A/N: Before I begin, there's something I want to mention about Scorpion and his wife and son. In 2011 through the MK Legacy webseries, it was revealed that Scorpion's wife and son were named Kana and Jubei respectively, and I stated their names as such in the previous story. However, Mortal Kombat X recently revealed their names as Harumi and Satoshi. I've decided that, since NRS took 20+ years to finally give them names and MK Legacy did the job for them first, their names will remain as Kana and Jubei in my series.

Chapter Ten

Manhattan, New York, USA

In the weight room of a gymnasium located behind a wrestling ring, the TV propped high on one corner of the room was playing the news. As it seems to do a lot of these days, the program reported on the current war and its effects on the world. Every now an then, they would talk about the upcoming Shikoken Tournament, which included interviews with those who will attend and what they plan to do with the large reward money if they win and defeat the war instigator, Jin Kazama.

Just ten feet away from the TV, the only figure in the gym was sitting low to the ground on the bench of a leg press machine. He pushed the heavy weights on the machine with his feet in quick, rhythmic succession, his blue eyes focused on the TV in front of him. He wore olive green overalls but with the straps and the top half hanging loose at his hips, matching fingerless gloves, black combat boots, and the only two things holding back his long blond hair was a hair tie, and a wide red bandana that wrapped around his forehead.

The large, muscular man wasn't thinking about the stress he was putting on the machine he was working out in the longer he watched the reports unfold on TV. It was bad enough that last year's Universal War left countless devastation around the world. He himself, a wrestler with more than enough experience fighting opponents, was hailed as a hero within his Manhattan neighborhood for protecting those from the demons and monsters who preyed on them. If there was anything he hated more than anything, it was those who preyed on the weak with malicious intent.

Now with this new war occurring before the world recovered from the last, all it did to the young man was make him even more angry. The war hadn't quite reached this city yet, but when that time came, he would ready for them just like he was in the last war...

It was then that he heard running footsteps coming up to him, and he stopped what he was doing to see who was coming up to him. He almost expected it to be a rival in the city's wrestling circuit he was a part of, but the young man quickly relaxed as he recognized the tall, short-haired figure coming up to him. Behind him near the entrance to the gym's weight room was a teenage girl with wavy red hair partially pulled back by two hair clips.

"Whoa, Alex!" the older man called out just as he reached him. "Don't be so rough with that leg press. I just bought it last week."

Alex chuckled a little as he pulled his legs back to set the machine to rest. "Sorry Tom," he replied sheepishly. "Guess I wasn't paying attention."

"Clearly he has a lot on his mind, Dad," the young girl brought up as she walked over to join next to the two men.

"Patricia..." the older man started.

"It's okay Pat, your Dad's right," Alex spoke up.

Tom ended up laughing a little. "Wow, you actually agreed with me for once."

"What, you think Alex never listens to you or something?" Patricia questioned as she raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Tom rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. "Sure feels like that way most of the time." He then gazed up at the TV then and saw what was playing. He sighed a little as he realized why Alex seemed distracted just moments ago. "Thinking about the war again?" he stated almost hesitantly.

The smile on Alex's face faded at that. "Yeah..." he groaned.

"You still going to attend that tournament that corporation is hosting?" Patricia asked.

Alex cracked his knuckles a bit as he replied. "Of course. If it means getting closer to them in order to stop them and this war... I mean, I can't be the only one who's entering this tournament for the same reason..."

Tom chose that moment to turn to his only daughter. "Pat, why don't you head upstairs and get ready. If I recall, some of your friends are coming over tonight to watch movies."

Patricia knew that this was her father's way of getting rid her so he could have a private conversation with Alex. Still, she obliged with a nod and headed towards the back of the building where the stairs were, but not before calling out, "I'm sure I'll find out what you two are talking about sooner or later!" Her footsteps were then heard going up the stairs before a door at the top opened and closed.

"It's like I've been saying," Tom started once he was sure Patricia was in the upstairs apartment above his gym. "I won't stop you from going if this is what you want to do."

"And I appreciate that," Alex reminded him. "It's just we've barely recovered from the last war and then for this to happen? I know this war is mostly focused in Asia right now, but how long is it going to be before it reaches here? This is something I have to help stop before it gets worse and that tournament is the only option right now..."

"I know," Tom said as he patted his shoulder. "I guess I'm just a little worried."

"You never did before even during the Universal War," Alex pointed out.

"Only because I never voiced my thoughts, even last year," Tom admitted. He sighed a little before he proceeded. "It's just... I've known since day one that I could never replace what you had with your father, but... years ago, I considered you family even before I took you in after your father died... that still remains to this day."

"The feeling's mutual," Alex mentioned.

Tom smiled at that. "I know, and Patricia feels the same way. That reminds me, do you know how long this tournament's gonna last?"

Alex shrugged at that. "I'm not sure... I guess it depends on how many people will be attending."

"I see... well, I was thinking Patricia and I will accompany you to Mishima Island. However, we wouldn't be able to join you until about two to three weeks from the day you leave so Patricia can finish the rest of the school year."

Alex nodded at that. "That sounds good."

"Just... do me a favor. Try to reign in your outburst if things don't go your way."

Alex smirked as he folded his arms in front of his bare chest. "You know that's easier said than done, Tom."

Tom sighed in defeat. "You would say that..."

The Skies of France

Gazing through her telescope, Ruby Heart checked her surroundings outside her flying ship, the Jita Victoire. The blue sky, for right now at least, was perfectly clear from clouds as far as the eye could see and the sun above was high up in the sky and was beginning to start its descend towards the western hemisphere. Other than that, there was nothing else in her surroundings besides the Earth below the ship.

Good, she thought to herself with a sigh of relief. All is clear for now.

The pirate found that she had to be careful with navigating the world these days. Ever since this new war began, she had more than her fair share of close-calls involving Air Force jets from various countries. There was also the fact that she had to make sure that her ship didn't end up in a no-fly zone. Even though she flew no flag indicating her ship's origin, the last thing that was needed was for her and her newly appointed crew, all hired to work for her a few months ago, to be shot down.

Good thing she was given a electronic navigator and radar... a gift from the French Government as a token of their appreciation for her contribution to the Universal War.

While thinking about this, a sudden gust of wind blew with force from behind her, causing the while sails of the ship to push forward. The wind's direction was good at least... it made the ship move more swiftly through the sky.

Ruby Heart chuckled lightly to herself. If I didn't know better, I would've thought Fujin was right behind me-

"Hello, Captain," the familiar voice of Fujin suddenly said from over her shoulder.

Startled, Ruby Heart whirled around with a yelp, dropping her telescope which proceeded to roll away from her until it hit Fujin's foot. Standing just ten feet from her was the Wind God himself, who gave her an amused smiled after witnessing her reaction to his arrival. In this moment, the Captain was glad that none of her crew were here to witness this.

"Putain de merde!" she exasperated in her native tongue. "Ne pas me faire peur comme ça!"

Fujin couldn't help but laugh as he bent down to pick up her telescope. "I apologize, Ruby Heart. I didn't mean to startle you."

"Uh huh, sure," Ruby Heart grumbled as she turned her back to him to continue steering the Jita Victoire. "After the Universal War, I thought all these spooks would be done with... but then again, all these Air Force jets have been doing a very good job in that department lately."

"I imagine so," Fujin guessed.

Ruby Heart took a deep breath then. "I assume you're here because you need my help... perhaps it has something to do with this current war rather than you coming here just to say 'hello.'"

"Trust me, I do wish this visit was under better circumstances," Fujin began to explain. "But your initial guess is correct. The essence of this new war is threatening the well-being of the universe again. If it's not stopped, the devastation will be just as bad as it was during the Universal War... maybe even worse."

"What kind of threat?"

Fujin sighed. "I cannot explain it in details now, but I promise that the new Earthrealm Protector, Liu Kang, will explain once you are at the new meeting point."

That got a raised eyebrow from the woman. "Why not? That wasn't a problem last time."

"Time is of the essence," the Wind God replied. "Everyone needs to be quickly briefed in order to leave some time to prepare themselves for the journey to Mishima Island, our meeting point."

Ruby Heart heard of the place, but never personally visited it before. "What's so special about Mishima Island?"

"The Shikoken Tournament. The Mishima Zaibatsu's leader has a bounty on his head thanks to their greatest enemy, G-Corp. He's giving fighters the chance to claim the bounty. It will serve as the perfect meeting point for everyone involved for that this war is more of a threat than anyone realizes."

"I see... you'll have to forgive me, Fujin, but aside from knowing that the Mishima Zaibatsu... or rather Jin Kazama, started this war, I've been out of the loop on any other news. The Air Force jets have been an indicator to me that this war is still going strong." She turned her head towards his direction. "You sure you can't explain why this war threatens to repeat the Universal War?"

"I promise you that Liu Kang will explain everything once you and the others are all gathered together again. I'm sorry I cannot share any more than "

After a brief silence, Ruby Heart nodded to him. "All right, I'll be there. Do you need me to gather everyone on the ship and bring them to the island?"

"That won't be necessary," Fujin assured her. "I doubt we'll need your ship this time, but you never know if we'll need it in the future."

"In that case," the woman began. "I'll just show up on the island with it. I'm sure with it being an island, they'll be plenty of boat parking."

Fujin nodded. "I'll be watching from the Heavens in the meantime. At this point, all I can say is... good luck."

Another large gust of wind hit their surroundings just before Fujin flew out of the ship and towards the sky. The ship's captain watched in awe before he was far from her sight.

Ruby Heart huffed a little as she turned her attention to the ship's steering wheels, her hands wrapping around two of the handles on it. "Oh great," she grumbled. "And here I thought the war was the least of my worries..."

Unknown Forest, Earthrealm

Arriving in a heavily wooded forest a few moments ago after visiting Ruby Heart, Fujin somewhat wondered in the back of his mind if summoning a certain spectre of the Netherrealm was a good idea. He admitted only to himself that he had somewhat put this off until practically the last minute. Although he knew that the spectre was a capable warrior, it was his rage and anger that the Elder God was concerned about.

Fujin recalled a conversation he had with the Elder God Hinote prior to assisting Liu Kang with gathering the chosen ones together...

"I have seen the spectre with my own eyes recently," Hinote said. "Even after bringing back the life of his family and clan, he is still unstable. I do not think it is wise to summon him."

"We have a promise to upkeep," Fujin replied. "This new war is too close to the new location of the Shirai Ryu. We promised that we would summon him back to Earthrealm if the clan is threatened again."

"This is true," Hinote nodded. "However, I do not think it is wise to summon him in order to join with those mortals you call 'the chosen ones.' What if he attempts to destroy them in his fit of rage?"

"You know he is only provoked when his family and clan are threatened," the Wind God pointed out. "I do not think any of them would 'throw him in a fit of rage.'"

"Except maybe the presence of the Lin Kuei..."

That gave Fujin a pause for a moment before he proceeded. "The Lin Kuei has been seen in a new light for the last three years, especially under the leadership of Sub-Zero."

"Perhaps, but as they say, rivalries can remain strong even after so many years."

Fujin frowned over that. "Yes... even though both Kuai Liang and Hanzo Hasashi have a mutual respect for each other now, they are not united as true allies. The wounds they carry are still healing even after all these years... the initial loss of the Shirai Ryu and Hanzo's wife and son... the murder of Kuai Liang's brother, Bi-Han, who in turn is changed into a wraith to serve under Quan Chi and the Brotherhood of Shadow..."

Fujin turned to fully face the Fire God. "None of this would have happened without the meddling of Quan Chi. As you know, he is still at large, and with his presence on Earth now, it would not be long before he discovers that the Shirai Ryu were returned to life. If they were to be murdered again... I'd hate to think of the implications when concerning Scorpion's wrath."

"As I've said, he is still unstable," Hinote reminded him. "He still fuels his own fire... he must learn to control it anyway possible if he wishes to be at peace."

"How can he?" Fujin asked. "I don't even think he knows how."

Hinote shook his head. "Even if he asked for our assistance, that is an affair we cannot meddle with."

Fujin managed to get out a "Naturally..." without seeping any sarcasm.

The Fire God took a deep breath. "Fujin... you usually have good instincts. You were an integral part in ending the Universal War by getting involved once Mizu gave you that advice. If you really feel that Scorpion could help in this new war alongside the chosen ones, then so be it. But heed my warnings as a precaution."

Fujin nodded. "I will... and I'm sure Liu Kang would agree."

Fujin's thoughts were suddenly cut off as a blast of fire ignited a few feet away from him, and the Wind God quickly felt it's heat licking at his exposed skin. The large fire remained for only a few moments, but it soon dissipated and revealed the former Hanzo Hasashi. He blinked a few times in confusion by the sudden change of scenery as he turned his head a bit, trying to figure out where he was.

This was expected... Hinote himself had released Scorpion from the Netherrealm as part of the plan. Fujin gave the spectre a nod once those pale eyes found him. "Scorpion," he greeted.

Scorpion already knew why he was summoned, but he voiced his thoughts anyway. "My family and clan are in danger..."

"Not directly nor immediately," Fujin admitted. He decided to get to the point of the meeting, knowing this is what the spectre preferred. "But Earthrealm is experiencing war right now, and many of the battles have taken place too close to where they are located. I am gathering the chosen ones, the ones who fought in the Universal War, to fight against this new threat. Our meeting place is Mishima Island, where a tournament will be taking place. The host is... Jin Kazama, the instigator of this war."

Scorpion glared at the Wind God in annoyance. "It's like you said... the Shirai Ryu are not in immediate nor in direct peril. And you summon me for a tournament?" He threw his hand up as he turned his back on Fujin. "Send me back to the Netherrealm, Wind God! Do not summon me again unless this war discovers the Shirai Ryu hideout!"

Since he started gathering the chosen ones with Liu Kang, neither Fujin nor the Earthrealm Protector went into details over exactly what this new threat was about. However, there was one small detail he was willing to share now, knowing this was what was going to ultimately convince the spectre to join this cause.

"Quan Chi was recently spotted on Earthrealm," Fujin informed him.

That immediately caught Scorpion's attention as he clenched his fists at his sides. He knew since the end of the Universal War that his former master, the one responsible for the death of his family and clan, was still at large. It seemed as though none of the Gods knew much of his whereabouts until now...

Even though the threat against the Shirai Ryu was not direct right now, Scorpion knew better. This new war looming over Earthrealm may be a threat, but it was one he felt his men would fighting against well. The presence of Quan Chi, however... that was another story. Last time, the necromancer's own men, disguised as the Lin Kuei, slaughtered the Shirai Ryu with ease... it was a risk that none of them could afford again, not for many years at least.

"How close is he from here?" Scorpion demanded to know.

"For now, Egypt," Fujin replied. "The real threat we plan to fight against has his interest, and that's where it's located right now. We have members of the Manji Clan patrolling the area in case things get worse."

Scorpion turned his head to the God of Wind. "There's... an even bigger threat than him?"

Fujin nodded to him. "Yes... and this threat is being awakened by the chaos this war created. It thrives on it... and as I said, it's caught Quan Chi's interest. We need strong warriors to fight against this. It's why we're gathering the chosen ones again... it's why we're asking for your help. Help us stop this..." He emphasized his point with his next sentence. "Help us protect those who can't, like your family, and spare them from seeing the horrors of this war and the threats that loom over us all.."

The last sentence, especially, convinced Scorpion. He gave the Wind God a simple nod before saying, "It sounds like your chosen ones truly need all the help they can get..."

"You don't need to interact much with the chosen ones if you don't wish to," Fujin mentioned to him. "All we want from you is your assistance for when the real fighting begins. In the meantime, I encourage you to fight in this tournament and help us stop what causing the potential threat to begin it."

Scorpion nodded again, but one thing was on his mind. "What exactly is this thing Quan Chi is interested in? What is it that this war is awakening?"

"I'll let Liu Kang explain everything to you once you're on Mishima Island... but I hope what I did mention is enough to convince you."

That was a name Scorpion hadn't heard in years. Still, with everything he was given, he decided to accept the Wind God's offer. "If things are that dire, and it means protecting my family... then I will help fight against this threat."

Fujin smiled, happy to hear this. "Good. Now, I do want to ask... would you like a couple of your men in the clan to accompany you to the tournament?"

Scorpion thought about this for a moment, but he soon shook his head. "No... I do not believe it is time for the clan's presence to be known to the world. Not yet... not with Quan Chi being this close."

Fujin agreed to this. "If that is what you wish... As for the tournament, it begins in just about a week. Be at the island by then."

Somewhere in the Countryside, Thailand

Within a small village miles away from the city of Bangkok, a pair of kids, twins around the age of eleven, were watching TV in the living room of their house. A commercial involving the Shikoken Tournament played, and that reminded one of them of something...

"Hey, wait a minute," the young boy began to wonder aloud. "Isn't that the tournament Sagat's going to?"

The young girl with him gasped as her eyes widened. "Yeah... oh my gosh, he's leaving today! We should go say goodbye to him before he goes!"

Immediately, the two kids bolted out out their home, only yelling briefly to their mother to let them know that they'll be back. They only ran through the small walkway for a minute before the boy nearly ran into an older man carrying a few bags of groceries. Luckily, he was able to stop himself just by a foot before he completely slammed into his neighbor.

"Whoa there!" the older man called out. "Where are you two going in such a rush?"

"Sorry Sunan," the boy apologized. "But my sister and I just remembered that Sagat's leaving for that tournament today."

"We were hoping to reach his house to say goodbye before he goes," the girl added.

Sunan frowned a little in response. "I'm afraid he's already left his house..." He paused for a moment as the two kids sulked in disappointment... but then he smiled. "However, if you go now, you might be able to catch him on the farm field. Last I saw him, he was heading that way."

That news caused the children to beam with hope. Quickly, they ran around Sunan and continued their way through the village, but not before yelling out their thanks to the older man.

It would turn out that the man was right... the former King of Muay Thai himself, Sagat, was walking through the community farmland, which was currently growing its spring harvest. The only thing he carried with him was a five foot long dufflebag with all of the necessities he needed for the trip. Because the village he was currently leaving, the one he grew up in, had no proper transportation as it was unneeded for simple everyday life, his current plan was to get to the next town, which was six miles away and over the hills, and take a bus to Bangkok. From there, he would take a flight to Japan.

Since returning to the village after the Universal War, Sagat was able to regain the respect he had lost long ago due to his assistance in the fight against the Outworld Forces. The village had barely been affected by the chaos, but that didn't spare them from the fear of the inevitable. Though the villagers, many whom he's known since childhood, asked him plenty of questions about the war, Sagat remained simple and to the point with his answers.

Not once did they bring up his past with Shadaloo... something the Muay Thai warrior was grateful for. With the exception of a few former agents who went into hiding after the organization fell almost three years ago, Sagat foresaw the tying of all of Shadaloo's loose ends thanks to his cooperation with various military units in order to avoid jail time.

Sagat knew that he would rejoin the world of martial arts someday, but up until a few days ago, he was content with enjoying some peace within his childhood home, even as the rest of the world plunged into another war that started three months ago. At first, he thought it was another kind of war the world saw from time to time...

Then Liu Kang showed up and told him that this war threatened humanity more than anyone realized. Sagat was annoyed that the new Protector of Earthrealm didn't go into more details, but he promised to tell him everything once he and the other chosen ones were gathered together for the tournament on Mishima Island.

Sagat figured at that point that if the God of Fire was asking him to rejoin the chosen ones once more, then something was definitely up. If anything, he could always enjoy the tournament itself... he needed the exercise anyway.

Sagat's thought were suddenly disrupted as he heard his name being called out by a pair of children... the twins, he realized after a moment. Stopping in his track, Sagat turned to face them just as they were catching up to him. Sometimes, he couldn't help but wonder why the kids in the village were cautiously fascinated by him since his arrival. After all, he was a muscular man who stood at seven feet, four inches tall with a large scar crossing over his chest and an eye-patch covering his long-ago injured right eye. Perhaps it was those very features that made the children curious about him as someone like him was an unusual sight in Thailand, especially one who's a native.

Because of the children's cautiousness around him, Sagat took the time to show them that he wasn't as scary as they thought he may be, even going as far as teaching them some Muay Thai kicks as a fun exercise for them. The fact that he did this in addition to being one of the heroes of the Universal War, it earned him even more respect from the adults living in the village.

With the exception of those he said goodbye to on the way out of the village, Sagat chose to leave quietly, though he had a small feeling that at least one or two of the children were going to notice his absence before he got to the next town, especially the twins. Of course, he wasn't surprised when he realized it was them who called out to him just now... they were always the most observant out of all the children here.

Once the twins caught up to the large warrior, it was the boy who spoke up first. "Sagat! Were you leaving without saying goodbye to us?" he asked with some concern.

Sagat hummed over that. "That would imply that it would be a very long time before I return," he said in a matter of fact.

"Then when will you come back?" the girl asked.

Sagat patted the top of the young girl's head. "That depends on how long this tournament is going to take, but I'll be back as soon as it's over." He gazed up towards the sky as he pondered over something. "Hmm... if I remember correctly, the tournament is going to be broadcasted on television. If you're lucky, you might see me fight in the tournament from home."

That put huge smiles on the twins' faces, the both of them already looking forward to watching their hero fight through match after match and take the win. Sagat smiled a little with some amusement by their reaction.

"While I'm gone," he started. "You two and the other children behave yourselves and be good to your parents. Being good would make your mother very happy."

The kids nodded at that. "We will," the boy said. "Good luck, Sagat!"

"Goodbye, see you soon!" the girl called out.

Sagat gave them both a wave in reply before he turned around and continued to walk across the farm field.

In his mind, the Muay Thai warrior knew that attending this tournament went beyond just helping the chosen ones fight against whatever new threat is looming over their world on a personal level. For a while since returning to his childhood home, Sagat started to ponder exactly what was the ultimate purpose of the fight was. Was it something that fighters like him had in common, or was it something personal and unique within each warrior? It was one of a handful of questions he hoped to see answered in his lifetime. Perhaps maybe he'll get at least one or two answers at this upcoming tournament.

And maybe, if he was lucky... just maybe, at this tournament, he'll finally get that long-waited rematch with his old rival, Ryu.

Russia, Unknown Location

Walking into a meeting room, Sergei Dragunov briefly adjusted his red tie, which was neatly tucked underneath his formal brown military uniform. His black steel boots clicking against the marble floor, he entered the room and silently gazed his pale blue eyes at the six men waiting for him. The men, all high-ranking members of Russia's Special Forces, or SPETSNAZ, sat on one half of a round table, giving them the viewpoint of the door Dragunov came through. Once inside, the soldier closed the door behind him.

One superior, the General, stood up from his seat. "Thank you for coming on such short notice, Dragunov," he started. "With everything that's been happening since this war started, it's important that we getting his briefing done quickly."

The General took a moment to clear his throat. "We have a new mission for you, and it's one that we feel you'll be most successful at thanks to your experience in the Universal War. Even a year later, the people of our motherland still highly regard you as a hero due to your actions in Outworld."

"Even after the fact that you didn't succeed in your mission to capture the one with Devil Gene in the last King of Iron Fist Tournament," one of the other superiors suddenly added. Everyone in the room briefly glared at the one who spoke, and he immediately shifted a bit uncomfortably in his seat.

"Moving on," the General continued. "As you know, Dragunov, Russia has been in complete disarray with all the rampant civil disturbances, something we believe to be caused by agents of the Mishima Zaibatsu. The fact that this started immediately after they declared war on the world is no coincidence.

"As I'm sure you're aware, the Mishima Zaibatsu recently announced the Shikoken Tournament. In short, we want you to attend as a participant and find a way to crush the Zaibatsu and end this war anyway you can. Do you accept your orders?"

Without hesitation, Dragunov confirmed his acceptance of the mission with a single nod.

"Good," the General said. "We'll be arranging for you to leave for Japan in two days' time. Take some rest until then. You've earned it. Dismissed."

Once more, Dragunov gave his superior a nod, his way of conveying his appreciation. From there, he turned on one heel before making his departure from the meeting room.

Once he was completely alone in the hallway, Dragunov's lips curled into an amused smirk as a thought came to him. It was ironic that today, of all days, he superiors asked him to go on his particular mission. He was just ready to make the request to go to the Shikoken Tournament himself with a similar mission in mind. This was because, just this morning, he was visited by Liu Kang, who requested his presence at the tournament and rejoin the chosen ones from the Universal War.

Luckily for Dragunov, it turned out that he didn't have to say a single word to his superiors...

In the beginning, Liu Kang and Fujin had agreed that the former would scout for the chosen ones on Earthrealm while Fujin scouted for the ones outside of that realm. However, once they both realized that they were close to completing their task, Liu Kang realized that there was one small group of chosen ones not from Earth who he wanted to personally visit, a request in which Fujin granted once he heard the Earthrealm Protector's words. That took place a couple of days ago.

He waited until every Earthrealm chosen one was informed of the upcoming events first, even the ones who Fujin volunteered to talk to. Once that was completed, he took the Deity portal to a realm he had not seen since the days of Shinnok and the Netherrealm War...

Edenia

Every morning, Queen Sindel and her daughter Princess Kitana would enjoy a light breakfast served by their servants in their palace. Sometimes, they would enjoy their meal in contented silence, like today. Other times, they would spend the morning discussing the rebuilding efforts through all of Edenia.

Even long after the Universal War, a majority of the once-beautiful realm was still in shambles since they've only had a few years to rebuild after being freed from the clutches of Shao Kahn and Outworld after so many years. Many of the realm's natives were left homeless and most have taken the option of living in the group shelters that were built by the surviving Edenian Knights. Though there were still plenty of water to drink, many other necessary resources were scarce. Even the royal castle still needed repairs in some sections.

Things could've been worse, however, if not for the efforts of Earthrealm's Manji Clan. At first, the people of Edenia were too proud to accept help. Thanks to the insistence of Kitana's best friend and General of the Edenian Knights, Jade, they ended up welcoming a small group of the clan, who brought over necessary resources to help the Edenians survive. That small group continues to assist them to this day.

Aside from their current problems, Edenia was currently enjoying relative peace, one that they hoped would last for years to come... or at least long enough for them to be able to fully recover.

Just as the royal family were finishing breakfast, an Edenian Knight quickly entered the dining room and approached them at the table. Once he was a few feet away, he faced the Queen before he kneeled onto one knee and bowed to her in respect.

"Your majesty," he greeted. "A visitor has come to greet you and they say it is urgent that you meet with them."

"Rise," Sindel ordered and the knight obliged. "Exactly who is this visitor?"

"Normally, I would have sent them away since I have never seen them before," the knight said. "But General Jade recognized the visitor and requested that I send for you."

"We understand," Kitana spoke up. "But please answer my mother's question."

"My apologies, your highness. He calls himself Liu Kang."

Sindel's jaw dropped in shock at that. It was the last name she had expected to hear. After all, the last news they received of his status, he was dead.

At the same time, Kitana instantly scowled and she was quick to point an accusatory finger at the messenger. "If this is some kind of joke you're pulling-"

"I swear on my life, your highness, this is no joke," the knight pleaded.

Still, Kitana finished what was on her mind. "If this is a joke, I'll cut your tongue for your insolence!"

"Kitana, settle down!" Sindel ordered. The older woman's intervention caused Kitana's face to turn into dejection. Seeing this, Sindel spoke her next words calmly. "There is no need to jump to conclusions yet. Besides, he mentioned that he wouldn't have welcomed him inside the castle had it not been for Jade."

That caused Kitana's brown eyes to widen more at that realization, cursing inwardly at having forgotten that small detail so quickly. She turned her attention back to the waiting knight. "I... I apologize for my outburst. Just... lead the way."

"As you wish," the knight said with a nod. He turned on his heel and began to walk with the Queen and Princess following him close behind.

The walk to the castle's foyer was only three rooms away, but despite that, it almost felt like the longest walk Kitana had ever taken. It was more than two years ago when the former Protector of Earthrealm, Raiden, came to Edenia to inform her of Liu Kang's death at the hands of the vile Shang Tsung. Though the sorcerer met his demise twice over since then, thus justice was served, Kitana did all she could to bury her memories of Liu Kang and the pain that his death brought upon her. It was something she never shared with anyone, not even to her mother nor Jade.

Kitana thought she could move on when, during the Blood Tournament just months after Liu Kang's death, she met a native of the realm of Keisei named Siegfried Schtauffen. She was intrigued the moment she laid eyes on him. These days, she thought of those few days she was intimate with him with fondness, but his problems with the entity of Soul Edge – something he had kept secret from her in order to keep her, her mother, and Jade safe until after the Universal War – ended the relationship on a sour note, though the two agreed to remain friends after they talked as a way to tie loose ends.

Speaking of the Universal War, neither Kitana nor her mother remembered much about it. They had been two of many brainwashed warriors fighting for Shao Kahn, something that they both agreed was highly insulting after everything the now-deceased Emperor put them through in the past. Kitana had a few, scattered memories that still remained from her brainwashed state. One memory of that time stood out the most to her, and it continued to confuse her to this day...

Moments before being freed from Shao Kahn's magic, Kitana swore that she saw Liu Kang's face amongst the muddy darkness of her mind. She was never quite sure whether or not it was his actual spirit that came to her... to comfort her maybe? The Princess clearly remembered his warm smile and the soft look in his eyes that almost seemed to tell her, 'Everything will be all right.'

Then again, it could've been just a simple dream. She tried not to think too much about it as it ended up making her miss him even more every time she thought about it...

And now, after all this time, someone who claims to be Liu Kang has come to visit the royal palace. Kitana still somewhat had her doubts, but at the same time, her heart was beating rapidly within her chest in anticipation. After all, if Jade gave the okay to the messenger to let him in, surely she too recognized the Mortal Kombat Champion.

It only took less than a minute to reach the foyer, but it felt much longer than that to Kitana. There, she first noticed Jade, who just finished turning to greet the royal family. She nodded to them, and despite the emerald-colored silk mask that covered the bottom half of her face, Jade's green eyes gave away the fact that she was a bit... bewildered. Kitana then turned her head to look at the person just a few feet away from her best friend.

The moment she laid eyes on him, it suddenly didn't matter that Sindel and Jade were also in the room. Kitana realized then that she didn't want to believe that Liu Kang really was back from the dead... it was better to think that way than to be disappointed if the opposite had been true. But here he was in the foyer of the royal castle standing just a few feet away from her... she wondered at one point if she was dreaming again...

Liu Kang found that he wasn't sure what to say to Kitana then. Once her brown eyes found him, the most he could do in response was smile warmly and bow his head to her in respect. He held his smile even she didn't respond, knowing that she was trying to take in what she was seeing. Edenian long-life not withstanding, the Princess hadn't changed a bit... as a matter of fact, to him, she was a beautiful as ever.

There was no doubt that the two had a lot of catching up to do despite how their last encounter ended after the Netherrealm War...

The moment was then disrupted as Sindel approach him. "Liu Kang," she greeted with sincerity. "It's so good to see you again after so long. However, the last we've heard, you were..." The Queen found that couldn't finish that last sentence.

Liu Kang turned his attention to the older woman and raised a hand to stop her mid-sentence. "I know what you must be thinking," he began. "And it's all very simple."

"Yes, I'm been curious myself since your arrival," mentioned Jade as she folded her arms in front of her.

He proceeded. "To put it simply, I've taken Raiden's place as Protector of Earthrealm."

That, right there, explained everything. The three women knew from Fujin's explanation last year after the war that there was a newly appointed Earthrealm Protector, but chose at the time to not reveal who it is. Their identity will be revealed in time, the Wind God had said then.

"I assume Fujin has his reasons for not mentioning you being the new Protector after the Universal War," said Jade.

"He wanted to make sure that I settled into my new role properly," Liu Kang mentioned.

"I see," Jade replied. "And... I assume you're not just here for pleasantries."

Liu Kang frowned. "I'm afraid not. Believe me when I say that I wish this visit was under better circumstances."

"What's going on?" asked Kitana, managing to speak up for the first time since the Champion's arrival.

Liu Kang went on to explain; the current war on Earthrealm, what started it and how it may threaten the universe once more, including Edenia, the upcoming Shikoken Tournament, and how the three women will be reunited with the chosen ones once more.

Jade shook her head once he was finished. "Jin Kazama of all people instigated this war? I don't get it... after everything he's done to help end the last war, not to mention his participation in the Blood Tournament..."

"And not to mention him being one of The Four to begin with," added Sindel. "Why?"

"Even I'm not sure of his motivation," Liu Kang admitted. "But that's also one of our goals in this mission... to find out."

"And this threat you speak of?" Kitana questioned.

"That will be explained in detail once we're all gathered together. Fujin will be picking the three of you up in a couple days to take you to Earthrealm. I suggest getting ready, and I will meet you on there. Until then..."

"We'll see you on Earthrealm," said Jade.

"Once more, it's good to see you again, Liu," Sindel mentioned sincerely.

"Same here," Liu Kang said. He then turned his attention to the Princess and smiled once more to her. "And I'm sure you and I have a lot to talk about once we're all settled. Until then, Princess..."

Kitana couldn't control the smile that came upon her face just as Liu Kang disappeared in a burst of flames, which soon dissipated. She managed to get that under control once he was gone. Already, she couldn't wait to see him again on Earthrealm...

Meanwhile, Jade turned her head to the Queen. "If it's all right with you, your majesty, I need to inform Heiwa and the other Manji Clan of this news."

Sindel nodded in agreement. "Kitana and I will prepare for our departure in the meantime."

"If you can snap her out of daydream," the General said with amusement.

That earned a laugh from the Queen. "Something tells me this won't be the last daydream she'll have for a while."

"What was that?" Kitana suddenly asked them as she snapped out of her daze.

"Nothing, your highness," Jade said almost innocently. "I'll see you two at dinner."

With that, Jade departed the castle and began heading to the closest Manji Clan camp, which was a two hour walk. The walk itself was a peaceful one as the field of trees, rolling green hills, and distant waterfalls were one of the few places that seemed almost untouched from past wars and even the merging with Outworld. Though Jade's mind was focused on her duty, she still took a moment to take in her tranquil surroundings.

Two hours later after leaving the palace, Jade arrived at the Manji Clan base, which was situated just a half mile away from one of many shelters for those who were still left homeless. Jade asked the first member she ran into if Heiwa, the leader of the clan's Edenia Faction, was present at the camp. Without saying a word, the soldier waved a hand and walked forward, indicating her to follow. It didn't take long before they reached one tent in particular. The soldier peaked his head through the tent and spoke in a language Jade didn't recognize. This only lasted a few seconds before he pulled away from the tent.

"Go on in, she's inside," the member encouraged, and Jade didn't hesitate to oblige.

In the tent, Heiwa sat in a lotus position on a satin pillow in front of a low, wooden table. Though Edenia was at peace right now, Heiwa was dressed as though she was ready for battle; her outfit was all gray and contained a silk quipao shirt, long baggy pants with the ends tucked into tabi socks, currently without shoes, and a pair of katana crossed over each other behind her back in their respective scabbards. On her left arm was a band covering her forearm and Jade could see the hooks of small kunais sticking out of them. Her hair, mostly black with some gray streaks that would eventually take over all of her strands, was pulled back into a simple braid that fell to the middle of her back.

Jade bowed to the woman in respect before kneeling down in front of her. "I come with news, Heiwa... from Earthrealm."

The woman's brown eyes gave her a puzzled glare. "We haven't heard from the Earthrealm Faction of the Manji Clan in over three months. How did you hear from Earthrealm?"

"The God and Protector of Earthrealm came to visit the palace today," Jade began to explain. "In short, he wanted Sindel, Kitana, and I to go to Earthrealm to help fight against a war currently taking place there. And somehow, the chaos there is threatening the universe and it must be stopped before we have another war like the last one... unfortunately, I don't have any other information."

Heiwa frowned at that as she bowed her head a bit. "That... that explains why we haven't heard from them after all this time."

"How are your supplies?" Jade asked with concern.

"We're all right for now... maybe for another two months, but even that's just a decent estimate. Anything could change." Heiwa gazed up at the Edenian General. "I know the war will most likely be their main concern, but... if there's a way that you can speak to them about sending over more provisions for the homeless..."

"I'm sure I'll be in contact with the Earthrealm Faction during my stay," Jade said. "I'll see what I can do, but I can't guarantee anything."

Heiwa nodded. "Thank you. I know you'll try."

"I've yet to speak with my second-in-command, Zarek, but he'll most likely be in my place until the Queen, Princess, and I return to Edenia."

"Just the three of you?" Heiwa asked in surprise. "I thought maybe you'd bring some of your knights with you."

"We won't be alone in this fight," Jade assured. "The other heroes of the Universal War will be there as well."

"That's good to hear," Heiwa said with a sigh of relief. "In that case, I'm sure Master Yoshimitsu will be assisting as well."

"I don't doubt that."

"When you get there, send him my regards. Then maybe, after the new provisions are settled, he can sneak in a bottle of Daigingosakefor me in the delivery box."

That made Jade laugh a little. "Like I said before, I'll see what I can do."

Heiwa sighed a bit then. "Wish I could go with you... after all, Earthrealm is my home."

"I can only imagine," Jade said. "But we'll do what we can to stop this war for good. From the way it sounds, the universe depends on it."

Heiwa had a thought then. "I guess one thing is fair... you go help out on Earthrealm... my clan and I will help defend Edenia in exchange... just in case it all goes to hell."

"...Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

A/N: Even though there are two more characters left to introduce from the main cast list (Ermac and Shura for those who are wondering... they'll arrive before Chapter 15, I promise), this chapter officially concludes the introduction focus, and we can start getting into the actual story and tournament!

Putain de merde! Ne pas me faire peur comme ça! = Holy shit! Don't scare me like that!