The battle in Sabar City was over and the night came over Outworld. Mileena's Union had lost control of Outworld. They had set up a temporary refugee camp nearby within the Forbidden Forest for the civilians affected by the battle, in hopes of repairing the city upon their return… but it was unlikely that they'd be allowed back inside. There was uncertainty, many heroes leaving to help the civilians whilst others were forced back by surprising Osh-Tekk reinforcements that had sided against them. There was fear and uncertainty amongst the Union and the civilians they were protecting.
Actually being inside of the Forbidden Forest became even more foreboding than its name. The undergrowth was so thick that it was difficult to see more than a few feet ahead, and the air was filled with the sounds of rustling leaves, creaking branches, and animal noises. Strange, glowing mushrooms sprouted from the forest floor, casting an eerie glow on the surrounding foliage. Also illuminating the forest was the orange fire lit at a temporary refugee camp that had been set up within the mysterious hidden forest, using supplies that were delivered from Kuatan by several Shokan due to being the most prominent group at the sudden conflict in Sabar City.
The Shokan forces had since returned to Kuatan though after offering their supplies, some Sabar City civilians being brought along with them, but they only knew of a few areas that could accommodate a small group of civilians, leaving most still at the temporary refugee camp. Alongside the Shokan, the Demons and Kytinn had also departed for their own people. D'Vorah and A'Vital were both considering relocation due to Kotal's betrayal of Mileena's Union and they needed to check on their fellow Kytinn, especially Re'Enena due to her burn injuries. The Demons meanwhile, headed back to their village that housed the good Netherrealmers, to head through their village portal to the Netherrealm to report the news to their native realm… unaware that Lady Iris had also been dethroned. The other remained in the Forbidden Forest to ensure the safety of the victims of the Sabar City conflict.
"What now?" Kitana asked as she sat on a tree log beside Mileena around the fire that had been lit by Tanya, the flames offering warmth and light during such a cold and dark time.
"I… I don't know," Mileena admitted as she glared at the muddy ground in defeat.
"The Tarkatans!" Meat cried out. "They're back!"
"Thank the Gods!" Mileena sighed with relief, her spirits at last being lifted slightly to hear they were safe.
She rushed over to the group of Tarkatan warriors, but slowed down as she looked around. The entire group was visibly upset… and there was no Baraka in sight.
"Where's Baraka?" Mileena asked as her heart began panically beating with fear.
"I'm sorry, Empress," Karbrac apologised as he handed over the metal arm blade, "Baraka didn't make it…"
Mileena collapsed to her knees and began sobbing immediately. Her siblings rushed over to comfort her immediately, Kitana embracing her in a tight hug.
"He sacrificed himself so that we could escape Kotal's wrath…" Karbrac elaborated. "I presume you're all aware of who was responsible for the betrayal of the Osh-Tekk army?"
"This One explained the monstrosities Ko'atal has committed on this day," D'Vorah replied. "Killing his own father…"
"Truly awful," Korhau commented. "He's definitely taken the throne by now."
"He hates us Tarkatans," Karbrac revealed. "He'll probably try genociding our people!"
"That's not going to happen so long as we live!" Li Mei promised. "I'm truly sorry about Baraka…"
"What of Reiko?" Karbrac asked.
"Dead," Li Mei confirmed. "I made sure of it."
"At least some good news," Karbrac sighed.
"If the fortress has been breached then we need to get to Edenia," Jade stated. "Disable the portals in the portal room."
"We have no way of interrealm travel though," Karbrac pointed out.
"I'm working on something," Kitana revealed. "My mother has been teaching me some ancient spells."
"Edenia has room for the civilians that are here too," Nyah added. "Getting there should be our priority."
"It is," Kitana confirmed. "Just give me more time."
"Can we not discuss planning right now?!" Meat requested. "Baraka…"
"Outworld will mourn him," Korhau stated.
"I'm sorry," Nyah apologised. "I too know how it feels to lose your lover…" Nyah related. "I'm here for you."
"We all are," Li Mei added. "We always look out for each other."
"What's going on?" Tanya asked as she anxiously rushed over.
"Baraka…" Mileena sobbed.
"It'll be alright, Mil," Skarlet was busy trying to reassure Mileena as she tried to calm down. "You've still got us and we aren't going anywhere!"
"Yeah!" Meat said supportively. "We love you, sis."
"Th-thanks…" Mileena replied as she wiped her tears. "I… I need some time alone… to think…"
"Okay," Kitana replied as she let go of her. "Don't stray too far, Mileena, we don't know what's going on out there."
Mileena silently nodded before beginning her walk. The other heroes gathered around, trying to process the events of such a tragic day.
"I'm going back to trying to cast that portal," Kitana said before walking off as well.
"All of this progress…" Skarlet sighed. "Undone in a day."
"No!" Meat disagreed. "The Union still saved a realm! We've united many allies too! We'll take the realm back!"
"Brother, I appreciate the optimism," Skarlet replied, "but I don't know if it's that simple…"
"It's not," Nitara agreed. "But I've been searching for the Vaeternus orb long before this alliance, and I'll continue to do so," she promised. "What I mean is, we can continue with our work regardless!"
"Meanwhile some tyrant is beginning their own work on this realm," Azaco pointed out. "We need to take this Kotal bastard down as soon as possible."
"We'll have to gather our allies from other realms," Nitara stated.
"This guy isn't actually a big threat, sis!" Azaco claimed. "He was a third party to a conflict greater than his resources!"
"Without it we'd have successfully defended Outworld," Nitara agreed.
"But we didn't," Skarlet reminded them. "Why does it matter how?"
"Because he's an easier target than you'd think," Azaco believed. "We can strike back and take back Outworld!"
"Easier said than done," Skarlet sighed.
"Do we have to figure this out right now?" Jade asked.
"As soon as possible," Azaco replied.
"A bit too soon then?" Li Mei wondered.
"I need to check on Topaz," Jade said as a way to get out of such a debate, "and Konga too, for that matter."
"I'll come with you," Li Mei replied.
"I don't think anybody is in the right mindset to begin strategising, Azaco," Asgaarth told him as he joined the group. "Myself and my fellow Avien forces are ready to act when called though."
"I appreciate it," Azaco replied. "I guess we should call it a night… but we have to figure this out soon!"
"We will," Asgaarth promised. "We must host a ceremony for Baraka too."
"Not here," Korhau refused. "We must return to our encampment first."
"A fair wish," Asgaarth replied. "He was one of the greatest warriors and leaders I've ever known, may he rest easy…"
"We need to return to ensure our people are safe too," Karbrac added. "Baraka made me the tribal chief, I cannot fail him."
"Perhaps you should bring them here," Asgaarth suggested. "Once Kitana creates a portal to Edenia, your people are likely to be safer there."
"I'll lead us home soon," Karbrac confirmed. "However, we must tell Mileena before we depart."
"Should someone check on her?" Skarlet asked. "I know she said she needed to be alone… but I'm worried…"
"Don't worry, dear," Nitara tried to reassure her lover.
"I can go looking for her," Tanya offered as she stood up after having stared at the campfire she had made quietly for several minutes as she attempted to process everything going on.
"Thank you, Tanya," Asgaarth said as she headed out into the dimly lit forest to locate Mileena.
As Tanya went to check on Mileena, Jade and Li Mei headed over to check on their daughter. Topaz had been hurt badly during her confrontation with Reiko himself, and her parents were concerned that she had suffered major injuries. Sat on a mat inside of a tent, Krimson was resting beside her, also hoping that she was fine.
"How are you two doing?" Li Mei asked as they walked inside the tent.
"As well as I can be, I guess," Krimson replied.
"These are uneasy times," Jade admitted. "We'll get through them though."
"We always do," Li confirmed.
"I've just realised I left my sword behind…" Topaz said with a frown.
"That's alright!" Li assured her as she knelt beside her. "I have another sword for you at home!"
"But it was a special one for an Edenian Knight…" Topaz explained, feeling bad for losing such a possession.
"I'm sure Sindel would be very understanding and completely happy to give you another," Li told her as she hugged her daughter. "Besides, I think you'll like the spare one I have at home."
"She's right," Jade stated, "as always."
"Okay," Topaz took a deep breath. "Thanks."
"Anytime," Li Mei replied with a smile on her face.
"Forget about that sword," Jade insisted. "How are you feeling, Topaz?"
"Not great," Topaz admitted. "I hope I didn't break anything…"
"We'll get a proper medic to look at you as soon as possible," Jade promised.
"And what of him?" Li Mei looked over to the other side of the tent where Konga lay.
"I'm awake…" Konga spoke up quietly.
"How are you?" Jade asked.
"Just dandy," Konga replied as he slowly began to stand up. "I've been through worse scuffles."
"Worse?" Li Mei gasped. "We thought you might've died!"
"All to help us," Jade added. "Thanks for that."
"Of course," Konga responded as he stretched his large body now that he was standing straight for the first time since confronting Reiko. "I should've stood up to Reiko sooner."
"It was very brave of you," Li told him as they shook hands.
"Reiko… is he…?"
"He's dead," Li Mei confirmed. "Look…"
Li Mei walked over to the corner and picked up the heavy imposing Wrath Hammer, and offered it to Konga.
"This thing is anything but pleasant," Li Mei described the hammer with a grimace look at it, "but it's undeniably powerful, and you are unarmed!"
"I appreciate it," Konga thanked her. "It would be an honour to get to use this weapon to protect instead of attack."
"Only if you wish to continue fighting," Li Mei clarified. "No pressure."
"I must continue," Konga replied as he took the Wrath Hammer from her. "I shall not stand idly by as other families are torn apart," he said as he looked at the hammer. "Something that the past wielders of this are great contributors of."
"Shao Kahn killed… my mother… whilst wielding that…" Li Mei recalled as she tried to hold back tears.
"I'm so sorry to hear," Konga apologised. "I lost my brother… although to an executioner's axe instead."
"That's awful…" Li Mei replied. "I think I might've slain the Executioner you speak of as well today."
"Good," Konga said as he rested the hammer over his shoulder.
"I can't remember my birth parents," Jade admitted. "But I presume they were killed during Shao Kahn's conquest of Edenia."
"Too many have been made orphans from such conquests," Konga sighed.
"We both lost our birth parents too," Topaz commented. "Never got to know mine."
"Mine were soldiers for the Union," Krimson revealed. "Died trying to stop the Kahn Guard rebellion when news of it became public."
"By the Gods!" Jade cried out. "I'm so sorry, Krimson!"
"We never knew what your past was," Li Mei realised.
"I was on the streets for a while," Krimson continued to tell of her past. "Then they found me coming home from a date."
"I'm glad Nitara and Skarlet found you," Li Mei commented.
"Me too," Krimson said with a smile.
"That would've been when I was helping them," Konga realised and immediately felt bad. "I'm so sorry."
"You never wanted to help," Li reminded him. "And I assume you never killed anyone for them, right?"
"Never," Konga confirmed.
"Then I'm sure you did nothing that would've caused more harm than what the Kahn Guard was already going to cause," Li Mei tried to reassure him.
"I hope you're right," Konga replied. "You all have my condolences regardless."
"We are a collective of souls," Ermac suddenly levitated inside the tent having overheard their conversation. "Each one of Us are a victim of the Kahn Guard."
"That's horrible…" Konga said with a frown.
"At least We can always keep each of Us company," Ermac looked on the bright side of their unique predicament, the souls becoming used to being a collective. "We came to say that all of the tents have been arranged by Us."
"Thank you, Ermac," Li Mei said gratefully.
"Telekinesis sure is handy, huh?" Krimson asked.
"We have indeed found Our powers to be… most useful," Ermac agreed.
"Well at least we all have something in common," Konga remarked.
"Anything else you want to tell us about yourself?" Li asked Konga who nodded.
"Well…" Konga started.
As the heroes got to learn more about their new ally as he told tales of his battles in the Drum Arena of Makeba, Tanya scoured the Forbidden Forest in search of the now former Empress of Outworld. Since the Union had begun, Tanya and Mileena had become close friends. Although mutual trust was shared throughout the entire alliance, Tanya was one of her most trusted supporters. Daahraan, Tanya's father figure, acted as the royal advisor for Mileena and now it would appear his duties had shifted to her sister in Edenia. Tanya looked up to Daahraan greatly, and desired to serve a similar role in the future herself. Beyond that, Tanya was an aspiring ambassador. Inspiration once more came from her parental figures, as both of her birth parents had been ambassadors in Edenia.
It was never a complex decision for Tanya, nor was it something she felt she had to do out of respect for her family. Being imprisoned in the Cobalt Mines taught her what being trapped actually was, and she had never been pressured or forced into either role she pursued. It was simply the two occupations she knew most of due to her parental figures over the years. The issue, however, was that due to losing the vast majority of her childhood to unjust imprisonment, Tanya was quite far behind with her education. While she was already more than qualified to serve as a mere warrior for Mileena's Union, she had ambitions that didn't involve physical conflict.
Over the past several years, Tanya has been going to schools to gain the qualifications necessary to become an ambassador. She aimed to be one for Outworld, but with Edenia back she could be one for her native realm instead. She wasn't sure. With her mother back in her life, Tanya hoped to have gained more experience. But conflict sparked by tyrants had once more put her life on pause. Her studies were stressful, especially due to being held back for so many years. But Mileena was always there to support and comfort her, regardless of how busy she herself was. Tanya now hoped to comfort Mileena in her own time of need. She eventually spotted Mileena as she slowly walked along a stream going through the silent forest, her head down as she gazed at the stream. Tanya followed her and went to tap her on the shoulder but decided against it so as to not surprise her.
"Mileena?" Tanya called out her name quietly in a soft tone.
"Tanya?" Mileena spun around to face her, wiping her watery glowing orange Tarkatan eyes.
"I just wanted to check up on you," Tanya explained. "The others and I are concerned is all…"
"Thank you," Mileena replied as she crouched beside the water to watch the fish swim by. "I used to go on walks with him… along riverbanks."
"That sounds nice," Tanya replied as she knelt beside her.
"It was his idea," Mileena began to smile at the happy memories. "He'd also use the time to fish."
"Baraka was a fisher?" Tanya was surprised.
"Not in the traditional sense," Mileena laughed. "He'd stab a blade into the river, would try to skewer a fish kabob!"
"Hah!" Tanya laughed along with her. "Did it work?"
"Hardly," Mileena clarified. "It was silly, which I loved…"
Mileena whimpered as she suddenly realised she was having to speak of Baraka in the past tense, sadness overcoming her again as she stared at the river.
"I'm sorry, Mileena," Tanya apologised. "Please know that the rest of your Union is here for you always."
"I appreciate it…" Mileena sighed. "But I don't think I want a group following me anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't want anyone else to die because they decided to side with me!" Mileena snapped, angry with herself.
"We aren't going anywhere," Tanya tried to reassure her.
"We don't know that…" Mileena muttered. "Especially not now…"
"Just don't blame yourself," Tanya pleaded. "You've been the best ruler this realm has ever had!"
"By default," Mileena quipped.
"No!" Tanya yelled. "Because of you, Outworld formed an alliance with several realms!" Tanya reminded her. "Because of you, we restored Zaterra and Edenia! I got to see my home again!"
"I'm glad we managed to do that," Mileena commented, "but it wasn't because of me."
"It was a team effort," Tanya agreed. "But you're a big part of that team: a leader."
"I just… I don't know what I'm going to do now…" Mileena admitted, "without the throne… without Baraka…"
"That's alright!" Tanya assured her. "We'll figure it out together."
"I'm sure you will," Mileena told her. "But I don't think I can help… not right now."
"I understand," Tanya replied. "You need time."
"And space," Mileena added. "But I'll come back to camp now."
"Let's go then," Tanya said as they began walking back to the campsite.
As they returned, they found several allies gathered around a large glowing light. Moving through the crowd, they soon discovered that within the middle of the campsite was a portal. It was swirling with blue magic, the same colour as the ancient Edenian wind magic that enchanted Kitana's steel fans. She had succeeded in casting the portal spell that she had begun studying with her mother Sindel, a sorceress herself under the tutelage of Delia: the Lady of Flame.
"Mileena!" Kitana cheered as she hugged her sister. "How are you feeling?"
"Terrible," Mileena said with blunt honesty. "Well done on making the portal though, sis."
"We're going to see Mother," Kitana promised. "This will take us to Edenia, everyone!"
"Gather your belongings," Asgaarth instructed the civilians. "You'll all find much more suitable accommodation in Edenia for the time being!"
"What of the campsite?" Tanya asked.
"Leave it here," Kitana decided. "We'll need it later for our own rebellion…"
As the Union heroes began transporting the civilians to Edenia, Outworld itself was about to undergo another major change. Emperor Kotal had immediately arranged for himself to hold a speech at the town square in Sabar City. The few who had stayed within the city during the battle cautiously emerged to attend the speech with the news that the fighting was over… and that they were under new rulership. Kotal walked onto the centred platform, draped in a regal cape adorned with the feathers that were once attached to the back of his helmet. In place of the feathers were the teeth of Baraka, whose corpse was dragged behind him by a couple Osh-Tekk soldiers as Kotal's first order as the new Emperor. He extended his arms, expecting admiration and a warm welcome for the new Emperor but there was nothing but silence. Kotal ignored the frightened faces glaring at him and assumed they were all just intrigued in what he had to say. He cleared his throat and began his first speech…
"Ladies and gentlemen! The news is true! I, Ko'atal Ketz, am your new ruler! I stand as the sole Emperor of Outworld! I promise to be no tyrant, but a powerful and just ruler instead! Mileena was weak and her Union left this city to be assaulted by thugs! Under my rule, there shall never be any villainy breaching these walls! I have many changes to make, so I hope you as all my subjects spread word of your new leader. In some more unfortunate news, my father was assassinated by Mileena's orders! She and any other members of her pathetic Union shall be executed as soon as I hunt them down! I have always honoured my father by using his name of Kotal, and I will continue to do so! I have already begun with him…"
Kotal snatched Baraka's body from the soldiers that cowered behind him. He picked Baraka's bloodied and toothless corpse up by the back of the neck to show what he had done to the audience. The civilians gasped, many sobbing and looking away from the horrid sight as the crowd began to realise Kotal would be anything but just. Kotal then threw Baraka's body onto the platform and snapped his fingers, the soldiers carrying the heavy totems towards him. The ones that gave him a mysterious boost to his power that allowed him to capture the throne to begin with. In a display of his newfound power, he raised his arms and suddenly a blast of sunlight burnt Baraka's corpse, disintegrating the hero in mere seconds and leaving nothing more than ash. Kotal kicked the ashes at the audience as he ignored their disgusted and horrified reactions, and continued his speech.
"Now you all know of my great power and what I'll do to those who defy me! Oh! There is one order I would like to enforce this instant. I'd prefer an additional alteration to my title… I demand that all of Outworld refers to me as Emperor Kotal Ka-"
The crowd gasped again, some shrieking at what had just occurred. Kotal had been interrupted by the sudden feeling of cold steel being thrusted through his body. He glanced down, seeing the ends of two swords sticking out of his stomach. Kotal turned around to see one of his soldiers having stabbed him with their broadswords. He then screamed in agony as the other soldier present on the stage began to drain his soul…
The shapeshifted disguises were soon lifted. Quan Chi and Shang Tsung now stood on the platform over the husk of Emperor Kotal. His reign was over before it could truly begin and as a result of his lust for power he had lost his soul to the Deadly Alliance as they shoved his corpse off the platform and it crashed into the mortified audience. The Deadly Alliance laughed together, relishing their victory.
"There is indeed new leadership in Outworld," Quan Chi confirmed. "But he is not your leader…"
"We are!" Shang Tsung declared.
"Kneel before the Emperors of Outworld!" Quan Chi demanded with the frightened crowd obliging nervously.
Quan Chi continued to laugh as Shang Tsung stood beside him with a coy smile bigger than ever stretching across his bearded face. Unlike Kotal, the two sorcerers had no extravagant speech. But Shang Tsung had one last message to share with Outworld…
"The reign of the Deadly Alliance has begun!"