"What is next, my Emperor?" Shang Tsung cautiously asked.
"You must prepare the soulnado." Shao Kahn informed him. "Tarkatans report that Raiden has transformed a cathedral into a main base for himself and his pathetic allies."
"So you suggest I summon the soulnado by this location?" Shang presumed.
"It's located in the city of New York." Added Kahn. "Create the soulnado somewhere near that city, not close enough to alert Raiden and his allies though."
"I understand." Shang Tsung bowed.
Suddenly, Reiko and Ermac arrived at the throne room. Both immediately took a knee with Reiko looking at the floor.
"Ermac? General Reiko?" Shao Kahn noted their presence. "Why are you two still here?! You should be invading Earthrealm!"
"The portal has been destroyed, emperor." Ermac explained.
"No thanks to you!" Reiko blamed Ermac. "You threw that man onto the control panel, destroying it!"
"Enough!" Demanded Shao Kahn. "I only care that the portal's destroyed, you've both failed."
"Apologies, emperor." Reiko said. "I swear it won't happen again."
"Who did this?" Shao Kahn menacingly asked. "Answer me, boy!"
"Li Mei and Jade, they were accompanied by many villagers." Reiko described.
"I knew I should've attacked that girl's village sooner." Shao said, recalling the previous tournament. "I honestly thought that Liu Kang had killed her. It was a shame when she got back up."
"So they betray us." Noted Sindel. "What punishment shall we give them, my husband?"
"Mileena," Shao Kahn turned to Mileena who sat on a throne by Shao's side. "Lead some Tarkatans to crush that pathetic village of Sun Do. After the report Sheeva gave me it seems that your treacherous false sister also lingers amongst them. Leave none alive."
"I… I shall, father." Mileena reluctantly complied. She stood up and embraced Sindel before leaving to gather Tarkatans. "C'mon, Baraka."
"What? No!" Baraka refused. "I will not consent to another assault on innocents. My people are only known as savages because of your orders."
"Is that defiance?" Kahn asked rhetorically. "You may lead the Tarkatans but I rule them and thus control them."
"My people need education," argued Baraka. "Not more fuel for their savagery."
"Have you forgotten the city of Lei Chen?" Shao questioned. "And it was merely this morning when you helped partake in the Earthrealm invasion."
"Those were causes with purpose." Baraka countered. "Sun Do has done no harm to you!"
"Innocents were still dying, Baraka." Shao reminded him.
"Under your command!" He yelled.
"Fine, Mileena shall handle the attack herself." Kahn changed the plans. "You can remain here and guard the Flesh Pits, the one task you've been previously successful at."
"Fine." Baraka complied, knowing he couldn't make any further changes without putting his life at risk.
Shao Kahn's attention returned to Reiko and Ermac. "Now how am I supposed to transport you to Earthrealm?" Shao queried. "You're both dead weight! Useless liabilities! Worthless fodder!"
"I have a suggestion," Shang Tsung informed, interrupting Shao's rant. "Reiko's army aligns with my Shadow Priests along with Erron Black and Garrett Bennett. United I can create my own portal to teleport us all to the cathedral and ambush the Earthrealmers once they return there."
"Very well then." Shao approved the plan. "Create the soulnado immediately after this attack though."
"I will." Shang promised. "I'll just need to gather some things from the Flesh Pits to begin the ritual which I'll do after dealing with those Earthrealmers."
"As long as it's done." Shao stated.
"We will leave immediately." Shang Tsung announced. "Let me gather the Shadow Priests."
"Take Rain." Kahn ordered. A ninja dressed in primarily purple stepped forth.
"It is an honour to serve your invasion, my emperor." Rain informed. "Do you want me to take my trainees?"
"Only your best ones." Kahn replied. "And Ermac, remain here as you will be protecting my wife."
"Understood." Ermac naturally complied.
"Protection for what?" Sindel queried.
"You will accompany me as I merge Earthrealm into Outworld." Kahn informed. "It's time that I start arranging some protectors for our journey there."
"Journey where?" Sindel gave another question.
"I must reach Earthrealm itself to begin the merger." Kahn explained. "It will all make sense in due time."
"I will take your word for it, my love." Sindel responded with a smile. Kahn did not smile back.
The throne room doors opened up once again with Khameleon, Chameleon, Reptile and Skarlet stepping inside. They were immediately met by a disappointed glare from Shao Kahn.
"What took you so long?" Kahn asked, aware that there was no justifiable answer (not to him at least.)
"Traversing the desert is quite difficult, my emperor." Reptile defended his group.
"For a scrawny lizard like yourself that I can believe." Kahn insulted. "But Skarlet?"
"Y-you said I could walk home…" Skarlet tried to explain.
"With haste!" Shao shouted. "It's clear that the three of you are no respecting your place in my guard."
"S-sorry…" Skarlet apologized.
"Also, your home is at the Flesh Pits!" Kahn added. "None of you have a right to even step foot in my throne room."
"You want us to respect you?!" Chameleon spoke up, the first time Shao Kahn had even heard him communicate.
"Brother, don't!" Pleaded Khameleon.
"I'm sick of this!" Yelled Chameleon. "You conquered my home realm, nearly drove my kind into extinction, forced the remainder of us to fight on your behalf without pay, and you don't even show any of us a single ounce of respect!"
"How dare you!" Scolded Sindel. "You have no right to speak to your emperor in such a tone!"
Despite Shao's visible frustration he was surprisingly impressed. "You are a bold one, Chameleon."
"It's Oculto." Chameleon corrected.
"Don't push your luck." Shao advised. "Maybe it is time I began giving you Saurians grand opportunities. Let us begin this by having you and your fellow Saurians aid Mileena and her fellow Tarkatans in the attack on Sun Do."
"That doesn't change anything." Chameleon stated.
"Then how about this option: I smash your skull in with my hammer." Kahn threatened. "Choose wisely."
"We'll enact the former, my emperor." Khameleon answered for her brother.
"Excellent." Said Shao. "Now everybody, get to work!"
"W-what do you want me to do?" Skarlet asked cautiously.
"I want you to return to the Flesh Pits." Commanded Shao. "You've proved you need further training."
"Just… One more chance." Skarlet begged. "Please."
"You've had plenty!" Yelled Kahn. "Ermac, Baraka, escort this failed test subject to the Flesh Pits."
"Yes, emperor." Ermac once again did comply and grabbed Skarlet by the shoulder before directing her to the Flesh Pits.
Meanwhile in a corridor outside the throne room, Baraka left the throne room along with Ermac and Skarlet with Mileena awaiting the Tarkatan. Ermac continued to escort Skarlet away but Baraka stayed behind to talk to Mileena.
"Were you… arguing?" Mileena asked.
Baraka nodded. "I've had enough of the mistreatment of our people."
"I'm sorry." Mileena apologized. "There's nothing I can do."
"You're his daughter," Baraka pointed out. "Surely he'll listen to you."
"Not even I can change his mind." Mileena informed. "I'm sorry again."
"By the way, Reptile and the Chameleons will be joining your attack." Baraka informed.
"Right." Mileena noted.
"Hold on," Baraka said. "An idea: what if you simply don't tell the Tarkatans about this attack?"
"But the Saurians will report this to father." Mileena realized. "I couldn't do it unnoticed."
"Oculto, the male Chameleon, also had an ordeal with Shao Kahn." Baraka informed. "They'd probably be easy to convince."
"Great." Mileena said. "One last issue… I don't know if I can betray father."
"Consider it as using common sense." Baraka advised. "Something that sadly most Tarkatans don't have."
"Okay…" Mileena sounded uncertain.
"Jade and Li Mei rescued Kitana from the Cobalt Mines," Baraka informed. "You will probably find Kitana housed at Sun Do."
"Then... I will gather the Saurians and leave for Sun Do." Mileena decided. "Thank you, Baraka."
"Of course." Baraka nodded. "Visit me outside the Flesh Pits afterwards if you get the chance."
"I'll try." Mileena promised. "Why there?"
"I've been on duty guarding the Flesh Pits many times as of recently." Baraka informed. "I'm having to do so once again."
"Why do the Flesh Pits even need a guard?" Mileena asked. "And why am I forbidden from seeing inside?"
"We all are." Baraka informed. "I don't know what's beyond the entrance."
"But why?" Mileena asked again. "Why are we never told about Shang Tsung and father's experiments?"
"Maybe we should have a look." Baraka considered. "I too am curious."
"Perhaps." Mileena replied. "I must visit Sun Do first, to see my sister."
"Be careful to not get caught." Baraka advised. "Goodbye for now."
Mileena suddenly hugged Baraka and Baraka hugged her back, being cautious so he wouldn't stab his spiky arms into Mileena. The two waved goodbye before both departing for their given tasks.
Meanwhile in Earthrealm, the Cyber Lin Kuei were preparing for an assault on the protectors in Hong Kong. Oniro was in a room with his best cyborgs as they structured a plan of attack.
"My suggestion is we utilize the coordinates of the enemy to teleport by them." Cyrax gave the first idea. "The element of surprise will grant us the advantage."
"It is also faster." Sektor added in agreement.
"Then we'll go with that plan." Oniro confirmed.
"How many units do you demand, Grandmaster?" Sektor queried.
"One hundred at most." Oniro answered. "I shall not exceed such a limit as I have no actual desire to help Shao Kahn's cause. I merely wish to do enough damage to be eligible for my reward."
"What reward?" Sektor asked.
"That doesn't concern you." Oniro stated.
"Apologies, Grandmaster." Sektor said. "I just assumed that it would be beneficial for everybody to know of our cause."
"You shouldn't be assuming at all!" Oniro scolded. "But since it's so important to you: this partnership aligns me with the most powerful man in all the realms and he is offering many bodies for cyberization."
"Understood." Sektor noted.
"Transferring orders to fellow units." Cyrax informed. "They have been received."
"Good." Oniro smiled devilishly. "Leave at once. Do not disappoint."
The two cyborgs bowed to the Grandmaster before both teleporting to the warzone in Hong Kong. Sektor and Cyrax landed atop a rooftop and watched as many other cyborgs emerged from sudden bursts that came from the teleportation ability that all cyborgs had in their arsenal. Some also stood on the rooftops, others were already on main ground and fighting many monks of the White Lotus. The group of Earthrealms strongest defenders stood out to the red and yellow cyborg. Both immediately recognized two of the masked faces. Tundra and Smoke, two men who were primary targets for cyberization.
"The bodies designated for units LK-520 and LK-7T2 have been detected." Cyrax revealed what Sektor also knew.
"The Grandmaster wants them alive." Sektor reminded him. "Leave LK-520 and LK-7T2's bodies intact but we have permission to eliminate any of their allies."
"Understood." Cyrax noted. "Processing commands to our allies."
"Charging missiles." Sektor informed. Plates on his body opened up with the heads of missiles popping out of them. "Selecting targets."
Sektor had targeted those who were nearby to Tundra and Smoke. A barrage of missiles suddenly came down in the direction of Kenshi, Scorpion, Johnny Cage and Bo' Rai Cho. The blind swordsman used his telekinesis to hold every missile in place and Scorpion ignited them all as they were stuck in mid air, prompting them to explode with the blast not reaching anyone.
"Accompany me." Sektor commanded Cyrax.
Cyrax nodded and the two cyborgs used their rocket boots to fly over to the group of defenders.
"Look out!" Johnny warned his allies as the two cyborgs landed by them.
"Surrender to Shao Kahn and his allies." Sektor ordered. "Failure to comply will result in cyberization or simply death."
"Not a chance." Kenshi refused.
"Why are the Lin Kuei helping Shao Kahn?" Scorpion asked.
"That shouldn't concern you." Sektor said, repeating his father's own words.
"Walk away, ketchup." Johnny demanded.
"Your humour is unamusing." Cyrax remarked.
"Well my usual audience isn't tin cans." Cage retorted. "You do realize that you're an Earthrealmer right? Yet you're trying to destroy your own home."
"Our Grandmaster has valid reasons." Sektor informed. "But that is irrelevant. I implore you to surrender."
"Bugger off!" Bo' Rai Cho yelled.
"What the big man said!" Cage added, also in defiance.
"Surrender now and you will receive the privilege of grand augmentations such as our own." Cyrax negotiated.
"Grand?!" Smoke finally spoke up. "Listen to yourself, Cy. Being a mindless robot is anything but grand."
"We have minds." Sektor corrected. "Thanks to a result of our cyberization, we're smarter and more calculated than you all."
"Minds that have been toyed with." Tundra argued. "I'm sorry that you've all been brainwashed to that bastard of a Grandmaster."
"Grandmaster Oniro is a genius." Cyrax defended him.
"Of course you'd say that." Replied Smoke.
"Enough!" Shouted an impatient Sektor. "Final chance to surrender. You must decide now!"
"We already have." Bo' Rai Cho's answer hadn't changed. "No matter how many robots you put forth."
The defenders readied their weapons as more cyborgs who had been previously dominating the White Lotus monks suddenly switched their attention to them and began closing in. Monks tried to counter them but their attacks were even precisely reversed or were simply ignored.
"Please try not to kill them." Tundra pleaded. "They're all victims to Oniro's slavery."
"We will try." Scorpion promised. "Watch yourselves!"
The cyborgs suddenly ran to make their attack. Kenshi used his telekinesis to push away many of the cyborgs, it was the most he could do to spare their lives. Scorpion and Johnny Cage were using primarily their fists to fight the cyborgs, Scorpion considered using hellfire but couldn't run the risk of it killing any of the cyborgs. Johnny wore a pair of personalised brass knuckles that his martial arts master had gifted him. Each finger had a letter engraved on the knuckle which spelled out Cage on both hands. The brass knuckles paired with Cage's rapid punches was enough for him to deal some damage to the cyborgs and fend them off. Scorpion's fists were already protected by light armour so he was already prepared to punch the metal plated cyborgs. Bo' Rai Cho meanwhile was taking a unique approach to his offense. Bo' performed a monkey flip, kicking the chest of one cyborg which knocked them to the floor. Bo' Rai Cho then surprisingly ellegently leapt in the air and sat on the fallen cyborg, somehow feeling no pain from the metal he just crushed.
Sektor and Cyrax had set their eyes on specifically Smoke and Tundra. While not wanting to kill or even damage the bodies of the two former Lin Kuei, Sektor and Cyrax were still very hostile in their attacks. Cyrax was using his signature wrist attached sawblade and Sektor used his strength that cyberization had gifted him. Sektor picked Tundra up by the throat before slamming him into the pavement. Cyrax stabbed his sawblade into Smoke's left shoulder. Cyrax could've easily spun the blade while it was impaled to dissect Smoke's arm but was under the idea that the more body to test the better. His past experiences of losing his own arm also potentially had a role in Cyrax making the decision not to slice Smoke's off. Smoke fended off Cyrax by dropping a smoke bomb from his right hand which burst upon impact with the ground. The explosion knocked Cyrax back who quickly jumped back to his feet only to find Smoke missing. Suddenly, a sharp slash cut through Cyrax's upper back which caused him to fall over once more. A compartment in the back of Cyrax had opened up which exposed a cartridge that was under there. Smoke then reappeared to the human eye and out of curiosity, went to grab the cartridge. This attempt failed as Sektor immediately ran at Smoke and punched him to the floor. Smoke tried to scramble to his feet but was crushed beneath one of Sektor's heavy feet. Smoke continued to struggle so Sektor rose his foot up before slamming it on Smoke's neck and continued to apply pressure on the neck that was on the verge of snapping. In the nick of time, Tundra blasted an ice ball which froze a good chunk of Sektor's back. The Cryomancer proceeded to smash his fist into the ice, shattering most of the frozen metal. Sektor also collapsed, he went to use his teleportation device located on his forearm to retreat from further damage but an ice sword was stabbed through the device as well as his arm.
"NO!" Sektor cried.
"It is over, Sektor." Tundra stated.
"What?" Sektor sounded confused.
"I said it's over." Tundra repeated.
"Where… where am I?" Sektor asked. "What happened?"
"You were cyberized." Tundra informed.
"I can tell that!" Snapped Sektor. "But I don't remember any of it. What's going on?!"
"I see your brainwashed state is no more." Tundra said positively. "I'm quite unsure of what's going on myself but it seems your father has sided with Shao Kahn and is helping him as he tries to conquer Earthrealm."
"Father…" Sektor was processing the information. "I… I see."
Tundra offered Sektor a hand. "Join us and we'll stop your father together." He offered.
Sektor slapped the hand away. "Who's us?! A bunch of traitors to the Lin Kuei?!"
"Myself and Smoke have aligned with several defenders of Earthrealm." Tundra explained. "If you agree to fight Shao Kahn's forces then I'm certain that they will aid us in stopping your father."
"I don't need them and I certainly don't need you two treacherous cowards!" Sektor hostilely declined. "I'll settle things with my father myself!"
"I'm sorry you feel that way." Tundra apologized. "The offer stands. Come find us anytime, Sektor."
"Ku-Kuai..." Smoke cried out weakly.
"Tomas!" Tundra was relieved. His attention immediately switched from Sektor to his beloved friend. "Are you alright?"
"Air… I need air." Smoke replied.
"I'll find help." Tundra promised, though unsure where to look.
"Look out…" Smoke warned weakly.
Tundra turned around to see a still hostile Cyrax. Tundra couldn't react in time as Cyrax landed an explosive bomb over Tundra's skull which detonated on impact just like Smoke's bomb. Cyrax and Smoke's bombs were so similar as this was how the Lin Kuei had crafted their explosives. Cyrax had the usual Lin Kuei bomb that created an explosive reaction whereas Smoke's of course used smoke as an alternative as Smoke is able to not only actively utilize his namesake as an extensive weapon, but he is also able to morph his entire body into a cloud of vapor, allowing him to move swiftly around his opponent as well as escape from enemies or potential captors, making smoke bombs a powerful utility for him.
Cyrax with a group of about five cyborgs accompanying him approached Tundra. The group began surrounding the helpless Cryomancer and began grabbing him. The cyborgs prepared to teleport away with their prize but a black cloud of smoke engulfed the group which blocked their vision. Then suddenly, a being took form with their body merely being an embodiment of vapour. Their only other feature were eyes that glowed red with anger. The creature grabbed one of the cyborgs by the head before then tearing the head apart and launching it at the cyborg opposite the one that they had just killed. The surrounding smoke proceeded to form into a large pair of hands which grabbed the remaining cyborgs and tossed them all aside, including Cyrax. The thick smoke soon died down after the strange creature returned inside Smoke's body who had passed out during the altercation.
"Huh?" Smoke awoke.
"Are you alright?" Tundra asked, trying to move on from whatever it was that he had just witnessed.
"I think so." Smoke replied. "We must help Cyrax."
"How so?" Tundra questioned.
"I spotted a cartridge in his back," Smoke explained. "Maybe that's causing his brainwashing?"
"We'll see." Tundra shrugged.
The two assassins approached the stunned Cyrax and flipped him onto his front. Smoke pointed to the cartidge he spoke of and Tundra yanked it out. Then, Cyrax began to regroup himself with Smoke and Tundra giving him some space.
"Cyrax?" Tundra called out.
No response. The cyborg remained confused.
"Pako?" Smoke referred to the cyborgs true name and not his codename. "Are you okay?"
"Tomas?!" Cyrax recongnized his old friend. "They kidnapped me… made me a machine."
"I'm sorry about what you went through, my friend." Smoke apologized. "It's over now."
"Not just yet." Tundra corrected. "We still have to deal with Oniro."
"Of course." Smoke said. "Will you join us, Pako?"
"It will be my pleasure." Cyrax answered with certainty. "I have command over all the cyborgs who are attacking your allies. I can change their loyalty to help us."
"Excellent." Smoke commented. "We will make sure to remove their slaving cartridges later though."
"As soon as Oniro falls I shall arrange them to be removed." Tundra confirmed. "Thank you for your help, Pako."
"It's my pleasure." Cyrax replied. "Where is Sektor?"
"He was right there." Tundra pointed to where he had last interacted with him. "His brainwashing has also been removed but I don't know what his goal is now."
"The cyborgs have stopped attacking!" Bo' Rai Cho cheered.
"And the Osh-Tekk's have been dealt with." Kenshi added.
"My friends, this is Pako A.K.A Cyrax." Tundra introduced him to his allies.
"I had been brainwashed." Cyrax clarified. "I meant no harm to any of you."
"We understand." Johnny said. "Welcome to the team, Pako."
"I remember you from the tournament." Scorpion recalled. "You fought well."
"Thank you." Cyrax said gratefully. "So, can somebody explain what this invasion actually is?"
"I shall when we're on our way to the Lin Kuei Temple." Smoke promised.
"The Lin Kuei Temple?" Bo' Rai Cho was confused. "Lord Raiden has requested our prescences at the Cathedral."
"The Lin Kuei Grandmaster orcastrates the cyborgs and their attacks against us." Tundra explained. "We have to stop him."
"Very well then." Bo' said in understanding. "Then I wish you luck."