Author's Note: I don't know how many of you tuned in to the MK11 reveal last week, but holy broken ribs Batman! The game looks sooooooo good!

-Chapter 4: Seeking a Lost Soul

Twenty-three years ago...

The seven year old boy, sporting a mop of wavy black hair, stood before two paintings in the shrine of fallen warriors. Located in a single room of the Sky Temple, it's doors were normally closed save for when the monks came to add fresh incense or replace burnt-out candles. Having come to live at the Sky Temple two years ago, there was no end of places and things to capture his attention, to which he gazed at with rapt fascination. The boy wore the robes of a young shaolin, but also a white headband of his own choosing. As he stood, staring up at the depictions of Earthrealm warriors, footsteps announced the arrival of another to the shrine. The boy didn't move, but he could tell who it was as they stood beside him. He glanced over and quickly recognized the white and blue robes. "Who are they, Lord Raiden?" He asked innocently.

"They are Kung Lao and Liu Kang, two of my best and brightest students." The thunder god answered. "They were killed during the Netherrealm invasion." He opted to leave out the part about them being transformed into evil undead revenants. Such heavy matters would be disclosed once his shoulders were a little broader.

"Oh." The boy said, eyes falling down. His own parents had been killed during the Netherrealm invasion, which had eventually led to his coming here. "Mommy and Daddy were killed during that, too. Do you miss them? I miss my Mommy and Daddy." He asked. Raiden slowly nodded.

"Yes. I miss them very much." He solemnly replied. His thoughts drifted to when he and Liu and Lao had fought side by side, battling Outworld warriors of all kinds. They were talented men, very much like sons to him. They deserved better fates than what had befallen them. The boy seemed to pick up on Raiden's sorrow.

"I'm sorry I made you sad." He apologized, believing he was the cause of his downcast demeanor. Raiden shook his head, marvelling at Magnus' childish innocence.

"It is not your fault, young one." Raiden gently replied, kneeling next to him. He put his hand on his shoulder. "Their deaths are my burden to bear." Little did he realize that Magnus would have something to say about that.

"When Grandma died, Daddy told me that you shouldn't be sad alone. That you feel better when you're with others." He said. Raiden smiled.

"Your father was a wise man." He commented. "We can feel better together, hm?" He said, taking Magnus' hand in his. The boy nodded.

"Okay." The thunder god made to stand, but Magnus had another question. "Lord Raiden? What about the others?" He wondered. Raiden cocked his head.

"What others, Magnus?" He asked, seeking clarification from the boy.

"You told me that other people were helping you. Where were they to help you not be alone?" Magnus asked. Raiden thought about Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade, how they had gone to get married, and about Sub-Zero and Scorpion who, freed from Quan Chi's influence, had left to rebuild their clans. Lastly he thought about Jackson Briggs, who left everything behind in order to be with his wife and live a quiet life.

"They left to pursue their own works and I obliged them. It was good for them to leave for a while." He answered. Magnus didn't say anything. But after a moment he threw his arms around Raiden, surprising the thunder god.

"I won't leave you, Lord Raiden." Magnus whispered as he hugged the Elder God he thought of like a father. Raiden returned the familial gesture.

"I know you won't, Magnus." He softly answered...

Present day...

Raiden's eyes opened to reveal their fiery hue, pulled back to the present as the memory came to an end. Before him sat two Osh-Tekk scouts, found and captured by Sub-Zero and his clansmen. They came by order of Kotal Kahn to see what Raiden was up to after his declaration of 'peace by any means'. But to Raiden, their presence was akin to an act of war. Outworld could invade again at any given moment.

With such perfect and innocent lives like Magnus at stake, he was taking no risks and also taking no chances.

"You will send a message to your Emperor." He commanded, lightning crackling in his hands. "If he so chooses to cross Earthrealm's path, he will not live long enough to regret it." He growled. With his hands fully charged, Raiden unleashed a torrent of lightning upon the Osh-Tekk, who screamed in pain as they were ruthlessly electrocuted...

Meanwhile, in the Netherrealm...

Magnus had followed the green and misty trail out of Quan Chi's lair and deeper into the Netherrealm. He believed this was leading him towards the realm of lost souls; a place where those unworthy of the Elder god's grace were doomed to roam for eternity. They were not damned, just forgotten. It was when he reached a cliff overlooking a plateau that Magnus finally realized what this medallion had enabled him to see.

"By the swords of the einherjar!" He gasped. Before him lay a sight he could never have comprehended. Below him, a vast multitude of souls, too many to count, wandered aimlessly. "So many dead..." He breathed, astonished. They all bore a green aura, lacking any true tangible form yet totally recognizeable.

This was good for Magnus, as there as only one soul he was looking for.

Looking out across this landscape, Magnus slowly realized that this medallion had allowed him to see another plane of existence altogether. The realm of lost souls was not a separate place, as Earthrealm was from the Netherrealm, but rather a place that existed beyond normal sight.

He was now at the threshold, a crossroads where his choice of direction would determine the fate of many...

Magnus suddenly felt very uneasy about this, like he should not be going through with this plan. This moment of hesitation fought for his attention, two sides battling for control. One side told him to forget about this, to drop the soul medallion in the nearest river of lava and leave. But the other side clung to Fujin's words. "Follow your heart." But what about Raiden? How would he respond?

He tried to convince himself that this would have a good outcome. Maybe it won't work, he thought. If it didn't work, well, then it didn't work. No harm, no foul. Raiden would never have to know about this, he reassured himself.

Exhaling, Magnus tightened his headband. "Come on Magnus. You've faced harsher challenges." He muttered, trying to pluck up his courage. "The wrath of an Elder God is nothing..." Upon realizing what he just said, Magnus lost all courage once again, "Gods, I'm such a damn fool..." He sighed. Steadying himself again, Magnus stretched as he tried to psyche himself up. "Okay, look, if it does work, well, then we'll take it in stride. If it doesn't work, then it didn't work." He said to himself, trying to work up his determination. "I'm supposed to be here... a little detour is no biggie." Taking a step forward, Magnus jumped off the cliff and slid down its edge, riding it to the bottom.

A literal leap of faith.

"Now... how the hell do I find one soul in all of this?" He wondered, looking ahead at the vast multitude and suddenly realizing that it would be very hard to find Mileena in the midst of all of this. Glancing down at the gemstone in his hand, Magnus mulled over an idea in his head. "Well... worth a shot, it's gotten me this far." He mused. Clenching the medallion tight, he whispered another spell, "Kanojo o watashi ni miseru."

Mileena sat alone atop a rock outcrop, hugging her legs as her face was pressed into her knees. Still trapped in her feelings of hopelessness and total failure after her fath-... Shao Kahn's reprimand, all she wanted was to be by herself. Then again, she doubted any of these spirits would want to be around her.

She wasn't worth their time.

All she'd wanted while she was alive was to fulfill Shao Kahn's wishes, be it as his assassin or as his successor. And now, after all she had endured and struggled for in his name, he had turned his back on her. The dry streaks where tears had run, falling from her amber, predatory eyes, were enough of an indicator for her. Despite being nothing more than a spirit, her emotions were very real.

She had done so much in her attempts to regain her right to rule. She'd trusted many people, people who turned on her in the end. The allure of power was too great for them to ignore. But after all was said and done, Mileena felt as though it had all been for nothing. A waste.

She wasn't worth it.

She was no leader, clearly. And those who had helped her believe she was had lied in order to further their own ambitions. Cheated her, betrayed her, ruined her. She was a woman with no name, now. Not a single title or achievement to attribute to her. She had nothing.

She was nothing.

These toxic thoughts had been trapped at the forefront of her mind, wearing away at her sense of self-worth and eroding her sense of value like an acid. In the midst of her moping, in the midst of her distraught state while she was knee-deep in self-pity, it surprised her to hear a voice calling her name. She didn't even look as a white-clad man burst from between the spirits, approaching her lonely perch.

"Mileena?" Only now did she turn her head a little, eyes obscured behind long locks of black hair.

"What do you want, human?" She wondered halfheartedly, looking away. The man in question seemed glad to have found her and answered,

"To be blunt, I'm here to get you out of here." Mileena's head raised a little with those words. A chance at freedom? Another opportunity to live...? "I can restore you to life and I can help restore you to your rightful place as Empress of Outworld." He said. Mileena's face suddenly fell with those words. She was not worthy to rule Outworld, she was unfit for the throne. Everyone else thought so.

"You waste your breath." She answered. "None of them wanted me for a leader. They all preferred that Osh-Tekk fool who usurped me."

"We don't want him any longer." The man replied. Mileena looked up in surprise. All this time she believed she was the enemy, that the Earthrealmers wanted Kotal instead of her. "Kotal Kahn violated the Reiko Accords and attacked Earthrealm. He's proven untrustworthy." The man continued.

"And you would trust me?" Mileena replied, questioning his logic compared to the grand scheme of things.

"I would. Others will too, given time. Your claim to the throne is legitimate." He answered. Mileena gave a quick, breathy chuckle.

"It's a little late to support me now, don't you think?" She remarked. The man took a few steps closer, leaning against her rock.

"Well, better late than never." He quipped in reply. Mileena fell silent again. His offer seemed good... too good, in fact. She was heavily tempted to take him up on it, but Shao Kahn's poisonous words kept her rooted to this rock.

She was unworthy of assuming the throne.

"I'm not worthy of being a Kahn. I couldn't even hold on to the throne." She told him. The man nodded slowly. He knew his history, Mileena had tried and tried to reclaim Outworld's throne only to ultimately fail, thanks to some help from Earthrealm, and be executed by D'Vorah. After such a crushing and humiliating defeat, no doubt Mileena was hesitant to even bother trying again.

"I'm a firm believer in second chances." He said, doing his best to cheer her up. He had always had a knack for encouraging people. Many monks and even Raiden himself had stated he possessed a 'heart of gold', always ready to offer a kind word or some encouragement to get someone back on their feet. He always had the interests of others over his own in mind.

"I've had a second chance. Even a third and a fourth chance. And I blew them all. I'm no leader, I don't even deserve to return to life. I'm better off here... with the forgotten dead."

"And yet you haven't been forgotten." The man said, taking a seat next to her. "I haven't forgotten you." His quiet words sparked something in Mileena. This man wasn't like other men who had come to her with promise of restoration. Now that she was able to move past that hurdle, she began to wonder who he was and what his motives were for coming to her.

"Who are you that you so doggedly pursue me?" She questioned. The man smiled a little.

"I am Magnus Shadrix... and I'm nobody famous." He answered. Mileena looked to him, noting the soft and inviting look in his electric-blue eyes and the warmth behind his features. He was a young man, but a man who appeared far more noble than others she knew.

Pure... that was the word to describe him.

"And how am I supposed to know, Magnus Shadrix, if I can trust you?" She asked. Magnus nodded slowly, as if anticipating that question. He knew his history well and it extended far beyond the events of recent days. Mileena had attempted to return to the throne by joining others like Reiko, but he had simply wanted to use her in order to claim Outworld's throne for himself. There were others who had also back-stabbed her in order to further their own ambitions apart from Reiko, even Rain who had been helping her with her rebellion for a very long time was simply using her to further the reach of his godhood. After so many had used her to get what they wanted, her sense of self-esteem, after so many betrayals, was very low indeed. It was obvious she would not trust another stranger who could very well betray her again.

"Well... has anyone else come to find you down here?" He wondered. Mileena shook her head. She had sought out someone... only to be bitterly disappointed by the meeting. "Then it pleases me to be the first." Magnus concluded with a smile. His answer seemed genuine, enough to further pique Mileena's curiosity. She brushed some hair away from her face, revealing her predatory eyes and half-Tarkatan mouth. She looked over Magnus' own black hair, held back by his white headband. She also noted his white warrior garb and silver armor, a little scuffed up after his battles with Enenra and Sindel. He looked so out of place here, leading her to ponder if he had journeyed down to this forbidden land for her sake.

"You are a very strange man, Magnus." She commented. "I can't say as I've ever known someone like you."

"I bet you tell that to all the Earthrealmers." Magnus quipped with a slight laugh.

"Hardly. They're mostly repulsive... or foolish." Mileena replied, but did find his humorous words welcome in the midst of her sorrowful state.

"Regardless, can I convince you to come with me?" Magnus wondered. Mileena paused to mull over his offer again. But the toxic words plaguing her mind forced her to hold back and reconsider.

"I... I don't know..." She hesitantly replied. Magnus could sense the reservation behind her words. Something was keeping her from taking him up on this.

"What happened?" He softly pried, inching a little closer to her. "Is it because they killed you? That you were trapped and slain?" He asked. Mileena slowly nodded.

"Yes... but also-"

"You there!" A loud and commanding voice called from behind them. Magnus and Mileena swiveled in the direction of the voice and saw none other than the spirit of Shao Kahn addressing them. "You are not from around here..." he said, gazing at Magnus. "What are you doing with that sorry excuse for an Outworlder?" Mileena shied away, wanting to avoid eye contact with her former father. Magnus rose from his seat and stepped down onto the ground.

"Shao Kahn." He noted, frowning as he took stock of the evil spirit. "One of the most evil emperors in known history." Shao chuckled darkly, hands resting on his hips.

"I see my reputation precedes me." He commented. Magnus' frown deepened.

"If only you were still alive... I would've loved to kick your ass myself." He shot back. After all the pain and violence Shao's relentless pursuit had caused Earthrealm and its inhabitants, Magnus was more than a little ready to inflict some payback of his own.

"Bold words from a petulant worm." Shao growled. "You wouldn't last even a second against me."

"Says the cheap coward who hides behind a wall of bravado and lets his minions do the dirty work." Magnus retorted. "No wonder Raiden killed you so easily." The Kahn clearly took offense to such a remark and advanced upon Magnus with a growl. It was then that he stopped and saw the green glow emanating from his hand and the plated jewel within it.

"A soul medallion?" He gaped, the pieces slowly coming together. Being something of a master of souls himself, Shao Kahn knew of such powers that the likes of Shang Tsung and Quan Chi practiced. He could also manipulate souls while he was alive... and if he could summon an inkling of such power while as a spirit... "A means to my resurrection." He realized. "Give it to me!" He demanded.

"Not on your life!" Magnus retorted, tucking the gem into his belt. "If I'm resurrecting anyone, it's her." He said, gesturing to Mileena. Shao Kahn looked to his former daughter with contempt.

"Her? You would waste such power on a failed weakling half-breed such as herself?!" He thundered, the verbal barbs evidently piercing her as Mileena drew her legs closer and curled up a little tighter. It was then that Magnus put two and two together. He knew Mileena had been created to be Shao Kahn's heir. But with her death at the hands of Kotal Kahn and D'Vorah, she would've failed all of his standards... no doubt he'd spent his time belittling her, leading to her looking so downtrodden and depressed.

"So you're the reason why she's so downcast." He noted. Now understanding things, his hatred for Shao Kahn escalated. "She is worth more than you'll ever be!" Magnus shot back. "And if I have to beat the living shit out of you to raise her spirits, then by the Elder Gods I will!" He firmly stated, electricity rippling through his arms and exploding as he pounded his fists together.

"You're welcome to try..." Shao retorted, readying himself for a fight.

"I'll do more than try..." Magnus growled. Suddenly, his eyes became aglow with raw, white power. As electricity rolled through his hands, he extended them both and unleashed thunderous blasts that knocked Shao backwards. As a spirit, he was weak, incapable of withstanding someone as powerful as Magnus. Despite his boasts, his ethereal form was deprived of any powers and abilities his physical form possessed, giving Magnus every advantage. Channeling the magic the soul medallion offered him, Magnus generated two beams of lightning that started to tear Shao apart. The spirit cried out as he fought to overcome the magic ripping him apart, but Magnus refused to let up. "Thunder damn you!" He growled, borrowing one of Raiden's catchphrases. Finally, the screaming Shao Kahn dissipated into a green mist that floated away in the Netherrealm air. His power fading and eyes returning to normal, Magnus relaxed and basked in the fact that he had caused Shao Kahn some pain.

"You wield power like the thunder god..." She observed, a dark edge to her voice. Magnus was quick to diffuse her thoughts.

"I am an electromancer. Like cryomancers and hydromancers, my powers are elemental in nature and not divine." He calmly answered. Mileena understood his words and calmed down.

"I've known many elemental warriors..." She replied. Rain had worked alongside her during her rebellion against Kotal Kahn and Tremor, one of Kano's Black Dragon, was an earth-bender. Her gaze returned to where Shao Kahn had once stood. "Is... Is he...?"

"Gone. For now. His spirit will reconstitute later." Magnus answered. Giving her a once-over, he took note of Mileena's uncertain stance and hesitant look. Her tormentor was gone... "He was nothing to be afraid of Mileena. Even he can be overcome." Magnus said. Mileena said nothing, acting quiet and thoughtful.

"All I ever wanted was to gain his approval." She whispered, reflecting on her life. "I tried to take after him..."

"And it left you with nothing." Magnus finished. Mileena slowly nodded. Understanding where she was at and where she needed to go, Magnus continued, "There is more for you than what others say, I know it. But I cannot take you there." He told her. "You need to decide for yourself." He couldn't make up her mind for her. All he could do was give her a nudge in the right direction.

Whether or not she traveled that path was up to her.

"All I've ever known are the paths others have set before me." Mileena whispered.

"Rebellion was your idea." Magnus added, trying to show her she was capable of more than she was giving herself credit for. "You are capable of so much. Just reach out and take it."

"And you'll help me?" She asked. Magnus nodded.

"Yes." Mileena fell quiet as she pondered his words. Ever so slowly did she take them to heart, trying to work up enough courage to follow through with his plan to restore her to where she belonged.

She knew she had no choice but to trust him.

Taking a quick breath to steady herself, Mileena made up her mind.

"Alright. Let us do this." She finally said. Magnus grinned a little.

"Then we should go. Before someone decides to intervene." He stated, glancing around.

"Like who?" Mileena wondered. Magnus shrugged.

"I don't know. Color me a nervous wreck but this is the most brazen thing I've ever-" Just as he was taking another step, a fireball exploded right in front of him, freezing him in his tracks. Looking up, Magnus recognized the revenant forms of Liu Kang and Kitana.

"You there!" Liu addressed him. "You are trespassing in our realm." He stated. "State your business." Magnus stepped in front of Mileena, questioning whether or not they could see her.

"I am Magnus Shadrix. I come seeking a dead spirit. I have no quarrel with you." He answered.

"Any Earthrealmer who enters our domain without our knowledge or permission already has a quarrel with us." Kitana replied.

"I'm guessing Enenra and Sindel told you that much." Magnus mused, Liu looked to his belt and frowned at the sight of a crest.

"You bear the emblem of the White Lotus." He observed, looking up with a newfound hatred in his eyes. "That means you know Raiden." Magnus nodded.

"Yes, I do. And I know who you are, Liu Kang. Raiden told me you were one of his best students." He replied.

"Did he mention that he murdered me?" Liu growled.

"I know what happened to you." Magnus firmly retorted, as if to counter Liu's argument. "You didn't listen to him, heed his words."

"And are you heeding his?" The revenant shot back.

"He's said nothing for me to disobey." Magnus replied. This was true... kind of. While Raiden had not explicitly ordered Magnus to not resurrect Mileena, he likely wouldn't be pleased to find out that he had. But that was a matter for another time. "Now move, I don't belong here."

"You presume to command me? The Emperor of this realm?" Liu retorted angrily. But then his anger abated. "You may leave, but you will not take anyone else with you!" He commanded. Magnus raised an eyebrow. Evidently Liu could tell there was someone with him.

"Then I guess I'm fighting my way out of this." Magnus mused. He turned to Mileena. "Sit tight, I'll have us out in a moment." Sensing his desire to fight, the two revenant rulers readied themselves.

"You are a fool if you think you stand a chance against us!" Kitana told him. In response, Magnus flexed his hands as summoned lightning sparked and crackled within his grip. The two revenants took a step back, startled by his display of power.

"What's wrong?" Magnus wondered, a grin appearing on his face. "Scared of a little lightning?" Assuming his own fighting stance, Magnus prepared himself for his opponents' first strike.

And he didn't have to wait long.

Kitana and Liu rushed him, Magnus being forced to fight two opponents at once. They launched simultaneous attacks without hesitation, Magnus striving to block them all as he rapidly re-positioned his limbs to counter every incoming strike. Finding a gap, he snapped out his hands a generated a burst of sparks that blinded Kitana, forcing her to step back. Setting his sights on Liu, Magnus attacked with two electrified jabs that caught Liu on the chin. The undead warrior was quick to recover and struck with a hard windmill punch. Magnus stumbled back and dropped to one knee but as Liu advanced upon him, he pounded the ground with his electrified fist, generating a burst of electricity that zapped Liu and staggered him. Standing up, Magnus barely got a breath in before Kitana attacked him again, her high-heel boot grazing his scalp as he narrowly ducked her attack. Magnus quickly retaliated with a kick to her back then spun and delivered another to her head, staggering the female revenant. Bringing his hands together, Magnus unleashed a blast of lightning that knocked Kitana back. Before he could even breath, Liu Kang attacked him from behind, pummeling Magnus with repeated punches and kicks. Despite his undead state, he retained all of his Shaolin skills and it was enough to overwhelm Magnus. A final double dragon kick put the electromancer on the ground and Magnus was left struggling to rise. A recovered Kitana strode over as she and Liu stood tall over Magnus.

"Your lightning was not enough it would seem." Liu confidently mused.

But Magnus wasn't out of it yet.

His eyes snapped open as he lay on the ground, concentrating on the particles in the air.

"I beg to differ." He replied with a growl. Suddenly, bolts of electricity appeared out of thin air, striking Liu and Kitana repeatedly from every angle. Stunned and shocked, they could not move as Magnus rose to his feet and turned around. Suddenly grabbing the two revenants by the backs of their heads, he smashed Liu and Kitana together with a crunch before generating a wave of thunderous power to send them sprawling. The dazed revenant rulers shakily made to stand, looking up as fresh, white lightning rolled across Magnus' arms. "Round two?" He wondered, raising his fists.

They were willing to oblige him.

Kitana brandished her razor fans as Liu attacked Magnus with a blast of fire from his hands. Magnus countered by putting his hands together and unleashing a bolt of lightning that stopped the fireball in its tracks and then summoned another lightning bolt that drove Liu into the ground. Kitana flung both of her open fans towards Magnus, who raised his arms in defence and warded them off. Their sharpened points nicked him several times, but not enough to slow him down. Kitana charged in and attacked with two blows that Magnus fended off with outstretched arms. Locked in a clash, the two kombatants struggled to overwhelm the other.

"What do you want of my sister?" Kitana demanded.

"Why do you care?" Mangus retorted. "I thought you hated her?"

"I do!" The revenant empress replied, breaking the stalemate with a flipkick that caught Magnus on the chin. "That's why I'd prefer she stay here and suffer!"

"That is fifty shades of messed up." Magnus muttered as he massaged his jaw. Kitana was quick to rush him again, but Magnus anticipated her move and generated a small burst of sparks before her. As she stepped in them, a burst of electrical energy stunned her and she cried out as she was electrocuted. Liu was next to attack, leaping ahead with a lunge kick that caught Magnus in the gut, knocking the wind from his lungs. Liu followed up with two high kick to the forehead and a straight jab to the jaw. Believing he had Magnus staggered, Liu charged up his fist to deliver a fiery blow. But Magnus snapped up his arms with a cry and channeled a burst of electricity that knocked Liu flat on his back. Crawling back to his feet, Liu couldn't help but notice something.

"Your powers... You really do take after Raiden..." He commented.

"You know, I'm Scandinavian, actually. So I think I take after Thor, more than anything." Magnus replied, revealing his heritage. "But I do owe him a lot."

"He'll disappoint you! He always does." Liu growled, straightening up.

"Coming from the failed student..." Magnus remarked.

"He will fail you, just as he failed us!" Kitana added, taking her place alongside Liu Kang.

"He did his best, he's not omnipotent you know." Magnus replied. "But he has our best interests in mind. You are the ones who failed him!" He spat, coming to the defense of his mentor. His words were enough to anger the revenants and they charged him again as Magnus cloaked his fists with white lightning. Kitana he stopped with a burst of electricity that stunned her. Liu managed to get in a lucky blow before Magnus wrapped his arm around his and delivered two hard punches to his face, following up by zapping him repeatedly with his powers. But Kitana recovered and attacked with her fans, slashing his back and forcing him off of Liu. Just as Magnus turned to deal with this new threat, Kitana lept on him and sunk her closed fans deep into his chest. Magnus cried out as his blood started to seep into his robes but pushed past the pain and managed to grab her arms, delivering a powerful shock to her system. The electrocuted Kitana was thrown off, her fans removed from his body, only for Liu Kang to take her place in attacking Magnus. Hands enveloped with fire, Liu pummeled Magnus with a rapid-fire barrage of punches. Gathering his senses, Magnus ducked the next punch and launched a low leg sweep that put Liu on his back, then followed up by raising his leg and driving his heel into Liu's chest, bones cracking in response. With him downed, Magnus turned on Kitana, blasting her with steady beams of lightning. But Liu was kick to rise and attacked Magnus with a hard punch, allowing Kitana and opportunity to recover and rush to attack as well. Magnus was now being double teamed, taking blows from every direction, Liu and Kitana beating Magnus repeatedly. A dual punch, both of their fists combined, finally knocked a bruised and dazed Magnus flat on his back. The two revenant rulers reveled in their victory, believing they had won. Mileena shared similar feelings, watching in dismay as Magnus landed hard, bruised and knocked senseless.

But they all underestimated his abilities.

His eyes flashing with white power, Magnus jumped back to his feet and immediately leapt up again, kicking both revenants right on the chin. He landed as Liu and Kitana recoiled, the unsuspecting hit enough to put them off balance. Crossing his arms, Magnus promptly snapped them out again, blasting both revenants with bundles of raw electricity. Summoning a ball of lightning in one hand, Magnus crushed it with his fist to unleashing a mighty blast of thunder, sending both revenants flying. With his opponents divided, Magnus forced himself to pause and gather his senses fully. Rolling his shoulders and cracking his neck, Magnus limbered up and got ready to put an end to this fight. His first target was Liu Kang, who was quickly getting back up. Magnus rushed him, summoning his powers to manipulate the particles in the air.

Suddenly, his powers fluctuated, enabling him to do something he hadn't done before.

The particles gathered behind him, instead of assembling around Liu, and propelled him forward, charging him up instead. Suddenly flying ahead, Magnus took advantage of this sudden surge in power and, with a cry, raised his leg in time to bring his knee crashing into Liu's jaw, shattering it on impact. Liu was flung onto his back as he cried out in pain, Magnus dropping down and slamming his boot into Liu's face, crushing his skull. The blow was enough to knock him out, effectively taking Liu out of the fight. Magnus quickly took stock of this newfound power. He had tried to channel more static energy through his body and control the electricity in the air around Liu simultaneously. Instead, the static surrounding him interrupted his control over the distant particles and instead enhanced the ions behind him, essentially charging him up with enough positive energy so that he could fly.

Glancing down at his hands, Magnus realized that, even after twenty-five years of practice, he still had a lot to learn about his electromancing abilities. "Huh. Maybe that's how I can fly..." He mused. He turned to confront Kitana, who was struggling to return to her feet. Magnus rushed forward, power coursing through his hands. His flight powers returned as he surged ahead, flying straight forward as his body was surrounded by electricity. He slammed into Kitana with such force it cracked her ribs, carrying her with him until he slammed her into a nearby rock. Kitana crumpled on impact, but Magnus wasn't nearly finished, cloaking his fist with electrical energy and grabbing her head, unleashing a deadly electric shock that made Kitana scream. After only a few seconds of contact, Kitana passed out from the pain. Magnus released her, watching her unconscious body slump over and hit the ground. Standing up, Magnus exhaled as the fight came to an end, leaving the Netherrealm warriors out cold and him victorious. "Not gonna lie... that felt therapeutic." He mused, taking a deep, calming breath. Stretching a sore spot in his shoulder, Magnus turned and walked back to Mileena's spirit. "Now then, let's get out of here." But Mileena didn't move, eyeing him with narrowed eyes.

"You owe much to Raiden...?" She wondered with a slight growl, repeating his earlier words. She was still not on friendly terms with the god of thunder and the fact that he mentioned him favourably did not sit well with her. Magnus stopped, knowing he needed to tell her the truth.

"Netherrealm demons killed my parents when I was a child. Raiden found me, helped me, raised me, trained me." He explained, facing her. "When I say I owe him a lot, I mean it."

"And yet you are here... helping me..." Mileena She couldn't quite comprehend why he was here. The rest of the Earthrealmers wanted her gone... but not him.

"I never said I took after him." Magnus added with a grin. "Still trust me?"

"For now." Mileena replied. "We shall see if you can live up to your word."

"Challenge accepted." Magnus nodded, withdrawing the portal stone from within his robes. "Now, where can I take you?" Mileena thought for a moment, grateful to be anywhere other than this hell. But she needed to think tactically.

"The Kuatan Jungle. What's left of my camp is there, it might have something for us." She answered. Magnus nodded and generated a portal with the stone. Putting it away, he withdrew the soul medallion from his belt. It was time for another spell.

"Kanojo no seishin o seikatsu no sekai de no seikatsu ni torimodosu!" He chanted. Throwing the medallion ahead of them, the gemstone exploded with a green light that Magnus and Mileena passed through as they entered the portal...