After a lengthy trek heading towards the Blood Sea, the motley crew of demons, humans, and one somewhere in between reached the one major obstacle to their path:
The Prison of Souls.
The group overlooked the prison from a nearby canyon. The prison was dark and industrial-looking, and massive like a fortress. There were spotlights on top of the numerous towers that surrounded and were part of the prison, all moving back and forth in order to catch anyone who might come near the massive prison.
It reminded Stryker of a factory crossed with Alcatraz. He'd locked up criminals in places like this. He certainly didn't like visiting them.
The Brotherhood of Shadow had long abandoned this place following the losses of Quan Chi and Shinnok, believing consolidating their forces to be a logical strategy. Said strategy had led to their annihilation.
Kia and Jataaka did not mourn the cult's loss however. They were finally free of the Brotherhood's dogma, and no longer needed to feign devotion to fanatical ideals. Still, the Prison was foreboding to them, as well as to Sareena and Ashrah. It brought back memories of the totality that Shinnok and Quan Chi had held over their lives. Never had they sat within this prison's cells, but they had never felt any better than those who did. Especially for Sareena and Ashrah, the Netherrealm in its entirety had felt similarly prison-like, and that feeling had fueled their desire to escape.
Kia and Jataaka did not hold similar distaste for the Netherrealm itself, but it made this prison no less foreboding to them.
Hsu Hao had only ever seen pictures of this place. The Red Dragon had considered retaking this place multiple times, but something else always took priority. The facility had been lost to the Brotherhood of Shadow years before he had even been recruited into the Red Dragon clan. It had been so many years now since Mavado had approached him with that fateful offer. Even now, Hsu Hao considered trying to claim the facility for the Red Dragon. Alas however, he lacked the forces to take the prison, and had a strong feeling that his circumstantial allies would not agree with the idea. In a few ways they reminded him of the Special Forces, when he had served with them as part of his infiltration mission. They were dedicated and moral. Every once in a while, Hsu Hao wished that he had the luxury of morals. Alas, that was far from the life he had made for himself. In truth, he didn't take fault with Stryker for calling him a terrorist when he proposed their agreement.
The outlier among the group was Jade. Not only was she the only Edenian among a group composed of Earthrealmers and Netherrealmers, but in her more than ten thousand years of life, she had never seen a place like this. The closest things she could think of to compare it to were either the buildings in Earthrealm when she had fought there against Shao Kahn's invasion, or against the fortress of Shao Kahn himself in Outworld. Either way, upon beholding the Prison of Souls, Jade could just feel to her core that she didn't like this place.
"W-Well," she said, a bit of uneasiness in her voice, turning her gaze to her demonic allies. "You four know this place. How do we get in?"
"Well, it's been quite a few years," Sareena admitted. "But there should be an entrance on the west side."
"I've always wondered," said Ashrah, pointing at the spotlights. "What are those?"
"The lights are intended to spot any potential intruders," explained Hsu Hao. "It would be best to avoid them."
"Noted," Ashrah responded, before looking at her sword which glowed faintly. "Besides, we have our own light to aid us."
Kia and Jataaka rolled their eyes at her faith in the sword. They personally didn't exactly believe in the idea of divine power gracing an inhabitant of the Netherrealm.
"Everyone be on your guard," advised Jade. "And stick together, it's the only way we'll make it through this place."
"Agreed, we should maintain an advantage in numbers," added Hsu Hao. "It certainly proved beneficial in our last battle as a unit, and would lessen the likelihood of casualties."
"I'd certainly hate to end up in the Fifth Plane again…." said Sareena.
"So that's what happened after Shinnok blasted you." Kia realized.
Sareena nodded. "Yes, my soul reformed down there."
"I remember you telling me about that after we met." Ashrah recalled.
"I am never going to understand how any of that works." Stryker fully admitted.
"Weren't you a revenant, Earthrealmer?" Jataaka asked. "Magic and the nature of this realm play a part in your standing here at this very moment."
Stryker shrugged. "Doesn't mean I know how it all works."
"Is this much discourse particularly required or in any way beneficial to our mission?" Asked Hsu Hao.
"Well you must be fun at parties." Joked Stryker
"Speaking of parties, do you think Johnathon will try to arrange one when he learns we're alive again?" Jade asked.
"Wouldn't put it past him." Stryker answered.
"Who are you talking about?" Kia asked.
"Friend of ours." Jade answered.
"Quite frankly, you'd hate him." Stryker added.
"I can corroborate that statement." Hsu Hao said plainly.
"When have you met Johnny?" Stryker asked.
"That is a lengthy story that would jeopardize your willingness to cooperate with me," Hsu Hao explained. "Let us simply continue our mission."
"Agreed," said Jataaka. "And you." She looked at Kia with a small smile.
"Yeah, beautiful?" Kia asked.
"Stay safe." Jataaka instructed, before leaning over and planting a kiss on her cheek.
"How sweet." Complimented Ashrah.
"Does anyone else suddenly feel collectively like third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh wheels?" Stryker asked.
"They get sentimental like this before a dangerous mission," Sareena explained. "And that's not a criticism before you two start, I actually like seeing this side of you both."
"Yes, well now that the nature of our relationship is clear, know that I will prioritize protecting her life," Jataaka motioned to Kia. "Over all of yours."
"I'd say that's biased," Stryker replied. "But I can't blame you either. Happy wife, happy life."
"What are weddings like in the Netherrealm?" Jade wondered aloud.
Hsu Hao sighed. "That information is not required for what we are about to—"
"We'll tell you later," assured Kia. "Now let's go."
"Agreed." Was all Hsu Hao had to add.
The group made their way down the side of the canyon and over to the west side of the prison to search for the entrance. They all made sure to remain out of the way of the spotlights and use nearby rocks and boulders as cover so as not to be seen by anyone on the ground level.
Eventually, they reached the entrance itself. There seemed to be no visible guards, making it rather easy for the group to step inside.
Once they did however, a compartment in one of the walls suddenly opened up, and out stepped a very large humanoid robot. It was bulky and very tall, standing over even Hsu Hao, who was the largest of the group. It had a blocky shape with the exception of its more round head and hands. Attached to one arm was a large rotary buzzsaw which began spinning as the robot looked at the intruders and began marching towards them.
"A Keeper!" Shouted Ashrah.
She quickly fired a light projectile from her sword, Sareena additionally firing a skull-fireball at the robot, as Stryker unholstered his gun and let off a round.
The hellfire-infused bullet blasted the robot's saw blade attachment clean off. The two energy projectiles collided with the robot seconds after and knocked it back, but did not prove powerful enough to disable the robot, as it kept coming.
Moving past the others, Hsu Hao stood facing the robot and began charging his chest laser. The beam of energy shot out and blasted a circular hole right through the center of the robot, destroying its main power and causing it to collapse to the ground.
"Woah!" Stryker exclaimed. "How come it wasn't that strong before?"
"I had my laser set to a lower power setting," Hsu Hao explained. "I assumed as a former revenant yourself, you would want your comrade alive. Avoiding the deaths of either of those three was also to further generate trust."
"Ok, you're smart, I'll give you that one," Stryker admitted. "Still not a big fan of the Red Dragon."
"Nor I, the American government, Officer Stryker." Hsu Hao responded.
"Touché." Was all Stryker had to say.
"Look out!" Called out Jade, throwing her glaive, which flew right between the two before it sliced off the head of another approaching robot, a relatively smaller one, before teleporting back to her grasp in a flash of green energy.
"What's that thing made of?" Stryker asked.
"Edenian Steel," Jade answered. "Responds well to mystical enchantments too."
"My leader uses similar material for his weapons." Hsu Hao recalled.
"Really?" Jade asked.
Hsu Hao nodded in confirmation, but didn't provide any further specificity on the matter, simply continuing his path throughout the prison, the others following.
"Where do we go now?" Jade asked the demonesses.
"Once we're through the prison, we'll have to make it across the Bridge of Immortality," Sareena explained. "Like the prison itself, it's likely to be guarded by Keepers."
"Wonderful…" Stryker said irritatedly.
"We should make haste," advised Hsu Hao. "Although these robots are something of an abandoned experiment of my clan, they are nonetheless formidable. We should attempt to ensure that we face as few of them as possible."
The others nodded.
"They always did unnerve me," commented Ashrah. "I could always sense that they were just….soulless."
"They reminded me of the reanimated skeletons Quan Chi would sometimes use in battle," added Kia. "I just hope we can get out of this place soon." She looked around the prison as they walked, clearly uneasy.
"Don't be afraid," advised Jataaka. "I won't let anything happen to you."
Kia nodded, staying close to her wife as the group traversed across the prison. The place's dark and foreboding nature didn't change one bit now that they were actually inside it. The narrow hallways didn't help either. They also had no idea what to expect from the prison and what dangers might lay ahead.
They turned down a hall only to be confronted by another Keeper. Stryker grabbed his taser and shot the cables right at the robot. They latched on and electrocuted, short-circuiting its systems and causing it to explode.
The explosion caused alarms to start blaring and blew a hole in the wall, from which the Bridge of Immortality was visible in the distance.
"Nice going, Earthrealmer," Jataaka mocked. "Now they know we're here."
"Hey, at least we know where we're going now," Stryker argued. "Besides, I don't see you helpi-"
Another robot approached, this one armed with a large laser cannon that replaced its lower right arm and connected via a cable to its back, which it aimed at the group.
Kia threw a razor boomerang aimed at the cannon, which sliced it clean off and caused it to slam to the ground with a loud metal clang. Jataaka then rushed the robot and sliced it clean in half diagonally with her mystically-charged sword.
"Ok, I take back what I said." Stryker said honestly.
No one responded to him, the group simply continuing forward in the direction of the bridge. Surviving through giant mechanized hammers that fell from the ceiling in an attempt to crush them and flickering, partially malfunctioning laser barriers, the group did finally make it onto the Bridge of Immortality.
Once there, they found a small force waiting for them.
There were two of the smaller robots, each armed with a different variety of laser cannon. Another one of the larger robots with the arm-mounted saw blade stood just behind the two. On either side of them were two large semi-humanoid red robots, one with an arm replaced by a machine gun, and the other having a flamethrower. Next to the five robots was another smaller one, unarmed but mounted onto, of all things, a medium-sized dinosaur. It was clearly some kind of theropod, though too small to be the famous Tyrannosaurus Rex. It was potentially some manner of Albertosaurus. What the animal had done in its prehistoric life for its soul to find its way to the Netherrealm was a question possibly no one knew the answer to.
"Is that a robot on a dinosaur?!" Stryker explained.
"What's a dinosaur?" Sareena asked.
"Animals from Earthrealm that were supposed to have gone extinct 65 million years ago," Stryker explained. "And now, one of them is in this place, being ridden by a robot."
"What killed your 'dinosaurs'?" Ashrah asked.
"Well theories vary between an ice age and a meteor," Stryker explained. "Take your pick."
The dinosaur roared at the group.
"We have a battle to commence." Hsu Hao reminded them.
The seven of them all readied themselves for the coming battle, raising weapons and entering battle stances.
The two smaller robots fired laser blasts at the group, but their blasts were deflected by Ashrah and Jataaka's swords, glowing white and blue respectively as the two charged into battle.
The robot with the machine gun opened fire, but Jade jumped into the path of its stream of bullets and activated her energy shield, the projectiles bouncing off of it as she threw her glaive and cut off the machine gun attachment with it.
The flamethrower robot marched toward Hsu Hao and unleashed its flames, but the Red Dragon sent the fire away from himself with a powerful clap that generated a shockwave, knocking the robot back some.
The saw blade robot marched forward, but was blasted back with a fireball from Sareena, who unsheathed her sword and charged at it.
This left Stryker and Kia….to contend with the robot mounted on a dinosaur.
The dinosaur charged at the two, even as Kia launched a razor boomerang that sliced the head off of its mount, before both she and Stryker had barrel-rolled out of the way.
Stryker shot off several rounds from his pistol afterward, the hellfire billets clearly harming the dinosaur's hide, but mostly serving to anger it and cause it to roar loudly at him. The dinosaur charged again at Stryker, but he jumped out of the way and allowed it to run right off of the side of the bridge. The dinosaur roared in anger as it plummeted down to the seeming abyss below.
"Two down!" Stryker proclaimed, pumping his fist. He then turned to Kia. "May I just say that you have a damn good throwing arm?"
Kia couldn't help but crack a smile at his compliment. "Thanks, but I'm taken."
"Wasn't trying to—"
"I was told that Earthrealmers knew what a joke was." She interrupted him, before the both of them started laughing.
Meanwhile, Jade struck her robotic opponent with an energy kick, intending to knock it over but instead sending her foot right through the robot's "stomach".
"Whoops." She said to herself, before pulling the limb out and looking up at the robot to see if it was still functional after that.
It was, albeit clearly malfunctioning now, as it twitched and sparked before punching her and knocking her back. Jade, in response, channeled her green energy into her staff and threw it like a javelin, after which it proceeded to impale the robot through the head, and then be teleported back into Jade's hand before the robot fell to the ground, dead.
Sareena at the same was swiftly dodging the swipes of the saw blade robot, striking it with her sword, but it was evidently not strong enough to do more than leave cut marks in the plating. After ducking under another swing by the robot, Sareena fired another skull-fireball to knock it back. She then tried combining her two primary weapons, allowing the mystically-generated pink flame to coat her sword, before she charged at the robot, jumped into the air, and landed on it. She proceeded to stab the robot through the chest with the flaming sword, causing the flames to spread from the sparking caused and eventually engulf the robot as Sareena jumped off. The robot shambled forward in this state a few more steps before finally falling over.
Ashrah and Jataaka had meanwhile been successfully deflecting the blasts of the robots' laser cannons, eventually getting close enough to slash the robots themselves with their mystically energized blades, causing them to fall in half, although the damaged cannons exploded, knocking the two back.
"Jataaka!" yelled Kia, rushing over to her just as Sareena rushed over to Ashrah.
"Are you alright?" Kia asked.
Jataaka sat up and coughed. "I-I'll be fine…"
Ashrah couldn't help but smile. "This reminds me of when I was nursing you after that Brotherhood assassin wounded you."
"Well I'm glad I could repay the courtesy." Sareena happily responded.
The only opponent left standing now was the flamethrower robot. Hsu Hao dodged the flames as best as he could, eventually getting close enough to grapple with the robot, grabbing its flamethrower arm and pulling it away from himself. Eventually, Hsu Hao managed to actually lift the robot over his head and throw it onto the ground. The robot attempted to fire its flamethrower again, but Hsu Hao destroyed the weapon with one of his Sun Moon Blades, stabbing the row of spikes down the front of the weapon into the flamethrower. He then lifted up his boot and stomped down with enough force to crush the robot's head, ending it.
"Are you all in sufficient physical condition?" Hsu Hao asked afterwards.
The rest nodded their confirmation in spite of the somewhat detached phrasing, Kia helping Jataaka to her feet and Sareena doing the same with Ashrah.
"Good." Hsu Hao responded simply.
The group continued to cross the Bridge of Immortality. A few straggling Keeper robots attempted to attack them during the cross, but were quickly dispatched. During their time on the bridge, Sareena noticed another hole in the wall besides the one caused by Stryker. It was much larger and seemed to lead out of a cell.
Something had escaped the Prison of Souls, a rare feat if there ever was one….
Eventually, the group made it across the bridge, sparing final glances at the massive prison before continuing along their journey.
Though the occasional threats to be vanquished would present themselves, creatures of the Netherrealm in multiple varieties, comparatively to the rather daunting Prison of Souls, it was nothing that seemed at all impossible for the group. And with time, patience, and determination, they at long last, reached the Blood Sea.
The sea lived up to its name, running red and being rather vast. The legends said that the sea contained all the blood of all who had ever died and found themselves within the Netherrealm. What truth there was to this, no one knew. Like much else in the history of the realms, the true origins of the Blood Sea had been lost to time.
The group walked along the coast of the sea until they reached a small wooden cabin with a boat next to it, tied to a wooden post to keep it in one place.
"I assume this is the residence of the 'Kharon' individual we are seeking." Hsu Hao surmised.
"It is." Jataaka conformed.
"Boat's tied down," observed Stryker. "Safe bet to say he's home. Who wants to knock?"
"I can arrange for our transit." offered Sareena.
"I will accompany you." Decided Ashrah.
Sareena nodded, and the two of them went to the cabin, walking up the stairs and knocking on its door.
A few seconds later, the door was opened by a man in black and brown robes with grey skin, and pale eyes. He was bald, but had a somewhat long beard of white hair.
"Excuse me sir," Sareena said respectfully. "Are you Kharon, ferryman of the Blood Sea?"
The man stroked his beard. "Yes, that's me. I assume you need a ride."
"You assume correctly," confirmed Ashrah. "I am—"
"I know who you are, Ashrah," Kharon interrupted. "I see your Kriss wasn't getting you out of this realm fast enough, eh?"
"You do?" Ashrah asked. "How?"
"Sareena's old friend Bi-Han is not the first person the Elder Gods have sent to try and put this realm in order," Kharon explained. "And he might not even be the last."
"Bi-Han is alive?" Sareena asked, eyes widening.
"Oh yes," Kharon confirmed. "Perhaps you'll run into him again. Until then, you and your friends should probably get going on. A dark threat looms on the horizon, and I need to get you where you'll need to be to combat it."
The two demonesses looked at one another in confusion.
"Don't worry," assured Kharon. "All will become clear in time."
After it became evident that further conversation would only confuse Sareena and Ashrah more, Kharon went down with the two to meet the others.
"Greetings all," he addressed the group. "My name is Kharon. I'll be taking you out of the Netherrealm today."
He led them to his boat, and watched as each of them boarded. First Sareena, then Ashrah, then Kia and Jataaka
"Congratulations on the wedding, you two." Kharon said to them as they boarded, much to the confusion of Kia and Jataaka themselves.
Jade was the next to board.
"The Goddess of Life Cetrion smiles upon you, Jade," Kharon said to her. "And may Edenia be freed, as it was in the time before."
"Thank...you..?" Jade responded awkwardly.
Stryker followed, passing a puzzling glance at Kharon.
"Something wrong, Kurtis?" Kharon asked.
"No, was just half expecting you to read me my fortune." Stryker replied.
"I can't see into the future," Kharon explained. "Only that which transpires now, and has transpired since I was granted my gift. I can tell you this much. Your friend Pedro from the NYPD will be happy to see you again."
Stryker just blinked, in complete disbelief at the fact this man knew about him to that degree. Shaking his head and trying not to think about it too much for fear of a headache, Stryker boarded the boat.
Lastly, was Hsu Hao, to whom Kharon gave a sullen look.
"I had hoped the prophecy wasn't true." He said.
"What are you talking about?" Hsu Hao asked.
"It was said that one day a man with a heart of steel would descend into this realm and become the Embodiment of Desolation," Kharon explained. "And I fear that is what has happened to you, Hsu Hao."
"I am an agent of the Red Dragon, not the focal point of some prophecy invented by the damned." Hsu Hao refuted, before stepping onto the boat.
Kharon sighed and shook his head, before taking his place at the front of the boat and grabbing onto a large oar.
He took out a small knife and cut the rope that tied the boat to the cabin, and once that was done, they were off.
"So, quite the journey it's been for you all." Kharon said, attempting to make conversation.
"Yeah…" Stryker confirmed. "One that just keeps getting weirder…."
"Robots riding dinosaurs and strange old men." Kharon said knowingly.
"Wait, that 'Goddess of Life' you mentioned," Jade chimed in. "Are you referring to the woman who revived me?"
"Indeed, your life was restored by Cetrion, the Elder God of Life," Kharon confirmed. "You Jade, seem to have been chosen as her personal champion. Quite the honor."
"Yes. I suppose so…" Jade responded, not sure what to make of the fact that an Elder God had apparently chosen for some kind of higher purpose. "But why me? Why not restore the others?"
"It has been a long time since I have been privy to the plans of the Elder Gods," Kharon admitted. "The future is unknown, but if Kurtis is any indication, I believe your friends will find their way back to the land of the living even without Cetrion's help. And yes, that includes Kitana."
Jade nodded. "Thank you. That helps…"
"Can I ask a question of my own?" Requested Sareena.
"Ask away, Sareena, it's no trouble to me." Kharon responded.
"You mentioned earlier that Bi-Han is alive," she recounted. "How exactly?"
"Like with Jade here, the Elder Gods intervened to save his soul," Kharon explained. "Now he is their champion, sent to this realm as I was."
"Well, I certainly hope he succeeds then." Sareena decided.
"I'm sure you'll meet him again," Ashrah reassured. "I'd certainly like to be properly introduced. After all, were it not for Bi-Han, you and I may have never met."
"Or we could have met as enemies…." Sareena said solemnly.
"Now now Sareena, don't be so dour!" Ashrah cautioned. "You should be happy, we're about to finally be free of this place!"
Sareena smiled at her. "You're right, I suppose I should. All our hard work finally paid off."
"Indeed." Ashrah agreed.
To the opposite side of the boat, Kia and Jataaka were sitting down, holding each other closely and watching Kharon's cabin and the Netherrealm itself get farther and farther away.
Sareena looked over at them. She had a feeling that bringing up Bi-Han and their impending freedom might rub them the wrong way. She went over to them, tapping Kia lightly on the shoulder.
"Everything alright?" Sareena asked.
"Yes, we're fine," Kia assured. "It's just that…."
"While you always desired to escape this place, for us it has been the only home we have ever known," Jataaka explained. "We were born here, married here...though I suppose on one hand, we can leave all torment and the scars of the Brotherhood of Shadow behind."
"Start anew…" Kia added.
"And you won't ever have to see me again…" Sareena pointed out.
"Sareena…." said Kia. "We don't hate you. Not completely, anyway."
"You saved us from Raiden," Jataaka recounted. "You aided us all this way. It may not make up for everything, but those actions do mean something."
"Wherever we might end up, we'll be sure to visit you," Kia assured. "It's the least we can do."
Sareena smiled. "Thank you. Thank you both."
"Yes yes," Jataaka brushed off. "Now if you excuse us, we'll be enjoying the view. Go spend time with your girlfriend."
Sareena scoffed. "Ashrah is not my—"
"She's messing with you, Sareena," Kia pointed out. "Though frankly I don't see why not. You seem to get along rather well."
Sareena looked back at Ashrah briefly, before turning her gaze away again.
"I'll…leave you be…" she decided, stepping away from Kia and Jataaka.
Hsu Hao kept his gaze focused straight ahead, eyes laser-focused on their long-awaited exit from the Netherrealm. His attention was however pulled away when he received a light tap on the arm, looking over to see Stryker and Jade.
"Can I be of assistance?" Hsu Hao asked.
"Like you said, we'll be going our separate ways when we leave from here." said Jade.
"But we just wanted to say...thanks," Added Stryker. "Even though you work for the Red Dragon and we'd probably be on the opposite side in any other situation, you helped us out. So yeah. Thanks man."
"Your thanks are appreciated, but unnecessary," Hsu Hao responded. "The agreement was beneficial to both parties."
"You are a more honorable man than you realize, Hsu Hao," Jade complimented. "I hope you find the purpose you're seeking from the Red Dragon."
Hsu Hao sighed. "Thank you…"
"We'll leave you alone," Stryker assured. "Just wanted to thank you."
Hsu Hao merely nodded, before looking straight ahead once more.
The boat ride would continue, being virtually silent with the exception of the sound of the oar brushing against the blood that made up the sea. It was a peaceful silence however, allowing each of the group to simply reflect on their ordeals, and wonder to themselves what the next chapter of their journey might hold. With the exception of Hsu Hao, who held a strong certainty about how he thought things would progress.
Eventually however, the silence would be broken.
"We're approaching the portal," informed Kharon. "Get ready everyone."
The group all looked ahead to see that they were approaching a gigantic edifice that looked just about identical to Shinnok's amulet.
"Well that's….foreboding…" said Stryker.
The green gem at the center of the amulet began to glow, and seconds later a swirling yellow portal had been generated that took up its entire frame.
Jade and Hsu Hao stared ahead with determined expressions, ready for whatever might come next.
Kia and Jataaka's faces on the other hand conveyed a sense of uncertainty. Never before had they ventured beyond the Netherrealm, and the possibility that they might never return had occurred to them, though ultimately, they would not turn back now.
Stryker tried to steel himself for what was to come, but had his own feelings of uncertainty.
By stark contrast, Sareena beheld the portal with a certain wonder in her eyes, freedom from the Netherrealm feeling like a recurring dream finally coming true.
Ashrah, despite having worked towards the same goal for so long, was comparatively more worried.
"I-I always knew this day would come," she said. "But I didn't think it would be so soon. Or like this."
"Hey, you don't have to be afraid," Sareena assured. "I'm right here."
Ashrah nodded. Sareena offered her hand and Ashrah took it, holding on tightly as the light of the portal began to envelop them all.
"Best of luck, my friends." Kharon's voice echoed.
When the light faded, the seven found themselves in a small village with ornately decorated houses and people milling about, a few passing glances at the suddenly appearing group. Jade identified it as an Edenian village rather quickly.
As they looked around, they saw that Kharon was nowhere to be seen.
"Uhh….I don't think we're back in Kansas." Pointed out Stryker.
"No," Jade said as she finally recognized the surroundings. "We're in Outworld!"
"My intended destination had been Earthrealm," Hsu Hao said with a very mild irritation in his voice. "This is suitable however. My clan has operations within this realm and I should be able to get into contact with them. This is where I depart from your company."
"So that's it?" Stryker asked.
Hsu Hao nodded. "You have my gratitude for your aid, but our business is concluded."
"Farewell, Hsu Hao," Said Jade. "I wish you luck."
Hsu Hao didn't respond, merely turning and walking away, heading toward the nearest Red Dragon base in Outworld.
Stryker and Jade turned their attention to their remaining allies. All four demonesses were staring up at the sky, in pure shock and awe at the sight before them.
"I've never seen anything like this…" said Sareena. "It's so...bright. Blue and yet almost...purple."
"It's beautiful," added Ashrah. "And look!"
She was about to step forward, only to realize that her hand was still tightly clenching Sareena's. After an exchange of embarrassed glances and red faces between the two, they let go of one another and Ashrah moved forward and knelt down in front of a small field.
"It's like nothing I've ever seen!" She said with childlike wonder. "These little blades, and yet…" she brushed her hand against the grass. "They are not sharp. The most green I'd ever seen in my life before now is your eyes, Sareena."
"Thank you," Sareena said in response to the compliment. "This is incredible. It's just so…lively here. And these people's houses are beautiful as well." She looked at Stryker and Jade. "This is what life looks like every day for you?"
"Not quite, with my being from Earthrealm and all," Stryker said honestly. "For instance our sky is all blue."
"Outworld's sky is known to change colors at certain times of day," Jade explained. "And to answer your question Sareena ...my own life has been a rather complicated affair ...but I imagine it'll be like this one day."
"I have to admit…" said Jataaka. "I'm starting to see what all the fuss was about."
"This realm is certainly very nice." Agreed Kia.
Before the group could continue to marvel at their surroundings, they heard the sounds of commotion.
Three people were being forced out of an Inn. Khameleon, Li Mei, and Shujinko. This was not out of any inability to pay for their lodging, but rather the fault of a group of Kotal Kahn's Osh-Tekk soldiers.
"What is the meaning of this?" Asked Shujinko.
"We have broken no laws!" Added Li Mei.
"You." Said one of the soldiers, pointing at Khameleon.
"Me?" She asked.
"We need you to come with us," the soldier explained. "Kotal Kahn wishes to question you about the whereabouts of Reptile."
"His name is Syzoth!" Khameleon corrected.
"Whatever," another soldier said dismissively. "Come along quietly and no harm will come to the old man or the refugee trafficker here."
"I ferry others away from the carnage of the civil war that consumes Outworld," Li Mei argued. "The people of this realm have suffered enough."
"What in the name of Argus is going on here?!"
All eyes turned to Jade, who was approaching the situation with her allies cautiously following behind her.
"Move along Edenian," urged one of the soldiers. "This doesn't concern you."
"The last brute in a skull mask I saw trying to intimidate innocent people was Shao Kahn," Jade recounted, slamming her bo staff to the ground. "He's not exactly someone I like being reminded of."
"Is that a threat?" One of the soldiers asked, moving over to her and staring her right in the eyes.
"I don't make threats," Jade explained. "Only promises."
"You really don't have to involve yourself in this." Said Li Mei.
"Please," Jade responded, before hitting the soldier in the head with a swift strike from her staff and knocking him out. "It's my pleasure."
Two more soldiers charged at Jade after this. She threw her staff at the ground, where it ricocheted off and hit both soldiers in the chin, before Jade grabbed the staff again and swung downwards at their legs, knocking them off their feet and onto the ground.
One soldier remained, taking out a traditional Osh-Tekk dagger and preparing to make some kind of move, before he was thrown back by a purplish spherical energy projectile fired by Li Mei.
"I could've handled that one." Jade argued.
"I'm sure, you're quite a skilled fighter," Li Mei complimented. "But you were really only cleaning up a mess we had made."
"It's really no trouble," Jade insisted. "Any opportunity to smack around would-be oppressors."
Li Mei laughed at the comment. "I suppose so." She offered her hand.
"I'm Li Mei."
Jade was almost frozen for a moment, as if committing the image of Li Mei to memory.
"Oh!" She finally spoke, shaking her hand. "Jade."
"Strong grip." Li Mei complimented.
"You too…" Jade responded.
"Well, hopefully I'll see you around," said Li Mei, giving a brief wink before returning to her two allies. "And under better circumstances."
"A-Agreed." Replied Jade.
"Hold on a moment, before you depart," requested Ashrah, taking a few moments to look at the man who accompanied Li Mei. "Shujinko?"
"Ashrah!" Shujinko said fondly. "I see you have finally achieved your goal of escaping the Netherrealm."
"Indeed," Ashrah confirmed. "Though not in the manner I had imagined."
"That you have made this achievement at all is worthy of celebration," Shujinko responded. "But alas, there is a task of great importance my compatriots and I must attend to."
"Still going on quests after all these years, Shujinko?" Ashrah asked with a chuckle. "Well, I do wish you luck. Hope you find what you're looking for."
"And you, a place to call home, Ashrah." Shujinko replied, before he, Khameleon, and Li Mei took their leave.
"You know that man?" Jade asked.
Ashrah nodded. "We met many years ago, when I battled the forces of evil alone, without the aid of Sareena, and worked towards purification by way of my Kriss."
"I see…" said Jade, somewhat distantly.
"Thinking about that woman you met?" Ashrah teased.
"What? No!" Jade refuted. "Well ...maybe a little. Mostly though, it's just… a lot has to have happened here in Outworld since I died. It feels like there's a lot I need to catch up on."
"Didn't you say your home was a realm called Edenia?" Sareena asked.
"Yes…" Jade confirmed. "It was. Ten thousand years ago. Before Shao Kahn conquered it, and merged it with Outworld."
"Tried doing the same to Earthrealm too," Stryker added. "Me, Jade, and the other guys? We died… and yet, the good guys still won in the end. The universe is a crazy place sometimes."
"Indeed." Agreed Jade.
"Well, I for one hope to explore every last bit of it." Sareena said earnestly.
"May we make a suggestion?" Asked Jataaka.
"We should probably go somewhere that isn't here," said Kia, pointing to the unconscious Osh-Tekk. "Before they wake up and call any friends they might have."
Needless to say, that logic made perfect sense to the others, and they began heading to the next town over. Their intentions had been to maintain a low profile, but when they arrived, things were anything but quiet.
There was a large group of protesters, mostly Edenians, some Outworlders, marching through the streets and holding up signs. Chanting things like "Free Edenia!", "Down with Kotal Kahn!", and "No More Oppression!"
"Guessing whoever took Shao Kahn's job isn't all that popular." Assumed Stryker.
"No…" agreed Jade. "But the name seems familiar. Kotal… he was one of Shao Kahn's generals, I believe. Offered to have his troops remain behind and defend Outworld during the invasion."
"Do you know him?" Sareena asked.
"Not at all," Jade answered. "We've been in the same room, usually when I was serving as Kitana's bodyguard, but have never spoken. I'm surprised he could have managed to become emperor of Outworld. Certainly there are others who must have desired the thro-"
Before Jade could finish, she was taken by surprise at what began unfolding before her. Groups of Osh-Tekk soldiers and a few Centaurs began approaching the protestors, led by Erron Black, Ruby, and Motaro.
"This is treason against the emperor!" Announced Ruby. "Disperse now!"
The protestors only began yelling louder, standing their ground.
"I would suggest you heed her," Motaro warned. "The emperor is not as forgiving as we are."
One Edenian stepped forward, a woman in brown robes.
"We will not leave until at long last, our home of Edenia is freed from Outworld's oppression!" The woman yelled, causing cheers to erupt from the protestors.
"What's your name?" Asked Erron.
"Maya," she answered. "And there are thousands of voices like mine who will speak out for freedom."
"You got a word for 'treason' in Edenia?" Erron asked.
"Yes, it's the same as yours," Maya answered. "We care not about committing treason against an emperor who sits upon a stolen throne, and does not hold our respect."
"Well…" said Erron. "We tried this the easy way." He waved over two Osh-Tekk soldiers, who seized Maya and began dragging her from the crowd. The protesters naturally didn't quite agree with this, and rushed forward, charging at the Outworld soldiers, trapping them and beating down on the two Osh-Tekk with the fury of a storm.
A gunshot rang out. Protesters began screaming and soldiers began moving forward to detain them. Jade ran over to investigate, in spite of the warnings of the others. When she moved through the crowd, she found Maya, laying on the ground with a bullethole in her shoulder.
"You… brutes! Fiends! How dare you!" Jade said in anger, taking out her bo staff and preparing to attack Kotal's enforcers.
"Jade..?" Ruby asked, shocked to see her alive.
"Ruby, finally come out of hiding I see," Jade observed. "You know, when you disappeared I thought it was because you'd recognized Shao Kahn's evil. Now here you are spreading more death and destruction."
"These protests need to be quelled if Outworld is to have a united front," Ruby argued. "We cannot tolerate separatism."
"So you would keep the Realms imprisoned?" Jade concluded. "I see Kotal is taking after his predecessor."
"Comparing our emperor to Shao Kahn is blasphemy!" Ruby yelled.
"You're delusional," Jade concluded. "And I will not let you hurt these people. They were protesting peacefully!"
"And did you allow such insurrection in Edenia?" Ruby asked.
Jade nodded. "King Jerrod and Queen Sindel heeded the words of their people."
"No wonder you were so easily conquered." Ruby said disdainfully.
Jade narrowed her eyes and looked at her former ally with disgust. "That's it…"
She began moving forward, but Motaro interceded.
"I would recommend walking away, Jade." He offered.
"I can't do that, Motaro," said Jade. "We Edenians are just as prideful as your people."
Jade was about to attack, but looked back to see the protesters being overrun by Kotal's soldiers and was unsure of what to do. She had to help them, naturally. She looked over to see Sareena, Ashrah, Stryker, Kia and Jataaka, who were faced with a similar conundrum of whether or not to act.
Curiously, next to them were three people in brown cloaks. One of them seemed to move in to intervene, but was stopped by another.
"Ok, that's it, I'm not going to stand for this." decided Stryker.
"Agreed." said Sareena. "This reminds me of the oppression the Brotherhood used to inflict upon the people of the Netherrealm."
"Same here…" concurred Ashrah.
"It's not just that," Stryker clarified. "These guys are essentially the law enforcement around here. And where I come from, law enforcement are supposed to protect and serve the community, not push them around."
One soldier was quite literally pushing people around, shoving a protestor to the ground and about to begin beating on them when Stryker caught their arm.
"Your move, dirtbag," Stryker said before socking him in the jaw. "Always wanted to say that."
Sareena and Ashrah followed suit, the former kicking one of the soldiers in the head, and the latter stepping between a group of protesters and two Centaurs, emitting a flash of light from her sword to temporarily blind them and allow the protestors to flee. Kia and Jataaka elected to keep a low profile, else have targets on their backs.
Upon seeing her allies intervene, Jade couldn't help but smile. She turned back to face Kotal's enforcers, only to be hit with Motaro's long tail and sent flying back.
Jade crashed to the ground, trying to climb to her feet in spite of the pain and disorientation. Stryker, Sareena, and Ashrah ran over to aid her, only for the latter two to be set upon by more Osh-Tekk soldiers, who they began battling. Stryker took out his pistol and fired on Motaro, but even hellfire-infused, the ballet had little effect on the Centaur's hide.
Erron returned fire, but Stryker was able to duck out of the way, about to fire again before he was tackled by one of the soldiers.
Ruby walked over to Jade.
"Now do you see?" She asked, kneeling in front of her. "Edenia is lost forever. Bring as many Earthrealmers and demons as you like, you will not overcome the emperor. Kotal Kahn is Outworld's future."
"The future… is not… set in stone…" Jade argued.
Ruby chuckled, taking out a sword. "Perhaps not. But yours is."
Ruby was about to bring the sword down on Jade's head, when there was a flash of purple out of the corner of Jade's eye, and Ruby was knocked down by a flying kick to the face courtesy of…
"M-Mileena..?" Jade asked.
Mileena looked over at her, and was clearly equally surprised. "Jade?! What? But... how?!"
She quickly offered Jade a hand, another surprise, but Jade took it and allowed Mileena to help her up.
"It's a long story," Jade answered. "My friends and I were—"
"Trying to prevent Kotal's lackeys from abusing protesters," Mileena correctly assumed. "My friends and I are trying to do the same thing."
She pointed to the crowd, where Tanya, Emerald, Ferra, Torr, Skarlet, and Meat were warding off Kotal's forces. Quickly picking up that they were allies, Stryker, Sareena, and Ashrah quickly got to fighting alongside them.
"So wait," Jade said as she looked back at Mileena. "You're helping these people. Why?"
"Same reason as you I imagine," Mileena answered. "Innocents suffering."
"Yes, but you—"
"Never seemed to care about all that before," Mileena interrupted, expecting to hear that. "I've changed, Jade. I'd hoped saving your life had shown you that."
"Yes, thank you for that." Jade said graciously.
"Of course!" Mileena replied happily. "Now come on, let's go help our friends."
Jade nodded. The two of them entered the fray and fairly soon, the tides of battle were turned, aided by a contingent of Mileena's clones for extra numbers.
With the battle going so poorly, one thought occurred to Erron Black:
"Maybe we oughta make a tactical retreat."
"And let the rebels have victory?!" Shouted Ruby. "Never!"
Both she and Motaro charged into the battle, specifically at Stryker, Sareena, Jade, Mileena, and Tanya, who were grouped together fending off Osh-Tekk.
When suddenly, they were both enveloped in a blast of freezing mist and frozen in ice.
They looked over to see one of the people in brown cloaks standing with their arms aimed outward, revealing black gloves with blue detailing and the symbol of the Lin Kuei.
The other two cloaked figures approached them.
"Frost, I had told you not to intervene," one chastised. "While we are in Outworld, we are not to draw attention to ourselves."
Frost, in response, threw off the cloak. "And just let these goons do that to people? That's not what we stand for."
The cloaked man sighed and lowered his hood, revealing Kuai Liang. "I know you are eager to battle injustice, and it pleases me greatly that you would recognize the suffering of strangers. But you need to think more carefully before acting."
Frost sighed. "I'm sorry Sifu…"
"Sub-Zero…?" Asked Jade.
Kuai Liang quickly turned to face them, deciding to remove his own cloak. The third figure did the same, revealing Cyrax.
"Look out, behind you!" Stryker shouted.
"At ease, Kurtis," Sub-Zero cautioned. "Cyrax is my ally. During the invasion he fell victim to the Grandmaster's slaving protocols."
Stryker stood down, willing to take his word for it.
"You know this guy?" Asked Frost.
"Indeed," Sub-Zero confirmed. "And you as well, Jade. It has been a long time, but it pleases me to see you both at last freed from the revenant curse."
"It's good to see you as well, Sub-Zero." replied Jade.
"Yeah man, it's been forever," Stryker added. "I mean, you have a kid now!"
"Actually, I'm his protege," Frost corrected, offering her hand. "Frost, at your service."
Stryker shook her hand.
"I sought to teach you humility, but I fear I may have taught you to be too modest," joked Sub-Zero. "Frost is the closest to a daughter I have ever known."
"You are...Bi-Han's brother?" Asked Sareena, as if finally registering it.
"Yes," Sub-Zero. "And you I do not believe I-" And then it hit him. "You are Sareena."
"Bi-Han told you about me." Sareena concluded.
"He did." Sub-Zero answered.
"Kurtis and Jade told me about you," Sareena explained. "A pleasure to finally put a face to the name."
"Likewise." replied Sub-Zero.
"Kuai? We should probably get going before more arrive." Cyrax suggested.
"I suppose you are right," Sub-Zero conceded. "Kurtis, Sareena, Jade. If you would like, I can bring you to Earthrealm and you may be guests of my Lin Kuei."
"I hope that offer extends to us as well." Said Ashrah, walking over with Kia and Jataaka following somewhat warily behind her.
"My name is Ashrah, I'm a friend of Sareena's," she explained, offering her hand which Sub-Zero took. "The couple behind me are Kia and Jataaka. Also friends of Sareena, but they won't admit it."
"We would be pleased to have them as well." Sub-Zero said warmly.
"Sifu, you sure we have enough spare rooms?" Frost asked. "Even if the two behind Ashrah are probably gonna be sharing."
"We should be able to accommodate them," assured Cyrax. "One of them can take my room if they want, not like I really 'sleep' anymore."
"That is very generous of you, Cyrax." Complimented Sub-Zero. "So, what do you say?"
"Back to Earth? Can do!" Stryker replied.
"We would be happy to be your guests," Sareena said with a smile. "Kia, Jataaka, do you want to come? You don't have to."
"Two new realms in one day?" Kia asked.
"Sounds like something of an opportunity," added Jataaka. "Besides, less attention being drawn to us."
"I suppose it's settled then." Surmised Ashrah.
"Wait," Requested Jade. "I'm staying here. In Outworld."
"What, why?" Stryker asked.
"Because it has been my home for ten thousand years, and I will fight for both it and Edenia to be free from those who would oppress the people here," Jade explained, before turning to Mileena. "If you will have me."
"Of course, Jade," Mileena answered. "We'd be happy to have your help."
"Welcome aboard!" Added Emerald.
Jade smiled. "Thank you." She then turned back to her Earthrealmer and Netherrealmer allies.
"I suppose this is where we part ways, at least for now." Said Jade.
"I'm sure we'll see each other again," Sareena replied confidently. "Good luck, Jade."
"One more thing," said Mileena, approaching Sub-Zero and Frost. "Cryomancers."
"Yes? Sub-Zero asked.
"I just want to apologize," she said. "For what Shao Kahn… for what my father did to your people."
"While I thank you, you are not responsible for that monster's actions," Sub-Zero responded. "Do not blame yourself for the evil acts he has committed. Besides, even if our Cryomancer people are gone, I swear to you, I will do all I can to preserve our heritage."
Mileena nodded. "Good. Perhaps we can open some kind of museum once I've regained my throne. Dedicated to your people."
"That actually sounds awesome." Admitted Frost.
"That is a very gracious offer, Mileena," Sub-Zero agreed. "But for now, we must depart."
Mileena nodded, walking back over to her allies as the Lin Kuei and their new guests left for the portal back to Earthrealm.
"So…" Jade said. "I assume I've missed a lot."
"You have no idea," confirmed Mileena. "We'll tell you back at base."
"We go now?" Asked Ferra.
"Yes, Ferra," Tanya answered. "Our work here is done."
"Agreed, my beloved." Mileena said with a smile.
"Your…." Jade started to say.
"I told you I'd changed," recounted Mileena. "If you were wondering why, it's all because I fell in love with my dearest Tanya."
Tanya blushed in response to Mileena's praises, and the two lovers embraced briefly.
"I see, well …congratulations." Jade said, still taking it all in.
"Oh, we're not married." Clarified Tanya.
"Yet." Added Mileena, which got a grin from Tanya.
"Let's go, sister." Urged Skarlet.
"Right, of course." replied Mileena.
"Sister?" Jade asked.
"We're both Shao Kahn's daughters, aren't we?" Mileena asked.
"Fair point." Jade admitted. "So are we off then?"
"Indeed, confirmed Skarlet. "Also, this may take some getting used to."
Mileena and her clones began glowing purple, and seconds later, they were teleported away to the rebels' base of operations.
Mileena's forces were not the only ones making a return to base however.
After walking for miles, Hsu Hao had finally reached his intended destination: a remote Red Dragon outpost within Outworld.
From within the base, the Red Dragon's surveillance technology picked up his approach and registered him, much to the shock of the Red Dragon members within the outpost. Some speculated it to be a glitch in the system, but that theory was thrown out when Hsu Hao reached the door and the two Red Dragons guarding it.
"Holy shit…" one of them said. "Hsu, is that you?"
"How are you even alive?" The other asked, before inspecting his altered form. "Are you even alive."
"I will answer questions only to Lord Daegon directly," Hsu Hao responded. "Please return me to our main base of operations in Earthrealm."
The two guards looked at one another.
Minutes later, Hsu Hao was granted entrance and after the initial shock of his return from the dead faded, the Red Dragons stationed at the outpost calibrated the portal to Earthrealm.
"Lord Daegon has already been informed of your return," One of the Red Dragons explained. "He'll be expecting you."
"Excellent," responded Hsu Hao. "I am pleased to see that even in my absence, ensuring that our leader is up to date on all transpirings remains a top priority. Efficiency is the key to victory."
A few moments later, the portal opened. Hsu Hao stepped through it, and found himself within familiar surroundings: the Red Dragon's central headquarters.
To the opposite side of the room was Daegon, a grin across his face.
"Welcome back, old friend." Daegon said with an uncharacteristic warmness.
"Thank you, Lord Daegon," Hsu Hao responded. "If I may be so bold, I would wish to request information on what has occurred since my ….death."
"Of course, of course!" Assured Daegon. "I can't have one of my commanding officers walking around with out of date information. Come, I've ordered a meal prepared in honor of your return. A traditional Mongolian dish, I think you'll like it."
"It is appreciated." Was all Hsu Hao had to say on the matter as the two began walking.
"Now my friend…" said Daegon.
"We have much to discuss."