A/N: Just a tidbit into the mind of the villain real quick...

Rating: M

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

My subordinate kneeled before me like the pathetic worm he was.

"I find your failures unacceptable, Quan Chi. I really expected more."

The worm lifted his pathetic head to meet my gaze. "Please, Master. Allow me another chance to prove myself."

I turned away from his worthless form to survey my kingdom. The Netherrealm was teeming with dark spirits that only fueled my desire for more power. I breathed in the energy wafting from the wretched souls and smiled in pleasure.

The Elder Gods would pay.

"Rise, Quan Chi."

I heard my second stand to his feet behind me.

I turned toward him. "Are you certain you can turn this Shirai Ryu, again?"

The weaker sorcerer nodded emphatically. "Of course, Master. He'll believe anything I tell him if I dangle his family in front of him. He is a creature filled with hunger for sentiment."

"Hm. I believed that the last time."

"I—I underestimated his will. I see that now. But he is a gullible human. They only believe what they want most. His mind is weak—and his spirit fragile."

"And you believe he would be an asset to my empire?"

"Yes, Master. But there are many willing to join your cause."

I chuckled darkly. "It's not the willing I want."

I wanted to see pain in the eyes of my soldiers. The hopeless, searing pain that would overwhelm the Elder Gods' pure light.

Quan Chi made a sniveling noise behind me. Lower than a dog.

"What is it?" I snapped.

"Lord Shinnok… I thought you should know that one of our own is missing."

"Oh? And which one might that be?"

"The demon—Sareena. She hasn't reported back to me in days."

Sareena? We gave names to our slaves?

"No matter," I scoffed. "One less demon will not stop me in my quest."

"Yes, Master."

"Leave me now."

"Yes, Master. The Elder Gods shall know of your might and regret their slights against you."

I growled as the fool left. Slights?!

But it wasn't just about the Elder Gods anymore.

I would plunge all of the realms into eternal darkness.

I would not be satisfied until every living creature was sent into oblivion.

There would be nothing left but the cold, unforgiving darkness.

A/N: I fear the dark...