Still within New York, Outworld's forces were still holding their own against Earthrealm's protectors. Reiko, Rain, Talon and Kano had united as the respective leaders of each group currently making attacks on the city. Reiko led Shao Kahn's main army, Rain led his students who were fellow traitors to Edenia, Talon who the Shadow Priests deem their best and thus deserving of leading them and Kano the leader of the Black Dragon.
"How long must we fight for?" Rain asked.
"I will receive word from Shang Tsung as soon as he creates the Soulnado." Reiko explained. "It should only take a couple of hours now.?
"And if not?"
"Then Tsung is an even bigger failure." Reiko commented.
"Us Shadow Priests are needed to accelerate the process of creating the Soulnado." Talon stated. "Permission to leave?"
"Go on then." Reiko granted the request.
"I'll send somebody to you once the Soulnado is nearly complete." Talon promised. "Goodbye, General."
Talon left as Garrett and Erron approached the group.
"We spotted some people watching us." Garrett informed. "Look on the building there."
Erron pointed to a rooftop where members of the Brotherhood of Shadow had been spying on the group.
"What is it that you want?!" Reiko called out.
"We mean no harm." Spoke Noob Saibot.
"We're just spectating." Jataaka added.
"And why's that?"
"None of your business!" Kia snapped.
"Well what we're doing is also none of your business." Reiko replied. "So I suggest you three walk away."
"I remember you." Noob pointed a finger at Garrett. "On Shang Tsung's island."
"What's it to you?" Garrett queried.
"You escorted me to an isolated place on the island where I would face off against fodder while the main tournament took place elsewhere on the island." Noob rightly recalled. "This was to hide something from me."
"You're Sub Zero?" Garrett asked.
"I was." Noob corrected him. "Once I had finally met up with the main contestants I met a man called Scorpion who made false accusations about me… before murdering me."
"I was just following orders." Garrett explained.
"You knew exactly what your master was scheming." Noob claimed. "You knew that he had struck a deal with that damn Spectre to eliminate myself and my former Lin Kuei comrades."
"Ain't nothing personal." Garrett replied. "And I thought Quan Chi was the one who had made the deal…"
"LIAR!" He yelled. "Quan Chi SAVED me! He would have never done such a thing!"
"We ain't got any time to spend listening to this lunatic." Erron joined in. "Run along now with your girlfriends."
Jataaka sighed. "We aren't in that kind of relationship…"
"Hell no we're not!" Kia yelled.
"I cannot feel pathetic emotions such as love." Noob educated the group.
"How nice." Erron said, fed up with conversing with him.
"Now piss off will ya." Kano demanded.
"Not until I kill the knight." Noob replied.
"This isn't a fight we need to get into." Jataaka told Bi Han, trying to convince him to walk away.
"Besides, a Soulnado is coming." Reiko revealed. "Run away before you get caught up in it."
"A Soulnado?" Kia asked.
"It is a bright green swirling tornado of immense spiritual energy, and of tortured spirits trapped between the realms." Jataaka described with solid knowledge of the supernatural force that is the Soulnado. "Quan Chi taught me all about them."
"Then we should report back to him." Kia decided.
Jataaka nodded in agreement. "Let's leave, Noob."
"Why should I?!" Noob asked.
"Because you will be disappointing our master if you don't." Jataaka calmly stated, doing a fantastic job at convincing the Wraith.
"Alright then." Noob finally complied. "But beware knight, someday I will make you reap what you sow."
"Whatever." Garrett commented, not afraid of the threats.
Noob created a shadow portal which he and his newly made allies left through to return to the Netherrealm now that they had new information from their scoutings of the invasion. This left Reiko and company to continue with distracting the defenders.
Within the cathedral, the head defenders of the realm had gathered together to decide who would ambush Shao Kahn in Outworld.
"We will need you to defeat Shao Kahn." Raiden said to Liu Kang. "You're the only one who has defeated him before."
"And me and Scorpion will help." Kenshi stated. "Just in case Shao has allies, specifically Shang Tsung."
"I would join the ambush but I must stay and protect-" Raiden was cutoff.
"Go, brother." Fujin instructed. "I will take your position as leader in the meantime."
"Very well then." Raiden accepted the idea. "Now who else should join the ambush?"
"Tremor." Jarek suggested.
"The last thing we need is a Black Dragon joining the ambush." Johnny commented. "Take me instead."
"Are you sure?" Sonya asked. "It'll be dangerous."
"And staying here isn't?" Cage gave a rhetorical question. "I'll be fine."
"You may both join." Raiden said but kept a suspicious glare on Tremor.
"Excellent." Tremor replied.
"Me and Tasia will try and get rid of Kano." Jarek claimed.
"Yeah right." Sonya remarked.
"Pardon?" Jarek spoke.
"Your lack of trust is pissing me off!" Snapped Tasia.
"How else should we feel when a Black Dragon is claiming they want to help defend something?" Hsu Hao asked.
"You should feel thankful." Tasia responded. "You act like we want this world to burn."
"You do!" Sonya yelled.
"Oh shut up." Tasia demanded. "Why don't you go and take care of your buddy Jax while we handle the fighting."
Jax had been evacuated to safety following Erron Black shooting him in the leg. Kabal had also been taken away after being burnt by No Face.
"I still want to join the fight against Kahn." Kung Lao reminded Raiden. "May I?"
"Very well then." Raiden granted it. "That should be enough. I have already instructed Li Mei to gather some allies from Sun Do to join us despite still needing to wait for Kitana and Mileena."
"As for the rest of you," Fujin instructed. "Keep at it with our defense."
"Good luck." Raiden wished them as he transported himself and those chosen for the ambush to the scouted location of Shao Kahn.
This location was a long pathway that stretched throughout the Golden Desert. Some villagers of Sun Do had spotted Shao Kahn trekking down the path with the company of Sindel, Ermac and some form of magic powered TaiGore which had glowing purple eyes and unnaturally purple skin. The TaiGore's name was Lia, a personal pet of Shao Kahn.
"Your sorcerer best not fail." Sindel said in doubt of Shang Tsung's abilities.
"If he does then I will turn him into Lia's dinner." Shao Kahn promised. "Here are the Cobalt Mines."
"The ones those rebel scum attacked, yes?" Sindel recalled.
Kahn nodded. "I hope Mileena and the Tarkatans tear Sun Do and its inhabitants apart."
"Have you received word of our daughter?" Sindel asked.
"Not yet." Kahn answered truthfully. "I imagine she is in battle with the villagers as we speak."
"Good." Sindel gave a simple comment.
"Once I conquer Earthrealm the mines will be filled up once again." Kahn promised.
"I like the obedience of this construct." Sindel complimented Ermac who stood loyally by her side.
Ermac had always had a strong desire to aid Outworld's ruler by any means necessary and has succeeded many times when following his master's orders. But this time, Ermac felt an even stronger urge to defend Empress Sindel. He didn't know why but this gut feeling had increased his focus, he couldn't let anybody harm Sindel and for once it wasn't because of Shao Kahn's orders but because of a strange affection for Sindel.
"I ordered Kollector to activate the portal." Shao Kahn informed his 'wife'. "We should meet him soon…"
Shao Kahn stopped in his tracks as he saw Raiden and his chosen defenders stood in the way of the portal ahead.
"You shall not pass!" Raiden yelled as he slammed his lightning staff on the path, sending a shock through the floor that passed to Shao Kahn and his allies.
Shao Kahn shook the shocking feeling off and charged a shoulder into the Thunder God which knocked Raiden back as Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Kenshi, Scorpion, Tremor and Johnny Cage stepped forward. Kung Lao charged at the Emperor first but was thrown away into the firm grip of Sindel's hair who tied it around the waist of Kung Lao before throwing him up and slamming him down on the floor. Scorpion threw his spear into Shao Kahn successfully but when he went to pull the Emperor to him he couldn't make Shao budge. The Emperor laughed before grabbing the spear and ripping it out himself before dragging it forward and sending Scorpion sprawling into his grasp. Shao Kahn grabbed Scorpion by the neck and squeezed tightly, only stopping when Kenshi stabbed his katana into Kahn's stomach. Ermac used his telekinesis on Kenshi and threw the swordsman back, just like what Kenshi had done to him back at the Coliseum. Now stood Johnny Cage who engaged in a fighting stance, prepared to square off with Shao Kahn.
"Hah!" Kahn laughed. "The actor wants a fight. For your courage I'll make your death quick."
"You think I want this?!" Cage asked. "You're posing a threat to over five billion people!"
"So that's Earth's population." Kahn noted. "Not as large as Outworld but still worthy of my conquest."
"Nothing's deserving of your tyranny." Cage argued.
Shao Kahn began laughing again as he approached Johnny Cage but stopped as Tremor stood in front of the actor, surprisingly choosing to protect Cage.
"Take one more step and I'll smash your skull in." Tremor threatened.
"You dare stand in the way of Shao Kahn The Conqueror?!" Sindel said as she, Lia and Ermac stood by the Emperor's side. "Get him, Lia!"
The TaiGore charged at Tremor who formed a rock mallet on his hand and clubbed it over the beast's head, immediately knocking her unconscious.
"Lia!" Sindel screamed. "You will pay for that!"
Sindel ran at Tremor but Liu Kang intercepted her intended attack by delivering a flurry of kicks which sent her off the path and into the sand. Meanwhile, Tremor and Shao Kahn were trading punches. Two giants clashing with powerful bloss. Kahn flipped his Wrath Hammer up which smashed Tremor's jaw. Shao then hoisted Tremor over his shoulders and forced his sides into the horn like parts of his helmet, impaling Tremor. Kahn then tossed Tremor onto the floor, shaking the earth. The Emperor then raised his hammer over the wounded Tremor with twisted intentions of wanting to pummel him. Liu Kang prevented this by connecting a flaming dragon kick to the chest of Shao Kahn. The Emperor staggered back as Ermac went to confront Liu Kang but the construct was shoved out the way by Kahn.
"Deal with the actor." Kahn ordered. "Liu Kang and I have unfinished business."
"I made a mistake sparing you." Liu stated as he ignited his fists with fire.
"And you'd make the same mistake again." Kahn replied. "You don't have it in you to kill."
"I don't." Liu admitted. "But others do."
Shao Kahn turned around to Kung Lao who slashed at Kahn with his razor hat, leaving a clean cut across his torso. In response to the attack, Shao swung his Wrath Hammer into Lao's gut which winded him and knocked him to his knees. Shao then hit a knee strike to the monk right before Liu Kang began unloading kicks and punches to the back of Shao Kahn. The Emperor staggered only slightly in reaction to the hits before spinning around with a backhand with such force that Liu was taken off his feet and crashed into Scorpion who was attempting to rejoin the fight. Kung Lao came back at Shao who simply dodged his attacks before spinning his hammer which crashed into Lao's back.
"Who's next?!" Shao asked.
The question was soon answered as Raiden soared at Shao Kahn, pushing his two lightning empowered fists into the Emperor which knocked him down.
"You will not make it to Earthrealm." Raiden promised. "You will not put another innocent life in harm!"
"So sure are you?" Kahn asked as he began climbing to his feet, Raiden blasted a bolt of lightning onto the Emperor to keep him grounded.
Sindel and Ermac were too busy occupying the other defenders to come to Kahn's aid. Raiden had Shao Kahn exactly where he wanted him, Raiden was able to end the Emperor's tyranny at this very moment. Raiden was about to begin shocking Shao Kahn to his grave but suddenly stopped. There was a huge danger in Earthrealm, he could sense it. A vision then began forming in Raiden's mind, as per usual when a major threat was occuring within Earthrealm.
"A Soulnado!" He cried out. "I must protect the others!"
And just like that Raiden had returned to Earthrealm but it was too late, the Soulnado was already well in effect. Reiko and his forces had retreated to safety thanks to the aid of the Shadow Priests.
"Brother!" Fujin called out. "There's a Soulnado!"
"Gather our best defenders." Raiden demanded. "I must place a protection spell on them…"
With Raiden gone, Shao Kahn and his allies had dominated the heroes with only Liu Kang left with some fight in him.
"Your friends are weak." Kahn commented as he trampled Kung Lao's unconscious body. "Pathetic weaklings."
"They're stronger than you'll ever be." Liu argued.
Shao Kahn once again let out a villainous laugh. "Just wait until the souls of your realms entire population fuels me."
"What are you talking about?" Liu questioned.
"Raiden left because he could sense the Soulnado that is currently eating your world." The Emperor revealed. "I will absorb it and become all powerful as I merge your world with my Outworld."
"I won't let you!" Kang yelled.
"Not even you can stop me, boy." Kahn warned him. "But I will make sure you and your allies receive glorious executions in front of thousands of my subjects."
As Kahn was monologuing, footsteps could be heard from behind. Running at Shao Kahn, Sindel and Ermac came Jade, Reptile, Chameleon and Khameleon who Li Mei had sent down to help the defenders. Unfortunately, they had been a little too late then anticipated.
"Get them!" Kahn ordered to Sindel and Ermac.
Ermac, having heightened senses and a passion to protect Sindel, used his telekinesis to pick up the three Saurians and slam them together before sending a telekinetic blast that crashed into them. Jade came at Ermac's side and smashed the side of her staff into Ermac's face which knocked him into Reptile who spat acid on the construct's face as Chameleon and Khameleon joined the fight against the construct. Jade and Sindel fought during this, Jade began getting many hits on Sindel with her staff but Sindel used her hair to wrap around the staff and snatch it from Jade. Sindel then let out an ear piercing scream which Jade slid under the deadly soundwave and slid between Sindel's legs. The empress spun around with a kick to Jade's head which stunned her, granting Sindel the time to equip her Kwan Do and slice at Jade with its blade. Jade stumbled back from the pain of the cut wound that had managed to go through her light armour. Sindel then hit several kicks which eventually knocked Jade to the floor.
"You dare attack your empress?!" Sindel asked, frustrated with the ambush.
"Empress?" Jade began realizing who this woman was. "You're Sindel?"
"Yes." Sindel confirmed. "And you will remember my name in hell."
"Do you not remember your daughter?" Jade asked. "Princess Kitana?"
"She is not my daughter!" Snapped Sindel. "My husband told me so."
"He has put a curse on you!" Jade revealed. "You cannot trust him!"
"And why should I trust you, stranger?" Sindel asked.
"I…" Jade didn't know how to reply. She simply gave up and closed her eyes, expecting death. She had failed her friend.
Jade opened her eyes after hearing metal clash right above her body. She saw Tanya wielding a Naginata that she had acquired back at the village of Sun Do. Tanya used all her strength and was able to push Sindel back.
"You came." Jade realized.
"Daahraan managed to convince me." Tanya stated.
Despite having shown a great level of confidence by fending off Sindel, Jade could tell that Tanya was still afraid. Her arms were trembling, causing her Naginata to shake. Jade scooped up her staff from the ground and joined Tanya in the fight against Sindel.
Meanwhile, Liu Kang and Shao Kahn were busy having their rematch from the tournament at the Coliseum. Liu would dodge all of Shao's Wrath Hammer attacks but Kahn would merely shrug off all of Liu's attacks. Their fight was evenly matched until Liu managed to wrap his hands around Shao's giant Wrath Hammer and pulled it downwards. Shao being the stronger man simply pulled the hammer forward which dragged Liu against Kahn's chest. The Emperor proceeded to grab the Mortal Kombat Champion by his neck before raising him up to eye level.
"See my mask?" Kahn asked. "You damaged it."
"Do… you want me... to apologize?" Liu said mockingly between gasps for breath.
"I will carve out your skull and use it as a replacement." He threatened before chokeslamming Kang onto the road. Liu Kang quickly popped back up to his feet, performing a backflip as he jumped up with his feet connecting with Kahn, fire from his feet scorching Kahn's chest. Shao was knocked back, creating enough distance for Liu to pull off a dragon kick and following it up with his signature bicycle kick. Kahn ceased the endless cycle of bicycle kicks by swinging his hammer upwards, connecting with Liu's back as well as popping him up in the air. On his way down, Liu charged his Chi to his right hand before clenching it into a fist before then pushing his arm forward. Liu Kang's fist ended up punching clean through Shao Kahn's chest. Liu didn't want this. He didn't want to kill. He didn't even mean to hit a fatal blow but it had happened. But at last Shao Kahn's reign of terror was over. Immediately after Kahn collapsed to the floor, a ball of green light passed out of Ermac and touched Kahn's hand. Suddenly, Shao clenched his fist and absorbed the ball of light. The energy surged through his body and into his chest, sealing the hole in it. The Emperor then began standing up as he was still alive.
"H-how?!" Liu stuttered.
"It's amazing what soul magic can do for you." Kahn stated. "You did a fine job there, Champion. You nearly killed me… nearly."
"Soul magic?" Liu asked.
"For nearly killing me you deserve an explanation." Shao praised. "I simply just absorbed a soul from my excellent creation who is made up of the souls of my many victims. This single soul has restored my health. Now imagine me after absorbing over five billion souls…"
"No…" Liu Kang couldn't believe it.
"Yes!" Kahn laughed. "My victory draws near."
"NO!" Liu yelled as he ignited his fists again. He went to attack Kahn once again but suddenly his back was smashed by a container full of cursed flames. As Liu Kang rolled around in pain to put out the fire, he was usually able to absorb regular fire but this ability was useless on cursed flames, he saw Kollector stood over him with a devilish grin on his ugly face.
"What fine prizes, Excellency." Kollector complimented.
"After Outworld and Earthrealm are merged, I shall have all of them executed." Kahn informed him.
Tanya and Jade had been winning their battle against Sindel, but Tanya froze when she glanced at the Emperor. It was him. The man who destroyed her world, had her parents killed, imprisoned her for millenia's.
"Murderer…" Tanya said, her pearl white eyes fixated on Shao Kahn.
"And who are you?" Kahn asked, pointing his hammer at her.
Tanya let out a small shriek in reaction to the question. She didn't actually give a reply because she couldn't speak, she couldn't move at all besides the uncontrollable trembling. From behind Sindel came and stabbed Tanya in the back, without Tanya's help it didn't take long for Sindel to defeat Jade alone. At the same time, Ermac used his telekinesis to carry the unconscious bodies of Reptile, Khameleon and Chameleon to the Emperor's feet.
"Foolish traitors." Kahn insulted as he glanced down at the defeated Saurians. They put up a good fight against Ermac but the construct's abilities had reached new heights with the company of Sindel.
"How do you suggest we capture them, Excellency?" Kollector asked.
"I have one idea." Kahn replied as he snapped his fingers, which summoned soul magic binds around the wrists and ankles of all the defenders. "Ermac, carry them to the Cobalt Mines and place them in the holding cells."
"We would prefer to stay by Empress Sindel's side." Ermac informed.
"What?" The last thing Kahn was expecting was for Ermac to state his preferences.
"Err… We will imprison them for you, Emperor." Ermac quickly corrected himself.
"And check up on my dear Lia." Sindel requested.
"Of course." Ermac agreed to do so.
"Good." Shao commented. "Sindel and Kollector, join me."
"Gladly." Sindel complied as Kollector nodded in compliance as well.
"The portal is ready, Excellency." Kollector informed the Emperor.
"I can always rely on you, Kollector." Kollector received good word from Kahn which was a rarity for Shao to do with his servants. "Lets go now."
The three travelled to the end of the road where the portal stood. Kahn gave the signal and they entered the portal which transported them to a rooftop within New York. Just as they had entered Earthrealm, Mileena, Kitana, Skarlet, Meat and Baraka had arrived at the location where the previous battle had occurred. Mileena had managed to convince Baraka to help join the fight against Shao Kahn. Baraka accepted due to his affection for Mileena and the desire to finally step up to the Emperor who had taken advantage of his people's bloodlust for years.
"Jade!" Kitana called out. "Liu Kang!"
"Ermac…" Skarlet noticed that the soul construct was staring right at them. "Did you do this?"
"We have been ordered to guard Shao Kahn's new prisoners." Ermac informed. "Do not interfere with Our task."
"We have to." Kitana stated. "I apologize, Ermac."
"Has Shao Kahn made it to the portal?" Mileena questioned.
"Just moments ago he had entered it." Ermac revealed.
"Me, Kitana and Barak should go through the portal." Mileena planned with her allies. "Skarlet and Meat should stop Ermac and help Earthrealm's defenders."
"I have no problems with that." Baraka stated.
"Me neither." Kitana added. "What about you two?"
Skarlet glanced at Meat who nodded back at her, his loose eyeball jiggling with the head motion. "We'll try what we can." Skarlet promised.
"Thank you." Mileena said gratefully. "Are you ready, sister?"
"Always." Kitana answered.
And so Kitana, Mileena and Baraka ran past Ermac who tried to use his telekinesis to pull them back but an interception from the duo of Meat and Skarlet prevented this. Ermac turned his attention to Skarlet and Meat and the three fought as Mileena, Kitana and Baraka leapt through the portal to Earthrealm.
"Ah, Baraka and Mileena." Shao Kahn greeted them. "I see you have brought me Kitana."
"We've brought her to help kill you!" Baraka revealed.
"I expected you to betray me." Kahn revealed. "But Mileena?! My daughter?!"
"You shouldn't have hidden my past from me." Mileena suggested.
"I have a merger to begin." Kahn told them. "Get out of my way."
"No." Kitana refused. "Your reign, you life, both end today."
"Your Earthrealm friends said similar words." Shao recalled. "But they didn't stop me."
"But I will." Baraka said before dashing at Kahn and stabbing his pair of now metal arm blades into Shao's stomach. Baraka pulled his blades out and hit a jumping kick to Kahn's chest which staggered him towards the edge of the rooftop. Kollector tried getting in the way but Baraka quickly beat him to one side. Sindel meanwhile, was confronting her two daughters.
"How dare you betray your parents, Mileena!" Sindel scolded.
"You aren't my parents." Mileena claimed. "Kitana's your real daughter."
"Silence!" Sindel demanded.
"Shao Kahn has put you under mind control, mother." Kitana tried revealing the truth to her. "Snap out of it!"
"Someone else tried telling me such false information." Sindel said. "She wore green and carried a staff. You're just like her… rebel scum."
"Jade…" Kitana knew that Sindel was talking about her best friend.
"Remember your past!" Mileena told her.
"Enough!" Shao demanded. He had managed to overwhelm Baraka and was busy dragging him across the hard floor. "Stop trying to deceive my lovely wife!"
"You don't love her!" Cried Kitana. "You don't love anyone!"
"I said enough!" Kahn's voice boomed as he snapped his fingers, creating the same restraints that were currently holding the defenders that had ambushed him minutes ago in place. "Witness my power, 'daughters'."
Shao Kahn tossed Baraka off the roof with ease, Mileena crying out in reaction to seeing his beloved go overboard. Kahn laughed as his raised hand in the air which began absorbing the Soulnado itself. With his other hand, a flashing light grew in it. With the more souls he consumed, the larger and brighter this light would become. Once the Soulnado was fully absorbed and consumed by Shao Kahn, the magical light that he had been summoning exploded and blinded the entire world for a brief moment. When this moment passed, it was clear that the merger had begun...