Chameleon walked into Mileena's Fortress where he was greeted by the entrance by Daahraan and Tanya. Before the large doors to the Fortress was a strange wooden case just sat there which Chameleon decided to pick up, assuming it to be a delivery of sorts.

"Ah, Oculto!" Daahraan was surprised to see him. "How are you, friend?"

"I need to see the Empress," Chameleon said quickly. "I wish I could talk but it's urgent. Hence why I'm back here and not in Zaterra."

"She's in her throne room. Don't let us keep you," Daahraan instructed and Chameleon began walking off. "Come along now, petal. We have to get to Sun Do."

Chameleon stopped walking off upon hearing the name of the village he resided in for the final moments of Shao Kahn's invasion. "Is Sun Do safe?" He asked.

"Worry not, friend," Daahraan calmed him. "We've only been invited for tea."

"Oh," Chameleon took a sigh of relief. "By the way, this crate was outside. Any specific reason?"

"Probably just a delivery," Daahraan guessed. "What happened to you being in a rush?"

"Right," Chameleon got back on focus. "Farewell."

"Goodbye." Daahraan said while Tanya waved to the Saurian.

They went their opposite ways with Chameleon heading straight to the throne room to gain Mileena's help with matters regarding Tetsurri and Shinnok in Zaterra. He worried that taking too long would be fatal to the future of his realm. Chameleon soon made it to the room and knocked on the doors with Baraka opening up for him, with Sindel and Kitana also in the room.

"Chameleon?" Baraka was not expecting the face of a Saurian. "Why are you here?"

"Zaterra's under attack!" Chameleon cried out. "We need support to stop it!"

"Slow down," Mileena instructed as she got off her throne. "Explain to me what the situation is…"

"There's no time!" Chameleon stressed. "Our old ruler is back with an army of undead Saurians under some sort of corruption!"

"Then we'll create a portal system immediately," Mileena decided. "Mother, do you have a spell for that?"

"I do," Sindel confirmed. "I'll begin preparations in our designated portal room."

"Thank you." Mileena and Chameleon said together.

"Are your people safe?" Kitana asked.

"I hope that their campsite is well hidden enough," Chameleon prayed. "But I'm uncertain."

"We'll send reinforcements soon," Kitana assured him. "It'll be okay."

"I really appreciate it," Chameleon said gratefully. "I just wish the luck of us Zaterrans wasn't so poor…"

"How are they back from the dead?" Mileena wondered. "Any ideas? And why would they be against you?"

"Tetsurri is their leader," Chameleon gave a name. "He was a horrid tyrant. Nowhere on the level of Shao Kahn but a tyrant is a tyrant."

"I'm sorry." Mileena apologised.

"Not your fault," Chameleon commented. "I fear it may be Shinnok's…"

"The Netherrealms ruler?!" Baraka needed to check if he had misheard. "What would he have to do with your realm?"

"To enforce his will over it," Chameleon guessed. "Like how he tried with Earthrealm an uncountable amount of years ago."

"What if… Outworlds also a target..." Mileena voiced a terrible thought.

"He probably wants all the realms," Chameleon thought logically and didn't sugarcoat his assumption. "How he got this army of undead Saurians I couldn't say. But Tetsurri definitely mentioned him."

"We'll do all we can," Mileena promised. "But do you seriously want us slaying your revived people?"

"Whatever curse has made them.your enemy surely has a cure right?" Kitana guessed based on her own knowledge. "Fath… Shao Kahn always said that sorcery was undoable."

"Maybe," Chameleon considered. "But how?"

"We'll find out," Mileena answered. "I wish I could tell you immediately but just try keeping your head up."

"Great advice, my love," Baraka praised. "Anyway, what's in the box?"

"No clue," Chameleon answered as he put it on the ground. "It was at your doorstep."

"Then let's open it up!" Baraka said as he enthusiastically drew his iron arm blades and stabbed into the lid of the crate, pulling it open only to reveal a disgustingly mutilated head. "What sort of joke is this?!"

Mileena and Kitana were more frightened and alarmed whereas Baraka's anger at this 'delivery'. Chameleon himself was constantly having more and more concerns piled atop of him and this sight belonged on the ever growing list.

"Did you see who dropped this off?!" Baraka asked Chameleon with hostility.

"I did not," Chameleon answered. "I'm sorry. I was only trying to help."

"No need to apologize," Mileena stated. "But this is the sign of another threat…"

"We went from none to two in just a few moments," Kitana pointed out. "This is… horrible."

"How could anyone do this?!" Baraka questioned.

"Well…" Mileena began connecting some dots. "I… beheaded Shao Kahn."

"You make that sound like a bad thing." Baraka remarked.

"This is a message of vengeance," Mileena began realizing. "I still haven't seen every Kahn Guard member relinquish their allegiance to him despite my warning after all... so is this what they're up to?"

"Possibly," Kitana considered. "We need to locate the likes of Reiko and Shang Tsung. It makes me nervous not knowing what they're doing out in this world."

"I'll see to it with my spies," Mileena promised. "But… I need a break."

Baraka forced a cough. "Our date?" He reminded her.

"Oh!" Mileena had almost forgotten due to her job as Empress of Outworld. "Sorry! My mind's kind of full as of late. For good… and now bad reasons."

"Go have fun, sis." Kitana instructed. "Me and mother will look after things while you're gone."

"I know you will." Mileena said with her full trust in her family as the two sisters embraced.

"Shall we get going?" Baraka asked.

Mileena smiled at her love. "Absolutely."

Meanwhile at the village of Sun Do, Li Mei had taken a quick visit to the village's local cemetery before hosting tea with her lover Jade along with Tanya and Daahraan. Jade had heard word of Li Mei's whereabouts from one of the villagers and wished to check up on her. She soon found her placing a bundle of flowers atop of two graves with Jade watching from behind, not wishing to disturb her. Li Mei soon turned around after hearing some footsteps, smiling a bit after seeing Jade.

"You alright, love?" Jade asked.

"I'm fine," Li Mei assured her. "Just paying my respects."

"Family?" Jade guessed having read the graves that both had the surname Mei on them.

"Mother and father," Li Mei revealed. "I… should've said sooner."

"It's okay," Jade said as the two came closer to each other. "Do you want to talk about them?"

"A bit yeah," Li Mei admitted. "I think I've kept quiet about them for too long."

"We've got an hour before our guests arrive," Jade reminded her. "We can talk."

"Remember when I first joined the Kahn Guard?" Li Mei asked to which Jade nodded in confirmation. "And I've told you before how you were the only one who showed any kindness to me. But I never properly detailed all the reasons as to why I ever so desperately needed that kindness at that time."

"I'm listening," Jade confirmed as she held Li's hands. "Let it all out."

"Shao Kahn killed her… my mother," Li Mei began revealing even more of her past. "Showed up and destroyed her for leading us into rebelling and speaking out against his reign and that in itself began from my fathers own passing… he was forced to join and die for the Kahn Guard."

"I'm so sorry for your losses," Jade apologized as she hugged Li tightly. "I never knew that your situation then was even worse than I believed."

"You let me talk to you back then," Li Mei recalled fondly. "Just like now with the only difference being that back then I wasn't ready to talk about the loss of my parents. I was broken from all the loss… I mean just look at the size of this cemetery for how small this village is! I was broken from all the loss. You fixed me."

"I love you," Jade commented as she hugged her beloved tighter. "So much."

"I love you more," Li Mei said with a smile beaming on her face as she hugged Jade back. "Is it okay for me to ask about your own parents?"

"Of course it is," Jade confirmed as the hugging ceased. "I was raised by these two Kahn Guard veterans. Considering their now alarming loyalty to Shao Kahn they raised me quite well."

"Edenians loyal to Shao Kahn?" Li Mei couldn't fathom the thought without context.

"Outworlders," Jade corrected. "Now that I know of my true origins I must come to terms with the fact they weren't my real parents but created a coverup to disguise the truth…"

"How could they do that to the woman they raised?!" Li Mei was angered by the thought. "They lied to you your entire life?!"

"I don't think it was heinous," Jade clarified which calmed Li down rather quickly. "Knowing Shao Kahn he would've forced them to tell such lies. To think I seriously believed that me, Kitana and Mileena's slowed aging was just a medical condition."

"Fair point," Li Mei admitted. "Have you seen them since learning you're Edenian?"

"Well I've been with you most of the time," Jade pointed out. "And we've been dealing with an invasion so there hasn't really been the time to pay a visit. Despite their flaws, they'd definitely like you. You have the passion and the fire of a true leader."

"My own mother and father would've adored you also," Li Mei replied. "And thank you."

"I'd also like to share my thanks." An unfamiliar voice suddenly spoke. Jade and Li Mei spun their heads around to see a blue hologram-like reflection.

"Hello?" Jade cautiously greeted.

"Do not fear me," they instructed. "I am Ametus, one of the six Elder Gods."

"Woah…" Li Mei was stunned.

"Woah is right," Jade agreed. "What brings the likes of you here? Come to give my dear here something she deserves for all her hard work?"

"Well I do come bearing gifts," Ametus confirmed. "But not just for her but your entire village."

"Oh thank you!" Li Mei enthusiastically thanked the Elder God. "What are you offering us, madam?"

"I offer amplifications to the powers of all residing within your village," Ametus revealed. "Consider this our thanks for aiding in maintaining balance throughout the realms."

"Thank you so much!" Li Mei repeated, her gratefulness radiating from her reaction to the gift.

Ametus audibly called upon a spell with a burst of energy emitting from the magical hologram, and just like that her gift had been delivered.

"All in your village have now unlocked the magic energy that lies deep within all Outworlders," Ametus detailed descriptively. "Just like your own powers."

"I really appreciate it," Li Mei said. "Thanks again."

"This is very kind of you," Jade commented. "You also have my thanks."

"You're more than welcome," Ametus replied with herself being appreciative of Li Mei's clear thankfulness that she could tell from her eyes alone. "One last thing before I depart is that the two of you also have amplified powers. I am certain you will soon discover that nce near each other your powers shall be much stronger. I'm sure you'll realize soon."

"Love is power." Li Mei concluded.

"Perfect," Jade praised. "Farewell, Lady Ametus."

"Bye, madam." Li Mei said her own goodbyes.

"Farewell." Ametus said back as her hologram began fading away as she returned to overseeing the realms through the Heavens.

Baraka and Mileena had arrived at the Tarkatan camp where the tribe was busy at work with a variety of things. Many tents and yurts crowded the tribal grounds where Mileena looked on and saw a variety of events occuring in the community. Most tents acted as homes for the Tarkatans but some were places of education, medical facilities and stores with other places like markets and public parks where adorable Tarkatan children with even cuter newly grown Tarkatan teeth played in as their parents watched from log stools.

In addition, there were many campfires outside the tents where cookouts were taking place, Tarkatans were strictly carnivores which unfortunately led to a misconception and rumours that they engaged in sickening acts such as cannibalism. The rumours came from the Kahn Guard themself with Shao Kahn justifying it as an effort to make the race come across as intimidating. He could never understand what the Tarkatans truly wanted.

"Our people have longed for equal rights and better resources for our camp." Baraka explained to Mileena as she took in the sights.

"You've made an impressive use of what you do have," Mileena praised. "I will of course assure you receive all you require."

"We lack medicines and frankly proper education," Baraka admitted as he smiled seeing a pair of young Tarkatans reading from a book, another thing the tribe had little of. "I'm sure you've realized our species isn't the brightest."

"They'll get the right support," Mileena assured. "I'm actually quite interested in learning your language."

"It pleases me that you're still eager to learn more of our culture," Baraka commented as he thought back on their time at the invasion where Mileena said she wished to embrace more of her Tarkatan side. "I was worried that having learnt your origins you'd have become more hesitant."

"I kinda am," Mileena admitted. "I'm not one of you… I'm just some mix of DNA from my sister and one of you."

"Did that truth shatter your bond with Kitana?" Baraka asked rhetorically. "I think not. If it didn't affect that then it doesn't affect this."

"Thank you, love." Mileena said as she hugged Baraka's muscular arm though remained cautious of the spikes on the lower bit of the limb where the arm-blade was located.

"Thank you for wishing to better our people." Baraka's use of 'our' made the thanks even more appreciated by Mileena.

"More than happy to help," Mileena replied as the two kept walking together while holding hands. "I'm just happy to have the opportunity of ruling this realm… I just worry my opportunity won't last long."

"Stressed about what Chameleon spoke of?" Baraka assumed which Mileena confirmed with a nod. "If we got through Shao Kahn, then we can get through any new threats that emerge."

"I hope so." Mileena replied, still some doubt in her mind.

"Look over there," Baraka pointed a finger ahead of the two where a group of Tarkatans were hanging out. "It's Karbrac. Remember him?"

"Your best warrior right?" Mileena recalled. "I remember him helping us when we fought against Earthrealm… Aiding in that invasion is another thing that I regret."

"Don't beat yourself up over it," Baraka advised. "We've all done things we didn't wish to do under Shao Kahn's rule."

"I'll try," Mileena promised. "Let's say hello. Your people say 'hakke' as a greeting, right?"

"Correct," Baraka confirmed. "I shall do any translating if you wish to speak to him."

"Thank you."

They approached the group of Tarkatan warriors with each quickly greeting their leader and the Empress, two of the most important figures to them. They soon departed except for Karbrac who Baraka told that he and Mileena had an offering for him, with them was also Karbrac's significant other.

"Since Shao Kahn never officially promoted you," Mileena began speaking and paused for Baraka to speak the translation. "I would like to officially deem you the General of the Tarkatans!"

"Zuh kar! Mileena's tar baks Empress!" Karbrac cheered upon receiving the translation and hugged the Empress tightly to which she laughed at.

"What did he say?" Mileena turned to Baraka as Karbrac released the hug after his boyfriend did some nudging with his head out of jealousy of not being a part of the hug.

"Thank you," Baraka translated. "Mileena is the best Empress."

"That's very kind words, Karbrac," Mileena very much appreciated the praise. "But I don't have much competition do I?"

"True." Baraka laughed.

"Are we going to have a double date?" Mileena couldn't help but notice Karbrac and the other Tarkatan holding hands.

"I'll ask," Baraka decided before translating the offer to the other couple. "They said maybe once a mutual language can be spoken."

"I promise I'll start learning Tarkatan."

"And the Tarkatans wish to learn your language." Baraka said back.

"Farwell, Karbrac and…" Mileena went to say goodbye but realized she didn't know the other Tarkatans name. "What's your name?"

After some translating that was of course courtesy of Baraka, the Tarkatan turned and smiled at the Empress. "Korhau." He replied.

"Nice to meet you, Korhau," Mileena said kindly. "I hope to see you again."

After some farewells spoken through the Tarkatan language, the two couples went their separate ways and Baraka and Mileena continued their time together at the Tarkatan camp.

The Hail were resting in their small campsite in Kuatan Jungle, land belonging to the Shokan. King Gorback agreed to allow this clan into their previously unoccupied jungle due to he and Shao Kahn's close alliance. Rain was isolating in a bubble of water he made to seal himself off and meditate as he floated above a lake in the humid environment. His meditation was suddenly disturbed by the water bubble being disturbed by a blast of water that knocked him down into the lake below.

"Huh?!" Rain was confused as he looked up to see Alyssa looking down at him. "Did you do that?!"

"Yes master." Alyssa confirmed with a cheeky grin on her face while she offered Rain a hand to pull himself up to which Rain refused and sent a blast of water from underneath him to propel him to his feet.

"Why?!" Rain was clearly annoyed.

"You've been hiding in that bubble for a whole day now!" Alyssa yelled, not seeing it as fair that he of all people should be the frustrated one. "Get your act together and tell us what our next move is!"

"I've been thinking." Rain explained.

"And you've had more than enough time," Alyssa argued. "Especially for such an easy question."

"It's not that simple." Rain claimed.

"Are you sure about that?" Alyssa made him question his claim. "Let me put your choices this way: we can either accept Mileena's offer and redeem ourselves as we work towards helping free Edenia or we can refuse and let her hunt and kill us."

"Like we can trust her," Rain remarked. "The first thing she does as ruler is somehow magically free Zaterra without disclosing any explanation as to how? She's clearly a liar."

"And what's better?" Alyssa countered. "Joining Reiko on his mad powertrip to try and complete Shao Kahn's goal of merging the realms? Helping that madman is suicide!"

"I'm just saying that neither side is optimal." Rain believed.

"Well we have to pick one," Alyssa stated. "And I speak for everyone when I say I'd rather not work alongside the last of Shao Kahn's mad followers and eventually be led to our demise. So what if Mileena's a liar? Maybe she was telling the truth and if not then she's still better than any other choice."

"I mean what if we choose neither?" Rain suggested.

"We still have to relinquish any loyalty to Shao Kahn," Alyssa reminded him. "And then we'd have to live normal lives or else we become another enemy to the Empress and we cannot afford fighting her forces."

"Maybe I want normal." Rain said.

Alyssa couldn't help but laugh. "No you don't," she knew the truth. "You ramble too much about freeing Edenia so you wouldn't dare have anything normal until it's done. Working for Mileena will give us that opportunity!"

"Fine," Rain gave in. "We shall go visit her fortress. But any signs of deceit and I'll-"

"You'll do nothing," Alyssa interrupted. "Unless you want your students in trouble."

"I'm not forcing you or anybody to stick with me." Rain made clear.

"But we want to stick by you," Alyssa told Rain with a great deal of kindness. "And I really think that Mileena's offer is a great opportunity for all of us to achieve redemption and purpose in this realm. She's really been improving Outworld thus far and I'm sure we'll soon be shown evidence that Zaterra's been freed."

"If you think this move will be for the best… then I trust you." Rain placed his faith in his greatest student and her beliefs regarding the matter at hand.

"Oh you can just hand me the title of master while you're at it." Alyssa joked which prompted the pair to have a short laugh.

"Not yet," Rain replied. "And look… I'm sorry."

"What do you have to be sorry for?" Alyssa questioned.

"I haven't been the greatest master." Rain admitted.

"We've all made mistakes," Alyssa pointed out. "After all, this clan was literally born from us all making one huge mistake…"

In the town where the species of the Naknadans resided in, also called Naknada which was much like how Tarkatans referred to their home camp as Tarkata, Reiko was paying Kollector a visit. The General was flanked by his closest allies Skull and Raza, and they approached the entrance to Kollector's palace. It's wealth starkly contrasted the rest of the town. It was clear that Kollector hadn't been the most generous town head and had been keeping most of his fortune to his selfish self. This was good news as far as Reiko was concerned, this meant that Kollector should have plenty of wealth to greatly aid in funding his army. The trio hadn't arrived at an ideal time as Kollector was busy arguing with his brother Kavalry.

"Locking the town down?!" Kavalry began yelling. "Are you insane?!"

"I wouldn't dare allow you imbeciles to run off and try siding with Mileena," Kollector explained his reasoning. "Aligning with our good friend Reiko will be best for Naknada."

"How?!" Kavalry failed to see any logic in his brother's plans. "Let me tell you what's best for Naknada: you go to that vault you're hiding and actually share a FAIR portion of koins and then side with Mileena! She's offering the freedom of all realms trapped in this messed up world!"

"Mileena would never allow someone like me access into her Union," Kollector pointed out. "And you make what you earn as far as I'm concerned."

"We fought on the front lines in Earthrealm!" Kavalry reminded him. "And now the thousand Naknadan army has been to seven hundred and fifty, maybe even less!"

"You're not getting a pay rise just because of some dead soldiers."

"You've completely misunderstood the point!" Kavalry was beginning to get even more frustrated with his brother. "We're risking our necks and for what?! your gain?! or ours?!"

"This town wouldn't exist were it not for me you ungrateful disgrace!" Kollector insulted.

"Yes but you know you could easily be doing so much more to help us!" Kavalry countered.

"Why should I?" Kollector questioned all while having a sly smile on his face.

"If mother could see you now she'd-"

"Be proud," Kollector believed. "She'd be proud."

"Keep telling yourself that."

"Take him away, guards." Kollector ordered to his personal protectors who much like him were in full support of Shao Kahn and were thus aiding him in keeping the town under lockdown.

"You're making a mistake!" Kavalry yelled as the guards dragged him away.

Kollector ignored him and turned to Reiko, not realizing he had arrived and was now waiting for him. "Ah General Reiko!" he finally acknowledged his presence. "It is good to see you, friend."

"The feelings are mutual." Reiko said as he shook Kollector's lower right hand.

"I suppose it's about time we finalize our partnership," Kollector said, which explained why he called for Reiko to visit him. "Come inside my palace. Feel free to join us, gentlemen."

"Gladly." Raza accepted the offer and Skull simply nodded.

"Excellent," Kollector replied. "Follow me."

Kollector led the trio inside his small yet very extravagant palace. The structure's creation was intended to mark change for the Naknadans with it representing the people building something for themselves for once. But alas it was merely for the benefit of its inhabitant, Kollector. The rest of the town didn't hold a candle to the expense of the palace that put the rest of Naknada to shame. Walking through the hallway there were golden statues and portraits framed in the same twenty four karat gold, all matching the likeness of Kollector himself. The palace decor reeked of narcissism.

"Where are we going?" Skull couldn't help but ask. "Couldn't we have just discussed negotiations outside?"

"Privacy." Kollector excused, even if deep down the main reason was just to showcase his vast wealth.

"Aren't we already in an alliance with each other?" Raza piped up with a question of his own.

"I agree with Reiko's goals," Kollector confirmed. "But I require some confirmation regarding what I earn from aiding you."

"And I'd like to see proof of the koins you've offered to provide for my cause," Reiko replied with his head nodding in the direction to what was clearly the door to Kollector's vault that was well guarded by more of his personal protectors. "Once I see it I shall state my offer."

"Fair enough," Kollector said as he approached the vault. "Open the door!"

The guards made haste with entering the complex code in order to unlock the door which they soon spun the heavy handle and opened it up for Kollector's acquaintances to mesmerise in all it's golden glory. A sea of koins lived within the vault and Kollector's talks regarding it had certainly paid off with Reiko's jaw having dropped at the sight of all the money.

"Now then… what about that offer of yours?" Kollector asked with a familiar smug look painted over his face. "I'm open to spending as much of this gold as necessary to allow your cause to truly thrive and succeed."

"I greatly appreciate this," Reiko commented as he took a handful of koins just for the satisfaction of it before dropping them back down into the seemingly endless pile. "How about once my plans succeed and I take the throne… I shall not be alone. You and me can be the Emperors of Outworld."

Kollector let out an excited laugh. "The mere thought is riveting enough," he commented with his support in the idea being evident by his reaction. "But can I trust you to succeed?"

"Consider your aid an investment," Reiko advised. "Such an investment shall secure my… our victory."

"Then I accept your terms." Kollector decided as the two shook hands again.

"Mr. Kollector," one of the guards spoke. "You have more visitors."

"What do they want?" He asked rather rudely.

"They're Centaurians," the guard detailed. "They mentioned something about their Champion being imprisoned."

"Let's hear them out," Reiko suggested as much as Kollector was eager to ignore whatever the Centaurs wanted. "An alliance with the Centaurs would be excellent."

"Fine." Kollector reluctantly agreed.

They headed out of the palace where a small group of Centaurs waited for them. One stepped forward upon the appearances of Kollector, Reiko, Skull and Raza. The Centaur was heavily armoured in metal and was clearly the leader of this group by his presentation alone.

"Speak." Kollector demanded. "Do not waste our time."

"Peace, Kollector!" Reiko ordered, not wanting to jeopardize a potential alliance. "Apologies for my friend's rudeness. What is your plight?"

"I am Sargeant Eusilus," he introduced himself. "Our peoples Champion Motaro, you have likely heard of him before, was imprisoned during the Earthrealm invasion. The wretched Shokan now hold him prisoner in Kuatan City."

"We need your help!" Cried out another Centaur who was recognisable to some Naknadans as Nikala, she was clearly desperate. "I trust Naknadans and have worked closely with your very brother, Kollector."

"And I remember the pair of you abandoning me beside that Earthrealm bank!" Kollector snapped, the memories still clear in his mind.

"I'm sorry," Nikala apologized. "We really need your help to free our leader."

"You beg before us?" Kollector inferred the Centaurs seeking aid as begging, which those present immediately saw as disrespectful. "Why should we help you?!"

"For the Centaurs loyalty and support." Eusilus offered.

"We accept." Reiko quickly accepted the deal. Reiko would do anything for more supporters and a race as powerful as the Centaurs would certainly help him in his plans to take Outworld's throne.

"We do?" Kollector gave Reiko a puzzled look.

"Yes," Reiko confirmed. "We shall begin preparations to free Motaro!"