*Disclaimer: I do not own Mortal Kombat, or its characters. I do own, however, the original character, Shyplae. Using my original characters in your own stories is not permitted, unless with my consent. Thank you.

Chapter 3

The Hidden Core

There was a dark, hidden place in Outworld that was never seen by mere passerby, eyes never peering back a second time. It was a black, inconspicuous cave that blended itself in with the craterous ground. It camouflaged itself well, appearing only to be an insignificant boulder opening. But it was, in reality, a lengthy tunnel, which went deep underground, and into an ominous pocket of open space. Here, there were various bizarre rock formations and strange unknown minerals. This spacious core had lied dormant and lifeless since its birth, but was now occupied.

There were only three candles ablaze throughout the core, which flickered intensely because of the coldness and dampness underground. An unusual rock formation, which closely resembled a throne or giant seat, protruded out from a mineral wall. There, sat a figure enshrouded in shadows and darkness.

A horned helmet was clearly visible from the candle's light. A shredded cape cast an unusual shadow on the wall. A gentle scraping sound of boned armor and movement could be detected.

"I have been defeated," the shadowy figure said aloud. "But it is not over."

The tall figure then got up from the stony seat, and stood, thinking. He moved out of the darkness and into the light, perhaps for inspiration. His face was then revealed. It was the former emperor of evil, enslaver of souls, Shao Kahn.

"I underestimated the mortal warriors. Individually, they did prove to be weak and powerless, but together, they made an unusual formidable force."

He remained standing, and allowed himself to think more.

"I cannot allow them to join forces again. There must not be any alliance of any sort. I must destroy them individually, while they are still vulnerable."

As the defeated emperor stood musing, another figure of the shadows materialized out of the darkness of the core. The figure moved into the candle's light, and quietly approached Shao Kahn.

It was a middle-aged man, with enormous glasses and unruly raven hair.
He wore onyx garments, and a heavy jacket with tattered long sleeves.

"I have finished dismantling unit LK-4D4, Cyrax, my lord," the timid man said.

"Excellent, Shyplae, you are serving me well," Shao Kahn said.

"I will begin working on the new cybernetic robot by using the vital parts of unit LK-4D4, as well as implementing newer and more efficient technology."

"Excellent."

"I have discovered a way to create deadly manipulators, as you suggested. By simply being injected into the bloodstream, they are able to manipulate and control the victim."

"This will be artillery of the new robot?"

"Yes, my emperor."

"Excellent."

The meek man named Shyplae bowed to Shao Kahn, and walked away, back into the shadows of the core.

"The Princess Kitana must be dealt with first," Shao Kahn said to himself. "If she is manipulated, then we can easily destroy the others with her as our aid."