After successfully pitting Cassie Cage and Shujinko against one another, Shang Tsung had seen fit to make his exit. A brief fight with Lin Mei kept him from doing so initially, but after letting her escape only so she could see her friend die, he reconvened with Vorpax and opened a portal to return them to the decrepit temple in which Onaga's followers dwelled.
As they walked through the halls, the sadistic sorcerer was still chuckling at his own deception.
"Are you sure those Earthrealmers will kill each other?" Vorpax asked, dubious of the plan.
"If that young woman is as stubborn as either of her parents, Shujinko is already dead," Shang Tsung reasoned. "You know, I met him once before. Yes, just before the tournament that cost me my island and started my descent from Shao Kahn's good graces. He was such a prideful fool then. He told me of how he had dreamed of defeating me ever since he was a boy. Dreams are so easily crushed. There's barely any sport in it anymore, but I take a certain satisfaction in knowing Shujinko will never achieve his."
"Right…" Vorpax replied dryly, taking no interest in Shang Tsung's vendettas. "And those other two?"
"Without Shujinko, I suspect they will be leaderless." Shang Tsung explained.
When the two entered the center room, they found that the rest of their allies had returned from their missions.
Shang Tsung surveyed the room.
"Where is Chameleon?" He asked.
"Catching up a warrior from his time named Draxxon on all that has transpired since Onaga's fall," Goro answered. "I suspect he will take a while."
"Best not to interrupt him, then." Shang Tsung decided.
"Who is this?" Reptile asked, pointing at Vorpax.
"She looks kinda cute," Kiri blurted. "Not as cute as you!" She added when she caught Ankha's glare.
Shang Tsung ignored the two. "This dear Reptile, is an old associate of mine. Her name is Vorpax."
"Vorpax…" Reptile repeated. "You were an assassin in Shao Kahn's regime, were you not?"
Vorpax nodded. "That's right. Same as you, I believe. Though I don't think we ever worked together. First time for everything I guess."
"This One feels something… familiar about you," observed D'Vorah as she approached Vorpax. "You… are a Kreeyan. This One thought they were extinct."
"Many people think the same of the Kytinn," Vorpax pointed out. "Shared misfortune."
"What's a Kreeyan?" Ankha asked.
"We were a tribe of Outworlders, humans to be more precise, that found a way to live in harmony with the Kytinn hive." Vorpax explained.
"We considered your tribe to be as much one of us as any Kytinn." D'Vorah recalled.
"And due to that same fellowship, when Shao Kahn sent his forces to all but exterminate the Kytinn, we defended them," Vorpax continued. "My mother, Queen Kreeya, led the charge. Shao Kahn killed her for it."
"Why become his assassin then?" Asked Komodai.
"Strictly speaking, I reported to Shang Tsung," Vorpax corrected. "Also, I needed the money. Besides, Shao Kahn slaughtered your people, and yet your friend here served him."
"I did so to survive." Reptile clarified.
"So did I," Vorpax replied. "Guess we've got a few things in common. And I thought making friends on this job would be hard."
"Is this merely a 'job' to you?" Asked Tiamat.
"Look, don't get me wrong, I'm on board," Vorpax clarified. "I know the deal. Shao Kahn, or in Goro's case, Kotal Kahn, took something from all of us. We help Onaga and we get those things back. I'm with it, but sorry, I'm not going to go about this whole thing thinking it's some grand crusade."
"And what about retribution?" Goro asked.
"Maybe for you, champ," Vorpax responded. "But for me, Shao Kahn would have to still be alive for that."
"Fair enough," Goro conceded. "I too lost a parent to the throes of battle."
"I heard," Vorpax told him. "And I'm sorry. I know how tough it is."
"It is Kotal who will be sorry." Goro responded.
"Well, I'm glad to see that everyone is getting along," acknowledged Shang Tsung. "But I'm afraid we still have business to attend to. D'Vorah."
"Yes?" The Kytinn replied, a tone of worry in her voice.
"May I speak to you in private." Shang Tsung requested.
D'Vorah nodded silently, before following the sorcerer into another room.
"This One knows that This One failed to kill the targets," D'Vorah admitted immediately. "This One apologizes, and will do whatever it takes to redeem themselves."
"Don't worry about that, D'Vorah," Shang Tsung assured. "Things happen. We cannot always control the outcome. Besides, I've dealt with the problem personally."
"Thank you, Shang Tsung." D'Vorah said with a humility she didn't normally display.
"In fact, I have another mission for you." Shang Tsung revealed.
"What is it?" D'Vorah asked.
"Meet me in the Living Forest and all will be revealed," Shang Tsung replied. "I suggest that you depart immediately."
D'Vorah nodded. "This One will not fail you again."
"No," Shang Tsung agreed as he watched her leave, a smirk crossing his face once he was out of her line of sight.
"You won't."
That matter dealt with, Shang Tsung returned to the presence of the others.
"Where's D'Vorah?" Vorpax immediately asked, evidently the only one in the group who cared.
"I had a task for her elsewhere." Shang Tsung cryptically explained.
"Speaking of being elsewhere," said Goro. "If you don't mind, I'd like to return to Kuatan. I've been gone too long."
"Very well, Prince Goro," Shang Tsung allowed. "Go ahead. Do update us on the situation in greater Outworld when you return."
"Eager to see how your creation is faring against my father's killer?" Goro asked.
"Tactical advantages of being up to date aside, yes," Shang Tsung admitted. "I am curious."
"A shame that all of it will be for not when the Dragon King rises." Goro pointed out.
"Such is the price to pay for progress." Shang Tsung rationalized.
"Guess the whole civil war thing's a bit of an anticlimax if neither side wins," observed Vorpax, before she simply shrugged. "Oh well."
"Both sides had their chance." argued Reptile.
"And now it is our turn, my friend." added Shang Tsung.
"Long as I get to put my hands around Kotal's neck," reasoned Goro, looking at the one hand he currently had and shaking his head. "Farewell."
With that, he walked off to begin his return trip to Kuatan.
"What now?" Tiamat asked impatiently.
"I must give instruction to some agents of mine," Shang Tsung explained. "Inform them of a change in my plans."
"You mean the Dragon King's plans?" Komodai asked.
"Rest assured, the plan I've hatched will service our cause," Shang Tsung said confidently. "Provided that my masterpiece's imperfections can still be exploited."
The sorcerer then opened a portal behind himself and departed.
"Was he always this cryptic?" Komodai asked irritatedly.
"Yes." Answered Reptile and Vorpax in unison.
"Shang Tsung always has his own agenda," Reptile recalled. "The Dragon King either trusts too easily, or is so powerful as to not be concerned with what that sorcerer can do."
"Shao Kahn always thought he could keep him under control," added Vorpax. "Having worked under him, can't say I'd be so sure."
"Shang Tsung is like everything else in this," reasoned Tiamat. "A means to an end for both the return of Zaterra's glory and the ascension of a new ruler of Outworld who will reward us greatly… should he be as great and powerful as he seems."
"Don't let Chameleon and Draxxon hear you say that." warned Kiri.
"Or the big guy himself," Ankha added. "Even his soul is scary."
"There is something about his apparational form that makes me… uneasy." admitted Reptile.
"What do you mean?" Vorpax asked.
"You'll understand when you've been in the Dragon King's presence," answered Komodai. "Even his mere spirit emanates a feeling of… power. And dread."
"I see…" Vorpax responded, becoming less and less eager to meet the Dragon King by the minute. "Anyway…"
As she thought on ways to change the subject, one idea occurred. Possibly a bad idea.
"I admit, I haven't talked to many Zaterrans before," Vorpax started. "I heard Shao Kahn was especially harsh on your realm."
The Saurians all gave one another discomforting looks. This wasn't a subject they liked discussing.
"Do you truly wish to hear our tales of woe?" Tiamat decided to ask.
"Call me curious," Vorpax answered. "Shao Kahn had a tendency to bury the details of things. I think he did it so people wouldn't know that his fight record wasn't as clean as he always said."
The derision of Shao Kahn got a laugh out od the Saurians, but even that moment of levity could not bring their minds off of all they had lost.
"We should warn you…" said Reptile. "The tale of Zaterra's fall is not one many souls can bear."
"My people were all but eradicated and my mother is dead," Vorpax reminded them. "Try me."
As the Saurians detailed to Vorpax the. carnage that destroyed their realm and wiped out millions, elsewhere in Outworld, those squarely against the Dragon King were in recovery from having been caught between Raiden's schemes and Shan Tsung's trickery.
With Shujinko's injuries, finding somewhere to lie him down was critical. There was also needing to avoid the attention of Kotal's soldiers, which were sure to arrive after the hysteria caused by Shang Tsung's manipulation of Cassie Cage.
Li Mei was quickly able to solve both issues by procuring a place to stay with a friend of hers, to whom she regaled her story as she tried her best to mitigate Shujinko's wounds. The Shaolin master contributed as well, using the telekinetic abilities he had learned from Kenshi over two decades ago to remove the bullets from his body.
"Sounds like a whole mess of trouble," responded the man, who wore green and yellow robes. "And I thought that whole refugee thing was risky."
"Kotal Kahn feared retaliation from Earthrealm," Li Mei pointed out. "I worry that we now face an enemy who fears nothing."
"As if things couldn't get any worse," the man lamented. "So… did you tell Braan he still owes me money?"
Li Mei couldn't help but briefly laugh. Some people never changed. "No, Gohsk. I'll tell him when I get back to Sun Do."
"And when will that be?" Gohsk asked.
"When this is all over…" Li Mei decided.
"Doesn't sound like that'll be soon." Gohsk pointed out.
"T-Thank you… for… letting us… stay here…" said Shujinko.
"Yeah think nothing of it," Gohsk replied. "I owe Li after she stopped those Osh-Tekk brutes from commandeering the lake and pushing out all us fishermen. Thought being the emperor's lapdogs meant they could take fish without paying for them. She showed them! Sure was risky picking with a fight with them-"
"I wasn't trying to start a fight." Li Mei corrected.
"Well it ended up that way," Goshk argued. "And it sure paid off!"
"And then you bribed them from reporting my 'act of insurrection' with a discount," Li Mei recalled with a laugh. "Always the businessman."
"A guy's gotta make a living." Gohsk reasoned.
"Right now, I'm just glad to be living." chimed in Shujinko.
"Better than the alternative, isn't it?" Gohsk asked.
"Indeed." Shujinko agreed.
Suddenly, Khameleon made herself visible.
Gohsk jumped back from her sudden appearance. "A little warning next time, will ya?"
"Kotal Kahn's minions are patrolling the streets," Khameleon informed them. "Witnesses saw us. There's no way we can go out into the open without being spotted."
"We can't go anywhere anyway with Shujinko still injured," Li Mei pointed out. "We should focus on getting him in better shape first."
"I must apologize…" said Shujinko. "For you having to take care of an old man like me so much."
"Don't ever think of yourself as a burden," Li Mei chastised. "It'll be ok."
"The longer we wait the closer the Dragon King gets to achieving his goal." Khameleon argued.
"A goal which is incomplete if he only possesses one Kamidogu," Shujinko countered. "Worrying as Raiden's newfound ruthlessness is, it should enable him to defend the other five against any attack. Furthermore, the Dragon King is such a threat that the two vying powers in Outworld may prove willing to join forces against him. We are not alone in this struggle."
"You say all of that presuming that we fail to stop the Dragon King from rising to begin with," Khameleon pointed out. "If he regains physical form, you said he will use my beloved Syzoth as his vessel. I can't let that happen!"
"Raiden's visions were of a future that has been thrown off course by so many divergences that we cannot assume that Syzoth will indeed become host to Onaga," Shujinko reasoned. "I understand your fear Khameleon, and I wish the best for your beloved, but nothing is gained by rash action."
Khameleon turned her gaze to Li Mei. "And what do you think?"
"I to understand your worry," Li Mei sympathized. "But I fear there is nothing we can do right now but heal, and prepare ourselves for what's on the horizon. This is something that threatens all of Outworld, and for the sake of every soul living here, we have to be ready before we face it."
"I… I'm sorry," Khameleon apologized. "I can't be as certain or hopeful as the both of you. I have to make sure that Syzoth will be alright. I'm going to the Abyss of Fire alone. I can stay invisible and avoid detection by Kotal's forces. You are welcome to stay here. Shujinko, I wish you a swift and healthy recovery. But I must go."
"Khameleon, wait!" Li Mei urged. "We have to stand together here!"
"You cannot fight Onaga's minions alone." Shujinko added.
"I don't have to," Khameleon countered. "I just have to save Syzoth. As well as my brother, if I can. This means too much to me to sit idly by."
"Khameleon, we're your friends." Li Mei pointed out."
"You are," Khameleon confirmed. "But this is something I must do. I'm sorry. Goodbye."
Before Shujinko or Li Mei could say any more, Khameleon rendered herself invisible. A few moments later, they heard the door to Gohsk's house open, and they knew she was gone.
Hours passed as day became night, Shujinko's wounds gradually healed, Khameleon continued her now solitary trek, and Vorpax learned all her new allies had to tell her of the utter decimation of Zaterra.
She usually preferred to stay rather impersonal, but the horror of all the Saurians had gone through… it summoned in her a sympathy long thought buried.
Unfortunately, her chance to discuss the matter further with them was interrupted when Shang Tsung at last returned.
"Sorry for the wait, everyone," he said. "I had a number of arrangements to put into place."
"Excellent timing, sorcerer," complimented Chameleon as he entered with Draxxon following behind him. "Our master wishes to have an audience with his loyal servants."
Draxxon seemed somewhat distracted, surveying the broken temple, his organic mask of a face somehow conveying dismay.
"The Dragon King's glorious empire…" he said aloud. "Reduced to this."
"Yes, it is an insult," came a booming voice. "But one that will soon be rectified."
The spiritual form of Onaga burst into view as his servants all bowed before the one true ruler of Outworld. Vorpax immediately felt the dread and power that the Saurians had cited as being a marker of his presence.
"Greetings, my faithful servants," Onaga began. "Our plans have been uninterrupted thus far, however-"
The Dragon King was interrupted when there was a sudden blinding flash of a golden light. All shielded their eyes aside from Onaga himself, lacking a body.
When the light faded, the Dragon King's servants looked to see a skeletal man in golden armor.
"I am Monster, Champion of the Elder Gods," he spoke in his unique ethereal voice. "You have been judged as a threat to the realms, and will be dealt with accordingly. All who do not wish to share the Dragon King's fate may surrender. This is the only mercy I have been instructed to grant."
Onaga laughed. "Kill this nuisance."
His spiritual form disappeared, leaving only his followers and the Champion of the Elder Gods.
"That guy looks pretty dead already." Kiri pointed out.
"Our boss is a ghost," reminded Ankha. "Dead must mean something different to him."
Monster outstretched his hands and summoned golden chains which wrapped around each individual in the room. He then moved his arms to slam them all into walls.
"Impressive," admitted Chameleon. "But you clearly underestimate our power."
Chameleon teleported out of the bonds in a haze of fire, reappearing behind Monster. The champion turned around to punch Chameleon, only to find that the Saurian had replaced himself with a replica made out of ice, which shattered on impact.
The true purpose of Chameleon's maneuver was quickly revealed as Monster's concentration broke and the chains dissipated.
"Attack!" Commanded Draxxon.
The Saurians all charged at Monster head on. Kiri and Ankha were the fastest of the group, and therefore reached him first. They slashed at Monster with daggers, only for the champion to vanish in another flash of golden light. Before they could even wonder what happened, he reappeared behind them and punched outward with both arms, knocking them down.
Komodai unsheathed his Kirihasi sword and rushed Monster from behind. The champion turned around right as Komodai went to slash and summoned a sword of his own to block the blow. He then kicked Komodai while their blades were locked, knocking him back.
Then seemingly nothing punched Monster in the face.
Reptile.
The invisible Saurian continued with a flurry of punches and kicks, all of which knocked the Champion of the Elder Gods further back with each blow. However, Monster's skills of perception were more advanced than his opponent had perceived. He began recognizing Reptile's patterns and blocking his strikes with trained precision. Monster threw a punch, unaware that his invisible foe had leaped over him until Reptile slashed from behind with his claws.
Monster had seemingly no reaction, and Reptile went for a kick, only for Monster to catch his leg. In his surprise, Reptile became visible again, and was summarily thrown right into Kiri and Ankha, the three Saurians crashing into each other.
Tiamat ran in next, first attempting to hit Monster with his tail. The champion ducked under that effort and when Tiamat launched a punch, Monster was able to catch it with both hands, although he was pushed back some.
"You are stronger than you look, dead man." Tiamat observed.
Monster didn't reply. Instead, his empty eye sockets began glowing a gold hue, and the champion released blasta of golden flame from them that sent Tiamat staggering back.
When the golden light subsided, Tiamat was growling in pain and anger.
In retaliation, he fired a beam of acid from his mouth. Monster dodged it by disappearing in a golden flash.
He reappeared behind Tiamat and slightly above him, summoning an axe and stabbing it into the Saurian'a shoulder. Tiamat reached behind to grab Monster, sinking his claws in as he did it, and threw the Champion over his head, slamming him onto the ground.
Tiamat slammed his foot down to crush Monster, breaking the rock beneath them.
Monster however did not seem to react. As i he could not feel pain.
He could certainly deliver it however, as the Champion demonstrated by blasting Tiamat with golden flame from his left hand, and then when the large Saurian stumbled back, summoning golden chains to hold him down as he tore his axe right out of Tiamat's shoulder and raised it to take off his head.
Monster was prevented from dealing the killing blow however, when the axe was knocked out of his hand by a skull fireball.
Monster looked up from Tiamat to set his eyeless sockets on Shang Tsung.
"I'm afraid I can't have you beheading my associates." Said the sorcerer.
"Shang Tsung," said Monster. "You have long been a thorn to the Elder Gods."
"Believe me, I know." Shang Tsung responded, recalling his personal history with the grand arbiters of the universe.
And how they had cursed him.
Angered by these memories, Shang Tsung lunged at Monster. In an ironic display, the sorcerer assumed the form of Liu Kang and delivered a flying dragon kick to the Champion.
Monster staggered back, only to be hit by a series of punches from Shang Tsung in the form of Goro. Specifically, Goro prior to being crippled by Kotal Kahn.
Shang Tsung then transformed into Motaro and knocked Monster back with powerful front horse legs. Then came a green energy kick in the form of Johnny Cage, and finally, the sorcerer transformed into Baraka and bit into Monster's shoulder while stabbing him threw with arm blades.
Monster released a pulse of golden energy across his body that knocked Shang Tsung back and reverted him to his true form.
Monster silently marched towards Shang Tsung, who was determined to force him back. He assumed the form of Sonya Blade and fired energy rings. When that only knocked Monster back marginally, he transformed into Sindel and utilized a sonic scream. As the power of the scream pales in comparison to the true Sindel, this was also ineffective at doing any more than momentarily deterring the Champion of the Elder Gods.
Chameleon then appeared between the two as Shang Tsung once again became himself.
"Trying to hammer a Champion of the Elder Gods into submission won't work," Chameleon pointed out. "His kind are suited to dealing with raw power. The key to victory is precision."
"Then by all means, be my guest," Shang Tsung mocked as he climbed to his feet. "Prove your skill."
Chameleon entered a battle stance and narrowed his eyes.
"I intend to."
Chameleon summoned acid beneath his feet as a trail of slime that allowed him to slide towards his opponent, slamming into Monster and causing the Champion to take a step back. Monster went for a punch, but Chameleon sunk into a black portal and avoided the blow, reappearing behind Monster and hitting him in the back of the head with a chop.
Surprisingly, Monster's response was to spin his head completely around, and blast Chameleon with golden fire from his eye sockets. Chameleon narrowly ducked under this attack, then used a telekinetic push to distance Monster from himself.
Monster was unrelenting however, teleporting off tue ground with a flash of golden light and reppearing behind Chameleon with his axe raised. He swung, but Chameleon suddenly transformed into an incorporeal vaporous form, the blade going right through him. He then summoned two mystical duplicates that seemed to be made of shadow, which grabbed Monster and pulled him back. Following this, Chameleon reassumed his solid form and turned around to blast Monster with a volt of green lightning which threw the Champion back.
Finally, Chameleon launched a blast of ice that appeared to freeze Monster solid.
The Saurians all surrounded the Champion, along with Shang Tsung. Vorpax had avoided the battle thus far, but approached as well out of curiosity.
"I must admit, that was a very impressive display, Chameleon," Shang Tsung complimented. "I was not aware that Onaga had imbued you with the power of several o my old enemies and associates."
"Lord Onaga granted me the ability to duplicate other warriors yes, but my power has limit," Chameleon explained. "I have repeatedly forsaken old powers for new ones, and as I witnessed your last Mortal Kombat tournaments, using my innate abilities to hie in plain view, I selected those warriors."
Chameleon looked at Reptile. "Which included you, Syzoth. You have always been a formidable combatant. Suitable to stand alongside my sister in battle."
"Thank… you…" Reptile answered somewhat awkwardly, not used to this almost…. earnestness? It certainly wasn't Chameleon's usual demeanor. Still, it was good to know that Khameleon's only living family approved of him.
Vorpax meanwhile was still studying the frozen Monster.
"I've never seen anything quite like this guy before," she admitted. "He's not quite something you'd see in the Netherrealm, and not quite what I imagine an angel looks like."
"Such is the work of the Elder Gods," explained Shang Tsung. "They consider themselves so mighty, but just as any tyrant, they mold creatures to serve their will."
Kiri was, per usual, not really paying attention.
"Hey mouthless! Thanks for the 'help'!" She chastised.
"Kiri darling, maybe best not to piss him off?" Ankha asked.
Draxxon had been silent throughout the entire battle. Observing. Part of it was to analyze his foe. The other was that he was still adjusting to being in physical form after all the millennia.
In spite of Kiri's insult, his sharp red eyes remained focused on one thing only.
Monster.
"This battle is not won." He finally said.
All eyes fell on Monster as the ice began to crack and the Champion of the Elder Gods released himself with a wave of golden energy that knocked back all who surrounded him.
"And that is why I kept my distance." Draxxon explained to no one in particular.
The Saurians were all quick to jump back into battle, blades and claws at the ready.
Monster dodged all of their strikes before grabbing Tiamat by the tail and using him to hit all of the others in a sweeping motion, before throwing him into a wall.
Even that didn't deter them however. Reptile, Komodai, Kiri, and Ankha all surrounded Monster and tried to rush him at once. Monster teleported out of the way and let them all crash into each other, before reappearing. Kiri went for a punch, it was caught, and Monster lifted her up with one hand and threw her over his shoulder. Ankha retaliated with acid spit. Monster didn't react, and kicked her in the head afterwards.
Komodai bared his fangs and lunged at Monster for a bite. Again, no reaction of pain even as the fangs sunk in, just grabbing Komodai's head. Monster would have snapped his neck if not for Reptile pulling the Champion's left hand away with his prehensile tongue. Komodai released his jaws and punched Monster in the gut. Or rather, the hollow cavity where a gut would be. Monster slammed his knee into Komodai's stomach and then punched him across the face.
Reptile used his tongue to pull Monster to the ground. He then released it and blasted acid directly over the Champion. His armor was melted in some areas, but Monster remained unharmed. Or at the very least, did not act like he had been harmed. He quickly sprung up and uppercutted Reptile, sending the Saurian into the air briefly before he crashed back to the ground.
Monster turned his eye sockets to Shang Tsung, Chameleon, and Vorpax, before Tiamat's tail slammed down on him.
The Champion of the Elder Gods was unrelenting however. He summoned chains out of golden portals that appeared on the ground which pulled Tiamat forward as they ensnared him. Monster then jumped up and kicked Tiamat in the back of the head while also releasing the chains, knocking Tiamat down.
It seemed that Monster would not yield. But after waiting and observing, Draxxon finally walked into the fray.
Vorpax took the opportunity to slink away from this particular fight, as Shang Tsung and Chameleon moved to either side of Draxxon.
"Draxxon…" spoke Monster, as if finally registering his presence.
"Should I know you?" Draxxon asked.
"Perhaps not," Monster said in his usual cryptic way. "But I know you. The Dragon King's most fearsome general. A mere man imbued with the power of a dragon. And a merciless killer of innocents."
"My reputation precedes me." Draxxon concluded, steadying the Menguadora sword for the impending battle.
Monster summoned a sword of his own and also readied for the duel.
The two warriors rushed at one another, their swords beginning to glow, becoming ribbons of golden and a dark crimson as the two swung at one another. Their blades smashed against one another and sparks flew.
As they pushed against one another, it was becoming evident that Draxxon was physically stronger. He towered over Monster, and began forcing the Champion down to one knee as their blade lock continued.
Monster saw the need for a change of tactics, teleporting and reppearing behind Draxxon, slashing his back.
The slash only barely cut through the ancient warrior's thick organic armor. Draxxon laughed at the futility of Monster's attack, before spinning around and kicking the Champion, where he was caught in the jaws of a flaming construct of a snake created by Shang Tsung. The fire snake shook Monster like a dog playing with a chew toy before throwing him into a wall.
Shang Tsung chuckled at the turn of events, and directed the fire snake to attack Monster again. However, the Champion raised his sword and managed to slash through the fiery apparition, causing it to dissipate.
Shang Tsung growled in frustration. Recalling a previously somewhat-effective tactic, he transformed into Sub-Zero and tried to freeze Monster. This time, the Champion teleported out of the way of the attack, reappearing behind Shang Tsung and kicking with such force that the sorcerer reverted to his true form.
Monster raised his sword and slashed down at Shang Tsung. In a last ditch effort to stay alive, Shang Tsung transformed into Skarlet and let the blade harmlessly cut through her blood form. He then transformed into Kintaro and blasted Monster at point blank with a stream of flame.
Monster walked through the flame, unaffected by it, and lunged at Shang Tsung, only for Chameleon to teleport to the side of the Champion and kick him away.
The kick landed Monster tumbling right back into the path of Draxxon.
Draxxon glared at the Champion as he stood over him. There was almost something… familiar about Monster, but he couldn't place it.
Draxxon was content with not knowing, raising his sword and thrusting it downward just before Monster teleported again and reappeared with two swords, slashing at Shang Tsung and Chameleon while summoning chains to hold back Draxxon.
Both sorcerer and Saurian narrowly dodged this, each shooting a fireball from opposite sides of the Champion. Monster's swords seemed to absorb the flames and turn them gold, apparently just what he needed as he ran towards Monster with both swords bared.
Monster had already determined that Draxxon was the biggest threat among Onaga's followers and the one who needed to be eliminated first. He slashed with both flaming swords in an attempt to take Draxxon's head off, but the ancient warrior broke free of the divine chains and blocked both blades with the Menguadora. He then reached over and grabbed Monster by the head, slamming him into a wall before throwing him down.
Monster rolled out of the path of another sword strike and summoned a spear with which to parry the next. He teleported to a safer distance and threw the spear, but Draxxon surprisingly caught it. He threw the weapon down just as Monster teleported back to close quarters and engaged in a barrage of flaming kicks and punches. Draxxon backhanded the Champion away
and laughed at his efforts.
Monster got back to his feet and unleashed a blast of golden flame onto Draxxon. However, the ancient warrior walked right through the flames. Monster summoned a sword to counter with, but it was already too late, as Draxxon landed a slash with the Menguadora.
The strange and mysterious sword had an effect on the Champion of the Elder Gods like nothing else had before now. He clutched onto the wound, a gash across his chest, which did not bleed, but a dark smoke billowed out from the striking point. As Monster was empowered by the divine, whatever this incredible darkness was, seemed to be slowly pulling him apart.
"That blade…" said Monster. "It is an ancient darkness, unknown to me. I must ask the Elder Gods of its origin."
"Oh, you're not going back to the Elder Gods," corrected Shang Tsung. "You're staying here. With the power of your soul, my rejuvenation will come much quicker."
Shang Tsung outstretched his hands and began the process of absorbing a soul he had perfected over the ages.
However, when he tried to take the soul from Monster, another power pushed back against him and the sorcerer was knocked down from the feedback.
"My soul is protected by the Elder Gods, sorcerer," Monster explained. "It can never belong to you, nor can the soul of any champion."
"Enough of this." Decided Draxxon, slashing down at Monster. Before the blade could connect, there waa a flash of golden light with an intensity mirroring Monster's entrance, and seconds later, the Champion was gone.
Once the Champion was gone, Onaga's spiritual form reappeared, and the Dragon King chuckled at this turn of events.
"With all due respect my liege," said Tiamat as he and his fellow Saurians regrouped. "I fail to see the humor here."
"Then allow me to explain," Onaga offered. "Even the Elder Gods fear our power. They would not have sent their lapdog otherwise. To recognize us as a threat is to recognize our superiority over all other forces within the realms. And once we have taken the Kamidogu, even the Elder Gods will be unable to stop us."
"That's great and all," said Kiri. "But you could've helped us just now."
"I am a disembodied spirit, what would you have me do?" Onaga countered. "Ask him to leave?"
"Excuse my lover, Lord Onaga," pleaded Ankha. "Getting beaten up makes her angry."
"Yes, defeat can be infuriating," Onaga agreed, thinking all the way back to losing his throne to Shao Kahn. "And in fact, she raises a valid point."
"I do?" Kiri asked.
"Before we were interrupted, Chameleon informed me of an intrusion at the Lava Shrine which contains the last Dragon Egg, an item to be utilized as a conduit for my spirit to take on a vessel," Onaga explained. "I do not require it, but it makes the process… smoother."
"Did they take the egg?" Reptile asked.
"No," Onaga clarified. "But the fact that the shrine risks discovery means that we must move up our timetable. We can wait in the shadows only so much longer. The time to reclaim Outworld is fast approaching."
"What would you have us do, master?" Komodai asked.
"I have gone without a body long enough," Onaga explained. "I require a suitable vessel. In exchange for the restoration of the Zaterran race, in addition to your previous service, I require one of you to be that vessel."
Onaga pointed his ghostly finger at the Saurians, who now began looking at one another as if to silently deliberate on the matter.
Observing all of this but keeping a distance from the Dragon King's spirit, Vorpax wondered how they could possibly come to a decision. In her experience, being among the last of a race tended to strengthen bonds like few other things could.
Even Chameleon could see it weighing on them.
"Master," he spoke up. "May I submit myself for this duty?"
"Your loyalty is as always, commendable," Onaga complimented. "But I require you to serve as a general for my armies."
"Armies?" Vorpax asked, quickly realizing she'd said that out loud.
"When the time comes for us to rise, you will understand." Onaga assured her.
"Ok…" Was all she said in answer.
Finally, a volunteer stepped up. In another lifetime, and hardly by his own choice, Reptile would have become host to the Dragon King.
In this life, however…
"I'll do it," offered Komodai. "I will serve as your vessel, mighty Dragon King."
"Wait!" Demanded Tiamat, grabbing Komodai by the shoulder and pulling him back. "I offer another solution."
"Explain." Onaga commanded.
"Why settle for these mere subjects?" Tiamat asked. "When we can bring you the body of a king. One befitting your power and station."
Onaga silently considered the proposal.
"Very well," he finally said. "But one more thing: bring with you the gem that your king carried. It will aid me in resurrecting your people."
Tiamat nodded. "It shall be yours, Dragon King Onaga. I, on behalf of all Zaterra, thank you for your graciousness."
"Just do not delay." Onaga requested.
"We need only days at most." Tiamat assured.
"Then depart with haste." Onaga ordered.
Tiamat bowed, and then turned to replace his fellows.
"Follow me," he told them. "I know where the tomb is located."
"Once you have the body and the gem, go to the Lava Shrine in the Abyss of Fire," Onaga instructed. "Chameleon will guide you on the specifics of the path. Do not fail."
"We shall not, Lord Onaga." Tiamat assured as the Saurians all departed.
Komodai spared one last glance at the Dragon King's spiritual form, before leaving with the others.
"And what shall we do, my liege?" Draxxon asked.
"Go to the resting place of my army, General Draxxon," Onaga instructed. "Stand ready for our assault upon this realm."
"As you command, Emperor Onaga." Draxxon complied, departing as ordered.
"Chameleon, go to the Lava Shrine and await your fellow Zaterrans," Onaga commanded. "Ensure no further intrusions. The priests are loyal, but they place too much faith in that conscripted firespawn."
Chameleon nodded. "As you wish, my master." He summarily teleported away in a burst of hellfire.
Onaga then turned his attention to his last two followers.
"Shang Tsung," he continued with his orders. "When the Zaterrans return with my vessel, depart for Earthrealm. I had intended to reclaim the Kamidogu myself, but it is clear that I must remain in Outworld to put these would-be rulers and the Earthrealm Thunder God in their place."
"As you command, Lord Onaga." Shang Tsung said with a bow.
"W-What do you want m-me to do?" Vorpax asked nervously.
"Accompany Shang Tsung in his task if you wish," Onaga specified. "Ready yourself to march alongside my armies if you do not. It makes no odds in the grand scheme of things."
"O-Ok…" Vorpax responded.
"And another thing sorcerer," Onaga said as he returned his attention to Shang Tsung. "You promised me two new generals. Bring their bodies to me if you wish for me to use my power to return them to life."
"That is currently a work in progress, my liege," Shang Tsung explained. "However, I will hasten my progress, rest assured. I will also capitalize on any other opportunities that may benefit us."
"See that you do," Onaga reinforced. "I require every possible asset at my disposal…"
The Dragon King chuckled darkly as he pictured his total victory.
"None will stand in my way…"