(Evening: Hanging Gardens)

"The food looks very delicious, Empress."

Raiden says as he and Sindel look over the food now being set on the tables, as the feast was about to begin.

Sindel: "Thank you, Raiden. We have the best chefs at our disposal. Your champions will surely be well overstuffed."

Raiden: "I hope so...I once saw my champion Johnny eat a meal so large in portions, I thought it sickening."

He says with a small smile and Sindel chuckles, then Reiko and Kotal appeared behind them.

Reiko: "Empress, The Council and Head Constiable have arrived, they await for you in the Grear Hall."

He states bowing, as Sindel nods.

Sindel: "Just in time. Get the others, the feast is about to begin."

He orders and the two then leave and start slightly jogging in urgency.

Raiden: "I will now gather my champions. Thank you, for having us."

Sindel: "It is no bother Raiden. You're champions are among good people."

She says and Raiden has a small smile and nods, thens head to the Kombatants quarters.

(Minutes Later)

The Kombatants (In their upgraded gear), Outworld fighters along with the Council were seated, all at different tables with the Royal Family and Shang Tsung standing at the steps to the inside of the palace.

Johnny: *whispers* "So...so far, so good, right?"

He says but everyone notices some of the looks they were getting from the council.

Raiden: "Almost, Johnny."

Liu Kang: "Lord Raiden, those Outworlders, they are the Council, yes?"

Raiden: "Correct, they speak for the people of Outworld, voices their concerns and problems to the Empress and Emperor, allowing them to come up with solutions to mend the people's worries."

Jax: "But lemme guess, the people worries have increased when we won the Tournament."

Ermac: "And now that we are in their realm."

Smoke: "So we just need good...PR? That's the word, right Johnny?"

He asks hopeful and Johnny nods, smiling and the two fist bumped.

Erron was looking around, examining the food, before looking to see a woman, who looked almost his age wearing purple and grey attire sitting by herself at a table.

Erron: "And her?"

He asks and Raiden turns and looks back at him.

Raiden: "That is the Head Constiable of Sun Do, Li-Mei. She is an eforcer of law and order there, much like a common police officer n Earthrealm."

Erron: "Cop, huh? I never had a good relationship with the law but..."

He starts and she finally meets his glance, to which he smirks.

Erron: "It might be the time to come to good terms."

He says then drinks the whole wine from his goblet.

As everyone was now situated, Shao Khan cleared his throat and spoke.

Shao Khan: "Arise!"

He says and everyone stands up, with their goblets in hand.

Shao Khan: "I am not one for speeches, but I'll try...Today is about unity. Too long have we been at conflict both within and out our realm. And I know many of you are against it, but it's past time we've made peace with Earthrealm. For a new age of Outworld. Any words, Lord Raiden?"

He says then Raiden smiles and sighs.

Raiden: "Unfortunately no, Emperor."

Sindel: "Well then...lets us eat!"


(Earthrealm: Fengjian: Lao Family Household)

Kung Lao and Sarah had arrived at the Lao house, which was located on the farmlard outskirts of the village.

His mother was unlocking the door and opened it up, then Kung Lao and Sarah with their luggage entered inside and it was very dark inside.

Kung Lao: "Mom, can you-"

He starts but then the lights turns off and a banner rolls down with the words on it being "WELCOME HOME."

???: "SURPRISE!"

He smiles then sees his entire family, all lined up in the stairwell, as Sarah was slightly startled.

???: "Big brother!"

First to run over to him was his little sister, who jumped up and hugged him, almost making him stumble.

Kung Lao: "Hallie! You've gotten big!"

Hallie: "And strong too!"

He laughs then a man, in his late 40's came to his side and ruffled Kung Lao's head, this was his Uncle Kin.

Uncle Kin: "Heh-Heh! We missed you ponytail!"

Kung Lao: "As have I, Uncle."

He states and gets kissed on the cheek by his Aunt Saya, his mother's sister.

Aunt Saya: "Welcome home, nephew."

Lastly, a small but chunky pug ran over and Kung Lao kneeled and petted the dog.

Kung Lao: "Hah! I missed you too, Chungsi."

He says then noticed his father was absent from the greeting.

Kung Lao: "Bàba zài nǎlǐ?"

He asks and his mother has an conflicted look on her face.

Xia: "Zài gāngtiě chǎng."

She replys and Kung Lao sighs, not surprised but expected.

Hallie: "She's pretty."

The little girl says and his family looked to see Sarah, who nervously waved.

Everyone was confused till Kung Lao pulled Sarah to his side, easing her awkwardness.

Kung Lao: "Everyone, this is Sarah...my girlfriend. Sarah, this is my family."

He says, greeting

Sarah: "Hi. It's so nice to meet you."

She says, nervously then the family have judgemental faces for a few moments, till the stares were replaced with smiles again.

To which Lao, leans in and whispers.

Kung Lao: *whispers* "Prepare for endless pampering."


(Outworld: Hanging Gardens)

Johnny: "...Wait, so everyone here is past pushing 90?"

He asks to Kotal and Reiko, who were confused but the question, thankfully Ashrah spoke up.

Ashrah: "He is surprised Edenians and Outworlders live so long. They do not age like you in Earthrealm."

Kotal: *surprised* "Really? I thought him at least 6,000 years old."

Johnny: *chuckles* "Flattering. (I guess) But no, your boy's just at his 16 years of living."

This causes Ashrah to look at him, concerned and somewhat shocked.

Ashrah: "16?"

Johnny: "Well...yeah. You just said we don't age like them."

Ashrah: "I know but...that's very young."

Johnny: "Aww, thank you."

Reiko: "I'm afraid to ask but...what is the age range in which Earthrealmers...depart?"

Johnny: "Depart? Oh, you mean die! Well, some of us die young due to...accidents and reckless bullshit, but somewhere in 73 for guys, I think...79 for girls, but, I Googled that so..."

He says then takes another sip of wine before noticing the mortified looks on the three's faces.

Johnny: *gulps* "What?"

Over at a table, Smoke was drinking multiple glasses of wine, with Noob looking at him, with a mix of shock and bafflement.

Noob: "Are you trying to black out?"

He says then Smoke puts down his current glass, and Noob notices his eye color was now red instead of his usual brown.

Smoke: *burps* "Nope...well...kinda."

He says then a maiden hands him another glass of wine, to he takes and stands up to look at her.

Smoke: "Well, hello there... my name is Tomas. And have I just gotta say you are very beautiful!"

He starts, confusing Noob and causing the maiden to blush and look away.

Smoke, then turns her head to face him with a mischievous look in his eye.

Smoke: "Don't be shy. I speak only the truth. No cheesy one liners or desperate wordplay. Now, would you like to come with me?"

He asks extending with a smirk on his face, the maiden smiles ans gives him her hand.

Maiden: "Where are we going?"

Smoke: "Oh, trust me...you'll enjoy it. And want more."

He says and Noob almost chokes on his wine as Smoke walks away with the maiden.

Noob then senses the essence of a dark power emitting from Smoke, to which he sighs then sips his wine.

Noob: "...Enenra."

???: "Is something wrong?"

A voice calls out and he turns to see Jade, who was confused, and dressed in formal attire.

Noob: "Nothing...Jade, right?"

Jade: "Yes. Where is Tomas going?"

She asks, concerned and Noob rubs his temple.

Noob: "Going somewhere...with one of the maidens."

Jade: "Oh. I see..."

She says, a look of hurt on her face, which confuses Noob.

Noob: "Are you okay?"

Jade: "Yes, I was just...hoping to talk to him."

She states and there was an awkward silence, which Noob decided to break.

Noob: "Perhaps...I could assist you. I will talk to him tomorrow so you two can meet. Is that okay?"

He asks and Jade has a small smile plastered on her face then nods.

Jade: "Thank you...you are Bi-Han, yes?"

Noob: "Yeah."

Jade: "You...are not as shallow as one might think.",

She says walking away and Noob pauses, reminiscing of an old memory. One he had long forgotten.


3Years Ago: Netherrealm: Quan Chi's Fortress

In the center of Quan Chi's lair, was Bi-Han, alive and his Sub-Zero attire, standing over a fallen demon who looked up at the person who held her life in his hands.

Bi-Han: "You fought well, but your heart wasn't in it. Why?"

???: "What do you care? You're Lin Kuei, aren't you suppose to kill with no hesitation?"

Bi-Han: "Yes...but you intrigue me. You have morals. Honorable traits. Not common among inhabitants of Netherrealm."

???: "...I do only what I'm told. If I don't..."

Bi-Han: "You die...I see. But that hasn't have to be the case."

He then kneels down and extends his hand towards her, as the demon looks at him, shocked.

Bi-Han: "Come with me. The Lin Kuei will protect you...I will protect you. If that is your choice."

The demon looks at him, with slight tears rolling down her face, as she takes his hand.

???: "You would take me in? As one of your own?"

Bi-Han: "Yes...no one deserves to blindly serve under a monster."

He states then helps her up and turns and makes an portal of ice, then faces her and smiles.

Bi-Han: "After you."

He gestures and the demon smiles and looks at the portal, happy with tears slowly rolling down her face.

???: "Not as shallow as you seem, Lin Kuei."

The two then enter through the portal and arrive in China, high in the mountains at the steps of the Lin Kuei temple.

Bi-Han: "This is my home. Now it is yours. You will be treated as one of our own...I'm sorry but you never told me your name."

???: "...Sareena."

Flashback Ends


(Hanging Gardens)

Noob: "Sareena...where are you?"

He whispers to himself then gets up and starts heading to the quarters.

Sub-Zero watches his brother leave and raises an eyebrow, he was leaning against a tree talking with Scorpion and Kenshi who were standing next to him.

Scorpion: "Something wrong with Bi-Han?"

Sub-Zero: "Probably. I'm gonna go talk to him. I'll be back."

He says then starts following Noob only to be called out.

???: "Sub-Zero!"

A voice calls out and Sub-Zero turns to see Shao Khan walking towards him, the 7 ft tall ruler stepping towards him was quite...nerve-wracking to say the least.

Sub-Zero: "Yes, Emperor?"

Shao Khan: "I need to speak with you...privately."

He says and Sub-Zero raises an eyebrow as Shao Khan practically pulls him to his side and starts walking off.

Kenshi: "Hmmm. That should be interesting."

Scorpion: "Indeed."

He says smirking then notices Mileena sneaking away from the party, raising confusion in him, making him place down his wine.

Kenshi: "Something came up?"

Scorpion: "You could say that."

He says then follows after Mileena, catching the glance of Baraka who sneered and crushes the glass on hand.

Baraka: "Damn wraith."