Outworld was in complete turmoil. Protests were abound, a civil war raged on with guerilla attacks on the current emperor's forces, there was discontent, disorder, hope, fear, taxes, curfews, civil unrest. To Kotal Kahn, the situation was a nightmare. To Mileena, it was a chaotic affair with a few advantages. But to others…
It was a perfect storm.
A situation that suited their needs perfectly, disguising their dark intentions and serving to further the goals of their master. The one true ruler of Outworld.
The servants of Onaga had all converged on one of the Dragon King's ancient temples, where they had set up their base of operations. The temple was surrounded on all sides by mummified warriors: the Dragon King's legendary undefeatable army.
Within the temple itself, the Saurians stood grouped together, with the exception of Chameleon who was beside Shang Tsung. To the other side of the sorcerer was the Shokan Prince Goro.
"Thank you all for agreeing to be here," said Shang Tsung. "And for joining in this mission that shall change the face of Outworld forever."
"The almighty Dragon King's ascension is at hand!" Chameleon proclaimed like a preacher. "Soon, our master will rise, and we must prepare! Already do we possess Edenia's Kamidogu, and once out work is done, we shall have all that is needed, to ensure the return of the great and powerful Onaga!"
"Enough preaching," demanded Goro irritatedly. "I will believe in your master's greatness when he fulfills the promise that was made to me."
"Agreed," added Reptile, much to the surprise of the other Saurians. Chameleon himself only narrowed his eyes. "We serve Onaga so that he may restore our people. We will only praise him after that is done."
"For your own sake, Syzoth, I hope you will not be so insolent when face-to-face with our master." Chameleon threatened.
Reptile lowly hissed at him.
"Now now, my friends, there is no need to argue," said Shang Tsung. "We all serve the Dragon King, even if for different reasons. Besides, we have more important matters to attend to."
Chameleon nodded in agreement. Goro, Tiamat, Syzoth. You will accompany me on a mission to awaken an old ally of the Dragon King."
"You would presume to command me?" questioned Goro.
"Come now Prince Goro, this is simply another step towards reclaiming your honor," argued Shang Tsung. "And of course, enacting your revenge upon Kotal Kahn."
"It is not vengeance for myself," Goro clarified. "I will have my arms again, if your Dragon King keeps his promise. I wish to kill him to avenge my father."
Shang Tsung nodded. "I understand, Prince Goro. King Gorback was a close friend of mine."
Goro huffed. "I do not need your disingenuous condolences. I know you, sorcerer."
"Will you be joining us for the mission or not?" Chameleon asked.
Goro sneered at the Saurian. "Very well," he finally decided. "If it will bring an end to Kotal's mockery of a rule faster."
"Excellent," responded Shang Tsung, turning his attention to those still available to him as the others left. "Now then. Komodai, Kiri, Ankha. I had dispatched D'Vorah on… an important mission for our cause. Unfortunately however, she has yet to return. I require you to locate her and return her to us."
"Eww, the bug lady?" Kiri asked. "She creeps me out."
"Really, I think she looks tasty." disagreed Ankha.
"You would," Kiri replied. "You're always eating bugs."
"Well, yeah…" Ankha admitted, before sending out her long tongue to catch a fly that had been buzzing through the temple and devouring it.
"We are not eating her," Komodai clarified. "D'Vorah is our ally."
"We know…" assured Kiri. "She's probably really crunchy anyway."
"I like my food crunchy!" argued Ankha.
"Please, just go…" urged Shang Tsung.
"What are you gonna be doing?" Asked Kiri.
"If you must know, I have an old associate to meet with." Shang Tsung explained. "Now please, go."
"Jeez, fine." Ankha responded annoyedly.
The two departed, Komodai shaking his head and following.
They set out for the nearest Outworld town. Komodai wondered to himself how long the two could stay quiet, and quickly found the answer to his question.
Not very long at all.
"So….Komodai," said Kiri. "What got you to join our little enterprise?"
"Why does it matter?" Komodai asked. "I am your ally now, am I not?"
"Yeah," Kiri acknowledged. "I was just making conversation."
"Kiri's very curious," Ankha explained. "Some people find it annoying."
"I can't imagine why…." Komodai said quietly.
"I on the other hand find it cute." Ankha continued.
"Awww, thanks!" Kiri responded.
"If I answer your question, may I ask one of my own?" Inquired Komodai.
"Sure." They both said in unison.
"For many years, I had been entirely alone," Komodai explained. "While you two had each other and Syzoth had Khameleon, I was just ...alone. One of the last Zaterrans. I used to live in one of our ancient temples, the statues of great Zaterran warriors from ages past being the only remotely familiar faces in this accursed world of mammals, mammals who knew nothing of what our people had lost!
That finally changed when Chameleon approached me with the offer to serve the Dragon King, a master who would restore our race and return us to our long-buried glory. Never again will we need to bow before barbarians like Shao Kahn or Kotal. The mammals will at last see as more than mere reptiles, and that ...brings me to my question."
"Ask away." Said Ankha.
"Why do you wear those human disguises?" Komodai asked. "Why hide your true heritage?"
The two female Saurians looked at one another, unsure of exactly how to answer the question. It had been quite a while since they had even thought about the decision.
"Well… you said you felt lonely, Komodai," Kiri recalled. "We did too. I mean, sure, we had each other, but that was it."
"We just dealt with it differently," Ankha continued. "You wanted to stick to our roots, and don't get me wrong, that's great."
"But we decided it'd be better to just blend in," Kiri explained. "If we look like humans, most people don't pay us a second thought. We can just go about our business."
"Well, as much as anyone can 'go about their business' with Kotal Kahn in charge," Ankha specified. "The guy's a real jerk."
"Like for instance, one time I kinda stole this really pretty necklace that I wanted to give to Ankha," Kiri recounted. "And even though I gave it back and everything, those Osh-Tekk guys said I had to be executed!"
"How did you avoid execution?" Komodai asked.
"We fought them off," Ankha explained. "They were jerks, but they did turn out to make for a good dinner."
"Mine was a little chewy." Kiri recalled.
"I think this conversation is over." Komodai decided.
"Well fine, be that way." Ankha responded before both crossed their arms.
Komodai sighed. "Apologies, it's just ...I don't quite understand why you would want to 'fit in' with the people of this realm."
"Most people aren't too bad." Explained Kiri.
"We know this barkeeper who's actually really nice to us," Ankha recalled. "And then about once every week this fat guy shows up and says he's sorry about what happened to our people."
"So there are those that ...sympathize with us?" Komodai asked.
Kiri and Ankha nodded in unison.
Komodai contemplated for a moment. "Then I hope they are not harmed in the Dragon King's ascent."
At the same time, Chameleon's group was walking through a remote and desolate part of Outworld, littered with the ruins of structures from Onaga's long ago all-but forgotten reign, left abandoned when Shao Kahn seized power. Outworld's sky, known to vary in color due to the various realms that had been merged with it, was an especially dark purple in this area, with grey clouds spread throughout it.
As they walked, Reptile could not help but feel Goro's gaze on him.
"Is something the matter?" He asked.
"No," answered Goro. "It's just ...well frankly, I admit surprise that you would be involved with this enterprise."
"Why is that?" Reptile questioned.
"Because of the loyalty you seemed to hold towards Kotal," Goro clarified. "Surely you realize what our success will mean for him."
Reptile sighed. "Sacrifices have to be made. And frankly, I have always felt he went too far in the way he handled matters involving your people."
"Your sentiments are appreciated," Goro responded graciously before focusing on Reptile's first statement. "So ...this means that much to you?"
"It means everything to me." Reptile corrected.
"Then the Dragon King's power to restore your lost Saurian race,"
"Zaterran." Tiamat corrected
"You believe it to be true." Goro concluded.
"You believe in his ability to restore your arms, do you not?" Reptile asked.
"A fair point," Goro admitted. "Of what I have read on the Dragon King, he was believed to have some mastery over life and death themselves. I suppose it could be possible…"
"Wondering if Onaga can bring back your father?" Reptile asked.
"Even if he could, it would not be my preference," Goro explained. "My father died as he lived. A warrior. And Sheeva has earned the Shokan throne through our highest honor: combat. To have the Dragon King return my father to life would be to dishonor them both."
"I see," Reptile responded. "And what of Kintaro?"
Goro sighed. "He was a respected comrade and a good friend. Still, as with my father, I shall not undo a warrior's death."
"Sheeva told you what happened to him, then." Reptile concluded.
Goro nodded. "Beheaded by the Earthrealmer Sonya Blade, whose mind and body were overtaken by those accursed dangers. Sheeva and I agree that regardless of whose hands were used in proxy, Havik and Reiko are his true killers."
"You said earlier that you only wanted to kill the Osh-Tekk in order to offend your father," Tiamat recalled. "And you hold no ill will towards the Earthrealmer. Not one for grudges, are you?"
"We Shokan believe in justice, not vengeance," Goro explained. "And for the justice I must enact, I must apologize to you, Reptile."
"For what?" Reptile asked.
"I am no fool, I know that Kotal was your friend," Goro clarified. "He spared you once when Shao Kahn ordered he kill you for failure, yes?"
Reptile nodded. "Other than ….Khameleon… I have been alone for much of my life. Kotal was one of the few to show me such respect."
"But not the only?" Goro asked.
"Baraka had always respected me as a fellow warrior," Reptile explained. "And princess Kitana and her bodyguard, Jade, were always kind to me, at least before their defection to Earthrealm. But now…. they are all dead."
"Yes…" Goro agreed. "Quite the shame."
"Alas, they are in the past," Reptile decided. "As I suppose, is Kotal, really."
"Do not mourn for the Osh-Tekk, Syzoth," advised Chameleon. "He is only an insignificant piece of our master's grand tapestry of a kingdom."
"I would trade his life for Zaterra's in an instant," Reptile said firmly. "But I will miss him ...that much, I feel he deserves."
"An honorable outlook," Goro complimented. "If it is any consolation, I intend to give him a proper warrior's death."
"That Osh-Tekk is a very loose definition of a warrior," Tiamat mocked. "Relying on his magics rather than true strength."
"Ah yes, the blood sorcery that granted him victory over myself and my father…." Goro said disdainfully.
"I find the very notion of it pathetic," Tiamat continued. "No wonder his realm fell so easily to Shao Kahn."
"Ah yes, I remember that conquest," Goro recalled. "Shao Kahn had me aid him in dealing with their warriors. They were moderately formidable."
"Bah!" Growled Tiamat. "You should have seen the armies of Zaterra at their strongest! Were it not for the mere numbers at Shao Kahn's disposal, we would have been able to defeat his invaders. I have always suspected that the real reason he all-but wiped out our race was because he knew we would rise up against him in due time, and that I would be on the front lines when it happened!"
"You fought in Zaterra's armies?" Goro asked.
"More than fought!" Tiamat clarified. "I was a commanding general, handpicked by King Tetsurri himself!"
"I am impressed to see you have survived this long, then." Goro complimented.
"When Zaterra ultimately fell, I was no fool," Tiamat explained. "I scattered my remaining forces, assuring them that our day would come and we would have victory over our oppressors. I went into hiding myself, waiting for our time. Alas, it would be Earthrealmers that would take Shao Kahn's life. But now, with the Dragon King, our time to rise will come!"
"Yes Tiamat," Chameleon agreed. "Great Onaga's glory will shine upon us, and Zaterra will be reborn."
"Maybe then, Khameleon will finally understand…." Reptile said solemnly.
"My sister's compassion has always impaired your judgement," Chameleon argued. "For years she wasted opportunity after opportunity to strike at Shao Kahn, only because you were still serving that pretender to the throne and she wished to spare your feelings."
"Best I remember, Chameleon, you served Shao Kahn as well," Reptile pointed out. "You were even considered one of his 'deadliest warriors'."
"If that is true, why was he not aiding us during the invasion?" Goro asked.
"Oh I was there," Chameleon admitted. "Invisible, watching as Shao Kahn's empire crumbled to dust. It was quite the spectacle."
"And the emperor did not punish your absence?" Goro then asked.
"I did not serve Shao Kahn during the time of his little invasion," Chameleon explained. "My service to him was purely for the sake of my own survival and the chance to kill that fool if the moment arises. Alas, I was assigned to participate in his Mortal Kombat tournaments. For a time, I even resigned as champion."
"Really?" Goro asked, somewhat disbelieving.
"Oh yes," Chameleon confirmed. "Long before Shang Tsung or Kung Lao or you, I was champion. Seeing as the most recent holder of the title died in the invasion, I wonder if Great Onaga would be gracious enough to name me as, at very long last, the TRUE champion of Mortal Kombat."
"It would be a title you would have to fight me for." Goro threatened.
"Please, you were felled by a mere Earthrealmer." Chameleon said dismissively.
"Liu Kang was a skilled and honorable warrior," argued Goro. "And unlike you, he possessed humility."
"Humility is just the weak admitting to their inadequacy." Chameleon countered.
"You have a very different outlook on life from your fellow Zaterans," Goro observed. "I respect your boldness, at the very least."
"One must be willing to take on any challenge if they wish to have high standing in the court of the Dragon King." Chameleon explained.
"Ah, so you wish to gain Onaga's favor," Goro assumed. "Further enticement for him to restore your race, I suppose."
"I already have Onaga's favor," Chameleon clarified. "I served the great Dragon King before his throne was stolen by that upstart barbarian Shao Kahn. He personally granted me the power to fight in his name, much the same powers as he gave that Earthrealmer that foolishly collected the Kamidogu for him. The garb that I wear is a sign of my rank as one of the highest within the Holy Men of Onaga."
"A cult, like Shao Kahn's Shadow Priests or Shinnok's Brotherhood." Goro assumed.
"His most trusted followers," Chameleon corrected. "Besides, unlike those so-called 'conquerors' or the sanctimonious Elder Gods that lord over us all, Onaga is a god worth worshipping."
"We shall see…" was Goro's only response.
Elsewhere in Outworld, a man in a simple black outfit was walking into a bar, when rather abruptly, the door opened and a much larger brute of a man was tossed out onto the ground.
"And stay out!" Commanded the one who had thrown him out, a dark-skinned woman in a bright blue attire.
The man in black smirked.
"Enjoying the evening's 'entertainment'?" The woman sarcastically asked.
"Still just as charming as ever," said the man. "Aren't you, Vorpax?"
She narrowed her eyes. "What do you want, Tsung."
"Not here," Shang Tsung clarified. "We could be spotted. Or overheard."
"Wouldn't have to worry about all that if you weren't stealing souls," Vorpax pointed out. "But fine."
"I should have known you would connect the dots," Shang Tsung admitted. "I suppose it's good for my sake that such detective skills are beyond the capacity of Kotal Kahn's limited intellect."
"Tell me about it, that bastard's been taxing me to kingdom come," Vorpax complained. "It's a miracle I can keep this place open."
"I do find it interesting that this is what you chose to do with your time." said Shang Tsung.
"It's a living, not like being your personal assassin was any more 'glamorous'," Vorpax argued. "Besides, drunkards are free entertainment."
Shang Tsung looked at the unconscious man at the ground. "Was he not 'entertaining' enough?"
"He was just disgusting," Vorpax explained. "The kind of meathead that drives off other customers."
"I see," Shang Tsung responded simply. "Now then, may we discuss business?"
"Meet me in the back." Vorpax answered.
A few minutes later, the two were at the back of Vorpax's bar.
"You don't have to pretend you're any good looking," Vorpax pointed out. "I know you're just a decrepit old man."
Shang Tsung sneered, before being encompassed with soul energy and assuming his true form.
"Much better," Vorpax said with a fake smile. "Now then. How in the lowest plane of the Netherrealm are you still alive?!"
"I assume you received word of Shao Kahn's decision to execute me," Shang Tsung surmised. "The fool blamed me for the failures of his plans, like some petulant child."
Vorpax started laughing. "Not holding back now that he's in the ground, eh?"
"I learned from you," Shang Tsung said with a smirk. "You seem to be reveling in the fact that I no longer hold command over you."
"Quite frankly Tsung, I never liked you," Vorpax admitted. "I never liked you, and I never liked Shao Kahn, or any of those other fools that served him. I took the job because the pay was good and your assassin training doubles as free self-defense lessons. It was a job, just like this bar is for me now.
However….
You're so fond of cheating death I imagine you can at the very least supply me with a good story. So go on, let's here The Miraculous Revival of One Shang Tsung."
"You make it sound like a play." Shang Tsung observed, slightly amused.
"You are something of an actor," Vorpax pointed out. "Not a very good one, but still."
"Well, it all began when my soul and all the others I had held within me for so many centuries were transferred into the body of Queen Sindel," Shang Tsung explained. "Shao Kahn did so to heighten her power, and I must admit, it was amusing beholding the noble queen of Edenia slaughtering Raiden's precious warriors, her own daughter included. But alas, all the best shows have to end at some point."
"And how'd this one end?" Vorpax asked.
"Queen Sindel was slain by an Earthrealmer named Nightwolf," Shang Tsung answered. "The best excuse for a mystic among them. A mere shaman, no sorcerer. Regardless, my soul was set free when Queen Sindel's body was destroyed.
As you might be aware, in a merger of realms, no soul may transfer to the afterlife, leaving me to do as I wished on the mortal plane. I returned to Outworld and to my Flesh Pits, fashioning myself a new body which you see before. Alas, the curse those blasted Elder Gods placed upon me persisted, and my new body regressed to a state of physical frailty, that is, until I began absorbing souls to rejuvenate myself."
"Uh huh," was Vorpax's only response. "And what's the plan? You always have one."
Shang Tsung chuckled. "For perhaps the first time in my life, I did not know. That is, least, until…."
Having absorbed enough souls to satiate him at least for the time being, Shang Tsung wandered throughout the Valley of the Dead, a desolate region of Outworld located near Shao Kahn's now former palace. The place was littered with bones and broken pieces of armor and weapons from warriors of generations past. A few souls might have still lingered there to be absorbed, but that was not the goal Shang Tsung had in mind.
Instead, he was intent on procuring a boat so that he might travel to the mysterious islands known as the Mystics. The Shadow Priests were known to congregate there, and had secluded themselves on the islands shortly after Kotal Kahn's ascension to power, as if to say that they did not recognize his rule. The civil war that erupted shortly after kept the so-called "emperor" from addressing the Shadow Priests. Shang Tsung smirked in appreciation of his own work.
After all, it was his creation that was keeping Kotal Kahn so occupied. That fact filled him with a certain sense of pride, and he hoped that in the event that Mileena was ever killed, she would like the present he had prepared for her. After all, it wasn't every day that someone learned that their own demise would trigger the awakening of an army completely at their beckon call.
Oh yes, the Outworld civil war would prove a brilliant distraction while Shang Tsung enacted his plans. Plans that were, admittedly, still being formed. He was unaware however, that he was not the only one putting plans together.
Shang Tsung kept walking, until a burst of bright orange light seemed to explode out from just in front of him. Instinctively, Shang Tsung summoned and launched one of his skull-fireballs, which collided with the light to no effect, as it took shape and form.
The orange light had a vaguely humanoid appearance, but with three hands like the Shokan, albeit boasting sharp claws on each end. The form also had wings, a tail, and large horns protruding from either side of its head. The only discernible facial feature was its eyes, which glowed an even brighter orange than the rest of its form.
"W-Who ….what are you?!" Asked Shang Tsung.
The being growled in frustration. "Familiar words ….all because of that blasted usurper and his attempts to bury me!"
"What are you talking about?" Asked Shang Tsung.
"I do not expect you to understand," the being admitted. "My reign was long before your oldest ancestors learned how to make fire from hitting stones together."
"You are some creature of the past, then." Shang Tsung concluded.
"I AM THE ONCE AND FUTURE EMPEROR OF THIS REALM," the being screamed in anger. "THE ONE, THE ONLY, TRUE RULER OF OUTWORLD."
"S-Shao Kahn?" Shang Tsung presumed.
The being roared in fury. It reached out to strangle Shang Tsung, but alas, it's current form was incorporeal? And the hand went right through him.
"DO NOT DARE TO COMPARE ME TO THAT TRAITOR," it yelled. "I AM ONAGA."
Shang Tsung gasped in shock. "The legendary Dragon King. It was believed that you were but myth!"
"That was a deception orchestrated by my usurper, Shao Kahn," Onaga explained. "He poisoned me and stole my throne, then dared to try and bury my name."
"If Shao Kahn killed you, how is that you are here now?" Shang Tsung asked.
"Have you not cheated death yourself, sorcerer?" Onaga asked in return.
"A fair point, I suppose," Shang Tsung admitted. "I see we are of a similar trade."
Onaga let out a deep, bellowing laugh.
"Cheating death is mere parlor tricks compared to my power," Onaga mocked. "I have mastered death, bent it to my very will. To answer your question, Shao Kahn did not kill me at all. Because I am Onaga, and I cannot be killed."
"Incredible…" Shang Tsung marveled. "So you have achieved true immortality?"
"I have," Onaga confirmed. "Unfortunately, Shao Kahn did strip me of my physical body. I have plans in motion to remedy this, and to ensure that none, not even the Elder Gods, can prevent my ascent."
"Quite lofty goals," observed Shang Tsung, sending the direction that this was all going. "So where do I come in, then?"
"I require an agent to enact my will in lieu of my lacking physical form, and to spread the word of my impending return to those who might aid my cause," Onaga explained. "In return, I will teach you the secrets of the immortality I have achieved. You will no longer need to feed on souls to survive."
"A very enticing offer," admitted Shang Tsung, considering his options. "But why be so generous?"
"Because you are a fool if you think that even with eternal life, you would be of any threat to me." Onaga answered.
"You think quite highly of yourself," Shang Tsung pointed out. "But then, I suppose, so do I."
He stroked his beard in contemplation, before finally extending his hand.
"You have yourself a deal, Onaga." the sorcerer informed.
"Emperor Onaga," the Dragon King corrected. "I will contact you when I have need of you."
"If I may make one suggestion, Emperor Onaga," Shang Tsung said with an uncharacteristic amount of humility. "On the islands not far from this valley, there lies a group of mystics like myself that may be able to serve your needs."
"I am aware of Shao Kahn's Shadow Priests," Onaga informed. "If you can sway their loyalty, do so."
With that, Onaga's astral form dissipated as quickly as it had appeared, and a smirk had crossed Shang Tsung's face.
This was going to be a golden opportunity.
"And then Shang Tsung and his new friend the Dragon King lived happily ever after," Vorpax mocked. "No, but seriously, if this 'one true ruler of Outworld' is real, I certainly hope he's better than Kotal Kahn. Or Shao Kahn for that matter."
"He will be," Shang Tsung assured. "Once his ascent to power has been secured."
"Oh no…" said Vorpax, figuring out where this was leading. "You want my help, don't you?"
"Now I think you're understanding the situation," Shang Tsung said with a smirk. "Unfortunately, the Shadow Priests did not agree to serve the Dragon King as I had hoped, they still hold on to their fanatical devotion to Shao Kahn. Some even told me he would be reborn." Shang Tsung chuckled. "But you Vorpax, in a strange way, I can count on you."
"Strange how?" Vorpax asked.
"You admitted yourself, you aren't fond of me, nor were you ever fond of Shao Kahn," Shang Tsung recounted. "While yes, that means you could potentially betray me, it in a way makes you reliable. You have no other loyalties to be concerned with. Not like the loyalty my current allies have to their peoples."
"So you've talked other people into this after all." Vorpax surmised.
"A small group of Zaterrans, Reptile included," Shang Tsung elaborated. "As well as D'Vorah and even Prince Goro."
"I could report you for harboring fugitives of Kotal Kahn's regime," Vorpax pointed out. "His lackeys would pay a high price for Reptile and D'Vorah, not to mention what I might get if I were to uncover the treachery of the disgraced Shokan prince and his collusion with the illusive soul stealer everyone's been whispering about. Maybe Kotal will even give me a position in his court.
Or maybe I could go the other way, and hand you and your merry band over to the rebels. Mileena's bound to want vengeance on D'Vorah for killing herself and Baraka. Goro also failed to kill Kotal for her, and Reptile was one of his most trusted advisors. She might want you alive, though. You're really more her father than Shao Kahn, after all."
"Quite a few options at your disposal," Shang Tsung observed. "I must admit, I both respect your tenacity and am surprised by it."
"Shao Kahn is gone, just like you said, old man," Vorpax pointed out. "Nobody's going to execute me if I tell you what I really think."
"May I make my counteroffer?" Shang Tsung requested.
"Sure, why not." Vorpax responded casually, taking a swig of a drink that she'd had in hand during their discussion.
"You could, admittedly, use the knowledge you now possess to ingratiate yourself to either Kotal Kahn or the rebels," Shang Tsung said honestly. "However, you could also join me in serving a ruler far more powerful than either of them, who will at very long last bring order to this oh so divided realm. And one that may show you his gratitude once his rule is secured. Power, wealth, anything you might dream of.
The Dragon King is capable of wondrous things. Why, he has sworn to restore Prince Goro's arms, and even the entire Zaterran race, as well as finally help me achieve immortality. Anything you desire Vorpax, could very well be yours, if you pledge your service to the Dragon King."
"There is one thing," Vorpax admitted. "I want… I want him to bring back my mother."
"Ah yes, Queen Kreeya," Shang Tsung recalled. "A shame what happened to her. I tried to convince Shao Kahn that your tribe would be no threat to his rule, but alas, he attacked them nonetheless."
"Save your false condolences and lies," Vorpax demanded, seeing right through his facade. "Just promise me that it can be done."
"Resurrecting your mother is something I could achieve alone, without even invoking the Dragon King's power," Shang Tsung boasted. "It is really a simple request. I believe your terms are suitable."
Shang Tsung and Vorpax shook hands, sealing their agreement.
"In fact, I actually have a task for you now that you have joined our crusade." Shang Tsung revealed.
"Who do you want me to kill?" Vorpax asked, correctly assuming the nature of it.
Shang Tsung chuckled. "Three targets, actually. I dispatched D'Vorah to deal with them, but seeing as she has not returned, I do not believe she has succeeded. There are three targets: an Earthrealmer, an Outworlder, and a Zaterran. All threaten our plans."
"I thought the Zaterrans were your allies." Said Vorpax, crossing her arms.
"Most are," Shang Tsung explained. "There is one who is quite opposed to what we are doing."
"Aren't those raptors a tribal bunch?" Vorpax asked. "They won't like this."
"They won't know you or I had any involvement," Shang Tsung assured. "Her name is Khameleon. The other two are an old Earthrealmer by the name of Shujinko and an Outworlder named Li Mei."
"Li Mei… I think I know her." Vorpax realized.
"Really?" Shang Tsung asked.
"Yeah, she helped fix up my establishment after a thunderstorm once," Vorpax recalled. "Real kind-hearted, if she hasn't realized that this realm is always going to be a hellhole, she's better off dead. I'm sure heaven is nicer anyway."
"An interesting outlook you have," Shang Tsung said with a devious snicker. "Regardless, we should depart."
"Agreed." Vorpax said plainly.
Shang Tsung resumed his disguise and the two departed.
Unbeknownst to them however, another individual had been observing the situation from behind one of the walls of Vorpax's bar.
Dairou.
The news that Shang Tsung was alive was certainly something unnerving. Dairou has heard of the sorcerer's wicked ways, and from what he had just heard, he was involved in something larger than Dairou could have possibly imagined.
The question was… which of his contracts should be informed of this development. Darrius wasn't really concerned with the specifics of matters in Outworld, just so long as it kept Hotaru and the Seidan Guard distracted, which advantaged his resistance. Hotaru and Raiden on the other hand would most certainly wish to be informed of an active threat to the realms, especially one as infamous as Shang Tsung, serving the nearly-forgotten Dragon King no less.
Orderrealm's strict adherence to historical documentation ensured that Dairou was aware of the Dragon King, unlike many of those in Outworld. The common opinion in Seido was that Outworld had been ordered under his rule. But Dairou did not see tyranny as order.
He made his decision. He had to ensure that this threat was stopped. Darrius would do nothing, Hotaru and Raiden would act. Dairou figured he could fulfill his contract with the Resistance to kill Hotaru after this more pressing threat was dealt with. After all, the entire reason he was in Outworld to begin with had been a reconnaissance mission on behalf of the Seidan Guard. Delivering this information would certainly be fulfilling that mission.
And so Dairou began heading towards Lei Chen, the Outworld city still occupied by the Seidan Guard after so many years. With any luck, he would not arrive too late…
Dairou was not the only one concerned with keeping up appearances with a current employer however.
D'Vorah knew that she had failed. There was no dancing around it. Li Mei, Shujinko, and Khameleon had thoroughly defeated her, and loathe as she was to admit it, their compassion was the only reason she was still alive.
This fact came as particularly wounding to D'Vorah's pride. She had always prided herself on her own survival skills, especially managing herself this past year despite both Kotal's forces and the Outworld rebels desiring her demise. She was fortunate that both parties were more occupied fighting each other hunting for her, though even still the Kytinn did her best to maintain a low profile.
That… was becoming more difficult. After her defeat, D'Vorah had not the strength left to kill all of the witnesses in the small village the battle had taken place in. One or more was bound to have reported her by now. It was for that reason that she stuck to the skies, remaining airborne except for the occasional landing on a rooftop. This tactic worked… until she reached a city where Kotal's troops had been stationed on rooftop posts, their purpose being to intercept Nitara or any other vampires that might try to make a move from the air ...this also meant that they could spot D'Vorah, much to the Kytinn's aggravation.
The Osh-Tekk soldiers wasted no time, readying bows and using their solar magic in a limited capacity to light the arrowheads on fire. The flaming arrows were shot at D'Vorah, who managed to dodge them in the air as best she could, civilians beginning to flee as each arrow that missed D'Vorah fell down towards them.
Deciding to go on the offensive, D'Vorah rushed towards one of the rooftops, stabbing two of the soldiers with her two remaining stingers. One remained and attempted to shoot at her, but D'Vorah fired acid in their face before they could do so. The Osh-Tekk screamed in pain before stumbling off of the rooftop.
However, there were still other posts to be concerned with, as D'Vorah quickly remembered when an arrow struck her in the shoulder. The flames from the arrow began spreading, much to D'Vorah's shock and horror. She was saved however when a bucket of water was splashed on her, dousing the flames.
D'Vorah looked in the direction the water had come from to see… a floating bucket?
No, in actuality it was a cloaked Ankha, who made herself visible and waved.
"Hi, we got sent to see what happened to you." She informed her ally.
"...‛We'?" D'Vorah repeated.
On the opposite rooftop, Komodai became visible and sunk his snakelike fangs into the shoulder of an Osh-Tekk. When the others attempted to fire at him, he lifted the Osh-Tekk using only his jaws and spun around to use the poor man as a shield, the flaming arrows embedding themselves in him instead as the Osh-Tekk screamed out in agony. His compatriots stopped their firing, only for Komodai to jerk his head like a dog playing with a bone and toss the Osh-Tekk into his allies, sending them all falling off of the rooftop.
A few from a third rooftop fired at him, but Komodai dodged their attacks with impressive speed and agility.
Shortly after, Kiri revealed herself, roundhouse kicking one Osh-Tekk in the head, launching a throwing knife directly into the chest of another, wrapping her tongue around a third and pulling their head clean off, and for the fourth, small acid ball formed between her middle and pointer fingers that when launched melted a hole through the Osh-Tekk's forehead, leaving a wound similar to that of a bullet.
D'Vorah was rather unused to being saved, often having to fend for herself, especially in the past year. In a way, it almost reminded her of her time serving Kotal Kahn. It was almost ironic how he seemed to actually care about her wellbeing while she had in truth served the Brotherhood of Shadow.
"...Thank you." said D'Vorah, unused to uttering the phrase.
"Sure thing bug lady," responded Ankha, taking her gaze away from Kiri's rather impressive display of combat aptitude. "Let's meet back up with the others."
D'Vorah nodded, taking flight and lifting Ankha by the shoulders, carrying her to the rooftop where Komodai was situated just as Kiri managed to leap over.
"Shang Tsung sent us to retrieve you," Komodai explained. "You had been sent on some kind of mission, yes?"
D'Vorah nodded, not saying anything yet as she was unsure just how much Shang Tsung had told them.
"What was it?" Kiri asked curiously.
"Whatever it was, I think she failed." Ankha pointed out.
D'Vorah narrowed her eyes at the two.
"Enough," commanded Komodai, hoping to prevent the two from angering the Kytinn. "Our mission was to recover D'Vorah, and we succeeded. That is the important part. We must return now. Someone will tell Kotal Kahn that they saw and that she possesses Zaterran allies. Every moment we spend out in the open is a moment that jeopardizes our cause."
"This One agrees with Komodai," said D'Vorah. "We must make haste."
"Uhh...you can't exactly turn invisible like we can." Kiri pointed out.
"Or make a human disguise." Added Ankha.
"This One will remain in the air, then." Decided D'Vorah, releasing her wings and buzzing away.
Kiri and Ankha shrugged. "Whatever works." The former said, before they both turned invisible. Komodai growled in irritation before doing the same.
Meanwhile, it seemed that Chameleon's group had finally found what they were looking for. Within a desecrating building was a broken casket with a large humanoid skeleton inside it. In front of the casket was an ornately designed and uniquely curved sword.
"Here it is," said Chameleon. "The final respecting place of the Dragon King's Supreme General and chosen heir! Grand Duke Draxxon!"
Tiamat growled. "Are we supposed to know who that is?"
Chameleon scoffed. "So much history Shao Kahn has erased…"
"Such as that of Zeterra…" added Reptile.
"Well, what are we to do now?" Goro asked. "We have found the corpse. Shall we inform Shang Tsung so that he could resurrect this 'Draxxon'?"
"No need," assured Chameleon, pointing at the sword. "That is all we need."
"A sword?" Goro questioned, clearly confused, as were Tiamat and Reptile.
"Not any sword," Chameleon explained. "An ancient weapon known as the Menguadora. It was discovered by Grand Duke Draxxon himself, many millennia ago. Not even the great Dragon King knows of its origins."
"It possesses the power to revive this 'Draxxon'?" Tiamat asked.
"When Mighty Onaga bestowed the honor of wielding this weapon unto Grand Duke Draxxon, Draxxon bound his very soul to it," Chameleon explained. "All that is required to initiate his resurrection is a worthy follower of the Dragon King. I am that follower."
Tiamat rolled his eyes. "Think rather highly of yourself, don't you?"
"I think highly of the power bestowed unto me by the Dragon King," Chameleon corrected. "And stride to carry the responsibilities of my station well."
"Enough posturing," demanded Goro. "Just get it over with."
Chameleon scoffed. "Soon you will understand…"
He stepped forward and took the Menguadora by its hilt. With a small amount of effort, Chameleon pulled the sword from the ground, and held it above his head.
The Menguadora began crackling with energy. Red, purple, and orange, mystical energy that looked like electricity, dancing on and off of the blade until the sword itself began to glow an ethereal green, and a soul exited forth from it, entering the mere skeleton in the casket. Immediately, boned started rattling, millennia old stone began cracking, the skeleton began enveloped in glowing green energy, and even sat up. It walked right of its own coffin and began to take shape. Glowing orange eyes appeared on its form, as the energy began to diminish to reveal armor, scaly armor that seemed built into its very being. It's face didn't look like a face, but a warrior's mask and helmet made from scaly skin, the exception being those fiery eyes. The warrior was tall, taller than even Tiamat and Goro, and with musculature rivaling them both.
Chameleon dropped to one knee and presented the sword to the being, who took it.
"Chameleon," it spoke. "W-Where am I?"
Chameleon stood. "Where your body has lain since Shao Kahn betrayed our great master and was thought to have killed both you and glorious Onaga. Thankfully, the both of you are beyond the reach of death's clawing hand."
"This is 'Draxxon'?" Tiamat asked.
"I am, Zaterran," Draxxon answered. "Have I seen you before? You look like one of Tetsurri's servants."
"General Tiamat, of Zaterra's armies," Tiamat introduced himself. "At least, I was…."
"I assume there is much I have missed since my soul's dormancy within the Menguadora," Draxxon surmised. "Thank you, Chameleon, for awakening me."
"All to serve our glorious master." Chameleon said humbly.
"Such loyalty is why Emperor Onaga granted you the gifts he did," Draxxon recounted. "Take me to where he is located. I trust only my emperor to reliably inform me of what has occurred in ...it feels like millennia."
"That's because it has been." Tiamat explained.
"I see," Draxxon responded. "Let us make haste then, so I may recover lost time."
Chameleon nodded. "Allow me, Grand Duke Draxxon."
He summoned forth black portals much like those used by Noob Saibot.
"You could have done that the entire time and you had us walk?" Goro asked frustratedly.
"We had to discover Draxxon's location first." Chameleon reasoned.
"Watch your tongue, injured Shokan," warned Draxxon. "Chameleon is a High Priest of the Dragon King's Holy ones, and more imperatively, one of my soldiers.
"And I am a Shokan Prince." Goro revealed to the recently resurrected general.
Draxxon scoffed. "You, a descendent of the Great King Rokuro, the Scourge of Outworld?"
"I am the son of King Gorback." Goro clarified.
"King? The youngest child of the dynasty?" Draxxon asked. "I have indeed missed much."
He stepped forward into the portal that Chameleon had created, determined to receive his answers. Goro and Tiamat followed.
"Does something trouble you, Syzoth?" Chameleon asked when he noticed his hesitation.
"Why do you care?" Reptile asked. "Aren't you busy serving your Dragon King?"
"We both serve the Dragon King now," Chameleon corrected. "And besides, you are my sister's lover, it would be betraying her not to express concern for you."
"But that's just it," Reptile revealed. "You already are betraying her, and so am I!"
"What my sister fails to realize is that we want the same thing," Chameleon explained. "Our way not only ensures the return of the Zaterran race, but us finally taking our rightful place above the denizens of this realm. Outworld will be forged into a perfect kingdom to the Dragon King and a new hope for our people, much like Zaterra itself was when we fled Raiden and Shinnok's war in the Ancient Times."
"Perhaps," Reptile partially conceded. "I still wish I did not hurt and worry her as I have…."
"Fear not Syzoth, she will be back in your arms when she realizes the truth," assured Chameleon. "Now come along, we must return to the others."
Reptile sighed, before nodding. He walked into the portal, Chameleon following afterward as the portal closed.
Far away from the ruins of the Dragon King's empire, Dairou approached the city of Lei Chen.
The city had been long ago taken by the Seidan Guard, and was now the staging ground for their planned operations in Outworld. The change of location from Orderrealm to Outworld had done nothing to change their strictness however. After Dairou properly identified himself, signed in, and provided the appropriate papers to prove that only that he was allowed in the city, but also that Hotaru had granted him special permissions to act on behalf of the Seidan Guard and that they were not to arrest him, he was finally allowed in.
He quickly approached the Central Operations building for the city, hoping to come at a time when Hotaru and Raiden would be present. Instead, when he walked in and was subjected to yet another rigorous sign-in process…
"You'll want to go see Lieutenant Aunor." A Seidan Guard member explained.
"Lieutenant?" Dairou asked. "When I left the Seidan Guard, it was only her first week."
"Times of crisis bring about a promotion, who would've thought?" Explained Aunor herself as she walked over.
"Greetings, err….Lieutenant." said Dairou.
"And greetings to you as well, Dairou," Aunor responded. "General Hotaru couldn't be here because High Chancellor Abacus requested that he focus on matters concerning the Resistance."
"I see…" Dairou said, privately thinking to himself that he would need to inform Darrius of this development when next they met.
"I can pass along a message, however." Aunor offered.
Dairou nodded. "See that you do so, urgently, and that Raiden is informed as well."
"Procedure already requires that both be informed of any new developments regarding the situation here in Outworld," Aunor assured. "I was transferred here and given command to ensure that continuous communication. Though between you and me, I was just hoping for a chance to explore Outworld. There's so much interesting scenery here. Like how the sky changed colors!"
"Shang Tsung is alive," Dairou informed, ignoring her fascination with Outworld's natural features. "And he is serving the Dragon King, who to my understanding, has in some form returned from the dead."
Aunor stopped. "Oh ….oh my Lord. I'll ensure that General Hotaru and Lord Raiden are informed immediately. T-Thank you for bringing this to our attention."
"Of course," Dairou responded humbly. "I could not let potential threats to the realms go unreported."
Aunor nodded. "And neither shall I, I'll have our designated scribes curate a message and our messenger send it straight to Seido."
Dairou nodded, turning to leave.
Aunor grabbed the side of her head as she had a headache.
"Are you alright, Lieutenant?" A fellow Seidan Guard member asked.
"I ...I'm fine," she assured them. "Just worried…"
"Worried for us all…"