Emerging from the portal, the group of fallen Red Dragons and the hopeful Sofiya were guided through the caverns of Charred Mountain by Asuka Asano. Whilst the fallen members had reached high enough ranks to be invited to the Red Dragon's top secret base, the advanced technology that filled the hollowed mountain made it quite an unfamiliar sight. Even Malcolm, who had only been killed over a couple decades ago, was amazed by the advancements made in his absence.
"Most impressive," he complimented.
"Did ya expect anything less from the Red Dragon?" Asuka asked smugly.
"Of course not," Malcolm shook his head as they continued their walk.
The group passed one of the many laboratories in the caverns, scientists and chemists wearing lab coats embedded with the clan's sigil. Distracted from their work by the group's sudden arrival, they watched in shock as they saw the Demons trailing behind Asuka and Amelia. Recognising one of the scientists, Asuka waved and blew a quick kiss to her, causing her to blush immediately which she tried hiding with the large collars of her coat whilst grabbing around the table for her mask.
"Who was that?" Amelia asked as they passed through.
Asuka patted her girlfriend on the back. "One of my favourite distractions whilst you're away," she admitted as Amelia let out a groan.
"This is quite sophisticated," Sofiya assessed, a smirk on her face. "I'm a fan."
"Got your attention, ay?" Asuka turned around to face the Demons.
"This stuff is of no concern to me," Draugr commented. "Those clansmen didn't seem to be working on any gear! Where's the armoury?"
"We've got that, don't you worry," Asuka reassured him. "Alongside a catalogue of every weapon on the globe, both melee and ranged."
"Now you're talking!" Draugr cheered.
"Quiet down," Asuka requested as they reached the reinforced steel doors to Daegon's chamber. "We're here."
The high tech panel beside the doors scanned Asuka's face, the doors sliding open within seconds. As they entered the Chamber of Daegon, they walked in on Mavado and Daegon having a discussion at the Red Dragon Grandmaster's desk. Caro's tortured and tired body loomed over them in the background, his eyes half closed from drowsiness. Amelia was taken aback by the sight, her fists instinctively clenching, but she soon followed the others into the room.
"I don't like this, Grandmaster," Mavado sighed. "The sorcerers are using us."
"Of course they're trying," Daegon agreed. "We need to take advantage of this regardless, we'll catch those at the Special Forces base off guard."
"I just don't want another meaningless conflict," Mavado explained.
"I put the Wind God down," Daegon reminded him. "Sure that flesh construct and the old hag survived, but that's why we have the opportunity now to rectify that mistake."
"I understand, Grandmaster," Mavado replied obediently. "I'll grab Hsu and a squadron, many of our enemies have left the base already so it shouldn't be a challenge."
"Will you need me to come?" Daegon inquired, his head down writing on paper as he was considering other plans. The Demi-God was always planning.
"I-" Mavado went to reply but a warm hand grabbed his shoulder gently.
Mavado looked over his shoulder, gasping at the sight of Malcolm Morris. "You won't need to, sir," Mal told Daegon.
"Mal!" Mavado yelled as he leapt out of his chair after a moment processing his presence. Even though he had become a Demon, Mavado had no trouble recognising him. "I… I…"
"Left ya speechless, ay?" Malcolm noticed. "How unlike you."
"I missed you…" Mavado spoke quietly as he brought him into a tight hug.
"I know, love," Malcolm replied as the two shared a kiss.
"I take it this is your work, Ms. Asano?" Daegon presumed as he stood up and walked around his desk with a confident stride.
"I had help," Asuka admitted as she wrapped an arm around Amelia's waist. "And Mal gave us directions to the fortress."
"Thank you," Mavado said with genuine gratitude as he rushed over to shake Asuka's hand. "I owe you an apology."
"Eh, don't worry about it," Asuka shrugged.
"I never saw you as one of us," Mavado confessed. "I was wrong."
"Thank you, boss," Asuka replied. "I wanted to make you proud."
"You certainly have," Mavado confirmed as he held Malcolm's hand. "You're family." He told her before turning to Amelia. "You too, Amelia, you're welcome here too."
"I'll consider it," Amelia replied with a firm tone in her voice, her eyes glaring at Malcolm with frustration from the Oni altercation in the Netherrealm. "The answer's probably no."
"Then you must wait outside," Daegon instructed her. "I will be sharing confidential information."
"You're welcome," Amelia spoke in an annoyed tone as she glared at Daegon, Oblivion the Hellcat hissing at the Demi-God simultaneously. "Come along, Liv."
Asuka tried to wave to Amelia, but she didn't turn around. She stormed out of the room with her fists clenched. Asuka sighed. Meanwhile, Daegon looked around the room, assessing the new Demons. His eyes widened at Zephyra, recognising her wings even if they bore the crimson colour of the Netherrealm stained partly black from ash.
"Zephyra Ishii?" Daegon called her name.
"At your service again, Daegon," she smiled, bowing her head respectfully. "I… missed you."
"The feeling is mutual," Daegon assured her, his expression and voice softening in a rare sight. "I knew you were capable, but I thought it impossible to find an original Red Dragon after so many years."
"Even with my powers constantly dulling, nothing in the Netherrealm could kill me," Zephyra spoke with confidence. "I can tell the clan has grown much since my death."
"It wouldn't have been possible without you," Daegon praised. "Your Avien side made you above the average Earthrealmer of those ancient times, you were the first member who truly understood my vision."
"And now I'm amongst the first to return to you," Zephyra pointed out. "Whilst I'm sure many have been consumed by the Netherrealm, I have no doubt that more of us will be found there considering I managed to find these members."
"Forgive me," Daegon apologised as he glanced at the other two Demons, Draugr's impressive physique catching his eye first. "Despite your distinct appearance, I don't recognise you."
"They call me Draugr Redshade!" he announced proudly, his voice echoing throughout the chamber. "Hersir of the Red Dragon!"
"Of course," Daegon chuckled quietly. "I couldn't recognise you without your signature suit of armour."
"Did you keep it?" Draugr asked. "It was a fine piece!"
"Indeed I did," Daegon nodded. "You will enjoy our armoury, Draugr, your belongings have been preserved."
"I'm sure there'll be plenty of new toys that have been made in my absence," Draugr pointed out.
"We've definitely got those," Mavado told him.
"Excuse me," Daegon said as she turned to Sofiya. "I don't recognise you either."
"You wouldn't, sir," she explained. "My name is Sofiya Ryzhikova Dragunova, I am… was a commander of the Soviet Union," she looked down at the metal floor, seeing her angry reflection. "As Zephyra showed me through her spells, my men found their way to the bratva… then to your Red Dragons."
"The Russian mafia," Daegon nodded in understanding. "One of the many crime organisations under our thumb."
"If you'll have me then I'd be happy to help," Sofiya told the Red Dragon Grandmaster. "My experience in war is the only thing I have left to give."
"Your soldiers are quite competent, Commander Dragunova," Daegon complimented. "They've worked as an effective unit… I'd be more than happy to reunite them with their leader."
"They understand respect and honour," Sofiya exclaimed.
"Such professionalism is rarely found in our line of work," Daegon stated as he crossed his arms. "Most criminals believe they're above standards, which in turn makes them beneath contempt."
"Speaking of which," Asuka spoke up. "Since we're allies with them now, shouldn't we grab some Black Dragon scum for this mission?"
"When you've brought us these Demons?" Mavado laughed. "Not a chance."
"Then I trust you'll get the job done," Daegon spoke with confidence and trust in his loyalists.
"I'll talk to our usual employee of the month," Mavado stated. "Although he's not one hundred percent after the fight in Lianhua Village."
"Injuries have never held Hsu Hao back," Daegon reassured him. "I'll gather the others, Mavado, you should instead show our returning members the armoury we have."
"Certainly, Grandmaster," Mavado agreed with his decision before turning to face the others. "We'll have you Demons kitted out in no time."
"CARO!" Daegon yelled as he looked over to the exhausted Dragon with a sharp glance. "Wake up and make a portal to the Infernal Hoard."
"Obey your master, beast!" Draugr demanded as charged at Caro, ramming into him headfirst with his demonic horns.
Caro howled in agony before forcing himself to comply with the command, a crimson portal swirling with what looked like a small energy construct of another Dragon forming to the side of the chamber. With a nod from Daegon, Mavado led the Demons through it… to the Infernal Hoard. Daegon and Asuka remained in the room, Asuka smiling at the Grandmaster awkwardly.
"You did good, Ms. Asano," Daegon praised. "Very good."
"Th-thank you," she stammered, still surprised to be hearing such approval.
"Go check on your woman," Daegon instructed as they began exiting the chamber. "I'll gather the others."
"Ready when you are, boss," Asuka assured him as they split paths with Daegon heading to Charred Mountain's training facility which is where Hsu Hao was often located as he constantly worked on improving himself.
Daegon marched through the corridors, metal clanging beneath his feet. Before reaching the training facility, he took a brief detour to their torture chamber. There was a certain Hydromancer that he wished to check up on…
"You're finally awake, brother," Daegon noticed as he stepped inside the dimly lit cell that had been modified with a layer of obsidian on the walls and wrapped around the already thick and sturdy prison-like bars.
"Do… not… call me… that," Rain uttered weakly, his mouth dry. "The only sibling I had… you killed."
"I did warn you," Daegon said as he crouched opposite him. "Look at me."
Rain's head shot upwards, his now bloodshot eyes staring at Daegon with pure rage. He instinctively tried to send a blast of water at the Demi-God, especially now that his new cell had gaps instead of the bulletproof glass from before. What he had forgotten though were the custom handcuffs that his hands were encased in. Volcanic rocks had been smoothed into domes that fit around Rain's hands, still jagged enough to occasionally cut into his wrists. Within the thick rocks still contained some lava. Whenever Rain used his powers, the water would boil… burning his skin before evaporating.
Daegon shook his head, disappointed. "I'm sure you were warned of that as well," he spoke over Rain's agonising screams.
"Damn you!" Rain yelled, smashing his stone encased hands against the solid bars.
"I suggest you calm down," Daegon advised as he crossed his arms. "This behaviour is beneath a Demi-God."
"You'll be buried deep beneath the earth when I get out of here!" Rain threatened as he continued bashing his restraints against the bars. "That is the one true promise I can grant you, Daegon, and it's not servitude. I will get out of here and I will make you HURT!"
"You'll be released soon," Daegon agreed. He let the pause hang. "However, it'll be on our terms."
"What do you mean?" Rain questioned. "Answer me!"
"Whilst I prefer freethinkers in my organisation, some imaginations have a tendency to run… too wild," Daegon explained as he turned his back to Rain. "When our prototype for the Dragon Hybrids was impacting their minds, my top scientists began working on something quite special. You'll be our first subject."
"What is it?!" Rain continued to press. "You're going to brainwash me?!"
"We call it the Neural Subjugator," Daegon introduced the concept, wanting Rain to get a clear mental picture whilst he was still able to think for himself. "It is a biomechanical cranial implant designed to seize control of a target's mind. That target is you."
"No…" Rain collapsed to his knees. "Damn you, Daegon."
"There's some finishing touches required," Daegon admitted as he began to leave the room. "But there's a certain doctor that we've just now realigned with… I think I'll consult him soon enough."
Daegon ignored Rain's proceeding yells and screams, he calmly left and after a brief walk through another cavern he entered the training facility. Upon arrival, Daegon's immediate instinct was to turn next door where past a reinforced steel wall was the revolutionary combat drones, gravity chambers, neural-link simulators, and more high tech equipment that had left the regular gym space infrequently used. He instead found Hsu Hao standing over a weight bench, spotting Epos as she lifted a heavy amount considering her size.
Hsu Hao, usually displaying his intimidating muscular body, was covered in bandages as a result of his injuries from his previous fight. Regardless, he remained duty bound and his massive cybernetic heart pulsed with each breath. His arms were crossed as he loomed over their new recruit. Epos, muscles straining, pushed the loaded barbell up from her chest, teeth gritted in effort. The clang of metal rang out as she struggled to control the weight.
Daegon exhaled sharply. "Hsu Hao," his voice was sharp and commanding. "Tell me you're not seriously standing here, playing personal trainer, while we have equipment that can reshape flesh and break bones with the flick of a switch."
"I apologise, Grandmaster," Hsu Hao replied stoically. "It was my understanding that the new Outworld recruits should start… simple, due to their usual environment."
"Strength is strength, I suppose," Daegon conceded before gazing down at Epos as she racked the bar with a grunt. He stepped forward, gripping the metal with one hand and pressing down. Epos, still catching her breath, glanced up in alarm. "Are you prepared for war?"
"What do you think I've dedicated most of my existence to?" Epos asked, voice strained as she pushed back against the pressure Daegon applied.
"Hmm," Daegon assessed before pushing his wrist down in a slight motion, such pressure and raw power that he bent the barbell casually. "In that case, you should come too." Daegon decided as he pulled the barbell up with one hand, Hsu Hao carefully taking it from him to set aside.
"Come where?" Epos asked, sitting up as she caught her breath.
"Many of our enemies from the conflict in Lianhua Village remain at a Special Forces base our spies have located," Daegon explained, Hsu Hao nodding as he knew all too well. "We're preparing an ambush."
"Again?" Epos sighed. "I will join you…"
"How about your wife?" Daegon asked. "What's her condition?"
"I-" Epos went to respond but Daegon's eyes flicked to Hsu Hao.
"I want him to answer," Daegon clarified. "He is acting as your coach after all."
"More time is needed to recover from such burns, Grandmaster," Hsu Hao informed him. "Dr. Dracona will attest that a few more weeks recovery is a minimum requirement."
"Fine," Daegon accepted this fact. "We have enough forces regardless."
"What is your command?" Hsu asked, already grabbing his Sun-Moon blades from a nearby bench.
"Gather some chemists and you two meet me in my chamber," Daegon ordered. "I will have Caro send us there."
"As you wish," Hsu Hao saluted before marching off to complete his orders, Epos following him behind closely.
As the final preparations were made, Asuka rushed outside the caverns to find Amelia stood outside, having a smoke as she petted Oblivion. Asuka knew she was frustrated, and whilst she already understood plenty of reasons, she wanted to know exactly what was wrong before they parted ways once more. Asuka gently placed a hand on her shoulder as they stared out to the Krimson Forest, reddish leaves floating around in the light wind.
"What's wrong?" Asuka asked bluntly. "We got the job done, Amy, we should be celebrating."
"Should be," she agreed before taking another drag of her cigarette. "Yet they're already sending you on another life threatening mission."
"That's my job, baby," Asuka reminded her, which made her growl. "You worry too much."
"You don't worry at all!" Amelia snapped. "We almost died in Hell, that Scottish cunt may have just fucked up my reputation down there and Hell's MY home."
"Then go bitch at him!" Asuka raised her voice. "Besides, you get paid right? It's always worth the risk."
"Did you see Scarface hand me any coins?" Amelia asked before laughing hysterically. "I didn't contact them with all that info for that bald bastard's money."
"Then why help?"
"For you!" Amelia yelled. "This clan's pushed you around since you got here," she pointed out. "I was scared they'd… take you out if you kept pissing them off."
"Amy…"
"Now they won't… shouldn't treat you like shit," Amelia pointed out. "The other reason is I wanted to spend time with you, but I spent most of it just worrying still… I think I worry less when I'm having to imagine what you're like compared to the real deal."
"Thanks for the reassurance," Asuka quipped sarcastically.
"There it is," Amelia scoffed. "You take absolutely nothing seriously."
"I'm a Red fuckin' Dragon!" Asuka exclaimed. "One of the top ranks, don't see many other jokes get to work with the leaders."
"This piece of nihilistic shit clan is absolutely nothing to brag about," Amelia insulted as she spat at the banner's draped alongside the cavern walls.
"Nihilistic?!" Asuka scoffed.
"I wasn't even born when you were sucking off management willing to help Shinnok of all people murder the planet!" Amelia recalled.
"Well we're all here now," Asuka shrugged. "And after two decades? I think I'll survive."
"You treat it all as so normal," Amelia crossed her arms. "Genocide a realm, that's just another Tuesday?"
"I think we did that on a Monday-"
"Bitch, I couldn't give LESS of a fuck," Amelia interrupted aggressively. "That's one thing you do understand at least."
"I would've made sure you were safe from the whole realm's life sapping thing,
"You help me out and then you insult my career path," Asuka rolled her eyes. "You haven't a clue what you want, yet here you are calling me clueless."
"I want you safe!" Amelia screamed, throwing her cigarette to the ground. "I thought all the thrills from exploring the realms and helping your clan out on skits missions when I need the cash would be a blast, perfect lifestyle… I thought."
"And now?"
"It's a lot less fun than I thought," Amelia groaned. "I wanted it to be just us living our lives, no strings attached. But instead, I'm worrying about you and all those Oni."
"Can't believe you're shocked to find people don't like the Netherrealm," Asuka quipped, Amelia glaring at her angrily. "I'm being serious this time! What did you actually expect?"
"I don't know…" Amelia sighed. "Maybe Chaosrealm would be better."
"Yes, that'd totally help with stress," Asuka flicked back to sarcasm.
"You're such a pain in my ass!" Amelia blurted out.
Their argument was suddenly interrupted by the glowing light of Hsu Hao's cybernetic heart unit as he emerged from the caverns.
"We're ready to depart for the Special Forces headquarters," Hsu Hao announced. "Is everything alright?"
"One sec, Hsu," Asuka said before turning to Amelia. "Amy, I-"
"Just go," Amelia sighed.
"I'm sorry," she apologised.
"I know," Amelia's voice softened. "Sorry too, I shouldn't have yelled."
"You're stressed, I get it," Asuka replied before Amelia suddenly sank into her arms for a hug. "Look… I'll be back and we can hangout, just us two this time. No Red Dragon."
"You've certainly earned time off," Hsu Hao added, Asuka pointing to him as proof of her promise.
"I… I need to return to Nekros for a bit," Amelia decided. "Apologise to the Oni."
"Those fuckers can wait," Asuka told her. "If that Amon bitch asks where you've been then just say you were punishing me."
"What?!"
"Tell them you captured me or something," Asuka suggested. "Put me in chains."
"Again, what?!"
"When you visit my mansion and see the toys I have then it wouldn't necessarily be lying," Asuka claimed, which managed to make Amelia crack a smile.
"Fine," Amelia gave in at last. "But I'm not hanging here."
"I'll give you a couple portal devices," Asuka decided. "You deserve something for helping me out back there."
"That would help my travels," Amelia admitted. "I lost my Portal Stone…"
"You mean the Osh-Tekk's Portal Stone," Asuka corrected her jokingly.
"The Kotals were hoarding a bunch of them in their crappy palace," Amelia recalled. "Mind you, I could probably go grab another one with them both dead."
"Oh shit, I forgot about that," Asuka admitted.
"Like I said, you're too used to crazy shit happening," Amelia said which made Asuka shrug.
"Come on," Asuka gestured for her to follow. "Let's get you those portal thingies…"
Meanwhile, emerging from Caro's magical portal, Mavado and the Demons arrived in the Infernal Hoard, the Red Dragon's largest armoury located deep underground. It was an endless catalogue that stretched for countless miles, an organised labyrinth with weapons of all kinds, from all eras, from all realms. A couple of workers rushed over to Mavado, loyal cataloguers who'd organise anything brought into the underground without question. A portal linked them from their home and their hidden workplace.
Mavado shook the cataloguer's hands whilst communicating what he needed. In the centre of the armoury were rail tracks, with endless stone carved shelves and ancient chests neatly aligning the walls, forming corridors arranged in alphabetical order and type of weapon, like a library with different book genres. With the press of a button, the sound of a minecart racing through energy powered tracks came to a stop at the start of the track.
The minecart was modified but unlike many of the Red Dragon's complex technology, this was simple to give the cataloguers an easy transport method that was fast but efficient and could be easily stopped with a control they carried. A keyword could be searched on the tablet-like controller, and confirming it would automatically redirect the minecart to the row that weapon could be found. The Demons glanced over the shoulders of a cataloguer, impressed by the technology.
After a few more carts were brought in to fit the Demons, they took off to their first stop. A dedicated shrine to Draugr himself, a suit of armour resting on a pedestal standing mannequin. Draugr's eyes lit up at the sight, a bright orange ember. He leapt out of the minecart, almost tipping it off the tracks out of excitement as he sprinted towards his old suit.
He gazed upon red tinted chainmail that was overlapped by heavier layers of armour, a thick chest plate that bore the clan's symbol. A red cape clipped onto a layer of black wool that covered the shoulders, and as he looked further up he saw his helmet. Large and still shiny, the mold of a Dragon head adorned the top of the large headwear. Draugr immediately began tearing his armour off, prepared to return to his more familiar suit.
"Let's keep moving then…" Mavado remarked as the group averted their gaze. "You seem already well equipped, Mal, anything you need?"
"Already got my favourite guns," Malcolm grinned as he displayed his Tommy gun. "And a fine grappling hook."
"Better than the one I gifted you?" Mavado asked.
"Of course not," Malcolm snickered. "Let's go grab it then."
"I kept that one in my personal armoury," Mavado clarified. "We'll go grab it another time, I've got something else in mind for you to become reacquainted with it."
"I can tell someone took inspiration," Malcolm pointed to the pair of red ropes that bore Dragon claw shaped hooks on the end.
"They're simpler than your one," Mavado admitted, "but just as fun."
"I bet."
"What about you, Sofiya?" Mavado turned to the Russian who sat quietly in a cart behind them. "Any weapon of preference?"
"A Makarov, Soviet standard," Sofiya answered with quickness, efficiency, and confidence. "And for a more personal choice, I could deal some true damage with a Mosin-Nagant sniper."
"Consider it done," Mavado clicked his fingers and the minecart operator knew what to do, searching for the firearms and preparing for the minecart to zoom over to the destination. "We should get you equipped with at least a standard uniform while we're at it."
"You'll have to make a hole for your tail though," Malcolm reminded her.
"If you insist," Sofiya agreed as the minecart began moving rapidly. "Then what?"
Not even the sound of the cart chugging along the rails could drown out Mavado's laughter. "Then we strike…"