The Shirai Ryu's headquarters was in an undisclosed part of Japan, only known to fellow members, the Special Forces, and what was left of the Lin Kuei. Both key members of the Special Forces and Frost, de facto leader of the Lin Kuei with Sub-Zero missing, were meeting with the now thriving clan.

Meeting with them was Takeda Takaheshi, the student of the grand master Hanazo Hasashi. Takeda greeted them, "It's a pleasure to see you all again." Yet he was quite concerned by their presence," So…what brings you here?"

"We need help in defeating the Dragon King," Fujin explained. Takeda was rather confused when he brought up that name, "Who…?"

The wind god was at first confused but then he remembered, "Oh right you don't know who the Dragon King is. Allow me to explain…"

Fujin went on to tell the tale of the great Dragon King, Onaga. Being someone who was around to see his rise to power, Fujin was able to inform the young Takeda of who he was and why he should be feared. Afterwards Johnny, Jax, and Sonya told him how they were there firsthand to see his raw power in action.

"He survived an onslaught like that," Takeda asked, baffled at how he could.

Johnny answered, "Oooooh yeah he did, it almost looked like we got him but…then he got away."

"I would love to let the Shirai Ryu help you all. But without Hanzo, I can't. He is the leader of the clan, not me. He has been missing for weeks since he went to meet with the Lin Kuei."

Frost sighed, "Almost hate to tell you this, but according to my grand master, yours got kidnapped. Lots happened in those couple weeks I'd say."

Takeda turned to her with a bewildered look, "I figured as much but…I didn't want to be hasty. Who has him?"

"Noob Saibot," Fujin answered.

Takeda's heart sank when he heard that name, "I don't believe it." His master had told him how he had killed the elder Sub-Zero in cold blood so many years ago and he became a darkened wraith. But according to the younger Sub-Zero, Noob was killed in a Soulnado! That should have been inescapable. There's no way anyone could survive that. But if they were telling the truth, he somehow found a way.

"Believe it," Jax retorted, "I don't believe what's goin' on either but it's happening right in front of us. That isn't even the worst of what happened."

Johnny raised his finger, "Is the worst of it that the almighty overlord we're trying to stop is only missing one piece in his key to world domination? Is it that the Lin Kuei is near dead thanks to a maniac cyborg, ooooooor is it that tall, dark, and evil is clearly planning something of his own that we have no info on? Perhaps it's that we're being forced to work with a sociopathic dictator who tried killing us just so the other even worse dictator doesn't do it first?"

Sonya shook her head, "As of right now I'd say the worst of it is that our communications are down. I can't get a signal."

Jax cracked his knuckles, "Someone might be blocking us out. I'll go secure the parameters."

"Please allow some of the Shirai Ryu to help you," Takeda insisted, "I wouldn't want Jacqui's father to get hurt."

Jax paused for a second, "About that…"

They'd have to put their conversation on hold as they heard gunshots coming from outside the walls of the shrine. One of the Shirai Ryu came running in through the doorway but was met with a sword in his back before he could say anything. Standing behind him was a Red Dragon soldier. The soldier aimed his gun at the Special Forces, "I've found them! Surround the facility, none of them can be let out alive!"

More Dred Dragon flooded in through the other entrances, surrounding the heroes!

"They're trying to flank us," Jax cried out, "well numbers can't help 'em!" He went running into battle, deflecting every bullet that came at him with his metal arms. He slammed his fist on the ground, destabilizing every Red Dragon that went around him. As fast as he could, he stomped on the ones who were down to make sure they stayed down. Afterwards he picked up one of their assault rifles and took aim at whoever was left.

Johnny and Sonya worked together when it came to defeating the others. Their strategy was to have Johnny soften them up and for Sonya to lay the finishing blow. In spite of all their issues, they worked together remarkably well. Along with the Shirai Ryu and Frost's help, they had made quick work of the Red Dragon. That was until tear gas bombs rolled in through the door. After that, Tekunin cyborgs arrived along with more waves of the Red Dragon, this time dressed in gas masks.

The tear gas proved too much as is, having the two clans beat down on them was enough to send most of them to the ground. That was until Fujin cleared the tear gas out with wind. With his vision clear he saw that he was the last man standing. That was fine, he could take them all. Yet they too stopped fighting with the arrival of the Triborg, the leader of the Tekunin and field commander of this operation.

Triborg chose not to fight but rather to talk, "Where's Shinnok's Amulet? I know you have it!" Fujin looked at the cyborg with confused eyes, "But I don't. I…I haven't seen it since Shinnok's invasion!"

Triborg clenched his fist, "Don't toy with me, if you don't tell me where it is I will kill you."

Again Fujin denied these accusations, "I'm serious we don't have it. The only person who could have it is…" That's when they both realized that the person who took ownership of amulet must've been the last person who confronted Shinnok…Raiden. Triborg flew back, "I want everyone to raid the Sky Temple! We will find that amulet!" The Red Dragon and Tekunin took off for elsewhere. Triborg remained, as he saw someone of interest. He approached Frost's limp body, "A Lin Kuei that managed to escape. Well I'll fix that." He picked her up by the arms, "Yes, this will do nicely."

Fujin intervened, whirling the malevolent cyborg up into the air into a tornado. Triborg let go of the young girl in the chaos, allowing Fujin to send him flying. Triborg came back in seconds, "Did you really expect me to give up that easily?"

Fujin got in a fighting stance, "I'm giving you a chance to flee. If I were you, I'd take it." Triborg landed back into the shrine, "I refuse to let any Lin Kuei survive."

To his surprise, Frost tackled him and froze his legs to the ground, "You killed my clan! Now I'm going to get revenge!" Triborg shoved her away and used his jets to melt the ice. He shot flames at her, "This is far from over, Lin Kuei! Whatever is left of your clan will be destroyed! But for now, I bid you adieu. That amulet isn't going to find itself." He flew away, leaving the Special Forces and Shirai Ryu in shambles. Takeda was the first to wake up, "He…he got away."

"Not yet," Fujin replied, "We must make our way to the Sky Temple. Even if the amulet isn't there, the Jinsei is. We can't let them corrupt it again."

Takeda looked around the room, "How? The Red Dragon did quite a number on us." The Red Dragon was a name Takeda was quite familiar with. Not only were they a rival clan, he knew from his father that they were the ones who killed his mother. Yet, he refused to let that control him. Kenshi let the grudge take him over but Takeda would not follow in his footsteps.

Fujin agreed, "You're right, you keep watch over them. I'll go to the Sky Temple alone." Fujin flew off in a hurry, hoping he wouldn't be too late. Yet he was, when he arrived the doors to the Sky Temple were open and when he entered the main hallway was a mess. He quickly went to the Jinsei Chamber to see if anything was wrong, yet…they didn't touch it.

"How strange," Fujin noted, "you think they would have. Unless the amulet is a key to something beyond even the Jinsei…" Yes, with the Sky Temple being empty that means that there was only one place the amulet may be.

Left to clean up the mess still yet uncleaned in the Outworld Coliseum were the lowest of the low in the Outworld armada's hierarchy. These were either newly recruited soldiers or those who were too weak to participate in kombat but were either forced into the job or wanted to contribute to the empire but had very little to offer. With the real meat of the armada busy storming Outworld's mountains in search of the Edenian Kamidogu, these guys were left to clean the arena days after it was the scene of a massive battle. That meant one thing, these bodies were able to rot in the harsh sun and it showed.

One of the guardsmen called out to another, "Hey! I found something on Raiden's corpse!" The rather young and quite frail looking guard came running over. The first, much older guard handed the item over to his partner. It was a golden amulet with a green jewel in the middle. This was no ordinary amulet, but it was of course Shinnok's Amulet. One of them being a new recruit and the other being a forgetful old man means they had no idea the power they held in their possession.

"Well would you look at that," the guard said while holding it, "wonder if it has any significance…" It didn't seem that way to either of them. It could have been a cheap trinket for all they knew.

His partner shrugged, "Uhhhh…it might? Maybe we should take it to the emperor just to be sure." Without thinking, the other guard held it high in the air and suddenly a surge of green energy rumbled throughout him.

"By the Elder Gods," he cried out, "I've never felt so powerful. Maybe I could…take on the Dragon King with this."

The elderly guard laughed him off, "You? Take on Onaga? I've heard what he can do, even with whatever that is in your hands you still have no chance."

The younger guard refused to let it go, the power he had with this amulet was intoxicating! How could he resist it? Instead he chose to stand atop the throne in the middle of the arena. He reached out to his fellow underlings, "Guys! In my hand, I hold the power to destroying the Dragon King! We'll be free of his despotism and we can take over!"

At first the others were hesitant until they saw the glow around him. They were amazed this might be their ticket to the very top. What did they have to lose? They began to cheer this kid on as he would be the one to save Outworld yet again! No longer would Onaga terrorize them, no longer would he push them around, and instead they'd be the ones pushing him around. It all seemed like a perfect plan. At least it seemed that way.

The lowly guard made off to Onaga's chamber, barging down the door. Standing right behind him were his comrades, ready for a fight. Onaga was most displeased, "What is this act of barbarism?! I did not give you permission to enter this ro—" he stopped when he noticed what was in his underling's hand, "The amulet! You came here to give it to me. Isn't that kind of you?"

The rail thin recruit shook his head and held it high in the air, "No! I'm here to end your reign with this! No longer will you step on the little man! We're here, together, to destroy you."

The Dragon King used his favorite intimidation tactic, merely standing up from his throne and spreading out his wings. It always struck fear in the hearts of enemies, "I see. Why don't you come here and tell me just how you're going to do that."

The recruit shoved the amulet in his face, "With this! I-I'm going to destroy you with this! Come on gang, surround him!" Standing the doorway were his comrades, too scared to enter the room.

Onaga was most amused by this showing, "Just as expected with you dogs. You always want the throne for yourselves. I can't tell you how much I hate traitors." Onaga grabbed the arm the amulet was in and tore it right off, "Yes, but you're no traitor. You're just here to sacrifice yourself and show the others what happens to traitors in my empire." After tearing off the recruit's arm, he shoved him into the recently completed surrounding spike pit, "You're a real martyr! Perhaps they will write of you in the future! Sing your praises, and maybe even name a day in your honor." Just to add insult to injury, he burned the now impaled corpse with his fire breath, "Or maybe you'll just be remembered as a fool. A warning to those who dare confront the Dragon King! Either way, you're part of history now."

The other guards trembled, no longer wanting to rebel. Onaga turned to them, "Does anyone else here want to be part of history too?" In unison they all said no. Onaga was pleased, "Oh good. Now get back to cleaning that arena for me." They all took off in a hurry, glad that their fate was much more merciful than the poor young man they briefly followed.

With that over with, the Dragon King picked up Shinnok's Amulet and laughed, "All I need is the Edenian Kamidogu. When I have that…then the other realms will fall into the palm my hand." Things seemed to be growing grim, Onaga was close to his goal.

Yet in Edenia, dread was the last thing on the people's minds. Rather they were excited, as the recently reconstructed Edenian arena was to be the site where Shujinko would prove his worth to the people and to Shao Kahn. He would be forced to fight for his life against Moloch. Shao Kahn took his seat in the throne high above the battleground. Everyone was cheering as this was the first time most had been to an event like this. Jade looked upon the applauding crowds with horror, "This isn't something the Edenia of old would have liked. Pitting an old man against an oni? It isn't right!"

Shao Kahn laughed, "The Edenia of old is long gone! Most of the people here don't even remember what it was like. I do and it's better this way."

Jade pinched the bridge of her nose, "I may have been young back when you took over, but at least I know that things were better back then."

Ermac placed a hand on her shoulder in a reassuring manner, "The people were peaceful, but maybe they were too peaceful. Perhaps if Edenian defenses had gone through things like this, then they wouldn't have lost."

Shao Kahn agreed, "Jerrod was a weak willed man. Don't listen to what you may've heard, he was no benevolent ruler."

Kotal Kahn, who was sitting next to Shao, questioned him, "I never personally met the man, but I hear he was a great leader. What was wrong with him?"

"I'll tell you," Shao Kahn began, "King Jerrod was the type to lie to his people. As soon as things looked bad, he denied that they did. When I invaded his realm, he reassured the public things would be fine. After that, as I utterly destroyed this realm, he only sent what was left of his elite guard. Edenia didn't have much of an army, due to how 'peaceful' things were. Sure their elite were the best of the best, but they could only do so much in a war before they're outnumbered."

Jade couldn't believe what she was hearing, "You're lying!"

Kotal Kahn, while not outright calling Shao a liar was doubtful of his words, "I'm not sure if that's how things were."

Tanya, the one who so desperately wanted to free Edenia, agreed with Shao Kahn, "He's not lying. I was part of the Edenian elite guardsmen and we didn't have much to work with."

Tanya's memory faded back to a meeting she had with King Jerrod. She wore green back then, as all of the royal protectors did. In fact, she was one of the highest ranking members of the guardsmen. She met with him in their throne room. Jerrod waved at her, "Tanya, just who I've been looking for. I realize that things are looking dark for us but you must keep fighting! The people rely on you!"

Tanya nodded, "I realize this, I'll do what I can but don't you think we should be looking for more recruits? Our small armada cannot compete with their sheer numbers."

Jerrod waved his hand in a dismissive manner, "Heavens no! We Edenians are a peaceful people. I can't imagine the commoners fighting. Most of them haven't even thought about a war in a thousand years, if not more. I love them too much to see them become casualties of war."

At this point in time Tanya was quite the loyal soldier yet it was at this exact moment her faith in the king and Edenia as a whole began to waver, "They'll become casualties of war if we don't get them the training they need to keep Outworld out!"

"The answer is no. When I saw what happened to Shao Kahn after he took over as emperor I vowed to let my people live peacefully. I will not become a warmonger like him."

The once loyal Edenian growled in frustration, "Fine. We'll do it ourselves."

The king was most thankful for this, "I have faith in all of you." Tanya would go on to abandon her role and instead chose to give Shao Kahn all of Jerrod's battle plans.

The path that led to Edenia's downfall was paved with good intentions. Jerrod was only trying to protect his people from the terrors of war. He could not truly be blamed for doing anything wrong. The peaceful paradise of Edenia could not last forever. Even if the rest of Edenia trained during Outworld's attack, they were too used to peacetime that it would be a slow and arduous process. Not to mention it really did seem like Edenian guard were strong enough, as you might recall but Shao Kahn himself put an end to that.

Tanya finished telling her story, "Jerrod may've been a good king, but he wasn't as perfect as the stories would lead you to believe. If our forces just had more, we could've pulled a victory I think. Maybe we could have won the tournaments too, preventing the whole thing in the first place."

Rain was about to agree, but Shao interrupted him, "I didn't give you permission to speak, Rain. You're lucky I shortened your sentence in the dungeon." Rain was quickly silenced afterwards.

Jade scratched the back of her head, "At least he meant well, unlike you."

Kotal Kahn was just impressed, "To keep to a vow of peace even in wartimes. Some might call it dumb, but it is quite respectable."

Shao Kahn laughed, "Respectable? It's a sign of a man who can't lead. Jerrod was a fool who couldn't share my vision." Before Shao could continue, Shujinko was lead in through the coliseum's main entrance, still shackled up. The dungeon's warden came out and unleashed Shujinko from his entrapment. Shao Kahn began to announce, "Ladies and gentlemen of Edenia, this is the first fight held at our arena! Today, we see Shujinko fight for his freedom and his life against the brutish oni, Moloch!"

Moloch stomped in through the opposing entrance with trademark ball and chain in his hand.

"The contestants may now FIGHT!"

Moloch went charging in on all fours, leaving Shujinko only seconds to counterattack. He leapt up onto the wall and over Moloch. Moloch turned around, being met with Shujinko's foot against his face. Moloch was only slightly hurt by this. Now it was Moloch's turn as he slammed his ball right into Shujinko's chest, several cracking and shattering noises followed. The old man slammed into the ground, yet he did not give up. He got back up to continue fighting. Using all of his strength, he grabbed the ball in Moloch's hand and snatched it away. Moloch was taken aback by this, giving Shujinko enough time to throw the ball around his legs. Moloch turned around which tied the chain around his legs. The oni fell to the ground in the confusion. Shujinko then repeatedly stomped Moloch's head into the dirt beneath them, yet it did him little good as Moloch broke free of the chains and tossed Shujinko into the wall. After that, the brute picked him up and smashed him into the ground as a taste of his own medicine.

It was over. Shujinko didn't get back up after that. "Finish him," Shao Kahn demanded as the crowd cheered and applauded. Moloch grabbed Shujinko and snapped his spine like a twig. Before the somewhat delusional old man died, he looked up to the sky and said, "I…I'm sorry Damashi. I have failed you."

"Moloch wins, fatality!"

Jade looked away in horror, "He did nothing wrong and yet you had him killed like that!"

Kotal Kahn raised a finger, "I'm not so sure of that. He seemed to have delusions of grandeur, not to mention it was apparently he who stole the Kamidogu from their respective realms. Nobody who steals those is entirely innocent."

"A fair point," Jade actually agreed, "yet that seemed a little harsh for my tastes."

Kotal laughed, "Compared to what I saw in my time in Earthrealm that was quite merciful."

"Merciful or not, it's how I do things," Shao Kahn justified, "he seemed deranged. At the very least, he was a threat to those around him."

Erron rubbed his chin, "I actually think I saw him running around Outworld. He actually fetched my guns for me when I lost them in the Livin' Forest so maybe he wasn't that bad."

Sheeva too, "I recognize him too! He was punching Outworld's citizens for no reason and snooping around places he shouldn't have been. Then again he did bring me my bracelets when I misplaced them around the fortress gates."

"Me too," Skarlet added, "I helped him with training. I can't recall why though…"

Ferra even had something to say, "Old beard try fighting me and Torr! Old beard beat us!"

Kotal looked to his , "You all saw this same old man running around punching people, fetching things, and Skarlet even trained him yet none of you bothered to tell me?"

Erron gulped and removed his hat, "It didn't seem important at the time, honestly."

Kotal rubbed the side of his temples, "We'll talk about this later. For now, we need to decide what we're going to do about Onaga."

Shao Kahn answered, "Just leave that to me, I'll kill him."

Kotal sighed, "You can't just go after him alone, it's practically suicide. I nearly put him in the ground and, as much as it pains me to say this, I think we can beat him together."

The king chortled heartily, "You must be joking. I'm almost insulted you think I can't take him by myself. I did it before, I can do it again."

"You killed him through deception last time! I hope you don't think it'll work again because it won't."

Again Shao Kahn brushed off Kotal's warnings, "I've grown stronger since then. There's no way he could stop me now."

Ermac pleaded with his master, "We are sure you could take him on your own, but we can't have you strain what little companionship you two have. Work with Kotal. As your second-in-command we think it's a good idea."

If Ermac thought it was a wise idea, Shao Kahn had to at least consider it. Ermac has shown time and time again he was loyal to him. After that, he did end up relenting, "Very well, Kotal Kahn and I will face the Dragon King together."

Kotal grimaced at the very thought of it, "Believe me, I hate the very idea of it as much as you do. Yet if it's what my people need, then I will do anything for them."

To save face Shao Kahn ad-libbed something similar, "Errr yes, and I will do anything for my people as well."

Ermac smiled at the two of them, "Who knows, perhaps by the end of this you two will respect each other? We think it's possible."

Kotal Kahn gave a disgusted sigh in response, "Ermac I appreciate your input but I find that hard to believe."

"I must say the same to you," Shao Kahn retorted with even more disgust. The two former Outworld emperors continued bickering like school children for hours, even after the others left.

We return to Outworld, as Sub-Zero and Kitana's search for what might be left of the Cryomancer people. It seemed like a fruitless search until they found a temple made of ice on the mountain's peak. Kuai entered cautiously, entering a grand main hall. He climbed the stairs up into a chamber where he actually saw someone meditating. He cautiously approached along with Kitana. The man turned around, revealing his long white unkempt beard and pale blue skin.

Sub-Zero's eyes widened, "Are you…?"

"I am indeed a Cryomancer," the old monk stated bluntly, "I can sense that you too are one of us. I have waited here so long."

Kitana gasped, "But I thought the Cryomancers went extinct!"

"Most of them died out, yes. But I remain. I am the last pure blooded one I fear. It has been over 5,000 years since the others have died out, but I remained here hoping that another would come."

Kuai kneeled before the old man, "You don't have to wait any longer. Teach me everything you can. I want to know."

"You seem quite skilled as is," the old man replied, "but if you want to know more I have the advanced techniques of the Cryomancer here in this scroll." An ancient scroll rolled out of the monk's sleeves, "Everything you want to know is in here." Sub-Zero grabbed the scroll and pocketed it, "Thank you. Your kindness means so much to me."

But the elderly Cryomancer was not done yet, "Hold on. There is one more thing I want to give you." The old man's arm slowly rose up to a ceremonial case, "Inside there is a set of armor. It will enhance your powers. There should be a set for a woman too it'll be perfect for your friend over there."

Sub-Zero got up and opened the case, revealing the armor. He placed on the Viking-like helmet and facemask first and followed up with the rest of it. Kitana grabbed a set of clothes that was in there, the shade of blue perfectly matched her old clothes. She thanked the old man, "I'm not a Cryomancer I have no right to wear this. I must thank you for allowing me the privilege."

Sub-Zero bowed graciously, "Yes. I'm glad to carry on our people's name."

They were not alone, however as slow clapping echoed throughout the chamber. Noob Saibot walked in, "An impressive set of armor, brother. It almost makes you look strong." Both Kitana and Liang raised their weapons when they saw him.

The aged Cryomancer fell on his back and backed away at Noob's presence, "You…I sense a great evil in you! What are you?!"

Noob sank into the ground and arose behind the old man, "I'm your extinction." He tore his hand right through the Cryomancer's back, pulling out his spinal cord, "A new spin on an old trick."

Sub-Zero pulled out the Edenian Kamidogu, "I know you're still in there, brother. I can fix you."

"I don't need to be fixed," Noob vehemently denied, "But you do have something I need. That Kamidogu will look nice with the others."

"We'd sooner die than give you the Kamidogu," Kitana said in spite.

Noob grinned deviously, "I can make that happen. Maybe you'll see your husband, it'll be nice."

Kuai held the Edenian Kamidogu high, "If you want it, I'll give it to you!" He charged at his sibling, ready to stab the dagger in his torso. It didn't work as Noob vanished and reappeared behind them both.

"I really don't feel like fighting you two. Luckily I have someone to do that for me." Noob snapped his fingers, opening a fiery portal. The ever vengeful corrupted Scorpion stepped out from the portal, chained to shackles keeping him in control.

Sub-Zero recognized his former comrade, "Hanzo!?" Kitana gasped, "That's Scorpion?"

Noob folded his hands, "Do you like what I've done with him? He's so much better this way." Scorpion only growled at the three of them. Noob vanished afterwards, unleashing his rage filled minion on them.

Scorpion thoughtlessly charged at Sub-Zero at breakneck speeds, sending the poor half-Cryomancer through the ice wall. He fell into the snow outside. Kitana attacked Scorpion from behind, stabbing he fan blade into his sides. Scorpion was undeterred by this. He grabbed her by the shoulders and threw her out the hole in the wall.

Sub-Zero got back up. He shot an ice ball at the wrathful wraith, but it melted before it hit him. Soon the entire sanctuary started melting around Scorpion's eternal flames. Scorpion jumped out and landed on Kitana's chest, cracking her ribs. Thinking on his toes, Sub-Zero came at him with the Edenian Kamidogu but was countered by Scorpion grabbing him by the wrist and twisting it. In deep pain, Sub-Zero dropped the Kamidogu. Scorpion shoved him back into the snow covered earth and stomped his head in further. Kitana, while still injured, used what was left of her power and ran the Kamidogu right into Scorpion's thigh. Scorpion screamed in a mix of agony and fury. His attention turned to the Edenian, picking her up by the neck and squeezing. Again she drove the Kamidogu into his stomach, causing him to drop both her and the mystic artifact. It wasn't enough to entirely do him in yet his flame finally died down, allowing Sub-Zero to freeze him.

Noob reappeared and snatched the Edenian Kamidogu up, "Yes! It's mine! It's all mine!" His victory was interrupted as he was tackled to the ground by an Outworld soldier, letting the Kamidogu slip from his grasp. Another soldier picked it up, "It belongs to Onaga, Emperor of Outworld now."

Noob threw the soldier off and tried to snatch it up but was met with a spear to the abdomen. He fell to the ground afterwards. Sub-Zero and Kitana tried to attack them yet it was hopeless, if not valiant, effort. When all the soldiers cleared off or were defeated, the one who had the Kamidogu found a way to vanish without a trace. Noob too found a way to weasel his way out of there, as his body was gone.

Kitana held her head in fear and frustration, "We let him get away! Soon the Dragon King will have all of the Kamidogu and it's our fault!"

Sub-Zero held her hand in a comforting manner, "No it's not, there's no way we could have fought them all off! It's not our fault and if it is there's still a way we can fix it!"

"How…?"

Sub-Zero picked up Scorpion's body and started making his way back downwards, "We must hurry back to the others and warn them! There's no time to waste!"

Kitana followed, yet it seemed things were at their darkest. Onaga would finally have all he needed to attain ultimate power. With all six Kamidogu in hand along with Shinnok's Amulet he may prove unstoppable. The Elder Gods' reckoning may finally be at hand if Sub-Zero and Kitana are too late.

I must say, I'm really glad people think Shao Kahn is still a horrible monster. I thought I was making him almost too nice at times. Glad that's not the case. He might be the protagonist but he sure isn't a hero by any definition. And don't worry about Reptile, though. Won't say too much but he won't be out of the story for too long. But about this chapter, it was a fun one to write. I love delving into the history of these realms and this time I wanted to go back into Edenia's. The downfall of the once great realm is very interesting to me. I wanted to show that as idyllic as it was, Edenia had a reason for having fallen to Outworld. One thing I considered was whether I should kill off Shujinko and at the end of the day I decided I should. This story already has plenty of other characters to focus on and there will be many more so I just felt he wasn't necessary. It's nothing personal against him, I happen to love Deception's Konquest mode to be honest. I love the 3D era games in general, if that wasn't clear. Well that's about it for now, I'll see you in the next chapter!