Cetrion and her sons had begun their search within Raiden's enormous Sky Temple. The now Fallen Elder God recalled how she gave Raiden the amulet she had created for whenever it was needed. That time was now.
"Mother!" Torch called out for. "I think I found it!"
"Show us!" Splash requested as he eagerly headed over to Torch who stood in a doorway leading to a dark room that was only being lit up by Torch's own body.
"That sure does look like an amulet," Geode commented as he joined his brothers.
"Calm yourselves, sons," Cetrion instructed with a softness in his tone of voice to come across as polite as she gestured for them to make room as she approached what was a podium holding her Amulet, a common choice of display Raiden would commission for all valuable artifacts in his precious and secluded Sky Temple. "That's it! and looking just like how I made it!"
"Really?" Torch asked as he was close enough to have a view of it due to needing to be nearby as a light source. "It looks… old?"
"I designed it to be this way," Cetrion commented as she smiled at the uneven mossy rock that had engravings on it with a large gem in the centre with two smaller gems beneath it with them all functioning as the power source of the enchanted Amulet, with the rock being surrounded by a single stick that was perfectly circular.
"It looks lovely, mother," Geode complimented as he stepped forward to examine the design which due to his own rocky state he was immediately a fan of it.
"Agreed," Splash chimed in.
"Thank you all," Cetrion said gratefully as she carefully removed her Amulet from the podium as he cradled it in her hands. "Now I just hope I will not have to use this on my brother."
"Oh, you won't," came a voice that Cetrion and her sons hadn't heard in millions of years. "Because I will be taking it."
"Iris?!" Cetrion was shocked by the presence of her niece.
"You remember me, auntie Cetrion?" Iris was surprised. "I assumed I had faded from your memory since you did nothing about Shao Kahn."
"You know the Elder Gods can't make such interferences," Cetrion said knowingly. "I am here in the flesh now to make amends for all the time I spent just observing."
"Well it took you long enough!" Iris raised her voice in frustration. "And how long did it take you to bring my cousins back?!"
"It's our first day back!" Splash said enthusiastically. "We missed you, Iris!"
"I missed you too," Iris said genuinely. "I can't say the same about your mother."
"I wanted to…" Cetrion tried explaining to self defense. "But the others didn't let me."
"And that is why you should have followed my father's footsteps," Iris argued.
"Well how long has he kept you from reformation?" Cetrion questioned.
"It's my first day back too," she revealed. "But at least my father cares. At least he was planning on doing something about Shao Kahn! At least he was planning on doing something about the disgusting Elder Gods!"
"Return to him, Iris," Cetrion ordered. "Tell him that there doesn't have to be any conflict. He can keep the Netherrealm… I've heard he's actually done a somewhat good job with the place… I wouldn't know because our vision of that realm is clouded though."
"I haven't had the time to see," Iris stated. "But are you suggesting that he keeps things balanced?"
"Yes."
"Of course you would," Iris said before she began to laugh hysterically. "All you Elder Gods demanded such balance… so far as to use it as an excuse for a lack of involvement. That is why my father wants the Elder Gods destroyed."
"Please be reasonable, Iris!" Cetrion pleaded. "Shinnok will listen to you! Maybe you can help convince him to steer away from some mad power trip!"
"My father will have this realm and then the rest," Iris promised confidently. "With all that power from each realm's Jinsei… he can slay the Elder Gods. Replace them with a new guard. A guard that will actually make a difference!"
"You can't say that!" Cetrion commented as she was losing hope in trying to convince her and feared that convincing her brother would be an even greater challenge. "Please stop, Iris! I cannot fight you!"
"Then don't!" Iris instructed as she summoned two bone hands to wrap around Cetrion which caused her to drop her Amulet onto the ground. "I shall just be on my way…"
"We will fight you though," Torch warned as himself, Splash and Geode all readied themselves for combat.
"Not another step forward!" Geode commanded.
"So much for you boys missing me," Iris remarked as she reluctantly prepared to fight through the Elemental Gods.
"We did," Splash assured her. "But you aren't gonna get that Amulet!"
"And you sure aren't going to lay a finger on our mother!" Torch yelled rather angrily before blasting a set of three fireballs at rapid fire pace with Iris using her bone hands to swipe the oncoming fire away with ease.
"Oh, cousin," Iris began speaking as she summoned a set of living skeletons with her bone powers to occupy Splash and Geode as she approached the fiery tempered Torch, "children like you should never play with fire."
"Do not disrespect me!" Torch yelled as he launched one more much larger fireball only for Iris to summon a second giant bone hand to flick the fire back at Torch. Although fire obviously caused no harm to the fire Elemental, the sheer power of the fireball still managed to knock him back on impact.
"Why help your mother who was too busy doing NOTHING while you remained deceased for eons?" Iris questioned as she continued approaching the Amulet that lay on the floor ahead of her. "Help my father! Help your uncle! He actually cares… to an extent."
"The man who slaughtered us and left us dead for all those eons?" Geode reminded her as he recalled the tragic event. "I'll pass."
"Then I apologise for what he will do to you again," Iris said genuinely as she bent over to retrieve the fallen Amulet before standing back up straight and staring at Cetrion. "You should really be less clumsy, auntie."
"Don't do this, Iris," Cetrion begged.
"You won't change my mind," Iris made clear to her. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have urgent business with the ruler of the Netherrealm… and soon to be ruler of this realm too."
"No!" Geode shouted for her as he took one of his massive arms made of solid rock and clobbered the obnoxious skeletons with a single swift swing which shattered everyone that got in his way into countless pieces. "Get back here!"
He managed to stomp his massive ten foot self over to the also large Iris who was examining Cetrion's Amulet without a care for the hostile God approaching her. As soon as Geode got close enough, Iris stomped on the ground. This stomp caused a skeletal hand to break through the flooring she alone stood on and raised her up higher than even Geode could reach despite his dozen feet in height.
"Buh-bye!" Iris said with a wave as she transported herself back to her father in the Netherrealm.
The sudden commotion occurring within the Sky Temple was close to the balcony where Earthrealm's defenders were waiting for Shinnok's upcoming attack. Before Raiden could give a speech after finally gathering all the help he desired, the sound caused by the Gods battling within the Sky Temple was overheard and under the fear that the invasion had begun, Raiden and his allies hurried over to discover the source of the commotion. They soon found the room that Cetrion and her sons stood in.
"What is going on here?!" Raiden asked as he stood ahead of his comrades. "Cetrion?! Is that you?!"
"Yes, Raiden," she confirmed as she approached the Thunder God with Iris' departure freeing her from the skeletal hand that had held her firmly in place mere moments ago. "Shinnok will be here soon. I have resigned my status as an Elder God and brought my sons back to life with me to help stop him from harming this realm."
"I am pleased you have heeded my words, Cetrion," Raiden said in reference to his recent confrontation with the Elder Gods where Raiden surprisingly lost his temper.
"I cannot stand by and watch any longer," Cetrion replied. "I-"
"Okay somebody has to tell me…" Tasia rudely interrupted amongst the crowd of Raiden's allies. "What the fuck is going on?!"
"Of course you'd be the first to pipe up," Sonya remarked jokingly.
"Are you forgetting that Johnny Cage is here?!" Tasia asked her.
"I've been perfectly sensible so far!" Cage joined in. "How's it feeling down there by the way?"
"Fuck off," Tasia requested.
"Stop this!" Tremor ordered. "You are wasting everybody's time with your petty remarks!"
"Cheers, bud," Tasia thanked her friend.
"Another Earth Elemental?" Geode asked as he spotted Tremor as his unique appearance and size made him stand out from the crowd of people as he, Torch, Splash and Cetrion stepped out the room to see them. "And… Fujin?!"
"It is good to see you, old friends," Fujin spoke with a smile on his face as he saw the Elemental Gods he used to work alongside with for so long.
"Fujin!" Splash said cheerfully as he tried to hug the Wind God only for his liquid state to cause him to fall through him and leave him wet. "Oops… sorry."
"It is alright, friend," Fujin said as he only smiled more.
"Good to see you again," Torch said as he greeted his old friend. "As is it good to see your brother… and those who also want to defend the realms."
"Better than dying," Jarek remarked.
"For once I agree with you, Jarek," Kabal commented as he stood at the back of the group alongside Stryker and Pedro with their upgraded protection being worn.
"Yes it is indeed good to see your faces," Raiden felt the need to say before returning to the matter at hand. "So you have collected your Amulet, Cetrion?"
"That's why you heard all that noise, Raiden," Cetrion began explaining, "we were attacked… and lost my Amulet."
"Attacked?!" Raiden was surprised. "By who?!"
"Iris," Cetrion revealed with the name being recognisable to both Raiden and Fujin.
"She stole it and vanished!" Splash recounted.
"Back to my brother," Cetrion added with disdain. "I'm sure that is a sign of their attack coming very soon…"
"Then we must make haste with contacting Outworld," Raiden concluded before turning to his allies. "Bo' Rai Cho, I know I can trust you to lead a group to Outworld. Take your students with you, along with maybe some others…"
"If we need to come back I know the direction to one of the portal systems us in the Special Forces have made," Jax explained as he offered his aid. "I can come along."
"You sure, Jax?" Sonya asked as she was concerned for her friend.
"Positive," Jax confirmed confidently.
"I'd like to see this Outworld," Suchin stepped forward.
"I haven't even seen much of it!" Kenshi protested. "It's dangerous!"
"Yeah but I also just proved to you that I'm a better swordswoman than you are a swordsman," Suchin reminded him of their brief sparring session. "Just because I'm new to this whole thing doesn't mean I can't handle myself!"
"I… suppose that is… true," Kenshi admitted. "Well I'll come with you."
"I'd like that," Suchin commented. "Can we, Mr. Raiden?"
"That will certainly be enough of a team to protect each other from any threats lurking in Outworld," Raiden concluded in confirmation of those who offered to go there. "Thank you all for your cooperation in these times."
"Of course, Lord Raiden," Liu Kang acknowledged Raiden's kind gratefulness. "I shall be happy to enter Outworld again."
"Yeah I'm sure you are if you get to see Kitana again," Kung Lao took a friendly jab as the two shared a short laugh.
"Maybe," Liu partly admitted. "But seriously, you have done so much for our realm, Lord Raiden. You deserve all the help in the world."
"Thank you," Raiden repeated sincerely once more. "Our battle will be difficult… but with our support for each other I promise that we will prevail."
"I know we will, Raiden," Bo' Rai Cho commented as he brought his good friend into a kind hug. "We are ready to leave, my friend."
"I shall see you all soon," Raiden said as the group of heroes appointed to be sent to Outworld gathered around in front of him as Raiden prepared a teleportation bolt to send them there. "Farewell."
As the small group of heroes were transported to Outworld, Iris had made her return to the Netherrealm and her father who eagerly awaited her. Iris emerged in the middle of a meeting between Shinnok and many of his key allies: Quan Chi, Belokk and Drahmin. All four were surprised by the large woman's sudden appearance in the middle of the war room.
"Ah!" Shinnok sounded delighted by seeing his daughter make her return. "Welcome back, daughter."
"Daughter?!" Quan Chi was startled by the revelation.
"Yes," Shinnok confirmed. "I have told you many great stories about her, no?"
"Why of course!" Quan Chi recalled vividly before bowing before Iris. "It is a blessing to see you alive, Princess Iris."
"You had a daughter?" Drahmin couldn't wrap his head around what he was witnessing. Nor could Moloch, judging by his confused head tilt as he rejoined his allies after imprisoning Scorpion.
"With my Elder God power," Shinnok elaborated. "She and Kharon are my finest accomplishments."
"Please, father," Iris found the compliments unnecessary. "I know you're just wondering if I retrieved aunt Cetrion's Amulet or not."
"Well…" Shinnok considered his next words but concluded it fair to ask, "did you?"
"Of course," she replied as she threw Cetrion's Amulet into Shinnok's hands. "I won't ever fail again. Not after Vaeternus…"
"I know you won't," Shinnok said confidently. "Fine work might I add."
"You're welcome," Iris replied.
"You're lucky to have such a fine parent," Belokk told Iris. "And now are we ready to begin the invasion, Lord Shinnok?"
Shinnok cracked a smile as with a single motion while wielding his Amulet, he sent the enchanted maps of Earthrealm and Outworld into smithereens.
"It is time."
Mileena's Union were busy at work on various projects around Outworld to try their very hardest to improve the realm and its current residents. The Empress herself had returned to her Fortress after a visit to the Tarkata Tribe. She was met by members of the clan that went by the name the Hail with Rain of course being their leader. Knowing that many members of his clan had betrayed Edenia and were very hesitant to arrange this meeting with Mileena made her greatly hesitant. Tanya had tried objecting to their mere presence in an emotional fit, but Daahraan took her on a walk as a distraction while the meeting could be held.
"So…" Mileena spoke after being informed of the situation by mostly Alyssa's words rather than Rain's. "You wish to redeem yourselves by joining us as we attempt to uncover Edenia's Orb?"
"Yes, Empress," Alyssa confirmed as Rain gave a slight nod. "It's not like Reiko is a better side to be a part of…"
"Reiko?!" Mileena repeated the name with audible concern. "Have you seen him lately?"
"The remaining members of the Kahn Guard have a campsite within the Valley of the Dead," she detailed while proving her compliance and helpfulness to Mileena. "Yes, they probably are planning something."
"I was sent something… concerning… earlier today," Mileena recalled the horrible box that contained a severed head and shuddered at the memory. "I assume he may already be causing harm…"
"Sorry to hear that," Alyssa apologised. "We were given a map by one of their soldiers with a marking of their camp. I'm sure that will help."
"And it proves we aren't here to be traitors," Rain added, "despite what that hysterical girl may think."
"That 'hysterical girl' is my friend!" Mileena came to the defense of Tanya. "And you haven't got the slightest idea of the struggles she's been through!"
"Empress, I'm really sorry about him," Alyssa quickly tried to defuse the situation. "I assure you that our clan can help. We will help."
"Yes…" Rain backed her words. "I should apologise…"
"You should!" Alyssa now snapped at him. "Nobody in our clan ever wanted to join Shao Kahn but we did and that was a selfish act to betray our fellow Edenians in their time of need!"
"We all end up making mistakes when we are at our lows," spoke Sindel as she suddenly entered the room. "It's the feeling of desperation to escape something you fear by whatever extreme measure…"
"When you feel like all hope is lost…" Alyssa added with a saddened tone.
"You understand," Sindel said before turning to Mileena. "Daughter? You called for me?"
"I did, mother," Mileena confirmed. "I wanted a true Edenian to make a judgement of whether we accept this clan into our Union or not."
"Firstly, you are a true Edenian," Sindel told her beloved daughter. "Secondly, after overhearing what that young lady just spoke of, I think they are worthy."
"Thank you, Queen Sindel," Alyssa said gratefully as she stood up and bowed in her presence and nudged Rain into doing the same.
"Thank you," Rain finally said the two words. "Thank you to both of you."
"Thanks for the information regarding Reiko," Mileena shared her own gratitude. "You are all free to leave."
Rain and Alyssa bowed before heading outside the meeting room to discuss how it went and to express their joy about their newfound alliance. Sindel stayed for a while as she had news to deliver to her daughter.
"I have finished casting a spell for a portal between here and Zaterra," Sindel informed her.
"Excellent!" Mileena cheered. "I ordered reinforcements to be arranged, please can you find them and Chameleon and direct them to the portal?"
"Of course, sweetie," Sindel said before immediately heading out the room to accomplish her task but stopped as she saw 'Emily' leant against the wall by the doorway. "Oh! Hello, Emily!"
"Greetings, Sindel," she replied. "I was… just going to check about those new guys in purple."
"They're new allies," Sindel assured her. "Do not worry, friend."
"I won't," she promised as her face blushed a bit from the title of being a friend that she was so unused to but one she deep down appreciated. "I've got to go. See you around… friend."
"As must I," Sindel replied. "Farewell for now."
The two went their separate ways. Sindel headed off to complete her task, and the woman who was a Shadow Priest in disguise headed off to a safe spot to create a portal to Reiko's campsite to warn her allies under her real identity as Talon.
Heading towards Mileena's Fortress was the team of Earthrealm allies that Raiden had sent to make contact with their allies down in Outworld. Raiden had transported his defenders outside Sabre City where they soon headed through the impressively built city and up the tall mountain to the Empress' home.
"I sure hope we don't see too many Tarkatans or Naknadans," Kung Lao remarked as they got near the Fortress on their journey with Lao recalling the tales that his younger cousin Kung Jin had told him about when the Shaolin were attacked during his and Liu Kang's absence.
"No species here in Outworld is inherently evil," Bo' Rai Cho clarified reassuringly. "At least not during my time in this realm."
"I'm sure those here shall be friendly," Liu Kang gave his own views. "Besides, the amount you slayed during their invasion, Lao? I think that evens things out."
"Self defense," Lao remarked.
"If they're friendly then I'd like to take pictures," Suchin commented.
"We have an important job to do, Suchin," Kenshi reminded her. "Try to stay focused."
"Right," Suchin understood. "Sorry."
"So, Master Bo'," Kung Lao called for. "How was Outworld back in your day?"
"It has always looked like this mess of worlds since my birth," Bo' Rai Cho described. "I trust that this Empress Mileena is striving for a better environment. It's a mess in the first place thanks to Shao Kahn."
"What did he do?" Suchin asked with curiosity regarding this new world she had been exposed to.
"Merge innocent realms into this one," Bo' Rai Cho answered. "And as for the majority of the landscape being shrouded in purple? Most say Shao Kahn absorbed most of the Jinsei essence here in Outworld upon becoming Emperor. He left enough for his subjects to survive, but all the nature? Gone."
"The Jinsei is what we're fighting to protect right?" Suchin sought further clarification. "And that is… awful."
"Indeed," Bo' Rai Cho replied both in agreement of Suchin's latter comment and in confirmation of her question. "Anyway, although I have not seen any changes in the environment just yet, I saw many more happier faces. The fall of Shao Kahn is a tremendous occasion for all realms, especially for the one he ruled with an iron fist for so long."
"I can imagine," Liu Kang spoke. "I sure hope our new Outworld allies are well."
"Especially Kitana right?" Lao continued teasing his friend.
"Ooh a lady friend, Liu?" Bo' Rai Cho asked. "I'm surprised that neither of you two had fallen for someone amongst your fellow Shaolin."
"You already know the boy I fell for," Apep remarked as he was listening in on the conversation of his allies quietly.
Bo' Rai Cho cracked a laugh. "Yes," he confirmed, "I assure you we all noticed."
"I met her at the tournament," Liu Kang explained. "We haven't talked much, but it's been magical when we have."
"That's wonderful!" Bo' Rai Cho commented cheerfully. "Feel free to ask your old mentor if you ever need some advice."
"You've been in love before, Master Bo'?" Liu Kang asked in a surprised tone.
"Well love is a beautiful thing, but it's not for me," Bo' Rai Cho stated. "I just think I can share a few ideas with you."
"Maybe later," Liu decided. "We've got more important things right now than my love life."
"Thank the Elder Gods you are humble," Bo' Rai Cho praised. "If Kung Lao had a crush then he would be unable to shut up."
"Hey!" Lao yelled. "Let's focus on our task."
"Oh, you want to be on task?" Bo' continued joking. "How rare for you."
"Do you prefer here or Earth, mister?" Suchin asked the drunken master which by consequence diverted the subject once again and spared Kung Lao from more embarrassment.
"As of current circumstances I must say I prefer Earthrealm," Bo' Rai Cho answered truthfully, "though only thanks to the harm caused to this realm by Shao Kahn… though Outworld does have better food so it's a tough decision."
"What food do you have here?" Suchin continued questioning, her curiosity boundless.
"Well not much that would appeal to any vegetarians," Bo' Rai Cho revealed. "There is a lack of nature in general as I said. All thanks to Kahn's greed when he stripped this realm from most of its life. One good thing about the mergers is that it has brought some much needed life back to this realm, including plants."
"Very interesting," Suchin praised. "Thank you for sharing."
"Of course," Bo' Rai Cho responded. "Thanks for joining me on this trip here. Especially you, Mr. Briggs. I'm sure this portal system of yours shall be of aid."
"Anything to help people," Jax commented. "You're welcome, man."
"Been a while since somebody has called me 'man' without slapping 'old' in front of it," Bo' Rai Cho joked with his positive energy emitting strongly on his company. "You folks shouldn't worry about Shinnok. We will stop him and Earthrealm and Outworld can finally rest in peaceful harmony."
"I sure hope so," Liu commented. "Touching words by the way, Master Bo' Rai Cho."
"Thank you," Bo' Rai Cho said as the group finally reached the stone bridge leading to the giant Fortress. "We're finally here, team."
The group of allies stood before the tall yet welcoming set of doors to the Fortress that were left open to all visitors to provide whatever support those at the structure could give. They soon walked inside where they were met by a newly decorated courtyard that had a beautiful red carpet rolled in the centre pathway that had replaced the savage deathtraps that posed threat to even those in the Kahn Guard just trying to get around their workplace. To the sides of the carpet coated pathway were lovely sightings of growing plants and trees in a luscious sight of green, a rarity in Outworld as Bo' Rai Cho had explained why just moments ago.
They continued walking until they soon reached the next set of doors, these ones leading into the indoor area of the massive structure itself. Once again the entrance was unlocked and wide open for visitors, this time somebody stood to greet those who came by and guard the place from those unwelcome. Much to Liu Kang's joy, Kitana happened to be doing such duty at such time after insisting on doing so while her sister handled her important meetings. Mileena's guests for her next meeting were the Shokan, which Goro had just arrived with Kintaro by his side as extra muscle.
"So how are you both doing today?" Kitana asked the Shokan visitors.
"I am well, Princess," Goro replied respectfully.
"As am I," Kintaro gave his own answer. "However, an incident occured in our city last night…"
"Yes," Goro confirmed, "Motaro was freed from our prison."
"By who?" Kitana questioned.
"We do not know yet," Kintaro stated. "Probably Centaur scum."
"You and the Centaurs should really make peace," Kitana advised.
"It's too late for that," Kintaro argued.
"It's never too late," Kitana countered. "I just hope this doesn't lead to the Centaurians becoming enemies of the Empress."
"Well we have a strong search time on the lookout for him as we speak," Goro said with confidence in those on the lookout for Motaro and his allies. "They are being led by Sheeva. I'm sure you're already aware of her expert leadership skills."
"When she was in charge of the Cobalt Mines, yes," Kitana recalled vividly.
"Sheeva has apologised profusely for those innocents kept captive in there," Goro further informed her. "Shao Kahn had made such demands for us Shokan to be in control of such a thing and my father chose Sheeva to manage it."
"I know others would've made it much stricter," Kitana believed. "All is forgiven, from me at least. I cannot say the same for those who were kept there for many years."
"I understand," Goro said as he gave a bow of respect to his friend.
"Speaking of many years," came the voice of Kung Lao as he power walked ahead of his allies as they approached the three Outworld residents. "I still haven't forgotten what you did to my ancestor five hundred years ago."
"Neither have I," Goro clarified. "Back then I was… less experienced. Due to the traditions of my people and the teachings of Shang Tsung who was my mentor at that time, I had the misinterpretation that a warrior's death was a better fate than being spared."
"Seriously?!" Lao was becoming more angry. "You seriously believed that your opponents wanted death for the rest of their lives?! The lives which you ended too soon!"
"I know!" Goro raised his voice, drowning out Kung Lao's interruptions. "Overtime I finally realised that these great warriors didn't deserve death, but a respectful mercy. In my last victory I granted such to a fighter named Shen."
"Master Shen?!" Kung Lao was shocked to hear.
"He was Shaolin," Goro recalled. "So if you know of a man with such a name then he must have been the warrior I faced."
"But what of those threats you made to Liu during your battle?" Lao recalled as he had watched the epic encounter through one of the cells in Goro's Lair.
"Oh that?" Goro suddenly snickered a slight bit, "those were mere intimidation tactics. I apologise if such words offended you humans."
"It's quite alright, Goro," Liu Kang spoke as he joined the conversation. "Besides, we had an incredible fight."
"Yes we did," Goro admitted. "And Kung Lao, I truly apologise for what I did to your ancestor."
"Never thought I'd be saying this but… I forgive you," Kung Lao said as the two shook hands as a sign of peace, similar to the gesture Goro granted Liu Kang during their last encounter.
"Can you just care to explain why the Hell you let me be a prisoner in your own 'lair'," Jax questioned as Goro was not free from quarrels yet. "And then you attacked Sonya!"
"Shang Tsung informed me that you were an intruder on the island," Goro recalled in what was one of his final talks with his former mentor. "I made the decision to leave you there… The same applies to you, Kung Lao. I once again apologise."
"Forgiven," Kung Lao stated.
"Yeah I ain't got any wants for more enemies if we now have similar purposes," Jax explained while also expressing that he accepted Goro's apology. "For the Champion of Mortal Kombat and a Shokan Prince, that place sure didn't feel fitting for you."
"I suppose that sorcerer just saw me as a beast…" Goro began realising. "Not his prized student. Not his friend. His pet."
"Damn," Jax commented. "I'm sorry, man, that sucks hard."
"It is all in the past now," Goro pointed out. "It is good that we could come to these terms of peace, Earthrealmers."
"Well now that's been resolved," Liu spoke with a smile as he looked past the two hulking Shokan. "Greetings, Kitana."
"Liu Kang," Kitana acknowledged his presence as her face lit up with happiness. "I have missed you."
"I've missed you more," Liu replied as the two hugged to celebrate their reunion.
"What brings you and your fellow Earthrealmers here?" Kitana questioned as their embrace eventually concluded.
"My teacher here is actually of Outworld origins," Liu Kang informed her with Bo' Rai Cho waving to identify himself. "But we are here due to an emergency. There is a new threat to the realms and we assume it extends beyond just Earthrealm."
"Oh please no…" Kitana was already haunted by the thought of another invasion so soon after Shao Kahn's attack on Earthrealm. "Who is behind this?"
"Shinnok," Liu Kang revealed. "Ruler of the Netherrealm."
"Then we must get ready," Kitana decided. "Goro and Kintaro, please go ahead for your meeting with the Empress. I shall inform her of this threat once I am informed of the details."
"Understood," Kintaro commented. "Come along, my friend."
"Thank you, Princess Kitana," Goro thanked before following his fellow Shokan companion into the building.
The Shokan duo soon found themselves in their arranged private meeting with Empress Mileena which turned out to be very successful. As intended, the two parties had mutually agreed on an alliance with Empress Mileena promising that the Shokan would still be in prosperous positions just now that all the other races of Outworld had the same privilege.
"I am glad this meeting was so successful," Goro commented after a handshake with the Empress.
"And I'm glad that you're both glad," Mileena stated as she handed Goro a signed scroll. "And I'm even more pleased to officially declare the Shokan as a valued part of my Union."
"We feel very welcome, Empress," Kintaro stated. "Our fellow Shokan will be overjoyed."
"They shall be," Goro agreed. "We shall get going but you have Earthrealm visitors. They mentioned a threat from the Netherrealm I believe."
"This could connect to an incident ongoing in Zaterra," Mileena quickly connected the dots. "I shall see them now."
"We can remain here if you require the Shokan's aid," Goro offered.
"I may," Mileena considered. "Thank you for the offer, Prince Goro."
"Anytime, Empress," Goro said as he and Kintaro both bowed to her. "We shall wait."
"Thank you," Mileena said as she exited the room and headed over the entrance of the Fortress where she assumed the apparent Earthrealm warriors would be located by. She was correct and soon found them communicating with her sister Kitana, who had just been informed of Shinnok and his forces and their plans to corrupt Earthrealm and presumably other realms by extension.
After greeting Outworld's visitors, Kitana then passed down what he had been told to Mileena and the two now held the same level of knowledge as those subjected to Jarek and Tasia's revelation all thanks to Daegon talking too much.
"What do you suggest we do, sister?" Kitana asked as the news sunk into both sisters.
"Gather what allies we can and send them to guard our Jinsei Chamber," Mileena decided.
"The Jinsei Chamber?" Baraka asked as he approached the group. "What is going on, love?"
"Earthrealm's Jinsei is a target of the Netherrealm," Mileena briefly summarised. "We assume Outworld is at risk too, and that this must link to the attack on Zaterra."
"Shall I return to our fellow Tarkatans?" Baraka asked.
"I can return to our city in Kuatan," Kintaro offered as he and Goro decided to join the group also.
"Thank you all," Mileena said with eternal gratitude to her loyal allies. "Please request whatever aid you can gather."
"Will do," Kintaro promised before waving to Goro and bowing to the Empress once more before departing.
"I shall be as fast as possible," Baraka stated as he too went to leave with Kintaro only for Kung Lao to block his way with an arm. "Excuse me?!"
"You're the leader of the Tarkatans, yes?" Lao asked.
"Not now, Lao," Bo' Rai Cho muttered to his pupil.
"I just have this question!" he yelled as not all his quarrels with those in Outworld had been resolved yet.
"I am," Baraka confirmed. "Why do you ask?"
"Your people were involved in an attack on my people!" Kung Lao yelled as his temper once again became lost. "Along with those Naknadans they attacked the Wu Shi Academy! Killed Master Mekko!"
"And you're the human with a hat that beheaded several of my men!" Baraka countered.
"Do not deflect the blame on me!" Kung Lao advised as he put his hands on the Tarkatan only for him to begin growling. "I was defending my realm! What were you doing when you chose to lead your people into an innocent place of peace to slaughter countless good people?!"
"I did not lead such needless attacks!" Baraka defended himself. "I too was angry about this attack. The Tarkatans in my absence were once again manipulated by Shao Kahn, the bastard who has abused my people's lack of smarts that has come as a result of constant oppression and neglect!
"Oh sure, that totally defends the innocents who died!" Kung Lao showed a lack of sympathy towards the Tarkatans' own struggles thanks to Shao Kahn and remained just as furious as before. "A group of them even attempted to slay children! Said children include my fantastic cousin! He told me that they would've been murdered were it not for Master Mekko's brave sacrifice!"
"Poor Mekko," Apep commented with sadness in his voice. "To think when we were just kids he was the town bully…"
"He grew greatly," Bo' Rai Cho added. "He is sorely missed."
"I apologise for the casualties," Baraka said sincerely. "I apologise especially for the loss of this Mekko. He died while protecting his people… I hope I can do the same."
"You've got plenty of years left, my love," Mileena assured him. "And you have the condolences from us all too. If there is anything I can give to you Shaolin Monks to somewhat pay for such a tragic event then do not hesitate to ask."
"There is nothing you can do to help, Empress," Apep told her.
"Do something about those Tarkatan savages," Kung Lao suggested.
"They meant no harm in this attack, I swear!" Baraka yelled defensively. "You should blame the leader of the attack instead… which wasn't me!"
"Then who was it?!"
"A Naknadan who goes by the name of Kollector," Baraka detailed informatively.
"Am I supposed to know who that is?!"
"I believe we encountered him during the invasion," Liu Kang recalled. "The one in charge of that army."
"A greedy and corrupt leader of the Naknadan people," Baraka began describing the villain. "And on top of that, a Shao Kahn loyalist just because he supports his personal gain."
"Where is he?!"
"I wish I knew," Baraka commented. "I too wouldn't mind flaying him."
"I will find him," Kung Lao promised. "Now get your people in order, Baraka."
"I am!" Baraka shouted, having been disrespected greatly. "Mileena, my love and Outworlds greatest ruler, shall aid in providing us Tarkatans with the essentials we need."
"Good," was all Kung Lao thought to comment on.
"Perhaps you should walk a day in the boots of an Outworld resident to understand what our struggles are like," Baraka advised. "And never generalise our whole race!"
"Fine… perhaps I overreacted," Kung Lao admitted. "I apologise."
"And I apologise again for the incident at your academy," Baraka repeated his apology. "I trust we can move forward as allies."
"Yeah," Lao agreed. "I suppose we can."
"Fantastic," Baraka commented as he offered Lao a hand which the Shaolin Monk accepted and the two had a handshake. "I am glad this is the outcome we have come to. Peace, not more needless violence."
"I agree with you once more," Baraka's new ally stated. "I hope all realms can be brought to peace somehow… eventually."
"Anything you have to say to me?" Jax asked as he crossed his metal arms and stood before the Tarkatans leader.
"Yes, Jackson Briggs," Baraka confirmed as he recalled the man's name from what the announcer at the Coliseum had called him. "I am sorry about your arms. It is good to see you have received enhancements in replacement. I can relate…"
"How?!" Jax asked only for Baraka to reveal his now metal arm blades. "Ohhh… I see."
"I know it is much less compared to what I did to you," Baraka spoke with an understanding and sophistication that the Earthrealmers never expected from a Tarkatan, "but it made me somewhat relate to your pain. I once again am deeply sorry."
"Like Lao, I forgive you too," Jax said as the two gave each other a nod of respect.
"Thank you all," Mileena said as she finally spoke having been a part of the viewing audience. "We all strive for redemption for whatever acts our unwanted involvement with the Kahn Guard has produced, Kung Lao. Your kind forgiveness is greatly appreciated."
"Are you finished venting now, Kung Lao?" Bo' Rai Cho asked.
"I am," he answered. "I'll stop getting in the way of things now."
"That is great to hear," Bo' Rai Cho stated. "We must now help our Outworld allies. Empress Mileena, would you like us to help spread word of Shinnok's planned attack to your subjects?"
"Help would be appreciated," Mileena confirmed. "The Tarkatans and Shokan shall receive the news thanks to Baraka and Kintaro respectively. However, it would be excellent if we could send word to the Osh-Tekk, Kytinn, Vampires, our construct friends and the brave souls in Sun Do."
"You guys could really do with some cell phones," Jax said jokingly.
"Is that Earthrealm technology?" Mileena asked.
"Well that's one way of putting it," he answered.
"Wait!" Bo' Rai Cho suddenly spoke as he processed something. "Did you say Sun Do?!"
"I did," she confirmed. "It is a great village with a brave Chieftess."
"I am familiar with the place and it's leader," Bo' Rai Cho clarified.
"You know Li Mei?"
"The Chieftess' daughter?" Bo' Rai Cho recalled. "I do indeed."
"Oh… you don't know…" Mileena realised the misunderstanding at hand. "Her mother was slain a few months ago. Her daughter is the new Chieftess."
"That is awful…" Bo' Rai Cho commented as he processed the loss of his old friend with tears welling up in his eyes as he recalled fond memories from long ago when he lived in Outworld. "I hope that she can rest in peace."
The group stood in silence for a few moments as Liu Kang approached his teacher and placed a hand on his shoulder to comfort him as he was clearly upset at the news.
"I apologise," Bo' Rai Cho said as he wiped some tears from his eyes. "We do not need our preparations postponed any longer."
"You have nothing to apologise for," Mileena assured him.
"I remember this city as I remember the directions to Sun Do," Bo' Rai Cho stated as his memory of his homerealm was excellent. "I shall go there."
"Thank you," Mileena replied. "Now what shall we do about the-"
Mileena was about to mention the city known as Z'unkahrah where the Osh-Tekk resided along with the remaining six Kytinn. The city was located in the Cyan Cliffs of Outworld, land of the realm of Osh-Tekk that had been carried over when their realm was merged into Outworld thanks to Shao Kahn's conquest. She paused as she coincidentally spotted a female Osh-Tekk messenger approaching them.
"Greetings, Empress," she spoked. "I am Cualli. Kotal Ketz's greatest messenger. I have letters written by Ketz himself."
"Thank you, Cualli," she said as she accepted the kind letters. "We actually were just discussing matters that could require the help of your great people. Please stay here for a moment while I prepare a letter of my own…"
As fast as possible, Mileena wrote a letter detailing the threat of the Netherrealm to Kotal Ketz before signing it, putting it in an envelope, and was heading back to Cualli to pass it along to her boss. During the journey back to the kind Osh-Tekk messenger, she had encountered a certain Vampire volunteering to help out with the Fortress' redecorating.
"Nitara?!" Mileena asked as she spotted the Vampire carrying various items for decorating the Fortress along with other Tarkatan and Outworlder allies who had been offering plenty of aid for matters all around Sabar City with the Tarkata Tribe being close outside the city walls.
"Hello, Empress!" Nitara greeted chipperly. "How are things?"
"Sorry but I'm in a rush," Mileena clarified before explaining the situation. "I will explain once they're gathered but you had a group of Vampire rebellions right?"
"We live in the Black Pines," Nitara informed her. "I'm just here to help out, the least I can do for your aid in restoring Vaeternus. I'll be returning to them in a bit to continue planning to search for the orb."
"Do you know the location of Outworld's Jinsei?" Mileena asked what was a rather oddly specific question.
"On the island to the east of Z'unkahrah and just north of the Sea of Ice?" Nitara tried to recall with Mileena nodding to confirm that was correct. "Yeah we've flown past it a few times while searching for the orb, did some research and learnt it was Outworld's life force… chose not to disturb it as a result."
"I figured you Vampires would have found it by now," Mileena said in reference to their wings and hunt for the orb to restore Vaeternus, which Mileena had been meaning to ask how they knew of the orbs but realised this was not the time. "Could you please take any of your kind to go there if they are willing to do so? Oh! And there is a village near there too it-"
"It's where Skarlet lives," Nitara finished her sentence. "I know. I spotted those unique creations constructing a village outside our forest. Came by and said hello. I'm going to be helping Skarlet build her house starting tomorrow."
"That's lovely of you," Mileena complimented. "But there may not be a tomorrow if I do not get the aid I need. There are at least three people there I could use the services of: Ermac, Meat and-"
"Skarlet?" she interrupted.
"Yes, Skarlet too," Mileena confirmed much to Nitara's joy.
"Will do," Nitara replied. "Let me just move this stuff around and I'll gather whoever I can."
"Thank you," Mileena said with a smile on her face with Nitara smiling back warmly as her right eye gleamed in the torch-lit corridor, her left being shrouded behind a crimson bandana she wore. The two waved goodbye as they both returned to their work... preparing for the inevitable war.
Nitara handed the tools she had been carrying to the Fortress decorators before flapping her wings and taking to the air before soaring outside and flying as fast as she could to the village belonging to the creations of the Flesh Pits directly outside the Black Pines. She spotted the red haired and armoured blood construct who was of course named Skarlet. She was holding a blueprint of sorts and was directing traffic as the Chieftess of the new village.
"Hey!" Nitara greeted her as she made her landing. "How's it going?"
"Oh!" Skarlet shrieked after being startled by the Vampires sudden appearance. "H-hi, Nitara! Y-you startled me…"
"I was a bit eager with the landing," she admitted. "Apologies."
"It's fine," Skarlet assured her good ally. "Why are you here? I thought you were helping tomorrow."
"Oh I still am!" Nitara confirmed. "I'm just here today because I had an urgent message from Empress Mileena."
"Wh-what is it?"
"I don't know," Nitara confessed. "Mileena said she'd explain later but right now all I know is she wants you, Ermac and somebody named… Meat?"
"That's me," the flesh construct introduced himself as Nitara spun around to face the bizarre being. "Pleasure to meet you," he said as he stretched a fleshy red arm forth to offer a handshake.
"Charmed," Nitara commented as she shook the bloodied hand. "My name's Nitara."
"Nice to meet you," Meat said as they concluded their handshake which revealed a decent amount of blood that had gotten all over Nitara's hand. He facepalmed and said, "oops! I am so sorry, Nitara!"
"It's fine, Meat," she reassured him. "I should be thanking you! I'm quite peckish…"
"What do you me-" Meat's query was cut off as he watched the surprising sight of Nitara licking the blood clean off her own hand.
"What?" Nitara asked after licking her lips from the tasty blood. "I'm a Vampire. We do these things!"
"Don't eat me please!" Meat pleaded, his lack of awareness and knowledge regarding the outside world he was now free to live clearly showing through his sudden fright.
"I won't," Nitara promised before breaking down into laughter. "We have more humane sources of blood."
"Well that's good," Skarlet praised after chuckling a bit herself. "I am a literal being made of different warriors' blood… or so I'm told."
"Ah you'd be an exception," a smile stretched across Nitara's face while she spoke, "I would gladly suck... um… nevermind. Sorry, I'm just messing about."
"You're certainly fun, Nitara," Skarlet complimented. "I shall fetch Ermac and we'll go see the Empress."
"Be quick," Nitara instructed. "I myself must go and meet with my fellow Vampires."
"Bye!" Skarlet said kindly with Nitara waving as Skarlet headed off to locate her soul construct friend with Nitara soon flying through the pine forest moments after watching Skarlet walking from behind.
She weaved between the tall yet slim trees as she soared over to the cave where her fellow Vampires had been residing in concealment from those in the Kahn Guard, which they thankfully no longer had to fear. Her flight was soon interrupted by some blood suddenly being spat out of nowhere which caught Nitara off guard as slapped against her cheek.
"Who did that?!" Nitara asked aloud as she examined the forest while licking the blood off of her cheek that her tongue was able to reach.
"Sister," Azaco greeted as he spread his wings out and glided down from a dark coloured tree branch that embodied the meaning of the forest being named the Black Pines.
"Care to explain what you were doing up there?" Nitara queried as Azaco made his own landing.
"Just looking around the place," Azaco explained. "It's nice not to be afraid to be around Outworld… but I've also realised it's been forever since I've looked around our home forest too."
"I understand," Nitara claimed. "Being trapped in that awful prison while being forced to mine must've been awful for you all. Thanks for saving me from having to share that experience, brother."
"In turn you saved us all," Azaco pointed out, which proved that they were even. "I also know you will be the one to save our realm too."
"I assure you I will get back to working on finding that orb as soon as possible," Nitara promised him. "With the help of the new Empress, I am certain we will restore Vaternus in no time."
"I sure hope so," Azaco said as that feeling of hopefulness burned brightly in the souls of all the Vampires. "But I get you have other things to do… like that red haired woman."
"Hey!" Nitara gave her brother a light punch at the arm. "She's really nice!"
"I'm sure she is," Azaco trusted his sister's judgement. "I wasn't good at showing it before, but I am happy for you if you have found somebody you love."
"Wow, what's put you in a good mood for once?"
"Everything," Azaco stated before detailing the specific list, "Shao Kahn's dead, our new ruler isn't a tyrant and wants to help this realm and our homerealm!"
"Yeah," Nitara agreed. "It's great."
"So what are you doing back here?" Azaco asked his own question.
"I need the help of the other Vampires," Nitara informed her brother. "Remember that island with the thing called the Jinsei? Empress Mileena wants us to go there."
"Why?"
"I don't know yet," Nitara admitted. "But she saved Zaterra! She will help save Vaeternus soon too! We can trust her."
"Fine," Azaco admitted that supporting the new ruler would be a good move. "So what now?"
"Gather the others," she instructed.
"And how exactly?"
"I don't know!" Nitara responded snappily. "Call for them to come to the cave and give a speech or something!"
"You were tasked with gathering them," he pointed out as they argued, "you do it!"
"No!" Nitara refused bluntly. "I'm terrible with speeches. Look, I'll gather whoever else is nearby but you'll be giving a speech if they are hesitant. Okay?"
"Deal," Azaco said as the two shook on it. "Let's get to work."
Meanwhile, in the tribe of Tarkata that stood quite close outside the city walls of Sabar City, Baraka had returned to his people and hastily arranged a gathering of Tarkatan soldiers thanks to the help of his ever so loyal and reliant best friend: Karbrac. In the span of ten minutes Baraka was now standing on a makeshift stage with all his fellow tribe members surrounding him as he stood tall. He hadn't written a speech but knew what he wanted to say in his native language to all his followers.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Baraka spoke loudly as he greeted his people. "Our Empress needs our help!"
The other Tarkatans listened quietly as Baraka described the threat of the Netherrealm and that it was seeming likely that it's ruler would soon unleash an attack on their realm.
"So in order to prevent the oncoming attack, we will have to unite with the others in Mileena's Union," Baraka informed them in an orderly way. "Help me like you always do, fellow Tarkatans, help our Tarkatan Empress too! Who is with me?!"
The crowd of Tarkatans in unison gave roaring cheers of approval and support after Baraka's words, they were forever loyal to their intelligent leader as well as their great Empress.
"I knew I could count on you all," Baraka said confidently. "Get prepared as soon as possible and I will lead us to the gathering with our other allies."
"Excellent speech, Baraka," Karbrac praised in his native language as most of the Tarkatans dispersed throughout the tribal grounds to get ready. "It really moved me."
"Yes," agreed Korhau, Karbrac's significant other. "You have the aid of us all."
"Always," Karbrac promised.
"To the end," Korhau added.
"Thank you both," Baraka said in response to the loyal gestures shown by the couple. "I hope you have been enjoying the reformations that have already been made."
"We have!" Korhau confirmed enthusiastically as he wrapped his arm around his boyfriend."We took a language lesson today. Didn't we, love?"
"We did," Karbrac said as he brought one of his own arms around his beloved. "It was great!"
"You'll have to show me what you've learnt sometime," Baraka commented. "Now let's get back to what we're best at."
"And what's that?" Korhau asked.
"Combat!" Karbrac and Baraka answered in unison.
"We'll destroy these invaders," Baraka assured the couple. "Just follow my lead."
"Of course," Karbrac said as he and Korhau were ready to get ready for the upcoming battle. "Come along, love."
The two bid farewell to Baraka before heading off to their hut to gear up, with Baraka doing the same, going a separate direction to do the very same.
Meanwhile in Kuatan City, Kintaro burst into the palace of King Gorbak and Queen Mai and had urgently requested the attention of the Shokan monarchs. He was soon brought into their throne room where the two stood before him.
"Why such haste, Kintaro?" Gorbak questioned.
"Is everything alright?" Mai shared her own question as she expressed her concern.
"The Empress requires our warriors," Kintaro announced while kneeling in the presence of his King and Queen.
"Why?!" Gorbak continued pressing questions to the Tigrar Shokan. "Didn't you and Goro only just make a treaty with her? And she immediately wants to use us?!"
"It is merely coincidental, my liege," Kintaro clarified. "Earthrealmer allies arrived to warn us of the threat of Netherrealmers."
"The Netherrealm threatens our realm?!" Gorbak scoffed.
"This is bad…" Mai commented as the thought of the threat already struck fear in her. "What is the Empress plotting? And what is the Netherrealm plotting?!"
"An attack on Outworld's Jinsei," Kintaro detailed to properly explain to the two monarchs. "I do not know why they wish to attempt this attack but it could lead to Outworld now being at the threat of a conquest."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Mai asked rhetorically. "Send the finest men and women we have to the Empress!"
"My beloved is right," Gorbak agreed. "We must help prepare!"
"Prepare for what?" spoke the voice of Sheeva as she had just entered the throne room and took a kneel beside Kintaro. "I apologise to you both but we have detected no trace of Motaro or his allies."
"Dammit!" Gorbak cursed out of frustration.
"We'll deal with him later," Mai decided. "Right now you and your fellow guards are needed by the Empress."
"Why?" Sheeva was surprised by the request to say the least.
"I shall explain on our way back to the Empress," Kintaro promised her. "Right now we must be swift, for we do not know when the wretched beings that plague the Netherrealm will come."
"I can call for all my guards to come back," Sheeva stated as the Shokan warriors she was in charge of were still currently searching for Motaro. "Them and the others shall be plenty to crush anybody who challenges this realm."
"Go make us all proud," Gorbak instructed the two Shokan warriors who nodded in response. "I know you both can."
"Be careful!" Mai added as Kintaro and Sheeva began heading out the throne room to gather many men and women to defend Outworld.
Within another throne room, though this one being within the city known as Z'unkahrah. Cualli had just returned and had handed Mileena's letter over to Kotal Ketz.
"This seems like an odd demand," Ko'atal commented as he overlooked his fathers shoulder as they read the message. "I am sure she doesn't need us for whatever this is."
"The Netherrealm threatens Outworld?" Ketz finally processed the writing on the paper he was reading. "If what she says is true, then we must offer our aid!"
"Well perhaps she is lying," Ko'atal argued.
"My son, that is highly illogical," his father countered with his own beliefs. "The Empress has proved to be honest and well meaning so far."
"I am just being cautious," Ko'atal claimed. "That letter sounds ridiculous."
Kotal Ketz rolled his eyes and sighed before saying, "of course you'd try claiming that."
"Well I think-"
"It doesn't matter what you think!" Ketz interrupted his son quickly. "You will gather the soldiers I kindly permitted you to command along with the Kytinn and bring them before Empress Mileena. I am tired of your biased attempts to slander the new rulers' attempts to improve this wasteland!"
"I am not slandering, just-"
"Just what?!" Ketz questioned as he cut off his son once again. "What do you demand for a ruler to be?!"
"She's a step up to Shao Kahn," Ko'atal admitted, "but so is anybody."
"I'd love to see you do better, son," Ketz said ironically.
"Maybe I should!" Ko'atal replied as he thought about his dream of ruling Outworld which was admittedly a silly one, but he wouldn't admit to having such desires anyway.
"Just shut your mouth and serve your place," Ketz commanded. "You will aid Empress Mileena and that is final!"
"Fine!" Ko'atal unwillingly complied before storming out the room to do as he was told.
"I apologise again, Cualli," Ketz said as he turned to his loyal messenger. "You shouldn't have to deal with even witnessing that brat speak."
"It is fine, sir," Cualli assured him, though she did find the whole argument to be amusing. "I am just pleased to serve."
"Well you deserve to do something other than serve," Ketz believed. "Go take a break, you've done much travelling for me today. And have warned us of this new threat. Without you things could've been very different."
"You flatter me, sir," Cualli told him. "I think you over exaggerate my worth though."
"Nonsense!" Ketz disagreed as he searched his pocket for more koins to give to Cualli. "If you lacked worth then you wouldn't be making such a fortune, hm?"
"Thank you!" Cualli said gratefully as she once more accepted a generous wage. "Hey… about that whole letter thing…"
"Something wrong?"
"Well, do you think we will be okay?"
Kotal Ketz smiled and said, "with Empress Mileena in charge… I think so."
Bo' Rai Cho stood before the gates leading to Sun Do with the village clearly going through some construction to expand the village as a result of all the new faces there from the Cobalt Mines. Two of the villagers watched the gate as usual.
"I am merely a visitor spreading word from the Empress," Bo' Rai Cho informed the two guards who soon opened the gates for him to enter. "Thank you both."
He continued walking through, asking around for the location of the village Chieftess. He had soon been directed to her home which he now found himself knocking on her front door. Afterwards, the door was promptly opened by Jade.
"Hello," Jade greeted. "Do you need something, mister?"
"I was searching for Li Mei," Bo' Rai Cho told her. "I apologise. I must be at the wrong place."
"Nono this is her home," Jade clarified. "I'm her girlfriend," she informed him.
"Oh! Congratulations to the pair of you," Bo' Rai Cho said, which warmed Jade's heart.
"Your words are very kind," Jade complimented in an expression of her gratitude. "Li! You have a visitor!"
"What's up?" Li Mei asked as she had overheard Jade call her name and rushed to the door where she hugged her lover from behind. "Hello, sir! How can I help you?"
"You cannot help me specifically, but you can help Empress Mileena," Bo' Rai Cho told her. "It's…"
"Hold on," Li Mei interrupted as politely as possible. "Sorry to interrupt but maybe you should come inside if this is a long story."
"That is very kind of you," Bo' Rai Cho said as he accepted her offer and Li Mei and Jade stepped back to make way for him. "I can already tell that you have a lovely home."
"Why thank you," Li Mei said as Bo' Rai Cho stepped over the kind welcome mat and she directed her guest to a seat. "Would you care for some tea?"
"Tea sounds nice," Bo' Rai Cho replied. "So yes please."
"I'm on it," Li Mei replied.
"Let me help," Jade offered.
"Aww," Li Mei said. "Thanks, sweetheart."
A few minutes later the three were all sitting around a table with some tea while Bo' Rai Cho detailed the situation to the couple between occasional sips. Once all the details were provided, Jade had to comfort Li Mei who feared greatly for the safety of Outworld.
"It's going to be fine, love," Jade tried reassuring her. "Our alliance stopped Shao Kahn! What can't we do together?"
"As a union," Bo' Rai Cho added. "As a union we shall be okay."
"I hope so," Li Mei commented as she began feeling more confident. "Thanks, my love. And thank you as well, mister… I'm sorry, I never caught your name."
"I am Bo' Rai Cho," he introduced himself properly.
"Nice to meet you, Bo' Rai Cho," Li Mei replied. "It's funny, that name sounds familiar to me."
"You're very familiar to me," Bo' Rai Cho told her as she looked past her head and viewed a photo of a younger Li Mei smiling with her parents which now hung beside a new photo of Li with her beloved Jade. "I remember when you were very little."
"You do?"
Bo' Rai Cho nodded and said, "I used to reside in this lovely village for a time," he revealed.
"Were you friends with my parents?" Li Mei predicted correctly.
"Yes," he confirmed. "They were great people. Your mother was an especially excellent leader, and an incredible friend. You shall fill her boots incredibly, Chieftess Li Mei."
"Thank you so much," Li Mei expressed her gratitude as she wiped tears from her eyes after being moved by Bo' Rai Cho's words. "I miss them so much…"
"I'm sorry for your losses," Bo' Rai Cho apologised. "I really am."
"Thank you," Li Mei repeated as she stood up and hugged Bo' Rai Cho softly.
"Of course," Bo' Rai Cho replied as he returned the embrace with Jade soon joining in.
"Well…" Li Mei tried speaking after wiping the tears from her eyes after eventually releasing the warm embrace. "Let's go help the Empress."
"You're so brave," Jade complimented as she kissed her on the cheek.
"Like Bo' Rai Cho said," Li Mei recalled the man's wise words, "we will succeed in this battle together. Now let's go."
The couple and Bo' Rai Cho left the cozy home with haste but soon stopped as they walked by Tanya and Daahraan with them.visiting after Daahraan advised Tanya to go on a walk with him to calm down after getting heated at the Hail clan.
"Greetings to you all," Daahraan said kindly. "How are things?"
"Not the best I'm afraid, friend," Li Mei replied honestly. "The three of us are leaving right now to meet Mileena regarding a new threat to Outworld."
"Not again…" Tanya muttered fearfully.
"Do not fret, petal," Daahraan said softly to calm Tanya down.
"If you're leaving now… then I'll come too," Tanya offered much to everybody's surprise. "What is the threat anyway?"
"The Netherrealm," Bo' Rai Cho answered.
"I…" Tanya didn't know how to respond as the frightening thoughts she had of the Netherrealm and it's rumours lingered around her mind.
"You don't have to go, petal," Daahraan clarified for her. "Your friends will handle whatever this danger is."
"I don't want my friends to get hurt!" Tanya shouted. "I don't want to not be there…"
"Oh, Tanya…" Jade commented, having found her words to be sweet. "We'll be alright."
"You will be," she told herself. "Because I'll be there to help."
Daahraan smiled proudly but decided to check on her petal once more, "are you sure, Tanya?"
"Positive," she stated.
"Then go," Daahraan instructed. "May Argus watchover you all."
"Thank you, Daahraan," Li Mei expressed her gratitude. "Please may you be incharge of the village while I'm gone?"
"Of course," Daahraan accepted the task generously. "Just remember…"
"Remember what?" Tanya asked her mentor and father figure.
"Always have hope."