Cherin stood in her living room, staring out the window, admiring the pandemonium below. Havik had told her that when Quan Chi became ruler...there would be no rules. Not for them at least, not after they joined forces with him.

"Wonderful, isn't it?" Havik said.

Cherin nodded, "Yes, when will the invasion be complete?"

"Not long," he replied, then his blue eyes widened, "Oh no..."

Cherin turned, "What is it?"

He took hold of her shoulders and spun her back around, pointing to the street below.

"Seidan Guardsmen," he hissed, "And led by none other than Hotaru himself."

Havik had told her of the Seidan Commander, Hotaru. He had said this man was the only person who could possibly prevent them from reaching their goal.

"We must stop them," he said, already heading for the door, "Come."

Down below, the Guard had managed to kill a sizable amount of Quan Chi's forces. Seeing Havik, Hotaru's eyes narrowed to slits.

"If you are wondering who killed your guards in the Realm of Chaos," Havik said, grinning, "You have us to thank."

Hotaru shook his head.

"I have bigger problems to deal with," he said, "Soldiers! Move out!"

Just as the Seidan Commander turned, Havik retrieved a silver throwing knife from his boot. He tossed it, purposely grazing Hotaru's leg, not harming him much. Nonetheless, the Commander spun around, furious.

"Kill them!" he screeched.

Havik glanced at Cherin, who nodded. Before the soldiers could make a move, she had engulfed them in some sort of red energy. They screamed hideously as their bodies were liquified, melting into gory puddles on the ground. Hotaru was left alone, and in shock.

"I will give you a choice Commander," Havik said, "Agree to join Quan Chi, or suffer the same fate as your Guardsmen. It is as simple as that."

"Never," Hotaru growled, "I will never help that fiend takeover Earthrealm."

"Why do you care what happens to Earthrealm?" Cherin asked, "Think about it. If you could into Quan Chi's good graces, he might give you a position of power."

Havik smiled, she was getting good at this.

"He may even give you command of his army," he added. He had no doubt this persuasion would work, he knew Hotaru all too well.

"Promise me control of his army," the Commander said after a while, "And I will agree to join him."

Cherin looked at Havik. She knew they couldn't possibly...

"We cannot promise you that," Havik said, "Not yet. But it is likely that he would, you are after all a great commander. You are the obvious choice."

Havik then directed the Seidan Commander to the Statue of Liberty, where Quan Chi was keeping an eye on things.

"We should seek out the sorcerer as well," he said to Cherin, after Hotaru had departed.

Ashlynn, Jax, and Jay bolted from the taxi. Ashlynn leaned toward the back seat before hoping out.

"Stay down," she said to the girls. They stared at her, wide eyed, then sunk down onto the floor. Rain was glaring hard at the three of them, arms crossed, tapping his foot impatiently.

"There you are Ashlynn," he said, "I have been searching everywhere for you. Where are the children?"

Ashlynn crossed her arms, mocking him.

"You don't scare me Rain," she said, "Quan Chi only sent you because he had no one else."

"You are lucky I have orders to capture you alive," he replied, "Now, where are the children?"

"You expect us to tell you?" Jay asked.

Rain sighed, sick of them all. He turned to his troops.

"The children are in the car," he told them.

The ninjas rushed forward, quickly subduing Jax, Jay, and Ashlynn.

"There is no one in here," said the soldier who had opened the car door.

What, Ashlynn whispered.

"They must have escaped," Rain sighed, "Search the city and do not rest until they are found."

Jax and Jay were pulled in one direction, while Ashlynn was shoved the opposite way.

"Take her to Quan Chi," the purple clad ninja instructed, "Keep the others under close guard."

Ashlynn tried desperately to escape, but her hands were bound and there wasn't a thing she could do.

Ashlynn reappeared and, much to her horror, found herself standing at the top of the Statue of Liberty. The sorcerer had his back to her, admiring his handiwork below.

"You see now what happens when you defy me," he said, slowly turning to face her, "People suffer. Your friends will die, and then I will figure out what to do with you..."

She stayed quiet.

"Are you afraid?" he taunted, "Funny. You seemed brave enough with the thunder god at your back. But now you are alone."

Unexpectedly, a stream of tears rolls down her face. She had been unable to stop it. It was like a dam had burst somewhere inside of her.

"You have brought this upon yourself you know," he continued, "The destruction of Earthrealm...it is your fault."

Suddenly, Ashlynn's despair turned to rage.

"I know!" she screamed, "Everything is my fault! The death of my friends will be my fault! The death of everyone in earthrealm will be my fault! Even Arilayn and Rhapsody-

The sorcerer cut her off.

"I will not harm them."

"Why?" Ashlynn asked, quieting down a bit, "You don't need them anymore..."

"I will not kill them because they are innocent."

Ashlynn paused. She must have heard wrong...

"When did you become so soft?" she asked, "You care about them! Don't you!"

"Nonsense," Quan Chi snapped, "I care for no one."

Ashlynn had to smile.

"You're lying," she said, "I can see it in your eyes."

"You can see nothing," he said, averting his eyes, "I have never cared for anyone in my life. I am not capable of it. I have no heart."

Ashlynn crossed her arms, "Everyone has a heart, even you."

"Let me ask you something," he replied, changing the subject, "Do you wish none of this had ever happened. Think carefully."

She closed her eyes, thinking back.

"No," she said finally, "I don't, because I wouldn't have my daughters."

The sorcerer's face seemed to harden.

"Is that the only reason?" he asked.

"What do you mean? What other reason would I have?"

He shook his head, "Nevermind. I have another question."

"Well untie my hands first, these ropes are cutting off my circulation," Ashlynn replied.

He seemed to consider it, then circled around her and untied her bonds. She smiled, knowing he couldn't see. She had a plan.

"Well," she said, "What is it?"

"There is no doubt that Jay Yung loves you," he said slowly, "But...do you love him?"

"Why ask me questions you already know the answer to?" she asked.

"Because...I looked into the orb," he replied.

Ashlynn nodded, remembering the damn orb he'd used to his advantage so many times.

"So," she said, "What did you see?"

"I will show you," he said.

He held his hands out, palms up, and conjured the glowing green globe. It was cloudy, but soon the fog vanished and Ashlynn could make out Amilee, standing across from Jay Yung. They seemed to be arguing about something. Then suddenly, as if out of nowhere, Jay retrieved a long, crude looking sword. Without an emotion on his face, he plunged it into Amilee's stomach. Her eyes widened, then glowed blue before she fell to the ground. By the time the orb disappeared, Ashlynn was in shock. She shook it off however, she had promised herself she wouldn't fall for any more of Quan Chi's tricks. But this fit in perfectly with her plan.

"How could he?" she cried, "I don't understand."

"Jay Yung has never told you about his past, has he?" the sorcerer asked.

"No," Ashlynn lied. Jay had told her his life story long ago.

"He once served Shang Tsung, as an assassin. He murdered many innocent people. To citizens of Outworld, he was known as The Heartless One. So what you said before may not be true, maybe not everyone has a heart."

Ashlynn had to force herself not to attack him. He was trying to turn her against Jay, and it was her plan to convince him that he had succeeded.

"I can't believe this," she sighed, "I guess I really don't know him."

Quan Chi nodded, and she could see the victorious gleam in his eyes. It made her sick. But what she was about to do would push her past the point of nausea.

"Maybe," she said, "But so are you."

"And yet you are not afraid of me," he replied, "Why is that?"

Ashlynn smiled outwardly, but inside she was cursing him.

"Because you won't hurt me," she said.

He raised an eyebrow, "Why do you say that?'

She swallowed, "Because Arilayn and Rhapsody aren't the only people you care about."

He chuckled, but to her it sounded forced.

"Surely you are not suggesting that I care about you?"

She crossed her arms, "You told me so yourself."

He laughed again.

"Yes," he said, "But you forget that at that time, I was trying to get you to help me fulfill a prophecy."

"So you lied?"

"Yes...and no."

"That's not an answer."

"I do not have to answer your questions."

"No, you don't want to answer me. Are you afraid?"

She knew that was a stupid question, but she was getting desperate.

"Of you? No. I am just letting you know that I hold the power here, and I do not have to answer your questions."

"I answered yours."

"What is your point?" he asked.

"I think that gives me a right to-

He stopped her.

"It does not give you the right to do anything," he said, "I will not be forced to-

This was what she'd been waiting for. Fighting back her disgust, she kissed him. He stepped backward, shocked. At that moment she wanted to throw herself out the window.

"Now answer me," she said in the most controlled voice she could.

"I have forgotten the question..." Quan Chi mumbled, apparently still stunned.

"Let me reword it then," Ashlynn said, "Did you ever love me?"

Her insides were screaming at her to laugh, but she kept herself under control.

The sorcerer paused.

"That...is hard to answer," he said.

This time it was Ashlynn's turn to be stunned. That was definetly not the answer she had expected. She had been sure he would completely deny it, and start in on the whole I have no heart speech. But he didn't...

"No, it isn't," she finally replied, "Yes or no?"

"Why do you care?" he asked, "You have always despised me.

This question was also unexpected.

"Not always," Ashlynn lied, of course she'd always despised him. She detested him more than any man she'd ever met.

Suddenly the door swung open, and Rain peeked inside.

"Master," he said, "We have been unable to locate the children."

Good, Ashlynn thought.

"Keep searching," she said.

Rain blinked.

"Who are you to give me orders?"

She took a step toward him, "Your queen."

Rain looked at his master, who nodded, then scrambled out of the room. Ashlynn sighed, maybe this plan would work after all...

Cherin followed Havik carefully up the steps, on their way to the top of the Statue. The guard stationed in front of the door held up a hand.

"Halt," he said.

"We need to speak with Quan Chi," Havik said.

The guard squinted, "I know you...You are Havik?"

Havik nodded, having no idea how this man knew him.

"My master is a bit...busy," the guard told them, "Perhaps you should return later..."

"Please," Cherin said, "This can't wait."

He shrugged, "Suit yourself."

Havik shoved the smaller man out of the way, pushing open the door. At first he didn't see anyone in the room, then he spotted a woman standing near the windows. Cherin rushed past him.

"Ashlynn," she said.

The red haired woman spun around, surprised.

"Why are you here Cherin?" she asked.

Cherin crossed her arms, "Why are you here?"

"Nevermind that," Havik interrupted, "Where is Quan Chi?"

Ashlynn sighed, "He left a while ago."

"What's wrong?" Cherin asked.

Ashlynn shrugged.

"I tried to get him to leave Earthrealm," she replied, "It was my plan to convince him that I had rejoined him but...he saw right through it..."

"I should kill you," Cherin said.

At first Ashlynn thought she'd heard wrong.

"What?"

"How dare you try to deceive our future ruler!" Cherin screamed.

"Cherin..." Ashlynn breathed, "What is wrong with you? And who is this?"

"My name is Havik."

Cherin sighed, a crazed look taking over her face.

"Ashlynn," she said, "Don't you realize how wonderful it'll be after Quan Chi is ruler?"

Ashlynn glanced at Havik, "What did this guy do to you?"

Cherin never blinked.

"He helped me realize that rules are meant to be broken," she said, "Now, since you're apparently not helping Quan Chi, I have no choice but to kill you."

"Cher! I'm your friend!"

Cherin smiled, "Havik is my only friend."

Havik was growing tired of both of them.

"Take care of her Cherin," he said, "I need to find the sorcerer."

He left, leaving Ashlynn alone with the psycho.

"Cherin don't-

Before she could get another word out, Cherin lunged. Ashlynn dodged just in time. But Cherin had gotten quicker during her time with Havik. She brought her knee up, connecting with Ashlynn's gut. Now Ashlynn was mad, and ready to fight...even if this person was supposed to be her friend. Cherin brought her foot up for another kick, but Ashlynn caught it, shoving her back onto the ground.

"Cherin stop!" Ashlynn yelled.

It was as if Cherin couldn't hear her. Ashlynn let out a small yell as she was thrown backward, hitting the window with a sickening crack. She blinked, clearing her vision just in time to see Cherin running toward her...

Suddenly, in a blinding flash of fire, Scorpion appeared, blocking her path. Cherin ran smack into him, stumbling backward.

"Don't kill her," Ashlynn said.

"Why?" the specter asked, not looking at her, "She almost threw you out of a window, and now you're telling me to let her live?"

Ashlynn rubbed her head, "Something's wrong with her."

Taking advantage of Scorpion's distraction, Cherin hit him with her own version of a fireball. He flew backward, landing on Ashlynn. Scorpion stood, furious, and hit her with his own fire. She flew across the room, hitting the wall and landing on the floor, unconcious. Scorpion turned to see Ashlynn cradling her leg...the one he'd just landed on.

"I don't think I can stand up," she said.

"Hold on to me."

She nodded, holding her arms out to him. After a few painful attempts, she finally managed to stand, leaning on him for support. They headed for the door...they were almost there...

Scorpion jumped, startled, when the sorcerer appeared before them. He looked at Cherin.

"I thought she was your friend."

"Out of the way sorcerer," Scorpion ordered, "We are leaving."

"Really?" Quan Chi asked, "May I ask what you were doing here in the first place? Since when did you become such a hero?"

Scorpion smiled slightly.

"I am only doing this so that eventually I will have the chance to kill you," he replied.

The sorcerer chuckled, "I believe it will be the other way around. Now, I will give you a choice; leave her here, and I will let you go, or refuse, and I will kill you."

"Not much of a deal," Ashlynn mumbled.

"You will have to kill me then," Scorpion said, "Because I will not leave her."

"Why save her?" Quan Chi asked.

The ninja specter couldn't think of any way to answer.

"So be it," the sorcerer said, "I have no problem killing you."

Before Scorpion could react, he was blasted with a skull. He fell, bringing Ashlynn down with him. Ashlynn stood, ignoring her leg.

"But I do have a problem with it!"

She nailed the sorcerer with her own power, sending him to land near Cherin, who was started to awaken. Scorpion seized Ashlynn's wrist, pulling her toward the door, only to be stopped by a barrier of glowing skulls. Ashlynn turned, Quan Chi's eyes were flaming red...

"I think you made him mad," she said.

Scorpion stared at her, "Me?"

Scorpion, distracted by Ashlynn's comment, didn't have time to avoid the skull that was sent his way. He flew back, hitting the far wall.

The sorcerer grinned, "Surely you know by now that you cannot overcome my powers Ashlynn?"

"Why do you do this?" Ashlynn replied.

"Do what?" Quan Chi asked. He knew perfectly well what she meant, but he was having too much fun frustrating her. Cherin started to stand, leaning on the wall for support. She looked as if she would tackle Ashlynn, but Quan Chi put up a hand to stop her.

"I've never understood it," Ashlynn continued.

"Understood what? Do not play games with me!" the sorcerer warned.

"I don't understand your motivations," she said, "Why your soul is so...evil."

Quan Chi crossed his arms, regarding her seriously.

"I would think my motivations would be quite clear to you," he said, "When I am ruler of the Realms I will..."

She interrupted him, "I know, you'll have ultimate power. But why do you enjoy the suffering of others?"

She swallowed. Hopefully he had no idea all of her stupid questions were only meant to stall him.

"He was once a guardian," Scorpion said, pushing himself up off the floor, "Much like Raiden is to Earthrealm. They were good friends actually."

Quan Chi scowled at him.

"We were not friends," he said.

"Oh but you were," the ninja said, "That is until the thirst for power overcame you. You were weak, so you gave in to it. You betrayed Raiden and the Elder Gods. They banished you to the Netherealm, where your soul absorbed even more wickedness. Does that answer your question Ashlynn?"

Ashlynn nodded dumbly.

"There is no good left in your heart," Scorpion added.

The sorcerer smiled, "You are absolutely right."

"No," Ashlynn said, "There is a little, for Arilayn and Rhapsody."

"You are foolish," Quan Chi replied, "You know nothing."

"I do know that no matter how angry they made you, you never raised a hand to them," Ashlynn said.

Cherin looked frantic.

"Don't you see what she's doing!" she shrieked, "She's trying to get you to leave Earthrealm! Don't listen to her!"

Ashlynn gave her former friend a piercing stare, wanting to rip her hair out.

"Soon," the sorcerer said, "You will witness the devastation of your realm."

He hit her with a stream of power, pinning her to the wall with glowing green chains. Scorpion was next, landing close to her.

Quan Chi laughed at their efforts to escape.

"That should keep you out of my way for a while," he said, "Cherin, keep an eye on them. I will return shortly."

He vanished, leaving Cherin to watch over the two captives. She sighed, she felt...strange. She had enjoyed her time with Havik, very much so, but that wasn't the man she was thinking about.

Stop it Cherin, she ordered herself, What's gotten into me?

"Come on Cher," Ashlynn begged, "Let us go. Please."

Cherin smiled.

"Even if I wanted to," she said, "Which I don't, I couldn't. Quan Chi conjured those chains, he's the only one who can release you."

"When I am free of these chains I will rip your head from your spine woman!" Scorpion bellowed, pulling uselessly on the chains.

She shuddered, she had a feeling he wasn't kidding. But she quickly cleared that from her mind, thinking...daydreaming.