Chapter Thirteen: New Allies

"Sure have a way with women."

Sonya Blade commented as Jax helped her down from the hook she was placed on. The African American lowered her to the ground and released his partner from the ropes that bounded her.

"You know me. I'm a class act."

"Thanks. What took you so long?"

Jax did not have time to answer Sonya's question before Johnny appeared. He made sure the blonde saw the big bruise on his cheek.

"He was busy hitting me in the face."

The two members of the Special Forces smiled, more because they had found each other rather than the actor's poor attempt at a joke. After looking around Shao Kahn's palace for what seemed like hours, Raiden, Jax, and Johnny had finally found their kidnapped ally. It was a hard trial with their encounters with a strict lady in a green, grotesque jailmen, and a Shokan, but it was worth it. Besides, what could have possibly gone wrong when they were literally working with a god?

As they were about to go look for Liu Kang and Kung Lao, Sonya's wrist communicator started beeping. She held up her arm so the others could see what appeared on the device's screen.

"That's weird. I've got two sets of readings, heavy tech signals, both of 'em."

Raiden crossed his arms and looked up from the screen.

"Technology… then they cannot be of Outworld. We need to confront the source of each signal. We might discover the one whose victory I must insure. Perhaps…"

If you truly desire to stop Armageddon, Liu Kang is not the answer. The answer you seek has yet to show itself.

The thunder god thought back to his last vision. If Liu Kang is not he-who-must-win, then who? Could one of those signals be the champion Raiden has been praying for?

"Raiden…"

Raiden had not even realized he had zoned out and now his three comrades were staring at him in concern. He shook his head.

"It is nothing. We should separate and find the two signatures."

"Wait…"

Johnny Cage looked at the thunder god with an incredulous look on his face.

"What about us? What are we? Chopped liver?"

Raiden frowned at Johnny, not in anger but he was considering what the actor was saying. Cage, however, thought he had struck one of the god's nerves.

"…What?"

"Perhaps you are right, Johnny Cage."

Okay, that surprised Johnny, as well as Jax and Sonya. They did not think Raiden would actually say that Johnny was right about something. Raiden continued.

"You will stay close to me."

"Great, I…"

"Close as a shadow, and twice as silent."

Now that was better. Johnny did feel insulted by Raiden's suggestion, but Jax and Sonya were very amused. After a moment, Jax spoke up.

"Sonya, you're with me. Keepin' my eye on you."

Sonya laughed at her partner's overprotectiveness and nodded her head in agreement. Jax then looked at the screen again and addressed Raiden.

"Raiden, looks like you'll wanna teleport yourself thirty klicks that way."

The thunder god nodded and placed his hand on Cage's shoulder. Just as Raiden was ready to teleport, Johnny looked at Sonya and Jax and wished them luck.

"Hey, you guys be careful. Big guy, you make sure you protect the damsel in distress."

"Whatever, Cage. And don't call me "Big guy.""

"Yeah. And don't call me a "damsel in distress." I could whoop your ass if I wanted to."

Johnny laughed and adjusted his shades.

"Could you? As I recall, I owned you back on Shang Tsung's island."

"Oh, so you're going to brag about beating a woman. I thought you were gentleman, Cage."

"I didn't beat any woman. You're something else, Ms. Blade."

Before the blonde could respond, Raiden had teleported Johnny and himself out of the Deadpool, leaving Sonya and Jax by themselves. They looked at each other, nodded, and then made their own way out the sewer with determination in their eyes. They had a mission and they were not going to stop until it completed. Just like any good soldier.

Back in the armory, Jade had finally regained consciousness from her battle with one of Raiden's warriors. She struggled to get up from the floor, bruises engulfing her body. The green-clad assassin winced as she held her stomach, where a big purple bruise had formed. The Earthrealmer really did not hold back, even though she was a woman. Jade felt a tiny ounce of respect for the Special Forces member for that.

The Edenian flipped her long ponytail back behind her as she got to her feet and looked around. The Earthrealmers were gone. She let them get away. If the emperor found out about her failure, Jade was sure to be punished. Or even killed for allowing Raiden and his champions to roam free around the palace.

"Are you in need of assistance?"

Jade whipped her head around when she heard the voice. It echoed throughout the armory. Black boots stomped on the hard floor as their owner walked up to the Edenian. A smirk was plastered on the newcomer's pale face and he had his black-gloved hands clasped behind his back. Jade scoffed at the man's question.

"I can take of myself, thank you. I do not need you or your sorcery, Quan Chi."

The pale man laughed at Jade's response.

"As you wish. I was only being polite, being that I am a guest of the emperor."

"That may be, but I must voice my distrust towards you, sorcerer. My emperor holds you in high regard and I do not question his decisions. Yet, the Netherrealm is known for betrayal."

"As is Outworld. But currently, we share a common enemy and in order to defeat that enemy, Outworld and the Netherrealm must cooperate. I have no intention of betraying your emperor."

"I will take your words into consideration."

Jade then tried to walk past Quan Chi, but she fell to her knees before she could make it even a foot away. Even though the woman was in pain, Jade would not admit that to the Netherrealm sorcerer. She suddenly felt a cold hand settle on her shoulder. The Edenian looked up and Quan Chi's face was only inches from her's. It definitely made Jade uncomfortable and the devious grin he had did not make the situation better.

"My, my."

The sorcerer started to rub his hand up and down her arm. The coldness of his hand made Jade shiver.

"Edenian women were known all through the realms for their beauty. As attractive as they were, their beauty could rival that of goddesses. Seeing one of them up close…"

Quan Chi grabbed Jade's hair and yanked her from the ground. He then leaned his head by the Edenian's ear and whispered into it.

"It is an such a pleasure. You would do well in the Netherrealm by my side. I would treat you like the goddess you are."

Jade gasped as a green energy pulsated from Quan Chi into her. At first, she panicked, thinking that the sorcerer was trying to kill her with his magic. But all of a sudden, a surprisingly soothing feeling overwhelmed the woman for a moment. She closed her eyes, lost in the aura, but as soon as it came, the energy was gone. Slowly, her eyes opened and she almost forgot about Quan Chi. Almost.

As soon as she regained her composure, Jade's eyes widen and she pushed the pale man away from her. Immediately, the assassin summoner her staff and pointed it at Quan Chi.

"How dare you think you have the right to lay your filthy hands on me?"

"It was necessary for me to heal you. I would think you would be a bit more appreciative of my service."

Jade frowned and realized how energized she felt, as though she had never gotten into her earlier brawl with Jax. She looked over her body and saw that the bruises were gone and she was able to stand on her own.

"Why?"

"Because now you are in debt to me."

"I owe you nothing. I did not ask you for your help."

"But you received it, nevertheless. I only ask one favor of you. It is nothing that requires any serious labor, I promise."

Jade thought about it for a moment. She really did not owe the sorcerer anything, but at the moment, he and the emperor were partners. In a way, Quan Chi had authority here in Outworld, meaning he had authority over her. He probably had permission from Shao Kahn to give out order to his minions.

"… What do you want?"

"I know the emperor has informed you of some uninvited guests in his domain. I believe I know who these intruders are."

"Is that so? Have you informed the emperor of this?"

"Not yet."

"Then you are withholding important information from my lord that could be of use to us. These Earthrealmers could possibly become champions of Raiden if they happen to cross paths. This is what the emperor is trying to avoid."

"I know and I am not withholding anything. I do plan on telling Shao Kahn what I know, but this information only came to me a short while ago from a valid source."

"And that source is?"

"Do not worry, they are no threat to Outworld. You may know them as the Lin Kuei."

Jade did remember the infamous clan of assassins. Three had entered the last tournament and she recalled one was killed by a servant of Quan Chi.

"You and the Lin Kuei are working together?"

"Not at all. You see, after the incident with Sub-zero, I had a feeling the Lin Kuei would be a bit… cautious of the Netherrealm."

"I would think so."

"Indeed. So, I sent one of my warriors to gather information from the Lin Kuei temple. He was a former member of the clan before his death and he remembered the location of the temple. He overheard that two ninjas had defected from the clan and had escaped. Both have superhuman abilities and one is the brother of Sub-zero."

"You think these Earthrealmers are here for revenge? That they heard that the Mortal Kombat tournament would be held in Outworld and believe that Scorpion has entered again?"

"It is possible."

"Alright. And what of the other warrior?"

"Not much is known about him, but my spy claims that he is extremely dangerous and has the ability to control smoke."

"I have never heard of such an ability. Are you sure your spy was not mistaken?"

"I assure you his information is correct."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Is it honestly that hard to believe?"

Now that Jade thought about it, was it hard to believe that there was a man out there that with smoke-wielding abilities?

"…No."

"Then, please, do not question the credibility of my men again. I consider it an insult that you would think that I would have such useless minions serving me."

"Just get to the point. What does this favor of yours have to do with these ninjas?"

"It is simple. If you cross paths with the one with smoke abilities, do not engage him."

"I have orders from the emperor to dispose of them immediately if I see them."

"And once give him the same information I have given you, I shall ask the emperor to approve of my request."

"There is no guarantee that he will. I will be punished for disobeying him."

"You will not. And if Shao Kahn does decide to punish you, I will not allow it."

Quan Chi reached for Jade's chin, but she shoed him away. Again, he just laughed. That only angered the Edenian even more. Right now, all she wanted to do was get away from the sorcerer.

"… Fine. But if he attacks me, I will fight back and I will fight to the death."

"Ha, ha, ha. Fair enough. I knew we could compromise."

"Good. Now if you will excuse me…"

Jade turned around and walked to the armory's exit. Before she opened the doors, Quan Chi grabbed her arm. He held her firmly, but not enough to actually hurt her.

"Do think about what I said, Jade. You do not deserve to be in the princess' shadow for all your life. You could be so much more."

"Kitana is my friend and I will not allow you to speak poorly of her."

The woman pulled her arm from Quan Chi grasp and stomped out of the armory. The sorcerer again clasped his hands behind him and continued smiling.

"Why worry about someone who will meet their end soon?"