As the new rulers of Outworld, the Deadly Alliance wasted no time in beginning to assert their power over the realm. Outworld had never seen two Emperors in control of the entire realm simultaneously and paired with their infamous reputation as evil sorcerers, the realm feared what chaos this dastardly duo would cause.
Sat in the throne room of the fortress that belonged to Shao Kahn and then Mileena, the Deadly Alliance had summoned the remaining Kahn Guard loyalists, needing actual forces to command. Tsung's blatant absence from the battle at Sabar City had left even more Kahn Guard loyalists against the sorcerer, but they had no choice but to meet him and his new partner.
Few remained, most of the remaining loyalists having died in the conflict of the previous day. Shang Tsung sent Hachiman and his group of Masked Guards to locate any Kahn Guard members they could find and bring them to the Deadly Alliance. The two sorcerers awaited their return whilst observing reservations that they had forced the remaining civilians of Sabar City to aid with. Two thrones were being constructed in the room, each being a replication of the one residing in Shang Tsung's Palace. Tsung preferred his private residence, but understood the necessity of making the colossal stronghold their own.
"Keep walking!" Hachiman's voice echoed from the hallway.
Shang Tsung grinned as the doors to the throne room soon opened as Hachiman alongside several Masked Guards dragged many Kahn Guard soldiers into the room. Most notably was Colonel Epos, now the highest ranking member of the Kahn Guard that still lived. Shang Tsung approached her, pulling off her skull mask.
"No more of this ridiculous look," Tsung told her as he tossed the mask aside.
"Pick it up," Quan Chi ordered one of the workers in the room with them who complied unwillingly.
"What do you want with us?" Epos asked.
"Where'd you find them?" Tsung asked Hachiman, ignoring Epos.
"At a nearby encampment just outside the city," Hachiman detailed. "They must've been trying to regroup."
"Foolish," Tsung assessed. "Such sloppiness will not stand under our control."
"We're not your army, Tsung!" Epos snapped.
"Sorry," Tsung sarcastically apologised, "did I make it seem as if you have a choice?"
"You can't force me to do anything for you, old man!" Epos argued.
"I hope not, for your wife's sake," Tsung said with a smile as he watched her face drop.
"What have you done with Talon?!" Epos asked.
"Nothing!" Tsung clarified, "we haven't even located her."
"We shall soon enough though," Hachiman clarified.
"But we can do a lot to you," Tsung threatened. "How would Talon feel about being a widow?"
"I… I think… she'd rather that than have me help you!"
"You sound unsure," Tsung said as he was handed his straight sword. "I for one would be absolutely positive before making such a major decision."
Epos spat in Tsung's face as Hachiman kicked her to her knees.
"Besides, what's the big deal?" Tsung questioned. "I just want you to continue the same duties you did for Kahn and his pet, just for us instead."
"We aren't that bad!" Quan Chi quipped.
"Dammit…" Epos cursed. "Fine!"
"Finally," Tsung sighed.
"Under one condition!" Epos yelled. "I have the authority over the rest of these good soldiers! You don't get to boss them around and you certainly don't get to harm them!"
"Of course! Why else would I be talking to you, silly!" Tsung laughed. "You're the General now, there's nobody else alive who can undertake the responsibility."
"I suppose so…" Epos realised, still struggling to process the loss of so many comrades. "You do realise we hardly make up the amount of soldiers needed for an army, right?"
"That's why we have various other forces," Tsung explained. "The Masked Guards, the Shadow Priests, the Oni and so forth…" he listed. "They all obey the Deadly Alliance."
"The Oni?"
"It's a long story," Tsung remarked. "Speaking of Shadow Priests though…"
Soaring into the throne room was Talon, having seen the Masked Guards forcefully taking her soldier allies to the Capital Fortress. She had failed to regroup with her allies in time after her clash with Alyssa, and she was outraged by the news that followed the Kahn Guard's defeat. She immediately channelled her dark magic and directed a purple blast at Shang Tsung. Emerging from the shadows in the corner of the room was another Shadow Priest, this one draped in gold accents. It was Orelia, the peculiar sorceress who confronted the Tarkatans a couple days ago when they headed to Shang Tsung's Palace in order to rescue the baby Naknadan and Tarkatan crossbreed called Nania. Although an interception of the Seidan Guard prevented her from succeeding in her goals, she still stood loyally beside Shang Tsung. She summoned a golden shield in front of Tsung to protect him from the blast, as he had anticipated as the sorcerer smiled at the incoming blast whilst standing still.
"Who is this?!" Talon asked.
"Your replacement," Orelia revealed, "as leader of the Shadow Priests."
"I've been teaching her personally," Shang Tsung clarified. "She'll make a fine leader for my new vision of you cloaked sorcerers."
"You've been planning this betrayal all along," Talon realised.
"Was it not obvious?" Tsung asked. "The entire Kahn Guard expected inevitable betrayal from me."
"But like this?"
"Unfathomable," Epos described it.
"As planned," Tsung told them. "So many pieces have come together, and I still have a few more left to place to complete the puzzle!"
"Let them leave!" Talon demanded. "Or I'll kill you!"
"Good luck with that," Tsung wished. "Detain her, Orelia!"
"With pleasure," she obeyed as she flipped into action, summoning a golden staff that clubbed Talon over her head.
"What is that power?!" Talon asked as she struggled to her feet only to be kicked into a pillar.
"I call it the golden touch," Orelia quipped as she summoned two daggers out of Outworld Steel. "But this power extends beyond just one metal…"
"Metallokinesis if you're seeking a proper name," Shang Tsung named it. "When Shao Kahn drained Outworld of its lifeforce, he disturbed the energies of the realm," he explained as Orelia began swinging her daggers at Talon. "The unstable energies eventually began causing unnaturally natural disasters in parts of the realm. Myself alongside several Shadow Priests were tasked with trapping the energies, our spells funnelled them into scrolls which in turn can be used to study the exclusive magic that these unique energies provide…"
"I've been a Shadow Priest since day one!" Talon snapped as she ducked another incoming slash. "How come I was never a part of this?!"
"I handpicked the sorcerers who'd accompany me," Tsung clarified. "I never trusted you, couldn't allow someone of your power the opportunity to seize such abilities."
"Scared I'd be the better sorcerer?"
"To a degree," Tsung admitted. "But you're not… which is why I suggest you surrender."
"It's hopeless," Epos sighed. "Just get out of here, my love."
"No!" Talon refused. "We're leaving together!"
"Not a chance," Orelia remarked as she leapt onto Talon off of the distraction, crushing her under a golden block she had manifested to pin Talon down before pressing her daggers against her neck. "Surrender!"
"You pair have been wasting valuable time," Quan Chi noted. "It has been amusing to watch, however."
"Who even is the bald guy?!" Talon asked angrily.
"My equal," Tsung replied. "Something which you are not, Talon."
"Make haste," Chi requested. "Explain our demands."
"Serve us or die," Tsung put it bluntly.
"What?!" Talon yelled.
"We have to," Epos told her with a saddened tone. "There's hardly another option."
"You'd be taking orders from me," Orelia clarified as she caused her daggers to melt before being absorbed into her shadow shrouded body.
"Because that really makes me want to join!" Talon shouted sarcastically.
"The others were fine with obeying," Orelia told her. "Why else do you think they weren't at yesterday's battle beside Reiko?"
"That betrayal cost us the battle!" Talon accused.
"Please!" Tsung rolled his eyes. "The defeat of that rebellion was inevitable."
"Join us," Orelia demanded.
"No!" Talon refused. "I'll be back for you, Epos, I promise!"
Before Epos could even reply, Talon vanished through a portal she made at the floor which immediately shut behind her. Orelia growled angrily. Tsung rolled his eyes again and Quan Chi merely chuckled, amused by the entertainment he had experienced.
"Well that decides your first task," Tsung turned to Epos. "Find your wife and make her join the Shadow Priests!"
Epos gulped as she looked down at the ground before looking back up at the sorcerers and quietly nodding.
"Now get out of our sight," Tsung ordered. "Dismissed!"
The soldiers scurried out of the throne room with Tsung returning his focus to the decoration of the room. He placed his hand on his chin, stroking his dark beard as he pondered on what he thought of the current decoration. The walls were painted with a blend of green and red, now with gold patterns being designed by Orelia. The same design was used for the pillars. It blended Tsung's Palace look with colours representative of Quan Chi, who didn't particularly care for the design as he was naturally more into the gothic look that the Netherrealm commonly provided.
"My throne should have spikes on it," Quan Chi declared. "On the back that is… I don't want to be sitting on them."
"We won't have much time for sitting regardless," Tsung remarked. "I'm satisfied with how everything is coming along. You?"
"I care not for it," Quan admitted. "Add some more skulls and I'll be satisfied."
"You heard him!" Tsung yelled to the workers.
"Real skulls," Quan requested.
"I'm not having a corpse decorate my throne room," Shang Tsung told him.
"Our throne room," Quan Chi corrected him.
"How's this, Emperor?" Orelia asked as she presented Quan Chi with a golden model shaped into a skull.
"Sufficient," Quan praised. "Can we return to more important matters?"
"Certainly," Tsung replied. "Hachiman, ensure these workers stay on task in our absence."
"Certainly, sir," Hachiman obeyed as the Deadly Alliance walked out of the room.
The empty royal fortress corridor was dimly lit by flickering torches along the walls, casting eerie shadows on the polished stone floor. The corridor was typically brighter but due to the ownership of the fortress having changed so many times in such a short timeframe, nobody had found the chance to reignite them. Shang Tsung and Quan Chi walked in silence, their footsteps echoing through the empty corridor as Tsung led his fellow sorcerer to an important location hidden away within the fortress.
Tsung recalled that the walls were once adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from battles and conquests, but they seemed to have lost their lustre over time as Shao Kahn never cared about upkeeping appearance and thus rarely addressed it. Under his rule, dust and cobwebs clung to the corners, indicating that the corridor had not been cleaned in a long while.
As they walked deeper into the corridor, the air grew colder, and the sound of their footsteps echoed louder as Tsung began to focus on the new design changes that Mileena's Union had made. Now the fortress was well cleaned and colourful with bright tapestries hung across the walls whilst positive messages were written on the bright white paint in a rainbow burst of colours. Tsung thought he might puke reading some of the quotes. This was no place that instilled fear into its servants, Tsung saw it as pathetic and had turned once the most feared stronghold in all the realms into a daycare!
"Eugh," Tsung continued looking around the corridor. "This needs changing too."
"Can we focus on something other than design?" Quan Chi requested. "It will be sorted by our workers, we should get to the important things!"
"That we are," Tsung assured him. "I wish to check on something in the bowels of this very fortress…"
Upon getting to a spiral stairway that led underground there was a dungeon area within the fortress built into the mountain. Shang Tsung was pleased to see that it had mostly retained its dark and eerie atmosphere, although there were no longer any innocents held captive and enslaved workers were forced to dwell within the dungeons, working in a small factory facility to create weapons and armour for the Kahn Guard. The factory area remained intact, but of course it hadn't been used since Shao Kahn's defeat. The Deadly Alliance planned to change that.
Moving past the underground factory was another level that went even lower down the mountain, a mysterious green glow illuminated the passageway that led down to it. Entering the open space was an enormous tree with a horrified face carved into it. Tsung heard the old tree once resided atop the mountain before Shao Kahn had decades of construction work done to it and thus replanted the large tree at the bottom of his basement dungeons. The glow came from the carved holes within the tree. They were souls.
"Quan Chi," Tsung called for as they approached the distinct tree. "Welcome to the Soul Chamber."
"Of course this is what you wished to see," Quan Chi replied as they gazed at the massive soul container. "Mileena's Union kept these souls here? Maybe they do have a dark side after all."
"More likely that they couldn't find a way to unbind them from the roots of this tree," Tsung presumed as they watched the souls swirl outside the tree but then be forcefully pulled back within the trunk of the withered tree. "How wonderful for me…"
"How many are there?"
"Thousands at least," Tsung answered. "This is Shao Kahn's collection of souls, thousands more were used to birth a soul construct at this very chamber!"
"Enjoy the feast," Quan Chi joked.
Shang Tsung reached a hand out and soon began draining the souls from the Soul Chamber. Thousands of souls belonging to victims of Shao Kahn's reign would finally have their release from the chamber, but by entering a new one with that being Tsung's body. Shang Tsung had never felt more powerful. Not only had he consumed the soul of a God, a false Emperor of Outworld and the Mortal Kombat Champion, but now he had thousands more souls within his ever growing collection. He let out a satisfied sigh after consuming the final soul, leaving the hollow tree completely empty. Shang Tsung was now the Soul Chamber.
"Most exquisite," he said after finishing the consumption of souls.
"How nice," Quan Chi spoke up, "but a lot of this seems very focused on you…"
"Do not concern yourself, my friend," Tsung reassured him. "You will get your own gifts soon enough," he promised. "Why would I want you to join me as co-emperors if I did not see you as my equal?"
"I wouldn't doubt you," Quan Chi replied. "I was just pointing it out."
"I made the plan to take the throne," Tsung reminded him, "I of course have also planned out what to do to ensure that, unlike Kotal, we do not lose it anytime soon."
"You mentioned gathering even more allies," Quan recalled. "Who else do you have in mind?"
"I was hoping you'd actually be of assistance in figuring that one out," Tsung told him. "However, I do have one idea…"
"Oh?"
"Let us take a trip to Chaosrealm…"
As the sorcerers departed for the realm of Chaos, the heroes of Outworld had arrived at the Grand Palace of Edenia. After entering the realm through a portal created by Queen Kitana, the heroes headed towards the royal grounds that hosted a celebratory party a mere day before all the tragedies that followed. Whilst circumstances in Outworld had become uncertain with the realm once more falling into the control of villains, the heroes at least had comfort knowing that Edenia was back and without danger… yet.
The gates to the Grand Palace were wide open, awaiting the return of Queen Kitana. The guards at the gate waved kindly to their ruler, having been instructed not to be as formal as to bow or salute her. Crossing one of the bridges that allowed passage over the beautiful streams in the courtyard, Sindel alongside Daahraan approached.
"Such a large crowd is hard to miss!" Sindel spoke.
"What's going on?" Daahraan asked. "Another party perhaps?"
"There's nothing to celebrate tonight," Tanya informed Daahraan quietly as she approached first. "We've lost Outworld…"
"And many great warriors," Karbrac added.
"I'm so sorry to hear," Daahraan apologised.
"Oh no…" Sindel immediately teared up seeing her daughter Mileena still sobbing as she hugged onto the arm blade of Baraka that Karbrac had given to her. "Mileena, come inside with me…"
Mileena slowly walked with Sindel who embraced her before leading her inside to get her a warm drink and to try to comfort her after the loss of Baraka. The rest of the crowd stood in silence for a moment, everybody still shook from the events that had occurred just hours ago.
"So, who are all these people?" Daahraan asked.
"Civilians of Sabar City," Tanya explained. "Many homes were destroyed in the conflict, and many just don't want to reside in a realm ruled by a tyrant once more."
"Reiko won then?" Daahraan presumed.
"He was stopped," Tanya clarified, "Kotal was not."
"Who?" Daahraan raised an eyebrow.
"There's a lot to discuss…" Tanya sighed.
"Well let's get these people a roof over their heads!" Daahraan shouted so that the crowd could hear him. "Everyone, there is one of our villages nearby that we just recently finished repairing, but unfortunately it lacks residents!" he explained. "Our great people of Edenia are far from endangered, however, our numbers are nowhere close to what they were before Shao Kahn invaded! We here of course have sympathy for all affected by the wrongdoings of power hungry maniacs, so we'll be happy to have you here in our realm… for now at least."
"Shall I guide them to this village, sir?" Asgaarth asked.
"No need," Daahraan replied. "I will instead."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. You've all been through enough today," Daahraan stated. "Come along with me, everyone! The village of Sion awaits you all! I assure you that you will all have a home here by the end of this night!"
"Are you coming, mother?" Tanya asked Nyah as Daahraan began leading the civilians away.
"He said he'll lead them," Nyah told her.
"I know," she replied, "but Daahraan can't sort out all those people alone!"
"Let's go help him then!" Nyah decided.
"Let's return to our own home, my fellow Aviens!" Asgaarth called for his soldiers, all of which had fortunately survived the battle in Sabar City. "Come along, you all need your rest."
The Aviens suddenly took flight all at once as they flew to their Avien city called the Nest. Several heroes still remained in the courtyard of the Grand Palace, at least somewhat relieved that there was space to accommodate the civilians who accompanied them. They followed Kitana inside where they sat around one of the many large tables that remained set up in the main hall for the party. The Tarkatan squadron gathered around too and the Hail ninja clan remained beside the heroes, gathering around on a separate table as Alyssa paced around the hall whilst deep in thought.
"You alright, Alyssa?" Kitana asked. "Your clan can leave now, if you wish."
"We reside in Kuatan Jungle," Alyssa clarified. "I expect we'll officially move into Edenia soon enough… but that's not my choice to make…"
"Rain," Kitana realised who she referred to.
"He's still not returned."
"When did he leave?" Jade scratched her head, not sure how long he'd been absent for.
"When Edenia returned," Alyssa answered. "His weird old brother just showed up suddenly and took him to Earthrealm."
"Speaking of Earthrealm," Kitana said, "has anybody heard if everything is alright over there?"
"Today's events were strictly Outworld's business," Azaco pointed out. "I'm sure they're fine."
"I don't even know anymore," Skarlet admitted.
"Regardless, Outworld tyranny can often lead to future problems for Earthrealm," Nitara argued, "and all realms for that matter."
"At least Zaterra seems to be winning their conflict with Tetsurri," Jade commented. "Hopefully we'll have that tyrant out of our hair soon."
"Hopefully," Skarlet repeated.
"You alright, Topaz?" Li Mei asked.
"Not really," Topaz admitted. "I'm not comfortable being away from Outworld… but now I won't be comfortable there either."
"We should probably return to Sun Do," Li Mei admitted. "I will not let our village be harmed."
"I'll see my mother," Kitana decided. "When she has a moment she'll arrange portals to bring you all back to your people in Outworld."
"Thank you," Korhau said gratefully. "We could do with returning to Tarkata ourselves."
"I'd like for Mileena to come too," Karbrac stated. "We'll likely be immediately holding a ceremony for Baraka as soon as word reaches them."
"I'll see what I can do," Kitana promised before walking over to the kitchen area.
"There's no need to rush," Jade stated. "I think we all need to take a moment."
"Unfortunately we lack that luxury," Azaco commented. "At least us Vampires will always be safe."
"I'm sure your village will be safe too, Topaz!" Krimson tried to reassure her young friend who was noticeably shaking.
"The last time we left Outworld we lost it!" Topaz snapped. "And from what I heard about when Reiko attacked Sun Do, the only reason he failed to take over it was because of Bo' Rai Cho! So where was he today?!"
"That's… a rather fair question," Azaco admitted.
"Try to stay calm, Topaz!" Jade instructed.
"This is why we shouldn't rely on Gods," Nitara remarked. "Time after time they fail as protectors."
"I'm sure he had his reasons," Li Mei gave her own input, having full respect for Bo' Rai Cho after being trained by him. "Let's not say such things, please!"
"There's no point to this discussion!" Meat yelled as he slammed his slimy hands against the table, staining the cloth with his bloody handprints. "You're all looking at the past! It's not relevant when we need to figure out how we save the future!"
"Easier said than done," Konga spoke up. "Besides, history can often be a great teacher for how to prevent repeating the same mistakes!"
"Not if you're looking at it like this!" Meat replied. "I said that nobodies ready to figure this out and clearly that is the case!"
"And I've said that we can't just sit around and wait!" Azaco argued. "We must take action as quickly as possible!"
"You expect us to be civil at a time like this?!" Meat asked.
"I expect competency to be intact still, yes!" Azaco hissed. "Since when was that thing pretending to be a strategist?
Meat angrily launched the table across the room by grabbing it by the legs and flipping it with immense strength he then slid at Azaco but Skarlet held him back with a blood construct tentacle wrapping around his waist before a fight could break out.
"Enough!" Skarlet demanded.
"I know I'm harsh, but how exactly have I been wrong here?" Azaco asked.
"Nobodies been wrong!" Skarlet yelled. "Just stop!"
Topaz had already stood up and ran away from the arguing with Krimson chasing after her friend. Li Mei placed her face in her palm.
"Great example for the kids, gents," Li sighed.
"They're fully grown!" Azaco snapped. "Maybe we need a discussion between those who actually think like adults instead!"
"Watch what you say to her," Jade warned as she extended her staff.
"Great day at the office!" Azaco shouted sarcastically. "Lose control of Outworld and now we've resorted to threatening our own allies. Just great!"
"Come on!" Nitara grabbed Azaco by his pointy ears that was a trait all Vampires shared and began pulling her brother out of the room. "You aren't helping at all!"
"Neither are they!" Azaco complained.
"Shut up!" Nitara yelled as she brought him outside to tell him off for his behaviour.
"What did I just witness?" Alyssa asked as Konga shrugged.
"Haven't seen her that angry before," Skarlet sulked.
"Um… sis…" Meat called for as he was still trapped in her blood construct tentacle.
"Sorry!" Skarlet apologised before quickly releasing him. "Are you alright?"
"I just want us all to get along," Meat explained. "I don't want the Union shrinking."
"It won't," Jade promised. "We'll get through this, as long as we stick together…"
"Let's check on the kids again," Li Mei decided with Jade and Skarlet nodding before following her.
As the heroes tried to calm down and collect themselves, Kitana found Sindel and Mileena in the spacious kitchen of the Grand Palace. Sindel was pouring Mileena some tea after wrapping her cape around her as she sat down.
"Here you are, dear," Sindel said as she handed Mileena the tea.
"Thanks…" Mileena replied as she took slow sips from the warm drink.
"Hello, Kitana," Sindel greeted. "I hope everything out there's going alright."
"Judging by the shouting, no," Kitana admitted. "I came to check on you both."
"I'm sorry that I wasn't there for what happened in Outworld," Sindel apologised. "Terrible news…"
"I'm glad you didn't have to witness any of it, mother," Kitana replied. "I also came to ask if you have a moment to create some portals to get some of the others back to Outworld."
"Of course I can!" Sindel replied willingly. "Speaking of… how'd you bunch make it back here in the first place?"
"Your lessons in magic haven't been for nothing!" Kitana remarked as Sindel cheered, happy that she managed to cast a portal.
"Well done!" Sindel praised.
"It took me a while," she admitted.
"Don't worry," Sindel said, "I'll ensure that everybody is sorted out tonight."
"Thank you, mother."
There was a third new arrival to a realm around the same time as the Outworld heroes heading to Edenia and the Deadly Alliance departing for Chaosrealm. Coming from Earthrealm and after the loss of Liu Kang, Raiden teleported to Outworld. Figuring the capital would be the best location to find news, he looked around the city…
Raiden could immediately tell that something was wrong within Outworld. Through his brief visits to the realm under the Union alliance led by Mileena, Raiden had become familiar with the towns in Sabar City being vibrant communities with several bustling market squares and quaint streets lined with shops, restaurants and other popular leisure facilities. But now, the streets were littered with debris and rubble, and the once lively buildings were reduced to ruins. The streets were quiet and far emptier than they typically were. Even at night many would still be outdoors going to or from a theatre or having a late night family meal… but there was hardly anybody populating the streets that Raiden walked down, and those he saw were certainly not having a fun time.
The battle had taken its toll on the city as a whole. Many of the buildings had been destroyed, their facades crumbled and their interiors gutted by flames. The air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke, the Kahn Guard having caused several fires during their final stand. Landmarks like a once pristine park in the town Raiden was searching for news within were now unrecognisable. Within the park the grass and trees were scorched, and the once-lively pond was now a stagnant pool of water. The spacious field was littered with the corpses of soldiers, having been used as a small battlefield rather than a place for children and pets to run around on. The majority of Sabar City's residents had fled, leaving behind their homes and belongings, if they still had them after the damage that had been done.
A good chunk of the population remained at the heart of Outworld, however, with many of the few remaining buildings that were still standing had been transformed into makeshift hospitals, barracks, and refugee centres. The once-bustling market squares were now a chaotic and overcrowded camp, with tents and makeshift shelters set up wherever there was space. Despite the destruction, there were signs of hope. The townspeople were working tirelessly to rebuild their community, clearing rubble and repairing what they could. Surprisingly for Raiden was the sight of Shokan and Centaurs working together to provide aid to the Sabar City residents by offering various supplies and helping care for the wounded.
"Evil rulers come and go," Raiden recalled the words that Bo' Rai Cho had told him many years ago during Shao Kahn's reign, "but the spirit of the people will never be extinguished…"
"Where are you, old friend?" Raiden asked aloud to himself.
"Excuse me?" came the voice of a civilian as they cautiously tapped Raiden on the shoulders.
"Yes?"
"Are you Raiden?"
"I am," he confirmed with the civilian immediately kneeling.
"Lord Raiden!" they cried out. "It is an honour!"
"There is no need for that," Raiden told them. "What happened here?"
"The Kahn Guard attacked but our heroes were there to defeat them!" they recalled the drama of the day. "Then the Osh-Tekk army attacked and Kotal stole the throne…"
"Kotal?!" Raiden was shocked by such unexpected news. "Where is he now?!"
"He's dead," they continued, "he was immediately overthrown!"
"By who?!"
"Quan Chi and Shang Tsung…" the civilian revealed. "The Deadly Alliance."
Raiden clenched his fists, lightning sparking from them as he suddenly teleported back to Earthrealm. He emerged on one of the balcony areas of his Sky Temple in Japan, and had his sights set on recharging his powers, so that he could use them on the two sorcerers. It was clear who Liu Kang's murderer was now to Raiden, and he would not let this Deadly Alliance get away with their crimes.
Heading inside on his way to the corridor that led into the Jinsei Chamber itself, Raiden heard familiar laughs in a guest room. He approached the room and kicked down the doors in frustration, gasping as he saw his brother Fujin and best friend Bo' Rai Cho sat in the room sharing alcoholic drinks.
"There you are!" all three Gods said in unison.
"OUTWORLD IS UNDER THE RULE OF TWO TYRANTS!" Raiden's voice boomed loudly throughout the massive structure. "MEANWHILE YOU, PROTECTOR GOD OF OUTWORLD, WAS SAT HERE GETTING DRUNK?!"
"Wh-what?!" Bo' Rai Cho was just as stunned by the news, but before he could even process it he was physically stunned by a lighting blast throwing him into a wall.
"Calm down, brother!" Fujin pleaded as he stood in his way. "You're not yourself!"
"We were… waiting for you!" Bo' Rai Cho explained as he struggled to his feet.
"You left at the party!" Fujin reminded him. "We were so concerned that we looked around for you and figured you'd show up at your temple inevitably!"
"I sensed grave dangers in numerous locations!" Raiden explained. "I doubt I've even seen all the disasters that today has brought!"
"I sensed nothing!" Bo' Rai Cho stated. "What happened to Outworld!"
"Shang Tsung and Quan Chi rule it now!" Raiden revealed.
"By the Elder Gods…" Bo' Rai Cho sulked. "How awful!"
"I thought Quan Chi had been imprisoned in the Netherrealm," Fujin stated.
"I will confront Iris about her own incompetencies another time," Raiden assured them both, "but now that you mentioned them, Bo' Rai Cho, we should visit the Elder Gods this instant!"
"Only when you've calmed down!" Fujin requested.
"HOW CAN I BE CALM IN A TIME LIKE THIS?!" Raiden's voice echoed loudly once more as his lightning changed to purple, making Fujin and Bo' Rai Cho equally concerned. "THE CHANGE OF RULERSHIP IN OUTWORLD IS NOT ALL THAT HAPPENED TODAY!"
"What else happened?" Bo' Rai Cho asked, frightened to find out the answer.
"LIU KANG!" Raiden shouted as he collapsed to his knees and began sobbing. "Liu… Liu Kang… Liu Kang is dead…"
"No!" Fujin cried out as Bo' Rai Cho fell off his feet again out of sheer shock.
"It can't be…" Bo' Rai Cho cried. "He was like a son to me…"
"A son of mine as well…" Raiden related. "Yet we did NOTHING to save him!"
"You can't blame yourself, brother!" Fujin told him as he tried to comfort him with an embrace only for Raiden to grab his arms and drag him into his grasp before pulling Bo' Rai Cho in too.
"What are you doing?!" Bo' Rai Cho asked through a stream of tears.
"To the Heavens!" Raiden yelled before teleporting himself, Fujin and Bo' Rai Cho to the Heavens so that they could confront the Elder Gods.
Suddenly, the trio now found themselves standing in the centre of a sacred circular platform that was the first structure created in the universe. It was the circle used to summon the Elder Gods for meetings, either between themselves or for their servants to call upon. They found themselves surrounded by evenly placed pillars which in between them formed transparent blue faces, the Elder Gods.
"ELDER GODS!" Raiden yelled.
"We are right here, Raiden," one of the six Elder Gods spoke.
"I know you're new to your role as an Elder God, Argus," Raiden replied, "but I am deeply insulted by your calmness in such times!"
"Remaining calm is why I am most suitable for my role," Argus told him.
Argus was indeed the former Protector God of Edenia, who was eventually elected by the other veteran Elder Gods to join the council of six after Cetrion's resignation years prior. Argus was more than happy and honoured to undertake such a position, anything he could do to ensure that the greater good prevailed.
"Maintaining composure is something that you've been progressively becoming incapable of lately, Raiden," Zeus commented.
"Good to see you, father," Fujin greeted.
"Why the long faces?" Zeus asked.
"You know why, Zeus," Raiden replied. "Or have you all been failing at your mere job of viewing events that you won't lift a finger to prevent!"
"Watch what you say, Raiden," Wu warned.
"Or else?"
"Excuse me?" Wu was most offended by such disrespect.
"Or else you'll do what?" Raiden asked. "Because you certainly cannot strip me of my powers!"
"Why do you think that?" Vutix questioned.
"Because you cannot possibly find a suitable replacement for me!" Raiden shouted.
"I believe we're looking at your replacement," Zeraura remarked as her glowing eyes were focused on Fujin. "A replacement is looking to be inevitable with your growing instability."
"We appreciate your services, Raiden, but perhaps retirement would-" Zeus tried to make a suggestion to his creation but was quickly interrupted.
"I will not abandon the realms!" Raiden snapped. "Now are you fools aware of today's events or not?!"
"Of course we are!" Wu confirmed.
"Outworld's turmoil and Liu Kang's murder," Ametus listed. "Terrible news, you three have my condolences."
"Th-thank you," Bo' Rai Cho expressed his gratitude despite struggling to keep himself together from the horrible news as Fujin placed a hand on his shoulder for comfort.
"Let's not forget about the Oni overtaking the Netherrealm," Argus added. "These are most certainly dark times."
"The Netherrealm too?!" Fujin couldn't believe his ears.
"What was wrong with our senses?" Raiden interrogated the Elder Gods. "The one blessing you give us Protector Gods faltered!"
"That's impossible, Raiden," Zeraura claimed. "You cannot blame us for your own incapabilities."
"I couldn't even detect what realm the threats I was sensing were in!" Raiden yelled. "As Protector Gods of our designated realms, we should be mentally alerted whenever a major incident is occuring in our assigned realm. I should've known exactly where the danger was, yet I did not!"
"And I sensed nothing at all!" Bo' Rai Cho added as he wiped his tears. "Me and Fujin were together most of the day exchanging stories and drinking and I had not a single sense of danger!"
"I presume you were drinking alcohol?" Vutix asked.
"Yes," Bo' Rai Cho confirmed.
"Alcohol nullifies your senses," Vutix revealed, "including divine senses."
"This is a major failure on your part, Bo' Rai Cho," Wu scolded the Outworld Protector God who could only sob.
"NO!" Raiden screamed. "I was born a God millions of years ago! I never knew of such information! YOU failed to inform us!"
"I've never heard of it either," Fujin agreed.
"Am I hearing this correctly?" Raiden asked. "Did you fools truly neglect to inform the DRUNKEN MASTER THIS CRUCIAL INFORMATION?!"
The Elder Gods went silent.
"Well that explains it," Raiden concluded, "we can leave now."
Raiden transported himself, Fujin and Bo' Rai Cho back to the Sky Temple by the edge of one of the balconies. Raiden didn't even care for any of the Elder Gods' meaningless excuses, he was fed up with them and how they handled their roles most of all. The three friends watched the view, still silent for a few more moments.
"What now?" Fujin asked. "Will there be a funeral for Liu Kang?"
"There must!" Bo' Rai Cho insisted.
"We shouldn't be a part of it," Raiden claimed. "We have more pressing matters to deal with."
"How can you say that, brother?!" Fujin asked.
"Because it's the truth!" Raiden claimed. "I hate that such is the case but it is!"
"Well I'm heading back to the Wu Shi Academy," Fujin decided. "I don't like what's happening to you, Raiden, perhaps you do need to-"
"What I need is to recharge my powers!" Raiden interrupted. "Also there's no longer a Wu Shi Academy!"
"What do you mean?!" Fujin questioned.
"The sorcerers destroyed it in the process," Raiden sighed. "I will be in the Jinsei Chamber…"
"I'll go with you," Bo' Rai Cho told Fujin as Raiden walked away. "But first…"
"That's not necessary," Fujin said as he watched Bo' Rai Cho take his flask and prepare to throw it over the balcony.
"I'm a drunk no longer!" Bo' Rai Cho yelled as he hurled the flask over the edge of the balcony. "Let's go…"