-Shang Tsung's Throne Room, Several Minutes Later-

The sorcerer sat upon his throne, Taskmaster stood at his side, and before him stood the Lin Kuei assassins, the man in gold and black robes and the man with the long ponytail. Shang Tsung tapped one of the arms of his seat as he listened to the latter's complaints.

"You did not tell us you found new warriors. Cyrax was assigned to kill Johnny Cage."

"This only changes one thing: Cyrax's new target."

"And who would that be exactly?"

"I'm not certain yet, but do not worry, you shall get your payment."

"You chose Johnny Cage as your mercenary's opponent."

"I was curious to see Taskmaster's abilities against Mr. Cage. The actor proved more capable than I thought in his battle against Baraka."

"You broke our deal!"

Shang Tsung's eyes narrowed.

"Remember who is in command here, Sektor. I answer only to Shao Kahn. So hear me: Cyrax will have a new target and you shall get your payment."

Sektor turned his glowering gaze from him to Taskmaster.

"You should answer for this affront! No one disrespects the Lin Kuei!"

Taskmaster stood calmly, arms crossed.

"I didn't choose the idiot."

Sektor grumbled and took a step forward. Cyrax put a hand on his friend's arm.

"Enough, Sektor. It's over with now. Besides, the actor wouldn't have been a challenge."

Cyrax turned to Shang Tsung.

"I trust you'll decide on a more challenging target for me."

Shang Tsung simply nodded.

The two Lin Kuei grumbled and walked off while the sorcerer smiled.

-Meanwhile, Dining Hall-

White Tiger chewed on the chicken leg on her plate before taking a sip from her goblet. Raiden and Fujin walked over to them. The heroine turned to them.

"What is it?"

Raiden sighed, arms behind his back.

"The Lin Kuei are here."

Liu Kang's eyes widened.

"This isn't good."

Spidey scratched his head.

"The who?"

Fujin sighed.

"The Lin Kuei. A clan of assassins from China. Raised and trained for generations in the arts of stealth and combat. They are some of the deadliest warriors of Earthrealm."

Jax chuckled.

"Clearly you haven't seen the Special Forces in action."

Raiden sighed.

"I have, why do you think I chose you? You are skilled fighters, I do not doubt that. The problem is that the Lin Kuei have likely been hired by Shang Tsung to eliminate some of you."

Spider-Man almost choked the piece of bread he was eating. He almost screamed, but Liu Kang put a hand over his mouth. The young Shaolin put a finger over his mouth. Spidey sighed. White Tiger grumbled.

"Who do you think they're targeting?"

"It could be any of you. Despite what you may think of them, I never expected the Lin Kuei to betray their realm."

Spider-Man scoffed.

"Killers don't exactly have morals, Raiden."

Raiden's eyes narrowed and the wall crawler gulped. Fujin put a hand on his brother's shoulder.

"Perhaps we could persuade them to fight against Shao Kahn's forces? They may not even know what they're helping move along."

Raiden nodded.

"My thoughts exactly. Even though what they did to the Shirai Ryu was monstrous, they might not take kindly to their home being enslaved by Outworld's forces."

Spider-Man's eyes narrowed.

"I won't work with murderers."

Sonya's eyes narrowed.

"Sit down and shut up, you self-righteous little shit."

Spider-Man raised his hand, but he felt a strong grip around his wrist. His eyes widened and turned to see Nightwolf.

"I may not agree with what they've done, but they are here to defend our realm. If we fight amongst ourselves it will only serve our enemies."

"But-"

Yuki motioned for Spidey to sit down.

"Listen to the man, he has a point."

Spider-Man's jaw fell but he was unable to say anything.

(*Chibi Spidey appears* Feels like I'm talking to a brick wall! *Turns to a brick wall and starts lecturing over a podium, but the wall falls on him. Chibi Spidey crawls from under it.*)

White Tiger grumbled, turning to the gods.

"What can you tell us more of the forces that we may face?"

Raiden nodded.

"Outworld hosts a variety of fierce and powerful warriors. Different races with different fighting styles and abilities make up the legions of the realm. They may not have the technology that Earthrealm and you realm has, but the magic some of them wield and the general aggression and bloodlust make them very formidable."

Iron Fist nodded at this, but he rubbed his chin.

"I sense there's more to this."

Fujin nodded.

"Once, there was an army of Outworld believed to be unbeatable. The legions were so powerful, every battle they took part in was won."

Spider-Man's eyes widened.

"A-And...Shao Kahn led this army?"

Raiden and Fujin turned to one another, a grave look on their faces, before turning back.

"No. That commander is no longer alive...but even Shao Kahn feared him, not daring to face him head on."

Spidey nodded.

"Well, at least that's something."

Liu Kang held his goblet, but didn't drink.

"Nevertheless, Shao Kahn's warriors are not to be underestimated. You have defeated those he's sent so far, but he has many deadly warriors at his command."

Spider-Man groaned.

"And here I thought I'd have a nice lunch."

Jax ran his hand down along his face.

"Fighting isn't for the faint of heart, kid."

Raiden and Fujin looked across the hall. They saw two of the Lin Kuei return from another part of the castle. The third had remained where he was earlier. He turned to meet his fellow assassins. Raiden's eyes nodded. He turned to his chosen.

"I sense the Lin Kuei met with Shang Tsung though they were not gone long, I suggest you prepare for what is yet to come."

Spidey groaned.

"I really thought this tournament would be easy."

Nightwolf turned to the gods, raising an eyebrow. Raiden sighed, shaking his head.

To Be Continued...