me that you think they're with the Lin Kuei, they should be safe." Sonya reasoned.

"Sonya, we don't even know where the Lin Kuei are." Johnny pointed out.

"Look, I'm sorry… really, I am," Sonya apologized. "I just… I just don't know what to do."

"I… hate to interrupt," chimed in Gemini. "But the sensors have just picked up the energy of an inter-realm portal. It's a few miles off from a town in Japan. There's also a Shaolin temple in the area."

"Think it might be Raiden?" Jax asked.

"We're about to find out," Sonya decided. "Johnny, Kenshi, Jax, you're with me. Gem, record what I'm about to say."

Gemini switched on an audio recording device. "Ok…" She responded uneasily.

"Gemini, I'm leaving you in charge until we get back," Sonya explained. "I don't give a damn who's next in the chain in command, I trust you. Understood?"

"Yes ma'am," Gemini confirmed. She turned off the audio recorder. "And good luck, Sonya."

"Thanks," Sonya responded.

"I have a feeling we're gonna need it."