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Shinnok's Hidden Fortress, Earth Realm...

After explaining to her fellow prisoners what she secretly heard from Delilah, Sindel, Kitana, and Ophelia all stare at Tanya in absolute shock at what they were just told. The situation was much more dire than they previously thought.

Sindel looks at her daughter and oldest friend with an expression of urgency. "We have to get out of here. Right now. Kurai and his friends will be walking straight into a trap as long as we're here." She says to them seriously.

Ophelia and Kitana both nod in agreement. "And with the four of us being here, we're nothing but the bait to lure them here. We absolutely cannot allow Delilah to get her hands on Kurai OR Drake. We don't know what she has planned for them, but from what Tanya heard, it's nothing good. Shinnok and Quan Chi may think they're the ones in charge, but Delilah is playing a game that is entirely different than theirs." Ophelia says to them with concern for the Prince and his friend.

"But even if we do manage to get out of these cells, we still don't know where we are in Earth Realm. And since we can't send out a message to Kurai, his friends, or Raiden, we're practically stuck here. Wherever we are." Kitana then says to them dejectedly, but Sindel has an idea.

"Actually, Kitana, that's not entirely true." She says cryptically, causing Kitana, Ophelia, and even Tanya, to look at her suspiciously.

"What do you mean by that, mother?" Kitana asks her curiously as Ophelia looks at her friend with a growing smile.

Sindel raises her hands in a calming manner while walking over to the small opening that was blocked by metal bars where they could see the green, open field landscape of Earth Realm. "I have a way to send out a message. Just wait here a moment and stay quiet." She says to her daughter before turning around to face opening.

Suddenly, Sindel appears to quietly sing with an angelic voice. Confused, Kitana leans over to Ophelia and whispers to her. "Ophelia, what is she doing? This is no time to be singing." Kitana tells her quietly with slight aggravation in her tone.

Ophelia just shakes her head knowingly while trying to keep herself from laughing at Kitana's obvious confusion. "Just wait and see, Kitana. I've seen her do this once before a long time ago. She'll explain afterwards. Then we'll figure out a way to escape after. So just be patient." She explains as Kitana continues to look confused while Tanya scoots over to the other side of her cell and listens to Sindel.

After a while, the women could hear the sound of wings flapping on the outside of their cell which causes Sindel to stop singing. She reaches her hand out of the opening and gently pets the creature that is flapping its wings.

Kitana walks over to her mother and looks out the opening to see what creature her mother had called with her singing. To her shock, it was a bright red phoenix.

"Mother, is that...?" She asks with bewilderment at the sight of the majestic bird. Sindel smiles and simply nods.

"Yes, Kitana. It's a phoenix. Our family line has very close ties with these creatures. Ties that go back thousands of years." She explains as Kitana stares gobsmacked at the sight, still not believing that she was right now looking at a real life phoenix.

Kitana had more questions, but Sindel wastes no more time. "My friend, you don't know me, but I have an urgent message that must be delivered as quickly as possible. You know of all the places in Earth Realm, correct?" She asks the phoenix, who nods affirmatively.

Sindel smiles. "Excellent. Then perhaps you know of a place called the Dark Wu Shi Temple, yes?" She continues asking the phoenix, who nods again.

Sindel nods. "Perfect. Then I need you to deliver a message to a man named Grandmaster Han. Tell him that my son, Kurai, and his friends will be walking into a trap when they find Shinnok's hidden fortress and that a woman named Delilah has something planned for him and his friend, Drake. If they wish to come find us, tell them to exercise extreme caution. Do you understand?" She continues saying to the phoenix, who nods once again.

Sindel nods in return. "Thank you, my friend. You can go now. And please, deliver this message as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence." She tells the phoenix urgently, who nods once more before flying away to deliver its message.

Sindel turns to around to see her daughter with a stern expression. "Mother, I know we need a plan to escape, but you need to tell me what that was about. Right now." She says assertively, causing Sindel to look over at Ophelia, who shrugs. Sindel sighs before nodding.

"Alright, Kitana. But since I don't have a lot of time to explain it all, I'll be blunt." She begins as Kitana nods and listens closely. Tanya does the same and listens with intent.

"Kitana, you, me, and Kurai are direct descendants of the Phoenix Goddess, Yumina." She explains bluntly, which shocks both Kitana and Tanya, whose eyes both widen at the revelation.


Meanwhile, Earth Realm, Dark Wu Shi Academy...

After leaving Outworld with Raiden and Akuma, and leaving Sub-Zero, Smoke, and Eclipse behind to become acquainted with their new allies, Kurai and Drake appear with the thunder god and temple master at the Dark Wu Shi Academy in Earth Realm. They begin to head towards the main temple when Kurai just realizes something.

He smiles and chuckles softly, causing the others to look at him curiously. "Something funny, Kurai?" Akuma asks in his usual stern tone of voice, but Kurai knows he isn't angry.

Kurai waves it off and stifles his chuckles as best he can. "No, Akuma. Sorry. I just realized that we have been using Raiden as a form of transportation too many times now, and I feel bad about it." He says with a slight laugh, which causes Raiden to come to that same realization before he too begins to laugh.

Akuma doesn't laugh, but a light smile does form on his lips as they continue their trek towards the main temple. Drake, coming to that realization as well, widens his eyes in shock before he sighs deeply. "Yeah, I just now realized that too. Now I'm starting to feel bad." He admits while shaking his head with shame. Raiden laughs and gently pats Drake's shoulder.

"We're laughing, Raiden, but we apologize for that. We're not doing it on purpose, I swear to you. Sorry." Kurai apologizes to the thunder god, who only continues to laugh before shaking his head and waves his hand.

"Not to worry, Kurai. Under the current circumstances, I have no room or time to complain. So there's no need to apologize." He sincerely says to him as they continue to walk towards the main temple of the academy.

Then Drake remembers something himself. "By the way, Raiden. What did the Elder Gods and your brother say about Shinnok escaping from his prison? Did they figure out how he managed to escape?" He asks the thunder god curiously, who sighs heavily before he answers.

Raiden then shakes his head. "Unfortunately, Drake, no. They haven't figured out how Shinnok escaped from his prison. The enchantments surrounding his prison were some of the strongest in all the realms. Even Fujin, who stood watch over the prison, couldn't figure out how he escaped. He also couldn't figure out how anyone could have made it past him. Needless to say, the Elder Gods are not happy about the current state of events." He explains, causing Drake to nod in understanding at the explanation.

Kurai turns his head to look back at the two. "Could it have been Quan Chi or Delilah? They are working with him after all." He theorizes, causing Raiden to think for a moment before nodding.

"That is a possibility. But the question remains, how did either of them get past Fujin? There is only one way into the prison, and one way out. So how did either of them get past my brother?" He wonders out loud as they approach the main temple doors. Kurai thinks for a moment, but shrugs and sighs exasperatedly, not having an answer.

"We can figure it out later. For now, you and Drake need to hear what Han has to tell you, Kurai." Akuma says to the two sternly before opening the large double doors of the temple.

They all walk in to see Han sitting in his usual spot in the center of the temple surrounded by a bunch of candles. Han sits, meditating as the four of them make their approach. Nearing the Grandmaster, the three of them, minus Raiden, bow low to the elderly man before standing back up straight.

"Grandmaster Han, I've brought Kurai and Drake back to the temple, as requested." Akuma says professionally to the Grandmaster, who opens his eyes slowly lays his eyes on the two young men.

Nodding slowly, Han waves off Akuma, signaling that he can leave. "Thank you, Akuma. You may leave." He says politely, causing Akuma to nod before turning around to exit the temple.

Han looks at the two young men and the thunder god in front of him before he finally begins to speak. "I have information for you on where Shinnok's lair could be. The sources have come from people that I trust with my life." He begins bluntly, which shocks them as Kurai begins to ask questions.

"Did any of that information say anything about my mother, Kitana, or Ophelia?" He asks desperately, though he leaves out Tanya since he knows that Han does not yet know the truth. Though he should consider telling his old friend the truth soon. Preferably when this is all over. But he has a bad feeling that that might not happen. And that worries him.

Answering Kurai's question, Han shakes his head somberly. "I do not know about your mother, your sister, or Jade's mother, Kurai. But I do know the location of where Shinnok will be." He continues as Raiden steps forward with a question of his own.

"Where, Han? Where is Shinnok hiding?" He asks assertively, wanting to know where Shinnok is so they can put a stop to all this madness before it gets out too out of control.

Then Han answers. "In a ruined, forgotten castle in London, England. King Arthur's castle to be precise." He says simply, causing Kurai to look back and forth between Raiden and Drake.

"King Arthur's castle? England? Why would he be there?" He questions suspiciously. Drake shrugs his shoulders while Raiden begins to think. Kurai doesn't believe that Han would lie to them about it, but something is telling him strongly that this doesn't feel right.

Han continues. "My sources have confirmed that they have seen Shinnok himself walking around the ruins in the open. For what reason, we don't know. Maybe he wants us to believe that no one can possibly touch him. If that's the case, it's completely arrogant of him. And that's saying something. Or maybe he wants to be found so he can take down everyone at once." He explains as Raiden and Drake continues to think.

But Kurai's thoughts have been going through every scenario that match Shinnok's mindset. However, nothing has been adding up. Shinnok walking around out in the open so freely doesn't sound like him.

He's been in hiding and operating from the shadows with Quan Chi, even though the pale sorcerer has yet to reveal himself. And Delilah, who has been front and center since the start. And now, NOW Shinnok wants to suddenly reveal himself like he's already won?

No. None of this feels right. And Kurai could feel it. But it's the only lead he has to find his family, Ophelia, and Tanya. Even if none of this feels right, he has to find out one way or another.

"There's only one way to find out if the sources are true." He begins, causing Raiden and Drake to look over at him. Kurai looks at the two. "We have to go to London, find Shinnok, and take him down. IF he's there. We also still have to find my mother, Kitana, and Lady Ophelia." He continues as Drake and Raiden both nod their heads.

"Then you should leave immediately. Drake, you head outside with Raiden and wait for just a moment. Raiden, you should think about who of your champions to take with the three of you to London. Kurai, you stay here a moment so we can talk." Han says to the three of them. Raiden and Drake look concerned for what Han and Kurai will be talking about, but they both nod all the same before walking out of the temple.

Kurai looks over at Han curiously. "What do you want to talk about, Han? We can't waste any time." He says seriously as Han nods with understanding before sighing.

Han looks up at Kurai with seriousness. "If my sources are correct, and Shinnok is indeed in London, then you should understand by now that he is not like others you've fought in the past." He begins to explain while Kurai listens.

"If he is there, then you'll be fighting a literal god. You should... greatly consider the use of that style that you learned long ago to use against him." He continues as Kurai looks at him with a curious expression.

Han shakes his head. "I'm not talking about the Phoenix Cleanse technique, Kurai. You've practically perfected and mastered that. No, I'm talking about that OTHER style. The one you refused to use ever since you came to back to your senses after Sadira's death." He explains, which causes Kurai to widen his eyes in shock before a furious expression formed on his face.

"Forget it, Han. I stopped using that style for a reason once I realized the things I'd done. After Sadira's death I just... lost control. I didn't even know what I was doing half the time. I just went from one underground tournament to another just to take my anger out on others. Some were deserving, others weren't. You know this better than anyone, Han. You're the only one I trusted with this part of my life because of your past." Kurai explains and looks down to the floor as Han nods with understanding while listening.

Kurai looks up before he continues. "And it's because of that dark history that you know that I can't use that style. Not even to use it to defend the people I care about. I've hurt and killed people using that style, Han." He says to the grandmaster somberly as Han looks at Kurai with understanding.

"Yes, Kurai. I understand. But you're not the same person that you were back then. Even back then you were strong, but compared to now, you're far stronger. In mind, body, and soul. There is nothing now that will be able to stand in your way for long. Every obstacle you've come across, you've knocked down. Every limit you've reached, you've pushed past them. I understand your hesitation and fear, my friend, but those are your new limits now. And if your past experiences is any indication, I have absolute faith that you will overcome them. As you always have." The grandmaster says to the Edenian prince reassuringly, though Kurai looks at him still with uncertainty.

Nodding his head, Han continues. "At least consider using it against Shinnok. You and your friends may just survive if you do. If you don't, however, then all the realms will be lost." He says darkly, causing Kurai to inhale deeply before nodding.

He still didn't even want to think of using that brutal style he learned so many years ago, not even against one like Shinnok. But Han is right, he should at least consider using it or the realms are doomed if he and his friends fail.

Without another word, Kurai turns and begins to walk out of the temple to see Drake still standing with Raiden outside. He walks towards them as they turn and look over at him. "What did Han want to talk to you about?" Drake asks with concern.

Kurai shakes his head. "Nothing important, Drake." He says before gently patting his friends shoulder before looking over at Raiden.

"Have you decided who your going to bring with us?" He asks the thunder god, who nods before he answers.

"Indeed I have. We will pick up Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, and Jax before we head to London. Kung Lao will remain with Kai at the Wu Shi Temple to defend it, while Stryker, Kabal and the rest of the Special Forces will remain at the base in case of an attack." The thunder god explains, causing Kurai to nod.

Kurai begins to walk down the steps of the temple. Raiden and Drake follow him immediately after. "Then we leave right now for the Wu Shi temple. We'll pick up Sonya, Jax, and Cage after. The sooner we get this done, or at least find out if Shinnok is in London, the better." He says before stopping in the center of the academy.

Raiden nods before he teleports them and himself to the Wu Shi Academy to pick up their allies before heading to London.


One Hour Later, London, England...

After grabbing a handful of his champions, Raiden teleports to London, England just outside of King Arthur's forgotten castle. And it was just as Han said. Forgotten. Ruined. A complete shadow of what it used to be.

Mother nature had almost retaken the castle in many places if the green vines and moss were any indication.

"So this is King Arthur's castle? Huh... Reading the books when I was little, I always thought it was a myth." Cage says while adjusting his sunglasses and taking a good look at the long deserted castle.

Sonya walks up beside him and taps his shoulder. "Apparently not. The place looks nice enough, but I'm sure it looked a hell of a lot better in its heyday." She says while silently marveling at her surroundings.

Raiden walks up past the two with a serious expression on his face. "We don't have time for sightseeing. We have a job to do. Come." He says to them all before they all walk towards the nearest entrance.

"Sonya, wait." Kurai says to her, causing her to stop and turn around to look at the prince while the others walk inside the castle.

"What is it, Kurai?" She asks him curiously as Kurai glances at the castle entrance to make sure that no one is listening.

He looks back at her with a serious expression. "Listen, I know I'm going to sound crazy, but..." He begins before Sonya lets out a soft laugh.

"Kurai, trust me, crazy is practically all of our job at this point. So go ahead. What's up?" She tells him lightheartedly, making him nod gratefully before speaking again.

"I have a really strong feeling that none of this is right. I can't explain it, but... call it a gut instinct. I can't help but feel that Shinnok has his lair somewhere else." He explains to her as she listens and nods her head with understanding.

"Are you saying that we should leave and find another lead?" She asks him with concern. Because knowing Kurai like she does, she trusts his gut instinct almost as much as she trusts hers. If Kurai is feeling that something is wrong, she always made it a priority to listen.

But Kurai shakes his head. "No, no. I'm not saying that because this is the only lead we have right now. Which is why I'm asking if you brought any of those special trackers with you?" He asks her hopefully.

Now Sonya was beginning to feel a little concerned. "Sure I did, but... why?" She asks him worriedly.

Kurai just stares at her seriously. "Do you trust me, Sonya?" He asks her earnestly.

She shakes her head instantly. "Of course I do, Kurai. Always." She answers honestly, now feeling even more concerned.

Kurai holds up his hand. "Then I am asking you to give me one of those trackers. I won't say anything else after that. You'll understand soon enough and we'll see if I'm right or wrong." He tells her with a dead serious expression on his face that frightened Sonya to her core. And she doesn't get scared or frightened easily.

What is Kurai planning?

She says or asks nothing else and just reaches into her utility belt before pulling out a small tracking device that can be tracked anywhere in the world, even across realms. She gently places it in his hand and the two stare at each other with knowing expressions. Kurai nods his head gratefully and places the tracking device inside of his pocket before the two follow the others inside the castle to catch up with them.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Kurai." Sonya says in her head as they head inside the castle to catch up with the group.

After catching up with the group, and walking around the ruins of the castle, Kurai and Sonya soon follow them into what appears to be the ruins of Arthur's throne room. The light shines through multiple cracks and opens as a flock of birds fly out of the throne room.

More moss and vines cover almost every inch of the room where time had caught up to the forgotten castle. As the group walks further into the room while closely examining their surroundings, they suddenly hear a voice, causing them to stop in their tracks.

"I had expected that you would find me sooner or later, Raiden. However, I did not expect you to find me this soon after only just a few days." The creepy disembodied voice says from every corner of the room while the group looks and closely examines every shadow to find the source of the voice.

"Well, since I have you all here, I might as well introduce myself for those that have not met me." The voice continues before the Earth Realm champions then begin to hear footsteps by the throne, which is near the end of the room.

They continue to hear the footsteps as a sickly pale man wearing elegant clothing of various colors walks out from behind the throne. The man turns to face them before a sinister and disturbing grin forms on his face.

"Welcome, Champions of Earth Realm. I... am Lord Shinnok."