AN: Story's Shadow and I are back with another new chapter. I want to thank everyone who has been loyal to this story through the ups, downs and hiatus. Also a very special shoutout goes to Rushstar32 for her guess as to what Shang Tsung's meeting was about, she was almost dead accurate with her guess. Hope everyone likes this chapter. Unto the show.

Shang Tsung entered a remote part of the castle, finding Quan Chi standing in there with his arms behind his back. The former grumbled under his breath.

"I hope you have a good reason for calling me away from the tournament so suddenly, Quan Chi."

Quan Chi began in his own smooth tone having not been insulted by Tsung's blatantly obvious jab.

"You know very well I would not have summoned you if it where not for us both being summoned by the emperor."

This earned a surprised look from Shang Tsung. Before he could speak or ask further questions, Quan Chi placed down a small obsidian colored stone which shimmered like a mirage before projecting an image of the emperor from his throne room back in Outworld.

Tsung humbly dropped to a knee out his respect for his lord as he spoke.

"My lord."

Quan Chi spoke in his own respectful tone as he gave a curt and respectful bow towards Outworld's ruler.

"Emperor."

Shao Kahn frowned as he hissed with his booming voice.

"I have little patience right now for small gestures sorcerers have been notified that three of my chosen warriors have been eliminated from the tournament. Explain to me how Skarlet, Baraka, and Reptile have been defeated not only by Raiden's chosen defenders of his own realm, but also by one defender from this new reality."

Shang Tsung considered his answer carefully before he answered.

"My lord, I assure you it was most unexpected. The one from this new reality proved more capable than I thought. I had not anticipated one as young as him to prevail in combat over one with the skill of Reptile–"

"Just like your actions in this tournament so far, your words fail you as well sorcerer. If by some unforeseen miracle, multiple warriors from both realms manage to win their way to you as their final challenge, even with your skills, can you defeat so many consecutive challengers?"

Kahn mocked his sorcerer, who felt himself beginning to sweat and feel the massive pressure coming down upon his shoulders. Almost as if Kahn had dropped his Wrath Hammer itself upon Tsung's chest.

Quan Chi slyly smirked.

"If I may emperor?"

Quan Chi began in a respectful tone, and it wasn't clear to Tsung if Quan Chi had spoken to save his fellow sorcerer, or to promote his own agenda, but having known the Netherrealm sorcerer well, Tsung knew the second option was the most likely.

"During my time between training for whoever I face in the tournament, my lead general has been scouting this new reality as to figure out how much resistance and opposition both Outworld and the Netherrealm will face during the merger, once Outworld wins this grand tournament."

This very quickly sparked Kahn's attention and curiosity yet impatient.

"And what has your lead general discovered Quan Chi?"

"The Earth within this new reality is very much different than our own Earthrealm. As Reptile first hand experienced during the first battle of the tournament, countless beings there have powers and abilities. Not just those who we would consider gods within our reality. Beings as young as teenagers can become heroes in this world. Though I suspect there are those who could even be born with natural born powers rather than being gifted or obtained later in life. however while I acknowledge that there are countless heroes, there are also those who are considered villains in that reality, and they also have powers to many different levels and degrees-"

"I get the idea sorcerer. How does this information serve my purpose?"

"Despite having three of Outworld's own chosen representatives being eliminated from the tournament. A chosen warrior from this new reality has claimed victory against this realm's defenders, rather one at least. The defenders of his realms are heroes, while he is considered a villain. I am most confident that countless villains from this new reality would swear their allegiance to your throne and Outworld once the tournament is won and the merger allowed to commence. These villains could provide great aid in increasing the combined might of our two respective realms, and would cause it to fall faster having much more knowledge of their own world. Though it is possible that some villains would choose to ally themselves with the heroes. Tension would greatly damage the trust between the two sides and cause great harm to their common cause–"

"We are in the present Quan Chi. I admit you have my attention for that matter when the time comes. But that is in the future, for now we most focus on the present to secure victory now, and allow that future to become reality. For now though I ask you both this question: what strings can be pulled, who can we pay, or increase the pay of to bolster our ranks and secure a quick victory in this last tournament?"

At this Shang Tsung returned to the conversation.

"With your permission my lord. I would like to send a messenger to the Red Dragon Clan, and ask their grand master if he would be willing to send his best warriors, or even himself to fight upon our behalf."

Shao Kahn scoffed at this.

"Why should I trust that clan? While they have sometimes aided Outworld, we know that the son of Argus who rules the clan has his own agenda with Earthrealm."

"You words are true as always emperor. But if I may be so bold: we offer to help him with his own agenda, and offer him power within your newly merged empire, he most likely will join our cause."

Kahn sat on his throne in silence for a few seconds as he silently contemplated his options, and soon he had reached a decision.

"I do not trust that demigod son of Argus, but you may proceed with your plans. Request his assistance. If he does not join, he would be better off dead once the merger begins..."

The Kahn's low growl was heard clearly by both sorcerers. Though Quan Chi did cut in with a question.

"Emperor, if you don't mind me asking: is it true that you have the bastardized Edenian Prince on your side as a reserve warrior if needed to be called upon?"

Kahn's response was to nod his head silently. To this, a cruel smile spread across Quan Chi's face.

"If I now may be so bold, perhaps he should be allowed to fight as a main player, not just a backup. For we all know very few can match the skill of the Edenian prince turned assassin. If he is needed, he will surely make swift work of any who challenge him."

The Kahn rubbed his chin and nodded. He then turned to Shang Tsung and his warning earned the sorcerer's undivided attention.

"I shall send him to the island shortly. But heed my words Shang Tsung: Only allow him to fight when it is deemed absolutely necessary. I do not want to lose his skills too early like we have lost others. But if he is needed, make sure it is clear to him... that he drown the enemies who challenge him...with their own blood..."

Shang Tsung bowed his head. Shao Kahn nodded at this act of submission.

"But I will place total victory upon him. What other methods have you gone about to stop these fools?"

Shang Tsung raised his head.

"We have obtained the service of the most deadly clan of assassins in Earthrealm, who were once at odds with another equally deadly clan...but now they are the only ones who remain. They are being tasked with defeating certain Earthrealm warriors, though now that at least one had been defeated...there will need to be so renegotiation. But they will still do their part."

"Good, make sure you know that these assassins can kill who you assign them fight."

"Yes, my lord."

Kahn grumbled but nodded.

"I have matters to attend to. Do not fail me, sorcerers."

Before either man could reply, the manifestation of Shao Kahn faded. Shang Tsung sighed as he stood up then turned to Quan Chi.

"Are your warriors ready?"

Quan Chi chuckled.

"Indeed."

Ghastly green tendrils surrounded him suddenly and he vanished. Shang Tsung sighed.

"Business as usual."

-Meanwhile, Shang Tsung's Hall-

Raiden, Fujin, and their chosen sat and stood in the hall they entered when they first arrived. They saw many feasting and drinking as they had before the tournament started. Spider-Man grabbed a plate and started putting food on it before grabbing a goblet. As he returned to the table where the others were, he received various looks.

"What? I'm hungry. Besides, best keep up our energy before the next fights."

Fujin nodded.

"Spider-Man is correct. You all should do the same."

Sonya shook her head.

"What if it's all poisoned?"

Some of the groups whispered nervously at this, but what Raiden said next reassured them.

"Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn know this would be against the decree of the Elder Gods. And to be clear, they would much rather prefer their fighters to defeat you all at full strength."

Spider-Man lifted up his mask to just above his nose. He grabbed one of the chick legs.

"My spidey sense isn't going off, it's safe. Besides, I'm starved."

Johnny grinned at this.

"You heard the man, let's dig in."

The actor walked off to get his own plate. Spidey took a bite of his chicken and moaned at the taste.

"He maybe a bad guy, but Shang Tsung definitely doesn't skip on good food."

White Tiger shook her head. Jax raised his shoulders up.

"Ah, why the hell not? Besides, getting beat within an inch of your life makes a man hungry. Be right back."

The soldier walked off to get some grub as well. Before long almost all of them had full plates and drinks. Sonya and Jax sat next to Iron Fist and Spider-Man, discussing a particular Avenger. Both soldiers listened eagerly at the stories. Jax spoke up.

"So you're telling me he actually fought in World War II?!"

Iron Fist nodded as he slurped some lo mein.

"The serum that he was gifted made him the heart and inspiration of the Allies. But everyone thought he was dead only to be discovered he was frozen after undertaking a mission. Unfortunately, one of his foes was brought back along with him...Red Skull, leader of a terrorist organization called: Hydra."

Jax took a drink from his goblet before replying.

"And how has this 'Red Skull' not had a bullet between his eyes yet?"

"We don't kill."

"Not even this Captain America?"

"No."

"Not even during the war?"

Iron Fist didn't answer as nothing came out of his mouth. Jax nodded.

"That's what I thought."

Sonya ate an apple as she listened.

"Kid, it may not be pretty...but sometimes you gotta take a life to save lives."

Iron Fist sighed before taking a sip from his goblet.

"That's not how we do things in our world."

"Really? Your military uses non-lethal bullets?"

Iron Fist was once again unable to say anything. Sonya scoffed.

"You may get to make easy decisions, you and your 'super' friends...but those of us down in the dirt, we gotta make the hard choices."

Spider-Man's eyes narrowed at her.

"And you can live with knowing you've taken a life?"

"It ain't easy sometimes...but someone like Kano, I'd sleep like a baby."

"Then why did you not kill him?"

"Because while it would be satisfying to kill him, I know him being locked in a cage and hear and see his criminal organization being torn down would destroy him even more."

Spider-Man's eyes widened.

"Ever think you're sadistic?"

"I saw the way you fought, ironic to call me sadistic the way you toy with your enemies."

"I do that to confuse them, not to mention it's a defense mechanism."

"From what you all have told me, you could lift a truck with one hand. You really think you're not just playing with your food?"

Spider-Man stammered and stuttered, unable to find the words. Jax chuckled at this.

"Kid, better men than you have tried to catch her off guard."

Spidey scoffed, dramatically putting a hand on his chest.

"Moi?"

Jax scoffed.

"He always like this?"

"Yes."

They turned to White Tiger, who wasn't even looking at them. Sonya and Jax laughed. Spider-Man blushed at this before turning to White Tiger.

"Thanks, thanks a lot."

His over dramatic remark earned a scoff from the heroine. Yuki sat next to White Tiger, who was barely touching her food.

"Is everything alright?"

White Tiger rubbed the back of her neck.

"To be honest, no. I'm honored Raiden chose me, but part of me fears I may fail him and my world...not to mention yours."

Yuki sighed.

"I fear the same."

White Tiger scoffed.

"A little surprising, given how you treated us when Raiden chose us."

Yuki put down her goblet, inhaled, and sighed.

"...You're right...perhaps it's how people are taught and conditioned...to underestimate those younger than yourself."

"Story of our lives."

Yuki didn't respond at first, watching White Tiger take a sip.

"Your elders just fear for you...unfortunately, fear can cause people to act in ways that may hurt others."

White Tiger sighed, nodding.

"Now, at least, we're working together...trusting one another and what we can do."

Yuki smiled and nodded. She held her goblet. White Tiger couldn't help but chuckle and cling her goblet against Yuki's. Both smiled as they drank.

Raiden and Fujin watched the chosen sit and eat. Nightwolf and Liu Kang had struck up a conversation about strategies to defeat the warriors they may face, especially those who would be the final opponents. Fujin turned to his brother.

"All seems well...for now, at least."

"Yes. But there are still dangers here."

"True...it seems one in particular is preparing for it the most readily."

The two gods turned to see the one chosen not participating in the feast. Hilda sat at a table alone, moving a rock along the blade of her axe. Fujin rubbed his chin.

"Why are you not partaking in the feast?"

"Look at the other side of the hall, do not be obvious."

The two gods did as she suggested. A gathering of men caught their attention. One is a black man in golden and black robes, his dark hair braided in short dread-locks. The second a Chinese man, fitted in dark red and black robes with gray metal plating on his shoulders and arms, his black hair pulled back into a long ponytail. The third was almost fully covered in deep blue and black robes, a mask covering the lower part of his face with the top of his head and neck covered in black wrappings. His arms, legs, hands, and feet were protected by gray and black armor. On each of them was a symbol: a triangle facing down locked with a triple curved blade.

Raiden and Fujin turned back to Hilda, the former speaking.

"The Lin Kuei...this is not good."

Fujin nodded.

"Even with the warriors you've gathered, brother, they will be a serious threat."

Hilda did not look at the gods or the Lin Kuei, she simply kept moving the rock along the blade.

"There is someone watching them."

Raiden nodded.

"Yes, I sense them too...hiding in the shadows...a powerful, dark presence."

Hilda nodded.

"There is more here than just the conflict between our home and Outworld."

To Be Continued...

AN: We hope everyone liked this chapter just showing the characters at a more relaxed state and just interacting with each-other. Please tell me your thoughts on this chapter and if this is something you'd like to see more of in future chapter.