Change was coming to Outworld. Irreversible, inevitable change.

Change meant different things throughout Outworld and beyond. To Kotal Kahn, change meant the uprooting of everything he had worked towards. To Raiden, it meant burning down the old threats he has faced for centuries and creating peace by force. To Hotaru, a chance to spread the gospel of Order to other realms. To Mileena, a chance to bring freedom to millions upon millions of people, and to repair her family. To Darrius, change was revolution, tearing down the old system and building a new one. To Havik, change was simply the perpetuation of Chaos throughout the universe. The way things were meant to be. To Sonya Blade, it meant the possibility of losing those that mattered most. To Onaga, it was a chance to reclaim that which had been stolen from him millennia ago.

But there were always those who beheld the universe in simpler terms.

To Kollector, change was nothing more than a business opportunity. A chance to ingratiate himself to a new regime, to open up new streams of revenue. To make deals.

And right under the current emperor's nose, Kotal's tax campaign was quite the revenue stream indeed.

Contrary to his reputation, Kollector's greed was not simply pursued for its own sake. As far as he rationalized, what Kotal demanded of the people was already outrageous enough on its own. So what did it matter if Kollector pocketed a little extra?

Besides, he didn't keep it all for himself. Whenever he could escape the current emperor's notice, or his soldiers, Kollector would pay visit to Naknadan villages and give every man, woman, and child a portion of the money he took from the rest of Outworld under the guise of serving Kotal's mandate. He considered it a way of claiming reparations for his people, who had been taken advantage of throughout Outworld's history and forced to serve as a labor class for Shao Kahn.

Kollector found it ironic that he and Mileena, the 'Bandit Queen' as the people called her, were on opposite sides of the civil war. In the respect of giving back to the people of Outworld, Kollector thought of them as allies in a strange way. The prospect of outright defection had occurred to him, but he had to admit, Kotal paid well. He was easier to manipulate as well. It was all much easier than his prior service under Shao Kahn, which had earned him his negative reputation.

Reputation aside, Kollector took pride in being able to get away with as much as he had under Kotal. A smirk conveying his pride was on full display as he handed out portions of his personal intake to the people of the very village he had grown up in.

And not everyone thought he should be so confident.

"You really need to be more careful," pointed out a more muscular Naknadan whose skin was a darker blue and eyes a deeper orange. "You might be getting away with your little scheme now, but the emperor's going to find out eventually."

"Relax, brother," Kollector advised. "Kotal Kahn is an idiot! By the time he realizes what I've been doing, either the Earthrealmers will tear his empire down, Mileena will overthrow him, or Sheeva and Karbac will finally grow tired of being under his heel and collect his head."

"Are you insane?" His brother asked. "Would you have spoken so brazenly about Shao Kahn?"

"Trust me brother," Kollector took a sip of some wine he'd purchased. "Kotal… is no Shao Kahn."

"Anyone who holds the throne of Outworld is dangerous." His brother argued.

"That may be so," Kollector admitted. "But a distracted ruler cannot notice everything."

And Kollector had a point. Kotal's mind was focused on a great many things, his Naknadan underling's activities not being high on the list.

His secret advisor, Damashi, had told him that having to split one's focus was to be expected for a ruler. That it was natural for him to feel overwhelmed at times.

But Kotal believed that Damashi hadn't predicted times like these when he arrived to tell Kotal that the Elder Gods had chosen him to rule Outworld all those years ago.

War with Earthrealm was on the horizon. It was inevitable. The whole of Outworld didn't even know it yet. Kotal had ordered the matter kept between his inner circle for now. And Earthrealm wasn't even his only problem. Mileena's rebellion had been steadily gaining momentum since her miraculous return from the dead, and Kotal feared that she would sway many of the peoples of Outworld sooner or later.

For his many faults, Kotal was not so ignorant that he didn't know full well that many of those serving under him had every motive to kill him if given the opportunity. The Tarkatans and the Shokan were especially worrisome. It was why Kotal had decided he would place them at the forefront of his defense against Earthrealm. Allow the greater threat to take priority over any betrayal they might have planned, and use the war to lessen their numbers and discourage revolt.

For years now, he had hoped that the deaths of King Gorback and Baraka had been deterrence enough. Not to mention the eternal scars worn by Karbrac and Goro of their battles with him. But now, Kotal could no longer be certain. So he would turn those that would see him dead into his shield.

Even if they knew he was doing this, Earthrealm proved too great a threat for them to refuse.

In a strange way, Kotal could perhaps thank Raiden for that much at least.

Then there was of course the matters of the Edenians and the vampires. Though the majority remained civilians, Kotal knew that their flags were behind Mileena, and feared a full-scale uprising soon enough. He had a plan in mind for how to potentially pull away with the Edenians, but it remained to be seen how effective it would be.

And before Kotal could enact it, he had one other visit to make. To a people that were actually loyal to him. The Centaurians.

He approached the Centaurs' city with a contingent of Osh-Tekk soldiers as guards. Ruby and Erron Black had been given oversight of the palace in his absence. Kotal trusted few others.

Motaro was in the midst of conversation with one of the field commanders under him, Taurus, when he noticed the current emperor's approach.

"Emperor Kotal!" Motaro bellowed, bowing his head. "What brings you to the land of my people?"

"I'm afraid that we both know the answer to that, Motaro." Kotal replied.

Motaro nodded. "Fear not, emperor. Give the word and my people will be on the front lines against those treacherous Earthrealmers!"

Kotal shook his head. "I will need the Centaur armies, but not at the front. That task will be allocated to the Shokan and Tarkatans."

"Why have your front lines made up of races you do not trust?" Motaro questioned.

"They are at the front because I do not trust them." Kotal answered.

Motaro smirked. "Very clever. Shao Kahn would likely have done the same. And you've granted my people the opportunity to see our eternal rivals falter before we charge and show them how war is really fought."

"That is one way of looking at it," Kotal responded. "Due to the circumstances, I will need to pull your people away from the duty of tracking the rebels."

"Worry not, emperor, I have already ordered the preparations for war," Motaro revealed. "A wise general knows his king's orders before he has even spoken them."

Kotal nodded. "Thank you, Motaro. Your commitment has been invaluable."

"Of course, emperor," Motaro said with uncharacteristic humility. "Besides, this battle will provide an opportunity to redeem myself for my failure during Shao Kahn's invasion."

"I too have faced Raiden in battle," Kotal reminded him. "Feel no shame over what happened, Motaro."

"Aye, but Raiden did not render you comatose and thought dead," Motaro countered. "A warrior's greatest dishonor is to be removed from battle in a manner not of their choosing. Raiden had a chance to grant me a true warrior's death. He will regret that he did not."

Kotal nodded. He then moved his gaze to the other Centaur in his direct presence.

"Commander Taurus, come to join the war preparations?" Kotal asked.

"Not exactly," Taurus admitted. "I was just reporting an incursion with the rebels to General Motaro."

"Incursion?" Kotal repeated.

"My forces seized the home of the rebel vampire Nitara," Taurus explained. "We intended to await her return to the house and capture her and any accompanying rebels then…"

"Did they escape?" Kotal asked. "I thought there was a small squadron of troops trained by Erron Black in Earthrealm weapons under your command. Surely, you must have been able to-"

"The marksmen were massacred, emperor," Taurus revealed. "The blood sorceress Mileena calls a sister. She can defy death itself. I have seen it. Bullets pierced her form and she stood up and killed them all."

"Troubling…" was all Kotal said in response. "I knew that Mileena mending her ties with Skarlet would prove a detriment to us. Still, we can no longer afford to prioritize the rebels. Mileena would see me overthrown, but Raiden would burn down the whole of Outworld."

"Indeed emperor," Taurus acknowledged. "I stand ready to fight for you when the war comes."

"Much appreciated," Kotal said graciously. "I must again thank the Centaurian people for their dedication and loyalty to me. I may have lost my throne by now without it."

"We will ensure that you do not, emperor." Assured Motaro.

Kotal nodded. "Thank you."

Another Centaur then approached. A female in an armored chestplate.

"General Motaro, the platoon is ready for drills." She informed him.

"I will be there soon, Nikala," replied Motaro, before returning his attention to Kotal. "Will that be all, emperor?"

"Yes," Kotal confirmed. "I have other matters to attend to. Thank you again, General."

Motaro bowed his head once more, and Kotal then departed.

Nikala walked up next to Motaro and Taurus.

"Are you sure about this, General?" She asked. "I fought in our last war against Earthrealm. As you yourself can attest… it was not exactly our greatest moment."

"No power is undefeatable," Motaro reasoned. "Damaging of a loss as the invasion was… especially for me, Shao Kahn's death served to teach us that lesson."

"But are you sure that emperor Kotal will be able to succeed where he failed?" Nikala then asked.

"The objective is not the same," Motaro argued. "Kotal does not set out to conquer Earthrealm, only to defend Outworld."

"General, with all due respect, I believe you are missing my point," Nikala countered. "I was not asking about Earthrealm falling eventually as Shao Kahn did, or of our role in this conflict."

"Then… what is your concern?" Motaro asked, though he wagered he already knew the answer.

"Are you certain that we can win?" Nikala clarified.

Motaro sighed.

"No…" he admitted. "But we have no choice now. Raiden made the first move. We are simply responding to Earthrealm's declaration of war. Even if it is a war we may lose…"

The impending war was also on Kollector's mind, but he had a far different idea in mind for dealing with it.

After making his rounds both in his official capacity as Kotal's tax collector and in giving back to the Naknadan people, while of course keeping a healthy profit for himself, he returned to the palace.

He always took a look around when entering the palace, in order to take silent amusement in Kotal's covering the place with Osh-Tekk decoration as if it was enough to hide Naknadan craftsmanship. But in his experience, Kahns were not known to give his people proper credit for their work.

Kollector continued along to the throne room, where he found Ruby coordinating with guards, hoping to prevent any further intrusion after Raiden's assault.

Once their orders were given, she turned to face the Naknadan.

"Kollector," she said dryly. "Welcome back…"

Kollector chuckled. "Glad you're so 'excited' to see me, Ruby. So, I understand that the emperor left you and the mercenary in charge while he's away. Where is the good Mr. Black?"

"Erron claims to be investigating the Flesh Pits to uncover whatever secrets Shang Tsung may have left behind about Mileena and her 'family'," Ruby explained. "Skarlet in particular has proven a formidable enemy. Personally, I believe the lapse in security that allowed for her freedom was to do with the traitor Ermac. Furthermore, I think Erron's true purpose down there is attempting to discern a cure for whatever ailment seems to be afflicting him. You have noticed it, haven't you?"

Kollector nodded."Yes, Erron has seemed… unwell as of late. You know, I actually sell cures for many ailments… including that which afflicted the late Queen Mai…."

"Don't let the Shokan hear you say that," Ruby hissed at him in an attempt at a whisper. "It'll be war."

"Are we not already facing a war?" Kollector asked. "First with Mileena, and now with Earthrealm?"

Ruby crossed her arms. "Fair enough…" She conceded. "But we can't spare to lose any allies."

"Of course not," Kollector agreed in a tone that came across more mocking than he intended, although Ruby didn't comment. "So… with Black otherwise occupied… it's really just you in charge, no?"

"That… would not be an inaccurate summation." Ruby admitted.

Kollector motioned two of his left arms to the throne. "Ever thought about sitting in it while he's away?"

"What?!" Ruby asked. "No! The throne belongs to the emperor!"

"Oh come on Ruby, even if you were caught, the emperor trusts you," Kollector reasoned. "Did you know that General Reiko used to sneak his way into Shao Kahn's quarters and try on his helmet? And because he was so loyal and effective, Shao Kahn let him do it."

"I am not General Reiko." Ruby protested.

"I'm not saying sell your soul to a blood god and a Chaosrealmer," Kollector clarified. "But are you honestly telling me that you haven't, if just for a moment, wanted to feel like you were in power? Feel like you've risen above whatever fate your people were resigned to under Shao Kahn?"

"I think you are confusing your fantasies with my own." Ruby argued.

"You know what the problem is with you 'loyal servants'? You're boring," Kollector said outright. "And here I thought you'd make for good conversation."

"Disrespectful little goblin…" Ruby grumbled.

"Who taught you to be such a follower, anyway?" Kollector continued. "I thought 'Ruby' was the name of the renegade assassin who vanished from her role as Shao Kahn's underling and even aided an Earthrealmer. I expected a warrior with at least the resolve of the late Princess Kitana. To actually meet you is… somewhat disappointing."

"Well you live up to your reputation precisely." Ruby fired back.

"Oh don't be shy, tell me how you really feel." Kollector mocked.

"You're a greedy, spineless, irritating little mongrel and an artifact of Shao Kahn's regime I advised the emperor against bringing into his." Ruby elaborated.

"You keep coming up with all the good ideas and keep getting ignored," Kollector half-sympathized half-mocked. "Do you think the emperor is simply arrogant or that he refuses to listen to you because you're a woman? Especially since you are essentially D'Vorah's replacement. After all, this is the same man who believes all Tarkatans are Mileena-loyal sycophants that need to be strictly monitored. Generalizations are the Kotal Kahn way."

"So you think because the emperor isn't here you can brazenly insult him?" Ruby asked.

"Isn't that the entire point of talking about someone behind their back?" Kollector responded.

Ruby punched Kollector in the jaw and slammed her knee into his gut. He stumbled back and was knocked down with a kick.

"Hit a nerve…" He spit out some blood. "Did I?"

"While the emperor is outside the palace, I enforce his will," Ruby declared. "Got that?"

"And what about your will?" Kollector asked. "Don't try to tell me there isn't a single shred of self-interest in you."

"Giving you a beating was my own self interest, was it not?" Ruby pointed out.

"There it is, some bite," Kollector observed. "Face it Ruby, we aren't so different. I see your eyes. The eyes of a survivor."

"My aim is to ensure the survival of Outworld." Ruby responded.

"Why?" Kollector asked. "No really, why? What have any of these people done for you? Or for me?"

"Kotal Kahn chose to give you a job. And he gave me a chance to wipe away the injustices of Shao Kahn." Ruby argued.

"And how has that been going so far, hmm?" Kollector countered. "Did you know that the vast majority of my people still live in poverty? Most of us are forced to take up the same jobs we had as slaves, only now, we get paid insultingly low wages for it. And Kotal's dear companion Reptile, what has he really done for his near-extinct people? Helped them repopulate? Helped them find one another? No! Nothing! It's no wonder Reptile left!"

"You will cease your slander right now, or I will-" Ruby started.

"What's wrong, am I forcing you to think?" Kollector mocked. "Then there's the Tarkatans."

"Who used to suffer crippling food shortages," Ruby interrupted. "And now they needn't eat people out of starvation."

"And who saw to that?" Kollector asked. "Surely not Kotal, he only saw to the execution of their leader. The Tarkatans do not starve because Mileena made sure they didn't."

"So now you side with the enemy?" Ruby questioned. "That is treason!"

"I side with myself, and if you were smart Ruby, you would too," Kollector clarified. "Which reminds me. One more question. What has Kotal done for your people? Hmm? How do the citizens of Vinpar fare now? Have you managed to restore any of those centuries of lost culture? They say Shao Kahn burned down every building in your realm and left your people to the streets. Are you doing any better?"

"We…." Ruby paused. "My people hold positions within Kotal Kahn's army."

"But how many of your people?" Kollector asked. "A thousand? Two thousand? Not enough to change the larger problem, is it?"

"I…" Ruby paused again. "When the civil war is over, we will work towards-"

"Don't give me that," Kollector interrupted. "It's not a war, stop calling it a war! Mileena makes sporadic guerilla attacks, your attention is not held by some full-scale conflict. And do you really think the 'Liberator of Realms' would attack Vinparian reconstruction sites?"

"But the war with Earthrealm-"

"Hasn't even started yet," Kollector interrupted again. "And you don't even know if Kotal will win, do you? You may have completely wasted your chance."

"I…"

Ruby kicked Kollector in the side of the head and stormed out of the room.

"Tell the emperor I'm at the balcony when I return," she told the guards. "I need some time to think."

Kollector stood up, smirking as he wiped the blood from his chin.

His plan had worked. The only person currently within the palace attentive or intelligent enough to notice what he was about to do was now out of the way.

"Talk about the emperor like that again and we'll gut you." Threatened one of the guards posted at the door.

"Don't forget that I outrank you both," Kollector warned. "Kotal gave me the ability to command troops after the tax collectors started being killed."

"Why should we continue listening to you?" Asked the other guard.

Kollector rolled his eyes as if the answer were obvious and pulled out a pouch of koins.

"Here," he said. "You never saw anything."

The guard nodded, confirming the bribe, and Kollector tossed them the pouch which they caught. He then threw a second pouch to the other guard.

The guards placated, Kollector began walking in the opposite direction. He entered a narrow hallway off the side of the throne room which had a series of smaller rooms.

One door in particular had two more guards posted to it. Both carried Black Dragon weaponry.

"Halt," ordered one of the guards. "This is the emperor's quarters."

"The emperor ordered that I make a delivery directly to his quarters," Kollector lied. "I assume he would not be pleased at having to repeat his direct order, or at my being delayed."

The guards looked at each other, and then one opened the door.

"Make it quick." They requested.

Kollector nodded and entered, closing the door behind him.

Things were going flawlessly.

Kollector began scanning the room, searching through Kotal's belongings to find…. really anything that might be of value, though only one item in particular was of a more specific interest.

And hidden in a mere drawer, Kollector found it.

The Osh-Tekk Portal Stone. An artifact of Kotal's home realm that allowed for travel amongst any realm at will. Kotal's father had bargained keeping the artifact in exchange for surrendering the Osh-Tekk realm to Shao Kahn. Upon his death, ownership of it had passed to Kotal.

Kollector smiled his toothy grin at the glowing orange gem. With this, he could go anywhere in the realms he pleased. Open up new streams of revenue, make new partnerships. But most importantly, he could escape this war that was going to engulf Outworld.

Kotal's days as a lucrative opportunity for Kollector were running out. Between Mileena and Raiden, he was done for. Outworld itself was a lost cause to the Naknadan. It was only logical to flee while he could.

And yet, as he went to grab the stone, he hesitated. Not out of any fealty to Kotal Kahn, no. The Osh-Tekk was slowly digging his own grave.

What made Kollector hesitate… was thinking of his own people. Of his brother, the only family he had. Surely the coming war would sweep up the Naknadan people too. Was it not his duty as a citizen of Naknada to ensure their safety?

Kollector shook his head. He couldn't save them all. There were just too many people. And unlike Li Mei, he lacked the connections to create a refugee camp in another realm. Besides, Raiden held no particular vendetta against the Naknadans. His war was with Kotal. Kollector figured his people were no threat to Earthrealm. Surely that fact would keep them safe.

He hoped.

Kollector grew irritated of thinking about it. He had no time for a conscience. He grabbed the Portal Stone and shoved it into his bag. He opened a second drawer to see if there was anything else he could take.

What he picked up surprised him at first. It was one of the Blood Code daggers, the so-called "Kamidogu". Kotal had used this blade to infuse himself with blood magic power. A power which allowed him to defeat Goro and kill King Gorback. A power which allowed him to survive Tanya's inferno at the Festival of the Sun.

Kollector took the dagger as well. It was invaluable, though not for himself…

Kollector had a feeling he was working on borrowed time, and decided against taking anything else. He exited Kotal's quarters, put on a smile for the guards, and began heading home.

He certainly didn't want to be around the palace any longer.

And Kollector wasn't the only one.

There were few in Outworld who had grown more sick of the palace than Erron Black.

His continued service to Kotal Kahn had over time become a considerable hindrance. Sure, his position allowed him access to the Flesh Pits, to the potential secrets that might reveal the answer to what it was that was slowly killing him. But at the same time, his attention was being continuously drawn away from that goal by the day-to-day distractions of being one of Kotal's chief enforcers: Protests, battles with the rebels, playing bodyguard to a paranoid ruler that could defeat Shokan warriors but insisted on needing him and his rusting revolvers.

When he signed up for this job, Erron had expected to be a contract mercenary, nothing more. Take out a few targets here and there, but otherwise be allowed to his own devices. But day by day he felt himself becoming more crucial to Kotal's regime. At least Kotal still paid him well, but what use was money to a dead man?

Erron had a hunch as to the real reason he was still here. Kotal wouldn't admit it, but he was sentimental in his own way. Out of Kotal's original inner circle, Erron was the only one left.

Ermac, D'Vorah, even Ferra and Torr, had all betrayed Kotal. Reptile had vanished, probably a smart decision with the way things are going now.

Erron wanted to disappear. Access to the Flesh Pits was useful, but after a year of going through books and notes and whatever else he could find, he still wasn't any closer to saving his own life.

As for the war, it was hardly his war. Even still, he knew Raiden had it out for him. He was an Earthrealmer who had defected to Outworld, of course Raiden would want him dead.

All the more reason to escape if at all possible. But where would he escape to?

Nowhere in Outworld was safe, either from the coming attack by Earthrealm and Orderrealm, or from Kotal Kahn's forces who patrolled the land trying to rout out the rebels.

And yet, the rebels stayed hidden, only showing themselves when they wanted to. And Reptile remained entirely illusive. D'Vorah had been spotted once, but escaped with the aid of some Saurian allies.

So perhaps hiding this thing out wasn't impossible. But it would be difficult. Erron knew that Kotal would return in a mere few hours, and that even if he tried to leave in the current emperor's absence, Ruby would hardly allow it.

Erron continued his search through the Flesh Pits as this new predicament weighed on his mind. Part of him hoped the secrets of Mileena's teleportation magic were down here. That would make exiting easier.

In the back of his mind, the reports of a soul stealer throughout Outworld rang in his memory. If Shang Tsung was alive, Erron could seek him out. Get his answers to why his seeming-immortality was now fading. The sorcerer had to have been in something of a helping mood if Mileena's return was any indication.

But Erron knew it wouldn't come without a cost. So he resolved to figure this out without Shang Tsung, if that were even possible.

He continued further into the Flesh Pits, passing the cells which once held Skarlet and Meat. He found the shattered cloning tubes that Mileena's newfound small army of clones must have escaped from.

Erron inspected the tubes. He wondered if he could create a clone of himself and transfer his soul to it. Being a younger man with an average Earthrealm lifespan would at least be better than being a slowly dying "immortal".

Erron shook his head. He didn't know how to make a clone. He didn't know how any of this magic worked. He'd tried piecing it together here and there, hoping to at least give himself an edge in a fight, but he still couldn't wrap his head around it.

Erron slammed his fist onto a table in frustration. He was getting nowhere. He was getting nowhere, and a war was coming that he doubted he'd survive. Certainly not in this condition. He set down his hat and moved his fingers through his increasingly grey hair. At this rate, he was expecting it to start coming out.

With every passing day, time was running out. 150 years coming to an abrupt end.

At this rate, he almost wished he'd died in the tournament and gotten it over with. But that wasn't true. There was a much simpler way of dealing with this if he didn't want to live anymore. So Erron figured that he did want to continue, and so he would.

It was just a matter of figuring out how….

For Kollector, that was a relatively easier question. As part of his agreement to work for Kotal Kahn, he had been able to secure housing for himself rather than having to live in quarters at the palace. Kollector hid many things in his home, items he had acquired over the centuries and his personal collection of wealth. It would be perfect for hiding the Portal Stone.

As for the dagger, Kollector had something else in mind…

He returned to the village of his youth and more specifically the home of his brother, who opened the door and was surprised to see Kollector with a dour expression.

Contrary to his reputation, Kollector almost looked… regretful.

"Is everything alright?" His brother asked.

"I'm leaving, brother." Kollector revealed.

"You just got here," pointed out his brother. "Please, come sit down. Tell me what's on your mind."

"Not the village," Kollector corrected. "I'm leaving Outworld."

"What?! Why?!" He asked.

"I…" Kollector stopped himself before he could explain. He knew how selfish it would sound.

"I want you to survive what's coming." Kollector said instead.

He lifted his brother's hand, opened it, and placed the Blood Code dagger in his hand.

"Take this," Kollector instructed. "It will give you the power to fight anyone who tries to hurt you."

"I don't understand…" His brother said.

"You will," Kollector warned. "You will."

While Kollector and Erron Black sought to escape from Outworld and from the coming war, there were others who saw the conflict as inescapable, and one they were better off preparing for.

One such person was none other than Queen Sheeva herself.

Change wasn't a concept Sheeva was even sure what to make of. It had brought both fortune and disaster in the past. And she feared that disaster was going to strike very soon.

Sheeva was a ruler. She'd chosen to enter the tournament which decided King Gorback's successor. She had a duty to protect her people.

And right now, all that could be done to protect them was to prepare them for what was to come.

After the Blood Code crisis, Sheeva had tried to keep the Shokan away from war. Her people were warriors born and bred, but after the loss of Kintaro….

Sheeva could not bear to see any more Shokan lives ending fighting for Kotal Kahn.

But she'd already failed. The Earthrealmer known as Scorpion had slain one of her guards while they defended Kotal from Raiden's assassination attempt.

Another crime Kotal would pay for when he was at long last overthrown.

But first came making sure there was an Outworld left for a better ruler to inherit.

This burden continued to weigh on Sheeva's mind as she walked into Kuatan, flanked on either side by Zenkaro and her surviving guard.

Silence reigned at first. Everyone knew their Queen had some form of news, but they weren't sure what it was.

Eventually, Sheeva decided she could put it aside no longer.

"People of Kuatan! Gather round!" She instructed. "I bring… troubling news!"

The Shokan did as asked, with Duroc putting himself at the front of the crowd, and Goro, having just returned from his… other commitment, lurking at the back.

Sheeva observed the crowd. Faces of concern, worry, tempered resentment. She herself could hardly blame them. She felt as they did. Perhaps that was one burden of being a ruler.

"It's alright my queen," Zenkaro said reassuringly. "They are your people, they will listen."

Sheeva took a deep breath.

"Earthrealm has made an assassination attempt against Kotal Kahn," she revealed. "This attack was spearheaded by Raiden himself. Despite what I can presume were the Thunder God's best efforts, the attack failed."

Whispers and murmurs all throughout the crowd. Duroc was clearly displeased.

"War is now imminent," Sheeva continued. "Raiden will stop at nothing to wipe out his enemies in Outworld, and for once, we find ourselves aligned in goals with Kotal."

"How?!" Asked Duroc. "You yourself have seen what that bastard has done to our people firsthand! What common ground would we ever have with him?!"

A few Shokan clearly seemed to support what Duroc was saying. Sheeva glared at him before continuing.

"I meant in the defense of Outworld against Earthrealm aggression," she clarified. "Kotal Kahn has requested that the Shokan army cooperate with his forces for this objective."

"The same army he decimated with the help of Earthrealmers?!" Duroc questioned.

"I do not relish having to fight with Kotal," Sheeva admitted. "The last time I did so cost me a dear friend… but unlike the conflict with the rebels, this is not something we can stay out of. This war will determine the fate of all of Outworld."

"No," Duroc disagreed. "This war will determine the fate of Kotal. Are you truly so blind Sheeva that you do not realize that we are being asked to defend him, and not Outworld?"

"I see just fine, Duroc," Sheeva countered. "What I saw while I was at the palace was Raiden attempting to deal with Kotal without all-out war. That option is no longer available for him or for us. Raiden will bring an army, and we must meet that army."

"Or we could save him the trouble and deal with Kotal ourselves!" Duroc argued. "Clearly he's no longer on good terms with Earthrealm, so he'll no longer have any of their doomsday weapons to use against us. We could lay siege to the palace and-"

"And what would you do when Raiden's army arrives anyway, Duroc?" Sheeva asked. "He's clearly done waiting for someone to overthrow Kotal, and why would he look at a sudden regime change as being any less of a threat to his Earthrealm? We are dealing with an enemy who knows Outworld to be one thing: a place of tyrants. And he will eliminate as many of those tyrants as he deems necessary. Whether it be Shao Kahn, Kotal Kahn, or you."

"We do not need Kotal to fend off Earthrealm." Duroc replied.

"But you need the armies of Outworld," Sheeva pointed out. "All of them. That includes the Osh-Tekk."

"You would have us fight with my father's killer," Duroc said frustratedly. "I cannot allow that."

Sheeva raised an eyebrow. "Is that a threat, Duroc?"

Suddenly, a group of Shokan came out from the crowd and surrounded Sheeva. Two subdued Zenkaro and her guard. The rest of the crowd was shocked.

"Traitors!" Zenkaro shouted.

"Queen Sheeva!" Duroc shouted. "I challenge you to single combat for the throne of the Shokan people!"

"Duroc, this is not the time for this!" Sheeva yelled back at him. "We have to be united!"

"If you'd like, you can surrender your throne to me now, and I promise you will suffer no dishonor," offered Duroc. "I'll even keep you on as a general. You do have skill with leadership Sheeva, I do not relish the thought of wasting it. But that Osh-Tekk had been allowed to live for too long. To put an end to him, I must reclaim my birthright."

"You truly believe I would not defend my throne?!" Sheeva asked.

"Fine then," Duroc decided. "The loser will receive a warrior's death."

"Should I defeat you, you are willing to die?" Sheeva questioned.

"My father was murdered, my brother is crippled," Duroc recounted. "King Gorback should have been succeeded by my mother, but as you might recall, she fell ill."

"That is why you went into seclusion," Sheeva remembered. "To care for Queen Mai."

"I watched my mother die, Sheeva," Duroc said, his powerful voice surprisingly breaking from the pain of the memory. "If I cannot avenge my family and bring the Shokan people the supremacy they deserve, I have nothing to live for."

"I don't want to do this, Duroc," Sheeva admitted. "I know your pain of loss. Perhaps not as deeply, but I know it."

"Kintaro was a proud and faithful warrior." Duroc complimented.

"Thank you." Sheeva responded.

She sighed.

"By the laws of our people, I must accept your challenge."

"Let the battle be joined." said Duroc.

Both Shokan assumed battle stances. The terms of the contest were known to both and thus left unspoken. No weapons. No assistance. No supernatural powers outside of what their dragon heritage provided them innately.

To the death.

Duroc made the first strike, leaping into the air with all four fists raised. He slammed them down as he landed, but Sheeva was able to roll out of the way before he could make contact.

Sheeva stood up and hit Duroc with a quick series of punches. Duroc stumbled back, but managed to catch Sheeva's next blow, pulling her down and slamming her into the ground with both right elbows.

Duroc raised one foot to stomp Sheeva, but she grabbed it with her lower arms and shoved Duroc back. As Duroc struggled to regain his balance, Sheeva sprung up into a kick and knocked him to the ground.

She raised all four fists to pummel the would-be usurper, but Duroc proved faster than he appeared, and punched her in the face with his upper left fist.

Sheeva staggered back and quickly found herself on the defensive, raising her arms to block a stream of flame from Duroc. It wasn't quite the kind of inferno Kintaro was capable of, but it was certainly more than a fireball. Shokan had a level of natural resistance to flame, but this didn't mean they were careless.

Duroc followed up this attack with a barrage of punches, continuing to keep Sheeva on the defensive. She saw that he was doing this. After several moments of blocking, Sheeva lowered her arms right as Duroc was going for another punch and shot a fireball from her mouth which collided with Duroc's face and staggered him back.

Duroc charged a flame stream only for Sheeva to uppercut him with her upper right fist. He responded in turn by hitting Sheeva on either side of her head with his upper arms, and then while she was dazed, punching her in the gut with his lower fists.

Sheeva's head was spinning. She could hardly concentrate and Duroc wasn't finished. His lower fists began to glow with flame, and blasted out fireballs in the shape of said fists which collided with Sheeva and knocked her to the ground.

Duroc marched over to her, confident in his victory.

"You fought well, Sheeva," he acknowledged. "But alas, your time has come to an end. As king, I will ensure that you are honored as one of Kuatan's greatest warriors. You deserve no less."

"I'm… not… finished…" said Sheeva.

"A true Shokan warrior, fighting to the last." Duroc complimented.

He raised his upper fists and brought them down on Sheeva. Unexpectedly however, Sheeva countered with a headbutt. The tactic seemed entirely illogical, until Duroc impaled his own hands on the spikes which protruded from Sheeva's head.

Duroc stepped back and examined his wounded hands. Just the opening Sheeva needed to hit him in the gut with a flaming lower left fist. Duroc quickly tried to block Sheeva's next punches, managing to do so until she leaped into the air. Sheeva slammed down on Duroc and summoned fireballs into all four hands, which she launched down at him.

Duroc tried to get up, but Sheeva kicked him in the face.

"Yield." She ordered.

"You would ask me to disgrace myself?" Duroc asked.

"No," Sheeva denied. "I'm asking you not to throw away your life."

"You know the rules of engagement here," Duroc reminded her. "You are the victor here. Finish me."

"I… I will not!" Sheeva refused. "So many of our people have been lost already, I will not take the life of one more by my own hands."

"You must kill me!" Duroc insisted. "It is the Shokan way!"

"Then our way must change!" Sheeva shouted.

That statement caused gasps from the crowd of Shokan who were observing the battle.

Sheeva clearly had more than Duroc to convince. She got off of him and turned to face her people.

"Too many of our brothers and sisters have been lost to senseless conflict!" She continued. "We can no longer afford to enter battle for its own sake! Yes, Kotal Kahn is responsible for the deaths of countless of our fellows, but it is better the devil we know if we are to survive for the future!"

The Shokan murmured amongst themselves, considering her words. Even Goro was stirred by the speech.

"We may be warriors," Sheeva acknowledged. "But are we not entitled to peace and prosperity like any other race?"

"How can you speak of peace when war is on our doorstep?" Asked one of the Shokan who followed Duroc.

"Yes, there is a war we must face," Sheeva acknowledged. "But I promise you all, this war will not be the end! Achieving the peace I wish for us all will be difficult, but so is everything worth fighting for. I have fought many battles in my life. And although Raiden may lead them against us now, there are a few lessons that Earthrealmers have taught me."

Sheeva offered Duroc her lower left hand and gave a reassuring smile.

"Such as forgiveness."

Duroc was taken aback at first. He wasn't sure what to make of the situation he now found himself in. It certainly wasn't what he had expected.

But, perhaps it was better than what he had expected. After a few moments of thought, Duroc took Sheeva's hand and allowed her to help him up.

Sensing that their attempted coup was at an end, Duroc's followers released Zenkaro and the other guard.

"You are certain that you can ensure the survival of our people, given what is to come?" Duroc asked.

"I would die a thousand times before I allow the Shokan people to fall." Sheeva promised.

"Then let us meet this war together." Duroc decided.

"That we shall," Sheeva agreed. "General Duroc."

Duroc was needless to say, surprised.

"Do you truly trust me?"

"I do," Sheeva confirmed. "At our core, you and I want the same thing. Prosperity for our people."

"Indeed." Duroc agreed.

He offered Sheeva a hand and the two shook, signaling an end to their rivalry.

"Now then," she said to the crowd. "Let us prepare! For the war that shall pave the way to our future!"

While Sheeva had, to even her own surprise, managed to kindle some spark of faith among the Shokan people that they could stave off the coming war, Karbrac held no such hopes.

He returned to Tarkata defeated. He had groveled before this tyrant so long just to ensure his people's survival. And now? The Tarkatans were thrust right into Kotal Kahn's war. And unlike the war with Mileena, this was not one they could sit out of and only take part in when it would keep Kotal placated.

This was an inescapable war, and for him, and inescapable dread. Karbrac felt as though he were sending the Tarkatan people to death, and as for himself? He felt that he had failed.

As Karbrac broke the news to the citizens of Tarkata, he took their worry and fear and anger in complete silence. He called upon the Tarkatan War Chiefs and told them to prepare Tarkata's forces for what was to come. And then he secluded himself withib his tent. He simply wanted to be left alone.

As he half-expected, that silent wish was not granted.

"What is it, Nania?" Karbrac asked as the front flap of the tent was pulled aside.

"It's me, Arakab," a Tarkatan soldier introduced himself. "Nania isn't here… that's actually what I came to speak with you about…"

"Isn't here?" Karbrac repeated, worry in his voice. "Where has she gone?"

"She would only tell me that she went to find help." Arakab answered.

Karbrac looked at the ground and sighed.

"She will seek out Mileena."

"Should we send some trackers to look for her?" Arakab asked. "Bring her home?"

"Why?!" Karbrac asked in return. "She'll be safer wherever it is Mileena's hiding then with us. We're about to enter a war I fear will mean be the end of Tarkata. It's probably better that she isn't here…"

"Don't talk like that, sir," advised Arakab. "We'll survive, we always have."

"Just…" Karbrac paused. "Give me some time to think, Arakab. Please."

Arakab nodded, pulling back the tent flap and leaving.

Despite the impending war that terrified so many of his own subjects, Kotal Kahn had decided to make a personal visit. To the domain of the Osh-Tekk, the closest he had within Outworld to home.

Upon his immediate arrival, many of the Osh-Tekk on the street burst into celebration, honored to be in the presence of their emperor. Songs and dances and using solar magic to light ceremonial torches.

Kotal could not help but smile. The rest of Outworld seemed to hate him, although they had good reason. But here, among his own people, was the only place where he truly felt welcome and appreciated.

Here, and with the Elder Gods themselves according to Damashi.

The day Damashi had arrived had changed everything.

"Who… what are you?"

"Greetings Kotal, I am Damashi. Emissary of the Elder Gods. I bring incredible news."

"What would the Elder Gods want with me?"

"They have chosen you, Kotal. To be the ruler of Outworld. This is your destiny."

"Ruler? But it is Mileena, Shao Kahn's chosen air who holds the throne!"

"That matter can be corrected. Do not fret Kotal, in addition to naming you as Outworld's… rightful ruler, the Elder Gods wish to offer you myself as an advisor."

"But why me?"

"You are a strong and powerful warrior, Kotal. Wise and unyielding. You will make Outworld… unified."

"Then first, I must overthrow Mileena. Thank you for informing me of this great honor, Damashi. I will be sure to seek your counsel in the future. Tell the Elder Gods that I will not them."

"Of course, Kotal."

Even now, Kotal could not have imagined being chosen for such a role. In the back of his mind, he hoped that everything he had properly honored his family name and lineage. Especially after the fate his father had suffered in defending Kotal's own claim to the throne.

His father's words still rang in the back of his mind. But not words of encouragement, pr approval. But of chastisement.

"You are blind to the consequences of your actions."

Kotal did admit, though usually only to himself, that he had made mistakes. Attempting to side with Shinnok. Trusting Ermac. Trusting the Black Dragon. Trusting D'Vorah. Trusting Ferra and Torr.

Was there anyone left that he could truly trust?

Well, there was one person he would always be able to trust.

Kotal approached a small cottage to the side of the Osh-Tekk city's main road. When he entered, he found an elderly female Osh-Tekk using a combination of a hole in the cieling and solar magic to cook some food.

"Grandmother?" Kotal asked.

Quickly she noticed him and diverted her attention accordingly.

"Oh! Well look who it is! My grandson, the emperor. Come in! Come in!"

Kotal nodded in acknowledgement and sat down on the nearest chair.

"Are you well?" Kotal asked.

"Oh, as well as I can be," she replied. "Just making some lunch."

"Grandmother, I wanted to visit you because… a war is coming," Kotal explained. "Not like the one I fight against Mileena. Something… bigger."

"Well, I'm sure you'll be fine," she assured, laying down a plate of food for him despite Kotal not having even asked. The portion size was also quite generous. Clearly she was used to cooking for five or more people.

"War is what you're good at it, isn't it?"

"What do you mean?" Kotal asked.

"Oh grandson, I wasn't trying to call you a warmonger," she assured. "It's just that you were a general for Shao Kahn for so long, and you've been fighting this war with that Mileena girl."

"It is not my own expertise that worries me," Kotal explained. "It is whether the whole of Outworld will be ready to face this. No one will be safe, Grandmother. I fear even for you."

"Oh, come now, I haven't been a soldier in many centuries," she reminded him. "I stopped after… well, we became part of Outworld. Losing your grandfather and your mother in the invasion was hard. That's why Ket'z wanted to make sure you turned out right, Elder Gods bless his soul."

"Do you… think that he succeeded?" Kotal asked. "That I have properly honored him?"

"I know my son, and I know he would've been proud of you," she determined. "Not that he'd show it. Pride runs deep in our family. You've made your mistakes, but overall, I think you've made your father proud."

"Thank you… Grandmother." Kotal said appreciatively.

"So, you think once this war is over you can lower my taxes?" She asked. "You are the emperor."

"I… was not aware that the rate was harmful to you." Kotal admitted.

"It's harmful to everyone," she corrected. "It's outrageous! It's no wonder your competition took advantage of people's fed-upness. Honestly Kotal, you're my grandson and I love you, but you really should get out and be amongst the people more. You can't stay cooped up in that palace."

Unfortunately, her wisdom would be lost as Kotal's mind was already focused on the sole matter of the tax campaign.

The whole thing had been a disaster. One that advantaged Mileena and put the people against him. The same people he would now need to rally together to fight in his war against Earthrealm.

Something had to be done about it. The taxes needed to end, and the people needed an outlet for their anger. Kotal needed them back on his side for the coming war.

And there was one notorious Naknadan thief who would serve as the perfect sacrificial lamb. The perfect scapegoat.

After a few hours putting together the event which would serve two purposes and pulling together a sizable crowd at the arena, it all came down to getting the "guest of honor".

When Kotal returned to the palace, he found that Kollector had already left.

Kotal already knew where the Naknadan would be, taking a small group of troops to his house.

At the time, Kollector was gathering all the belongings he believed he would need for leaving Outworld. A sizable sum of koins, various mystical items, a few items to sell, and so forth. All the while he kept the Portal Stone tightly clenched in one of his six hands, determined not to let it out of his sight.

Then there was a loud banging on his door. Kollector was immediately startled, and hid the Portal Stone in his bag. He cautiously approached the door, only for it to come down courtesy of two Osh-Tekk soldiers with large clubs.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Kollector demanded to know.

The two soldiers did not respond, moving to the side and allowing Kotal Kahn to enter the house.

"Emperor!" Kollector exclaimed in surprise.

He quickly bowed, hiding his fear as he had learned to do from centuries under Shao Kahn.

"Surely there must have been a more… civil way for you to summon me," Kollector pointed out. "Not to question your wisdom, of course."

Kotal didn't respond, instead looking around the house at all the riches Kollector had amassed.

Kollector stood up. "So, emperor, what do you require of m-"

He was cut off when Kotal grabbed him by the throat.

"I release you from the palace dungeons, allow you to serve in my empire," Kotal recounted. "Give you the authority to acquire the funds for my army… and THIS is how you repay me?! Stealing from the people of Outworld!"

"No…" Kollector choked out. "By giving back to them…. My fellow Naknadans at least. Something you would never do. I've helped many of them survive… face it Kotal… it is you who are the thief here…"

Kotal threw Kollector to the ground as he roared in rage.

"The truth hurts, doesn't it?" Kollector asked with his trademark smirk as he rubbed his neck.

"Subdue this traitor!" Kotal ordered.

The two soldiers moved forward, their clubs at the ready. They swung at Kollector, but he activated an energy shield to protect himself, just as he had when battling Takeda.

Kotal marched forward as his soldiers hammered away. He activated his blood magic and despite considerable pain putting his hand through the shield, grabbed the very charm responsible for this shield right out of Kollector's jacket pocket.

Kotal threw the magical item aside and kicked Kollector in the chest, knocking him into a wall.

Kollector tried summoning a green fireball to defend himself, but Kotal grabbed the arm materializing the projectile and snapped it like a twig. Kollector howled out in pain, only for Kotal to grab him and slam him into the wall.

The force of the impact caused Kollector's bag to break and its contents to fall out onto the floor.

Including the Portal Stone…

Kotal's eyes widened and shock then narrowed in fury at the very moment he saw it.

"If you were smart…" Kollector said, still smirking. "You'd want to get out of here too."

"That stone is the last item I have that belonged to my father…" Kotal told him.

"The very same father that died for your failure of an empire?" Kollector asked.

Kotal scowled at him. His eyes burned red with rage. His tattoos glowed to match.

"What? You're going to kill me, aren't you? No point in pretending to be loyal." Kollector reasoned.

"You will die…" Kotal confirmed. "But not here."

Kotal hit Kollector with a punch that came like a hammer and knocked him out.

When Kollector awoke, he found himself in the middle of the Arena. The stands were packed, soldiers lined the outskirts, and Kotal sat in his throne flanked on either side by Ruby and Erron Black.

"Well, at least my death will be memorable." He said to himself.

"People of Outworld!" Announced Kotal Kahn. "I have heard your pleas for justice! And I have brought you the very thief which has taken advantage of you! A thief which betrayed even my trust!"

Kotal revealed the Portal Stone.

"This priceless artifact of my people and my family lineage was very nearly stolen from me by this deceitful creature!" He continued. "And I know that he has stolen much more from you, my subjects. So let him pay for his crimes! Pay in blood!"

The crowd cheered at the thought of the one responsible for their harsh taxation getting what he deserved. Those who were fooled by Kotal's theatrics, at least.

An Osh-Tekk in a black-painted variant of their uniform skull masks approached Kollector. His tattoos were black to match, creating a skeleton-like pattern.

An executioner.

Kotal got down from his throne. Ruby handed him his large greatsword and he carried it to the executioner.

"Reth-Tiw," Kotal addressed his executioner. "I grant you the use of my personal weapon to end this criminal."

"Thank you, Emperor," Reth-Tiw responded. "It is an honor."

"What's wrong, Kotal?" Kollector asked. "Would killing me yourself damage this facade you've created of being the 'people's hero'?"

"I have no further words for you, traitor." Kotal replied.

"Good, because the last thing I want to hear before I die is your voice." Kollector said before chuckling to himself.

"I find it interesting that you would see humor in your own demise," Kotal commented. "Perhaps the rumors that you hail from Chaosrealm are true."

"Oh no no no, that's not was funny," Kollector clarified. "It's just that in my last few moments… I've really been cracking myself up thinking about how much of a failure you are."

"Even now you disrespect me." Kotal said disdainfully.

"Respect!?" Kollector started laughing. "Why should I give respect to one who deserves none!"

Kotal sneered. He clenched the hilt of his greatsword.

"Emperor?" Reth-Tiw asked.

"You really think so highly of yourself, don't you?" Kollector continued. The fact that his life was now forfeit meant he could hold nothing back. A strange form of freedom. "At least Shao Kahn could back up his arrogance!"

"Do not DARE compare me to Shao Kahn!" Kotal demanded.

"You're right, I shouldn't," Kollector agreed. "He outclassed you in every way, it'd really be unfair."

"Shao Kahn massacred and enslaved your own people!" Kotal pointed out.

"True," Kollector admitted. "But you want to know what I'll always respect about him? He was honest about it. Shao Kahn never pretended he was anything more than an engine of death. While you, Kotal. This charade you put on… it's ridiculous! You want people to believe that you're some kind of nobleman, that anything anyone in this arena thinks even matters to you. But let's face it, the only difference between you and a common warlord is that you're a better actor. You would've saved Outworld all this trouble if you went into theatre."

"I was chosen by the Elder Gods themselves to be the leader Outworld needed." Kotal argued.

"Indeed," Kollector replied. "The leader Outworld needed to wake up. You see, you're not as frightening of a tyrant as Shao Kahn was. Every day, people become less afraid of you, and when that fear is gone, so to will your throne be. That's what Shao Kahn realized that you failed to grasp. Maintain the fear, don't pretend to have their interests ar heart."

"It is my duty to represent-"

Kollector didn't even let him finish.

"Just stop!" He demanded. "Stop pretending you care about anyone but yourself! I have never, in all the centuries, meant someone so selfish yet so determined to delude themselves about it. Yes! I'm a thief! I admit it! But you, you think you're some kind of hero!"

"I am the one who has unified Outworld!" Kotal shouted.

"UNIFIED?!" Kollector repeated. "You can't even finish the civil war that you started!"

"Mileena was unfit to-"

"Are these the same lies you tell yourself to get to sleep at night?!" Kollector asked. "Or in the morning, when you're putting that ridiculous helmet on?! You can't even acknowledge a single of your own failures! You blame Mileena, or Raiden, or whoever! Even now, I stand here as your scapegoat for your failure of a tax campaign. Do you need to constantly believe that you're succeeding?! Is that all this is?! One man's never-ending struggle to convince himself?!"

"Enough of this!" Kotal demanded.

"You couldn't even convince your own father!"

Kotal hit his breaking point. He screamed a battle cry, lifted the greatsword, and cleaved off Kollector's head.

As his head fell off of his body, the Naknadan's smirk still remained, plastered to his face even as the life faded from his eyes. Kollector's body slumped forward and fell down next to his grinning head, equally lifeless.

The crowd was shocked. But none more so than Kollector's own brother, who looked on in abject horror. His eyes moved down to the Blood Code dagger in his hand, and then he left the Arena, unable to bear this any longer.

Kotal looked up at the crowd. He was done waiting.

"People of Outworld!" He shouted into the stands.

"I have an announcement to make…."