Fujin, having nowhere else to go, went to the Elder Gods for advice. He kneeled in their presence as soon as he met with them, "Elder Gods, I need your wisdom! I have lost the Kamidogu to Onaga, Shao Kahn has killed Raiden, and our forces are dwindling!"

Speaking in unison the Elder Gods simply answered, "Have faith." Fujin's eye twitched slightly at their answer to his pleas, "But…but…how can I simply have faith in this crisis? Surely you can put an end to this right now"

"No," they responded. The wind god's patience wore thin at this, "I just…I need your help!" The Elder Gods circled around him, "It is not that you lack faith in us, it is that you lack faith in yourself." Fujin paused, "Well…"

They took sympathy to the inexperienced god, "Being Earthrealm's protector is quite the responsibility, we know. You never thought you'd have to take Raiden's place."

"Speaking of the thunder god, was it really in your plan to kill him? Why didn't you stop Shao Kahn?"

The Elder Gods looked to each other and then to their servant, "Raiden has died many times before. This is not the first and we are sure it will not be the last."

Fujin quizzically cocked an eyebrow, "Does that mean he'll…?"

"Maybe," they vaguely answered, "we will tell you this, though. You need Shao Kahn. You will know why when the time comes."

Fujin scratched his head, "We need him? But why?"

They did not answer, "You are dismissed, we have said enough as is. But we wish you luck on your journey. You will need it."

Fujin bowed gracefully, "Thank you, Elder Gods." He departed after that, returning to a Special Forces warehouse in Nevada.

Jax was the first to question him, "What'd they say?"

"That we must have faith," Fujin replied, "think about it, we have not lost all of our comrades yet. In fact, I'd say this is going better for us than Shao Kahn's invasion." Jax agreed actually, "Damn right, 'least I'm still alive."

Johnny cracked his knuckles, "So when we goin' to kick dragon boy's ass? We can't let him get all those magical dagger things." Sonya sighed, "We can't just 'kick his ass' Johnny. You saw what he survived the last time we encountered him."

Fujin sat down and folded his hands, "I'm still not sure what can be done about Onaga. His immortal army being out of the question at least makes our lives easier. Kotal Kahn, Shao Kahn, and I will formulate a plan. Kotal had Onaga on his knees for a moment so perhaps he and Shao can kill Onaga together…if I can get them to work together."

Johnny laughed, "Yeah, that'll be the day! Outworlders don't play nicely as is, I doubt the two emperors will be willing to work together."

The wind god turned to Johnny, "Kotal Kahn will do anything when his people are in danger…but you might be right about Shao Kahn. Knowing him, he'll want to take on Onaga alone which could mean suicide for him."

Sonya scoffed, "That's a bad thing?" Fujin became serious at that moment, "Yes, it is. Believe it or not, when I went to Edenia it was the best it had been in a long time. Without his rule, who is to say what may happen to them? Perhaps they could fall into war yet again." He could have told them that the Elder Gods said he was absolutely necessary but he decided the time wasn't right.

The four of them sat silently for a minute. Again Jax was the first to speak up, "So…when do we strike?"

"That is not up to me," Fujin replied, "only Kotal and Shao have control over that."

Sonya looked around the room, "Hey where's Sub-Zero and Kitana?" Johnny repeatedly lowered and raised his eyebrows with a big grin on his face, "Oh gee, I wonder." Sonya was instantly disgusted, "Johnny!" Jax popped a cigar in his mouth with a smirk on his face, "I don't know, seems likely to me. I thought that frosty kid that was with him was their daughter to be honest." Johnny pointed his fingers at Jax, "Heeeeeeeey I knew I wasn't the only one who saw it! She has her daddy's style and her mother's anger!" Fujin sighed, "You mortals are peculiar sometimes. Kuai said he had business in Outworld, he will be rejoining us shortly."

Johnny ribbed Jax, "Yeah 'business' he says." Johnny then raised his fist. Sonya looked at her partner, "Please don't give him the satisfaction. Please." Jax fistbumped Johnny…right into the wall, "I've been wanting to do that for a long time, Cage." Johnny rearranged his sunglasses and stood back up, "I get that a lot. Mostly for Ninja Mime 2: Mime Harder. People hated that one and I don't know why."

"It ruined the franchise," Jax commented, "but Ninja Mime 3 saved it." Johnny crossed his arms, "They didn't even involve me in that one! Execs replaced me…" Jax smirk grew wider, "That's why it saved it." Sonya snickered quietly. Fujin scratched his head, "Ninja Mime…?" The now upset former actor groaned, "If I wanted to be verbally abused like this I would have stayed home with Cassie."

Sonya coughed, "On a more serious note, Hanzo has been missing for a long time. Is the Shirai Ryu holding up without him?"

"Kenshi has taken up to watching it along with Takeda in Hanzo's absence," Fujin replied, "they're doing just fine. Perhaps they can help us in our efforts."

"Gonna need all the help we can get," Jax added, "I'd go for it."

"We will go another day, for now we need all the rest we can get."

As the plot to save Earthrealm was slowly being built, Kotal Kahn and Shao Kahn returned to Edenia. Kotal thought, "I can only imagine the turmoil Shao Kahn has brought to this already forsaken realm." To him and his followers' surprise when they arrived nearly everything was pristine, as if the realm had never been in a vicious civil war.

Kotal's mouth was left agape, "This is your work?" Shao Kahn proudly stood in front of his realm, "Yes! It certainly is impressive isn't it?" The villagers crowded around their king. They sneered at Kotal, knowing him as the man who refused to free their realm. Kotal backed away until Shao Kahn raised his hand, "Let's not be hasty! Sure this is the man who refused to free your realm, the man who single handedly led this realm into civil war due to his stubborn ways, and has led invasions in this realm just so he could take it all for himself but these are troubling times! We are facing against the Dragon King after all, we need him to assist us."

Kotal stared at Shao with very concerned eyes. He remained silent in both his fear and his bewilderment. Erron tapped him on the shoulder, "What's so troublin', boss?"

"This is not the Shao Kahn I know," Kotal whispered, "he is planning something." With a smile, Shao Kahn offered his hand, "Follow me to the Edenian Palace, Kotal. You can take your men with you. They'll be welcome here."

Kotal reluctantly followed. He looked back to his followers, "Be on your guard, you can never tell what Shao Kahn has under his sleeves."

Ferra scratched her head confusingly, "Skull helmet man have no sleeves. What Kotal mean by this?" Torr shrugged. Now that things had calmed, they approached the palace in silence. Shao Kahn led them into his throne room, "I insist you see the full view of the realm, it's very beautiful from up here." Kotal looked out and gasped, "Is…is that an armory? It's so much nicer than that one in Outworld."

Shao Kahn nodded. Kotal looked to his former emperor with suspicious eyes, "What's your game here, Shao? You're never this nice." Shao Kahn cackled, "I'm letting you know how much of a better leader I am than you. The Elder Gods won't let me kill you, so this is the next best thing." Kotal growled defensively, "It won't work! I won't be intimidated by the likes of you!"

The king sat in his throne with a sense of smugness, "I'm not trying to intimidate you, I'm just showing you how to lead a realm." Kotal put his foot down, "I am a better leader than you ever could be!"

"Tell me this, then. Is it my realm or your realm that's being controlled by a horrible dictator at this moment? It sure isn't mine, is it?"

Erron pointed his gun at Shao, "This gonna be a problem?" Shao Kahn leaned forward in his throne, staring the cowboy down, "It will be if you make it one. Put those toys away, save that for Outworld."

Kotal gestured at Erron, forcing him to holster his weapons. The king was most pleased by this, "If you want to save your realm, you'll listen to me."

"I've had enough of blindly listening to others, it's what allowed Onaga to take over and it's what allowed my people to fall under your horrible rule! These people may've forgotten what you've done to so many realms, but I haven't," Kotal stood his ground firmly, looking like he wasn't going to budge this time; "we are partners in this, Shao, but that doesn't make me a follower to you." Kotal expected Shao Kahn's rage but what he got instead was his admiration, "You've surprised me. Here I thought you lost your backbone but you had it all along."

Ermac and Jade walked into the throne room soon after. Kotal turned to Ermac, "Ermac?! So this is where you've been. I was worried sick over you." Ermac smiled at Kotal's presence, "We felt an obligation to our original master, but we're glad to see you again. Where is Reptile…?"

"Lost," Kotal replied, "lost within the mind of the Dragon King. A striking blow to us back at home, but we managed without him."

Shao Kahn laughed, "A striking blow? Reptile? That disgusting vermin was a pathetic creature. He was near useless to us." Kotal glared at the king, "I won't let you insult my men like that." Ermac stood between them, "There is no need to fight." The construct then turned to his master, "Jade wishes to speak with you in private, Lord Kahn."

Shao Kahn got up from his throne, "Oh very well. I will return shortly, I have to speak with someone."

Jade and Shao Kahn departed into the hall just outside the throne room. The assassin was quite upset at her manipulator, "I know who you are now, Shao Kahn. You deceived me, you lied to me, and you nearly made me into something I'm not."

"It was for the good of this realm I assure you," Shao used as an excuse but she merely glowered at him, "Don't lie to me, I'm not as dumb as I was before. I should kill you for all you did but I know I can't. It would splinter Edenia again…"

Shao Kahn grinned deviously, "You wouldn't be able to kill me anyhow, and you know it." Her face only grew sourer the more the king spoke, "You only lead this realm through manipulation of the people. One day, you'll slip up and everyone will see you for what you really are. You're not a hero."

"But I sure seem like one, don't I," he replied smugly, "we're done here, I grow tired of this conversation."

Jade rose a finger as if to object yet Shao Kahn walked back into the throne room carelessly, not allowing her to say a thing. She pouted, "There must be some way to knock him off his high horse without destroying this realm in the process."

Shao Kahn returned to the room to much fanfare from his guards. Kotal cocked his eyebrow, "What was that all about?"

"She just had some concerns with how I was running things," Shao simply answered. Kotal gasped, "And you didn't kill her?! I don't believe it."

Shao Kahn waved his hand in a dismissive fashion, "That's the old Shao Kahn, Kotal. I'd never kill anyone for having suggestions about how I should run things anymore. I'm always willing to listen to my people!"

Kotal was speechless. There was nothing more he could say. Shao Kahn was always a brutal dictator but now he's a beloved king? Was this Edenia or was it Chaos Realm?! Ferra tapped his should, "You okay emperor man?"

The former emperor took a few minutes to respond, "Wha…oh right yes, yes of course. I'm just in a bit of shock."

Ermac turned to Kotal, "You shouldn't be. This is the Shao Kahn we always knew." The room grew silent afterwards. There wasn't much left to discuss at the moment. One of Edenian guards walked to his king and saluted, "My lord, that insane old drifter we threw in the dungeon wishes to speak with you."

"Everyone wants to speak with me today it seems," Shao Kahn commented as he walked back out. Kotal breathed a sigh of relief, "He's gone. With him gone we need to discuss what's next for us." The guard raised his baton, "If any of you dare to suggest betrayal then I will not hesitate to tell the king."

Skarlet raised her kunai, "I doubt you or any of these guards could take us on." Ermac stood defiantly, "They might not, but we could." Standing behind him were Rain and Tanya. Kotal was quick to recognize those two, "Traitors!" Kotal's group raised their defenses hastily when they noticed the two Edenian traitors.

Tanya smirked, "Did you miss me, Kotal?" He shook his head, "No. But I will admit, Rain was quite valuable asset." Rain shrugged, "I asked for control of Edenia politely but you refused to comply. I did what I had to." Erron twirled around his revolvers, "Don't think you had to do it. Let's face it, neither of you had to." Tanya objected, "I had to free my realm!"

"Don't play coy," Skarlet replied, "you only did it so that you could claim the realm for yourself. You were the one who originally helped sell it out." The treacherous Edenian sighed, "Don't remind me, I've regretted it ever since." Ermac could feel the rising tension within the room, "Please, we don't need to fight. We're stronger together than we are alone."

Kotal agreed, "He's right. As much as I'd like to punish these cretins, we mustn't." Rain laughed arrogantly, "That's right! You couldn't even touch me if you tried!" Tanya smacked him in the face, "This is no time for your ego, you idiot!" Kotal moved on to the next question, "I know Mileena was killed, but where's her murderer?"

"D'Vorah was paid back in kind," Tanya then pointed to her carcass mounted above Shao Kahn's throne, "as you can see."

The former emperor was nearly sick at such a sight, "At least she's dead…"

Deep within the dungeons of the Edenian temple, Shao Kahn met with Shujinko, who was chained to the wall. The king asked, "What do you want? I'm busy."

"I want my freedom," Shujinko replied, "I will be willing to work with you if you grant me that."

Shao Kahn considered his offer briefly but soon denied it, "You really are deranged if you think I'd want that." Shujinko begged, "Please! I cannot stay locked up in here forever!" Shao Kahn stroked his chin, "You are taking up valuable space. Perhaps I can have you executed."

"But I have done no wrong," the old man resisted. Shao Kahn shook his head, "Oh yes you have, you attempted to murder me. That is punishable by death, you know."

Shao Kahn called upon his Oni servant, Moloch. Moloch growled at the delusional old man. Shujinko struggled in his shackles, "Please! Have mercy!" Shao Kahn merely laughed as he pleaded, "If you want your life, then you're willing to fight for it! You must fight Moloch in Mortal Kombat!" Shujinko nodded, "If it is what I must do, then it's what I must do."

"If you win, then maybe I will allow you in my ranks," Shao Kahn offered, "but if you lose, then Moloch gets his dinner. I will give you time to prepare of course. Tomorrow there will be bloodshed, whether it will be yours or his I don't know."

Shujinko willingly went along with it, "I will do anything for freedom."

Back in Outworld, Sub-Zero and Kitana traveled up into the frozen mountains. "So what is it you're looking for," Kitana wondered.

"I'm looking for a Cryomancer stronghold," Sub-Zero replied. The once princess rose an eyebrow, "But why? The Cryomancers are long extinct, what are you hoping to find?"

"I'm hoping to find out more about my ancestors," the half-cryomancer answered, "I never knew much about them. I want to learn more. Whether I find ancient texts or some other artifact I just want to know what they were like." He hiked further up the chilly terrain along with his partner. Kitana heard something approaching, "Wait…do you hear that?"

The entire ground shook with each step. Both turned back and saw a large white furred beast approaching them. Kitana unsheathed her fans, "A yeti…"

She popped them open and ran towards the marauding monster. She stabbed it with her fans but it was barely effective as it shoved her off. She fell into the cold snowy ground with a thud. She rubbed her head, "I've never encountered one of these things."

Sub-Zero formed an ice javelin and tossed it right into the monster's eye. It screeched in pain. This left it open, allowing Kitana to jump kick it in the stomach. It was a rather ineffective move however. The yeti smacked Kitana away soon after. Sub-Zero slid over to her and picked her up, "I've got an idea. Grab my hand." She gripped onto his left hand tightly. He formed a long ice sword and handed it to her, "I'll throw you at it, you'll know what to do."

Using all of his might, Kuai tossed her right at the yeti. While in mid-air she drove the blade right through the monster's spinal cord, severing it. After that she tossed her fans into its neck, lopping the head off. She approached the decapitated corpse and picked her fans up, "That takes care of that."

Sub-Zero beamed proudly, "I think we make a good team." She nodded in agreement, "You're right, we do." The both were pleased with themselves and with each other. Kitana pointed up the mountain, "Should we head up?"

Kuai took note of the sky, "No. It's growing dark, we should camp out up here…say how aren't you cold?"

"Edenians have amazing weather tolerance," Kitana answered, "we could survive in nearly any weather. Why else do you think we wear clothes like this?"

Sub-Zero gulped, "Errrm I'd rather not answer that." She chuckled slightly, "Fair enough." Though it was a happy time, Sub-Zero soon turned grim, "I just don't know what I'll do about my brother. He's caused so much trouble for us all, but I know it's not his fault. He cannot control what he does."

"If I was able to be turned so easily, why can't your brother," She questioned. Sub-Zero lowered his head sadly, "Whatever Quan-Chi did to him was much stronger than what he did to you or the other revenants. His corruption runs too deep to change easily."

"We could always use the Edenian Kamidogu," She suggested. Sub-Zero remembered she still had it, "You're right. That could theoretically free Bi-Han. After this, we'll have to do that." She then brought something up, "We should find somewhere to stay if we're camping out up here." He pointed to a nearby cave, "That seems to be where the yeti huddled. We'll try that."

The two of them huddled into the cave. Sub-Zero had an idea, "Ever eat yeti before?" Kitana caught onto it real fast, "If you're asking, I imagine we're about to."

"You're right," he answered, "I'll you find a way to get a fire going. I'll drag in the meat." She looked around the cave for anything she could use, and found some sticks. She rubbed the sticks together, starting a fire with the friction. Sub-Zero walked back in dragging the beast's massive arm, "I don't think we'll starve, that's for sure." Just in case he raised an ice wall around the mouth of the cave, "It'll look like this cave isn't even here. If anybody or anything comes by, they won't intrude while we sleep." She nodded, "Good idea."

Watching from the distance was a masked soldier wearing protective armor and a helmet. On the soldier's back was an insignia of a red dragon's face. The soldier got on a walky-talky, "Alert the Brotherhood. We found the last Kamidogu."

Receiving this message within the Netherrealm was none other than Noob. He had been anxiously waiting for the location of the last Kamidogu. Another soldier dressed in crimson and black approached the shadowy leader of the Brotherhood. The soldier kneeled, "One of our men has found the Edenian Kamidogu high in the mountains of Outworld. He says the former queen of this realm and your brother are carrying it."

Noob rubbed his hands deviously, "I should have known my dearest brother would be involved with this somehow." He got up from his seat, "With all the Kamidogu in my hand, our plan shall soon unfold." The soldier stood up and saluted, "The Red Dragon is glad to be of service. Our boss wants to meet with you personally after this ordeal is over."

"That's exactly what I was going to do," Noob replied, "but yet there is one problem. We also need Quan-Chi's amulet. Are you sure we can't find anything on it?"

"Negative. The Brotherhood, Tekunin, and our forces have found nothing. Our best guess is that Fujin and the others in Earthrealm might have it. Shinnok was the last to have it as far as we know. Perhaps it was destroyed?"

Noob stomped his foot in rage, "Bah! Then forget about it, we don't need it! But what if it wasn't…? Have the Red Dragon 'interrogate' those Earthrealmers about it."

The Red Dragon goon got on a walky talky, "Attention to all Red Dragon recruits, the Brotherhood wants Quan-Chi's medallion by any means necessary. This means finding Fujin or any of his lackeys so they can tell you! Over and out!" Noob clenched his fist victoriously, "While you're doing that, I'll have to see the Dragon King. I'll tell him we've got the last Kamidogu in our sights. After that, I'll give my brother a visit."

Noob vanished afterwards. While he expected to arrive within the Dragon King's throne room, he instead arrived in the corridor just outside. He rubbed his chin in confusion, "Wha-!? He blocked me out of his chamber?" He knocked on the large double doors keeping him out along with the spells. Onaga replied, "Who's there?"

"It's Noob Saibot and I have important news!"

The doors opened wide showing that Onaga was renovating his chambers. The floor circling the diameter of the room was in the middle of being removed to make room for the spikes. Noob looked around it quite impressed, "You work fast." Onaga remained in his throne, "Cut the pleasantries. What is this news you speak of?"

"I have the Netherrealm Kamidogu," Noob replied, handing it over. Onaga took it, "But what of the last one?" Noob continued, "You didn't let me finish. The Edenian Kamidogu is within this very realm. I'll go fetch it for you."

Onaga was still not entirely content by this, "Oh good. Yet that leaves us without Shinnok's amulet. The Kamidogu are strong enough as is but with the amulet, it could increase their power tenfold!"

The wraith scratched the back of his neck, feeling a little nervous, "Well…the problem there is that we have no leads on where it may be. I'm having the Red Dragon look into it but…"

"But nothing," Onaga snarled, "if you do not retrieve that amulet then you will have outlived your usefulness to me. We can't have that, can we?"

"Outlived my usefulness? If you kill me, you'll be making more enemies than you can deal with."

Onaga picked himself up from his throne, standing above Noob, "I can deal with anything you may throw at me." After that, Onaga lifted Noob up by his neck, "Do we understand each other?" Noob nodded, letting Onaga drop him, "Good. Now go fetch that Kamidogu before I have you killed where you stand."

Noob absolutely despised the Dragon King's dominance over him, yet if he was to continue on with his plan then he would need to keep it up. Not to mention that Onaga was right, he could kill the wraith almost instantaneously if they fought now. So he went along with Onaga's demands, "Of course. I will bring it to you."

Noob vanished directly afterwards. Onaga stroked his chin, "I know he's up to something. When he brings me that Kamidogu I just might have him killed. Actually I have an idea…" He told a set of his guards to head up to the mountains as well, telling them to take the Kamidogu for themselves and then to bring it back. The guards departed with the orders in mind. Following behind them were an entire army.

Onaga watched them make their way to the mountains. He was most delighted by this turn of events, "Soon I'll have that possible traitor's head on a pike and all of the Kamidogu! Forget the amulet, I don't need it anyway!"

But unbeknownst to any of them, the amulet was directly under their noses. It would not be long until someone would find it there no doubt but who it will be is uncertain. It could be anybody after all…