Edenia:

Chaos filled Edenia's land, a majestic realm adjacent to Earthrealm. Houses were destroyed, land pastures burned, and screams filled the air as the scene unfolded.

A young man ran through the fields in a panic while holding a newborn baby covered in countless robes close to his chest. He bled from his forehead but wouldn't let that hinder him.

Malcolm gazed at the scene, his parents amongst the thousands who died by Outworld's renegade invasion. The race known as tarkatans roamed the villages and killed anyone that came in their crosshairs. Though his father was a great warrior, he was no match for the horde and died painfully. His now widow tearfully urged their son to take his sister and hide. Regretfully, Malcolm adhered to his mother's wishes and took his baby sister Manerva away.

Looking back at the destruction, Malcolm felt defeated and helpless, his sibling's constant cries not improving the situation. He didn't know where to turn for help as most of the citizens were either dead, missing, or taken prisoner.

"You seem to be lost, boy," a voice rumbled behind him.

With a sharp turn, Malcolm found himself face to face with two menacing men to the eye. The first male had a long black beard and eyes that bore into someone's soul, right before taking it with his mastery over dark sorcery. He is known as Shang Tsung, dressed in a black vest, bracers adorning his wrists, brown combat pants, and fancy looking boots.

Right beside Shang was his employer.

A mere glance would give you nightmares for days. The man's sheer size, muscle density, red eyes, sinister chest harness, and skull helmet exemplified the definition of evil.

Malcolm stepped back in fear. "W- Who... who are you?"

Both men smiled evilly before Shao Kahn stepped forward. "Everything you will learn to fear and respect. I am Shao Kahn, Conquerer of the realms. You and your sister will join my court, willingly or not."

"Never! I'll defend her from the likes of you!" Malcolm yelled.

Amused, Shang Tsung joined his master, his left hand glowing. "You make it seem as though you have a choice."

Unaware, Malcolm couldn't feel two figures coming behind him, one male and the other female. Rain, the outcast Edenian Prince, took Manerva from her brother's hands and teleported to his employer's side.

"MANERVA!" Malcolm yelled as his sister continued wailing. "LET MY SISTER GO, BASTARD!"

A pair of Kobujustus placed themselves at his neck. Malcolm held still as a slender woman in a yellow bodysuit with thigh-high boots and arm sleeves eyed him lustfully, hair tied into a ponytail.

"Quite a handsome boy you are," Tanya cooed. "I would hate to end your life, but you must obey my master."

Malcolm knew it would be suicide to resist any further. His sister was in enemy arms, and if he moved just slightly, his life would inevitably end.

"Excellent work," Shao Kahn told them. "Now, we can begin the process." He turned to Shang Tsung. "Commence the memory wipe."

The dark sorcerer nodded his head and started with the child, Malcolm glaring hatefully at his captors. "This is not the end. I will end you all, traitors."

Tanya smiled and whispered, "Jade said the same thing, right before we captured her as well."

A period of silence emerged after the utterance of that name; Jade, his best friend. They remained close over the years, introduced by their parents shortly after birth, and were inseparable to this day. Malcolm thought of her as a gorgeous girl at such a young age.

Shang Tsung chuckled. "No one will save you, Malcolm. Your hope is all but extinguished."

The sorcerer began chanting an old spell. A glowing green substance emerged from his palm and entered both siblings; the incantation wiping their minds of all memories. As the glow dissipated, both siblings fell asleep as Malcolm fainted in Tanya's arms. Relishing in his victory, Shao Kahn began laughing like a madman along with his cronies. The great land of Edenia...

...has fallen.